Meet Cam & Monica: A Student & A Devoted Special Education Associate
For six years, Monica Tessitore has served students as a special education associate for Waukee Community School District.
“To be an associate is a very nice job because you have the opportunity to help kids. You receive a lot of love, and you also feel like you did something good,” Monica says.
In her role, she helps two students during her typical day — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. In the afternoon, she works with Cam.
“Cam started this year in kindergarten. He’s a wonderful kid. He’s started to learn different things. One of the big things he’s doing is walking, which is a big step! He’s a wonderful kid. Very, very smart,” Monica says.
During her time with Cam, Monica helps with lessons laid out by Cam’s teacher at Shuler Elementary. She uses pictures to help him communicate and incorporates plenty of play throughout the day.
Some of Cam’s favorite activities are taking walks around the school, bubbles, Play-Doh, and working with the other kids. Monica also goes with him to “specials,” which are classes like library and art.
“For Cam, it isn’t easy to sit in place for a long time, like in the library. We try to bring things, like a bag of interactive toys, so he can sit longer.”
Overall, Monica says she tries to provide love, understanding, and patience just as she would for her own three kids.
