It was a passion for education and a desire to support students to achieve success in academic, social, and emotional development that drew Stacey Spyksma to the Education Assistant (EA) program. It was her love for her hometown that brought her to College of the Rockies.
The variety of courses within the EA program helped Stacey to gain a deeper understanding of learning styles and student needs while also equipping her with strategies to best support students in achieving their learning goals. The program’s two practicum experiences provided a great opportunity to get into the classroom and experience the joy of working with students.
Her supportive and accessible instructors helped Stacey to understand the education system as well as the roles and responsibilities of an Education Assistant, a Student Services Teacher, as well as a teacher. Because the courses were thorough in their concepts, Stacey was able to acquire a strong understanding of each of these occupations and how they work together to complete a support team for our students. She is now confident in supporting students to achieve their academic and developmental goals in each of these departments.
Since completing the EA program in 2023, Stacey has had the opportunity to work in both private independent schools and public schools where she has worked with students from kindergarten up to tenth grade. She has also worked alongside a student service teacher to create and develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), administer Weschler Fundamental Academic Skills testing, and lead a Literacy Intervention program for grades one through six. Approved by the Ministry of Education, she was certified to teach grade two in 2024 and is currently teaching a grade six class full time.
“The experience was nothing short of transformative,” Stacey said. “When I first started the program online, I wasn’t sure what to expect, as it was a new way of learning for me. However, the instructors were incredibly supportive and always accessible, which helped me navigate this new environment with ease. I decided to take the course part-time to balance working full-time, and though it was challenging at times, the structure of the program made it manageable. Before I knew it, I had completed my certification and was graduating.
“Since then, I’ve had amazing opportunities that I truly believe wouldn’t have been possible without the College’s EA program. The knowledge and skills I gained not only gave me the confidence to excel in my career but also opened doors to exciting new roles that have been both fulfilling and rewarding. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received throughout the program, and I’m excited to see where my journey goes next.”
We are excited to see where you go next as well, Stacey. Congratulations on your successes.