More Than Support: How UA Maker Paraprofessionals Build Community

Paraprofessionals are often known for supporting students who need extra help, but in the halls of UA Maker, Ninotchka Lamont, who goes by Ms. L, and Jamyk Brown do much more than that. Beyond helping students with academics and behavior, they play a key role in creating a positive school environment.

Paraprofessionals are trained education support professionals who work alongside licensed teachers to provide individualized instruction and behavioral support, especially for students with special needs or Individualized Education Programs. At UA Maker, Ms. L and Jamyk bring that role to life every day.

Both are constantly checking in with students and staff, building relationships, and bringing energy to the school community. While their primary responsibility is to support the students they are assigned to, Ms. L and Jamyk regularly go beyond their roles. They have participated in school events such as helping set up Homecoming, refereeing the school’s March Madness game, and monitoring hallways to ensure students arrive to class on time.

At UA Maker, their impact is felt daily. Ms. L and Jamyk support students who need extra guidance, but they also make sure students feel seen, heard, and supported. Their work is not only about academics. It is also about building trust and creating a welcoming environment.

On April 1, Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day highlights the important role paraprofessionals play in schools around the world. At UA Maker, that impact is clear.

Students say that support makes a real difference.

“Whenever I need to talk about something important, I can go to either of them,” said Diziha Ramirez, an 11th grader on the girls basketball team. “They are both very supportive, and they really make me feel comfortable at school.”

Jesslay Edmond, a junior and player on the boys basketball team, said Jamyk Brown has had a strong influence on him as both a student and an athlete. “Jamyk helps me with basketball and pushes me toward my goals,” he said.

For Jahyla Barzey, a 10th grader on the girls basketball team, both paraprofessionals provide emotional support at school. “Without Ms. L, I would feel overwhelmed and have no one to talk to,” she said. “Without Jamyk, I would not be able to vent or talk about personal situations.”

Their impact is also evident in the classroom, particularly for students who need additional support.

“She always has time to help students, especially those who are at risk,” said health teacher Chekesha Thomas. “A lot of times those students fall between the cracks because people do not always want to work with them, but Ms. L gives them someone to talk to and supports them.”

Thomas also emphasized Ms. L’s instructional support. “She was able to help students with IEPs and push their thinking with higher order questions, making sure they truly understood the material,” she said.

Thomas noted that Jamyk Brown also plays a strong role in both academics and school culture. “He helps teachers make sure students are getting their work done, supports students one on one, and brings humor, spirit, and positivity to the school,” she said.

Their impact extends beyond individual students and is recognized by school leadership.

“I mean, I think all of the students that they work with enhance and grow and become better at executive functioning and student skills and soft skills that are going to be very helpful for them in the future,” said Chad Frade, an assistant principal at UA Maker.

“I think some students fall between the cracks,” Frade added. “And what happens is it allows them one on one individualized attention to support their needs in that time and that space with a particular loving adult who will uplift them.”

Principal Amy Piller also emphasized how their influence reaches beyond individual assignments. “Without naming specific students, I would say they support far more than just the individuals they are assigned to,” she said. “Jamyk supports the Maker Magic basketball team, and Ms. L works with Shaolin and Daniel on mediations and general student support across the school.”

“And I think they do so because they are amazing contributors because they build relationships with students who sometimes do not have as positive relationships with other adults,” Piller added.

More than just support staff, Ms. L and Jamyk are essential members of the UA Maker community. They serve as mentors, motivators, and trusted adults.