For Maureen Kelly, a paraprofessional at Watchung Hills Regional High School and the 2024 Somerset County ESP of the Year and 2024 NJEA ESP of the Year, her students mean everything to her. She is interested in all aspects of their growth—as students, athletes, leaders and people.
In her own words, Maureen describes her journey as an educator, and what being named the 2024 NJEA ESP of the Year means to her.
2024 NJEA ESP of the Year Maureen Kelly supports her students’ dreams on the field hockey pitch, in the classroom and throughout the school day.
Seeing and supporting students
Growing up, I had an older brother who struggled in school and never really connected with any of his teachers. It seemed that no one ever reached out to him or attempted to understand why he struggled. From what I could tell, no one got to know him on a personal level.
My brother’s difficulties had an impact on my family, and home was not a fun place to be during this time. So I threw myself into student council, community service, field hockey and track. I had a teacher, Brad Selbst, who went above and beyond to help me through my personal family strife. He provided a safe space and allowed me to connect with my community through acts of service.
At the age of 16, I realized I wanted to work with at-risk youth. I also made a promise to myself that I would never give up on a child. I would believe in them because they don’t always have the strategies needed to believe in themselves.
I was hired at Watchung Hills Regional High School in 2006 as a paraprofessional. My responsibilities include supporting and assisting students with special needs, many having IEPs in both the resource room and regular education inclusion settings. My duties also include running our Guided Study program, which is a program that provides academic support for students who need more structure and monitoring in order to succeed in school.
In the Guided Study program, I work with at-risk youth. Some students are classified, while others are not. Some of the students need just a little push, while other students lack the meaningful connections that I feel are so important. I am their personal cheerleader throughout the day. I also reward them with treats for their accomplishments. They know my classroom is a safe place. They know if they make a mistake, they will learn from it. They know that no matter what choice they make, I will not give up on them. I care about them unconditionally.
Kelly works to engage with every student she encounters.
Occasionally, students I have had in the past will stop by Room 23B to check in with me. They share their test scores so I can see how well they are doing. They also get a lollipop. Sometimes kids will come to my door crying when they feel like they cannot face their day. I offer them encouragement and help them reset. Some students come looking for a snack because they know I always have something available should they need it.
Room 23B is a place where I tutor and nurture and where the kids get to be themselves. They are encouraged to help each other without judgment. The best moments are organic where a student overhears another experiencing difficulty, and they jump in to reteach a topic. Our bilingual students lend a hand to our multiple language/English language learners. It is a place where all are welcome.
Inspiring student leaders through co-curriculars
When I was first hired, one of my students, Sandy Blumberg, suffered from neurofibromatosis. Sandy was a phenomenal human being. She was a spokesperson for the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) and traveled nationally to speak about her disease. Working with Sandy as a paraprofessional in her classes, I understood that because of her disease, her time was precious and valuable. Collectively with the Grade Level Council advisers (all special education teachers), we decided to make the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) the school’s charity of the year.
Within a very short time, the entire school community jumped on board. Each month our All-School Council, which I advise, alongside the Grade Level Councils, ran fundraising events to advocate for CTF. Our activities brought awareness about this disease and the struggles of living with it.
This was a wildly successful endeavor that resulted in several thousand dollars of donations. The school community really came together. We also organized a walk-a-thon and fair event in honor of Sandy’s struggle with neurofibromatosis.
Kelly works to engage with every student she encounters.
Sandy was the most popular girl at school. Stephanie Schmidt, a ninth grader at the time and my future ASC president, loved Sandy so much we rented a Sponge-Bob SquarePants costume (Sandy’s favorite character) for Stephanie to dress up in at the event. After Stephanie graduated, she too became an educator. She is now the adviser for the very same All-School Council that she was a member of as a student.
Sadly, Sandy passed away that summer following our walk for her. She is still loved and remembered by the faculty and staff that was there during her time. She is unforgettable and her legacy brings us all a sense of community that can never be broken.
Coaching in and outside the classroom
In addition to the work I do supporting students’ learning and giving them the boosts they need, I am proud to be the varsity field hockey coach at Watchung Hills Regional High School.
There are many benefits derived from participating in high school athletics. Only 7% of all athletes go on to play in college, so we must recognize that there are other reasons why kids play a sport.
The other coaches and I pride ourselves on building a program that connects our seniors to the underclassmen. Our girls are great at lifting each other up when the chips are down. As a team that plays in one of the strongest conferences within the state, we truly understand the significance of celebrating every achievement the girls make individually as well as collectively.
I am tremendously proud to watch the girls grow over the years with us. It is an incredible feeling to see how they apply the lessons from field hockey to their adult lives.
Helping students and the community see how much staff cares
I am very proud of my work with NJEA’s Pride in Public Education program. I am lucky to work alongside Kay Platt serving as the Pride co-chairs. Together, we have developed initiatives that organized our members toward acting in support of the association, the students, and the community at large.
During the COVID pandemic, we began our Senior Letter Writing Campaign. Its purpose was to let our seniors know how honored we were to have them in our lives. We spent a great deal of time creating a list of each graduating senior as well as gathering union members to write a touching message to each senior.
The Senior Letter Writing Campaign project runs from April through June. The postcards are decorated with our school colors displaying a graduation memento. This project was such a success it is now a tradition. Each year, Kay Platt and I arrange for the Watchung Hills Regional Education Association (WHREA) to purchase ads in the fall play and spring musical playbills as well as the school yearbook. Our goal is for the students to read the messages of support and be reminded of how much we care about their successes.
We have also organized the annual WHREA Food Drive, which started in 2020. Food insecurity is a real issue. Realizing that, we developed widespread awareness and support throughout the association as well as the student body in donating nonperishable food.
The WHREA Food Drive is held throughout November and December. In its first year, we were able to donate 44 turkeys before the Thanksgiving holiday thanks to committed union members, namely Laura Goodson. All food and donations were made to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.
We have worked tirelessly to develop larger initiatives to broaden WHREA’s impact on our students. Currently, WHREA is working to establish a “Little Free Libraries” program, in which the association organizes and builds a miniature library for community members to take a book or leave a book. Our goal for the project is to build a Little Free Library in each of the sending district’s communities. Each library will be stocked with children’s and young adult books that association members donate. Our hope is to encourage literacy throughout the townships we serve.
One of Kelly’s favorite roles is varsity field hockey coach. Janet Svenson, left, is the varsity assistant coach.
Union engagement and activism
From the beginning of my employment at Watchung Hills Regional High School, I have been an active member of WHREA, attending meetings, voting in elections and contract ratifications, supporting actions around our organizing campaigns, and eventually taking on leadership roles.
In February 2020, I was elected one of the WHREA Pride Co-Chairs and I continue to serve my members in this capacity. This position has given me a seat on the executive committee, and I believe my guidance and insight as a paraprofessional helps our WHREA leadership understand paraprofessionals’ working conditions, challenges and concerns.
I also advocate for the members of my department and education support professionals, in general, by circulating throughout the school talking with ESPs, ensuring that they know their voices are heard and respected. I have helped members bring their concerns to our grievance officers to help resolve problems with working conditions.
Impact on colleagues
I like to believe that my work ethic and leadership in so many areas of Watchung Hills has changed the way many of the teachers and administrative staff look at ESPs. It’s important to be visible at events around the school. My involvement with the All-School Council has helped my students and me organize opportunities that bring students, faculty and families together throughout the school year. These include the homecoming game ceremonies, pep rallies, student government elections, charity fundraisers, Educator Appreciation Week events and much more.
I was stunned when I was voted our district’s Educator of the Year in 2023. I was nominated by my students and selected by my colleagues and administration, which really means a lot to me as this recognition is not often received by an ESP at the school. It affirmed that the work I am doing with our students, staff, and community is meaningful and appreciated.
2024 NJEA ESP of the Year
Maureen Kelly is honored to have been named the 2024 NJEA ESP of the Year and knows that her family; husband, Timothy DiGanci and daughter, Morghan DiGanci, are proud of her.
Working at Watchung Hills has always been a family affair. Kelly’s father-in-law, Dr. Thomas DiGanci, began his teaching career at Watchung Hills and retired as the principal in 2012. Tim was roped into attending events at WHRHS as a little boy and, as an adult, helps to support his wife’s projects.
As the 2024 NJEA ESP of the Year, Kelly has already been nominated for the NEA ESP of the Year award. She will attend the NEA ESP Conference and is entitled to a Disney vacation, funded by NJEA. Kelly also will receive an ESP of the Year ring and will be a featured speaker at the NJEA ESP Conference on Feb 2-4.