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Congratulations to Mark Bauch, a special education educational assistant at Washington Technology, for being named the 2024-25 Education Minnesota Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year!

A special shoutout to Latricia Adams from SPPS Online Elementary for her semifinalist nomination as well!

Bauch is in his 14th year as an educational assistant for ninth-grade special education students at Washington. “While I am in the classroom, I will go around the whole classroom while keeping an eye on my (special education) students,” Bauch said in nomination materials for the award. “I never want the kids that I work with to be singled out.” 

Bauch was born and raised in St. Paul, which allows him to connect not only with his students but with their families. “Because I was born and raised here, I tend to know the families of my students,” he said.  

Bauch’s colleagues say that he is respected by students and staff alike, both for the relationships he builds and the expertise he brings to the classroom. “Many staff members frequently consult him for advice, whether for instructional support or behavior management,” said Tim Hayden, special education teacher at Washington. Bauch is particularly skilled at working with students facing the greatest learning challenges. “Where others see difficulty, Mark sees opportunity,” Hayden said. 

As the 2024-25 ESP of the Year, Bauch will receive an iPad or Chromebook and a $1,200 honorarium. He will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the National Education Association ESP Conference next spring.  

“Education support professionals are the backbone of our public schools, and schools simply can’t function without them,” said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht. “Mark’s passion for his students, support for his colleagues and commitment to his community exemplify the best that Minnesota ESPs have to offer.”  

Katie Kupris is a first-year teaching assistant at Como Park Elementary School, where she attended elementary school before finishing her SPPS education at Como Park Senior and Focus Beyond. She loves working with kids and appreciates the support of her colleagues and family members. Born with mosaic Down syndrome, Katie considers herself a person with a special ability and is being highlighted as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

What is your job at SPPS?

In January 2024 I passed the para-educator assessment. I was hired as a Teaching Assistant 2 supporting special education students at Como Park Elementary for the 2024-25 school year. I'm quickly learning a variety of interventions that help my students follow directions when they are having a hard time. I have to admit that I'm pretty exhausted after a full day with these students. Before this, I worked for three years as a group aide for the Discovery Club at J.J. Hill Montessori. I enjoyed this job, my team and the students I supported. I learned a lot about working as part of a team and helping out where there is the biggest need.  

What does it mean to you to work at Como Park Elementary?

I'm really proud to have a full-time job with SPPS. It's another step for me toward living independently without government assistance. As a person with a special ability, it was very important for me to find work I enjoy that allows me to be more self-sufficient. I like working with kids and I really enjoy what I'm doing. 

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I like the little moments with my students. The kids smile when they see me. One student calls out to me when getting off the bus "Katie Kitty," a little joke we shared about my name. These moments let me know that I'm making a difference. 

I'm new in this role, so I'm working on getting to know my students and the staff better and building trust. Everyone here has been so helpful and kind to me. I really appreciate their support. 

What do you want people to know about Down Syndrome and working with people with disabilities?

I was born with a condition called mosaic Down syndrome. It's not very common. There are only about 2% of the Down syndrome community that are born with mosaic Down syndrome. During my senior year in high school I made a video explaining the condition and the science behind it. I think it's important to understand that people like me with different abilities have a lot of skills to offer employers. I'm responsible, hard working, reliable, patient, and kind. I tell people that kindness is my politics. I can perform this job well and I enjoy learning new skills that will make me a better teaching assistant. 

The most important thing to know about working with people with disabilities is that we are all more alike than different. We have feelings, we want to learn, we try our best. My students are learning how to better manage their emotions and behavior when many are non-verbal and they struggle to communicate how they feel. They have families that love them just like me that want them to be the best they can be and get the best education possible which is our right by law. 

Anything else you'd like to share with the SPPS community about yourself or your job?

I attended Como Park Elementary as a kindergarten student in 2006. I had many great teachers and experiences here. It's hard to believe that one of my teachers who left a big impact on my life is now a colleague. I love to travel. I'm a great baker, dancer, singer and I love to crochet. I'm a sister, aunt, and godmother to my nieces. I live in Como Park with my parents. I enjoy hanging out with all my friends, especially my best friend Vika and my large extended family.