In education, collaboration is key. No one person can do it all, and that’s where paraeducators come in, playing an indispensable role in the success of our students.

On National Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day, we recognize the contributions of these dedicated professionals. To better understand their impact, we spoke with Nate Edvalson, the Director of Special Education for Canyons School District, and Stacey Nofsinger, Principal of Jordan Valley, who both witness the powerful influence of paraeducators on a daily basis.

“As paraeducators, they often bring their own personal experiences and connections into the classroom,” says Edvalson. “Many enter the field because they’ve had a meaningful interaction with a student or a personal connection to the work.”

With nearly 300 paraeducators across the district, they provide support in numerous ways: offering behavioral assistance, aiding with health needs, and ensuring access to education through specialized instruction.

Nofsinger highlights the deep connections paraeducators build with students. “Our paraeducators create an environment that feels both welcoming and safe. When a student arrives at school and sees their paraeducator, you can see the positive shift—students are more at ease and their personalities shine,” she says. “It’s all because our paraeducators know them so well and help them feel truly seen.”

0:00 Introduction to Connect Canyons

1:08 What is a Paraeducator?

3:27 Jordan Valley School's Mission

4:57 Day in a Paraeducator's Life

8:04 Benefits of Team Teaching

11:44 Becoming a Paraeducator

18:45 The Human Heart of Education