Staff from the Missouri State University’s (MSU) Pathway to Paras program and Monett R-1 staff members working with the program gathered at the Scott Regional Technology Center on Monday, Aug. 28 to celebrate Cameryn Cassity and Stephanie Alejo, two former Monett R-1 paraprofessionals who took part in the program and are now working as special education teachers in the district. “We’re the largest teacher apprentice program in the United States, and we are really proud of our two paras and our participation in that program,” said Jennifer Graves, director of Special Education and Gifted Services at Monett R-1.Front row (from left): Kaleigh Pickett, MSU instructor; Dr. Reesha Adams, associate dean of the College of Education at MSU; Cameryn Cassity, Stephanie Alejo, Vicki McNamara, director of MSU’s SEACT program and Dr. Marcia Dowdy, career advisor/career pathway regional consultant. Back row: Heather Romine, Monett Elementary asst. principal; Dr. Melissa Huff, Monett R-1 asst. superintendent; Jennifer Wallace, Monett Intermediate principal; Peg Winfrey, Monett Elementary principal; Dawn Cassity, Monett R-1 asst. director of special education and Jennifer Graves, Monett R-1 director of Special Education and Gifted Services.. Steve Chapman/timesreporter71@gmail.com
