Tracee Thomas serves as the special education teacher for grades kindergarten through sixth at Fowler Elementary School.

Thomas’ inspiration to teach came when she was a senior in high school and worked as a second grade teacher’s aide. Experiencing the need for assistance herself as a child, the field of special education was a natural fit for Thomas. Of course, Thomas’ wonderfully sweet and patient personality only compliments her career choice.

Elementary principal, Steven Grasmick, comments, “Tracee is one of the kindest, most loving people I know.”

Thomas says her primary goal is to make sure each child feels safe and loved when they come to her room. Treating her students as if they were her own children she adds, “The kids just make this job what it is. They are so special, so funny and so eager.”

After twenty-two years, all at Fowler, Thomas says she still learns something new everyday from her students. “The day you think you know everything is the day you better just quit,” she states.

Thomas’ colleagues clearly respect her and find inspiration in her patient, joyful attitude. “She loves the kids so much. Her whole heart is in it,” comments special education aide, Alyssa Wood. Anna Ceasar, adds, “She has been a teacher to me. She is wonderful.”

Thomas’ dedication to her profession is exemplified in her final statement, “My own kids are wonderful because they really do have to share me with my students, and they understand that.”

Tawny Wilson, Special Education teacher in the Manzanola school district, is responsible for the education needs of six students, kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Wilson says, “All kids are special, some just need a little bit more support, a little bit more understanding and a little bit more patience to be as successful as any other child.”

Wilson began her teaching career four years ago after working as a professional therapist since 1994. Employed with the BOCES program, she worked with public school districts in the Arkansas Valley meeting briefly with students throughout the week. Eventually Wilson decided she wanted to interact with kids on a more regular basis and pursued a teaching degree. Now in her third year of special education, Wilson is completing her first year at Manzanola.

“I love my job,” Wilson says. “I couldn’t find a better career anywhere.”

Of her students Wilson recognizes each child is unique and believes every child needs someone to care about them and desire to see them succeed. Watching Wilson interact with her students, it is obvious her belief is sincere.

Wilson is married with two adult children and her first grandchild on the way. “I have a wonderful job, wonderful family and wonderful students. You can’t ask for more than that,” Wilson says with a smile.