LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rosemary Babcock was nominated by her colleague, Lisa Swasey

Imagine that you are sitting in class and all your peers can read, but not you. Your teacher calls on you to take your turn reading out loud, but you can't read the words. Words are letters; random letters. There is no pattern to them, so you cry because you are embarrassed, and feel as if you will never learn to read. Then along comes Mrs. Babcock.

When Mrs. Babcock smiles, she makes people feel comfortable. She starts by warming up student's brains with Brain Gym exercises and quick speech-language games to get them primed for reading. She helps her students learn their letters and sounds, having them race the clock while practicing. Mrs. Babcock uses a host of reading materials that specifically target a child's weaknesses, and she lets them play games for extra practice. Her patience and encouragement help students become more confident in their ability to read, and puts them on the right track to succeed.

This happens year after year at Swasey Central School. Mrs. Babcock is a remarkable paraeducator. She stands above the rest because she is able to reach children and teach them to read and compute when no one else can. She is remarkable because she not only knows the meaning of individualized education, but she utilizes all of her training, pulling strategies and lessons that address the students' learning styles and unique way of thinking.

Mrs. Babcock is very knowledgeable, and other teachers often approach her for advice and strategies to use while working with their students. She has co-authored an article about cluster card (numberless playing cards) activities to help children develop number sense, and it is distributed to the staff at Swasey Central School to use as a reference tool.

Mrs. Babcock is a leader without a title and she models respect for the other staff in the building, reminding them that student information should be confidential.

"What amazes me about this wonderful woman, is that she is so perceptive of both student and staff feelings, behaviors, moods, and models how we should treat others," Swasey said. "She willingly pitches in and contributes to all school duties and functions. Although she does not have a special title, she is someone that we all look to for suggestions, a smile, or a boost of confidence."

Rosemary Babcock in the News:
Swasey Para-educator Nominated for LifeChanger of the Year