Walk through the halls of Thompson Elementary School, and you’ll quickly notice something about instructional paraprofessional Katie Weiner: the students notice her, too.
During a recent celebration recognizing Weiner as a finalist for the 2027 North Dakota United Education Support Professional of the Year Award, school leaders asked students to stand if they had chosen Mrs. Weiner as one of their trusted adults during the school’s Sources of Strength program. Dozens of children rose to their feet — a fitting tribute to someone whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Colleagues describe Weiner as someone who is always ready to step into whatever role the school needs.
“Katie is willing to help in any role needed in our school,” one nominator wrote. “She fills in as a substitute when needed, works one-on-one with students, and cares about each and every student.”
Another added, “The students LOVE her. She gets the best out of every student that she works with daily.”
For Weiner, helping students feel seen is where every day begins.
“I like to make sure that I see smiles on their faces,” she said. “If there’s not one, we make sure to fix that. We want to start our day off the best we can, and whatever we need to do to make that happen is what we do.”
Quote byKatie Weiner, ESP of the Year finalist
No two days look the same. While Weiner has a regular schedule, she’s equally likely to provide one-on-one support, assist with behavioral or social-emotional needs, fill in wherever she’s needed or respond when another staff member calls for help.
“I’m just kind of on call,” she said with a laugh. “It makes my day very exciting. It’s a new day, every day.”
The moments that stay with her most are watching students recognize their own growth.
“When we can show them where they started and where they are now, the light bulb goes off,” Weiner said. “They realize, ‘Wow, I’m doing it.’ That’s why I do what I do.”
Asked what she loves most about being a paraprofessional, Weiner didn't hesitate.
“What do I not love?” she said. “Every day, I love coming to work. It’s not a chore — it’s something I want to do.”
