BY MAGGIE BEAMGUARD, Insider Editor
Cherri Mercer was recognized this spring as the West End Elementary School Teacher Assistant of the Year.
Mercer can be found providing extra support with the first-grade classrooms of Lisa Nixon and Heather McMurray three days a week, as well as Patrice Martinez’ kindergarten class two days a week. She also provides assistance with third-grade recess and fourth-grade lunch. “Yes, that is a lot to cover in a week,” she says, “and I feel it on Fridays.”
Principal Shaun Krencicki notes that Mercer “has a love for children that extends far beyond her role at West End.
“I first met Cherri years ago when she started volunteering at Pinckney, the district’s alternative school where I was the principal. Her sister worked there, and Cherri would come and support us on her own time, and eventually she started working there as an employee. “She moved to West End several years ago, and she brings that same love and devotion to our students here. Her kindness is matched only by her commitment to be willing to do whatever needs to be done during the day to support our students.”
As an assistant, Mercer helps the teachers with math and reading blocks, helping students who may need a little extra guidance. Her favorite part of the day is working with McMurray’s class for the language arts block.
“We have been working so hard, and I have seen so much growth in these students,” she said. “To see the growth is amazing to watch.”
Teacher assistants are integral to the learning environment of the elementary school, Krencicki said.
“TAs do so much more than stay in one classroom and support a teacher. They teach students in small-group instruction to give children targeted instruction; they mentor and guide students to make better choices; and they cover classes or recesses or lunches, and if necessary, become the primary teacher when we are short-staffed. Ms. Mercer does all of these things and so much more, and she does them at the highest level. We are very blessed to have her as a part of our WEE family.”
For her part, Mercer is grateful to be a part of the school.
“I love the people I work with here at WEE. Each person here cares for each child’s education and their wellbeing. The PTA support for our school is like no other.”
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
