Sharetta Miller

For most people, switching careers can be daunting. For Sharetta Miller, it was a leap of faith. After years in healthcare, caring for adults with disabilities, Sharetta made the bold decision to transition into education. And while the career change was significant, her drive to help others remained constant. Now in her second year as a paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary, Sharetta’s dedication to the students in her specialized classroom is nothing short of inspiring.

“It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding,” Sharetta explains with a smile, reflecting on her role in the cross-categorical classroom. Her job is as hands-on as it gets— working with kindergarten through second graders who have a variety of abilities, social-emotional learning needs, and behavioral challenges. It’s a classroom where every student is unique, and every day brings new lessons. “I get to really know the kids, how they function, and how I can best support them,” she says.

For Sharetta, it’s this hands-on approach that’s made her realize she’s found her true calling. “I’ve only been in education for two years, but I know this is what I want to do,” she says. Her passion for working with children stems from her family’s deep roots in education. “A lot of my family members are educators—my aunts, uncles, cousins—they all encouraged me to become a para,” she explains. At first, she was hesitant. Transitioning from working with adults to children seemed daunting, but her family’s belief in her helped push her toward this new path. “It was a huge compliment that they saw something in me,” she says.

The cross-categorical classroom where Sharetta works is part of the school’s special education program. It’s a unique setting where students of different grade levels and abilities share the same space. “We have students who are on the autism spectrum, some with developmental delays, and others with behavioral challenges,” she explains. In such a diverse environment, flexibility is key. “Some days, learning just doesn’t happen because the kids are having a tough time emotionally,” Sharetta admits. But she’s learned to accept that. “I’ve come to understand that it’s okay if all we do is help them sort through their emotions that day. Tomorrow is another day to try again.”

Her time in healthcare—where she cared for vulnerable adults—has made her more empathetic and patient in the classroom. “In both healthcare and education, you’re dealing with people at their most vulnerable,” she says. “But now, I get to see these children at the start of their journeys, helping them grow and learn. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Sharetta also shares a special connection with many of the students outside of school. As an Ottawa native, she often runs into families she works with in the community. “I live near a lot of the students, and during the summer, I worked for the Ottawa Recreation Department, so I got to know many of them even better,” she says. “It’s been wonderful getting to see them grow both inside and outside the classroom.”

It’s clear that her work has made an impact not only on her students but also on her own outlook. “Every day I come to work, I try to make sure the kids feel seen and heard,” she explains. “They just want to know that someone is paying attention to them, and I make it my mission to ensure they feel valued.”

Though Sharetta didn’t initially set out to become an educator, her transition to this new career has felt natural. “I wasn’t sure if this was the right path at first,” she admits. “But now, I feel like this school has become my new home.” Sharetta’s passion for helping children extends beyond the classroom, and she’s even considering a future in social work. “I feel like my calling is in the social work aspect of education. There’s so much that needs to be done, and I believe I can make a meaningful contribution.”

Looking back, Sharetta can’t help but think of her parents, who adopted six children in addition to raising three of their own. “They gave us an incredible start, and I try to honor that by paying it forward to these kids,” she says. The memory of her mother, who passed away five years ago, still guides her. “People tell me all the time that I remind them of my mom, and that’s the biggest compliment I could ever receive.”

As Sharetta continues her journey at Jefferson Elementary, her heart for the students, her dedication, and her natural empathy make it clear—she’s right where she belongs. “I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me,” she laughs. “This is where I’m meant to be.”