Knox ESC’s Adri Trace takes on new role supporting classroom aides

Fifteen years working in a classroom have taught Adri Trace the key to educating children.

“Making connections, building relationships; that’s where it starts,” she said. “And classroom aides make an invaluable contribution to helping build and nurture relationships with students.”

Trace leads a high school class at the Knox Learning Center, a K-12 alternative school operated by the Knox Educational Service Center. This year she will take on an additional role as an ESC employment relationship specialist, working directly with many of the nearly 200 classroom aides hired by the ESC to serve in Knox County schools.

“Aides work at the direction of teachers – and teachers throughout the county do a fantastic job – but sometimes aides can feel frustrated. Sometimes they don’t feel a sense of contributing, making a difference. I know; I’ve been there,” Trace said.

“When they need to express their concerns outside of their immediate environment, I will listen and try to help resolve whatever is on their minds. We will work it out together. And whether they are new or experienced, we will always emphasize the importance of making connections with kids.”

Trace accepted the role of employment relationship specialist at the request of ESC Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley. She functioned in that role unofficially last year by working with aides in the Mount Vernon City Schools.

“Adri has unique skills in understanding the role of classroom aides and the concerns and frustrations that aides sometimes feel,” Mackley said. “She was successful in working with Mount Vernon aides last year. We are pleased this year to expand her interaction with aides throughout the county.”

Aides’ duties in the classroom are many. They assist teachers in implementing lesson plans and educational activities, monitor and manage classroom behavior and help prepare materials and equipment for lessons. They often support special needs students with their personal care needs and help ensure the safety of all students in the classroom and on school grounds.

“What Dr. Mackley wants aides to know is that we appreciate what they do,” Trace said. “I will say again that teachers throughout the county do a phenomenal job but aides are the secret heroes the public often doesn’t see or fully appreciate.”

Trace’s emphasis on building relationships with students is evident in her Learning Center classroom. She begins each day with a “campfire” session with her high school students and adult aides Bob Wihl and Shari Moore.

“We sit around a table and talk about what the day will be like,” she said. “We go over the schedule and give the kids an opportunity to talk about whatever is on their minds.”

Trace plans to devote two days a week to meet with aides throughout the county. She has no worries about her classroom while she is gone.

“Our two wonderful aides, Bob and Shari, interact effectively with the kids. We won’t miss a beat,” Trace said.

Classroom aide applicants must have at least a high school diploma. The ESC vets all applicants, including fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Applicants must receive an educational aide permit from the Ohio Department of Education before they can begin work. Hourly rates for aides who are hired are reimbursed to the ESC by the respective districts where they are employed.