While many students may never step inside her classroom, the impact she makes is outstanding. Every morning by 8:30 a.m., room 603 is alive with warm greetings. At the center of it all is Ms. Virginia Ozuna, a dedicated special education paraeducator at Aliso Niguel High School who has been quietly making a difference in students’ lives for the past 3 years.
Special education paraeducators like Ms. Virginia work with students who have a wide range of learning, emotional and developmental needs. Her responsibilities include personalized instruction (she plays a role in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)), attending to students’ needs and most importantly helping provide support in place of Dr. Radley when she’s gone.
Dr. Radley says, “Her sense of humor helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere each day. As a trilingual educator, she also bridges communication gaps and brings a deeper level of connection to our diverse classroom.”
As a paraeducator, she supports Dr. Radley by assisting students individually and in small groups. Additionally, Ms. Virginia assists with lessons, supervision and health needs. She helps all her students practice independence and celebrate important victories every day.
“Virginia brings a calm, steady presence to our classroom, and her flexibility makes her an invaluable part of our team. She has a natural ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students while supporting their behavior and independence.”, says Dr. Radley.
The importance of special education paraeducators often goes unrecognized in traditional school settings, but their work is critical. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 15 percent of public school students in the U.S. receive special education services. These students rely on paraeducators like Ms. Virginia for advocacy, support and encouragement not just academically but for overall development.
Mr. Ian Becerra, another paraeducator for room 603, says, “Virginia is kind, helpful, and well-liked by the students. She uses sign language and works closely with the teacher to provide extra support. Her positive attitude makes a big difference in the classroom.”
Outside the classroom, Ms. Virginia also supports campus-wide efforts for inclusion. She helps support the Unified Sports program, which pairs students with and without disabilities on the same athletic teams. She’s also helped organize life skills field trips and community-based instruction to help students practice real-world scenarios like shopping and job interviews.
Ms. Carina Villalba, a paraeducator alongside Ms. Virginia, says, “Ms. Virginia fills the room with positivity and leadership every day. She’s always there to lend a helping hand in any situation, no questions asked.”
For students who may not know how to interact with peers in the special education program, Ms. Virginia encourages kindness and connection. Her work may not always make the morning announcements, but it’s the kind of teaching that changes lives quietly, steadily and with endless compassion.
Ms. Carina says, “She provides support to our classroom in any way she can, whether it’s academic or behavioral. Ms. Virginia is an inspiration to students and faculty alike. She is the heart of our classroom.”
Though often behind the scenes, special education paraeducators like Ms. Virginia play a vital role in creating an inclusive school environment where every student has the chance to succeed. Her steady compassion and dedication help shape not only individual futures but also the culture of Aliso Niguel High School as a welcoming and supportive place for all learners.
