ABERDEEN, S.D. – Kevin Lammers’ mother was one of the original teachers at O.M. Tiffany Elementary School when it first opened back in 1941.
Lammers never expected that, someday, he would work in the same school district.
But when he retired from his programming career, he wanted to stay busy. Aberdeen Public Schools had an opening for an Educational Assistant, and after encouragement from his sisters—both also teachers—Lammers applied, and he got the job.
Seven years later, Lammers loves working as an educational assistant at Mike Miller Elementary School. His duties each day vary widely—teaching typing skills, reading with kids, monitoring recess and handling morning traffic. No two days are exactly the same.
“That’s the fun part of the job,” Lammers said. “I never get bored.”
Nov. 13-17 is the National Education Association’s American Education Week, and one of the themes is celebrating the work of education support professionals like Lammers.
When he first started, Lammers worked in the school’s computer lab teaching kids how to type. Then the school switched to iPads, and he started going into the classrooms to teach typing. Once the school opened a makerspace, he oversaw that room. Now with makerspace activities done in the classroom, Lammers does various EA duties with all grade levels.
His day begins at 7:30 a.m. “I do traffic out there—make sure the kids get in safe,” Lammers said.
Then, he does reading groups for most of the day, though he will also sub in teachers’ classrooms when needed.
His favorite part of the job is recess duty, but he also really enjoys reading groups. He works with kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade students who are learning words and building up their vocabulary.
“We read the book together, taking turns,” Lammers said. “I remember doing that as a kid myself. That's really a lot of fun.”
For anyone else considering working as an Educational Assistant, Lammers has this advice: “If you like kids, that’s the big thing. The rest of it, you can learn.”
It’s a great job, he said, and it’s also rewarding. Parents will often thank him personally for handling traffic and getting kids safely inside in the morning.
“You don't usually get that too often in the private sector,” Lammers said.
He recalled the first time he truly felt how rewarding his job can be—a day when every student in the room was working quietly, doing what they were supposed to be doing, and following his instructions of how to type correctly.
“I felt like, ‘these kids are learning something in here,’” he said. “They’re learning how to type, and it’s a skill that you need the rest of your life.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.