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Educators are perhaps the greatest population of unsung heroes in Berrien and Cass County. This school year, Leader Publications will publish a weekly spotlight featuring teachers and staff throughout the Dowagiac Union Schools district, giving the community a chance to get to know the hard-working individuals shaping their children’s lives.

Name: Elizabeth Ladyga (Miss Liz)

School: Patrick Hamilton Elementary

How many years have you been a parapro? How many years have you been with your current school?  I have been a parapro at Patrick Hamilton Elementary going on 14 years this February.

Why did you decide to become a parapro? I love working with children. I started volunteering in my nephew’s class and Mrs. Nash had told me about a playground aide job that was coming available, so I applied for it. I finished out the school year and in the fall I became a kindergarten Aide as well and have been ever since.

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Outside of school I enjoy taking walks, being outside, and sitting by the fire with my husband.

When you were a student, what were your favorite hobbies? When I was a student, my favorite hobbies were playing badminton with my family and just being outside.

How would your coworkers describe your personality? I hope they would say I’m a kind, helpful, caring and friendly person.

Who is your biggest role model and why? My parents. They taught me to never give up and that sometimes life can be hard.

How has education changed in the last 10 years? More is expected out of the teachers and students and more state testing.

What is your best advice to parents to help their child continue to grow academically?  Work with your students at home. 

If my students learn one thing this year, I hope it is… That they can do anything if they put their mind to it and try.