Rockwood Special Education Instructional Coach Earns Special Education Foundation Starfish Award

Jennifer Paris, a Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County instructional coach who works at multiple Rockwood School District locations, has been named a recipient of third annual Starfish Award, given by the Special Education Foundation (SEF).

The Starfish Award honors individuals who have brought about significant change through seemingly small yet deeply meaningful actions. Honorees consistently demonstrate unwavering compassion and kindness, leave a remarkable imprint on the lives of students and families within the SSD and its 22 partner districts in St. Louis County, offer vital support during challenging circumstances and use their actions to generate a ripple effect of positivity, creating a nurturing environment for all.

This year's Starfish Awards drew more than 90 nominations from around the region.

"What drives my passion every day is getting to come and work in a community where we know that all children have the ability to achieve their best potential," Paris said. "Getting to work with the educators, community members and family members on a daily basis, we're all in this together. We're a partnership."

Paris' family members, Rockwood and SSD administrators and staff, Rockwood Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain and SEF leadership -- including executive director Tim Eby, program and communications manager Shannon Benedek -- surprised her with the good news at Kellison Elementary on Feb. 4.

Paris and the other Starfish Award winners will be honored at a June 11 celebration at The Reverie in Chesterfield.

"Getting to come into buildings every single day - seeing the joy in the little wins, the big wins and everything in between - that's what really drives me to keep moving forward to know that every student deserves an equitable education and deserves to be able to reach their potential and have the support and a village behind them," she said. "The community we have, that is the village. And it drives me to show up every day and strive for helping kids reach their ultimate potential."