Meet Hudson County ESP of the Year Samantha Pelletreau
Hudson County ESP of the Year Samantha Pelletreau has always loved working with children. Growing up, she was the go-to person for babysitting for her younger siblings and cousins. When she had her own child, she took an early childhood class and began to pursue a career in education, starting by volunteering at a day care center.
As her child got older and Pelletreau walked her to school, she would gaze up at the building.
“It was like a scene from Willy Wonka where I’d look at the building and think that I’d love to work there some day,’” Pelletreau recalls. “It was a dream.”
Pelletreau has more than achieved that dream. She is now in her 19th year in education and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but she has never relinquished her love of working as a paraprofessional.
“I could be a teacher,” Pelletreau says. “I have my master’s degree in special education, but I prefer to serve as a paraprofessional. I’m not obligated to do the paperwork part, so I’ve got more time to develop relationships with the children I work with. I love to help each child feel that they belong in the room and to find the adjustments I can make help them cope with how they’re feeling.”
A career as a paraprofessional
Pelletreau began her career as a one-on-one paraprofessional, and she says she learned a lot from that experience.
“Three years as a one-on-one helped me develop many skills for working with students,” Pelletreau says. “I am now working with preschool disabled students.”
Pelletreau enjoys the challenge of reaching students and meeting their needs.
“I have a nonverbal student who really likes Bluey, so I brought in puppets,” Pelletreau says. “That student will now whisper to the puppets. I enjoy the challenge and creativity involved with finding the right approach to help students.”
An association leader
Born and raised in Jersey City, Pelletreau is committed to giving back to her students and her community. She is the president of the Jersey City Para-Professional Association, and the PEP and FAST chair. Pelletreau works closely with NJEA staff and leaders on a variety of projects benefiting students.
“One of our bigger projects is our Thanksgiving drive,” Pelletreau says. “My goal for 2024 was 200 turkeys. I love the impact these grants have. This is free money that brings things to our community, so if it means that I have to be on another Zoom, I’ll do it. I eat, sleep and dream about doing things in the community and getting people involved.”
Pelletreau also is the Hudson County representative on the NJEA Urban Education Committee. She was elated to be named the Hudson County ESP of the Year.
“I just love to help and contribute,” Pelletreau says. “Getting this award told me that other people notice what I do. It was an honor to be nominated.”
“I really love being a paraprofessional,” Pelletreau says. “Bad days don’t phase me at all. I take nothing personally. I always want to help and share ideas. I’m a leader, but I know I have to go at other people’s pace.”
Kathryn Coulibaly writes the monthly ESP column. She is the associate editor of the Review.