Stefanie West grew up as part of a family of educators – her mother, great aunt and grandmother were all teachers.
Perhaps surprisingly, that’s partially why her original career path did not take her into the classroom.
“I said I’d never be a teacher – I saw how much effort they put in and how much of themselves they gave every day,” West said.
She worked in the insurance field until she was 30 years old. But when the company she worked for was sold, West’s instincts drifted back to school, a large part of her pulling in that direction.
Today, West is a special education teacher at Norco Elementary School and about to enter her 17th year of teaching overall.
It’s a part of me,” said West, who is a Destrehan High alum and Norco resident. “My personality, always being there growing up … it’s always been there, I just had to let it in. And I enjoy every single day.”
West first began as a paraeducator at New Sarpy Kindergarten Center. That experience gave her every indication that she was on the right path. She moved on to work at Harry Hurst Middle School as a paraeducator, then made the move to what’s been her home ever since, Norco Elementary.
“I live here, my son went to Norco and I know the people in the area … I feel like I kind of always belonged here,” she said.
Likewise, special education has felt like a calling for West, who said this is a job she feels her strengths are suited for.
“You’re dealing a lot with emotional aspects, difficult life situations, disabilities and helping students and families navigate through those things,” West said. “I think like most things in life, you’re drawn to what your strength is. I feel like my strength is dealing with students on a small group basis, helping them progress, more one-on-one time.
“I like people who are different. I enjoy a challenge, too. It’s not for everybody, but I love doing what I do.”
West said one of the most critical factors in helping students reach their potential in the classroom is to create a real connection with them. Trust goes both ways, she said, and that’s a large part of her teaching philosophy.
“When they’re happy, comfortable and feeling safe, that’s when they’re ready to learn,” West said. “Building that connection is the most important thing. If they trust you, they can then listen and learn from you. I look to build that trust from day one through the entire time I know them … I let them know I love and care about them and that I’m here for them academically, socially and emotionally … that whatever you need, I’m your girl.”
