What is your name and job? John Fitzpatrick, Vocational Paraprofessional in the Special Education Department
Where did you go to school? Northern Illinois University.
When did you start working at Niles North, and what drew you to education? I started working here in September of 2009. My youngest daughter Fiona was born with a severe disability that my wife, son, and daughter all learned to assist with during her time with us. After she passed away, I changed careers from funeral directing to working in Special Education as I wanted to help students with special needs find and pursue their strengths and talents. I also looked forward to coaching, as my original undergraduate degree was in Exercise Science and Leadership and I have been running, weightlifting, and participating in other sports for over 45 years and wanted to share my love of exercising with dedicated young athletes.
What has been a highlight of this school year for you? On our Girls’ Cross Country team this year, Lindsey Klaus became the first girl to break 20 minutes for the three-mile race since 2012 and took her personal best below 19 minutes by the end of the season. We also have a number of dedicated returning runners for next year, including some very talented freshmen.
What has been a highlight of your career? Winning Support Staff Member of the Year has been a great honor as I am the first paraprofessional to win this award, and I am so glad people have acknowledged what I and my fellow paraprofessionals do within the school community.
What will you be doing this summer? I will be coaching the Girls Cross Country camp and hiking the Oregon Coast with my family.
Do you have anyone you would like to shout out for supporting you in your career? I have spent about 12 years working with Ms. Andrea Davis and wanted to thank her for developing so many great vocational tasks and labs (such as Viking Brews) for me to assist students with. I would also like to thank Mr. Matt Singer and Ms. Kate Geist for assisting with the growth of the vocational program as we have expanded from a small single classroom to the full former Special Education main office suite of four combined rooms.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the Niles North community? I would just like to thank all those who welcomed me when I arrived and all the wonderful staff and students I have worked with over the last 16 years!
