Gayle Dempsey is a para educator at BHS. She has been a para for around 15 years.

Q: When did you start going to school to become a teacher/para educator?

“I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Emporia State University in December of 1973. I double majored in Social Studies and Business Education. I began working on my Master’s Degree from Kansas State University and also received vocational certification. I earned my Master’s in 1983.”

Q: Were you always a para educator?
“My first teaching position was at Perry-Lecompton High School in 1975. I taught there 3 years teaching social studies, business classes, and coached the cheer squad. I taught at what is now Washburn Technical School for 11 years training accounting clerks, administrative assistants, machine transcriptionists, stenographers and medical secretaries. I then came to Baldwin for the 1988-1989 school year. For over 25 years I taught business classes here and coached the dance squad. I have been a para educator for around 15 years.”

Q: Why did you decide to do this career?

“I come from a family of educators and when I graduated from high school in 1968, most women were either homemakers, secretaries, teachers, or nurses.”

Q: What made you want to become a para educator?

“I became a para because even though I retired, I could still work with students every day but not have lesson plans to do and papers to grade.”

Q: What do you love about your job?
“I like working with teenagers, being involved in activities, and seeing students grow into adulthood.”

Q: What challenges do you face being a para educator?

“Motivating students is a big challenge that I face.”