Walker County Para-Professional Helps Teach Life Lessons

Once graduation comes most people leave class work, crowded hallways, and school lunches behind.

But Walker County Para-pro Duane Cole chose to revisit school.

And the difference he's making is the reason he's a Golden Apple Award winner.

For 7th grader Caleb Henry negotiating the halls at LaFayette Middle School sometimes presents a challenge...

But, he says it's better thanks to his para-professional, "He's made life easier for me at school... A lot easier."

Caleb and Duane Cole have been inseparable at school for the last three years.

Caleb has a very mild form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome, which sometimes make it difficult relating to others.

Mr. Cole says, "I'm there to kinda put a break on any exuberant behavior in the classroom that keeps the classroom from running smoothly."

Mr. Cole is with Caleb from the moment he walks into school, until he leaves at the end of the day.

Caleb's mom, Jessica says, "There are many days that Caleb would not be able to function without Mr. Cole's support."

Mr. Cole is one of nearly 200 para-pros in Walker County Schools.

Caleb and Mr. Cole are together in every class and even at lunch, and while he gets to help Caleb manage throughout the day, Mr. Cole says it's a two way street, "To be able to do something that is gonna change someone's life and that is challenging and different every day is the most important thing I've every done in my life."

...And the bond between the pair runs deep.

Caleb's mom says, "When Mr. Cole looks at Caleb he doesn't see a disability he sees a future and that's what it takes."

Mr. Cole says on a good day, he's just there as an observer.

But Caleb says he's been so much more, "He's kinda like the brother I never had, but an older one."

To nominate your special teacher for our Golden Apple Award, pick up an entry form at your local Bi-Lo and send it to:

Golden Apple Award

P.O. Box 2438

Chattanooga, TN 37409. 

Then watch WDEF News 12 Tuesday night's at 6:00 to see if your teacher was chosen.