Rochester Primary worker wins regional award

A Rochester School District educational assistant who lives in Tumwater was recently honored as one of nine finalists for the 2016 Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year recognition.

Kassie MacColl works in Rochester Primary School’s special education program. She is the 2016 Classified School Employee of the Year for the Capital Region Educational School District 113, which covers Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific counties.

Laura Staley, director of Special Services and Assessment for the Rochester School District, described MacColl as a “shining light” at the nearly 550-student school.

“Kassie handles the many demands and high stress of a special education program with patience and professionalism,” she said.

MacColl said she’s always felt a calling to teach. But after graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in psychology in 2006, she ended up working as a personal banker for several years to pay off student loans.

Switching careers about three years ago was one of the best decisions of her life, she said.

“I know what it’s like to have a job that you’re not passionate about and love, and I feel truly blessed about what I get to do,” said MacColl, 32, of Tumwater. “And the rewards are just absolutely priceless.”

MacColl was born in South Korea, and raised in the Seattle area. She and her husband, Ben, a forestry consultant, have lived in South Sound for about six years.

In a few weeks, MacColl will begin working toward a teaching certificate with an endorsement in special education through Seattle Pacific University. Because it’s an alternative route program, she will be able to continue working at Rochester Primary.

MacColl said the most challenging part of her job is working with students who don’t have confidence or a strong support system.

“They quit before they even start,” MacColl said.

Then again, some of the most challenging cases also can have the biggest payoff, she said.

“I think the most gratifying thing is when you see a child who has the cards stacked against them, and when they finally have a moment of success, the expression on their face is just priceless,” she said. “They’re beaming with pride and joy and confidence.”

Her supervisor, second-grade special education teacher Brittny Zepp, said MacColl “continually goes above and beyond her job duties to help make a better experience for all students.”

She also goes out of the way to help her co-workers, Zepp said. For example, MacColl obtained an emergency substitute certificate so that she can teach any class from preschool to second grade on short notice. She’s also volunteered to hold a leadership role for the school’s team of educational assistants.

Second-grade teacher Candace Robinson said MacColl has a knack for connecting with students while also maintaining authority that’s needed in a classroom.

Even though she didn’t win the state title, MacColl said it was an honor to be selected for the region, and be a finalist. She received a plaque, met state Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, and participated in an awards ceremony on April 28 at the old Capitol Building. In addition, she and the other finalists will be honored at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion this summer.

The state award went to Melanie Green, an administrator of family involvement in the Evergreen School District in Clark County.

This story was originally published June 2, 2016 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Rochester Primary worker wins regional award."