Top of the World educator wins nationwide recognition

Margaret Warder, a para-educator at Top of the World Elementary School, was one of 12 classified school employees nationwide honored last week at the White House.

The inaugural White House Champions of Change for School Support awards recognized Warder and 11 other educators for “their leadership and tireless work to ensure that students in our nation’s schools receive the support and motivation they need to succeed,� according to a news release.

“I was overwhelmed,� Warder said about receiving the news. “What can you say? I’m honored. This is groundbreaking.�

Warder, who joined the Laguna Beach Unified School District in 2003, helps students who need special attention in reading and math. Para-educators are supervised by teachers or other credentialed employees.

Warder emphasized that though the California School Employees Assn. nominated her, the White House made the final selections. CSEA represents classified personnel, and Warder is the association’s Laguna Beach chapter president.

Honorees participated in a panel discussion at the White House, during which they answered questions related to how they interact with and motivate students.

Warder often works with students one-on-one. She has the “keen ability to relate to students on their level while also challenging them to reach new heights in their education,� the release said.

“Engagement is the key to keep those students connected,� Warder said during the session.

She uses a points system that awards students for being prepared, correctly answering questions and retelling a story in sequential order to demonstrate reading comprehension.

“Through building relationships where they are most comfortable, Margaret challenges her students to reach goals they might otherwise have thought impossible,� association President Ben Valdepeña said in the release.

It’s been an eventful two years for Warder. Last year, she was one of five California classified employees selected as a state member of the year.

In addition to honoring education support professionals, the White House has recognized Champions of Change for climate protection, living wage and other topics.

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