Classified School Employee of the Year Kelly Toner (left) poses with Ferndale School District Superintendent Kristi Dominguez.

Kelly Toner is the 2026 Northwest Educational Service District 189 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year!

Kelly, a paraeducator working with elementary students with complex needs, works at the Ferndale School District.

“Kelly Toner represents the very best of what a paraeducator can be – an educator whose daily work expands the opportunities, confidence, and futures of the students she serves. She transforms how our school community sees students,” Dawn Christiana, principal of Cascadia Elementary in the Ferndale School District, said. “She works with students who have the most extensive support needs and, through her skill and dedication, brings their abilities and growth into the light. By recognizing and sharing meaningful learning moments, she helps our entire school celebrate progress and deepen our commitment to inclusion and belonging. In my thirty years as an educator, Kelly Toner is among the top 1% of paraeducators I have had the privilege of working with – an educator whose daily work changes what is possible for students.”

Kelly said the most important part of her job is advocacy.

“My work is rooted in the very core of who I am,” she wrote in her application. “As a student, I was the one who struggled with spelling, math, and with the weight of growing up in a low-income home. Yet, I was also the student who was seen. Across my school years, caring adults, teachers, secretaries, custodians, and lunchroom staff recognized my potential and reminded me that I was capable. Their belief shaped my confidence and ultimately changed the trajectory of my life.”

Advocacy isn’t just something Kelly does, it’s who she is. She said she wants to give back to this community that once supported her when she needed it. She uses collaboration to make sure all students have “equitable access to support, tools, and opportunities that allow them to succeed.”

“I pay close attention to patterns in student needs, helping teams problem-solve and implement meaningful supports that build independence and confidence,” Kelly wrote. “Whether through communication strategies, structured supports, or simply showing up consistently, I aim to be that steady presence students can rely on.”

In her application, she wrote about a project to lead inclusion through paraeducator practice.

“My work as a paraeducator is rooted in the belief that every student can succeed when given the right support, and that compassion and love are essential to success,” she wrote. “I strive to create a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and understood. With a 5th grade autistic student, I have nurtured his passion for writing while guiding him toward grade-level standards. He researches topics that matter to him and uses writing to reflect, connect with family, and participate more confidently across our school. Additionally, I supported a student with significantly complex needs to access general education by creating a gradual, compassionate pathway of trust which resulted in meaningful educational engagement.”

She also has learned new skills, like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to help better bring help to her students.

“Collaboration is central to my work,” Kelly said. “I partner with staff and families to design equitable supports and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging. As a neurodiverse educator, I lead with empathy and understanding. Through compassion, advocacy, and connection, I help create a school culture where every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.”

Elizabeth Coogan is a parent who has worked with Kelly for many years. Kelly provided private childcare for Elizabeth’s son, who has special needs, before going to work for the school district.

“Kelly Toner is a person of immense integrity and heart,” Elizabeth wrote in her letter of support. “Her work has left an indelible mark on my life and my son’s life, and she continues to strengthen the fabric of our local schools. She is an asset to any team, and I recommend her without reservation.”

Congratulations, Kelly! Thank you for your hard work.

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The Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes excellence in the work of public school employees, including paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, food service workers, and others. Anyone may nominate a classified public school employee for this award, which is overseen by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). All completed nominations are sent to the regional coordinator at each Educational Service District (ESD); the regional winner is selected by a NWESD committee. Kelly is one of nine regional winners who will go on to compete for the State Classified School Employee of the Year award.

Learn more at https://ospi.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/classified-school-employee-year.

The NWESD serves school districts, tribal compact schools, public charter schools, private schools, and early learning partners in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and San Juan counties, providing leadership and cooperative services to the educational communities in the northwest region.