TA Recognized For 25 Years of Service in Coventry Schools

During an emotional moment at Tuesday's meeting, Coventry School Committee members approved the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Maria F. Ferreira, a Teacher Assistant at Alan Shawn Feinstein Middle School.

Ferreira, who spent nearly 26 years working within the school district, was joined by family members and a number of friends and colleagues who came to wish her well.

Superintendent Michael Almeida explained that Ferreira has assisted teachers and students in three Coventry schools since 1988, spending six years at Washington Oak Elementary, six at Coventry High School and the past 13 as a classroom TA in the middle school.

He also shared that in addition to the Professional Development hours required by TA's, Ferreira elected to attend additional classes at The Bradley School in Portsmouth, like "Speaking of Kids", a workshop series that gives parents, educators and caregivers of autistic children additional tools and advice needed to raise and educate happy, healthy kids. 

In 1997, she received a Certificate of Merit from former CHS Special Education Curriculum Coordinator Donna Della Porta for "Quick Thinking and Decisive Action During an Extreme Emergency" following an incident within the school.

"Maria is a compassionate woman who is described by her co-workers as nurturing and motherly," Almeida went on. "She was a role model to all TAs and always went above and beyond for her students. She also constantly received outstanding performance evaluations during her career."

"I have worked with Maria and all of those words ring true," said Behavioral Specialist Denise Gibbons. "She cares for everyone and has always clearly been all about the kids. I want you to know that you will be missed, I wish you good luck and thank you for all that you've done. You have been a really great co-worker."

"I can't think of a better role model for her students and her colleagues," Almeida concluded. "I'd just like to thank Maria for the time and service she has put into the Coventry School Department over the past 25 years, and to say that we accept her resignation, but with deep regret."

"Working in Coventry schools for all these years has been my greatest pleasure," Ferreira tearfully told those in attendance. "I have been so blessed and I'll be back as a volunteer."