When a Middle School ELA classroom teaching role opened up mid-year, Jennifer Kraus was quick to step up to the plate.  

Over a little over a month span, Kraus led the classroom and eased the transition to the classroom’s new teacher, Jacob Bosilejvac. For her efforts, Kraus was voted by her peers as February's Employee of the Month.  

“She stepped into a classroom mid-year, which can be challenging, yet she approached the role with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care for students’ learning and well-being,” said one co-worker.  

“She quickly established routines and created a positive, engaging learning environment that helped students stay focused and motivated despite the transition,” said another coworker.  

Kraus, a seasoned paraprofessional and Duquesne City alum, said the experience was rewarding, and has only motivated her to further follow her aspiration of becoming a full-time special education teacher.  

“It was a challenge, but really gratifying,” said Kraus. “In the past I attended college with the intention of teaching special education. I had to take a break because of life, but I’d love to continue to educate myself and eventually take over a special education classroom.”  

Kraus said she paid special attention to helping students fine-tune their longer form and paragraph writing, in addition to their researching skills.  

For Kraus, a natural leader and an active helper, stepping into the role was largely seamless. Amongst the middle school team — and beyond her natural duties — Kraus has been instrumental in helping organize Duquesne House System challenges and activities, along with Desiree Bluett.  

“I take on a leadership role, thinking of different challenges for the kids to compete against each other at. They’re all minute to win it type games, and I try to make it fun for them,” Kraus said.  

“They really love them. They look forward to it. It is very helpful. The rules and challenges are straightforward and they enjoy being in different houses and competing against each other. I think it has made a really positive impact on the middle school students.”