Panther Professionals

     Panther Professionals is a weekly series highlighting educators, administrators, staff and aides who are dedicated to the future of the Monticello Community School District.

     Sarah Domer-Sleep is going into her sixth year as a special education associate at Monticello High School. She works both one-on-one and in the general education classrooms with special education students who need some assistance throughout the day.

     “I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said of loving her job. “It doesn’t feel like work.”

     Domer-Sleep started with special education as part of the Transition School program. She said it was a good shift going into the high school.

     “I always saw myself in a helping profession,” she said.

     Domer-Sleep said she had her mind set on going into nursing actually after high school. “I tried it for a year and realized it wasn’t for me,” she shared. “It wasn’t what I wanted to do.”

     Domer-Sleep then found her niche working with young adults through the JRMT (Four Oaks) program when it was located in Monticello.

     “The girls were fun to work with and a challenge,” she said. “I learned a lot about youth from that standpoint.”

     Of working with youth, she said seeing the students at the high school everyday is the highlight of her job.

     “I love seeing they grow into respectful and responsible adults,” she said.

     Domer-Sleep said the special education students don’t just work with one associate all day, every day. “It’s good for them to transition with different staff,” she said.

     Her job entails providing help to those students when needed, whether it’s with reading, writing, communicating in class, or social skills.

     “I am also there to help the teachers inside the classrooms,” she added. “I help all of the kids, not just those with special education needs.”

     As a teacher, Domer-Sleep’s motto to treat all students the way she would want other teachers to treat her own kids. “I believe in positive reinforcement and praised,” she said.

     She said the teachers “do an awesome job of including special education students in the classrooms,” a strong suit of the MCSD’s.

     Seeing the general and special education students interact as one brings a smile to her face.

     “This school does a very good job with inclusion,” praised Domer-Sleep. “The students are very accepting here.”

     She said she doesn’t see special education students as having limited skills, but as having unique abilities.

     “I’ve seen some of these (special education) kids make such strides while here,” she said. “I see them gain more confidence.”

     After starting her job with MHS, Domer-Sleep went over to the middle school and served as a behavioral adviser. “That was a new position at the time,” she said.

     After her first year in the role, she missed working with the high schoolers and being out and about rather than sitting in a classroom all day.

     “My strength is really working with variety of kids,” she said, and interacting with them.”

     Domer-Sleep has personally formed a strong bond with MHS student Zach Bollwitt. “How can you not have a smile on your face working with Zach?” she said.

     Domer-Sleep said she really does prefer working with teenagers, seeing them grow into adults and advance in life.

     Domer-Sleep has an associate’s degree from Kirkwood Community College, with an emphasis on transition services. She received training certifications through JRMT and the mentoring program, which is open to all special education associates.

     “The mentoring program helps building positive relationships with the kids, which is something I feel like I do every day,” Domer-Sleep said.

     From her perspective, Domer-Sleep feels the MCSD really excels with collaboration. “They go above and beyond to help the staff,” she said. “It helps bring the staff and teachers up to par.”

     She said it’s all about what the district can do to help the students who might be struggling, or how to make their education experience better.

     “We have an awesome community and a very active school board,” Domer-Sleep said. “They all want to do what’s in the best interest of these kids.”

     Domer-Sleep and her husband, Bryce, live in Anamosa. They have two daughters: Jorja in fifth grade, and Leah in seventh. The family stays busy at their daughters’ sporting events.

     Domer-Sleep also adores her two dogs. “They are the love of my life,” she said. “We are huge animal lovers; they are like our other daughters.”