Tyrone Area Elementary School paraprofessional Elaine Shiffler is set to retire at the conclusion of this school year after nearly 29 years of service to the Tyrone Area School District.

Shiffler has worked mostly with kindergarteners over the years and has assisted several teachers. She currently works closely with kindergarten teacher Shana Smith in her classroom.

Smith said that Shiffler made her first few years as a teacher so much easier because of her helpfulness and years of experience with kindergarten students.

“Elaine is a wealth of knowledge, and very dependable. And she always does everything with a smile,” said Smith.

Before working with Smith, Shiffler worked closely with retired kindergarten teacher Linda Knarr for many years.

“Mrs Shiffler was my partner since she was assigned to be with me at Warriors Mark Elementary until my retirement in May 2016,” said Knarr, “She was everything I could hope for as she and I worked to educate our students. My partnership with her is one of my cherished memories.”

Shiffler has enjoyed the relationships she made with the teachers and staff, but the thing she enjoyed most about her job was working with children.

“They make it more fun, and you learn from them,” said Shiffler. “Every day is a new experience.”

Watching the kids grow and improve in their skills is what makes the job worthwhile for Shiffler.

She adores being able to help them in any way she can.

The kindergarten students that she works closely with all had kind things to say about Mrs. Shiffler.

“She always helps us read our site words,” said kindergartener Aurora Crawford.

“She reads poems with us… She is nice to us and helps us learn,” said kindergartener Charlotte Wiger.

Shiffler will be missed by her students, teachers, and staff who have had the opportunity to work with her over the years.

“I’ve been working with Mrs. Shiffler for the past 16 years. She’s become a good friend and has always been there if I needed anything,” said fellow paraprofessional Carol Fetters, “I’m really going to miss all of our good break and lunch conversations. I wish her all the best.”

In retirement, Shiffler is most looking forward to the additional time she will get to spend with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Knarr says that Shiffler was a great asset to the school district and will be missed.

“Elaine is a kind, loving and accomplished educator as well as a most beloved friend. She can retire with the knowledge that she was well-loved by our students and well-respected by the staff and administration,” said Knarr. “I pray for her health and happiness along with lots of interaction with her grandchildren, and occasional lunch dates with me!”