Winning the jackpot is how new severe special education teacher Jamie Crane would describe her job at NS.

“I feel like I've won the jackpot,” Crane said. “This is just the most amazing job. I won the jackpot and just

getting to know these human beings are pretty excellent. I feel like a better person having hung out with them all day.”

Crane grew up in Sanpete County and is an NS Alumni. She is happy to return after living in various states

such as Maryland and Texas. Crane was recently hired at the beginning of March as the NS special education teacher. She previously taught special education at the middle school and mild to moderate classes at Syracuse elementary.

Teaching at the middle school is when she knew that this is what she wanted to do.

The shift in focus from working with elementary through middle school special needs students to high school

severe SPED has been enriching. Crane’s goal now is to help students prepare to become as independent as they can be for life after high school.

“How do you even describe this perfection?” Crane said. “It’s so fun to be able to work on life skills with these

kids and just enjoy watching them learn and progress. They’ve all got a great smile and a good sense of humor, so we’re always laughing and having a good time in here.”

Crane graduated from SUU with a nursing degree. She is grateful for her skills she learned as an RN and how

they have transferred over into special education.

“I am not an adrenaline junkie,” Crane said. “So medical areas can be a little high stress. I knew before I even

started having kids that I wasn’t going to be a nurse forever. But I am really glad that I had that background.”

It provides a sense of relief in knowing how to handle high stress situations.

“Both are in the business of helping people,” Crane said. “So that’s always been a motivator. That’s just fulfilling.”

Crane has four daughters: a four-year-old, a seven-year-old, a ten-year-old, and a twelve-year-old. She has

a desire for her girls to take her special education class when they have the opportunity to in high school. 

Crane expressed that the students are what keep her happy and cheerful. She's welcomed the change of

teaching an older group of students.

“I just really enjoy connecting with the students and helping where there's a need and explaining things that

maybe are hard to understand for them,” Crane said. “It's just really rewarding to build those relationships with the kids.”

With a hard to miss smile, Crane has brought a new energy and atmosphere to her classroom. The transition

from one teacher to another has gone smoothly with her inviting, bubbly personality and a strive for connection.

“She’s always smiling which is great,” teacher’s aid Madi Schiess said. “She loves the kids, she’s always having

fun with them. The kids love her and it’s been kind of fun to watch them grow and to rely on her just in this short time.”

Implementing different techniques and practices, such as circle time, which is for discussing weekend

activities and how the students are feeling, helps them practice new skills. Crane is excited to watch her students continue to develop and compete in the Unified Sports basketball and track seasons, as well as soccer that the team recently tried this fall.

“There’s so much they can contribute and they’re so capable,” Crane said. “Any group they join they add to it

and make it better.”

Super senior Ailey Bench has enjoyed having Crane in the classroom and likes getting to see her every day.

“She’s nice and she’s funny,” Bench said.

Above all, the connections are what Crane values and has helped her choose this career. With a contagious

enthusiasm and bubbly spirit, she continues to welcome all who walk through the doors.

“It’s just super fun to connect with everybody,” Crane said.