As a paraeducator, Jess Santo understands how critical her role is in helping educate and enhance the lives of those in her cross-categorical special education classroom. Previously at Liberty Oaks Elementary, Santo is in her first year at Alexander Doniphan Elementary School in Liberty, Missouri.
“In my current position, I’ve had the opportunity to work with students with a wide range of needs, co-teach alongside general education teachers and help new staff get started in the classroom,” said Santo. “The best part of educating the youth is the excitement and sense of wonder they all still carry.”
Santo is currently earning her teaching degree at Missouri State University, but that hasn’t slowed her from successfully balancing her coursework with a full-time job and a busy family. She plans to graduate in May of 2026 and transition into a lead teaching role.
“I hope to give my students a feeling of pride,” said Santo. “I want each of them to feel safe, valued and truly amazing. My goal is for the students to recognize their own strengths, celebrate their accomplishments and understand that even small steps are meaningful.”
The continual care and compassion Santo provides to those she interacts with helps make a generational impact in developing future leaders, regardless of their size or stature. As a wife and mother of three, she knows the importance of guiding and teaching those she cares about most and is continually open to receiving advice from those with more experience.
“A family once told me, ‘We don’t measure mile-stones, we measure inch-stones’,” said Santo. “I often remind myself of this with my students. Mastering a small task might not seem like a big deal to most, but for some, that small task is a marathon. Plus, I enjoy celebrating the little things that truly deserve a BIG celebration.”
Prior to working in education, Santo served as the Family Relations Coordinator for the nonprofit Go Shout Love. She would share stories and raise awareness about children on rare medical journeys. Together, her team was able to raise nearly $500,000 to support families. That experience strengthened her passion for advocacy and community, which she now proudly carries into her work in education.
“There were many beautiful moments, but also some that were very tough,” said Santo. “I’m especially proud of the conversations I had with parents who wanted to advocate for their child. Helping families share their stories, celebrate their amazing children and educate others that ‘rare is worthy of everything’ was an experience that will always stay with me.”
After she recently kicked off a new school year, Santo welcomes new opportunities she faces in the classroom but also embraces the challenges that come with her line of work. The joy and fulfillment at the end of a long day or a difficult week are met at home by her supportive and loving family. It’s a time of year she cherishes each fall.
“I always get excited to meet or see again the students I’ll get to work with each year,” said Santo. “They are the ones who hold the key to what our year will be like, and it’s so fun trying to predict what it will look like. Working with students with autism makes that even more meaningful because each child brings unique strengths, interests and ways of learning. Getting to know them, uncovering what motivates them and celebrating their progress, even the inch stones, makes every day rewarding.”
“Jess consistently exceeds expectations to ensure that all students feel welcomed, supported and valued,” said Santo’s nominator, Kylah Bierbrodt. “Her dedication to creating an atmosphere where everyone is welcome is evident in her interactions with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Whether it's through personalized attention, creative teaching strategies or simply lending a compassionate ear, Jess has a unique ability to connect with each student and empower them to succeed. Her innovative approaches to curriculum enrichment and classroom activities not only captivate students' interest, but also encourage active participation and collaboration.”
“Jess’ unique journey has been inspiring and eye-opening as she continues to make a lasting impact in her day-to-day work,” said Jenny Housley, Blue KC Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer. “The passion and professionalism that she showcases in her classroom, and her ability to connect and influence the younger generation is awe-inspiring and a characteristic we love to emphasize at Blue KC. Congratulations on being named a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan!
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.BlueKC.com/NominateSportingSamaritans
Through the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and Sporting KC are honoring students and teachers who are making a significant impact in Kansas City and inspiring others to do the same.
