Staff Spotlight: Parveen Cheema from Parent to Teacher 

This post is part of the Lynden Schools Staff Spotlight series

From parent to paraeducator to special education teacher, Parveen Cheema has an intimate knowledge of Isom Elementary. She says it’s the teamwork across the building that gives students the best opportunities for growth.

The Role

Cheema began as a parent of three children attending Isom Elementary more than a decade ago, and that inspired her to become a paraeducator. Her experience helping diverse learners fueled her desire to obtain a degree in special education. For close to the last three years, Cheema has served as a special education teacher at Isom, “proudly collaborating with many of the same teachers who guided and supported my own children, an experience that makes my work here deeply personal and incredibly rewarding.” 

As a resource teacher, she’s piloting a new “bridge program” designed to help students move toward greater independence and inclusion. Working closely with Isom’s staff, Cheema supports students ready to make the jump to more academic challenges earlier than traditional special education models allow. “This work reinforces our belief that special education is a service,” she says, “not a place and celebrates the progress students make as they gain confidence, independence and access to general education opportunities.”

Through it all, Cheema says one of the most meaningful aspects is working with dedicated paraeducators, a strong special education team, supportive administrators and general education teachers committed to student growth. “Their teamwork, flexibility and shared belief in inclusion make meaningful progress possible every day,” she says. 

Getting to Know Parveen

Outside the Isom classrooms, Cheema cherishes time with family, traveling and being with the people she loves. “These are the values that shape how I build relationships and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment at school,” she says. “I also stay connected to my community by supporting and engaging with our East Indian community. I enjoy sharing our cultural festivities and traditions, as well as creating connections with our East Indian students and their families.”