Sconsa’s new role as TAP specialist allows her to make an impact

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

     Angie Kurt-Sconsa has been working for the MCSD for 19 years now, but only started her new role with the district two years ago.

     Sconsa is the TAP (Transition Alliance Program) specialist. She also teaches Level I special education students.

     Prior to taking over TAP, Sconsa spent 17 years teaching seventh-grade English at the middle school.

     “I needed a career shift,” she said. “I love teaching English, but I needed a change, a new challenge.”

     Sconsa said she works better with small groups of students, where she’s still able to make a difference.

     “I’m a result-driven person,” she said.

     TAP is a partnership between the MCSD and IVRS (Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services). Sconsa also serves the Midland School District in the same fashion. Tap works with students with barriers in life to help them succeed.

     “I’m in Midland every other day,” she said.

     TAP provides transition services and activities that help students move on to the next phase of their lives. These services are based on the student’s needs, preferences, and abilities. The goal is for all participants to reach the maximum level of his/her own independence. The optimal goal for each TAP student is employment, whether that is directly out of high school, or after completing their post-secondary education.

     Sconsa assists her students in applying to college and applying for grants and scholarships, counseling on career and educational opportunities, job-seeking skills, assistance in finding employment, and skills needed to become independent.

     Sconsa is the only employee working with the TAP program right, which encompasses about 70 students in Monticello and Midland.

     “It’s possible we’ll add a job coach or associate as we progress,” she said.

     The state legislature passed new legislation and started funding programs that provide pre-employment skills. That’s where TAP comes in.

     Sconsa pursued her undergraduate degree in English education from Loras College. She earned her endorsement from Morningside College in special education, and her master’s from UNI in mid-level education.

     “I started college not sure of what I wanted to do,” admitted Sconsa. But after taking part in summer recreation programs for youth in Dubuque, she thought teaching would be a good fit. “I’ve always like kids,” added Sconsa.

     Every day is different for Sconsa, which she enjoys. She might help a student prepare for a placement test with Kirkwood Community College, or accompany a student on a job shadow.

     “Those are the most fun,” said Sconsa of getting to experience another work environment. “We learn about all kinds of things. I can get out and see what it is we’re preparing kids for.”

     Aside from working during the summer year, Sconsa spends 10 contract days during the summer working with students as well.

     “This really is a job no one knows about,” she said. “We’re trying to get kids into local businesses for local job skills.” Sconsa said it’s a win-win for the student and the business.

     Local business that TAP has worked with in the past include: the Animal Welfare Friends, Monticello Veterinary Clinic, the Monticello Public Library, and Shannon and Carpenter schools.

     “We’ve also toured factories in town,” added Sconsa.

     She said while some of her students have different barriers in life such as physical disabilities, they can certainly hold down a job.

     “There’s a stigma out there,” said Sconsa. “But these students are awesome! I just think more people need to know about TAP.”

     Sconsa said the students who work for local businesses are all covered by the MCSD’s insurance “so there’s no risk to the business.”

     Also working with special education students, Sconsa had nothing but praise for the special education department at the high school, where her office is located.

     “It’s amazing that we can offer kids the opportunities that other districts don’t,” said Sconsa. “We’re very fortunate.”

     Sconsa said District Curriculum Director Gretchen Kriegel is a huge champion for special education. “She just gets it. She’s very supportive of special education and knows what’s best for these kids.”

     After taking on TAP two years ago, Sconsa stepped back from her leadership roles within the district to focus on the new program. “I have a lot on my plate right now,” she said.

     “I have a lot of goals for this program, to get more students working,” added Sconsa. She said it’s hard to do that in places like Midland where public transportation can be a barrier for students to get to work.

     Overall, having worked for the MCSD for so long, Sconsa said she hasn’t met a teacher here who didn’t put the students’ interest first. “They all want what’s best for the kids.”

     Sconsa and her husband, Mike, live in Cascade with their two kids: Harper, 10, and Sully, 4. “They keep us busy,” said Sconsa.

     Her husband also teaches at Cascade High School.

     The family enjoys traveling together. “That’s the advantage of both of us teaching,” she said of having their summers off.