Surprise Squad gifts special needs teacher $5,000

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Monique is a special needs teacher for young students at Litchfield Elementary School. She’s only been there for a school year but has already impacted her students, parents and fellow teachers.

Things haven’t been easy for Monique recently. Last November, her husband became seriously ill, and she’s battled pneumonia herself in recent weeks. Despite the challenges, she did her best to go to her classroom every day to take care of her students.

That’s why a mom named Lissette asked Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad to pay her a visit and brighten her day.

Lissette was in a classroom with several teachers and administrators as they waited for Monique to be brought in. They erupted in cheers and applause when Monique walked inside and was greeted by Arizona’s Family’s Scott Pasmore. He assured her it was going to be a good day for her and asked her to sit down for an interview.

Monique said the best part of being a special needs teacher was seeing her students grow. Some started the school year not knowing the alphabet or how to spell their name. Some didn’t even know how to properly use the bathroom. Over the course of the year, she worked with them and saw great progress.

When Scott asked her to talk about Lissette, Monique said she was a beautiful person who would do anything for her son Jason. He had recently experienced bouts of epilepsy, so she would check in on Lissette and Jason, even on weekends, just to make sure he was doing okay and if there was anything she could help with.

Monique started to get emotional when Scott asked about her husband. She said last November, he got sick with a cough he couldn’t get rid of and eventually developed heart failure. The illness ate away at his left ventricle. She said she prayed to God and relied on her family for help. When Scott asked how she would deal with the expensive medical bills, Monique said she would have to get a summer job.

“You were nominated to the Surprise Squad,” Scott said as he handed her an envelope. “That means it’s a good thing.” He explained that the program is sponsored by Valley Toyota Dealers and asked her to unseal the envelope.

Monique gasped when she saw the certificate inside saying she was being awarded $5,000. “I’m going to cry,” she said with happy tears in her eyes and as her coworkers applauded. “He has a surgery coming up, and this will help pay for it.”

“You’re here because of the amazing job you do with your students and your family and here at the school,” Scott said. “So people just want to thank you.”

To submit a nomination for Surprise Squad, click or tap here.

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