Take Five with Bonita Richmond: Special Education Classroom Assistant at Mollison ES

Take Five is a series that highlights some of the many members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our schools. If you know someone who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Mrs. Bonita Richmond, a special education classroom assistant (SECA) at Irvin C. Mollison IB World Elementary School! In the Mollison community, Mrs. Richmond is known as someone who is extremely kind and is always willing to jump in and help anyone who needs support.

Mrs. Richmond has a long history with CPS—she attended Hyde Park Career Academy, and her mother worked in the District as a school clerk for over 20 years! Mrs. Richmond herself worked in multiple roles before becoming a SECA. Her first position with CPS was as a custodian. She found that students frequently came to her for support, and she quickly discovered that she loved working with children. From there, Mrs. Richmond decided to go back to school to earn her associate’s degree and became a teacher assistant. Now as a SECA, she has found a true passion for working with children with disabilities.

What do you love most about your work?

I love seeing how much my students grow. It’s very rewarding to see that spark of creativity in their eyes. My students love learning! Most of all, I love the relationships I’ve built with my students.

What message do you have for your students?

Every day, I tell my students: you can be whoever you want to be, you just have to put in the work and be respectful. Also—you never know who you’re going to meet. You’ll cross paths with good people, and doors will open in ways you might never expect!

What advice would you give your younger self?

If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to “achieve all your goals.” There are some goals that I might have put off because I was busy, and I would tell myself that it doesn’t matter how old you are, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

What is something people might not know about you?

I am planning on going back to school to earn my bachelor's degree in education, and I am totally looking forward to school again. I have a dream of one day opening up my own education system for students with disabilities.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love reading self-help books and cooking, especially Mexican food!