At McKinley Elementary, Sanaa Shbaita, a beloved and devoted paraeducator, radiates a positive and uplifting attitude that reflects on the students at her school.
“There’s a need, and that’s children, children come first,” said Sanaa.
Sanaa has been a part of the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) community for over 20 years. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment has made her an invaluable part of the McKinley Elementary community, as well as several others within CNUSD. While her official title is Paraeducator, Sanaa’s influence extends far beyond the classroom.
“I don’t consider myself just a paraeducator,” said Sanaa. “I consider myself a well-rounded employee and I can fit wherever I’m needed to be. That’s what we do here at McKinley, it’s all hands on deck.”
Sanaa’s impact reaches even further through her involvement in events like the Festival of the Arts and the Cultural Festival, creating a sense of belonging and celebrating diversity. In addition to these efforts, Sanaa also plays a vital role in supporting students with special needs through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring that each of her students receive the tailored attention needed to thrive.
At McKinley, Sanaa established the Homework and Reading Clubs for students who need extra academic support, offering herself as a resource for students who may need extra guidance.
At the heart of Sanaa’s involvement, is her own experience as a parent navigating an unfamiliar school system. Before becoming a staff and community member, her journey with the CNUSD community began as a parent over 20 years ago when her first child started school. Like many parents, Sanaa felt the usual nerves of dropping off her oldest child for the first time. However, it was that first sense of welcome and acceptance that would influence Sanaa’s future involvement.
“She’s retired now but her name is Mrs. Ruth Beechen. She was the first happy face that accepted my child,” said Sanaa. “If I had not found that big heart that absorbed me and my child, I would never have brought my other children here.”
She explains how that first impression made a lasting impact that would eventually inspire her to become an advocate for other parents and students facing similar situations. This personal experience of navigating an unfamiliar education system motivated Sanaa to dedicate herself to supporting English Learner students, ensuring they feel seen, understood, and empowered in the school community.
“I don’t navigate only for the Arabic speaking parents; I navigate for all immigrants who come here. When they see somebody immigrant, someone like them...that makes them feel more comfortable,” said Sanaa.
CNUSD serves a diverse community of families and students with many cultural and ethnic backgrounds, as well as a significant number of students with a wide range of unique needs. Sanaa’s ability to connect with and support both groups comes from her genuine care and deep empathy in making each family and student feel seen.
“My dream position is to be a liaison between CNUSD and our immigrant families to make things smoother for them and give them the tools on how to navigate their children’s education,” said Sanaa.
She especially advocates for her English learner students, constantly ensuring that they are not overlooked in the classroom as she recalls being in their shoes at one point. Sanaa explains that when a student appears disengaged, it’s often because they struggle to understand the material due to the language barrier. She ensures they don’t feel isolated because of this challenge.
“I often have those students here in my classroom or I go to the playground and talk to them, make sure they have friends and that they’re not getting bullied. At one point in my life, I was that student in my elementary years,” Sanaa said.
Sanaa’s heart is dedicated to supporting all students, not just those in her classroom. She recalls noticing a new student who was having attendance issues. As she greets students every morning, Sanaa took the initiative to approach the student and begin building a connection.
“I went up to her and I told her ‘You know what, you’re the reason I come to work’ and she smiled and walked away. Every day after I’d ask her, ‘Hey how’s it going? I like your shirt’ and I started building that communication with her,” said Sanaa.
On the day of that student's promotion, she hugged Sanaa and said she would miss her. Reflecting on the moment, Sanaa shared she didn’t know the student’s grade or homework completion but knew she was providing the student with the emotional support she needed. For Sanaa, focusing on the student’s emotional well-being is critical.
Sanaa’s genuine love and passion for what she does is evident in every aspect of her work, leaving a lasting impression on the families and students around her. To this day, Sanaa still receives expressions of gratitude and updates from families, some whom have become friends even after their children have left the district.
What began as a nervous parent dropping off her child at school has transformed into a journey of lasting impact. Over the years, Sanaa has actively participated in district-wide efforts, serving in roles such as Reflection Chair Member, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Booster President, Vice President, and Member. She has also represented families on key committees like the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the District-Level English Learner Advisory Commitee (DELAC & ELAC).
Across these various communities, Sanaa has advocated for the diverse needs of students, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. Having navigated the CNUSD education system with her four children, who are now thriving, Sanaa’s journey reflects her profound dedication not only to her own family but to the entire CNUSD and McKinley school community.