I started life as a linguist, studying French as an undergraduate, and intending to be a secondary school French teacher (not High School - because I'm a Brit). But by the time I graduated I couldn't get excited about teaching French all day every day to a lot of reluctant teenagers (French was compulsory in British schools in those days), and it sounded like so much more fun to teach a bit of everything to younger children. So I did. And it was.But then I decided on a Masters, and that changed everything really - because I got hooked on studying and decided to carry on to a PhD. Which is when I crossed the 'Pond' - and got involved in a project which was developing video-based training for paraprofessionals - and got hooked - and haven't stopped working with, and for, paraprofessionals ever since. And crossing the Pond also introduced me to my co-author (and now great friend) Betty Ashbaker, who's been an inspiration, and great fun to work with.So here I am, at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (formerly Swansea Metropolitan) - back with my fellow Brits and running a Foundation degree in Learning Support for education paraprofessionals (something like an Associate Degree, but without the requirement for Gen Ed credits). Though we call them Teaching Assistants, and I have great admiration for the work they do and the responsibilities they willingly take on. So I'm still writing - hoping to influence their work for the good. And still having fun doing it.