Denia Stoops and her daughter, Christin, both started kindergarten at Kathryn Winn Primary on the same day, though Denia began her career as an instructional assistant while Christin began as a student. Nearly 30 years later, Denia is retiring from a job she loves.
Stoops began her journey in education in 1996 during the KERA (Kentucky Education Reform Act) era, when instructional assistants were often focused on clerical tasks, decorating bulletin boards, and providing occasional support. But over the years, her role evolved.
“As the years have gone by, we’re actually teaching,” Stoops says. “Being taught how to teach the children instead of just making bulletin boards makes it feel like we’re doing something really important. I do like it. I feel like I’m accomplishing something.”
Stoops has seen her fair share of changes at Winn with five principals, various curriculum shifts, and a growing emphasis on instructional support. Through it all, she’s remained committed to the work, especially when it comes to helping the youngest learners.
“I love the kids. Kindergarten is my favorite age group,” she says. “They’re so cute, and I have a lot of fun with them. They’re just fabulous.”
Her own family has been part of her journey, too. Her daughter, Christin Stoops Lewellyn, started kindergarten the same day as her mom. Now, years later, Christin serves as the instructional coach at Carroll County High School.
Her dedication to her work has always been clear, but she also made it a point to give her own children the space to grow independently.
“I wanted my kids to grow on their own,” she says, noting they were not in her classroom.
Looking back, Stoops reflects on the time fondly. She noted that working in school when her children, Tabitha and Christin, were small was the perfect fit.
“I wouldn’t want to be in any other school. I look back and think it really did go fast.”
As she steps into retirement, Stoops is excited to spend more time in her garden and begin traveling. With two daughters, five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, she has plenty of family adventures awaiting her.