Tracy Carlisi has worked at the West Windsor-Plainsboro (WWP) School District since April 2006, serving students with special needs for nearly 19 years. She began her career as a bus aide, helping students during their daily commute to and from school.
Over time, she moved into the role of a Special Needs Aide, where she provides direct support to students with disabilities in the classroom.
Her work includes helping students with daily tasks, supporting classroom instruction, and implementing individualized education plans. Her long service shows her commitment to special education and making a positive impact on students’ lives.
Background Information Tracy Carlisi
The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District serves students from West Windsor Township and Plainsboro Township in New Jersey.
The district ranks as the fifth best in New Jersey and 73rd nationally according to Niche.com‘s 2025 rankings. With 10 schools serving Pre-K through grade 12, the district maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.1:1.
District Excellence
The district belongs to Factor Group “J,” the highest socioeconomic category in New Jersey’s education system. Both high schools consistently rank among the state’s top performers, with students scoring an average of 1351/1600 on SATs, significantly higher than the state average of 1080/1600.
Special Education Support
The district shows a strong commitment to inclusive education through its special needs programs. Tracy Carlisi has been part of this commitment since April 2006. Her career began as a bus aide, working 6.5 hours daily at $14.51 per hour in 2011-2012, which increased to $16.83 by 2018-2019.
Tracy’s Career Progress
Tracy started as a bus aide, helping students during their daily commute. Her duties included:
- Assisting students boarding and exiting buses
- Ensuring proper seating and safety rule compliance
- Supporting young children and those with special needs
She later moved into her current role as a Special Needs Aide, where she provides direct classroom support, implements individualized education plans, and helps students with daily tasks. Her nearly 19-year tenure demonstrates her lasting impact on special education at WWP.
Career Progression of Tracy Carlis
Tracy Carlisi’s career at WWP School District has shown steady growth since her start in April 2006. Her career progression spans nearly 19 years, marking significant professional development in special education.
Early Career Phase
As a bus aide in 2011-2012, Tracy worked 6.5 hours daily at $14.51 per hour. Her responsibilities included helping students board and exit buses, ensuring proper seating, and maintaining safety protocols.
Salary and Position Growth
- Her hourly rate increased to $16.83 by 2018-2019
- In 2021, her annual salary was $21,181
Role Evolution
Tracy’s career path shows two main phases:
Initial Role (2006-2018)
- Started as a bus aide
- Focused on transportation safety
- Worked with special needs students during commutes
Current Position
- Transitioned to Special Needs Aide
- Provides direct classroom support
- Implements individualized education plans
- Works directly with teachers and students
Professional Commitment
Her nearly two-decade tenure at WWP demonstrates her dedication to special education. She continues to serve at the district’s special education department, supporting students with various learning needs and contributing to their academic success.
Contributions to Special Education
Tracy Carlisi’s role as a Special Needs Aide at WWP School District has made a significant impact on special education. Her daily work involves direct support to students with various learning challenges, helping them succeed in their academic journey.
Core Responsibilities
- Assists students with daily classroom activities
- Supports teachers in implementing lesson plans
- Helps students with personal care and mobility needs
- Monitors student progress and behavior
- Documents student achievements and challenges
- Participates in educational team meetings
Direct Student Support
Tracy works one-on-one with students to:
- Break down complex tasks into manageable steps
- Provide emotional support during challenging situations
- Help with organization and time management
- Support social interactions with peers
- Assist with physical activities and movements
- Guide students through daily routines
Classroom Impact
In the classroom setting, she:
- Creates a positive learning environment
- Helps maintain student focus during lessons
- Adapts materials to meet individual student needs
- Supports behavior management strategies
- Facilitates group activities and peer interactions
School Community Influence
Her work extends beyond individual students to benefit the entire school community:
- Promotes understanding of special needs among staff and students
- Share insights with teachers about student progress
- Helps bridge communication between parents and teachers
- Supports school-wide inclusion initiatives
- Participates in special education team meetings
Tracy’s long-term commitment to special education at WWP has helped create a more inclusive school environment. Her work supports the district’s goal of providing quality education to all students, regardless of their learning needs.
Through her daily interactions and consistent support, she helps students build confidence, develop skills, and achieve their educational goals.
Recognition and Influence of Tracy Carlis
Tracy Carlisi’s work at WWP School District has earned recognition through her consistent service and positive impact on special education. Her nearly 19-year tenure shows her strong commitment to helping students with special needs.
Professional Recognition
Her career progression reflects the district’s trust in her abilities:
- Started at $14.51 per hour in 2011-2012
- Advanced to $16.83 per hour by 2018-2019
- Reached an annual salary of $21,181 by 2021
Impact on School Community
Her influence extends across several areas:
Student Support
- Helps students achieve educational goals
- Provides essential daily assistance
- Creates supportive learning environments
Team Collaboration
- Works closely with teachers to implement education plans
- Shares expertise with fellow staff members
- Contributes to special education team meetings
Parent Relations
- Acts as a bridge between families and school
- Provides regular updates on student progress
- Builds trust with parents through consistent communication
Tracy’s long-term dedication has helped shape WWP’s special education program. Her work supports the district’s mission of providing quality education to all students. Through her daily efforts, she has helped create a more inclusive school environment where students with special needs can thrive and succeed.
Read More: UGA eLC: Guide to the University of Georgia’s eLearning Commons
Challenges faced by Tracy Carlisi
Tracy Carlisi faces several key challenges in her role as a Special Needs Aide at WWP School District. These include managing administrative tasks that can lead to stress and burnout, working within limited federal funding for special education programs, and adapting to varied student needs with restricted resources.
Like many special education professionals, she must balance providing individual student attention while dealing with complex paperwork and compliance requirements. Despite these obstacles, she continues to serve students with dedication in her nearly 19-year career.
Conclusion
Tracy Carlisi’s 19-year career at WWP School District shows her lasting impact on special education. Starting as a bus aide and progressing to a Special Needs Aide, she has helped countless students succeed in their educational journey.
Her daily work supporting students with disabilities, implementing education plans, and creating an inclusive learning environment has made a real difference in students’ lives. Her dedication and long service prove how vital special education professionals are in helping all students reach their potential.
