A special education teacher in the Apache Junction Unified School District died Saturday from COVID-19, the district confirmed on Monday.
Jane Kelly joined the district in 2012 as a substitute paraeducator working with special education children. She became a certified teacher in 2018 and had been working at Apache Junction High School this year, the district said. She was in her 70s.
"Jane Kelly will be missed by both students and adults she worked with throughout the district," AJUSD said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and loved ones."
Kelly was always willing to work with students and help wherever she needed her, the district said. A colleague told the district that every morning Kelly danced with an endless smile and "was the heartbeat" of the district's special ed students.
"Kids loved learning and they loved her. A true AJHS hero," a colleague wrote of Kelly. "I am humbled to have worked with this warrior of love and hope."
