For Shimica Mayfield, serving Trenton’s students is a passion and a family legacy. A proud mother of Zaire, a Norfolk State University graduate now working as an Information Technology system specialist, and Jaxson, a seventh grader, Mayfield’s roots in Trenton run deep. Her mother spent more than three decades in Trenton Public Schools, retiring as a special education teacher after being a secretary in the district for many years. Her brother recently retired as a guidance counselor at Trenton Central High School. Carrying that dedication forward, Mayfield has been a paraprofessional for more than 27 years at Gregory School, PJ Hill and Darlene C. McKnight Elementary Schools.
Mayfield worked at Gregory School for 12 years, which is the elementary school she attended as a child, and cried when she was transferred to a new school.
“Working at the same school that I attended from Pre-K to seventh grade meant so much to me,” Mayfield says. “Giving back to children in my own community is so special to me. When I started in education, some of the same teachers I had were there. I loved being able to tell my students that I grew up in this community and attended these schools. I feel a connection with them. I see them out in the community. That’s important for me.”
Mayfield started working with prekindergarten students and felt like a second mother to them.
“A paraprofessional wears so many hats,” Mayfield says. “I’m not their mother, but I’m someone who will support, comfort and encourage them when they need it. It’s much more than just academics.”
Mayfield currently works with students primarily in second and third grade.
“My main job is to assist the teacher, and I am an additional support for the students, emotionally and academically.”
Mayfield enjoys being part of her students’ journeys in life.
“I love seeing a child have a lightbulb moment,” she says. “I love seeing them so happy when they learn something. I’m just little old me, but I’m playing a part in their education.”
Mayfield’s community connections are powerful. Everywhere she goes, she runs into former students or their families.
“Recently, I was at the doctor’s office, and the nurse was telling his coworkers that he remembers me from school. You never know what impact you had on a student.”
In addition to her work with students, Mayfield is an active member of her local, county and statewide unions. She serves as a building representative for paraprofessionals in her building. She is also the ESP chairperson for the Mercer County Education Association (MCEA) and serves on the county legislative action team, public relations and human and civil rights committees. In addition, she serves as an ESPAN captain. At the statewide level, she is on the NJEA Member Benefits Committee and enjoys learning and sharing about how members can save money.
“I’ve been a member for so long, but I didn’t know about a lot of these resources and services,” Mayfield says. “I like sharing this information with my colleagues.”
Mayfield was excited and happy to learn that she had been named the 2026-27 Mercer County ESP of the Year.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen,” Mayfield says. “I feel grateful that someone thought to nominate me and choose me as the Mercer County ESP of the Year. When the county president called to tell me, I told him he made my day. I smiled all day!”