This past election, NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members fought for the future, to strengthen the two foundations of the middle class, unions and public education. Through our work, we elected candidates who understand the importance of organized labor and who are pro-public education. We fought and we won the battle.
Now we need to use this victory to build the future. With the 2013 legislative session starting this month and bargaining for all three unions beginning this spring, we find ourselves in a unique position: we have the opportunity to help craft the future of education in Washington state and here in the Northshore School District. State Legislators, the Northshore School Board and administration, and Northshore parents need to hear our collective voice. Our professional work as educators (teachers, librarians, para-educators, nurses, office managers, etc.) directly impacts the quality of education in Northshore.
See below for some samples stories to inspire you!
SAMPLE STORIES
Below are some samples stories about the professional needs facing NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members to help you as you write your own story on the front of this page. We only need a paragraph or two. These stories may be used with for lobbying efforts, at the bargaining table, and on Association websites and newsletters. We may ask some of you to be videotaped reading your story.
NSEA:
The greatest challenge for me as a teacher—and for my students—is class size. When the number of students in my class makes it impossible for me to sleep at night, something has to be done. Though it is not good for me, I often lay in bed at night, concerned for my students. If my class size was 15, or even 20, rather than the 38 I currently have in my 3rd period class, I would do so much more with my students. They would get more individualized instruction and I would be better able to give them the social and emotional support they so desperately need. Not only has the size of the class increase, but so has the demography. There are three ELL students (new to the U.S.), two with 504 plans, and five learning center students in my class of 38. I love my students, but there simply isn’t enough of me to meet all of their needs. It breaks my heart.
NESPA:
I’m a Special Education Paraeducator. I love my school, my students, and my job, but I have to work a second job to make ends meet. I’m exhausted much of the time, and not always at my best for my students. I wish that were not true.
I have been here for 10 years, and make $17.36 per hour. The most I can get is 6 ½ hours per day, so that’s less than $22,000 per year. My take-home pay, after I pay for medical benefits for my kids, is about $1,500 per month. That covers my rent and a few other things.
The work that I and other Paraeducators do is essential for our students, and for the teachers we assist. I have a Bachelors degree, and have become very good at this work. We deserve to be paid decently.
NEOPA:
With the student population increasing on a daily basis within our building I find it challenging to not have the office support and experience needed to meet time frames expected. My concern with the boundary changes is that the need will become even greater to have additional experienced office personnel. Based on the NEOPA contract the student count does not warrant additional office personnel. This ultimately creates a workload that potentially could become very difficult for one person to manage on an on-going basis.
Now we need to use this victory to build the future. With the 2013 legislative session starting this month and bargaining for all three unions beginning this spring, we find ourselves in a unique position: we have the opportunity to help craft the future of education in Washington state and here in the Northshore School District. State Legislators, the Northshore School Board and administration, and Northshore parents need to hear our collective voice. Our professional work as educators (teachers, librarians, para-educators, nurses, office managers, etc.) directly impacts the quality of education in Northshore.
With this in mind, please write a paragraph or two about the professional challenges facing you, your school, and/or your students. Click here to share your story.
See below for some samples stories to inspire you!
SAMPLE STORIES
Below are some samples stories about the professional needs facing NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members to help you as you write your own story on the front of this page. We only need a paragraph or two. These stories may be used with for lobbying efforts, at the bargaining table, and on Association websites and newsletters. We may ask some of you to be videotaped reading your story.
NSEA:
The greatest challenge for me as a teacher—and for my students—is class size. When the number of students in my class makes it impossible for me to sleep at night, something has to be done. Though it is not good for me, I often lay in bed at night, concerned for my students. If my class size was 15, or even 20, rather than the 38 I currently have in my 3rd period class, I would do so much more with my students. They would get more individualized instruction and I would be better able to give them the social and emotional support they so desperately need. Not only has the size of the class increase, but so has the demography. There are three ELL students (new to the U.S.), two with 504 plans, and five learning center students in my class of 38. I love my students, but there simply isn’t enough of me to meet all of their needs. It breaks my heart.
NESPA:
I’m a Special Education Paraeducator. I love my school, my students, and my job, but I have to work a second job to make ends meet. I’m exhausted much of the time, and not always at my best for my students. I wish that were not true.
I have been here for 10 years, and make $17.36 per hour. The most I can get is 6 ½ hours per day, so that’s less than $22,000 per year. My take-home pay, after I pay for medical benefits for my kids, is about $1,500 per month. That covers my rent and a few other things.
The work that I and other Paraeducators do is essential for our students, and for the teachers we assist. I have a Bachelors degree, and have become very good at this work. We deserve to be paid decently.
NEOPA:
With the student population increasing on a daily basis within our building I find it challenging to not have the office support and experience needed to meet time frames expected. My concern with the boundary changes is that the need will become even greater to have additional experienced office personnel. Based on the NEOPA contract the student count does not warrant additional office personnel. This ultimately creates a workload that potentially could become very difficult for one person to manage on an on-going basis.
