Our Paraprofessional Council
Building a Union for Connecticut's Paraeducators
Southington Schools Chapter Members Maureen Kristopik, Judith Roberge, Wendy Borkowski, Deborah Stevens, and Susan Yorski at Our Union's Convention in September 2010
In February of 2008, CSEA/SEIU Local 2001's Executive Council voted to approve the Paraprofessional Council By-Laws that our Organizing Committee proposed and presidents of Municipal Division Chapters representing paras previously ratified. Members then came from all over Connecticut to our "Kick-Off" at our union hall and elected the leaders from among the Council's thirty-five chapters to provide guidance for the first two years.
Our Council represents the range of job classifications school districts across the state have given to their paraeducators -- instructional assistants, classroom aides, tutors, ed trainers, and "one-on-ones," are but a few. But regardless of the different names we are given, we share a common objective to raise the profile of all paras across the state.
As we look forward to improving the classroom experience for the children our members instruct and educate, it is clear that we need to build power for paraeducators. The simple fact is that Boards of Education and school administrators do not truly appreciate or value the work of paras, which has resulted in limiting our voices on the job.
September 24 Para Council Meeting & Training
May 2011 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes (coming soon)
January 2011 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes (coming soon)
November 2010 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes
September 2010 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes
Photos from May 2010 Para Council Meeting & Elections
January 2010 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes
November 2009 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes
September 2009 Para Council Delegates Meeting minutes
Blog entry on May 2009 Para Council Meeting and Training
Blog entry with report-back on May 2008 "Kick-Off" Meeting
Blog entry announcing our new Council
Approved draft of Paraprofessional Council By-Laws
Paraprofessional Council recruiting brochure
