HARTFORD—Beginning today, paraeducators united in CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 will be among the hundreds of participants from across the country coming to Hartford for the annual conference of the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals' (NRCP). The opportunity to co-sponsor the event is in keeping with the union's commitment to close the "achievement gap" for Connecticut's schoolchildren and the "economic gap" for the paraeducators who serve them.
CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 members from many of the thirty-five school districts and regional service centers where it represents paraeducators will attend the educational workshops, training sessions, and seminars scheduled through Saturday. The conference is being held at the Hilton Hartford Hotel, located at 315 Trumbull Street in Hartford. Additional information, including scheduled workshops and presenters, is available online at the NRCP's website at www.nrcpara.org.
"I have been a paraprofessional for fourteen years, and what we really need is relevant professional development" said Anne Feeney, who works in Avon Pubic Schools. "That's why I appreciate our union sponsoring us to attend this conference" Feeney, the vice-president of the union's Chapter representing the district's paraprofessionals continued.
CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 has recently formed a Paraprofessional Council for its 2,100 member paraeducators to provide the voice needed to raise standards for their profession and for Connecticut's public education. Despite their critical contributions to instructional and related support services, Connecticut's paraeducators earn an average of less than $13 per hour, far below a livable wage, driving many out of the profession.
"'Paras' are the lowest wage earners in our local district" said Tana Bradley, a special education paraprofessional at New Farfield Middle School. "I'm looking forward to the chance to learn from other paras who have succeeded in raising their standards" Bradley, the President of the union's chapter representing paraprofessionals in the district, concluded.
CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 represents 25,000 active and retired public sector workers serving in state and municipal agencies, as well as local school districts across Connecticut. Membership also includes workers with non-profit organizations and private companies contracted to provide public services. Visit www.seiu2001.org online for more information about how its member paraeducators are working to improve public education for our children, our families, and our communities.