Sandie Carner-Shafran

Far from being "just" a secretary, an aide, or an assistant, SRPs say they recognize they have an important part to play in supporting teachers and students, and in helping close the achievement gap.

Twenty-five SRPs from schools across the Capital District met this summer to discuss their professional roles in making schools work for every student.

"SRPs need professional development to support them in their unique positions," said Sandie Carner-Shafran, a member of the NYSUT Board of Directors and a 28-year BOCES teaching assistant.

Carner-Shafran led a workshop sponsored by the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center.

"This workshop is our opportunity to talk about the best ways to use us to help students and develop strategies to close the gap," she said.

Victoria Russell, a veteran teaching assistant from the Brittonkill schools in Rensselaer County, represents her colleagues on the district's professional development committee. "It's important for us to function as part of a team," she said. "Teaching assistants want more professional development so we can better support teachers and students."

The teaching assistant representative for the Brittonkill TA, Russell is one of nine assistants from the Brunswick schools who attended the session. Cheryl Ainspan, a teaching assistant and a leader of the SRP chapter of the Guilderland Central TA, stressed the importance of getting to know students and communicating with parents. And, like her peers, she said SRPs should be compensated for every student-related meeting they attend.

Chris Sprague, an aide from the Hartford schools in Washington County and secretary of the Hartford Non-Instructional Association, raised another common concern: "All of us need more administrative support. Consequences and consistency are keys in dealing with the problems we face."

Carner-Shafran encouraged attendees to continue to be active in their local unions to have a stronger voice on the job. "These members have valuable insights and information," she said.

SRP members of the Argyle TA, the South Colonie Teachers Association, the Capital Region BOCES Teaching Assistants and Aides, and the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES also attended the workshop.