Naomi R. Rodriguez, United Federation of Teachers
“I lead with respect, and I require that back. I am accountable and I hold them accountable,” said Naomi Rodriguez. Those qualities and others are central to her success.
As the leader for the United Federation of Teacher’s Teachers Assigned chapter, Rodriguez represents New York City Department of Education employees whose work often parallels that of a school-based teacher. Her work requires her to mentor and support educators from 15 different early childhood programs within public schools and community-based organizations in the pre-K, and 3K settings, and help guide them to the best and most effective teaching practices.
Rodriguez, currently in her 16th year as an educator, began her career as an instructional coordinator 10 years ago and knows intimately the struggles her members face.
In 2022, when the DOE announced its misguided intention to excess the education professionals in the Teachers Assigned chapter, Rodriguez and her members set out to demonstrate the value of this unit by inviting department personnel into the classroom and showing them all the ways that Teachers Assigned contribute.
“We showed them that our work is impactful. We make significant moves within the DOE and we deserve dignity.” It was meaningful to her, too, that parents, teachers and superintendents spoke on their behalf and praised their work. “We are professionals. We do this job not only from a place of leadership, but a place of love,” she said.