CT Congressman Joe Courtney Walks a Day in the Shoes of SEIU Educators
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Courtney visited several classrooms and took part in hands-on curriculum activities and writing assignments, side-by-side with public school paraeducators and members of the SEIU Connecticut State Employee Association (CSEA/SEIU Local 2001).
SEIU members said they wanted to raise awareness about their vital but under-funded and overlooked work in the classroom, so that Rep. Courtney could take the experience with him back to Washington, DC.
“We provide academic and social education, we assist in traditional classroom instruction,” said instructional assistant Carlos Figueroa. “That’s why it’s important for elected officials to see the impact we have.”
After interacting with educators and students, Courtney had a clearer picture of the challenges and complexities faced by public school instructors, which will help him to implement policies for quality education services.
“All students have unique needs, which our schools are better equipped than ever to address, but we have a long way to go to provide them with all the tools and resources they need to perform even better,” Courtney said.