Educational Assistants Play A Key Role In Schools

By Susan Coney

All Newtown schools have them and they often go unnoticed; they work quietly in the background guiding, assisting, and providing the school system with much-needed services. With smaller paychecks and less recognition, the educational assistants do a great deal to help provide students and staff with the best support possible, which results in superior education for the children.

In Newtown the educational assistants provide a wide range of services from tutoring and re-teaching to overseeing the students in the lunchroom. In whatever capacity they serve all have one thing in common; they do it because they love to work with children. Most have college degrees and those who do not have had to take and pass a rigorous statewide test to keep their positions.

This silent group of dedicated individuals has been working without a contract since July 2004. International Union Representative David LaFemmina said, “Theoretically the current contract remains in force until a new contract is accepted. You work under the current contract stipulations, but no pay increases can be given.” He went on to say that after two failed mediation sessions there has been a total breakdown in the negotiations and the union has filed for arbitration, which will not take place until December. According to a memo from the superintendent’s office, the Board of Education has already spent $18,899 in attorney fees concerning contract negotiations of the assistants from March 2004 to March 2005.

Of most importance to the group is the continuation of health benefits and working conditions. Currently, educational assistants qualify for health benefits if they work 27.5 hours per week or more. In a meeting to discuss contract negotiations, Superintendent Evan Pitkoff reassured the educational assistant representatives that he would not decrease hours of a full-time employee in order to decrease health benefits. That is good news to educational assistant Denise Mancini who stressed, “I need my health benefits and that is my biggest concern; if they cut my hours I’m afraid they may take away my benefits. They shouldn’t take away benefits from people who already receive them.”

Ms Mancini has been an assistant for six years. She is currently working at Reed Intermediate School and prior to that worked at Newtown Middle School. “I love my job! It’s the best job I have ever had, outside of being a mother,” she beamed. Ms Mancini went on to say that the teachers have so many children on so many different levels to work with. “They have a really tough job. Without assistants in the classroom it would be more difficult for the teacher to give all the extra assistance needed for those children who fall behind,” she said.

One of Ms Mancini’s students said, “She helps me study for my tests and get me to write. She helps me get organized and helps me in math. The best thing about her is she’s really kind.” That seems to be the opinion of most of the students asked about the assistants that worked with them. “Sometimes it’s as simple as an adult who is there to listen to them, kind of like an at-school mom. We spend more time with our students than anyone else, we know them best,” said one assistant who wished to remain anonymous.

At Reed School as well as several other schools, the assistants are responsible for helping to keep the students focused and on task. They help the students with organizational skills, help them to prioritize their work, and provide assistance in gathering project and homework materials. The assistants also provide the students with study guides and graphic organizers. They modify work and tests when necessary. Many correspond with parents on a daily basis via the student planner. Others provide weekly progress reports. In certain settings the educational assistant may be available for extra help before or after school at no charge depending on that particular schools schedule.

Some students require more intensive assistance with transportation, dietary issues, social skills,and hygiene needs, all of which are addressed by educational assistants.

Maryann Mark has been an assistant at the middle school for more than 13 years. She is the mother of five and formerly taught science. She is also co-president of the Educational Assistants Union. “Diane Sherlock [principal of Newtown Middle School] has always included us,” she said, adding, “We are members of the staff, there is no discrimination. She is wonderful. The cluster of teachers I work with — Shari Oliver, Betsy Stevens, Val Leone, and Kathy McGivern — treat me as their colleague.” Ms Mark went on to say, “We don’t do it for the pay, we do it for the love of children. Our goal is to make the students independent, self-directed learners,” she said.

Principal Jo-Ann Peters from Hawley School said when speaking of the assistants, “They are a tremendous support to the students and staff, especially in kindergarten, and in the areas of reading, writing, and math. They are properly trained and supported. They are an outstanding, well-educated group. Because we expect so much of our teachers with differentiation they are able to help support the teacher in reteaching and reinforcement.” Also when referring to the lunch period and the fact that Hawley School does not have a cafeteria, Ms Peters stated emphatically, “We can’t do it without the educational assistants, not without a cafeteria.”

Sandy Hook Assistant Principal Cathy Mazzariello summed it up by saying that the educational assistants serve in so many different capacities in the school. She went on to say that they were a vital part and are critically needed during the teaching times of the day when core subjects are being taught. She continued,  “We are fortunate that our assistants are well educated. They provide support, organizational skills, and an opportunity for the child to talk one-on one to an adult.”