The Power of Showing Up -Paraprofessional Appreciation Day - RESPECT
By Vincent Corletta
Way back when I was earning my audio engineering degree, one of my music business instructors would start each lesson with a quote. One class, it read: “Showing up is half the battle.” I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I guess it stuck with me. I try my best to show up to everything my time allows for.
I love this union. I love talking to my fellow union members. I truly love doing all of it.
The events vary—it could be a vice presidential debate, door-knocking in Pennsylvania, meeting the president, phone banking, celebrations, Lobby Day—the list goes on. But the one thing that remains consistent? Paraprofessionals are ALWAYS there! Paraprofessionals show up to everything. Paraprofessionals show up ready to work every day. Now, I will show up for them on Wednesday, April 2nd, at City Hall.
To be clear—I will stand with paraprofessionals. I will rally. I will march. Whatever they need, I am there. And I’m asking all of you to join me, join them, join US! If you haven’t already sign the petition here: Add your name!
I have been so blessed to meet so many incredible paraprofessionals who have taught me so much.
At my old school, Ms. R taught me the secret to classroom management: quiet. As a brand-new teacher in 7th grade ELA, she showed me that loudness begets loudness, and the real secret is quiet. I’m a loud talker by nature, coming from a huge family—I never thought being quiet could command attention. But it did. And it has saved me time and time again.
Then there’s Ms. B, who unapologetically showed up to her classroom wearing her interests on her sleeve—poetry, the genres of books she read. It made a difference in the classroom.
Ms. G-R built a culture in the classroom just by being in it. I was in awe in how effortless it looked at the time, but now I know when things look that easy and they are that good, it comes with experience and a lot of time.
Coach F, who grew up in the same neighborhood as the kids and coached basketball after school.
I cannot imagine being a new teacher in the classroom without the help and brilliance of these paraprofessionals.
I will never forget that Ms. R’s one-to-one student’s family expected her to follow their child all the way to high school. The relationships built between families and students are a true testament to one of my core beliefs: When educators, parents/guardians, and students are on the same page and discussing academics—there is no limit. It’s amazing.
My new school is much larger than my last, which means many more paraprofessionals work there. The Para Rep is an active and integral part of both the consultation and special education committees. They believe in showing up too. They attend chapter outings and other union celebrations. They are so intertwined with the parts of my life that I am passionate about and love.
To my union family outside of school—the paraprofessionals who are chapter leaders, borough and district representatives, the ones who sit on district consultation groups—you model and teach me the power of showing up for the things that matter and build solidarity. You share your experiences and insights with me every time we speak.
Again, paraprofessionals are always showing up, every single day. The very least I can do is show up—and try to get others to show up—Wednesday, April 2nd, at City Hall. It’s an honor to stand with and beside you all.
The word “unprecedented” has carried a bad connotation since around 2016. But the RESPECT Pay for Paraprofessionals through City Council helps turn that around. Pattern bargaining has never been broken, and I want to give a major shoutout to those who thought of this and are actively working to address the pay paraprofessionals receive.
And of course, as educators, we don’t just bring something to the table that is one-and-done. The extrapolations tickle my imagination—new possibilities for other titles, even other unions. Call me biased, or call me more informed, but I believe that educators are extremely capable of creating new ways and avenues to help one another.
On Wednesday, April 2nd, I will be at City Hall, showing up for the people and the chapter who show up every day and to everything.
Join me. Let’s show the city the power of showing up and showing out.