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Our Voices, October 2023

A Washington paraeducator finds her passion and a path to union leadership.
Rochelle Greenwell photographed outdoors

Close-Up

Sparking a Passion for Politics

Early in Rochelle Greenwell’s career, she wanted to help her fellow paraeducators receive more professional development. Her unions, the Washington Education Association (WEA) and the Kent Association of Paraeducators (KAP), provided an avenue for her through a lobbying training program called Poli SPARKS.

She attended her first training in 2018. “After that weekend, I not only was versed on the union’s political advocacy, but I knew I discovered a passion,” says Greenwell, who works at Kent Elementary School.

Poli SPARKS is intended to build curiosity and enthusiasm for political activism and organizing. It’s a two-part training that teaches participants valuable advocacy skills and organizing tips, with a focus on virtual lobbying. Participants interact with insiders and decision-makers at the state capital and get a close-up look at how government works at the state and federal levels.

“It takes a lot to impress me, but when I attended my first Poli SPARKS training in Olympia, all I could say was, ‘Wow!’” Greenwell says.

The program is a hands-on experience offered to all WEA educators in their first six years of working in a public school.

Feeling empowered

Headshot of Rochelle Greenwell

One of the first bills Greenwell lobbied for would allow paraeducators to take 28 hours of professional development paid for by the state. Greenwell was inspired and honored to be the voice of advocacy for all paraeducators in Washington.

“I was so proud when the bill was passed and implemented in 2019,” she says.

Two years after attending her first Poli SPARKS training—and scores of lobbying visits and union meetings later—she is now president of her local association, serving 400 members.

Her first order of business? Visiting schools and connecting with members and potential members.

“I have a strong desire to meet people where they are and let them know the union is there for them, and I am there for them,” Greenwell shares. “This was especially important after the pandemic.

“It is also my job to identify leaders in our schools and train them to make a difference and get involved,” she adds.

While most days still feel chaotic to Greenwell—working in the classroom, leading KAP, and being a mom to her 25-year-old daughter—these are the roles she cherishes.

“They are the roles I know will make a difference to the next generation,” she says.

Marty Gutierrez
Marty Gutierrez
Moses Mitchell

Member Spotlight

A Family Tradition

Marty Gutierrez
Middle School Math Teacher
Westminster, Colorado

The Chicano Movement was born in Denver, in 1969. At the time, my parents were a young couple with a growing family, and they proudly supported the movement’s activists, known as the Crusaders for Justice. However, my parents drew the line at the more militant actions of the time. They believed in the power of education and the strength of reason.

I must have done a lot of eavesdropping on their conversations around the kitchen table, because their values were instilled in me, as were those of my maternal grandfather. For years, my grandfather worked the mines in Colorado and spoke to me about why unions were crucial to workplace safety and financial security.

Today, after 28 years of teaching, I continue to proudly serve as a foot soldier for the Colorado Education Association and my local, the District Twelve Educators’ Association. I will always find the time to say yes to what’s asked of me. I guess you could call it a family tradition.

Quick Takes

What does your perfect day look like?

Quote byErika Zamora , California

“I’m a middle school counselor. A perfect day would be students feeling safe and happy outside of my office and outside of our school.”
—Erika Zamora , California
headshot of Erika Zamora

Quote byGeorge N.

“I get a paycheck proportionate to my skills and qualifications.”
—George N.

Quote byCarol M.

“I’m in Jackson, Miss. We’d have clean running water to drink and flush. Currently, we flush the toilet in the faculty bathroom with the water in a 50-gallon garbage can.”
—Carol M.

Quote byDebbie G.

“A day without administering or prepping for standardized tests.”
—Debbie G.

Quote byFawn J. , Alaska

“Class size under 20, enabling a mix of whole class, collaborative, and independent work.”
—Fawn J. , Alaska

Quote byD. Carlson

“My ‘perfect’ school day would be for admin to leave my Black woman teacher self alone, stop surveilling me, and let me do my job just like everyone else. Ah, bliss!”
—D. Carlson

Quote byArdis G.

“Imaginations engaged!”
—Ardis G.
October 2023 cover of NEA Today magazine print issue

More Education News is Ready for You

In our October issue of NEA Today, we have educators' and students' backs, from shining a light on the mental health crisis in our rural communities, to keeping educators safe from physical harm in the classroom, to advocating for students with disabilities, and more. Learn how educators are making math more relevant, why we can't judge schools based on rankings, and how education support professionals are getting free of student loan debt.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.