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Aide inspires confidence, smiles
April 23, 2003 If the definition of aide is someone who helps, then Denise Crawford fits the description to a T. For her work on the job, in her local, the Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers, and in her statewide union, New York State United Teachers, Crawford received the union's School-Related Professionals Employee of the Year award. "We are all educators," said Crawford, accepting the award on behalf of all SRP members, saying she was "proud to be a School-Related Professional." Crawford is in her third year working with teacher Donna Terzian in a full-day kindergarten class at the Pennington-Grimes school. Before that she worked as a special education aide. "I feel so confident when she's here," Terzian said in her brightly painted classroom in the Westchester County district. During lunchtime, a group of 5-year-olds spoke up. "I like school and I like Mrs. Crawford - even when she makes us go over our numbers again," said Trevon. "She's pretty great," said Aaron, interrupted by Jordan who shouted: "She does our journals and puts smiles on them." Crawford evokes similar enthusiasm from her union colleagues. Local officers Jeff Yonkers and Beth Rabin said they depend on Crawford's advocacy for SRP members and on her commitment to all members. In recent years Crawford has been the union's representative at many conferences of NYSUT or its national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers. "Besides bringing back information on new regulations, vouchers and tax cut schemes, she brings back to the local a revitalizing enthusiasm," said Yonkers, local president. Crawford said that when she needs a lift, she doesn't have to look farther than her youngsters. "Children look to us, their teachers, their aides, monitors and nurses, for guidance," said Crawford. "For us to continue doing our jobs, we need to keep our unions strong. "Our children, our students are the future," Crawford said, thanking members who are involved in political action for making sure resources are there for public schools. She called on members to increase their involvement in political action and to contribute to their local union's voluntary VOTE-COPE campaign. |
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