APS underpays educational assistants

RECENTLY, THERE have been multiple articles regarding the challenges that employees in different positions are currently facing: worsening inflation, which is impacting food prices and rent, low pay and, in some instances, no benefits. These employees help us so we can work, so our loved ones are cared for and our children are safe and protected. These people are caregivers for N.M.’s elderly and disabled, child care workers for our children and special educational assistants in the public schools who assist our teachers in classes for special needs students. We have been discussing the inequity of pay for these people for years and, in the past 10 years, there has (been) no substantial increase in pay for those holding these positions. So we need not wonder why some of these people are leaving their jobs or why APS has a shortage of educational assistants.

A family member of mine works for APS at a great middle school. She is hired as a special educational assistant for classes with special needs students. Some of her duties in the same 6.5-hour day as teachers consist of: Escorting students as they arrive to school in the a.m. and p.m.; assisting with classroom organization; aiding the teacher by providing secondary support or help with the multiple curriculums for students, as written in their individual educational programs; participating in lunch and playground duty; and providing behavioral and emotional support for certain students who need individual attention to address their unique needs. She has been asked to ”cover” for other employees having lunch and even substitute as the teacher in the class. Her hourly wage is $13.25 — $15,000 yearly. She still lives at home and qualifies for some Medicaid benefits based on her substandard salary. APS, listen up!

MITZI WENCEWICZ Albuquerque