Learn more about Rhonika Daniels, the new Vice President for the Christina Paraprofessionals Association and a classroom para at The Brennen School. Daniels has worked in public education since 2016, taking a full-time position in 2019 after earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware.
... on why she chose a career in public education
"I started working for Brennen during Summer School (broke college student looking for a summer job) and I fell in love with the Autism Program. I was in awe of all of the different staff and age groups I came across and how completely different and individualized things were, looking from one classroom to the next. I found myself wanting to be part of making an impact that I got to see from such amazing Educators."
... on how she first got involved with her union
"After I got a contract and education started shifting with COVID, I found myself a lot of times asking 'why', 'who', 'how' relating to things that were being done in my building as well as in the District. Issues around the day-to-day operations across the entire district. As time went on and education continued to adapt and evolve, I found myself no longer able to sit back and take a passive role. My frustration with the challenges we all face fueled my desire to become part of the 'why', 'who' and 'how', where decisions and changes where concerned. I became a building rep, a member of my buildings liaison, eventually secretary of the CPA Contract Negotiation Committee, and now I am stepping into the role of Vice President for the Christina Para Association."
... on what public education needs to fix going forward
"Without a doubt, public education needs to fix the incredible workload put onto not only Paras, but also teachers, specialists, secretaries, bus staff, etc."
... on the local association and/or personal accomplishments she is most proud of
"The commitment the CPA contract negotiations committee and the CSD contract committee members put into helping update our contract into something that benefits the entire district, every CSD para, and, in turn, all of our students."
... on what she wants potential members to know
"There is no time like the present to take a small step towards becoming more in control over your work as a para! Your voice matters, and becoming a union member is the gateway to being able to make a difference."
... on what she wants current members to know
"Make yourself seen! Be active and show up when you see a call to action. As Kyle Lynch, former Vice President of the CPA, once told me 'There is no better advocate to fight for you and what you want than you'."
Member Spotlight: Rhonika Daniels
Learn more about Rhonika Daniels, the new Vice President for the Christina Paraprofessionals Association and a classroom para at The Brennen School. Daniels has worked in public education since 2016, taking a full-time position in 2019 after earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware.
... on why she chose a career in public education
"I started working for Brennen during Summer School (broke college student looking for a summer job) and I fell in love with the Autism Program. I was in awe of all of the different staff and age groups I came across and how completely different and individualized things were, looking from one classroom to the next. I found myself wanting to be part of making an impact that I got to see from such amazing Educators."
... on how she first got involved with her union
"After I got a contract and education started shifting with COVID, I found myself a lot of times asking 'why', 'who', 'how' relating to things that were being done in my building as well as in the District. Issues around the day-to-day operations across the entire district. As time went on and education continued to adapt and evolve, I found myself no longer able to sit back and take a passive role. My frustration with the challenges we all face fueled my desire to become part of the 'why', 'who' and 'how', where decisions and changes where concerned. I became a building rep, a member of my buildings liaison, eventually secretary of the CPA Contract Negotiation Committee, and now I am stepping into the role of Vice President for the Christina Para Association."
... on what public education needs to fix going forward
"Without a doubt, public education needs to fix the incredible workload put onto not only Paras, but also teachers, specialists, secretaries, bus staff, etc."
... on the local association and/or personal accomplishments she is most proud of
"The commitment the CPA contract negotiations committee and the CSD contract committee members put into helping update our contract into something that benefits the entire district, every CSD para, and, in turn, all of our students."
... on what she wants potential members to know
"There is no time like the present to take a small step towards becoming more in control over your work as a para! Your voice matters, and becoming a union member is the gateway to being able to make a difference."
... on what she wants current members to know
"Make yourself seen! Be active and show up when you see a call to action. As Kyle Lynch, former Vice President of the CPA, once told me 'There is no better advocate to fight for you and what you want than you'."