School Aides' Turf War: Who's Best for Special Ed Kids?

Beatrice Garcia knows firsthand the power of special education classroom assistants (SECAs). She credits them for helping her son, JoAngel, communicate and interact with his family. But recent financial strains in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have sparked a turf war between two unions over who should support students with disabilities. CPS laid off hundreds of teacher assistants last year, leading the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) to propose rehiring them to support special ed kids. However, the SEIU Local 73, which represents SECAs, fears this could water down the quality of care. With both roles crucial yet distinct, parents and students are left in the middle. SECAs provide one-on-one tutoring, personal hygiene services, and operate specialized devices for students with complex needs. Teacher assistants, on the other hand, monitor hallways, help with assignments, and provide tutoring under the classroom teacher's supervision. The conflict is about who can best support students with disabilities, given the financial constraints and differing job descriptions. For Garcia, the thought of JoAngel losing his dedicated SECA is worrying. She's not alone. Jeannine Carrasquillo, a SECA at JoAngel's school, knows the kids' needs intimately. She's been their constant, something teacher assistants who don't follow students year-to-year can't offer. The job is demanding, but Carrasquillo feels a strong pull to stay in the community. CTU argues both unions have historically served special ed students, and their proposal would pressure CPS to rehire laid-off teacher assistants. However, SEIU Local 73 worries this would dilute the quality of care SECAs provide. They contend that teacher assistants lack the training and commitment to handle crisis situations effectively. The real victims are the kids, caught in the crosshairs of this union battle. While both roles are essential, the conflict highlights the need for better funding and resource allocation in special education.