In addition to the positive impact of their work in the classroom, Andrea Rapp and Peri Swetzof champion the diverse interests of many different types of jobs at Clackamas Education Service District as co-presidents of the CESD Education Association.
The Education Association represents 160 licensed staff members across Clackamas ESD’s special education, early learning and teaching and learning programs. Staff in licensed positions have completed higher education and earned licenses to be certified to teach students, lead continuing education training for staff, serve as social skills specialists, and provide speech, physical and occupational therapy.
Andrea, an inclusion coach in our early learning department, was the union’s vice president for six years before serving her first term as co-president this year. She notes that in the past two years, licensed staff have worked hard to serve children and families in a constantly changing environment.
“Our staff continue to meet kids and families where they are. We might see kids at school, then pivot to serving them at home, and then back again,” Andrea explains.
Peri, a Life Enrichment Education Program teacher, is also serving her first term as co-president of the Education Association. The compassion and dedication of the licensed staff continually inspire Peri.
“I see how much our staff care about our kiddos in the classroom, how they experience the world and how they are treated within that world,” Peri raves. Her positive attitude and optimism are key traits that guide her leadership in the union.
“Anyone who knows me knows I have a smile when the world is a hurricane around me,” Peri shares. “I truly, truly believe in what we could be as a district.”
As their first terms as co-presidents come to a close, Andrea and Peri are proud to have supported staff through the challenges of the pandemic and labor shortages and, as of June 17, leading the union to a tentative collective bargaining agreement that union members and the Clackamas ESD Board of Directors will vote on in the coming weeks. A highlight of the tentative agreement includes significant compensation adjustments to help retain and recruit instructional staff and stay competitive in the marketplace.
Their devotion to their work in the classroom, as well as their work for the union, is admirable.
“What you probably don’t know is how much work they put in behind the scenes beyond their actual day-to-day jobs,” says Clackamas ESD Board Member Greg McKenzie.
Andrea and Peri hope to be elected for another term as co-presidents in the election to be held in the fall of 2023.
