Each May, California salutes the important contributions of classified school employees during Classified School Employee Week (other states celebrate classified school employees during different times of the year). Classified staff include paraprofessionals, office/clerical staff, as well as other classified staff, such as custodians, bus drivers, and business managers.
As a former staffer for a classified employees union, I have seen firsthand the great work of classified employees and the struggles that they endure. Though many of these workers are not actually in the classroom, they very much educate our students. They do all this work and are often the lower-wage earners on the campus, scrambling to piece enough hours together to qualify for health care. This is why we honor these workers on our California campus’ during Classified School Employees Week May 18-24.
Classified employees work hard to educate and care for our children. Bus drivers must maintain calm and order with their backs to the students while driving. (I knew one bus driver who played cool jazz to create a tranquil environment for the students’ 1-hour daily commute.) Special education paraeducator’s work hard to connect with their students, helping them learn their lessons, and making sure they are safe. Cafeteria workers keep an eye out for students to make sure they nourish while working in hot kitchens. Custodians watch out for students and staff, often providing a welcoming vibe as they move through the building.
These are only a few of the types of classified employees who care for our students.
When I advocated on behalf of my members, I noticed that not all school boards remember these hard workers. Oftentimes, when the board referred to staff, you could tell they really meant teachers. I had to re-train the school board and, sometimes even administrators, to be more conscientious of my members and the variety of workers at the school.
Address the well-being of each type of classified employee
This week of recognition is a great time to remind districts to craft well-being programs that are relevant to all employees. A great way to do this is when district leaders want to start well-being programs, to reach out to all relevant unions to co-create the program. It’s important to make sure any well-being program considers the uniqueness and variety of classified workers, as well as teachers and administrators.
Hands-on-trainings, not computer-driven well-being
Since many classified employees don’t sit in front of a computer to do their work, incorporating well-being into classified workers’ trainings will go much further than sending out an email. Bus drivers, cafeteria workers, paraeducators, custodians, etc. all have some type of required training. Why not train managers/trainers to include mindfulness or gratitude into these trainings as well?
Tailor wellness to physical demands of the job
Consider that classified employees often face physical and emotional demands unique to their roles. For instance, custodians may benefit greatly from ergonomics training to reduce physical strain, while bus drivers and paraeducators could use mindfulness techniques specifically tailored to stress management during challenging commutes or classrooms. Cafeteria and other classified workers, who spend long hours standing and performing repetitive tasks, might find value in brief guided stretching or breathing exercises incorporated directly into their shifts.
Recognizing the distinct needs of classified employees not only helps ensure their well-being but also communicates respect and acknowledgment for their vital contributions. Districts that have successfully implemented such tailored well-being initiatives have seen increased morale, reduced absenteeism, and higher job satisfaction among staff members. Furthermore, when classified employees feel genuinely supported, the positive effects ripple through the entire school environment, benefiting students, teachers, and administrators alike.
Collaborative efforts for lasting impact
To make a meaningful impact, wellness programs must go beyond a one-size-fits-all solutions. Active collaboration between district leadership, unions, and classified employee representatives is essential. These partnerships can identify specific areas of need, create relevant training materials, and establish ongoing support systems that reflect the realities of classified employees’ daily experiences.
As we celebrate California’s Classified School Employees Week, let’s commit to honoring our classified staff not only through appreciation events but also by embedding lasting, meaningful well-being practices into their professional lives. By doing so, we invest not just in their personal health and job satisfaction but also in the overall quality of education and the support they provide for our students.
Remember, true appreciation means acknowledging the diverse roles classified workers play and ensuring our wellness initiatives genuinely reflect their experiences and contributions as well.
