FEATURE
Member Focus CSEW
Celebrate Classified School Employee Week (CSEW) May 18-24, 2025, with the theme Trusted Inclusive United!
By Maya Sabatino
Each May, California acknowledges the indispensable hard work, dedication, and passion of classified employees by celebrating CSEW.
"Classified School Employee Week is when our colleagues and community honor our hard work and dedication to our students," said Association President Adam Weinberger. "We are used to working behind the scenes, but this is our time to be celebrated!”
Often unsung heroes, classified staff have a kaleidoscope of roles that support our students and schools. Classified staff embody CSEA’s Core Values by empowering their students to explore their world, creating an inclusive and respectful environment, opening transparent channels of communication, innovating on the jobsite, and much more. CSEW honors classified staff as an essential part of our schools and fundamental partners in education, making a difference in the lives of the students they serve.
Ways to Celebrate
Get ready for CSEW by learning about its history and collaborating with your school board to adopt a resolution in recognition of CSEW. Share your CSEA pride and wear swag that represents the value of CSEA members, including: CSEW T-Shirts, patches, stickers and more. Share the CSEA logo on social media or include in your newsletter. All this and more at csea.com/csew.
Start the celebration early and share what you love most about your work to be featured on CSEA’s social media by filling out the form for #MemberMonday at csea.com/member-mondays.
Hear Why Fellow Members Love Being Classified School Employees
Myrna Hierbert, Transitional Kindergarten Assistant | Stockton Chapter 318
Myrna Hiebert
“As a classified professional, I like show to all the people around me my dedication and professionalism for what I love to do everyday. I like to inspire all of them to do the same,” said Myrna Hiebert, a member of Stockton Chapter 318 and a transitional kindergarten assistant.“We plan our visits by clustering how many PMs are at each site and calling secretaries in advance to confirm their schedules before heading out,” she said. “All this planning helps us recruit by visiting sites with high PM clusters.”
Adam Dragovich
“What I love most about being a classified professional is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives every day. Whether it’s through providing essential support, creating a safe and welcoming environment, or ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, I know my work contributes to their success,” said Adam Dragovich, a member of Huntington Beach UHSD Chapter 157 and an equipment operator.
Adam Dragovich, Equipment Operator | Huntington Beach UHSD Chapter 157
Wesley Andrews, Custodian | Scott Valley Chapter 859
Wesley Andrews
“Working in a positive environment where I know the work that I do directly benefits people. Children are the future, and knowing I am keeping a clean environment for them to grow makes me feel good,” is what Wesley Andrews, a member of Scott Valley Chapter 859 and a custodian, loves most about being a classified professional."
Michelle Cooper
“I love being able to work with children not only by helping educate them but helping them with their emotional growth and development,” said Michelle Cooper, vice president of Marysville Chapter 326 and a paraeducator.
Michelle Cooper, Paraeducator | Marysville Chapter 326
Kenneth DeJonge, Information Technology Technician | Terra Bella 764
Kenneth DeJonge
“What I love most about being a classified professional is being part of CSEA, the best member-run union in America! In my role as an information technology technician I get to help students learn to use technology. Seeing how my work directly impacts their educational outcomes is the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever experienced in a job. Those are the things I love the most,” said Kenneth DeJonge, a member of Terra Bella 764 and an information technology technician.
Richard Meyers
“I loved working with all the great people that I worked with all the students and families and through the years have remained in touch with several of those families and lots of former work members,” said Richard Meyers, a member of South Orange County Council 5055 and formerly a Paraeducator in Orange County DOE Chapter 468.
Richard Meyers, Paraeducator | Orange County DOE Chapter 468
Diana Hawkins, Data Analyst | Lynwood Chapter 116
Diana Hawkins
“What I love most about being a classified professional is my position and the people. I work with people who care and especially CSEA. I have learned a lot in my position on and off the job. When you love what you do, you feel a sense of purpose and belonging. I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction that comes with being a member of CSEA,” said Diana Hawkins, a member of Lynwood Chapter 116 and a data analyst.
Stephanie Myers
“Being there for our employees and getting them through the good times and tough times” is what Stephanie Myers, a member of Westminster Chapter 34 and a personnel analyst, loves most about being a classified school employee.
Stephanie Myers, Personnel Analyst| Westminster Chapter 34
Ruben Villa, Security Aide|Brawley Union High Chapter 534
Ruben Villa
“Working with people who have the same goal of helping students build the skills and knowledge to become successful college students, military members, and employees,” is what Ruben Villa, a member of Brawley Union High Chapter 534 and a security aide, loves most about being a classified employee.