My Turn
Allegany County Instructional Assistant Stewart Monroe
In a career that began in 1995, Stewart Monroe’s legendary support of Allegany County students has ranged from a middle school suspension program, to high school special ed, to his current position at the Center for Career and Technical Education. Meet this respected and dedicated career educator below.
I have been a proud education support professional since 1995. My career in Allegany County started with a part-time position at Washington Middle School when a school trailer was placed on the side of the building for the new in-school suspension program. Instead of being sent home, students would now stay at school to complete assignments. It was a very eye-opening experience to work with students who had incredibly challenging living conditions.
I was soon offered a full-time instructional assistant position in the special education department. I was assigned to the biggest high school in the county and worked with special needs students in various programs. Among them were emotionally and physically challenged students with specific short-term goals including flexibility, walking, and running skills. The work was demanding and the expectations very high. I met the challenges head-on and have been successful with working with these students and their goals.
My current position is at our Center for Career and Technical Education. I work in academic areas to assist students with English, science, and history lessons. My duties include supporting students in their junior and senior year prepare for college, career, and their futures.
I’m dedicated to my union and my involvement is extensive. I’ve attended the fall and spring representative assemblies as an elected delegate for many years to make our union stronger. In my local, I’ve served on the board of directors, negotiations committee, retiree health care benefits committee, membership committee, bylaws committee, minority affairs committee, and served as the ESP vice president of ACEA.
So many ACEA and MSEA staff and leaders have assisted me on my journey to better serve our students. Each has helped me to maintain the integrity and strength of our union and they have inspired me to continue helping our students and members. I have been proud to serve our union on all levels as we use our power to improve the working, teaching, and learning conditions for teachers, ESPs, and our students. I would like to see the momentum continue with the next generation of leaders.