My Turn
Carroll County Special Ed Clerical Carly Cole
Carly Cole is a special ed clerical employee at Friendship Valley Elementary School in Carroll County. With union membership a family value and tradition, she’s embraced the opportunity to contribute and lead in her local, the Carroll Association of School Employees. Her husband, Brad Cole, is a special educator at Friendship Valley and her children attend as students, so her connection to her school community is a welcomed family affair.
I joined CASE just as soon as I began my role as an education support professional (ESP) in 2023. Now, I’m in my second year serving as a special education clerical and my first year as a member at-large on the board of my local, the Carroll Association of School Employees (CASE).
Union participation runs deep in my family. My mother was an editor in New York and a proud member of the Writers Guild, while my father was a member of the United Steel Workers in Pittsburgh. Through union scholarships and negotiated employer tuition reimbursement, my father was able to complete his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Unions have been instrumental in my family’s success, shaping my strong belief in their importance.
The majority of my career has been devoted to assisting and advocating for adults with disabilities and transitioning youth. However, when Covid struck, I became a stay-at-home mom to care for our three young daughters. My husband Brad (pictured behind me in the photo), a special educator with over 12 years of experience, inspired me during this time. Observing the meaningful impact of his work firsthand reaffirmed my belief in the power of public education and motivated me to pursue a career in education myself. When I began searching for post-Covid employment, Carroll County Public Schools was my first choice.
In my position at Friendship Valley Elementary, I work behind the scenes to support teachers like Brad with scheduling, case management, and compliance. Working at the same school as my husband and children has been a unique and rewarding experience. This is one of the few jobs I’ve had where I look forward to coming to work every day. A significant part of this is due to our incredibly supportive administration and talented staff. Our school operates as a true team, fostering a collaborative environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to do their best work.
Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities, I am deeply passionate about workplace advocacy and championing the rights of support staff. The ESP Bill of Rights resonates strongly with me, as I believe in ensuring fair treatment, equitable pay, and professional respect for all employees who contribute to the success of our schools. My role with CASE allows me to support these principles and advocate for my colleagues, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized. It is fulfilling to work in a setting where I can combine my dedication to education with my commitment to workplace advocacy, knowing that I am part of a community striving for excellence and equity in public education.