What I Do
Michelle Pérez
Michelle Pérez, a bilingual school social worker, discusses the challenges and rewards of her work in New York City schools connecting families with school-based and community resources and providing crisis intervention and at-risk counseling for students.
Matthew Colacurto
Matthew Colacurto helps noncompensatory students on a second pathway to educational success as a teacher with Pathways to Graduation, a program for those for whom traditional high school does not fit for reasons including housing or food insecurity, or the need to work full-time.
Samuel Berck, math teacher at Rikers Island
District 79 math teacher Samuel Berck instructs incarcerated students at the East River Academy at the Rikers Island jail complex.
Veronica Herrera, college and career counselor
Veronica Herrera supports students making their postsecondary plans at Hillcrest HS in Jamaica. "High school students are discovering who they are, and it’s wonderful to be a part of that conversation," she said.
Valina Vega, family child care provider
Valina Vega is a UFT-represented child care provider who runs an independent day care business out of her home in Brooklyn. "No matter what these children go through, I’m there for them," she says.
Sharon Brown, budget director
Sharon Brown, a member of the UFT’s Administrative Education Officers and Analysts Chapter, supports the principals of 32 Bronx high schools with budget compliance.