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Local 4098 Member of the Month
February 2025
Marilyn Bermudez
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Marilyn Bermudez has been a Paraeducator in the Springfield Public Schools since November 29, 1993. She currently works at Talmadge Elementary School. She was nominated by co-worker and Building Representative, Patricia Gregoire.
“As our building representative I am happy to nominate Marilyn Bermudez as Paraeducator of the month. Marilyn, or Mrs. B as she is affectionately known by the kids, has been a Paraeducator in Springfield for 32 years. She started with the district in 1993.
In her years with us at Talmadge Elementary she has been primarily in kindergarten and has also worked summer school for many years.
Marilyn is a kind, caring individual who is always there to support the teacher that she is paired with and most especially the children. As paras, we are often asked to shift and provide coverage within our building community. Marilyn is always adaptable and ready to assist wherever there is a need.
Congratulations Marilyn! “ - Pat Gregoire, Paraeducator
“Thank you for the recognizing one of our paraeducators! Marilyn has been a member of our K team for a long time and always centers around the kids and their needs! The students always feel the love and care in all she does and even when she is needed to cover, she works with educators to ensure the students get the best out of the situation, regardless of the grade!
This year, we had the unfortunate resignation of a new Kinder teacher right at the start of the school year. Immediately, Marilyn went into comfort mode for the kids, organized lessons with the other K teacher, communicated with families and worked with Admin until a final plan was made. Through it all, Marilyn has been resilient and honest about the class and the work and is now a member of a combined K class, working alongside a fellow para and teacher so students have the best year possible!
With this role comes the need to be flexible and patient! Marilyn embodies these and does it with a smile on her face, everyday! As we honor her this month, I know she will continue her loving approach, and always put students first to ensure they reach success and are their best, day in and day out!” – Shalimar Colon, Principal
“Having worked alongside Marilyn Bermudez for seven years, I can say that her dedication to our students and to this profession is unmatched. Her love for the students shines through in everything she does—whether it's offering a kind word, helping with a challenging task, or celebrating their successes, she is always there for them.
Her commitment to the profession is evident in her remarkable work ethic. She shows up every single day, ready and willing to take on whatever the day has in store, no matter the challenges. The years of service she’s given to the Springfield Public Schools are a true testament to her dedication. We are lucky to have her!” - Catherine Murphy, Kindergarten Teacher
“I always see her on the move with the students. She has a smile on her face and is very helpful in the classroom. She seems like an important part of our Kindergarten classes here at Talmadge.” – Mekai Cobb, Paraeducator
Congratulations Marilyn and thank you for Making A Difference
Write to your members of Congress asking them to pass the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights (H. Res. 990 and S. Res. 450) and then share this link with your colleagues so they can do the same.
Wondering about your member benefits? Check these out!
Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals
Local 4098
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Nominate a Local 4098 Member to be the Member of the Month
Do you know a member of our unit who goes above and beyond? Would you like to nominate that person for recognition within our local?
We would like to acknowledge a single member of our unit on a monthly basis for their contributions to our members and our local.
Use this link to nominate a member and tell us a little about why you think we should recognize them as the "Local 4098 Member of the Month ".
You can watch the School Committee Meetings live on Comcast-Channel 9 in Springfield or on YouTube on the Focus Springfield Channel Focus Springfield Community TV - YouTube
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