Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1544915
D A N I E L " J O K I E " R Y A N approaches his work and his union with the same intentionality — reflecting a deep under- standing of both student needs and how collective action can create real change for the broader school community. It's part of why the Access SFUSD Paraed- u cator an d Unit ed E du cators of S an Francisco (UESF) member was named the 2026 Paula J. Monroe CTA Education Support Professional of the Year. " I n e v e r i m a g i n e d i n m y w i l d e s t dreams that I w oul d re ceive such an honorabl e re c ognition ," say s Ryan , a 23-year paraeducator. In his work with students with dis- abilities aged 18–22, Ryan leads with creativity, leadership and innovation, supporting students as they develop the independence, life skills and confidence they need to enter adulthood. Ryan says he most enjoys putting his lifetime of study and experience into action to guide and support his students. Integrating technolog y to improve a c c e ss, c ommuni cation an d stu d ent engagement, Ryan is committed to profes- sional growth and systemic improvement as he fights to enhance outcomes for stu- dents with disabilities, according to UESF Vice President for Paraeducators Teanna Tillery. She says Ryan is an advocate for paraeducators and ESPs at the local, state and national levels — attending the NEA ESP Leadership Institute last year and serving on California's SB 1288 Artificial Intelligence Workgroup, contributing an ESP perspective to conversations about emerging technologies in education. Ryan is also an active member of the SF Unified Paraeducator Leadership Team. " T h r o u g h t h e s e r o l e s , h e c o n s i s - t e n t l y a d v o c a t e s f o r E S P s , p u b l i c education and equitable working con- ditions," Tiller y said . "Daniel actively e n c o u ra g e s c o l l e a g u e s t o e n g a g e i n u n i o n w o r k b y d e m o n s t r a t i n g h o w leadership development and collective action create real change." Ryan says paraeducators and all ESPs are so much more than a job description. " We are highly skilled professionals, and we want to remain in our roles and receive appropriate professional devel- opment and compensation," he says. "I want to end the culture of silence around what we do and our skills, and have our education and training acknowledged, so those responsible for our budgets can make informed decisions about fair wages and benefits." E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Ry a n a n d U E S F members went on strike for five days to win the resources all San Francisco students deser ve — an experience he cal l ed "emp ow erin g, e xh au stin g an d absolutely necessary." "As workers, we must be able to survive to do our jobs. As educators, we must have the security to stay in our profes- sion, gain knowledge and experience, and regularly adapt to a changing world," says Paraeducator Lifts Voice for Students, Union Colleagues Daniel Ryan is CTA Education Support Professional of the Year By Julian Peeples Daniel "Jokie" Ryan works the phones. Ryan's Paraeducator Pro Tips • " Take a good look at what you do, communicate and collaborate to get a clear picture of your value to students, education and society." • "While developing into a teaching role is an option, those who remain paraeducators or other classified staff throughout their careers are essential. Find ways to redevelop your role in line with your values and the needs of your school and students." • "Support one another, whether as lifelong paraeducators or those who become teachers. Empathize with one another — those with whom you work and for whom you work." • "Many hands make light life. It isn't just about work, but the quality of human experiences we can compose and maintain." Ryan. " We want our students prepared for what's on the other side of the school door the day they graduate. We cannot accomplish this goal amid high turnover or the constant stress of worrying about our ability to pay for basic needs like rent. "I actually cried tears of joy that we won, that our students and community won — we did it!" 13 S P R I N G 2 0 26 Spotlight