“I’ve always been a big advocate for educators,” says ACES teacher Salman Hamid, building rep for Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School in Hamden, where he teaches sixth grade. “It’s absolutely key that we get involved in our union and become active—and proactive,” he tells his colleagues. “Decisions made at the local, state, and national levels can have a big impact on our classrooms, our salaries, and our retirement.”
ACES—which stands for Area Cooperative Educational Services—is a diverse district that operates eight schools all across New Haven County. Because members are so spread out, Hamid says, meeting in person can be difficult. While this could present a hurdle when it comes to staying in touch with members, however, the ACES Education Association has found ways to make it work.
