WA Paraeducator wins UCSE REACH award

The following is from Public School Employees of Washington (PSE SEIU 1948):

Award winner from Tahoma, WA joined school staff from across the nation for a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

TAHOMA, WA (May 6, 2025) — Ruth Mackie, Paraeducator at Lake Wilderness Elementary and member of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE), was honored as one of five 2025 UCSE Recognizing Excellence and Classified Heroes (REACH) Award winners. The award was presented by the United Classified School Employees (UCSE) at a ceremony held at the end of April in the Washington, D.C. AFL-CIO Headquarters.

UCSE is a coalition of classified school employee unions from across the nation that work together to advocate on behalf of our members and the students they serve. The coalition recognizes five individuals from across the country who are doing extraordinary and inspirational things in their schools and communities to promote quality education, foster positive learning environments, and ensure student success.

“Ruthie is the complete package,” said Pam Stevenson, a member of PSE’s Board of Directors. “Union advocate, tireless supporter of her students, and a strong leader who is willing to stand up to her own employer and the state of Washington for better funding for kids and Education Support Professionals.”

PSE of Washington members advocating at the State Legislature during the 2025 Session. Photo: PSE of WA via Facebook.

Ruth Mackie serves the students of Tahoma, WA through the District’s social and emotional program and provides reading support and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Support) with special needs students. In addition to supporting students, Ruth is a strong union advocate for her coworkers. She has served as her chapter’s Unit Para Rep, Legislative Chair, Vice President, and President.

“When I think of Ruth Mackie, her strength, passion, and tireless commitment to all causes come to mind,” said Barbara Roessler, the PSE Tahoma Chapter President. “She deeply cares for paraeducators, other staff members, and most importantly, our students — our greatest asset.”

There are more than 2.8 million classified education support employees in our nation’s public schools, colleges, and universities, and they make up one-third of the public education workforce. They keep students fed, emotionally and physically healthy and safe, engaged and connected to the larger school community, and provide instruction and support that leads to academic success.

Classified education support employees work in the following nine career families: Child nutrition services, Clerical services, Custodial and maintenance services, Health and student services, Paraeducators, Security services, Skilled trades, Technical services, and Transportation services.

Learn more at pseclassified.org.