Isabel Rodriguez, a Spanish teacher and member of the Summit County Education Association, has become active in union advocacy since joining the organization. As a first-generation Latina educator, Rodriguez initially felt uncertain about representation within her union but decided to take an active role. “If I cannot see it, then I must create or become it,” she said.
Rodriguez described her experience participating in negotiations as a board member as formative. “Sitting at negotiations as a board member was an eye-opening experience to know what and how decisions are taken into consideration,” she explained. This exposure led her to seek further involvement from the perspective of a union member, allowing her to analyze the system and find ways to contribute.
She credits women leaders in her local union for providing inspiration and guidance. “I learn from all the women that I come in contact with,” Rodriguez said. Her previous work at a nonprofit without unions gave her additional appreciation for their role in supporting educators.
For those interested in activism, Rodriguez advised listening closely to union activities: “What has worked for me has been listening to the work the union does.” She encouraged members to observe leadership and understand negotiation processes. Inspired by these experiences, Rodriguez spoke at the Capitol during the No More Cuts Rally about how funding reductions affect students.
Rodriguez emphasized that politics are intertwined with education policy. “Politics will always affect our classrooms,” she stated, urging educators to stay engaged with political issues that influence schools. She acknowledged that systemic change is gradual but believes ongoing advocacy will benefit future generations: “We know we are planting seeds.”
As an educator of color, Rodriguez values opportunities for representation within her district and statewide initiatives. Upon being named a 2024-25 A.C.E. Fellow and mentor for 2025-26, she noted that while over a quarter of her students are from minority backgrounds, there are few teachers of color locally. “I believe students deserve to see educators who look like and speak for them. I thought this may be my chance to make an impact,” she said.
Rodriguez’s continued involvement through programs such as the A.C.E. Fellowship reflects her commitment to increasing diversity among educators and advocating for both colleagues and students.
