IN THE MIDST OF CHANGE, WE CARRY THE LOAD TOGETHER
By Susan Paik | Principal, Jamieson Elementary
In my years on the CPAA Board, I’ve watched this organization evolve in ways I never imagined when I first joined in 2004. We’ve stepped into a formal union role. We’ve welcomed new leadership. We’ve fought for, and won, legislative changes that reflect our values and elevate our voices. Through it all, what’s stayed constant is our core: our unwavering commitment to school leaders, students, and the future of public education in Chicago. President Troy LaRaviere once said that we’re “writing the future of principalship in real time,” and he’s right. This moment in CPAA’s journey is one of power and promise. But it didn’t just happen. It came from vision, hard work, and members like you stepping up when it counted most. Becoming a more involved member of CPAA has been a great learning experience for me. Seeing different perspectives and learning more about processes at the leadership level has given me insight and clarity I wouldn’t otherwise have It’s tempting to think that because
So if you’re already a member: thank you truly. Your commitment is what fuels this movement. And if you’re not a member yet—or know a colleague who isn’t—now is the time. We need every single principal and assistant principal to carry what they can. The load gets lighter when we all lift. And the wins get bigger when we all show up. Right now we have a CBA to finalize, we are continuing to expand our legislative reach, and our communication is steady. Our path forward is clear, but success depends on all of us. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep carrying this work as one… together.
had. Who knew that serving on the Board of CPAA would be so beneficial to my growth as a school leader and as a person? It’s tempting to think
we’ve gained some ground, we’ve made it. But stability isn’t a given. It’s a charge.
that because we’ve gained some ground, we’ve made it. But stability isn’t a given. It’s a charge. And the truth is, we can’t keep moving forward unless every school leader sees themselves as part of this work. Because CPAA isn’t some separate entity working on your behalf, CPAA is you.
CPAA IS VOICE AND POWER REALIZED • 43
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