Jasmine Cipko is a Kindergarten teacher and the Kindergarten team lead at Sinclair Lane Elementary, where she has worked since 2016. Mrs. Cipko has worked for BCPSS since 2012. She also serves as Sinclair’s BTU Teacher Chapter Building Representative, a position she has held for the past four years.
Jasmine Cipko is a Kindergarten teacher and the Kindergarten team lead at Sinclair Lane Elementary, where she has worked since 2016. Mrs. Cipko has worked for BCPSS since 2012. She also serves as Sinclair’s BTU Teacher Chapter Building Representative, a position she has held for the past four years.
What challenges and opportunities is the new school year presenting for you so far?
Challenges: Meeting the needs of all my learners especially when they have a wide mixture of learning styles/needs and working with children that have different disabilities.
Opportunities: Being given the chance to learn more about each of my students and how they learn so I can support and meet their individual needs. Parent-teacher partnership to support a positive academic and attendance goal of each child. Getting to know new staff members in my building and offering them a safe place of support and guidance when it comes to BTU issues.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Honestly, growing up watching Disney Channel, Sesame Street, Barney, Eureeka’s Castle, Gullah Gullah Island, The Magic School Bus, and other fun educational shows. I always loved the fun activities the children engaged in–from art, singing, and playing to helping to solve problems, creating, and all the in-between.
What made you decide to run for building rep at your school, and what have you learned from that experience so far?
So, funny story: I actually ended up taking on an issue a little outside of my area as just a teacher, which involved getting the staff to voice their concerns about an issue in the building. At the time there was another Building Rep and I found out shortly after that they were stepping down and our school needed union representation. I was hesitant at first but then knew that I had the passion and drive to be that person to support the staff at my school the best way I can, while also making a promise to myself to have clear communication with the admin in my building. What I have learned so far in this journey is that people want to be heard, valued and understood, and above all, communication is so important.
What advice would you give to members who want to get more involved in the union but aren’t sure where to start?
Reach out to your current building rep or ULR person at your school to get more information. Read the BTU email blast that is sent to us. Attend a General Membership Meeting to learn more about current union issues, attend school-wide BTU meetings to be informed.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity. It means a lot to me, and I look forward to continuing to support the staff in my school while growing and learning as a BTU advocate and Building Rep.