By Bernie Kemp
From the moment Bernie Kemp stepped foot on to the campus of Rogers Middle School, he realized that his service was not only needed for the student he was hired to assist but to assist wherever he was needed. Bernie Kemp’s journey with the Broward County Public Schools district began in October 1985 when he was employed at Rogers Middle School as a unique aide under the leadership of the late Douglas Parrish, Principal.
The student in the wheelchair basically needed Bernie to walk with him from class to class in between bells and to assist with any other needs. Although Bernie was hired to assist the student who mostly did not need any service, it was clear that he had a genuine passion for working more with the school because of his commitment to the students’ education. As a result, many of the students believed him to be an administrator because of how closely he worked with the assistant principals at that time. He believed in creating a friendship with the students and encouraged them to be more engaged in their class work and to exhibit good behavior as model students, where they felt valued and supported. He recognized that each student had unique strengths and learning styles, and he had a special way of reaching the hardest students to address their individual needs.
Bernie’s dedication to the students and families within Broward County Public Schools didn’t stop with being a unique aide, but it evolved into him applying for a community liaison position for advancement. In 1988, he was hired by the late Jacqueline Box, former Principal of Dillard Elementary, as a community liaison. His many duties and responsibilities included but not limited to, volunteer coordinator, business partnership coordinator, mentor coordinator, free and reduced lunch coordinator just to name a few. As a community liaison, he worked with the school PTA/PTSA, advisory council and the school improvement team increasing parental involvement in the school. In addition, Bernie visited homes of students to address attendance concerns and to reach those parents the school had no way of contacting. As well as to encourage their participation in their child’s education. While visiting homes, he would assist families by connecting them with social service agencies. The thought was to genuinely show the parents the school really cared about the whole child, every student succeeding, and stability within the home.
Since 1988-89, Bernie has worked at several schools as a community liaison: Dillard Elementary, New River Middle, Sunrise Middle, South Plantation High, Parkway Middle, and Liberty Elementary School. In 2012, he was elected to serve as the Broward Teachers Union Vice President of ESP (Education Support Professionals) and in May 2016, he was elected to serve as 1 of 2 ESPs to the executive cabinet of the Florida Education Association (the state education union). He was later appointed to the Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel (PSRP) and the Public Policy Council of American Federation of Teachers, representing the PSRPs from Florida and around the country. Bernie graduated from the NEA Leaders For Tomorrow Program in March 2015 and was selected as the NEA ESP of the Year 2016 & 2019 Nominee for the Florida Education Association. These are just a few of Bernie’s accomplishments while serving as the Broward Teachers Union Vice President of ESPs.
Bernie is not only a respected educator. He possesses admirable resourceful qualities and is highly esteemed in the educational community. His enthusiasm for education is contagious, and he inspired countless students to reach for their dreams and excel academically.
He has the same attitude and drive for his Education Support Professionals (ESP) union members to strive for advancement in the workplace. Mr. Kemp fervently advises, “Don’t just sit around and complain but be mad enough to make things better by going after it!”
The story of Bernie Kemp’s work and commitment to the Broward County Public School district and the Broward Teachers Union is a testament of his dedication and passionate as an educator. His commitment to the ESPs and unique leadership style has left an indelible mark on the members of union labor both far and near, inspiring generations of union leaders in their worksite and beyond.
Now that Bernie is going into the retirement arena, he has made it clear that he’s only moving from one chapter to a new chapter of his life. He plans to do more ministry work, enjoy more time with his grandchildren, volunteer and provide consultation as needed. Bernie will be missed but will always be remembered for the work he has done and the many lives he has touched.
For more information on Bernie’s retirement celebration, please contact Linda Howard @ (561) 444-9577 or via email 3.trulyblessed@gmail.com
Be the first to comment