Like their counterparts in many school districts across the country, paraprofessionals in San Antonio have had a hard time getting the computer training they want and need. With more and more computers being placed in classrooms--and many paraprofessionals working with students on those computers--the demand for professional development has grown steadily.

As a result, paras in the district (who are represented by the AFT-affiliated Bexar County Federation of Teachers) asked PSRP chapter leader Scott Savage if he could work with the district administration to get them more computer training. The district "hemmed and hawed" after he brought up the topic in October during formal consultation meetings between the union and district, Savage says. "I finally decided enough's enough."

At first, Savage thought about recruiting members with computer skills to train their colleagues. But then, using family connections--namely, his wife, who coordinates an international banking and business magnet school in the district--he hit on an idea that has turned into a smashing success. She pointed out that the magnet school has a technology club, filled with young computer whizzes. In addition, students in the program need to accumulate 1,000 community service hours during their four years as one of their graduation requirements.

So why not have the students train the paras, Savage thought. His members would get the training they need, and the students could earn community service hours. When Savage sent out a flyer to check members' interest in computer classes, the response was overwhelming: Almost 200 replies flooded in within a week. "Clearly, there was a real big interest and a need within our membership."

Earlier this year, the training kicked off with evening courses in the high school's spacious computer lab, on topics ranging from e-mail and Internet basics to Microsoft Word and Powerpoint to Web page design. Some courses take just two hours during one evening session; others last for 10 two-hour classes. "The kids have been excellent teachers," Savage says. "There's not a thing the adults can ask them that they can't answer."

The union's executive board decided to charge $3 per session for the classes, which helps pay for additional training, travel to meetings and other benefits for the members. Comparable courses for educators in the area might run from $75 to $300, Savage points out.

While the idea for the training came from paraprofessionals, support staff from virtually every job category have attended, and many others have said they're interested. As word has spread, PSRPs in neighboring districts as well as San Antonio teachers have asked if they can participate. "As long as they're AFT members, it's okay," Savage says. He's also willing to expand the class offerings if enough people want different subjects covered.

"This has turned into a great working relationship between the union and the school," he says proudly.