Local 4098 Member of the Month
September 2026
Jenny Malave-Battles
Jenny Malave-Battles has been a Paraeducator in the Springfield Public Schools since September 5, 2012. She currently works at Glenwood Elementary School, where she serves as their Building Representative.
“Mrs. Malave-Battles continues to be a dedicated member of the Glenwood family. Her rapport with her students is easy, and it is evident that they love her. Mrs. Malave-Battles gives her students the love and support that they need to be successful each day and deserves this acknowledgment.” - Natalie A. Henry, Principal
“For ten years, I have had the absolute pleasure of sharing a school with Jenny Battles. Watching her command a third grade classroom is a masterclass in patience, creativity and joy. She has an effortless ability to make her third graders feel seen, heard and inspired every single day. But Jenny's impact reaches far beyond her students. When I first started, I was still figuring out what it truly meant to be an educator. Jenny took me under her wing. She taught me how to connect with the kids, how to handle the tough days with grace, and how to lead a classroom with heart. Beyond the classroom, Jenny has become one of my closest friends. She is the supportive and hilarious presence everyone needs in their life. Our school, your students, and I are infinitely better because of you.”- Jenn Turner, Kindergarten Teacher
“Jenny Malave-Battles is a valuable member of our Glenwood family. She is always willing to take on a new challenge and works hard to support our students and families every day. It has been a joy witnessing her growth over the years as she moves through the para-to-teacher pipeline. We love Jenny!” - Suzanne F. Marx, M.Ed, ELA Instructional Leadership Specialist
“Yeahhh!! So exciting for her! I have worked with Mrs. Battles for 15 years and would like to say she is an exceptionally hardworking and dedicated professional who cares deeply about her students and their success!” - Aja Santaniello, Reading Intervention & Test Coordinator
Congratulations Jenny and thank you for Making A Difference
The American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts is planning their Fall Conference, which will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Chelmsford High School.
Join leaders, building representatives, and rank-and-file members from across the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts for our Fall Conference. You'll gain new tools and resources to help engage your colleagues and continue strengthening your local as we meet the moment and fight for our students and members. RSVP today to reserve your spot!
We look forward to seeing you!
Congratulations to our newly elected Constitutional officers-
From left to right: April Canuel, Treasurer; Karen Carney, President; Kim Thompson, 1st Vice President; Donna LaPierre, 2nd Vice President and Jessica Gomez, Secretary.
Current Events
Write to your members of Congress asking them to pass the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights (H. Res. 990 and S. Res. 450) and then share this link with your colleagues so they can do the same.
Wondering about your member benefits? Check these out!
Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals
Local 4098
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Nominate a Local 4098 Member to be the Member of the Month
Do you know a member of our unit who goes above and beyond? Would you like to nominate that person for recognition within our local?
We would like to acknowledge a single member of our unit on a monthly basis for their contributions to our members and our local.
Use the form below to nominate a member and tell us a little about why you think we should recognize them as the "Local 4098 Member of the Month ".
You can watch the School Committee Meetings live on on YouTube on the Focus Springfield Channel Focus Springfield Community TV - YouTube
