Phyllis Campano

Woman of Courage

Phyllis Campano is a Special Education Teacher and the Vice President and Bargain Chairperson of the Seattle Education Association.

Phyllis became a special education teacher after two prior careers in the social service field. Phyllis knew when she became a teacher that she had finally found her path in life. In 2001, she began teaching students who are significantly challenged with neurological and intellectual abilities. Over the years she became frustrated with the decaying special education system and the lack of respect for educators who do the critical, everyday work of teaching children. After successfully organizing a small group of educators, she realized that the union was the best way to see change implemented not only for special education, but for education in general. In 2012, Phyllis was voted Vice President of the Seattle Education Association. Phyllis’ passion and dedication to organizing a strong union became evident in the 2015 Seattle School strike, which yielded amazing gains for the students and educators of Seattle Public Schools.

Phyllis attended the University of Lowell in Massachusetts and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then attended North Shore College in Danvers, Massachusetts and received an Associate of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy. After moving to Washington State, Phyllis received a Master in Teaching at Heritage University.

Phyllis will be running for the position of President of the Seattle Education Association this spring. She is excited for the opportunity to continue to build the strength of public education and raise her voice to empower women not only in the field of education, but everywhere.