Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39006
Jennifer Flores Teacher-librarian at Los Amigos Technology Academy Jennifer joined the Association as soon as she was hired in 1989. She’s worked 17 years at her current work site and has served as its Association representative for the last nine years. She is a mem- ber and legislative chair of Sunnyside EA. Jennifer feels that, as public educators, it is important to have access to information that affects the daily lives with our students. “So much is happening nationally, statewide, and locally, that affects our profes- sion, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up. ARs provide that sometimes formal, other times informal, conduit to help information flow freely back and forth between leadership and mem- bers, for not only SEA, but also AEA and NEA.” Why I’m Proud to Be an AR “I feel a real sense of accomplishment just getting someone to register to vote for the first time, or to make that phone call to the gover- nor. People’s lives are so busy, but our students’ Lise Spangenthal Valley View School 7th- and 8th-Grade Humanities Teacher Lise has been a member of the Association for 10 years is a member of Roosevelt EA. She has been an AR for four years and became a representative be- cause of what she saw happening in public education and wanted to give voice to her concerns. “As a govern- ment teacher, I thought it was important to walk my talk.” Lise believes ARs represent members the way elected representatives in Congress rep- resent constituents. “I take the concerns of the membership to the larger body and see if we can exact change to our working conditions which in turn positively impacts the lives of our students.” education matters! I was so proud of both our members and potential members who showed up for our local March for Schools Rally in 2010, and who knocked on doors and made phone calls to pass Prop 100. But nothing else compares to signing up a new member; some- times it’s the hardest thing to do, given these financial times. But our profession matters, and so does our union.” Peter Seraichick 7th- and 8th-grade Highland Lake School American History Teacher Peter has been a member of the Association for eight years and served as Building represen- tative for the past four years. He is a member of the Deer Valley EA. Peter believes the role of the AR is not only to disseminate information but also be an ad- vocate for members when issues arise with the district. “Building reps are there to listen and ad- dress their members’ needs. I try to provide information about what’s going on, not only in the district, but at the state and national levels too.” Why I’m Proud to Be an AR “I spent most of this past year working on DVEA’s campaign to ensure the federal Education Jobs Fund money went into teachers’ paychecks. I advocated not only in my building but at three other schools as well. I’m always asked by people ‘What has DVEA done for us?’ and this money was a real thing for teachers. It showed the benefits of membership in a material way, which was rewarding because we worked real hard on this campaign. We were the ones who went to the schools on our own time to get the petitions signed and ensure they got the money.” Why I’m Proud to Be an AR “My favorite experience as an AR was when I went to New Orleans for the NEA Representative Assembly. It was amazing to see democracy in action. I met teachers from all over the country, and we were able to share our successes and concerns. It was truly inspiring to see so many dedicated profession- als in one place.” ✒ IN DEPTH LOOK AEA Advocate ❘ Fall 2011 21