Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/543920
AEA Advocate | Summer 2015 5 MEMBEr TALK V o I C E Y o u r V I E W S MEMBEr TALK MEMBEr TALK MEMBEr TALK Nicole cozad, AEA Board Member and Marana Education Association past president My journey began purely by accident, I was the member that was happy paying my dues and allowing others to do the work – getting involved just wasn't on my radar. I made the same excuse that everyone makes, "I'm just too busy," which is never the truth quite frankly. It wasn't until one summer many years ago that my District went through a very tumultuous time that involved standing- room only board meetings and regular coverage by the local media, and I was asked to attend a meeting because my school's Association Representative (AR) was out of the country. I had never been to the AEA offi ces (the old location on Wetmore), and even had to get directions to get there! It didn't matter; I was hooked and ran to be an AR that fall. I have been active ever since. My becoming a leader, on the other hand, wasn't by accident. I have received guidance, praise, support, and the occasional (and much deserved) kick in the butt by many, including Julie Larson Cozad, Mark DeWeerdt, Andrew F. Morrill, Melinda Chamness Bernal, Renae Egge Costa, Matt Kruse, Faith Risolo, and Greg McQuade during my journey that led to my becoming the president of the Marana Education Association. I told Region 12 and 13 delegates at our pre-Delegate Assembly caucus that "It is one thing to pay your dues; it's another thing to get involved." It is a statement I believe wholeheartedly because my involvement in my Association has made me a better leader, a better teacher, and a better person. I have been given opportunities that I would never have dreamed possible before. Also, the people I have met throughout this journey are people that I value and cherish forever. It's amazing to think that I am where I am today simply because I was asked, so I do recognize the importance of asking others—so much that I've earned the nickname "Medusa" (with love, I hope) because if you make eye contact me, you will be asked to do something. I am grateful to that person who saw something in me (something I did not see at the time) and took a chance to ask me to get involved, and I thank everyone who has supported me throughout my journey since then. It was truly an honor and a pleasure to serve the members of the Marana Education Association, and I look forward to the next step in my journey as the Region Director for AEA's Region 13. rachel Stafford, AEA Board Member and Gilbert Education Association member I began as a student member and never looked back. It has made all the difference. I refuse to let someone else pay my dues or fi ght for me while I do nothing. I am a member because I believe in children and the educators that lead them. The AEA has my back, ALWAYS, and they are relentless in their fi ght and pursuit for quality public education. I am active because I want to be part of the solution and on the forefront of the education battle. So here's to us and to you, someone who is an inspiration. It is my pleasure to stand side by side with you in keeping the promise of quality public education for all students. Josh Buckley, Mesa Education Association VP My Story? I care too much about my students and profession to sit by and let bad legislation happen. tracy Weaver, Mesa Education Association member I never thought I would become a teacher because both my parents were teachers, and I said "No way. Too much work. I want to be a star on Broadway! " Then one late night, still working at midnight, I had an epiphany: I have to go back to school and get my teaching degree, in English because I could no longer be a single mom and work all the time late into the night for really no purpose or reason. I went back to the classroom to be in the classroom and make a better life for my daughter, but what I didn't realize was that I was making a better life for myself – I found myself. I found this passion deep within me that was stronger than my passion for acting on Broadway. I also LEADERSHIP STORIES This past April, members were asked to share their leadership story at Delegate Assembly. Below are just a few of their inspiring words. Continues on p. 38.