Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/654069
32 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2016 Association Governance 2016 AEA Board of Director Candidates AEA President Joe Thomas Congratulation delegates on your election to the 2016 AEA Delegate Assembly. My name is Joe Thomas. I have been honored to serve as your vice president for the past six years. Years that were some of the most difficult for our Association, our professions, and our schools. I sense that we are emerging from these times stronger if leaner, wiser if wary. We must continue to grow our strength, and we must face the future with the same courage and expectations we instill in our students. Six years ago I spoke about our need to build strong local associations. Strong locals require strong leaders, and my promise to you is that I will ensure AEA supports the development of and opportunities for our leaders. We know what good teaching looks like, and we know what support systems successful students and properly-functioning schools need. We must stop asking for and start demanding the schools our students and colleagues deserve. By standing together and leading from our values we can move Arizona toward our vision of public schools. You are responsible for electing the Association's next leadership team. Listen for the candidates whose vision for public schools matches yours. Look for those who possess the skillset to organize our membership into a powerful collective. Think deeply about the team you will have represent you. I humbly ask your vote of confidence for AEA President. I will do my best to honor your sacrifices, your work, and your commitment to educating Arizona's students. Name: Joe Thomas Address: 1151 E. Baylor Lane, Gilbert, AZ 85296 Work Phone: 602-882-5420 Home Phone: 480-814-1335 Local Association: Mesa EA Education Position: Teacher Years Employed: 15 Total Years of Educational Employment: 15 Total Years as AEA Member: 15 As NEA member: 15 Higher Education Degrees Held: BA in History; Masters in Adult Education and Distance Elective positions held: Mesa EA site representative, 2000-2010 Mesa EA Vice President, 2007-2009 Arizona Education Association Vice President, 2010-2016 Appointive positions held: Mesa EA Bargaining Chair, 2007-2008 AEA Government Relations & Legislative Action Task Force Chair, 2007- 2010 AEA Membership and Organizing Task Force Co-Chair, 2010-2014 Non-Education positions held: Arizona School District Redistricting Commission, 2006-2007 Center for Progressive Leadership Fellow, 2007 Certification Advisory Committee to State Board of Education, 2010-2016 AEA Vice President Marisol Garcia I am excited to put my name forward to the AEA membership for consideration of the position as AEA Vice- President. With my background in organizing political campaigns and empowering communities, I am qualified to be part of a dynamic AEA officer team. As a mother of a third grader in the Roosevelt School District, the sense of urgency has made me an energetic advocate for our public schools and the children we serve. I have fulfilled a leadership role for the past ten years as a middle school teacher in the Isaac School District, where I have served as Social Studies department chair, Student Council sponsor, and have advocated for students and families by coordinating outreach. As president of IDEA, I organized three successful override elections, chaired the Interest Based Negotiations team, organized a withdrawal from a punitive teacher evaluation system to a new, student-centered observation tool, and increased membership. AEA has provided me a number of leadership opportunities. These roles include AEA Board of Directors, AEA Government Relations and Legislative Action Task Force Chair, Ethnic Minority Caucus Chair, and a founding member of the Latino Organizer Cadre. At the national level I served as the Western Regional Director of NEA's Hispanic Caucus and was appointed to the NEA Accountability Task Force. The time is now to organize, energize, and lead Arizona public education to a place we can all be proud. I am a proven leader who is ready to meet these challenges, and I would appreciate your vote. Name: Marisol Garcia Address: 8018 S 15th Way, Phoenix, AZ 85042 Work Phone: 602-442-2700 Home Phone: 480-220-3702 Local Association: Isaac District EA Education Position: 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher Years Employed: 10 Total Years of Educational Employment: 11 Total Years as AEA Member: 10 As NEA member: 11 Higher Education Degrees Held: B.A. Political Science, Teaching Certificate Secondary Ed, Social Studies Elective positions held: AEA Board of Directors Region 6 Director, 5 years NEA Hispanic Caucus Western Region Chair, 2 years IDEA President, 5 years Appointive positions held: NEA Accountability Task Force, 1 year AEA Government Relations and Legislative Action Task Force Chair, 5 years AEA Management Performance and Appraisal Committee, 3 years Non-Education positions held: Deputy Secretary of State of CA, director of Strategic Scheduling, 2 years Lead Scheduler, Governor of CA, Gray Davis, LA Office, 2 years Assistant to the CEO, Democratic National Convention LA, 2 years