Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517573
ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE 10 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2024 I have taught in Phoenix Union High School District proudly for the last 7 years, and I have been a member of our union from the day of my district orientation until now. As a site representative at Carl Hayden Community High School I have stood with our teachers as we have fought for classroom and campus conditions that are suitable to teach our wonderful students. As a member of our local's executive board I have fought for fair compensation, including a recent addendum to our professional agreement for fair compensation for special educa - tion teachers. Union work is in my blood. From my parents and twin brother to my wife, we are a union family, and if elected, I will work to make this union all it can be to represent all of you. Mitchella Stevens Address: 6202 N 16th St #18 Phoenix AZ 85016 Home Phone: 702-493-2536 Local Association: Phoenix UHSD CTA Total Years of Education Employment: 20 Total Years as an AEA Member: 10 Total Years as an NEA Member: 20 Higher Education Degrees Held: Masters Curriculum & Instruction Elective Positions held in local, state/and national educational associations: President, Cartwright EA (2020-2022) Appointive positions held in local, state/and national educational associations: CEA Building Representative, Advocacy Chair CEA, Meet and Confer Committee. I am honored to run for the position of Region 3 Director on the Board of Directors. As an educator deeply committed to the well-being of our students and the success of our schools, I am eager to bring a fresh perspective and unwavering integrity to the current board. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. If elected, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. I believe in open communication, actively seeking input from members to ensure that their voices are heard and valued. I am excited about the prospect of working collaboratively with fellow board members, bringing a fresh perspective, and upholding the principles of integrity to the Arizona Education Association. ank you for your trust and consideration. Region 5 Director Jennifer Tracy Address: 3423 W Columbine Dr Phoenix AZ 85029 Home Phone: 623-698-5498 Local Association: Glendale Union EA Total Years of Education Employment: 8 Total Years as an AEA Member: - Total Years as an NEA Member: - Higher Education Degrees Held: B.S Psychology/ Criminal Justice Elective Positions held in local, state/and national educational associations: Region 5 Alternate Director, ESP at Large- GUEA. Region 5 Delegates, my name is Jennifer Tracy of the Glendale Union High School District and I am asking for your vote to become the next Region 5 Director. For the past 3 years, I have been honored to serve as the Alternate Director attending as many meet - ings as possible which has provided me with valu- able insights into the workings of the board. is experience will help prepare me to hit the ground running from day one. I have also been the first, and only, person to hold the role of ESP-at-Large for my Local Association. During my time in this role, we have substantially increased our ESP membership numbers and involvement. Additionally, I recognize the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. I have participated in various training opportunities re - lated to education policy, leadership, and advocacy equipping me with invaluable knowledge, skills, and perspectives that have deepened my understanding of the issues facing our Union and our education system. Sara Mendoza Address: 4358 S 249th Ave Buckeye AZ 85326 Home Phone: 480-243-5432 Local Association: Dysart EA Total Years of Education Employment: 11 Total Years as an AEA Member: 8 Total Years as an NEA Member: 8 Higher Education Degrees Held: M.Ed- Educational Administration, B.S-Secondary Art Education Elective Positions held in local, state/and national educational associations: DEA President, DEA Exec Board-Publicity Chair, NEA/RA Regional Delegate. Appointive positions held in local, state/ and national educational associations: AEA Compliance & Review Committee, Ethnic Minority Task Force, DEA-IBA Committee Non-education positions held: Recreation Leader- City of Phx, ADA Data Collector-RBK Consulting Services, Professional face painter (independent contractor) I am an Arizona native Chicana, requesting your vote to be the Region 5 Director for AEA. Currently, I am President of my local, Dysart EA. I have been part of the AEA Compliance Review Committee, the Racial and Social Justice Task Force, and Treasurer serving the Ethnic Minority Caucus. At a national level through NEA, I have completed the Teacher Leadership InstituteI program and am currently part of the Leaders for Just Schools cohort. I have been teaching in Arizona for 11 years, as an Art teacher for Kindergarten through eighth grade and am also the Elementary Art Lead for my district. My life changed aer having my first born at the age of 19, prompting me to "get real" about what I could provide for her and myself. I was a single mom living off of government assistance (food stamps and AHCCCS) for seven years while work - ing full time and putting myself through college. Since then, I have married and now have three daughters, ages 22, 12, and 10 that keep me on my toes. In my life journey and something I have learned to be grateful for, is having the opportunity to work my way up to being an educator. I want to help others learn they can do anything, no matter where the starting line and destination is. Whether a part time employee or an educator, our future needs Education. In whatever capacity you can, be part of it with pride. Region 6 Director Patrick Castro Address: 1961 N Hartford St #1132 Chandler AZ 85205 Home Phone: 480-695-2078 Local Association: Roosevelt EA Total Years of Education Employment: 11 Total Years as an AEA Member: 8 Total Years as an NEA Member: 8 Region 7 Director Betsy Brian Address: 7112 W Highland Ave Phoenix AZ 85033 Home Phone: 602-317-4516 Local Association: Cartwright Education Association Total Years of Education Employment: 24 Total Years as an AEA Member: 5 Total Years as an NEA Member: 23 Higher Education Degrees Held: Bachelor's, Process of Maters Elective Positions held in local, state/and national educational associations: President of ESCCO, Secretary, ESP Director. Appointive positions held in local, state/ and national educational associations: NSEA Governance Committee, AEA & CEA Elections Committee, ESP Taskforce. Non-education positions held: Elected County Board Member, NE NV Director Operation Santa, Legislative Liaison pow/mia. Greetings fellow educators, Born and raised in a union family, the impor- tance of solidarity and active listening was ingrained in my DNA. Embarking on a two-decade journey in public education, my initial role as a bus driver was motivated by a deep commitment to my son's education, navigating his Individualized Education Program (IEP) since first grade. roughout my career, which spanned three states, I transitioned from being recognized as the 4th-ranked school bus driver for Oklahoma to impactful positions such as association secretary and district ESP. My journey continued as I earned my special education teaching certification upon returning to Arizona. In Nevada, I embraced the classroom as a tier 4 instructional aide, earning the state's ESP of the year. Serving as the local president for eight years, I engaged with the education community, advocating for essential rights. Returning to Arizona, I tirelessly advocated for educators, successfully negotiating a 5% increase for all ESPs. My commitment extends beyond local endeav - ors; I've actively participated in AEA, holding roles in compliance, elections, and the membership