Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/40928
Meet the new DSEA president New DSEA president talks about what makes her an advocate, what her immediate plans are After three years under the leadership of Diane Donohue, Frederika Jenner of Red Clay assumes leadership of Delaware's largest union. Q: You have always taught in the Red Clay Consolidated School District. Is that right? A: Yes and no. After graduating in 1972 from Goucher College in Baltimore with a degree in elemen- tary education, I taught 3rd and 4th grades at North Star Elementary School which at the time was part of the Alexis I. du Pont School District. I grew up in Newark and Hockessin, so I never went very far from home! In 1978, court-ordered school desegregation led to a num- ber of changes for teachers and stu- dents. I was assigned to Wm. C. Lewis Elementary in Wilmington. After 17 years teaching elemen- tary school, I turned myself into a middle school teacher. Since 1989, I have taught 6th grade science at H. B. du Pont Middle School. I have been a working teacher for 39 years. I love children and I love teaching, so this has been a perfect career for me. I have been driven to do my best for the children in my care. I have always held myself accountable to them and to their families – a message that the public continues to need to hear from us about Delaware's public school employees. Q: How does it feel, not going back to a classroom after 39 years? A: I imagine that every DSEA pres- ident has reacted to this situation with mixed feelings, but, let me say that I am honored to serve as the president of DSEA. I find myself thinking about the support I have enjoyed from mem- bers and leaders of my local associ- ation. I want to thank them all; I will miss working with them. Additionally, I am genuinely excit- Frederika Jenner (right) chats with Amy Reed, president of the Lake Forest E.A. at their luncheon for Lake Forest's new teachers and paras. ed about the opportunities ahead. I have admired DSEA leaders and staff from afar. Now, I get the chance to work with some terrific people for the benefit of our mem- bers, Delaware's schools and the students and families who choose public education. Q: Talk to us about your Red Clay E.A. and DSEA involvement. A: I have been an active union member since the fall of 1972 at North Star Elementary when I answered yes to the question, "Is there any chance that you would be our building Rep?" Since that time I served in almost every capacity at the local level. My activism, advoca- cy, and unionism have helped define my teaching career. It is my belief that what is truly good for our stu- dents is generally good for educa- tors, and vice versa. Q: Most DSEA members I imag- ine have no way of knowing how busy the DSEA President, can be --- in how many arenas he/she carries the voice of the educator and makes a positive impact on policy. So, without sounding trite, how did you spend your summer vacation? A: This summer, I deliberately took the time to prepare to do a good job for our members as well as for the organization. In May, I attended the Hunt Institute's Governors' Education Symposium with Governor Markell, Secretary of Education Lowery, and DSEA Exec. Director Howard Weinberg. I was the one and only teacher in the audience, and Howard and I were the only union people present. It was an interest- ing, worthwhile experience. In early June, Deb Stevens, DSEA director of Instructional Advocacy, and I went to a teacher effectiveness conference in Chicago, courtesy of the National Comprehensive Council on Teacher Quality. We were both impressed by the excel- lence and depth of presentations. Once again, I was one of about ten teachers at the event; Deb and I appeared to be the only union rep- resentatives in a crowd of 200. A highlight was the screening of a brand new film, , which will be released this fall. It is the antidote to Waiting for Superman, the feel-bad documen- tary from last year. We are looking into sponsoring a screening of sometime this fall here in Delaware. Q: Did NEA offer training this summer for new state presi- dents? A: Yes, indeed. In mid-July, DSEA Vice-President Mike Hoffmann, Treasurer Karen Crouse and I were lucky to attend the National Council of State Education Associations summer programs for state leaders in Boston. For the first two days of the conference, NEA provided special training for newly elected state presidents. It turns out that there are ten of us this year! That event was enhanced by inter- actions with experienced leaders, including NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, who sat at my table during lunch. What a gifted and down-to-earth leader he is! It was an honor for new presidents to share the time with him and to call upon his wisdom as a former state president and the newly re-elected president of NEA's 3.2 million edu- cation professionals. In mid-August, our new DSEA Leadership Team participated in a two-day retreat to get to know each other better, to work on transition issues, to identify priorities, and to work more on planning for the upcoming year. Team members include NEA Director Mary Jo Faust, (Capital), Karen Crouse, (Lake Forest), Mike Hoffmann, (Colonial), Executive Director Howard Weinberg, and me. Q: Is there a particular priority you'd like members to know is on your list for your presidency? A: Yes – that I want to meet them, in person, listen to what is on their minds, and better understand their daily experiences. In mid-August, I did my best to get around to as many New Hire Orientation ses- sions in all three counties as I could. Finally, I want to communicate to all local leaders, no matter how large or small their membership, to invite me and any member of the Leadership Team to their meetings, socials, and trainings. Ten mem- bers or fifty members: every mem- ber is important; important to their local, to DSEA and to their stu- dents, their families, and their school community. 4 September 2011 DSEA ACTION! www.dsea.org American Teacher American Teacher