Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/56088
To represent you at the national convention For NEA RA delegate There are vacancies for five two-year terms, and one one-year term (for the D.C. RA only). Diane Saienni Albanese I am applying for the position of State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly for many reasons. I am interested in being a part of the solution and have worked on state committees for the new assessment and reform. I would like to be a part of the deci- sion making process as we move forward in education. Also, I believe in the importance and the need for Delaware teachers to become involved and aware. DSEA is a huge part of the educa- tional participatory process. I am proud to be a union member and to have been a part of the Chicago NEA assembly. I hope to play an important role during the summer of 2012 in Washington, D.C. Kelli Eckert Bradley Thank you for electing me two years ago and I'd be honored again to represent Delaware at the nation- al level! As part of the NEA-RA and DSEA-RA for the past 11 years, I've had the opportunity to discuss issues facing educators and para- professionals today. We aren't alone in our struggles and I enjoy dis- cussing Delaware's perspective. I would also like to continue DSEA's representation on the Community Outreach Committee at the NEA- RA. In Chicago last year, we had Delaware Representatives serve the homeless and build a house with Habitat for Humanity. It's been fun involving Delaware as volunteers at each host city! Experience: NEA RA Community Outreach Member - 5 years DSEA Executive Board Member - 7 years BEA Executive Board - 11 years Building Rep - 19 years Stephanie Ingram We have not had anyone in the Colonial Education association active- ly involved at this level for some time. I have been working as vice-president of my local to make us stronger and more informed and I believe that I can broaden my efforts to the state level. I cannot begin to describe all that I have learned in my participation in the last two NEA RAs. Being sur- rounded by educators from across this land at our national conven- tions gives one a new level of com- mitment, engagement, and more enthusiasm to attack the challenges we face here in our state. Attending the RAs provides one with new per- spective and a better understanding of the issues facing educators on a broad scale and allows the state del- egate to return with a strengthened resolve. I hope you provide me with this opportunity to continue to reaf- firm my commitment to DSEA. Margaret Martinez I am a parapro- fessional in the Capital School District and secre- tary of our Association. A member of the Ethnic Minority Task Force at DSEA, I have been an active union member for four years. I love what I do and know that our students, our children need a voice. I want to be able to stand up for what is right. Our students need us. They need to be able to learn in a safe, healthy and fun environ- ment. I just completed my first term as a State Delegate and found that rep- resenting our members was a won- derful experience. I have the knowl- edge and the experience to do a great job. Now I am running for State Delegate once again and when you vote for me, you will know that I will do everything to the best of my ability to stand up for our children, for our members. Pam Ingram As a longtime member of DSEA, I've served this association in vari- ous ways. I cur- rently serve on the DSEA Executive Board of Directors and as president of the Colonial Paraprofessional Association. Not only am I commit- ted, but I wholeheartedly believe in unionism. Having attended train- ings, such as NEA Leaders for Tomorrow and Future Leaders, reaffirms my resolve. I'm con- cerned about the issues we all face in education and reform, yet wit- nessed what power in numbers can accomplish. I would like the oppor- tunity to serve as 2012 State Delegate at the NEA Representative Assembly. Simply put, I care and raise my fist in solidarity. Adele Jones I am in my third year as a Visiting Teacher in the Indian River School District. Prior to this, I was a math teacher for 26 years. I have been a member of the Association since I started teaching. I am currently an associa- tion representative and member- ship chair of my local, Indian River Education Association. I have been a delegate to both the DSEA and NEA Representative Assembly for many years. I would like to contin- ue to serve you as a delegate to the NEA RA for the next two years. Thank you for your support. The 2012 NEA Representative Assembly is June 30 - July 5 in Washington, D.C. In 2013 it moves to Atlanta, Georgia, July 1 - July 6. Patti Reid Having attended the NEA RA for the past six years, I know it takes a lot of commitment, hard work, dedication, and overall passion for our union, and I will be that strong voice for ESPs in Delaware. I am a very strong advo- cate and leader in the state of Delaware and wish to continue doing so. Recently, President Van Roekel appointed me as the ESP at Large member on the NEA Resolutions Committee, and I am extremely proud to be representing all ESPs, not only in Delaware but across the country in this role. I promise to bring my passion, dedication, and experience to this commitment if I am an elected delegate to represent Delaware. Please vote for me, Patti Reid, NEA RA delegate. Denise Waples I am a second grade teacher at Benjamin Banneker Order of candidates on the ballot is determined by a drawing. Here, the order is alphabeti- cal, with some changes because of space constraints. www.dsea.org Elementary School and a member of MEA. I am asking for your support in my quest to be a representative for DSEA to the NEA Representative Assembly. As an educator I am deeply concerned with the issues we in education are facing today. As a rep to the NEA RA, my goal will be to represent and speak for not only the educa- tors of our state but the children we serve. Please assist me in my endeavor to assist the members and children of our state. Thank you for your support. I look forward to representing the members of Kent County. February 2012 DSEA ACTION! 13