Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/85591
Meet Your New Board Members I am a fulltime 2nd grade teacher in Torrington, Wyoming. I have been teaching for over 15 years and have been an active member at the local, state, and national levels during my entire teaching career. I wanted to run for WEA Vice President so that I could have the opportunity to serve and represent WEA members from across the state. I also want to continue to advocate for public education, and represent educational employees and students across Wyoming. Grady Hutcherson Vice President I am a full-time general and vocal music teacher at Hobbs Elementary in Cheyenne. This is my 22nd year teaching and my 10th at Hobbs Elementary. and private schools, as well as drum corps. I have also taught in Colorado and Minnesota, grades K-13, public I have a deep interest in politics and a great passion for education. My expectations as a new member of the WEA Executive Committee are to make sure that I represent the ideas and advocate for the unique needs of a rural state like Wyoming to the NEA Board of Directors. I also plan to be a voice for education on a national level by participating fully and taking advantage of any opportunities to lead within the Board of Directors and the NEA. Amy Simpson NEA Director Ernest is an IB Counselor at Cheyenne East High School and has taught around Cheyenne for over 30 years. He values his background and how far he has come. His parents only had a 3rd-grade education, and now Ernest has his PhD. He is proud to be a role model for young Hispanics and wants kids to know that anything is possible, when it comes to getting an education. He's excited to be a part of the board and figure out all that his position entails. He's been married for 42 years and has two kids, one of which teaches Spanish at East High School in Cheyenne. Ernest Duran Minority Representative Carole has been a WEA member for over 12 years and has been an ESP at Anderson Elementary in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for that entire time. Carole wanted to be ESP Representative to be involved and get more ESPs across the state involved, as well. Carole said it's important to know what's going on, because then she can inform people of issues, whether it's legislative or just general association information. Carole's career has taken her from working with autistic kids, to kids with speech issues, to a mobile computer lab. She's been at Anderson for 21 years altogether. Carole Palmer ESP Representative I am a 1st grade teacher at Evansville Elementary in Evansville, Wy (Casper). I taught Special Education for 3 years before moving into a classroom. A big goal/expectation for me as the new Central Region President is to get representation from each of the locals in Central Region to participate in DA this year. Another goal would be to encourage young members to become more active in our association. You don't have to be a leader to find your place. I ran for office because I felt the need to step up for something that I firmly believe in! Dirk Andrews Central Region President I have been a member for 10 years, 11 if you count my student membership from South Dakota. I am a 3rd grade teacher at Evansville Elementary. I am the local VP here in Natrona County. I ran for the position on the WEA Board because I believe in this association. I believe in protecting teachers so that we can properly advocate for children and their rights. I have seen, firsthand, districts that monopolize money in a way to promote individual agendas rather than what is best for employees and the children of Wyoming. This type of behavior is unacceptable. Being on the WEA board helps me share these grievances and take action against them. Teachers are so overwhelmed by heavy and stressful work environments. They need an organization that is on their side, keeping an eye on the policies and practices that work against quality education here in Wyoming. 28 BACK TO SCHOOL 2012 | WEAnews Noelle Clark Central Region Representative