Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/955848
36 ADVOCATE | SPRING 2018 Association Governance serve AEA and my local. I have just begun my work in both capacities and look forward to learning and growing in both roles. I appreciate your support. Name: Resha Gentry-Ballance Address: 3210 W Frankfurt Drive, Chandler, AZ 85226 Work Phone: Home Phone: 480-274-9390 Local Association: Phoenix Union HSD CTA Education Position: TOA / CTA President Years Employed: 32 Total Years of Educational Employment: 32 Total Years as AEA Member: 31 As NEA member: 31 Higher Education Degrees Held: MA in Arts and Performance Elective positions held: President of Phoenix Union CTA, 2017-present Vice President of Phoenix Union CTA, 2014-2017 Unit Chair, Phoenix Union CTA, 5? years Region 3 Alternate Director Lorelei Andersen Name: Lorelei Andersen Address: 1004 E. Wesleyan Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282 Work Phone: 602-764-9000 Home Phone: 602-909-8253 Local Association: Phoenix Union High School District CTA Education Position: Business Teacher Years Employed: 20 Total Years of Educational Employment: 20 Total Years as AEA Member: 20 As NEA member: 21 Higher Education Degrees Held: Master in Secondary Education Elective positions held: Treasurer of Phoenix Union CTA, 2 years Unit Chair, Phoenix Union CTA, 5 years Campus Rep, Phoenix Union CTA, 10 years Region 5 Director Michael McGowan When I graduated from college, I had never heard of the AEA, NEA, and certainly not of my local association, GUEA. In the positions I hold now (NEA RA delegate, local site leader, math department chair), I have the opportunity to interact with my high school and college students who are much farther along in their union journey than I was at that time. After I was hired at the high school that I previously attended, I was offered the opportunity to join the association. I still didn't fully understand what it was or what they did, but I joined regardless because everyone else was doing it. Since then, I have continuously been looking for opportunities to help move our association forward. Whether I'm empowering teachers at my school to seek out leadership opportunities within the association or volunteering on campaigns and events put on by my local or state association, I'm always actively looking for ways to be involved in my association. Becoming an AEA Board Member is the next step for me to help move AEA forward. I have a great vision for our students' education in Arizona, and as an AEA Board Member I will have a greater impact on policies and endorsements that directly affect us everyday. Name: Michael McGowan Address: 16601 N. 4th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85023 Work Phone: Home Phone: 602-558-0961 Local Association: Glendale Union EA Education Position: Math Teacher Years Employed: 5 Total Years of Educational Employment: 5 Total Years as AEA Member: 5 As NEA member: 5 Higher Education Degrees Held: Masters in K-12 Instruction Educational Leadership Elective positions held: Glendale Union EA Site Leader, 3 years NEA-RA Delegate, 2 years Appointive positions held: Glendale Union EA Communications Chair, 2 years AEA Budget Committee at NEA-RA, 1 year Young Professionals Caucus, Constitution Chair, 1 year Non-Education positions held: Board Member for YMCA Camping Services, 1.5 years Region 5 Director Mindy Whalen Name: Mindy Whalen Address: 5301 N 82nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 Work Phone: 602-347-2500 Home Phone: 602-647-9357 Local Association: Washington Elementary District EA Education Position: Reading Teacher Years Employed: 25 Total Years of Educational Employment: 26 Total Years as AEA Member: 18 As NEA member: 18 Higher Education Degrees Held: Masters in Education Elective positions held: AEA Region 5 Director Local President Local Treasurer Appointive positions held: Political Action Chair Advocacy Chair Region 5 Alternate Director – open position Region 6 Director Nancy Schwartz Getting involved in politics and "the union" was the farthest thing from my mind when I decided to pursue a career in public education. However, for several years, such involvement has not been an optional activity. Public education, which was created to be one of the great equalizers, continues to be at risk. We cannot sit on the sidelines hoping that things will get better. "Things" will not get better unless we are willing to join together and fight for it. And the best way to join together is through our union, the AEA. (Yes, it's called an association – but we are a union.) Unions have been part of our history since the American Revolutionary War. Unions have fought for safer working conditions, health care, and retirement benefits. Unions bring diverse voices together for a common cause. Unions historically have elevated the standards of living for all workers. Unions are democratic. Everyone has a voice; everyone has a vote. I seek to continue to represent Region 6 on the AEA Board of Directors because there is more to do. Before we can advance our profession, we must save it. I will endeavor to keep you informed. I will listen to your opinions and concerns and assist you in having a voice. And I will work to protect our profession from those who see dollar signs in privatization – instead of seeing a child who falls in love with reading. 2018 AEA Board of Director Candidates