Who am I?

I teach math and computer science at Brandywine High School, and this is my 28^th year in education. I have been DSEA’s Treasurer for 4 and a half years, and was appointed as Vice President in November. I am now running for a full 3 year term, and I am asking for your support and your vote.

So, what got me involved?

My family moved to Delaware in 2004. After my experiences at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, when I started at Brandywine I was surprised that I had a duty period and was expected to either work in the office, sit on hall duty, or cover classes without pay. That was unheard of – in my former school you were paid to cover classes, deans kept the hallways cleared, and I had a full 50 minute class period for lunch! I made the decision then to step up and get involved.

I became a building rep, and in my 3^rd year BEA President Dave Bradley asked me to be on the Executive Board as Legislative Chair. Only weeks later, a state representative resigned and I was suddenly thrust into a special election, gathering a team, interviewing candidates and notifying our members of our recommendation. I’ve remained Legislative Chairperson since then, and have developed relationships with many state leaders, which has proved invaluable during times when I’ve visited Legislative Hall for lobbying or at other events.

After attending a DSEA daylong training I moved into being Membership Chair for my local – I realized that the strength and power in a union is through its membership, and one of my goals has been to increase our numbers. We created a new position at DSEA for this purpose, and as Treasurer I assisted in finding funding for this position and seeing this come to fruition.

My first DSEA RA was in 2007, and my first NEA RA was in 2008. I had never seen anything like it – 10,000 educators all gathered for a common purpose. The energy was incredible, and that’s when I realized that my path was to serve my fellow members. I want the best work experience for all members. No one should go to their job feeling unsafe or in fear of retaliation for speaking up for their students.

I joined the DSEA Executive Board in 2011, and was elected as Treasurer in 2018. As Treasurer, I recognized the importance of my fiduciary responsibilities to our organization, so much so that although I am now the Vice President, I am also continuing to act as Treasurer until that position is filled. We have another 2 year budget to develop, and I am presiding over that committee. This fall, I spent every week either in the Dover or Newark office performing audits for our smallest locals who don’t have the resources to hire an outside accountant. Much of what I do for DSEA is behind the scenes. When people reach out to me with questions or problems, I find answers. For example, a member was told they could not enter a polling place unless they had their temperature taken. I notified legislators and had the situation fixed.

My profile on social media says I am “dedicated to making a difference”. This is how I approach my daily life, whether it’s with my students, family, friends, or our union. As an advocate for all public educators, I believe in the power and strength of union membership and as Vice President of DSEA, utilizing my skills and vast experience I will continue my fight for member rights. I appreciate your consideration and your vote.