Union Philosophy

A big part of being a union representative to me means serving as a shield and a deterrent. As a representative, I never sat quietly in meetings between a member and administration. I intentionally asked questions administration couldn't, or wouldn't be comfortable answering. I levied counter claims and offered alternative narratives that would protect and support our members. I took notes and quoted what they said in the meeting or in an email back to them at inopportune times. My general goal was to make it uncomfortable enough for administrators that the next time something similar happened with a member, it would fall into the, "might as well leave it alone" category. 

I believe that engaging members is the key to having power, and engagement needs to mean more than wearing t-shirts on certain days. Our members are smart, capable, and dedicated to their profession. There is a lot of meaningful work to be done, and finding and inviting members to use their specific skill sets to our collective benefit is what engagement means to me. It's easy to ignore an email and another Google Form to fill out. It's hard to ignore a close colleague and friend asking you in person to use a skill you're proud of to advance our cause and protect us.

Our nurses, psychologists, social workers, and guidance counselors are valuable members of our union with unique concerns that teachers might not experience. Actively reaching out to, engaging, listening to, and supporting these members has sometimes been an afterthought, and it shouldn't be. All of us are stronger when all of our voices are heard and together. 

A lot of our non-tenured members work in fear that small mistakes will cost them their jobs. While there are certainly different levels of protection for our tenured and non-tenured members, we can do more to mentor, include, and protect our young, or non-tenured members. Being part of the DTA should help all of us feel safe and protected at work.

Most importantly, if I am voted in to the office of DTA President, my union philosophy will change and develop based on constant communication with members. I would work to amplify, reflect, and protect our voices.