There were three events that led me to be a teacher – and one that brought me to my work as a leader in the union.
First, my mother owned a pre-school here in southern Oregon. I started working there and eventually took it over. Two, my son was diagnosed with autism, so I was in schools often, working with educators on his behavior and goals. The third event was when I was on a field trip and told a student, ‘I bet your mom loves your smile!’ He replied, ‘Mrs. O, my mom didn’t want me, so I have a new mom now.’
I broke into tears. This little boy had opened up to me and shared something so private – and I realized how lucky most of us were and how much others faced such severe challenges. I knew I could have an impact on these young lives by working in the schools.
I became a kindergarten assistant in 2014 and was in that position for seven years. I recently earned my teaching degree while working full time and am now teaching kindergarten to second grade at our district virtual school.
A similar feeling about meeting the needs of others brought me to work with the union – over time.
I was concerned about students lacking clothes or supplies and heard that the Oregon Education Association Foundation often provided support for students and their basic needs. I applied for and received a few grants from the OEA Foundation.
I grew to appreciate the great work the union could do and the sense of community it provided. Soon I was a building rep and deeply involved, then president of my local, the Eagle Point Education Association.
I love the connections the union provides at the local and state levels, but also appreciate NEA for the learning opportunities and the sense that there is a strong community of educators working together to support each other and our students – a community that is bigger than my school or my district and stretches throughout the nation.
In my district, we’ve worked on several issues through my local that are important to me – especially the recognition of support staff. The district calls these employees ‘classified’ and has dealt with us in ways that diminished the education we provide to all students alongside our certified partners. Every chance I get I have worked to be called an ‘educator,’ not ‘classified.’ We have since gotten new school board and superintendent who sees our value and provides the recognition and respect that we all deserve. Our support staff are now recognized monthly by the school board along with certified staff for outstanding work as educators.
I learned over time that to be a good educator and union leader, I needed the support of others. I’ve worked hard to help create an atmosphere within the union and my school where that support flourishes, and we are all better for it.
I’m glad I was led to a career in education. I can’t think of anything more important.
