A Message from Karl

Members,

I have sat down to write this message a few times, and each time I have struggled.  (Despite multiple drafts it will still be kind of lame, even though I want it to be awesome.) 

For me putting something in writing makes it feel more real, and as I commit this to written words I am feeling a mix of emotions.  I never set out to be the president of UFEA, I am a Spanish teacher.  In fact, six years ago when I was at working at Cedar Ridge and Vickie Mahrt approached me about being a building rep, and then later about the opportunity to serve as vice-president, I was shocked that she thought I could do it.

I was humbled when you all trusted me and elected me president.

I was really proud when I was elected to serve as your president because of how much I respect each of you, but also because of how much I value our profession of educating.

I am still proud of the work of this union, because it is the work of educators.
I am still proud of the work of this union, because it is the work of serving students.
I am still proud of the work of this union, because it is the work of building our community and our nation.
I am still proud of the work of this union, because it is the most important work in the world.

We shape lives and we help students build their futures, every day.

I am excited to return to the classroom.  I love teaching.  I love serving this union.  I’ll probably continue serving in some capacity until I retire, but in the next few months, I will continue to work as hard for you as I have worked for the past three years.  I am excited about the team of members that will be bargaining this year and the committees that will be supporting them.  (More about that coming up!)  I am also excited that we will elect another great team of leaders in the next few months.

So with this message, nominations are open for the six delegates to the National Education Association Representative Assembly, President of UFEA, Vice President of UFEA, and Treasurer of UFEA.  The process and information about all the positions was sent to you by email.

It is and has been a privilege and a pleasure representing all of you.

I hope that you are as proud as I am to be an educator.

Please, keep doing the amazing and valuable work that you are doing every… day.

Thanks,