Priorities

I believe our power lives in our classrooms, worksites, and local associations. My priority is to make sure every local has the training, support, and staff needed to organize effectively. This means redirecting significant national resources straight to the people who are doing the real work. It also means expanding member participation in bargaining, building strike-ready locals, and creating pathways for any educator to learn organizing skills. When we invest in organizing, we build a union that belongs to every member and strengthens every community.

I know what it feels like to work two or three jobs to make ends meet. Too many of our colleagues and students are facing the same reality. I want our union to take on statewide and national campaigns that fight for living wages for ESPs and all educators, paid family and medical leave, progressive revenue for public education, and debt-free higher education for everyone. When we fight for economic justice, we fight for the dignity of our members and the future of our students.

The decisions made in school boards, legislatures, and Congress shape our classrooms every day. My priority is to help locals win elections at every level and to train members on how to hold officials accountable when winning is not yet possible. We need a national strategy that supports local and statewide campaigns, builds coalitions with community partners, and prepares us for the critical fights ahead. When we elect real allies and stand up to those who harm our schools, we protect our students and our profession.