Statement of Candidacy

As a devoted unionist, I have been passionate about worker’s rights since I began my career with Chicago Public Schools more than 30 years ago. My experience as a leader and organizer includes serving as Sauganash Elementary School’s CTU delegate since 2012, as district organizer from 2021 to the present, and currently holding the position of Elementary Functional Vice President on the CTU Executive Board. In these spaces, I am well-positioned to work collaboratively with maximum impact.

As a trustee, I will continue serving my fellow teachers and protecting our legacy for the future. I intend to fully support all that our CORE trustees have fought for and won, including restoration of the pension levy, supporting minority vendors, fighting all efforts to defund our pension through consolidation with the Teacher Retirement System, stopping hedge funds, and union-busting private equity firms. I will fight to support investment in clean energy and fixing Tier 2 pensions at the state level through working collaboratively with the We Are One coalition, lobbying legislators, and organizing in the community to build awareness around the importance of fully funding our pensions.

Education

MA Special Education, UIC, Chicago IL
MA Instructional Technology, NIU, DeKalb, IL
BA Elementary Education, UIC, Chicago, IL
Type 75 Administrative Certification, National Louis University, Chicago, IL
EL Approval, Dominican University, River Forest, IL
Library Science Coursework, Dominican University, River Forest, IL

Work Experience

Employed in Chicago Public Schools for 31 years, currently teaching special education at Sauganash Elementary (19 years)
Former school librarian, Holden Elementary (12 years)

Committees

CTU Elementary Education Steering
CTU Special Education
CTU Legislative Ambassadors
Sauganash Elementary Professional Problems Committee Chair

Memberships and Experience

CTU Delegate, Sauganash Elementary, 2012-present
AFT/IFT Delegate, 2021-present
CTU District Organizer, 2021-present
Current CTU Executive Board Elementary Functional Vice President
CTU Summer Organizing Institute, 2023 alum
CTU Policy Fellowship, 2024 alum
CTU Special Education Committee member
AFT Living the Legacy Award Winner, 2024

Disclaimer: CTPF is not responsible for the content of this material and has not verified any of the information.