Regularly I find myself saying that if you told me five years I'd be in the position I am in today, I'd have laughed at you.
Negotiating for the Bloomington Federation of Teachers (BFT) - HA!
Dean of Students - HA!
Five years ago, I was hitting my stride as teacher. I was constantly finding ways to innovate and ensure ALL kids learned. I was digging deep into standards based grading, technology, interventions, formative assessments. I even think I was still coaching 9th grade volleyball and playing in tournaments every other Saturday. But, like any go-getter, I found myself being tapped into more and more to participate in committees. This brought me to the district as a curriculum coordinator four years ago where I really fell in love with supporting teachers. My love of learning and supporting were married in that role and it felt good. I felt compelled to go back to school and get my administrative license so that I might be ready to take whatever roles life held in store for me.
Then bad leadership led to the dissipation of the entire team that was built in my first year at the district. We lovingly called ourselves the dream team as we watched all that we had believed in and work for crumble. It was then that I turned to my union leaders for guidance. Should my emails be getting screened, I asked. No. Does she have a right to demand I "repeat after her", I asked. No. I knew through all of the chaos that I was going to be ok. I had a job at Kennedy after the dissolution of the department and the backing of the union to ensure I wasn't wrongfully terminated or discriminated against for simply having a dissenting opinion. It was then that I realized I wanted to give back and get involved in the BFT.
So I joined the Negotiations Advisory Committee (NAC) just over two years ago to help gather the necessary information from our members and create contract language for the team to bring to the table. Being the go-getter that I am, I quickly found my niche building agendas and keeping the team focused (no offense guys, but we are really good at tangents--myself included). I felt purpose once again. I love my teacher colleagues. They do amazing work. Not unlike the children we teach, they are doing the best they can day in and day out and deserve hardworking people sitting at the table ensuring they won't be anymore overworked then they already are. They deserve a voice who listens in order to speak for them. I learned quickly I had something to offer as we went to the negotiating table. A fresh perspective, a knack for numbers and the audacity to not only listen but to also speak up and ask the tough questions.
Over twenty years ago I ran off to my bedroom crying. My sister and her friend were making fun of the deaf Miss Alabama and her voice as she competed for the Miss America title. I was outraged, but they just kept laughing. I stood up for this person I didn't even know because it's what I do. I stand up. I speak up.
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised I am in the position I am in today after all.
