Mary Kouts
Pre-Retired

Background
I've been an ESP in the Phoenix Union High School District in Phoenix, Arizona for 34 years. I'm now working parttime as a substitute teacher coordinator.

I helped start the ESP local in Arizona and have served as ESP director at large. I was also the first ESP to hold a state Association office when I was elected Arizona Education Association state treasurer for three years.

Why ESPs Should Get Active in NEA
ESPs can have a big impact on their jobs by getting active in NEA--particularly as lobbyists. We especially need retired ESPs to become more active. When I first started working, I never thought about retirement, but retirement issues such as insurance should be on your mind from the moment you begin your career. We need more retired ESPs to get involved in educating new employees about retirement issues. Right now, most NEA-Retired members in Arizona are teachers. We need to tap into the wealth of experience ESPs have, as well.

Greg Abbott
Recently Retired

Background
I taught fourth and fifth grade for 30 years at Mabel Rush Elementary School in Newberg, Oregon.

I served as president of my local Association for 12 years and am currently vice president of NEA-Retired Oregon.

How I'm Spending My Time
When I was active, I worked with three other teachers to start the Twin Rocks Outdoor School, which takes about 100 fifth graders and their parents to the Oregon coast for three days a year. Now that I'm retired, I'm keeping up with the outdoor school. I've also taken up walking and am getting ready to participate in a charity half-marathon to raise money to fight diabetes. I still volunteer one day per week at my old school. It's a good mix of work and leisure.

Jo Ann Kenner
Active Retired

Background
I taught elementary school language arts for 34 years in Cook County, Illinois. During that time, I've been a local Association president and vice president and a regional officer. I also served nationally on the NEA Resolutions Committee.

Why Did You Get Involved with the Association?
During my career, I got involved because almost every year there was some federal budget issue that affected teachers, and we needed lobbyists. Now I stay active lobbying to preserve the pensions and insurance of future education retirees. It's also a great social outlet. When I first joined NEA-Retired, I saw a lot of my former teachers. Now I get to keep working regularly with my former colleagues. Staying active keeps you young!