Ollie Underwood

Background

I've taught high school government and history for 39 years in Town Creek, Alabama. I've been a local Association president, a vice president of the Alabama Education Association, and a member of the NEA Human and Civil Rights Committee.

How do you plan to spend your retirement?

Well, some things are going to be a little bit different. I'm going to spend more time fishing, and I want to take on a greater role in my church. But some things won't change much. I've been active in NEA so long that it would feel unnatural to stop, so I'm going to work with the Alabama Education Association-Retired. There's plenty to do. I like working in human and civil rights, and we need people in that area, so that's where I plan to focus my energy.

Sandra Schaller

Background

I was a teacher assistant in Greensboro, North Carolina, for 26 years. I served as a local Association president, sat on the state education support professional board, and was state treasurer for ESPs.

How has retirement been so far?

Wonderful. My husband and I moved to a new home northwest of Baltimore, Maryland, and it's the nicest neighborhood I've ever seen. During the winter snows, we'd wake up to find our driveways shoveled clear by neighbors. This is a community in the truest sense. We're refurbishing a lot of appliances in the house, and spending much more time with our grandchildren, who are nearby. Next, I want to get active in Association recruitment. When I worked as an ESP, we worked to gain full representation and voting rights in the Association, and it made a big difference. Now I'd like to help ESPs and teachers alike to improve their jobs by getting them active in their Associations.

Judy Day

Background

I taught at the elementary school level for 37 years in Arkansas City, Kansas, and specialized in Reading Recovery. In my local affiliate, I served as membership chair, vice president, and president. I've also been a state and national Association delegate and am currently vice president of Kansas NEA-Retired.

How do you balance leisure with Retired Association activities?

Actually, the Association is part of my leisure! My duties and training have allowed me to travel widely. But I have other leisure activities as well. First, I spend more time with my seven grandchildren. Also, I've joined the Arkansas City Music Club Chorus. I love it. But it's important for me to stay active in the Association. I'm proud that people have told me I negotiated some of the best school contracts in Kansas. I believe it's my duty to stay on top of the issues and assist Active members so that school employees will continue to have strong representation.