I grew up in a small village on Kodiak Island, in Alaska. At the time, we had a population of about 450 people. We were a tight-knit community. I felt incredibly connected to my family and friends, neighbors, and teachers. In fact, some of my role models were teachers. My eighth-grade teacher and volleyball coach, Ms. Taylor, always inspired me. Other teachers too: Mr. Mackabee and Mr. Taylor – just amazing teachers who believed in me.
As a middle school teacher, approaching 25 years in the classroom, I strive to build community with my students and parents. For students, it creates a space where they can thrive. And those are some of my best moments: When students start to believe in themselves. When they begin to read and understand passages or accomplish something they didn't know they could. I also like connecting with parents. We’re a team, and together, we work to help students.
My union, Fairbanks Education Association, also reminds me of my small village back home, in the sense that we help one another, building community along the way. During one of our fights for a contract we wore red t-shirts every Tuesday. We attended school board meetings with our red shirts to show solidarity, and we participated in a friendly protest with signs that asked onlookers to join us in our demand for support and respect.
As a building rep, I work hard to stay connected with the educators in my school. I want everyone to feel comfortable and supported — and that they’re not alone.
A few years ago, through NEA, I traveled to another state to visit several schools. Some did not have a union. A few of the teachers there seemed so isolated. When I got back to Fairbanks, seeing us all of us together and our network of support, it felt like home.
