Brent Bergstrom
Green Bay Education Association
Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC)
Brent Bergstrom is an elementary music teacher with the Green Bay Area Public Schools and has the honor and privilege of serving as the President of the Green Bay Education Association. His union experience encompasses over 15 years in leadership roles within both urban and rural school district unions across Wisconsin. Brent has engaged and educated students from 4K through twelfth grade in vocal and general music and is excited to continue teaching and collaborating with union members to improve, grow, and strengthen their union. As a passionate organizer, he is committed to engaging and activating all members, believing that a strong, inclusive, diverse, and just public school system is rooted in a robust union.
Jenn Black
Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Association
Washington Education Association (WEA)
My name is Jenn Black, and I am embarking on my 19th year as a high school English/Language Arts teacher. Throughout my career, I have taught high school students at various levels.
For the past three years, I have served as a part-time release president, and as I enter my fourth year, I am transitioning into a full-time release position with my local organization, the Sumner-Bonney Lake Education Association. Our association consists of 620 members and is dedicated to certificated staff. Since the beginning of my career, I have actively participated in union work, initially at the building level, and have held several roles within my local, UniServ, and state organizations.
I have developed a strong passion for union advocacy, fighting for my students and colleagues at both the local and state levels. I collaborate with my members to organize and partner with other associations to enhance the educational field for all students and staff.
Margaret Chaney
Tucson Education Association
Arizona Education Association (AEA)
Margaret R. Chaney is an American History & Exceptional Education teacher currently serving her second term as the full-time release President of the Tucson Education Association, representing over 1,000 members.
Before her presidency, Margaret served two years as Vice President and held several years of experience as a site representative and Ethnic Minority Director-at-Large. She was a mentor teacher for the Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Instruction department at Tucson Unified School District. Her extensive career includes roles in both public and private sectors as a preschool teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, academic advisor at the University of Arizona, and Assistant to the Dean in the Graduate College.
A native of Chicago and a proud product of the Chicago Public Schools, Margaret has focused her advocacy work primarily in Tucson. She believes that a union thrives on the participation of its rank-and-file members and becomes stronger as members recognize the power of their numbers and learn to advocate for their needs. Margaret holds a master's degree in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Chelsea Foo
Edmond Association of Classroom Teachers
Oklahoma Education Association (OEA)
My name is Chelsea Foo, and I am entering my 26th year as a high school science teacher, currently teaching Physics and Pre-AP Chemistry. This will be my third year as a part-time release president of my local association. I previously served one year as president without release time and secured a grant through the NEA to fund my part-time release. Our association represents certified teachers only, with a membership of 640.
Since becoming involved in my local association, I have taken steps to increase its level of activism locally, statewide, and nationally. I am proud to participate in the New Presidents Training Cadre, as this training was incredibly meaningful to me as a new president and marked the beginning of a transformation within my local association.
Sean Heyl
Education Association of Charles County
Maryland State Education Association
Sean Heyl is an experienced English teacher and the President of the Education Association of Charles County (EACC). With 27 years of dedicated service in education, Sean initially joined the county as an Emotional Adjustment teacher, honing his skills in understanding and supporting diverse student needs. His passion for literature and language then led him to transition into teaching English, where he engages and inspires students every day.
As the president of EACC, Sean advocates for educators and works tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard, contributing to the betterment of the educational community. His commitment extends beyond the classroom, fostering a collaborative environment that empowers both teachers and students alike. Sean's extensive experience and leadership abilities make him a pivotal figure in promoting educational excellence in the county.
Leslie Houston
Fairfax Education Association
Virginia Education Association (VEA)
Leslie Houston is the President of the Fairfax Education Association (FEA) and the third Black president in its 100-year history. As a passionate advocate for students and educators alike, she serves as a Special Education Teacher and mentors at-risk teens. Leslie’s commitment to unionism is driven by her dedication to supporting her colleagues and students.
Leslie holds a BA in Mass Communications from Grambling State University, an MA in Human Relations from The University of Oklahoma, and a Master of Education in Special Education from George Mason University. She has completed her educational leadership endorsement and plans to pursue a Doctorate. Her background as a former journalist enriches her advocacy skills, making her a strong voice for educational issues.
In her role as a special educator, Leslie has developed curriculum to help students with emotional disabilities express themselves through spoken word. She has contributed to the FCPS Student Leadership Academy curriculum and received the FCPS Individual Excellence Award in 2020. Additionally, she was recognized as the Military Spouse of the Year for Tinker AFB in 2013, using her platform to raise awareness about special education laws and support various executive boards that advocate for military families.
Maureen Quiros Gray
Teachers Association of Norwalk-La Mirada Area
California Teachers Association (CTA)
My name is Maureen Quiros Gray, and I have been an elementary school teacher for 29 years. This is my third year as the full-time release President of my local union, the Teachers Association of Norwalk-La Mirada Area (TANLA) in Southern California. As the president of 900 members, my commitments include advocating for optimal learning and teaching conditions, promoting communication and collaboration, increasing membership engagement, and supporting members as we navigate these challenging times.
I have been actively involved in union leadership for the past 25 years and am thrilled to join the NEA New Presidents Training Cadre this year. I look forward to collaborating with new presidents to strengthen our unions and advocate for public education.
Shannon Rasmussen
Federal Way UniServ Council
Washington Education Association (WEA)
I am Shannon Rasmussen, currently in my 34th year as a middle school teacher. I became involved in Association work when I realized that my union provided an opportunity for me to positively impact public education and the students in my classroom.
Throughout my time as an Association leader, I have been the local president of the Federal Way UniServ Council (comprising 1,750 certificated and ESP members), the Puget Sound UniServ Council president (4,800 members), a Washington Education Association Board Director, and an officer in the National Council of the Urban Education Association (NCUEA).
I am proud to be part of the NEA/NCUEA Training Cadre. NCUEA has long advocated for these trainings, as we understand that engagement and capacity at the local level is crucial to the health of our Association.
Mark Richards
East Orange Maintenance Association
New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)
My name is Mark Richards, and I serve as the President of the East Orange Maintenance Association. I have held this position for the past four years after serving as Vice-President and fulfilling various roles within the local association, including participation in Negotiating Teams and Grievances.
For the last 35 years, I have dedicated my career to the East Orange Board of Education as a proud Educational Support Professional (ESP) in the Maintenance Department. Through this experience, I have gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by our ESP members on both personal and professional levels. By collaborating with my County Association and State Association, I actively work toward advancing the rights and advocacy efforts for all members, particularly for ESPs.
As a member of the County Representative Council and a County Captain in the NJEA ESPAN Network Advocacy group, I actively engage in initiatives that promote racial and social justice. Having been appointed as an NEA Board Director in 2023, I am dedicated to continuing my contributions in this role in the years ahead.
Robert V. Rodriguez
San Bernardino Classroom Teachers Association
California Teachers Association (CTA)
Robert Varela Rodriguez is a special education teacher in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Delegates elected Robert to the National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee for a one-year term in July 2018.
A passionate educator and longtime union activist, Robert has represented California on the NEA Board of Directors for six years, served three years on the NEA Budget Committee, and completed a two-year term on the CTA Board of Directors. He held the position of president of the San Bernardino Teachers Association for three years, followed by three years as vice president. Over his 14 years of teaching experience, Robert has worked at the elementary, middle school, special day class, and resource specialist levels.
Robert believes that only through organizing and collective action can we achieve real and lasting change for educators, students, and public education. He is committed to ensuring that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—has access to quality public schools. Robert obtained his bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s degree in education from California State University, San Bernardino.
Tamara Ross
Monroe City Association of Educators
Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE)
I am Tamara Ross and have been teaching for twenty years. Currently, I teach First Grade at Cypress Point University Elementary in Monroe, Louisiana. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most outstanding students in our state, and I enjoy empowering both students and adults to reach their full potential.
Within my local and state associations, I’ve held numerous leadership positions and am currently in my third term as President of the Monroe City Association. In addition to my local role, I serve on the Executive Board for the Louisiana Association of Educators as a representative for District Two, representing the best certificated and classified employees.
I have been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for seven years, where I have lent my voice to abused and neglected children. I am training to become a Mental Health Counselor for both adults and children and plan to pursue a Doctorate in Psychology in the future. This opportunity to help other presidents grow and strengthen their locals is both crucial and exciting for me.
I received my Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Plus 30 from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Dr. Danette M. Stokes
United Education Association of Shelby County
Tennessee Education Association (TEA)
Dr. Danette M. Stokes is a dedicated educator and public school advocate for Memphis Shelby County Schools. She has extensive experience in education and advocacy, having previously served as the President of the United Education Association of Shelby County and currently as the President of the Tennessee Urban Education Association Council (TUEAC).
With 25 years of experience as an elementary educator, Dr. Stokes has held diverse leadership positions at local, state, and national levels. Her roles include serving on the Tennessee Education Association Board of Directors for District 15, as the UEA Communications Chairperson, and as a member of several committees, including the TEA Operations and Rules Committee and the NEA Resolutions Committee. She has also participated in the MSCS SAFE Re-entry and Retention Task Forces.
Dr. Stokes holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision, both from Union University. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Committed to improving education, Dr. Stokes is honored to serve as a member of the NEA/NCUEA Local Presidents Training Cadre.
Gene W. Woods
Bayonne Education Association
New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)
My name is Gene W. Woods (he/him/his). This year marks my 15th year as a Social Studies teacher at Bayonne High School in New Jersey. I have taught every course in our department, including the Facing History and Ourselves elective and African American History.
As the president of the Bayonne Education Association (BEA), I advocate for 924 teachers, secretaries, guidance counselors, speech therapists, school psychologists, and nurses. Prior to my elected leadership role, I became active within our county’s Leadership and Training, NJEA’s Early Career Members, and the NJEA’s efforts for Chapter 78 relief. These opportunities enabled me to build connections with both rank-and-file members and those in elected positions, inspiring me to facilitate significant changes in our local association.
We successfully negotiated a fair contract in record time and strengthened our community connections through the NJEA’s FAST and Pride grants, all while continuing to advocate for our members' safety during the pandemic.
Additionally, I hold several other roles that help me advocate for our members, students, and community: I serve as Government Relations Chairperson for Hudson County, am a Delegate Assembly Member for Hudson County, and am an appointed member of the NJ Commission on Holocaust Education.
