The MEA held its annual Representative Assembly (RA) in May. The MEA RA is the largest democratic body of the association, made up of educators elected by their local associations to represent their districts.
This year, RA delegates set the course of work for the Union in the upcoming school year and discussed and took positions on key education issues. The following pages are items voted on by the delegates at the Representative Assembly.
Anne Sheehan Political Action Award
Awarded to: Marissa Armitage
A member of the Maine Chapter of Moms Demand Action, Marissa was quick to join when MEA members formed the group Educators for Gun Safety. Marissa’s dedication and tireless efforts have not only made our state a safer place, but they have also inspired others to take action.
Awarded to: Nathan Hall
Nathan, a member of Falmouth EA, is a perfect example of how strong organizing and leadership can create positive change in the community. Nathan’s success orchestrating two successful write-in campaigns for the Falmouth School Board is an example of the profound impact that political action has at a local level.
Ashley Bryan Award
Awarded to: Reza Jalali
MEA’s Ashley Bryan Arts and Humanities Award honors an individual in the arts and the humanities for their commitment to education and their work and advocacy for human and civil rights and social justice.
The Director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, Reza Jalali, is credited with leading the organization to financial stability, increasing programming that improved the lives of New Mainers, and launching the “Women Lead” program which seeks to empower immigrant women to pursue their economic and educational goals.
Corporate Award
Awarded to: Side X Side
Side X Side works “side by side” to create community partnerships between organizations like the University of Southern Maine, school districts, and artists to enhance the school curriculum through the arts.
Friend of Education Award
Awarded to: Rep. Michael Brennan
As the House Chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, Representative Brennan has consistently demonstrated his dedication to ensuring quality and equitable public education and his commitment to both educators and students.
Awarded to: Stephanie Oiler
Stephanie has been an active volunteer in the Hermon Schools since her children were in kindergarten. More recently, she has volunteered for the Junior Achievement Program in third-grade classrooms and is the Key Club advisor for the high school. Currently, Stephanie serves as the chair of the Hermon School Committee, where she has proven herself to be a strong advocate for Hermon students and educators.
(Pictured left is Stephanie’s daughter accepting the award on her behalf.)
Golden Apple Award
Awarded to: The Telling Room
Through its writing programs and workshops, The Telling Room empowers young writers aged 6-18. Through its work with educators, assistance with college admissions essays, and youth publication programs, The Telling Room amplifies youth voices, creating deeper community connections.
Awarded to: The Telling Room
Through its writing programs and workshops, The Telling Room empowers young writers aged 6-18. Through its work with educators, assistance with college admissions essays, and youth publication programs, The Telling Room amplifies youth voices, creating deeper community connections.
John Marvin Local Association Award
Awarded to: Yarmouth EA
Yarmouth Education Association found new ways to re-engage support staff, tripling their ESP membership count in the unit. As a result, recent negotiations have gone a long way in strengthening the association and teachers and ESPs working together.
Awarded to: Coastal EA
The local advocates and leaders at Coastal EA demonstrated a unity that emphasized the importance and value of every individual working in our schools. As a result, the lowest-paid positions, food service workers, have seen substantial pay increases during the last negotiation.
Awarded to: South Portland ESP
The South Portland ESP Association (SPESPA) successfully negotiated a pay raise and retroactive compensation for a member who served as transportation director without additional pay. Following extensive negotiations, SPESPA has established a new, permanent role in the Collective Bargaining Agreement that includes a salary commensurate with the added responsibilities.
Joan McGovern ESP Award
Awarded to: Jennifer Cooper
Jennifer advocates for her students to be integrated into school day programming and provides direct support to students in the classroom. She successfully secured funding to create an outdoor play area for her students and advocated at the School Board to move the district’s day treatment program into a school building. Her advocacy has improved outcomes for all students.
Jennifer is not only a strong advocate for her students and their families but also for her colleagues. As the ed tech president of the Portland Education Association, she tirelessly represents the membership and fights for her ESP colleagues. She has become a trusted advocate and a great representation of the impact that support professionals have on their students and schools.
Teaching Excellence Award
Awarded to: Chris Coleman
Chris, President of the Damariscotta Area TA, has been pivotal in advocating for inclusive student safety policies. He rallied his association to support ALL students at a series of school board meetings on district policies regarding student safety and supporting transgender students. His leadership extends to chairing the MEA Government Relations Committee and influencing state policies through legislative testimonies. Chris’s advocacy work truly reflects his commitment to public education.
Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund Recipients
The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund was created by the MEA through a trust established by the late Audrey Lewis. It awards graduating seniors monies to help cover tuition, room, board, books, and fees.
Maya Gould – Cony High School
Cassandra Kromer – Belfast Area High School
Audrey Andrews – Shead High School
Not pictured: Nhi Nguyen – Oak Hill High School, Yana Montell – Gardiner High School & Finn McDowell – Narranguagus School
To see all of the bylaw, constitution, new and amended resolutions, new business items, and standing rules changes please visit this link here: https://issuu.com/maineea/docs/summer_24/26
