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Jeremy GervaisI have been part of GEA as a member of the Professional Rights & Responsibilities Committee for the past three years, and in that time I have come to understand what it means to safeguard teacher interests in an ever-changing educational landscape. Glastonbury teachers need a strong, clear and reasonable voice to represent them. I recognize that Glastonbury is a unique community; it is a community that requires a local association that prioritizes local needs. I also recognize that the GEA is strong and effective because of the efforts made by countless individuals who precede me, and I am committed to building on that foundation by employing my skill set to lead. As President, I look forward to working collaboratively with a board of talented and dedicated educators to engage, protect and energize our membership at all levels. Thank you for your trust and your vote on February 18th.
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Martin WalshThis is a time of crisis for public schools and teachers. The road ahead will be difficult. I have the background and experience to be an effective leader for Glastonbury teachers. I am running for GEA President in order to continue the excellent work done by my predecessors at the local level, establish a strong presence for our members at the state level, foster a greater understanding of the importance of active membership and encourage all teachers to get involved.
I am in my 22nd year of teaching in Glastonbury and have served the GEA as a building representative, negotiator and secondary vice-president. I have also served as a CEA political intern and was a candidate for CEA President last year. I have extensive experience as an elected official having served two terms on the town council and over five years on the school board in Wethersfield. My elected experience has given me an understanding and appreciation for the relationships between superintendent, board and council that will be invaluable in establishing a working relationship with our superintendent. All Glastonbury teachers owe a debt of gratitude to our present cadre of officers. They have forged a strong local with input from elementary, middle and high school teachers. They have also fostered an atmosphere of professionalism and collegiality with administrators that has exempted us from many of the onerous burdens of the state’s evaluation program. Additionally, we have a contract that provides us with competitive salaries and benefits. Many of these leaders will continue to serve us either in their present capacity or in offices established by our new constitution which will provide strength and stability during the leadership transition. As President, I will emphasize communication, dedication and boldness to make our local stronger and more cohesive than ever. The greatest threats to our livelihoods are increasingly coming from the state and national levels. One aim of the new constitution was to enable the President to have time to forge a greater presence there. I ran for CEA President last year (with Scott Minnick as my running mate) because we thought CEA leadership had not fought hard enough against the “reforms” instituted by the Malloy administration. Their endorsement of the governor was the last straw for us. During our eight month long campaign we forged strong working relationships with like-minded presidents, officers and representatives from around the state. Activist Jonathan Pelto and former CEA President Phil Apruzzese helped to manage our campaign. As your president I will work with these people and make connections with others in order to further our common local, statewide and national goals. I would be happy to drop by your school in the coming days to discuss my qualifications and vision for the future of our Association. Just drop me an email and I will contact you to schedule a time. I ask for your support and your vote on February 18th! In Solidarity, Martin |
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