Events & Activities

Denise Lake | Mindy Layton |  Kellie May | Marsha Curtis | Mike Harmon | Britt Stull | Caren Burns | Haley Kelley | Kathy Smith | Jeremy Reynoso

State-Wide Elections

Denise Lake, Candidate for NEA State Director

(Submitted by candidate)
Handout

My name is Denise Lake and I want to represent you as Utah’s NEA State Director. I have been teaching for 27 years as a kindergarten teacher. I have served as a building representative, member of OMC (Organizing Member Capacity), member of EMAC (Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee), and a member of Eastern’s UniServ Council. Attended NEA Representative Assembly, NEA Leadership Conferences and Racial and Social Justice Conferences. Presented at UEA’s Summer Leadership Academy, served as a member of Ethnic Studies Coalition for Utah. I am an active member of NEA, UEA and MEA. I am a member of NAME, NEA Black Caucus, UEA Rural Caucus and UEA Social Justice Caucus. I am currently serving as UEA Ethnic Minority Director, where I am on the Board of Directors and chairperson of EMAC.

I want to serve as your NEA State Director and bring Utah’s educator’s voices to the table at the national level. Bringing back to you information, resources and insights in how we can better serve our students and educators. With Utah’s population is becoming more and more diverse, we need to rise up to the challenge and give ourselves, our students and those we work with the best tools to make a difference. I want to be that voice at the national level and share with others what is happening in Utah. Our students and educators deserve to have an individual who will be that voice. I want to be that person and voice. Please vote to me.
back

Mindy Layton, Candidate for NEA State Director

(Submitted by candidate)
Handout | Campaign Video

I am Mindy L. Layton. I currently work for Granite School District as a district teacher specialist and Multilingual Learners Academic Coach in the department of Educational Equity at the Granite Education Center. As a teacher since 2001, I seek to create more equitable learning conditions for diverse students in the least segregative manner. Over the past four years as your elected NEA State Director, I have brought my passion, balanced voice, and listening ear to my committee work on a national and state level to advance equity within Utah with the federal Every Student Success Act (ESSA). I am re-running for the NEA State Director for Utah- one more time! My platform goal is to build leadership capacity and association membership to reinstate the second NEA state director seat. As a result of continued membership decreases, the second NEA state director seat was removed. Never has our unified educator voice proven to be critical as it is now! Your vote requires qualified representation so I can continue advocating for your classroom successes and barriers. Together we can improve rural and urban educational equity. Let’s provide better access to existing educational resources. Let’s fund proven educator-driven instructional practices. Together We Can elevate Utah’s Public Education and our working conditions. Your Educator’s voice makes the difference! Again, it would be my honor to be re-elected as your National Education Association State Director for Utah. Vote Mindy L. Layton for NEA State Director.
back

Kellie May, Candidate for Ethnic Minority Director

(Submitted by candidate)

I am in my 28th year with SLCSD and fifth as an education specialist in HR. My position allows to support preservice, entering, new to the district, grow your own, and alternative route educators as well as their mentors. Working to build more practiced and passionate educators is the next best thing to working with students. During my years in classrooms, I taught in middle schools, pre-school special education, and high school. I have hosted dozens of student teachers and practicum students and mentored many new teachers. I am also an associate instructor for UITE at the University of Utah since 2014.

A career highlight was my involvement with AVID, a college preparation program for diverse students. This was the dream job that led to receiving the 2019 Utah Teacher of the Year honor. Many of my former AVID students have or are pursuing degrees in education. Students with diverse backgrounds are increasing but educators of diversity are lacking. I appreciated learning more about NEA’s recognition of this issue and their dedication to work towards changing that for the better during the recent MLWLT this past December. I’m also appreciative of NEAF’s work towards this effort through my participation in the foundation’s advisory group.

I have always been interested in politics and considered serving on a school board or in the state legislature. This position, suited to my interests and experiences, would be a wonderful opportunity to give back to my profession.
back

Marsha Curtis, Candidate for Ethnic Minority Director

back

Mike Harman, Candidate for NEA-RA Delegate-At-Large

(Submitted by candidate)

I am seeking this position to continue my involvement at the NEA Representative Assembly, the highest governing body of the NEA. I recognize that delegates serve an entire year, and I am willing and ready to fulfill that obligation. I believe that my experience and knowledge will be beneficial to the Utah Delegation, as well as the other participants at the Representative Assembly. I want to continue to advocate for members and the diverse perspective of Utah Educations. I would appreciate your support.
back

UniServ Elections

Britt Stull, Candidate for Color Country UniServ Representative on the UEA Board of Directors

(Submitted by candidate)

I am currently in my 8th year of teaching special education at Lava Ridge Intermediate School. Before that, I was a paraeducator in the same classroom for a year. I have taught as a substitute for 3 years in both Las Vegas and in Logan. Shortly after joining the Washington County Education Association, the AR in my building moved to another school and asked me to step in as the new AR. I said yes. In the following years, I got more involved, joining the board of executives for my local and getting involved in policy ambassadors, joining committees, and filling in where I was able to. In my time spent in education, I have seen a lot of diverse opinions about teachers and it’s frustrating to see how much of the public opinion towards this very noble and important profession can be hostile. It is my belief that we need to do what is best for the students we teach as well as help to create policy and law that helps support those of us working with these students. It is my goal to get involved in various ways. I want to help spotlight the value of educators. I want to be a part of a community that is looking to better education, providing insight from actual educators when discussing policy and law about education. I want to be a part of the movement to ensure the best possible outcomes for educators, support staff, and students.
back

Caren Burns, Candidate for Granite UniServ Representative on the UEA Board of Directors

(Submitted by candidate)

It has been an honor and privilege to serve this year as the Granite Director on the UEA Board of Directors, and by running for a three-year term, I hope to continue the work of representing Granite on a state-wide level. The important work that our association does impacts the lives of not only our educators and staff, but our students and families in the communities of our school districts.

Throughout my time as a member of the UEA Board of Directors, the GEA Board of Directors, AR for my building, NEA RA Delegate, and a Trauma Informed Trainer for UEA, I have had a lot of excellent leadership training opportunities with our local, state, and national association. I am passionate about making sure that teacher voices are amplified and heard in the public and political arenas and building leadership potential in our members. By continuing as representative on the UEA Board of Directors for the Granite Education Association, I hope to empower our members to speak up and share their own narratives in the classroom and to also represent our members and bring more leadership opportunities to GEA.

Teaching in one of the most diverse school districts in Utah has been a great experience, and I want to make sure to fight so that every student can have access to quality education. As an association leader, I also hope to continue to bring a strong perspective for the uniqueness of the Granite teaching experience to the UEA statewide table.
back

Haley Kelley, Candidate for Granite UniServ NEA-RA Successor Delegate

(Submitted by candidate)

In the last 8 years as a teacher in Kearns, Utah, I have watched educational policies change. My interest in educational policies has grown stronger each year. I want to be involved in making changes that will benefit my students, students in the state of Utah, and students in the United States. I have seen the effects that positive and negative policies have had on my students and I want to make sure that the positives come out on top. Sometimes as a teacher I feel helpless in the face of policies that undermine my effectiveness as a teacher, and my students’ access to a safe and positive learning environment. Additionally, I have seen and would like to encourage the formation of positive change that can be made in education. For the last two years I have had the opportunity to attend the NEA Representative Assembly in the digital format. Although this was a great experience, I would love the chance to be able to go to the NEA RA in person. I want to see democracy at work and I want to be a part of the change I know that we can make.
back

Kathy Smith, Candidate for Jordan UniServ Representative on the UEA Board of Directors

(Submitted by candidate)

My name is Katherine Smith and I have had the privilege of representing the Jordan UniServ on the UEA Board for the last three years. I am a fifth-grade teacher in Canyons School District and have served on the Calendar Committee, and the Policy Review Advisory Group for Canyons School District (CSD) as a CEA representative and as an Association Building Leader. I have also served on the Negotiations team for CSD and am completing my fifth year on the Executive Board for CEA. I have participated in the UEA Summer Leadership Institute, the House of Delegates, the NEA National Leadership Summit, and the NEA Representative Assembly.

I began my UEA Board term in February 2020, two weeks before Covid 19 closed schools here. These have been unprecedented times with unprecedented challenges and ever-increasing expectations for teachers. And, as always, teachers have risen to the occasion for their students. I am proud to be part of a profession where we consistently make a difference in the lives of our students. There is no more important or meaningful work, but these added expectations have also come with a high cost to educators. UEA saw the need and lobbied to secure four extra paid days for educators at the legislature last year. We must continue to work together toward establishing reasonable work expectations, which allow sufficient time to prepare and teach effectively. There is still much to accomplish, and I ask for your vote to continue this work as Board Director.

back

Jeremy Reynoso, Candidate for Wasatch UniServ Representative on the UEA Board of Directors

(Submitted by candidate)

My name is Jeremy Reynoso and I am seeking to fill the position of representative for Wasatch Uniserv on the UEA board of Directors. I am in my eighth year of teaching kindergarten at Meadowlark Elementary in the Salt Lake City School District. I have been a member of SLEA since 2015 and involved with my local and UEA in various capacities as an AR, task force member, and as an ethnic minority affairs committee (EMAC) member representing the Wasatch Uniserv. This past year I was nominated to the UEA board of Directors, and I have learned a lot about what it takes to serve the Wasatch locals: Salt Lake, Murray, and Tooele. I would be honored to continue in this role for the remaining year of this 3 year term.
back

Thomas Nedreberg, Candidate for UEA-Retired State President (Three-year term)

(Submitted by candidate)

I retired last September after 43 years in Education. I taught for 37 years: three years in Mesa, AZ; two years in Ticaboo, UT which was then part of the Garfield County School District; and thirty two years in the Tintic School District in Eureka, Utah. I then spent the last six years as the High Desert UniServ Director in Central and Southwest Utah. I’ve served in many positions in the Association: in local and UniServ positions, and for six years, was the UEA Vice President. Being the UEA Vice President and working as a staff member has been a wonderful opportunity to advance education to create a strong public school for every student. As the Retired UEA President, I want to continue to work with UEA and retired teachers to help the teachers who are still teaching make our schools the best place for students to learn. I pledge to continue to advocate with the legislature about improving funding for our schools and providing a better school environment for teachers and students.

After 43 years in education, I’ve learned that teaching is a challenging profession on many levels. Teaching is also a profession that fewer people are making a career because it is hard, and after years of underfunding and political attacks, a career that doesn’t have as good a return on investment. I want to continue in the fight making teaching and education a noble and desirable profession again.

Sue Gillman-Hasenwinkel, Candidate for UEA-Retired State Vice President (Three-year term)

Keith Tondro, Candidate for UEA-Retired State Secretary (One-year term)

(Submitted by candidate)

I, Keith Tondro, am running for Secretary/Treasurer of UEA-Retired.  I bring experience to help the new President and Vice President as they begin their terms, and will improve communication to you.  I ask for your vote. 

Tamyra Williams, Candidate for UEA-Retired State Secretary (One-year term)

(Submitted by candidate)

UEA plays an important role in educators lives even during retirement. It has been a big part of my life for the past 26 years. I would really like to continue serving in the UEA as your secretary

Ryan Anderson, Candidate for UEA-Retired Board of Directors (Three-year term)

(Submitted by candidate)

As I have held many leadership positions in service to our professional association and still with the will, the energy, the time, and the desire to continue to serve the cause of public education, I ask for your vote for a position on the UEA-Retired Board. Thank you. Ryan Anderson

Brian Ferguson, Candidate for UEA-Retired Board of Directors (Three-year term)

(Submitted by candidate)

Brian has served the Association for many years at the local, state, and national levels. He has been the Davis EA Vice-president, served on the UEA Board of Directors, and served on two NEA Committees – including a year as the Chair of the NEA Resolutions Committee. In addition, Brian has served for many years as the Parliamentarian of the UEA House of Delegates.

In the 2022 UEA House of Delegates, the following proposed amendments to the UEA Constitution:

• Replaces references to “class/classes” to “category/categories” when referring to membership groups or types.
• To clarify local association affiliation in membership eligibility.
• To replace the word “disciplinary” with a more inclusive term.
• To include an elected member of the UEA Board of Directors representing UEA retired members.
• To change references to “student” members or program to “aspiring educator” members or program in all applicable instances.

Beginning September 1, individuals who are active members for at least three years preceding the election may declare your candidacy for UEA Office for the upcoming election year.

• Declaration Form
• Declaration deadline is Wednesday, January 11, 2023. All complete declarations must be received by the UEA Executive Office by 5 p.m.
• Please contact Heather Shepherd with questions (heather.shepherd@myuea.org or 801-417-0226)

• UEA Governing Documents and Board Policies On Elections
• UEA Election Guidelines
• Position Descriptions

Background

National, state and local association leaders are association members elected by peers. UEA leadership elections are held annually, as outlined in the UEA Bylaws. Statewide elected leaders include the UEA President and Vice President, the UEA Board of Directors and NEA Directors for Utah. Local leaders are also elected by their peers in each local association.

2023 General Election Results

Denise Lake	Kellie May	Mike Harman

Thank you for your participation in this year’s elections. The UEA General Election closed on April 12 for the statewide UEA offices UEA Board positions subject to election in 2023. In the race for NEA State Director, Denise Lake was elected to serve a three-year term. Kallie May was elected to a three-year term as Ethnic Minority Director. Also elected as NEA-RA Delegate At Large, Mike Harman, and to the UEA Board of Directors were Britt Stull (Color Country), Caren Burns (Granite), Kathy Smith (Jordan), and Jeremy Reynoso (Wasatch). In addition, five proposed UEA Constitution Amendments were voted on. See the full election results below.

STATE-WIDE ELECTIONS

UNISERV ELECTIONS

For support during the election please email
ec@myuea.org

SurveyMonkey, a well-known survey site will be hosting this year’s election. The voting process should be easier than ever before.

On February 1 you’ll receive an email from SurveyMonkey sent on behalf of ec@myUEAuea.org at the preferred email address in your membership record. The email will have the dates of the election and most importantly—a link to your ballot. Please check your SPAM filters to ensure you don’t miss the email.

To Vote:

• Click the link;
• Fill out your ballot;
• Click the “Done” button;
• A new screen will appear, thanking you for participating and confirming your ballot was submitted.

Opting In to SurveyMonkey:

If you’ve ever opted out of receiving emails from SurveyMonkey, you will not receive the election email with the link to your ballot unless you opt back in. The opt-in process is easy. Simply click here ((https://www.surveymonkey.com/user/email-opt-in) and enter your email address (the account at which you received this message). After you have voted, you may opt out again, however, we recommend you wait until after the Election ends.

What should I do if I don’t get the email?

New Members:

If you joined the Association near or after the start of the election it’s possible your email address wasn’t yet entered into the membership database at the time the voting list was pulled. Please give our Membership department a call (info below).

Old or Incorrect Email Addresses:

The email for the election will be sent to the preferred email address we have on file. In some cases, that address may be one you no longer use. If you can access the account, do so and vote. Afterwards, make sure you update your preferred address with your local UniServ office. You must cast your ballot from the email address that was uploaded at the start of the election.

Opting Out:

Once you have submitted your ballot, you may unsubscribe or opt back out of SurveyMonkey. We recommend you do not opt out until after the General Election. A link to opt out is included at the bottom of the voting email from SurveyMonkey.

Spam Filters:

The email will be sent to your personal email address of record or your work email address if your personal email address is not listed in the database. It is possible the email may arrive in your SPAM filter especially if the email was sent to your work email address. Each SPAM filter is different but often you can review the SPAM digest and release or allow a particular sender. The email address that sent the survey is membership@myuea.org but may also come from member@surveymonkey.com. These are the mail addresses you should release or allow.

Sample Email:

Contacting the UEA:

If you have any questions or problems regarding the voting process, please email ec@myuea.org or call the UEA office at 801-266-4461 or 800-594-8996.