Dawn Nichol-Manning, EOEA President
November 2019
It is with great honor that I accept the call to serve as your EOEA President. I have been an active member serving in the Association as long as I have been employed in the district (going on 20 years). I have served as an Association Representative, Secretary, Grievance Chair, Negotiations Chair, on the county level as Urban Education Chair, and on the national level as NEA-RA. I have learned down through the years that Association work is important and needed. Historically, educators in the past were given tasks and chores that took away from the focus of suitably educating students. Effective changes occurred because educators came together and made it known that things had to improve. The drive of the Association has warranted for educators to be respected and revered as true professionals. When you take your lunch, sit down on your prep period to grade papers, sign an over compensation sheet, and take a professional or sick day; always remember those items were brought to the table, discussed, and fought for so that your profession is upheld with high regard.
I would like to salute our former President, Jacqui Greadington, for her dedication to the EOEA for 25 years. Her work and mentoring that was contributed to sustain our local Association will be forever archived and etched in the history of the East Orange Education Association.
The challenge for the days, months, and years to come is to remain focused with how the government is coming after unions. I encourage all members to read information that is disseminated in regard to government relations. Whenever you are able, make sure to address legislation by making a phone call and/or sending out an email so they know where you stand. These are trying times but by remaining “UNION STRONG” we will be able to continue to make improvements and keep intact what has been fought for down through the years.
What’s to Come…
My vision for the EOEA is to have more collaboration and to keep members knowledgeable about what the Association is and what it offers.
I would like to focus on coming to the table to reason, solve, and strategize. Starting in January 2020 I will visit schools for “Lunch & Learn” sessions which will be held for members who want to learn more about the Association and our contract. We will have more focus groups throughout the year so that the Executive Team can better zone in on the concerns and needs of the membership.
Our Executive Team will be using a variety of communications (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Remind & Constant Contact) to connect with you so please make sure you stay updated. I will also like your help with “EOEA TALK” a media broadcast that will highlight positive experiences from educators from within our district. This is your Association and I want you to be a part of how our story unfolds in the days to come.