Reflections from TURN Members...
"It was great to hear such lively discussion about educational innovation coming from the people who are there in the classrooms every day. It was clear to me that all of the TURN participants really care about quality education and optimum conditions for teaching and learning in the classrooms of America. I hope to attend TURN's future conferences to continue the dialogue."
Peggy McLellan, Secretary-Treasurer
Michigan Education Association
“I enjoyed the time discussing different points of view on many issues. The topics ranged from closing the Achievement gap to mentoring new members. It was a true sharing of ideas from local associations across the nation each experiencing similar challenges in different circumstances. I look forward to attending the next conference.”
Wendell Steinhauer, Secretary-Treasurer
New Jersey Education Association
"The most valuable and easily recyclable resource for me from the TURN meeting in New Mexico was the "Comprehensive Union Leadership Development" piece presented by the CEC-IEA group. Before a union is able to move from industrial unionism to social justice unionism, a detailed analysis must be done to determine the values of the leaders and where the union is on that spectrum. It must then be determined whether or not they actually want to be more progressive.""The System Assessment exemplar that was shared provided a thumbnail sketch of how to begin that process. Our new board of directors will meet in early August and one hour will be given to begin this process. I will use the findings from this activity to develop our strategic plan, which will be implemented during the next two years."
Another value experience for me was that I was able to sit with the president of the Boston AFT affiliate. Our discussions of our differences and commonalities were invaluable.
Annette DeLacy, President
Howard County Education Association
Maryland
“TURN always provides conversation and sharing among union leaders on far-ranging topics, from effective collaboration techniques to controversial issues facing educators such as evaluation and pay. It is through these TURN meetings that leaders can learn from each other, support new approaches in education, and build a cadre of union leaders working to improve their locals. Over the years I have attended TURN, it has given me cutting edge information, sparked new ideas, and helped me develop as a leader. Plus, I now have education friends across the U.S.”
Cinda Klickna, Secretary-Treasurer
Illinois Education Association
"Once again the Turn Conference was a great opportunity to have stimulating and difficult conversations that only make our unions stronger and more focused on educational innovation. It’s great to have a venue that forces union leaders to question their certainty on educational issues."
Steve Duditch, President
San Juan Teachers Association
Please feel free to add your reflections on the New Mexico meeting using the form at the bottom of the page.
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