CANDIDATES RUNNING
FOR
ODE 2010 ELECTION

ODE - President

Aesha Baldwin

I am Aesha Baldwin and I would love to be your next president of the Organization of DeKalb Educators. I'm a hard working, motivated woman of integrity; dedicated to making the profession of education as revered and respected as it once was.

I've been a DeKalb County teach for four years and member of ODE for all of them. I love the organization and what it stands for. I'm eloquent, articulate, well-spoken and understanding. I'm also driven, goal oriented and firm. i put the needs of the organization above my own and will be transparent while moving the organization in a new direction. As an education professional, I have a passion for education and a moral obligation to ensure teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and all support staff are treated fairly and our interests are represented to ensure we can continue to effectively educate today our leaders of tomorrow.

Timothy A. Davis, Ed. S.

I am submitting my name and completed candidate nomination form in application for the position of PRESIDENT for the Organization of DeKalb Educators. I have been a member and leader for several years.

In preparation to become your leader, I have worked as an AR at both Columbia MS and Avondale MS. I served the Avondale area school as the Cluster Leader too. I have attended the Representative Assembly of the National Education Association
many times.

CREDENTIALS: Educational Leadership, ESOL, Endorsed Sp. Ed. General Curriculum- Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Arts in Administration & Supervision, Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Specialist in Ed. Leadership and pursuing a Ph. D. in Education Leadership.

Talented, Articulate, & Determined

David Schutten

I appreciate the support you've shown me during my tenure as President and ask for your continued support.  Under my leadership, ODE has grown from 800 members to nearly 5,000.  We are now one of the most powerful and influential organizations not only in DeKalb, but in the Atlanta area. 

Because it is against Georgia law for public school employees to bargain a contract, we have successfully used Interest Based Bargaining and Community Outreach.  Our measured and thoughtful approach has been empowering and successful.  This is obvious from the strong community support we are receiving about our concerns around the Superintendent's contract. 

We have established  strong, collaborative working relationships with the school district, but there are times we must demonstrate to the BOE and Superintendent that they sometimes make wrong decisions.  Our awards include the DeKalb NAACP Education Award, the GAE Human Relations Award and the GLBC Labor Responsibility Award.

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Inez Elaine Colwell

My name is Inez Elaine Colwell and I am running for 1st Vice President of ODE. I am currently employed as Gifted/ESOL teacher at Rock Chapel Elementary. I have been a member of ODE for nine years. I have served in various capacities. I have volunteered as AR, Cluster Leader, Team Leader and various committees over the years. I wish to increase my role with the organization. I have previously worked with MNEA, which is an interest based bargaining unit in Nashville, Tennessee before teaching in Georgia. I also previously worked as a Taxpayer Service Specialist for Internal Revenue Service for ten years before entering the field of Education. In addition, I have worked as a Social Worker with the Department of Family and Children Services. I have a wide variety of experiences and talents which I will use to enhance the organization.

Nicole Henry Duff

Greetings! My name is Nicole Henry Duff. I am a middle school Spanish teacher and I solicit your support for re-election to the office of 1st Vice President of the Organization of DeKalb Educators (ODE). As the Organizaton continues to grow and evolve in this new decade, I want to represent you.

I am COMMITTED to the mission of ODE which means being a leader in providing information, training, representation and support services in order to improve the system.

I am ACTIVEly involved as a: parent, teacher, student mentor, extra-curricular activity sponsor, teacher support specialist, building representative and Interest-Based Bargaining chair. 

I believe in collaboration, effective communication and RESPECT for the profession. I will represent EVERYONE in our membership- certified and education support professional (ESP); active and retired.

Re-elect someone who is capable; someone who CAREs- Nicole Henry Duff, 1st Vice President.

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

Lisa Morgan

It has been my privilege to serve as 2nd Vice President of ODE for the past two years.  I am asking that you support my campaign for re-election.  Over the past seven years, I have served ODE in the capacity of Association Representative, Cluster Leader, Team Leader, and Interest Based Bargaining Chair.  I have served as a delegate to the GAE and NEA Representative Assemblies.

As 2nd Vice President my goal of growing membership through attracting new members, retaining and engaging our members, and solidifying the structure to facilitate communication continues to be realized.  Participation in monthly Association Representative meetings and in the GAE Leadership Academy has increased. Despite the current economy, we continue to grow in membership.

I ask that you support my re-election to the office of 2nd Vice President so that we can continue working together to grow the power and influence of the Organization.

Secretary

Shirley Weldon

My name is Shirley Weldon and I was married for 26 years before I divorced in 1992. I had 5 children to support, 2 in college and 3 at home. I had been a substitute teacher for 3 years before I got a permanent position as a paraprofessional at Towers High School. I started out as a paraprofessional for orthopedically impaired children. I enjoy working with these students and find the work rewarding.

The orthopedically impaired class consisted of 4 young men and 3 young women in wheelchairs, and 2 young women on walkers. At that time I met a young lady named Karen Anderson. Karen inspired me to write a book and continue in the work I do for DCSS’s children, parents and employees.

I have served ODE in various capacities and would love to have your vote as I seek the office of Secretary.

Treasurer

Helen Zappia

Helen Zappia, Present Treasurer of ODE, is a Retired DeKalb County Teacher of the Gifted/Talented. She is a charter member of ODE and since 1974 she has served on the Executive Board in various positions. In addition to being our Chief Financial Officer since the late 1980’s she has served as Legislative Chair, Trainers, and At-Large Representative on the Executive Board. When ODE began its revitalization plan with the help of NEA, Helen served as office manager and one of the key members of the leadership that charted the course that has led to the present viable association. Her knowledge of finance has increased as the association has grown. Today other associations look to her for directions in keeping their records.

Assistant Treasurer

Paulette Jones

I have been a member of ODE for over 15 years. I presently serve on the Finance, Special  Projects and Hospitality Committees. I am also the Women's Concerns and Issues Chairperson.

Paulette Hood Jones, 4th Grade Teacher Gresham Park Elementary School

Elementary School At Large

Middle School At Large

Deborah Jones

Trina Knox

High School At Large

PAC

Doris M. Glover

Hello Fellow Educators,
Please elect me for one of the eight positions on the ODE Political Action Committee.  I will represent your interest

Paulette Jones

Trina Knox

Charhonda Noble

Shirley Weldon

Helen Zappia

NEA - RA

Zakia Al-Ghuiyy

Alicia Anderson

To whom it may concern, I am sending this letter to introduce myself. My name is Alicia Anderson the Certified Technology Support Specialist at Eagle Woods Academy in Lithonia, Ga.

I am looking to be voted as one of the delegates for my school/area to represent at the 2010 conference this summer. As mentor I have learned how to be very attentive to the needs of others and how they obtain any information. I believe that with this opportunity I will be able to enhance what I know about how people should be treated and have the information they need so that they can find the appropriate service for them. I would like to say in advance thank you for giving me the chance to become a delegate and gaining more knowledge on making sure the Dekalb County employees know their rights and are covered witching Georgia Laws.

Sallee Arnold

Aesha Baldwin

Paul Bell

Brenda Broadnax

Bobbie Harris Burkes

Shundra Byron

Inez Colwell

My name is Inez Elaine Colwell. I am currently employed as a Gifted/ESOL teacher at Rock Chapel Elementary. I have been a member of ODE for nine years. I have served in various capacities. I have volunteered as AR, Cluster Leader, Team Leader, and various committees over the years. I wish to increase my role within the organization. I have previously worked with MNEA, which is an interested based bargaining unit in Nashville, Tennessee before teaching in Georgia. I also previously worked as a Taxpayer Service Specialist for the Internal Revenue Service for ten years before entering the field of Education. In addition, I have worked as a Social Worker with the Department of Family and Children Services. I have a wide variety of experiences and talents which I will use to enhance the organization.

Myrtice Cook

A GAE member for 15 years. I currently serve on the ESP committee. Please elect me as a delegate to the 2010 NEA RA. Your vote will be greatly appreciated.

Timothy Davis

Pamela Dotson

My name is Pamela Dotson.  I am an Educator working in the Elementary Education field because I believe that my work is making a significant difference in the lives of children and their families, and so make a profound and lasting contribution to society.  I have been dedicated to this career field for many years.  My professional goal is to continue encouraging children to set high but achievable goals for themselves and to tackle challenging problems and tasks with the attitude, "Yes, I Can Do It."  If elected, I will be a strong active voice in the Education System to ensure our children are successful achievers. In addition, I will  present a hands-on workshop displaying materials received at the NEA convention.

Michelle Favors

Doris Glover

ODE Colleagues,
Please elect Doris M. Glover as a delegate to the 2010 Representative.  You can count on her to represent you in an excellent manner.  Thank you for your support and vote.

Seleste Harris

Seleste Harris has been an active member of the Organization of Dekalb Educators for the past four years.  During this time, I have diligently worked to improve the educational atmosphere of schools.  I have planned and implemented school-wide and county-wide information sessions calling parents and educators to action.  I regularly attend AR meetings and am an active member of the Interest Based Bargaining Committee.  Believing information is power, be assured that if elected, I will represent your interests at the convention and empower you with the results of the decisions.  Make a decision for information.  Vote Seleste Harris to be a National Education Association Representative Assembly Category 1 Delegate.

Ravonda Hardy

Mary Hatten

Angela Holmes

I am a native Atlantan and have worked in Dekalb County School System in Decatur, Georgia for eleven years.  I attended Massey Business College in Atlanta, Georgia.

I am married with one daughter and three sons.  My love for children and passion for customer service is the foundation for me to volunteer in student activates and after-school programs.  I have established and worked with many programs that focus on youth mentoring.  Currently, I am one of the leaders for Jewels of Salem Middle School. This is a girl's self-esteem building and mentoring program.  We have ten young ladies actively participating in the program.  Our goal is to counter the negative peer pressure by building intellectually strong young leaders that can make better choices in their day to day lives.  The result is our girl's are making better choices and have become the positive influence.

Konahe Jernigaan

Deborah Jones

Kristen Jones

Paulette Jones

I have been a member of ODE for over 15 years. I presently serve on the Finance, Special  Projects and Hospitality Committees. I am also the Women's Concerns and Issues Chairperson.

Paulette Hood Jones, 4th Grade Teacher Gresham Park Elementary School

Shanob Jones

Education Support Specialist at Gresham Park Elementary for nine years and ODE member for four years.

Martha Jordon

Elaine Long

Jacklyn Madden

Helen McGrady

My name is Mrs. Helen Dew McGardy and I would like to be a NEA-RA delegate in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a gifted specialist in DeKalb County schools. I have taught for nineteen years. I also train educators for the SEMAA-NASA National Program and Gifted Certification in Georgia. I presently serve as RA in my building, cluster leader for my region and have participated in numerous functions for ODE/GAE/NEA. Not since the Soviet Union's launch of the Sputnik satellite has the need to improve science and mathematics education in AMerica been as clear and as urgent as it is today. And we know that this responsibility lies on the shoulders of the nation's teachers. We must ensure that there is a high quality teacher for every classroom. I know this conference will equip me to be a better teacher and leader for our organization.

Charhonda Noble

Jamila Payne

Judith Polacek

I am Judi Polacek, a Special Education Paraprofessional who has been an active member of ODE for many years, first as an AR, then as a Cluster Leader and now as a Team Leader. For the past two years, I have been on the Credentials and Elections Committee and the Internal Concerns Committee. I have represented ODE at several GAE RAs and two NEA RAs. I hope to be elected to represent ODE at this summer’s NEA RA.

Julia Pryor

A GAE member for 17 years. I currently serve on the ESP committee. Please elect me as a delegate to the 2010 NEA RA. Your vote will be greatly appreciated.

JaQueline Richardson

Trina Shelton-Pope

Antoinette Smith

Daniel Sobczak

My name is Dan Sobczak, and I am one of the three ARs at Southwest DeKalb High School.  I am in my third year as a member of ODE and my fifth as a member of GAE.

I teach Economics at SWD, and it is truly my passion.  One of my GPS states: The student will explain how productivity, economic growth, and future standards of living are influenced by investment in factories, machinery, new technology, and the health, education, and training of people.  This is something I truly feel we need to as an organization drive home to our leaders at the local, state, and national level.  For too long, our state and national leaders have taken public education for granted.  This is unacceptable.  I ask you to support me as a delegate to the NEA RA so our voice can be heard and that high quality public education is made the priority of our leaders at all levels.  Thank you.

Lamonte Standifer

To whom it may concern, I am sending this letter to introduce myself. My name is Lamonte T Standifer and I am a Paraprofessional at Eagle Woods Academy in Lithonia, Ga. I am looking to be voted as one of the delegates for my school/area to represent at the 2010 conference this summer. As a husband, father, educator, mentor, and coach I have learned how to be very attentive to even the smallest detail of what needs to be done for others. I believe that with this opportunity I will be able to enhance what I know about how people should be treated and have the information they need in order for them to go further with it. I would like to say in advance thank you for giving me the chance to become a delegate and gaining more knowledge on making sure the Dekalb County employees know their rights and are covered within Georgia Laws.

Debra White

Claudette Woodard