Why We Have to Run

Who We Are

David Paladin-Fernandez has been teaching for a decade. He currently teaches middle school science at Jefferson-Houston. He has always been passionate about advocacy and has been active and involved in local politics in addition to his membership with EAA. David understands that collective bargaining is the life blood of any union. The key to a successful union that serves its members is an agreement that reflects their needs and demands. This is why David is choosing to stand up and fight.

Dr. Tyron Barnes teaches at Patrick Henry and has been an educator for a decade and a half. Tyron knows that organizing and involvement are the first steps to reform. Despite EAA’s stagnation, he continues to lead by example and push the union to do what is right and represent member’s interests. This is why Tyron knows that running is the next step.

Howard Van der Sluis is the orchestra teacher and has been working at ACPS at numerous locations for over twenty years. He has gotten involved in RUN because he thinks educators need a voice and union that reflects their needs in the collective bargaining process. This is why Howard wants to stand up for all educators, members in EAA and non members working for ACPS alike.

As teachers of ACPS with various backgrounds, years of experience and working in differing subject matters, they can agree that if they want to see the change they are fighting for then the current EAA leadership has to go.

The Problem is Obvious

If you have been an active member with EAA then you may recognize David, Tyron and Howard. Notably, this is not the first time these three have run to hold office with EAA, but that is a story for another time. David is running to become the next President, Tyron is the candidate for the Vice President position, and Howard hopes to become the next Treasurer of EAA.

Members and non members have been expressing discontent for some time. Everyone agrees, something must be done. Because as of now, educators are not a priority at ACPS. So the problem is clear, then the question becomes: what is the solution?

Though David, Tyron and Howard all agree that EAA needs new leadership, they know they are not the solution. At least, not entirely. The solution lies in every educator of ACPS. Every issue that has gone unchecked, every concern ignored, all the complaints that lead teachers to feel ignored, unwanted and disenfranchised until they take their talents elsewhere. It all adds up.

Together We Are Stronger

The same is true for the solution to these problems. For real change to occur, ACPS educators all need a voice. They need leadership to listen to any obstacles that get in their way and do everything they can to fight for the support and tools they need to succeed.

The solution is change. A change in leadership, that leads to a change in the implementation of union resources and power, to a change in procedures to allow educators to thrive, to a change in momentum and attitude to engage members that want to be active in their union again. To change and build a union that puts members first when it is time to meet at the negotiating table. A complete shift to putting educators at the center of every discussion and gives every member of ACPS the dignity and respect they have gone too long without.

That is what we are fighting for. We hope you join us and that our voice becomes one voice.