For almost 30 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a Virginia public school teacher, and every single day, my commitment has remained the same: to stand up for students, for educators, and for the promise of public education. For the last 2 years, I have been honored to serve as the Virginia Education Association President advocating for education policies that provide opportunities for students and improves the working conditions and safety of all educators.
I am running for re-election as VEA President because I believe deeply in the strength of our collective voice and the power of collective action. I believe in a union that engages, equips, and empowers every member. I believe in solidarity that is not just spoken but lived. And I believe that when educators come together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish for our students and our profession.
As your president, I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished – together. We have strongly positioned VEA to take the lead in collective bargaining for locals across Virginia, championing legislation that empowers and supports all locals in their organizing efforts and standing up for equity and justice. We have advocated and introduced legislation that respects and recognizes the importance of ESPs including organizing for a living and thriving wage for all educators.
Throughout my career, I have been proud to champion racial and social justice, to advocate fiercely for safe and supportive schools, and to raise my voice to protect the rights and dignity of all. I stand in solidarity with those working to ensure our schools are places where students receive not only academic excellence, but also the social and emotional support they deserve. All are welcome in our schools and in our Union and I am proud that the work we have done and will continue to do to support justice and democracy.
My leadership has always been grounded in listening. Listening to different voices. Listening to different perspectives. Listening to members in every region of Virginia, from every job category, and from every experience level. Our union is strongest when every member feels heard, respected, and valued, and I am proud of the intentional steps VEA is taking to include all voices in our work under my leadership.
From building leader to local president, and from the VEA Board to the NEA Board, I have had the privilege of serving at every level of our union — representing Virginia nationally while steadfastly supporting members locally. Each role has strengthened my resolve and prepared me to lead with courage, determination, and integrity. Paired with that union experience is my deep commitment to instruction. As a National Board-Certified Teacher, coach, mentor, and national Teaching Excellence award recipient, I lead from the classroom first. I understand the challenges educators face, and I see the brilliance they bring to their students every day. Together, this union leadership and instructional experience fuel my commitment to ensuring educator voice shapes policy, professional excellence is supported, and our union continues to elevate and strengthen the profession.
As we look ahead, the challenges are real. But so is our strength.
Together, we will continue to expand collective bargaining, protect public education, and build a union where every member feels empowered to lead.
I am asking for your support so that we can continue this work — united, energized, and committed to a future where Virginia’s educators are respected, supported, and unstoppable. Please vote for me
In solidarity,
Carol