President
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Michele JonesI am running for re-election for GEA President. It has been a privilege representing Granite Education Association members the past two years. Serving as your GEA President has deepened my passion for our profession and my respect for our colleagues across the District.
Every child deserves an excellent education, the best way to achieve this goal is to put those who understand the dynamics and intricacies of education – educators – as the decision makers. GEA has a long history of organizing, representing, and advocating for our members with the District. I have continued and built upon this tradition. GEA ensures the District remembers it is educators who are the experts on education. As your President I have worked hard to ensure educator voices are an integral part of the District’s decisions. If re-elected I will continue to uplift and amplify our collective voice and I would be honored to have your vote. |
Vice President
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Shantelle FordMy name is Shantelle Ford and I am running for Vice President of GEA. I
am currently a 6th grade science teacher at Kearns Jr. I was an Excel winner and the 2015 Granite Teacher of the Year. I have taught in both elementary and Jr high Title 1 schools and have been able to share different perspectives with the board and district. As I attended the NEA RA and NCUEA conferences, I have learned so much about the incredible work we can do when we unite teachers from diverse political and cultural backgrounds to advocate for better schools for our amazing students. It has been an honor to represent teachers on the district’s calendar and insurance committee and on GEA’s Human Civil Rights committee (HCR), Negotiations development committee, and the GEA Negotiation team. I hope to be able to continue the work of advocating for us all. |
Ethnic Minority Seat
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Paulina Labra ValdiviesoMy name is Paulina Labra, and I grew up in Miami, Florida and was born in Ecuador. I am the daughter of immigrant parents from Chile. I began my educational career as a public-school teacher in 2006 in Florida where I served as a United Teachers of Dade union steward for the fourth largest school district in the nation. I began working for Granite School District in 2011 at Mill Creek Elementary as a Dual Immersion teacher. Currently, I am a Literacy Coach at Harry Truman Elementary and I also serve in our GEA Human and Civil Rights Committee. I grew up in a diverse community and had the opportunity to learn at a young age that I have a voice and to use that voice and language to fight for justice.
I want to serve as your GEA Ethnic Minority representative on the Board of Directors by supporting our members and listening to ALL voices. I believe in carrying on the vision, goals, and heavy lifting of those who came before us. Although we face difficulties and challenging times as educators, we must continue to give a voice and advocate for marginalized groups. Please allow me to do that for our union by voting for me. |
At Large Seat
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Audryn DamronI am a devoted teacher who thinks teaching is the best gig around, and that’s with 12 years of teaching special education! My experience includes junior high, inner-city high school, and now a proud teacher at Cottonwood High. (Go Colts!) As a Utah Teacher Fellow, I’ve learned how to embrace leadership opportunities while staying in the classroom. As I’ve built networks with
our state legislators, I was inspired to run for State School Board this past campaign season. I am passionate about equipping our students with self advocacy skills and as a member of the GEA Board, I will advocate for educators. I show up for my students rain or shine and I commit to showing up for you. Education needs to be a world people are drawn to again – through visibility, validation, and advocating for better resources. I can help accomplish these as your GEA board member. |
RA Delegates
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Shelly BeneventoExperience:
I have attended meetings, collaborations, and taught long enough to know of many educational needs of students and teachers. I am ready for the vote to assure that our teachers have the best possible teaching situations and support. Please vote for me as your EA Representative Assembly Delegate. |
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Desarae Page“Once you know better, do better.”
I am Desarae Page, mother of 3, sister, daughter, wife, and educator. I have many hats and titles, but I’d be honored to add GEA’s NEA-RA Delegate for 2023. You may recognize me, as a Cyprus H.S. Freshman Success Teacher, PLC Lead, or GEA volunteer at Granite’s New Teacher Orientation each year. I was an Aspiring Educator Representative for the U, took part in the Utah House of Delegates, and was an NEA-RA Delegate twice, both in person and Zoom. Each gave me new experiences and knowledge to make informed decisions and to be a more productive and active part of this Assembly. I strive to elicit real and meaningful change for the better through education for those around me, and myself. I love being a proponent of that change, but no one can do it alone. I need your help through your vote. |