Although we have begun making school site visits, we realize that we haven’t had a chance to meet all of you nor have you had a chance to learn some things about us as your Co-Presidents. Therefore, we find it fitting that we give you a bit of background on us.
Kim Allender is a fifth grade teacher at Miller Elementary. He is in his tenth year of teaching. Teaching is Kim’s second career after previously spending twenty-five years in middle management positions for several retail marketing companies.
Kim’s involvement with BTA has been as a Faculty Representative for one year and as an Elementary Representative on the Board of Directors for two years. He is currently in his third year of a three-year term on CTA State Council where he serves on the Teacher Evaluation and Academic Freedom Committee.
As for me, I am entering my twentieth year of teaching. It seems like ages since I acquired the nickname of "BT" ( baby teacher), because when I started, I was the youngest person at my school site by almost ten years. I went into teaching right out of UCLA, and I can honestly say that it has been a non-stop journey. I still cannot believe it has gone by so fast. My work with unionism began day one with UTLA. Being involved with this group changed my perspective on many things. In particular, being involved made me feel empowered and respected as an educator. I saw the ability of teachers to unite together and do what was best for our students and for the profession without apology.
When I came to Burbank High in 1994, I realized that I too wanted to become part of the solution, so I became a member of BTA. I have been a faculty representative, a member of the Negotiations Team, and, thanks to the encouragement of Randy Pearson, our past president, I served as the Vice-President for two years.
To date, Kim and I have visited Burbank High, Burroughs, Muir Middle School, and Miller. We have enjoyed meeting you, and we appreciate your taking the time to bring your concerns and insights on education to us. This allows us to go forward and to bring what is important to light. We will continue to visit schools every other Friday. Please let us know if you would like us to come to your school next or if you would like to see us return.
Finally, in the spirit of collaboration and parity we continue to meet and consult with Dr. Aponik , Dr. Bowman, Alexis Sheehy, Andrea Canady, Nancy Gascich, and others on such topics as the revisiting of the key policy, teacher evaluation, school safety and security, enrollment, teacher placement, test scores, and curriculum. We will continue to keep you apprized of issues that you bring to us.