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Erik Berg
Boston Teachers Union President
Jessica Tang
MA AFT President
Over the past three years working with Lea Serena in the BTU office, she has time and again proven herself as a dedicated, hardworking, knowledgeable and passionate advocate for BTU members as Elementary Field Rep. Lea knows the contract back and forth, is incredibly smart, and is always on the side of BTU members and standing up for their rights. I hope you will join me in voting for Lea in the October special election for Vice President!
Lea is the most highly qualified candidate and has the vision, experience and work ethic to successfully lead our union and continue to fight for strong contracts as well as the social, racial, economic and climate justice issues that impact our students, families and schools. I know she will continue to fight hard for the schools and communities our students deserve by using her strong voice, community relationships and years of experience in BPS to continue empowering all to strengthen our schools and improve teaching and learning conditions.
Tamika Fluker
BPS Teacher
Lea is passionate about helping. She has always been a voice of reason over the years. She connects with teachers and families, and has been a teacher herself, so she knows exactly why we lift our voices for change. With this in mind, she’s always helped amplify our voices to help create that change!
Lea has a proven record of understanding, care and action. With her bold leadership, the Union will become an anti-racist, social justice union that works hard to meet the needs of members, students and their families!
Shaleah McNeil-Tersilas
Academic Coordinator
Lea's been a support in many areas of my career journey as a BTU member. Whether you're a teacher, para, or coach Lea will show up!
Samantha Laney
Middle School Teacher
Lea has been an incredible wealth of knowledge and support during my tenure as a BPS teacher! She represents the best parts of our Union in philosophy and action!
Colleen Mason
Inclusion Specialist
I have personally got to know Lea as a teacher, a colleague, and a friend and I am continually amazed by her professionalism, her work ethic, her commitment to social justice and equity for all of BPS and her ability to empathetically help people! Lea will push our union to keep evolving and keep addressing new issues that arise as the teaching field and the world grow and change. We'd be lucky to have her supporting us!!!!!!!!!! ALL IN FOR LEA!
Karen King
Retired Teacher
I’m endorsing Lea for BTU Vice President because she has a passion for making things fair and just for all people. Lea is smart, shows empathy and has a deep understanding of what it takes to be a leader.
Priscilla Casna
BPS Teacher
Lea is a dedicated rep who is always on call with knowledge and an open ear. Many of us are lucky to call her a friend. Vote Lea!
Cynthia Grant Carter
Retired Teacher
Ms. Lea is honest, an excellent story hour reader with our students and get the job done with fairness.
Chantei Alves
BPS K2 Learning Specialist
Farrah Annylusse
BPS Teacher
Lea shows up each and every time for ALL BTU members. She is very knowledgeable and an advocate for all members. Her support and dedication is unmatched. It’s time we show up and show out for her in October (voting month) for VP.
Dana Griswold
BPS Learning specialist
Lea has always been available to answer my questions from the minute she took office. Someone who cares so deeply about the members of the Union is exactly the kind of person we need in our leadership.
Barbara Najjar-Owens
BPS Instructional Coach
Lea puts children first in all of her efforts. She is a fierce believer in the power of organizing for the improvement of student and adult experiences.
Alexandra Pascasio
BPS ESL Teacher
I love her passion and work ethics, as well as her love and dedication to children, education and educators.
Katie Lyons
BPS Instructional Coach
Lea is kind, honest, hardworking and always thoughtful. She continues to keep the best interest of the children at the heart of her work and knows that to do that, you have to keep the teachers supported.
I wholeheartedly endorse Lea Serena for Vice President of the Boston Teachers Union, as her unwavering commitment to equity and strong leadership skills make her the ideal advocate for the rights of our educators, families, and students. Lea consistently demonstrates accountability and dedication, ensuring that our community's voices are heard and valued.
Desireé Vaughn
Former BPS Educator
I fully endorse Lea for the position of BTU VP because she is deeply committed to students, educators, and families. Her strong leadership skills and passion for teaching make her an excellent fit for this role.
Jane Ichord
BPS Teacher Librarian
Lea has been and continues to be a strong partner in raising librarian voices up and building an understanding of our daily work. Students need libraries more than ever, and I am confident in Lea’s ability to lead us as we continue to advocate for guaranteed access to fully-staffed fully-stocked libraries across the district.
Sudecia Brown
BPS Teacher
Kiley
BPS Teacher
Lea is a true advocate for teachers. She listens with compassion and is always solution focused!
Annmarie Blaney
BPS K0-K1 Teacher
Lea is honest, helpful, and encouraging. She is in our corner.
Natalia Cuadra-Saez
Director of Organizing for the Boston Teachers Union
As VP I am confident Lea will help move us forward as a union!
She is a powerful change maker, with a proven track record of dedication to teachers and students. Lea for VP!
Maya Jones
BPS Teacher
I am endorsing Lea because she is a former BPS student and teacher and she understands the issues. She is also a great advocate for students, teachers and families.
I know Lea as my former student, fellow teacher/colleague and dear friend. She has always been (and continues to be) an extremely caring, hard working and dedicated person.
Whitney Weeder
BPS Teacher
Lea has been a strong defender of teachers and consistently goes above and beyond for us. She is incredibly knowledgeable and a great judge of character.
Lea is one of the most thoughtful and relentless advocates for students and educators I have ever worked with. I am continually inspired by her and can’t wait to see the positive impacts her leadership has on the BTU when she is vice-president.
Lucy Wilson
BPS Teacher
JoAnn Jones Jackson
Retired BPS Teacher
Katie DeLaRosa
Inclusion Liaison
Carol McMillan
Retired BPS Teacher
Lea is an advocate who cares about all parts of a community; past, present and future . She values wisdom as well as new ideas. I believe she will stand up and speak out for the rights of everyone in the Boston Public School Community. Lea is an excellent leader!
Lea is a passiwholeheartedlyr who is an extraordinary leader who can help elevate our union to the level it needs to be. We need more BTU leaders who understand the needs of the people it leaders. I wholeheartly support Lea in this role.
Cassandra Villari
Early Childhood Liaison
I’ve worked with Lea in the past in the capacity of supporting and fighting for teachers and students in BPS and know she will continue to have their best interest in the forefront as the VP of the BTU.
Bianca Pierre
Family Liaison
Lea is a great leader who cares! Her dedication for education will make her a great fit for the role.
Tracey Billy
Library Paraprofessional
Genet Mehari
Instructional Coach
She is experienced and shares my values.
Yolanda Deigo
Paraprofessional
Ms. Serena is a dedicated, passionate , advocate and team player.
Tacita Alexander-Porter
Teacher
She has supported me in the past and Jessica Tang and several involved BTU representatives are endorsing her candidacy.
Russell Weiss-Irwin
Middle School ESL Teacher
I’ve known Lea for years, and whether I’m seeing her put in the hours and make thoughtful points in a union committee meeting, seeing her fight for my coworkers rights as our field rep, or seeing her be an exemplary mom, educator, and community member, I’m always seeing her as exactly the kind of leader our union needs.
James Cordero
Teacher
Lea has always supported me in events I want to do at the union hall, and I know Lea has the strong organizing experience needed to build a union that unites and organizes BTU members from every school, position, and background.
Sabine Pierre-Jules
ESL teacher
Lea, is qualified to be the BTU VP because she has been advocating for the interests of students, parents and elementary school teachers throughout the Boston Public Schools as a teacher, and an elementary field director. As the BTU VP, she will continue and ensure a stronger future for our students, families and educators in our city.
Keshia
Teacher
Debra Bullock
Teacher
Lea is a trusted advocate for teachers and our students.
Lea is a great resource for parents.
Mai Martinez
ESL Teacher
Lea Serena means business, and she gets the job done! That's why! #LeaSerenaForBTUExecutiveVicePresident
#LeaIsAUnicorn
#VOTEForLea 🥳
Yolanda Dixon
Reading interventionist
She has been a big support for me these past few years. She got more people of color into the union and it makes us feel more welcome.
Shakeeda Bartee
Instructional coach
She is always willing to answer questions, jump in and support our school community.
Sheila Levine
Retired Teacher, BTU mediator
I worked with Lea as a mentor in her class, and I know how dedicated she is to Boston, her students, and colleagues. She will be an excellent BTU leader.
Shauntell Dunbar
Instructional Coach
She demonstrated that she understand teachers needs. She was recently in the classroom so she is not far removed from what our needs are.
Troy Singleton
Teacher
Committed and dedicated to serving the
BTU. Her expertise and knowledge are unmatched. She has the characteristics that organizations need to not just function, but operate on a high level. The BTU President could not ask for a more skilled and supportive Wingman.
LuAnn Silva
Consulting Teacher
Lea is an experienced educator with a passion for advancing initiatives and policies that are great for kids also beneficial to adults. Moreover her knowledge of the BTU contract as well as the ins and outs of BPS have made her an incredible advocate to teachers across the district. She’s a pivotal part of the BTU and we’d be lucky to have her as our VP!
Cheryl Campbell
Consulting Teacher
Priscilla Valentine
ESL Teacher
Lea has been an amazing support for me not only as a teacher but as a fairly new BTU rep. She is the reason I stay in this role. Her vision & leadership is exactly what our union needs as VP. Having a strong woman of color in this role is crucial for our members. Representation matters. Lea for VP let’s go!
Kim Crawford
Retired Teacher
Lea is a powerful figure in the Boston Teachers Union who has a vision, and she has the fortitude and strength to see her vision through.
Andrea Nogueira
Family Liaison
Lea is an invaluable resource for all teachers and families. She is always just a phone call away, ready to offer her support. She continually advocates for our union to adapt and address emerging issues. With her wealth of experience, strong work ethic, and passion for helping others, she is truly a remarkable asset.
Keith Pernell
Teacher
She knows and wants what is best for BPS students and staff members. She works relentlessly to improve the lives of all BPS families and staff.
Loredana
Da Graca
Instructional Coach/ Academy Leader
I am endorsing Lea to be the next BTU VP because of her dedication to the education community and her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both teachers and students in BPS.
Lea’s leadership skills, combined with her ability to advocate effectively for teachers' rights and students' needs, make her the ideal candidate.
Shelly Brown
ESL Teacher
Lea is a strong advocate that does not hesitate to listen and offer support. She is dedicated, passionate and is qualified to lead in the position of Executive Vice President. Let's go Lea!
Crystal
Teacher
Hard-working, caring
Natasha Gordon
Equitable Literacy Coach
Lea’s commitment to advocating for educators is remarkable. I know she’ll do great things in this role and she keeps children at the forefront of her work.
Treena Hogan
Librarian
She is completely capable, committed and will always fight for our cause.
Lea is and always has been for her fellow BTU brothers and sisters.
Maria Brooks
Grade 2 Special Education Teacher
Lea has been successfully standing up and fighting for what our members and students deserve. She is a fearless leader that will not back down when encountering adversity.
Ceshada Chambers
School Social Worker
I am endorsing Lea because she is dedicated, action oriented, and trustworthy. She is involved, present, and dependable. You can tell she truly loves what she does!
Lesley Strang
Teacher
Lea knows and understands BPS and the BTU . She will continue to work hard to make sure all BTU members are treated fairly.
Melanie Allen
Teacher, 7th ELA inclusion
I worked closely with Lea on the negotiating team, and she has been my assigned field rep since taking that role. Lea's vision and values are why I support her for VP. She always pushes my thinking and she deeply understands the inner workings of labor relations with BPS. I trust her judgement, and I trust her to protect BTU members.
Pedro Turcios
Teacher
Lea was effectively responsive to my needs during a very difficult time. She was very professional. She would be a great asset to BTU leadership.
Trevour Smith
Building Rep/Lead Teacher/Mathematics Teacher
I endorse Lea for BTU VP because of her proven leadership, and commitment to equitable education, have consistently amplified the voices of underrepresented educators. Her vision for inclusive policies ensures that every teacher and student will thrive in a supportive and just environment.
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