A few months ago, my mother, Gayl Shepard, decided to run for president of the Montclair Education Association. It was a surprise—although I had no doubt she could handle the job as head of her local teachers’ union.
My mother explained to the family that she had no right to complain about the crisis her union was facing, the poor treatment of its members and their lack of unity if she was simply a bystander. She needed to be a part of the solution.
Before I knew it, she had assembled what she called her “dream team,” had formulated a campaign strategy and developed a solid platform. Her slogan, Teamwork Makes The Dream Work—with the word “team” acting as an acronym for Together Everyone Achieves More—spoke to the crux of her position, that major changes are needed and that they will only be possible through a strong and united union.
My brother and I went to watch her first campaign speech. She was impassioned, animated and purposeful. If I had any doubt before, it now was clear: She deserved to win (in my completely unbiased opinion, of course).
Three weeks, lots of late nights, school visits and long phone calls later, and my mother had won a landslide victory. She will take office in July, at which time she will relinquish her teaching duties for her three-year term.
I could not be more proud of her or more excited about what is to come. And who knows, this might be the inspiration I need to step into the forefront myself one of these days.