In accordance with its bylaws, Vermont-NEA conducts an annual election for members to elect officers, area board directors, and delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly. To be included on the ballot, an active member must submit a Candidate Petition form by the published deadline. The number of member signatures required is indicated by position on the petition.
The 2026 Vermont-NEA Annual Election will run from April 13, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. - April 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Prior to the opening of the election, all members will be mailed a print notice with unique access credentials and instructions describing how to vote online during the election period. If we have a personal email address on file for you, this information will be sent to that email. If we do not have a personal email address on file for you, a paper ballot will be mailed to your home address. Members who prefer to receive a paper ballot may contact Vermont-NEA Election Manager, Kristie Ferguson at [email protected] or (802) 224-2409.
Positions appearing on the ballot in the 2026 Vermont-NEA Annual Election:
- Secretary-Treasurer (1)
- Board Directors (5)
- Chittenden - Area 2
- Northeast Kingdom - Area 2
- Northwest Vermont - Area 2
- Southern Vermont - Area 3
- Upper Valley - Area 2
- NEA Representative Assembly Delegates (15)
- Retired Annual Conference and NEA Representative Assembly Delegates (2)
Click here to read full descriptions of all Vermont-NEA elected positions
For questions about the Vermont-NEA Annual Election or the petitioning process, contact Election Manager, Kristie Ferguson, at [email protected] or (802) 224-2409.
Candidate Statements (listed in alphabetical order by last name)
SECRETARY-TREASURER
The Secretary-Treasurer keeps and maintains accurate records of all meetings of the membership, the Representative Assembly, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. Additionally, the secretary-treasurer keeps and maintains membership records and other records as may be necessary for the conduct of Vermont-NEA business. The secretary-treasurer ensures compliance with all notice, quorums, and similar requirements imposed by Vermont-NEA Bylaws for the conduct of Vermont-NEA business and oversees the receipt and disbursement of funds, and the maintenance of accurate financial records. The secretary-treasurer has a term limitation of three, three-year terms. Members may vote for, or write in, one (1) candidate.
CANDIDATE(S) - 1
Sylvester, Alison / SPRINGFIELD TEACHERS ASSOCIATION / SOUTHERN VERMONT
It has been my honor and privilege to educate Vermont’s youth for the past 26 years. My career began in a 2/3 multiage classroom in Moretown, followed by four years at Richmond Elementary. In 2005, I chose to return to my hometown of Springfield to be closer to my family, where I have proudly taught for the past 21 years. I currently teach seventh grade social studies at Riverside Middle School.
A constant throughout my career has been my deep commitment to union work. Since I began teaching, I have served in many roles, including building representative, grievance chair, and negotiations team member. I currently serve as President of the Springfield Teachers’ Association and previously had the honor of serving as Vermont-NEA's Vice President from 2013 to 2022. I have also participated in numerous committees, task forces, and served as a delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly for over two decades.
I firmly believe in the power of our collective voice to advocate for educators and students. Moving forward, I remain committed to mentoring and supporting emerging leaders while promoting equity, diversity, and strong representation within our union as well as for our students.
BOARD DIRECTORS
A candidate for Board Director accepts their role in the management of all governance affairs, property, and business of the Association as directed by the Bylaws of the Association. As an elected representative of their respective district area, each Board Director represents the interests of that area’s constituency. Board Directors work closely with the president to support and implement the policies of the NEA and Vermont-NEA. Terms are three years in duration, with no term limit. Members may vote for, or write in, up to one (1) candidate per position.
CHITTENDEN - AREA 2: JIM JOHNSON, CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EA
NORTHEAST KINGDOM - AREA 2: GENEVIEVE HAMBY, NORTHEAST KINGDOM EA
NORTHWEST VERMONT - AREA 2: CATHERINE (KATIE) CAMPBELL, MAPLE RUN EA
SOUTHERN VERMONT - AREA 3: NO CANDIDATE PETITIONS RECEIVED, OPEN FOR WRITE-INS
UPPER VALLEY - AREA 2: THEO AVENT, WINDSOR SOUTHEAST EA
Catherine (Katie) Campbell. I am honored to have served on the Vermont-NEA Board of Directors representing Northwest Area 2, and I’m asking for your support to continue this important work. As a teacher, I understand the challenges we face and will advocate for fair contracts, safe working conditions, and the dignity and rights of every Vermont educator. I believe deeply in collective action, especially during this critical time in the legislature, and remain committed to strengthening member connections, advancing equity, and ensuring educators have the support they need to thrive. Recently, the Maple Run Education Association represented Vermont at the NEA Leadership Summit in Chicago, focusing on improving conversations with potential members to increase enrollment. Continuing on the Board will allow me to share this work statewide as we strive toward 95–100% membership. Thank you for the opportunity to serve with passion, integrity, and purpose.
RA DELEGATES (18 CANDIDATES FOR 15 POSITIONS)
NEA members nationwide set Association policy, most notably through an annual Representative Assembly (RA) that convenes an annual meeting every July. NEA members at the state and local level elect the more than 6,000 RA delegates who, in turn, elect NEA's top officers, debate issues, and set NEA policy. Between annual meetings, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are NEA's top decision-making bodies. Vermont-NEA is entitled to 15 voting delegates at the 2026 Representative Assembly, which will take place in Denver, Colorado. Active members may represent Vermont-NEA annually, with no term limitation. Members may vote for or write in up to fifteen (15) candidates.
Catherine (Katie) Campbell. Having attended the NEA Representative Assembly in the past, I understand both its impact and its responsibility. Those experiences have strengthened my commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and informed decision making. I will bring a willingness to listen, learn, and speak thoughtfully on behalf of Vermont educators and students. I value diverse perspectives and believe strong unions are built through shared voices and mutual respect. If elected, I will serve with integrity, ensuring our concerns, ideas, and priorities are heard at the national level. I am eager to continue growing as a leader while contributing to the work of the RA.
Dr. Erin Carter, Ed. D., NBCT (she/her) is Vermont-NEA Vice President. She’s taught math at Spaulding High School for 22 years. Erin has attended Representative Assembly since 2012 and served as the delegation vice chair since 2022. She previously served 5 years as Vermont-NEA Secretary-Treasurer, and as president of the Barre Educators Association. Erin has served on the Vermont-NEA board of directors since 2014 and BEA Executive Board since 2008. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the VSTRS Board. She is a graduate of Otter Valley Union High School, University of Vermont, and Southern New Hampshire University.
Peter Davenport. Behavior Interventionist. I came to this work by accident, but I have found that the work we all do in schools is some of the most impactful endeavors we could ever undertake. I have always been a strong supporter of social justice and labor unions. Since joining my local and subsequent election as building representative, I have been dedicated to growing our membership and fighting for our members. I will bring the same passion I bring to my students and our Union to the RA and continue to fight for what’s best for all of us. Solidarity forever!
Wendy Fogg-McIntire. I am a board director in my second year, representing Upper Valley Area 1. I am also a paraeducator, vice president, a lead negotiator, and building representative for my local, Rivendell Education Association. I also served as the Chair of the Vermont-NEA Resolutions Committee this year. I am hoping to go to the RA this year. This will be my third year, and I feel like I really have my feet under me this year and have a better understanding of how things work and feel that I would be a good representative for paraeducators in Vermont. Thank you.
Mary Gaudreau is a 15-year mathematics teacher at Spaulding HS, and graduate of Otter Valley HS and UVM. If she is fortunate enough to attend, this will be her 6th RA. She would appreciate the opportunity to represent her state once more. In past RAs she has demonstrated her level headedness and thoughtfulness; also her dedication to doing the work of the RA. In past RAs, she has taken on the role of helping other delegates navigate the city and be included in plans. She intends to bring these same skills if she is elected.
Matt Gile. I’m Matt Gile, current Political Action Chair and former president of Winooski EA. Vermont-NEA has been doing powerful and important work, and I would be honored to bring our perspective to the national assembly. I want to connect with leaders in other states about how their schools are protecting migrant students and to share the work being done in our state. As a candidate for State Rep. in Winooski I would like to connect with NEA members in elected government for guidance and legislative tools we could bring back to our state.
Genevieve Hamby. From the Northeast Kingdom, I am a mathematics teacher, senior advisor and believer in my students. As my local’s treasurer, grievances, and negotiations representative, I know we must be vigilant to protect our members and our working conditions. As the board director for NEK Area 2 and VSTRS Certified-Alternate, I see the strength that we have when we join and work together. I am not shy about voicing my thoughts, but I will also listen to others and adjust my thinking. At the RA I would work hard to represent you and our brave little state of Vermont.
Joy Solomon. I'm a middle school special educator that went to the Representative Assembly for the first time last year. I taught in the NEK and now have been in the Upper Valley for a few years, I can bring a perspective from multiple rural school districts. I can't wait to go back and bring Vermont's small but mighty perspective. Remember to send Joy to the RA this year!
Alison Sylvester. Since 2000 I have had the privilege of representing Vermont as a delegate at the NEA Representative Assembly. As a social studies teacher, I believe strongly in the democratic process and that the largest labor union needs to hear the voices of its members. It is critical that all voices are heard- from large states and small states, urban locals and rural locals. I bring a balance of experience and a willingness to listen that allows Vermont voices to be heard and respected.
Lisa Thurston-Flynn. My name is Lisa Thurston-Flynn I live in Bennington and work as a 4th grade teacher at Bennington Elementary School. I am a member of the SWVEA - The Southwestern Vermont Education Association. I currently serve as a building representative on the grievance committee and am a membership coordinator in my district. I feel it is important to fight for social justice in our schools. I am committed to protecting the benefits we have worked so hard to obtain. I am prepared to act as a leader that brings positive change for educators. Please vote for me!
RA RETIRED DELEGATE(S)
Retired NEA members nationwide set Association policy, most notably through an annual Representative Assembly (RA) that convenes an annual meeting every July. Retired NEA members at the state and local level elect the more than 6,000 RA delegates who, in turn, elect NEA's top officers, debate issues, and set NEA policy. Between annual meetings, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are NEA's top decision-making bodies. Vermont-NEA is entitled to two retired delegates at the 2026 Representative Assembly, which will take place in Denver, Colorado. Active retired members may represent Vermont-NEA annually, with no term limitation. Members may vote for, or write in, up to two (2) candidates.
CANDIDATE(S) - 1
Tamara Cooley / RETIRED EDUCATOR / CENTRAL VERMONT
Tamara Cooley. My career began as a paraeducator, where I served for 10 years before returning to school to earn my teaching degree and secure a classroom position. I then taught for 15 years while actively participating in Vermont-NEA, including serving as local president and on the negotiations committee. I have attended NEARA as a delegate for six years as a teacher and two as a retiree. I value representing retired educators, collaborating with amazing colleagues, and continuing advocacy work. I retired to care for my granddaughter, and I am grateful to remain engaged in supporting educators and students every single day.
