2026-2027 STA Elections

Thank You for the Opportunity to run for President of the Surrey Teachers Association.

My name is Mykola Misiak

My priority is remedy.

If you’re not happy the remedy agreement, vote for me Mykola Misiak.

If you think the money should go directly to you as a teacher? Vote for Mykola Misiak

I will take the Surrey Teachers Association back to arbitration for a new agreement, which put the remedy you have work into your pocket for you to spend how you see fit no strings attached.

We are forced to work under remedy. Vote Mykola Misiak if you want this changed.

I will also put my entire effort into the following requirements as president.

Again, my first priority will be remedy directly into your pocket.

Dear Colleagues,

Serving as your President this past year has been the highest honour. My priorities in this role have been:

As many of you know, my approach to unionism is inspired by an “Organizing for Power” framework utilized by leaders such as Jane McAlavey and Grace Lee Boggs. This approach to unionism focuses on cultivating a member-driven union that can challenge systems of power and win contracts that meet the needs of our members. I have applied this framework by:

In addition to building a union structure that can respond to the looming challenges of a constricted economy, political uncertainty and heightened politicization of teacher work, I have a proven track-record of negotiation and contract enforcement that has had a material impact on the working lives of Surrey teachers. This past year, I have fought to protect and uphold teachers’ rights in areas such as:

I love nothing more than fighting for a public education system that students and teachers deserve. I look forward to continuing to work alongside you to develop the confidence, relationships, and leadership to win real power and transform our working conditions together.

Salamo Alaikom* STA Members,

My name is Ziyad (pronounced as “Zee-yad”) Shukri, my pronouns are he/him/his and I self-identify as a member of colour who just completed his first 5 years in his career as a teacher. Currently, I am serving you all as a Grievance Officer at the STA Office. It is with an honour and privilege that I am putting my name forward to seek election as your President for the 2026-2027 school year.

Over the past 18 months (which felt like 180), I have been vehemently defending our membership’s rights per the SD36-STA Collective Agreement and various statutory legislations through regular meetings with Human Resources and liaison meetings with the Board of Education. I am the officer who is currently handling and strongly advocating for all TTOC-related inquiries, disputes and working conditions. I am also the Grievance Officer who is still advocating against the unfair implementation of the infamous 2019 Jackson Arbitration for Special Education Designations and the untenable working conditions our members face every single day. I served as a witness to a hearing for a grievance that involves the working conditions of members at a secondary school site operating on an Extended Day. I also served as a representative to members who either underwent a conduct investigation, were identified as a complainant or respondent in a District harassment complaint or were witnesses in need of union representation.

Prior to making my way into the STA Office, I served in a capacity of a staff rep at the school sites I worked at since 2021. I was also the Executive Committee TTOC/Early Career Rep from 2021-2022 and a Local Rep to the BCTF from 2022-2023.

I bring with me a breadth of knowledge about the classroom, the Collective Agreement, labour law and union solidarity, which I will continue to apply in my role as a president. With the ratification of the 2025-2029 Collective Agreement that only resolves a tiny fraction of the issues we face as a local, I strive to continue to build a strong unified capacity in preparation for the next bargaining round.

I believe that student learning conditions are a reflection of teacher working conditions, and that is the forefront of everything I do and will continue to do in my role as a teacher and union activist. I will do what it takes to have your voices heard. A vote for Ziyad is a vote for a strong union. Correction: uniSon.

* This means “peace be upon you” in my mother tongue; Arabic.

I am honoured to seek re-election as First Vice President of the Surrey Teachers’ Association.

Serving in this role has been a meaningful opportunity to support members and contribute to the work that keeps our association strong. Over this term, I have played an active role in supporting the day-to-day work of the STA, organizing meetings and events, representing members in investigations, advocating for members to district leadership, and supporting member communication and engagement. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it matters deeply because it helps ensure members feel supported and our union runs effectively.

My leadership is relational, transparent, and solution-oriented. I lead with empathy, creativity, and a strong commitment to fairness and integrity. I believe unions are strongest when members feel welcomed, supported, and connected to one another. When people feel they belong in their union, we build the kind of collective strength that allows us to advocate powerfully for public education and for each other. I want members to feel that the STA is not only a place they turn to when something is wrong, but a place where they are valued, included, and empowered to take part in shaping our collective work.

One of my greatest strengths is building relationships. I have worked to build strong connections with members, other BCTF locals, the broader labour movement, and community partners because collaboration and solidarity are how we build power. I also bring strong organizational skills and a thoughtful approach to leadership. I care deeply about helping ensure the work of our association is coordinated, responsive, and member-focused. Whether through planning, communication, advocacy, or supporting events and initiatives, I work hard to help create the conditions for our union to be effective, engaged, and member-driven.

I also believe strong unions are built when members feel encouraged to participate and share their voices. Throughout my time in leadership, I have worked to create spaces where members feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, and getting involved in the work of our association. When members are informed, engaged, and connected with one another, our union becomes stronger and more resilient.

Beyond the STA, I have participated in provincial union work, including BCTF committees, bargaining conferences, and leadership development opportunities. These experiences have strengthened my ability to support members and contribute meaningfully to our association, while also helping me bring broader perspectives and stronger connections back to our local.

I believe our union is strongest when members feel empowered to share their voices and take part in shaping the direction of our association.

If re-elected as First Vice President, I will continue working to support members, strengthen engagement in our association, and help ensure the STA remains organized, collaborative, and responsive. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in this role and working alongside members to strengthen our union.

In solidarity,
Angela Marcakis
STA First Vice President

To learn more about my union experience and leadership background, you can view my full resume here: https://marcakis.weebly.com/resume.html

I am a long-time educator, union activist, and advocate for equity who has served Surrey teachers in a variety of roles for more than two decades. I began my union work as a Staff Representative in 2003 and have continued in that role alongside classroom teaching. I have served on the STA Executive Committee as a Local Representative from 2014 to 2024 and previously served on the BCTF Executive Committee from 2019 to 2022.

My work has spanned bargaining, professional development, international solidarity, and social justice. I co-chaired the Bargaining Committee from 2016 to 2019 and have been deeply committed to ensuring members’ voices are heard at the table. I have chaired the STA Environmental Committee, served as an AGM delegate for many years, and contributed to union training and leadership development at both the local and provincial levels.

I also bring experience from Adult Education, where inequities in working conditions strengthened my commitment to collective bargaining as the path to fairness. Throughout my career, I have worked to build strong relationships, support members through challenging situations, and advocate for dignity and respect in our workplaces.

Policy Statements:

As 2nd Vice President, I believe our union must remain focused on member advocacy, strong bargaining, and transparent leadership.

Strong Member Advocacy:

Members deserve timely, knowledgeable, and compassionate support when they face challenges. I am committed to ensuring members feel heard, respected, and supported, particularly in moments of conflict or uncertainty. Advocacy must be consistent, principled, and rooted in fairness.

Bargaining and Workplace Equity:

Collective bargaining remains our most powerful tool for improving working conditions. I support strengthening our bargaining capacity, advancing equity across all sectors, and ensuring that members, especially those in historically marginalized roles, have a strong voice in negotiations.

Transparency and Communication:

Members need clear, honest communication from their elected leaders. I believe in open dialogue, accessible leadership, and ensuring members understand both the challenges we face and the decisions we make.

Solidarity and Inclusion:

Our union is strongest when members stand together. I am committed to fostering solidarity across worksites and roles, supporting inclusive practices, and ensuring that diverse voices are represented and respected within our union.

For more information about my work, priorities, and ongoing communication with members: https://violettebaillargeon.weebly.com/

I teach students who are routinely underestimated. My job – every day – is to build their capacity, give them the tools they need, and create conditions where they can advocate for themselves. I have learned that this is also exactly what our union needs to do for its members.

I am running for 2nd Vice President because I believe the most powerful investment the STA can make right now is in its school reps.

I am a B.A.S.E.S. teacher at L.A. Matheson Secondary, a STARA rep, a Health & Safety Committee member, and co-chair of the B.A.S.E.S. Ad Hoc Committee. Through that work I have built a practice of making abstract obligations accountable: tracing employer duties to class specifications, defining what “best effort” actually means – documented steps, named responsibilities, timelines that both staff and administration can be held to. That is the difference between a CA provision that protects members and one that gives the employer a permanent out. I have been doing this work as a volunteer. I am ready to do it as an officer.

I have worked alongside colleagues who came to me feeling overwhelmed and left with what they needed to name what was happening to them. What changed was not a grievance – it was information, documentation, and someone sitting beside them saying: here is the language, here is the evidence, here is what you are entitled to.

The 2nd Vice President coordinates and facilitates Staff Rep training. That is not a side duty of this role – it is its core purpose. I intend to treat it that way.

My commitment: every rep who engages with this office leaves better equipped than when they arrived. Not just informed – equipped. That means training beyond orientation, practical documentation tools, and the confidence to act before situations escalate to grievances. It means making CA knowledge portable – built into every school, carried by every rep.

A union is strongest at the school level. School reps are not conduits for information – they are the front line of member protection. They deserve an officer who treats their development as the primary work of the role.

I will be a force multiplier for the reps who are already showing up – and for the ones who haven’t yet been given a reason to.

If that is the union you want, I am asking for your vote.

https://www.facebook.com/howardlungSTA

Please see submission for President

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I’m Kevin Amboe, asking for your vote for Grievance Officer.

I bring to the STA office 29 years experience as a union activist including as Second Vice President, Professional Support Officer, Peer Mediator, PSA President, Local Bargaining Chairperson, Staff
Representative, Local Representative, AGM Delegate, BCTF Working and Learning Advisory Committee and much more.

My actions demonstrate that You, the members are a priority. While I often work behind the scenes, I am there working for you. I have supported our annual STA Convention for more than 25 years,
and been on our Local Bargaining team for 17 years.

As a 30-year teacher in Surrey and experienced Table Officer, I have a firm foundation of the workings for the STA Office and the School District. We need a knowledgeable, hardworking and strong Grievance Officer as we deal with the challenges in the district with HR, Administrators, increasing complexity and workload. I am there for you as members.

Here are 6 reasons to vote for Kevin as your Grievance Officer:

1. Collective Agreement Knowledge: Representing members in investigations, Bargaining Committee and Local Representative experience, I possess the depth of understanding necessary to fight for your rights. I’ll fight for your needs with the keen understanding of the impact on members and students.

2. I have Insight into your Working Conditions: With diverse experience across Elementary, Secondary, Non-Enrolling, Helping Teacher and Summer School teaching, I understand your challenges with workload, remedy, failure to fill, reduced staffing, and workplace violence.

3. I am a leader: I bring integrity, experience, intuition, dedication and a commitment to achieve results.

4. I hold the knowledge and skills: I am trained as a Mediator and Conflict Coach. With experience as a released officer, I have worked with the district navigating complex situations with evaluations, investigations and harassment complaints.

5. Committed to the STA. I know that this role has a key portfolio; however, I am also this position is also part of the larger Table Officer team , Executive Committee, STA Representative Assembly and general membership.

6. You are the priority. Foundationally, I see everyone as a person first. I firmly believe all members are created equal deserving of dignity and respect. The association needs to support you as members in the schools. I know first-hand the increasing physical and psychological violence that unfortunately makes your work harder. The Grievance Officer needs to be there to support our members and membership as we enforce the hard fought collective agreement rights.

My goals when elected will be to:

As members you are the STA. Your vote for Kevin Amboe means choosing a leader dedicated to putting members and member issues first.

Thank you for your trust and support.

There are times that require collaboration and those that require compromise. And, there are also times that require confrontation. As educators, we find ourselves in a moment that requires such conflict. As a Grievance Officer, I promise to use my demonstrated tenacity to ensure that you are able to safely do your job with the time, resources, and conditions that you are owed.

As STA members we are unified in our devotion to our students. We are united by a mounting frustration as the expectations of our work balloon, while protections are eroded. We are being asked to keep our fingers in the dam of public education while our budgets are slashed, our resources depleted, and the realities we face in our classrooms are denied. To this I say: no more.

If elected as a Grievance Officer, I commit to you that I will be an unrelenting advocate because of my optimism and belief that a better tomorrow is possible for teachers. The provisions in our collective language are worth fighting for, and I ask for your vote in order to join that fight.

I have been an engaged union member throughout my career. In my previous local, I served for two years as a Member-At-Large and was active on our Social Justice Committee where I supported important work related to SOGI and Indigenous education. I acted as an interim Professional Development Chair and planned a virtual conference during the pandemic that included three keynote addresses and over 70 workshops for educators in the Okanagan. I have served as a BCTF Social Justice Facilitator and travelled across the province delivering workshops to members. This year I joined the Women in Leadership cadre where I receive leadership training directly from BCTF members, staff, and other labour activists.

My work is founded upon a deep commitment to social justice and advocacy. I have a B.A. in Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice and a Masters of Arts with a focus on Educational Policy that explored Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout my career I have worked closely with Indigenous scholars, educators, and activists and am committed to the ongoing work of Reconciliation to address the legacy of residential schools. I am passionate about disability rights. Through my work in Inclusive Education, I help facilitate students’ access to education and accommodations. I want to use this experience in service of improving conditions for our members.

I thank you for considering my candidacy.

My name is Dustin Johnson (he/him), and I am putting my name forward for Grievance Officer with the Surrey Teachers’ Association. Surrey has shaped who I am. I grew up here, went to school here, completed my practicum here, and have built my teaching career here.

My understanding of union work comes from both lived experience and active involvement. My mother came to Canada in 1980 seeking refuge from an authoritarian government in Poland and spent 37 years as a CUPE shop steward. From her, I learned what it means to stand alongside others, to advocate when things are difficult, to stay committed to the work, and to speak up and get involved when you want to be a part of change.

Within the STA, I have taken on a range of roles this year, including Local Representative to the BCTF and work on the Executive, Grievance, Resolutions, and Young Workers Committees. These experiences have helped me build the knowledge and relationships needed to support members and navigate complex issues.

In my work as an LST, Learning Centre, and Connections teacher, I see the pressures our members are under. The gaps in support for students are real, and they directly impact our working conditions. I hear from colleagues who are overwhelmed, stretched thin, and trying to do right by their students in a system that is not meeting their needs.

This is why grievance work matters. It is one of the ways we make sure our collective agreement is enforced, and that members are supported when issues arise with the employer. I have been working to build my capacity in this area, including developing my understanding of grievance processes, investigations, and leave provisions through both local involvement and provincial opportunities such as BCTF Zones and the Federation Leadership Institute.

I am ready to continue that work as a released officer. I will approach this role with a commitment to listening to members, advocating clearly and consistently, and ensuring that our collective agreement is upheld.

I am asking for your support so I can continue doing this work, alongside you and on your behalf.

Dear Colleagues,

As a 10-year member of the Surrey Teachers’ Association, a three-term member of the Bargaining Committee, and an active staff rep and former staff committee chair, I am running for Grievance Officer.

My experience spans both the behind-the-scenes and front-line work of our union. I have analyzed bargaining survey results, co-written and developed proposals, chaired caucus meetings, taken official session minutes, as well as presented and moved proposals at the table. Through this work I have developed a strong understanding of our collective agreement, how it has been interpreted over time, and how to apply it in real life situations. I carry important institutional memory from before, during, and after the restoration of our illegally stripped language, which is essential to protecting what we have regained.

In 10 years of teaching, I have accumulated the requisite skills for the Grievance Officer portfolio. As a member of the Bargaining Committee, I have participated in over 30 sessions of local bargaining over 3 rounds, including as co-chair. I served as a Local Representative in 2019-20, during our first post-restoration bargaining round and at the onset of the pandemic. As a BCTF workshop writer and facilitator, I have trained staff reps and other union members at our local staff rep training sessions, Facilitator Institute Training and Summer Conference in workshops on equity, anti-racism, male accountability, and preventing and interrupting gender-based violence. This reflects my commitment to fairness, equity, and the support of all members.

As a staff rep and committee chair, I have developed strong skills in listening to members, investigating concerns, gathering facts, and assessing when an issue should move forward as a grievance. I understand that not every issue is a breach of contract language, and that strong decisions require careful analysis, strategy, and an understanding of broader impact. I have focused on building trust with colleagues, communicating clearly, and approaching concerns with professionalism and respect.

My experience on the Grievance Committee for two terms has strengthened my ability to think strategically, manage timelines, and handle cases in an organized and timely fashion. I understand the importance of resolving issues early when possible, while also having the judgment and courage to move cases forward for contract enforcement as needed. Grievance work is about protecting ground won in the collective agreement and ensuring decisions strengthen our position as a collective.

If elected as Grievance Officer, I will bring clear judgment, strong advocacy, and a fair and steady approach to the office and Executive Committee. I am committed to protecting our collective agreement, supporting members, and strengthening the voice and position of Surrey teachers.

Please see submission for Second Vice President

Hello colleagues,

I am asking for your support to be elected as a Grievance Officer of the STA. In my thirty years teaching, I have seen many changes to educational policy and different attempts to reduce teacher professional autonomy and diminish teacher rights.

I have worked with members over the past four years in the role of Professional Support Services Officer. I have enjoyed assisting members to find processes that address their needs. I have advocated strongly with the employer to promote programs and services that support teachers. However, during this time I have also supported members who question whether their rights under the collective agreement are being respected.

I believe my experience in the STA office, and in representing members, provides comprehensive background knowledge for the duties of a Grievance Officer. I am very familiar with our collective agreement from my work in the support officer role, in representing members at labour-management meetings, and through training on labour law. I welcome the opportunity to work on defending member rights, and in advocating for interpretation of the collective agreement that works to strengthen our collective rights. We have clauses in our collective agreement that are meant to ensure teachers’ rights in aspects of their professional practice, and I believe very strongly that these rights need protection.

I commit to:

Professionalism: Treating all parties with respect, and pursuing resolution through clear, principled advocacy. Fostering and promoting the dignity of all persons.

Accessibility: Responding promptly to member concerns, providing clear explanations of rights and options, and guiding members through each stage of the grievance process.

Training and prevention: Sharing knowledge with staff reps and members to reduce future disputes, proactive clarification of contract language, and early intervention. Ongoing education and training to dismantle racism and transphobia, and to promote restorative practices.

If elected, I will prioritize communication, effective case management, and professional representation of every member. I am ready to defend our collective agreement and ensure that integrity and experience guide my work.

Thank you for your consideration, and thank you for voting,

Pauline Veto

I am asking for your support to be elected as the Professional Support Services Officer because this is work I am deeply passionate about: supporting people when things are complicated, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming.

I am a Teacher Librarian at Coast Meridian Elementary and have been teaching for 10 years. Over that time, I have worked closely with colleagues in a variety of roles, which has shaped how I approach supporting others with empathy, clarity, and care.

For the past 7 years, I have been part of the STA Mediation Team, and this past year I joined the BCTF Internal Mediation Team. Through this work, I have supported colleagues in situations that require trust, discretion, and a calm, steady presence. I have seen how much it matters to have someone who will truly listen, stay grounded, and help make sense of what comes next. That is the kind of support I am committed to offering.

I have attended the BCTF AGM and currently serve on the STA Resolutions Committee, and I am also seeking to continue that work in the coming term. These experiences have helped me understand how our union functions, but more importantly, how much it depends on members feeling heard and supported.

This role feels like a natural extension of the work I am already doing. I am especially drawn to supporting the Peer Support, Mentorship, and Mediation programs, and to working alongside members navigating evaluations, workplace concerns, and Code of Ethics questions. These moments can feel isolating, and I believe no one should have to navigate them alone.

I care about this work being done well. Through 8 years as a staff rep at my school, I have developed a strong, practical understanding of our Collective Agreement by supporting colleagues and navigating real, sometimes complex situations alongside them. This year, I also served as a BCTF Social Justice contact, deepening my commitment to equity-focused work and strengthening how I support colleagues with care and awareness. I bring a commitment to ongoing learning in areas like anti-racism and anti-oppression, and a genuine belief in the importance of public education.

Most importantly, I show up. You will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported through the work, even when it is complex.

I would value the opportunity to serve in this role and support members in a way that is thoughtful, steady, and grounded in care.

Please see submission for Grievance Officer

Since September, I’ve had the privilege of serving as your Professional Development Officer, and I’m asking for your continued trust to keep building on that work.

Teaching in Surrey has never been more complex. After nearly two decades in elementary schools, as a classroom teacher and Teacher-Librarian, I’ve lived that complexity alongside you. I know what it means to stretch yourself thin, advocate for your students, and still find time to grow as a professional. That’s exactly why this role matters so much to me.

In my time with the Surrey Teachers’ Association, I’ve worn many hats including President of the Surrey Chapter of the BC Teacher-Librarians’ Association, STA Member-at-Large, Local Representative to the BCTF, chair of the PD committee and member of the Convention committee. In each of these roles, I’ve fought for the things that make our schools better: safe and inclusive environments, diverse resources that genuinely reflect our students, and the professional autonomy that lets great teachers do their best work.

I’ve also tackled the harder conversations. Supporting our 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues and students, pushing back against anti-SOGI rhetoric, addressing the real hardship caused by Failures to Fill, and confronting the ongoing loss of helping teachers. These aren’t abstract policy debates. They affect people we work with every day, and they deserve steady, committed advocacy.

On the professional development side, I’ve helped organize PD training days, Focus Days, and Conventions, always with the belief that the best professional learning is teacher-driven, relevant, and grounded in what’s actually happening in our classrooms. I’ve worked to make those spaces more accessible and more reflective of our membership’s needs.

What I bring to this role isn’t just a list of positions held. It’s genuine relationships with colleagues, a deep familiarity with union policy, and a conviction that our professional growth should be in our own hands.

There is still meaningful work ahead: rebuilding supports that have eroded, continuing to push for conditions where every teacher can thrive, and ensuring our professional development and autonomy reflect the full diversity of our members. I’d be honoured to continue that work on your behalf as the Professional Development Officer.

Professional Bio

I have dedicated 18 years to the teaching profession, spanning Kindergarten through Grade 12.

My experience includes Learning Support, French as a Second Language, and classroom teaching. For the past seven years, I have served as a Teacher-Librarian in a dual-track elementary school.

My commitment to Surrey teachers is backed by six years of active service as a Member at Large, a member of the Resolutions Committee, and a Local Representative to the BCTF.

I also bring the direct perspective of the Local Bargaining Team, where I have advocated for the specific needs of our schools.

Policy Statements:

My platform is rooted in the reality of our classrooms. I am committed to:

I have represented your voices at the BC Federation of Labour, at Board meetings, and in direct meetings with MLAs and the Premier.

I ask for your vote to continue this work, ensuring Surrey’s unique challenges remain a priority at the provincial level.

As an active member of both our local and provincial union, I value the relationships that ground our work and shape our advocacy. Through my experience as a table officer and my involvement on local and provincial committees, I have remained committed to supporting an equitable public education system and meaningful professional growth for teachers.

A central part of my work has been representing Surrey teachers in BCTF governance spaces. At the BCTF AGM and in other provincial settings, I have worked to bring forward the voices, concerns, and lived realities of our members. I understand how important it is that Surrey teachers feel heard and reflected in provincial discussions, especially when the challenges we face can be complex and distinct.

Through facilitating workshops and attending zone meetings across the province, I have had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other locals. These relationships have deepened my understanding of shared struggles and strengthened my ability to advocate in ways that are both thoughtful and grounded in members’ experiences.

At the local level, my work on Pro-D, Grievance, Resolutions, and Bargaining committees has been guided by collaboration and a commitment to supporting members. I approach this work by listening carefully, working alongside colleagues, and focusing on practical ways to strengthen supports, protections, and professional opportunities.

I bring a strong understanding of union governance, with experience in the BCTF AGM, STA Executive, STARA, and general meetings. As a liaison between Surrey members and the BCTF, I have worked to support clear communication and ensure that local perspectives are meaningfully represented in provincial decision making.

I believe this role is about connection, trust, and accountability to members. I am committed to continuing to listen, to advocate with care and clarity, and to ensure Surrey voices are present and valued at the provincial level.

It would be an honour to serve as your Local Representative to the BCTF.

Local and provincial roles:

Colleagues,

I am seeking your support as a Local Representative because I believe in strong, thoughtful, and accountable union representation.

I bring extensive union experience at the local, provincial, and international levels, grounded in advocacy, policy engagement, and member representation. Through my work with the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation – including the Committee for Action on Social Justice (Anti-Racism Advisory Committee) and as a Women in Leadership Facilitator – I have contributed to important conversations shaping equity and professional practice across the province.

Within the Surrey Teachers’ Association, I have been actively involved on the Resolutions Committee, supporting member voice and engaging in policy discussions. In Gold Trail, BC, I was the Working and Learning Conditions/Bargaining Chair, where I gained direct experience in labour relations and negotiation. As a former Local President with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, I led advocacy efforts, supported members through workplace concerns, and represented colleagues at the district level. I also served as Treasurer, Delegate and Staff Representative.

As a Local Representative, I understand the responsibility to listen carefully, engage in informed dialogue, and make thoughtful decisions at the Representative Assembly. I will represent Surrey teachers with care, balance, and purpose.

If elected, my priorities will be:

I bring a calm, professional, and solution-focused approach, along with a deep commitment to fairness, collaboration, and union solidarity. It would be an honour to serve, and I respectfully ask for your support.

In solidarity,
Terry-Ann Gunter

Please see submission for Grievance Officer

Please see submission for Grievance Officer

Please see submission for Second Vice President

I’m Annie Ohana, a settler on the Unceded, Unsurrendered, and Ancestral Territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, and q̓íc̓əy̓ (Qayqayt) Peoples. I am a first-generation White-passing Sephardic/Arabic Jewish queer educator.

I am seeking your support to continue serving as Local Representative with the STA for a 10th year. I believe deeply in the power of our union to protect our working conditions, strengthen our collective voice, and ensure that every member feels supported, heard, and represented. That being said, we are seeing a continued deterioration of our working conditions and our ability to bargain effectively not just during the formal bargaining period but in everyday advocacy as well. I hope that during my 9 years so far, I have continued to practice my belief in open dialogue, an active listener, a disturber in the right kind of ways, an intersectional anti oppression lens on the issues our members have, and a fighter who is never afraid to stand up for our members, at the mic, in political offices, in the media, on the front lines and at the EC table.

We are sadly a broken record, when we continue to say that educators are navigating increasingly complex classrooms, rising expectations, and systems stretched beyond capacity. Many members are experiencing unsustainable workload, escalating safety concerns, and the emotional toll of supporting students with significant needs without adequate resources. While bargaining has secured important protections over the years, many members feel there has not been true movement forward on the day-to-day realities of our work. Too often, gains feel incremental while pressures continue to intensify. I felt that intense frustration as I talked to colleagues across Surrey during bargaining and over my 9 years.

With these realities in mind, our union is strongest when members feel connected and heard. I will continue to do my best at communication, active listening, and regular outreach to worksites. I am dedicated to you, and making sure you are the safest, and happiest you can be as you do foundational work.

My commitment is simple: transforming our spaces so that we remove barriers, bring forward voices to the table that hold our district accountable, and that we fight against austerity and scarcity mindsets that are continuing to decimate our schools.

My commitment is simple:

to listen carefully, communicate transparently, and advocate fiercely for members while working collaboratively with the entire executive team.

It would be an honour to continue serving the members of the Surrey Teachers’ Association and to stand alongside you in defence of public education and our profession.

Always together in the fight comrades,
Annie Ohana

Experience Highlights:

My name is Lexa Perl (she/her) and I am putting my name forward so I might continue serving Surrey teachers as a member of our executive committee. I am putting my name forward for the position of Local Representative to the BCTF having served as your Secretary-Treasurer and as a member of our resolutions committee for the past year in addition to other union roles I’ve held since 2024.

I am a secondary English teacher at Earl Marriott Secondary with 7 years of classroom experience. I am also a committed union member and a proud Surrey teacher. As one of your Local Representatives I will work to raise the unique concerns of Surrey teachers at a provincial level within the BCTF while also continuing to advocate for the dignity and well being of marginalized members. I bring a strong working knowledge of both STA and BCTF policies and procedures and experience working and collaborating with members from other locals. I will take the time to listen to members as I work towards finding collaborative solutions to the issues Surrey teachers face while also ensuring that BCTF leadership remains accountable to its members.

What I bring to the table:

Union Experience:

My name is Naomi Shaw, and I am seeking your support in my bid to represent Surrey teachers as a Local Representative
to the BCTF.

Over the past two years, I have served as my school’s Staff Representative, attended two BCTF AGMs, and contributed
to both the Young Workers Committee and the STARA Steering Committee. Through this work, I have developed a
strong commitment to union advocacy and to ensuring that every member feels valued, heard, and represented.

I am especially passionate about making union spaces more accessible to early career teachers. Too often, new
educators feel disconnected from union processes, and I want to help change that by creating more opportunities for
engagement, mentorship, and meaningful participation.

As a primary teacher, I understand firsthand the realities and challenges of today’s classrooms. I am committed to
advocating for learning environments where both students and educators can thrive, regardless of background or
circumstance.

It would be an honour to serve as one of your Local Representatives. I am ready to listen, to amplify member voices, and to advocate effectively on your behalf.

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

It has been a privilege serving this year as your current TTOC/EC Rep. I have learned a lot about both the STA and the
role itself as I have supported both TTOCs and Early Career teachers. I intend to run once again for this position,
committed to expanding the amount of assistance and engagement with our members this coming school year. Thank
you for your support!

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

Please see submission for Second Vice President

It has been my privilege to hold the position of Member at Large designated for an Aboriginal Member this last year. I
intend to put my name forward once again for this role with the intention of serving all our members in furthering Truth and Reconciliation within our Association. I have keen insight into the depth and breadth of this position from past experience and hope to continue the good work I have started. I believe the Executive will benefit from my voice at the
table. Thank you for all your support past and present.

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

Mabuhay!

My name is Regie Marie D. Plana-Alcuaz, I use they/she pronouns, and I’m originally from the Philippines of Chinese-Spanish ancestry. I have spent 23 years on Turtle Island (14 years in the US, 9 years and counting in Canada), and my first home in Canada was in the Nass Valley, the territory of the Nisga’a Nation. My students know me as Mx. Rainbow.

As a Surrey teacher, it is my great privilege to advocate for the q̓icə̓ y ̓ (Katzie), Qʼʷa:n̓ ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Qaqayt, scə̓ waθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen), and other Coast Salish Peoples, whilst I am on the unceded shared traditional territory that was taken from them. I recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. I recognize my responsibility as an educator to create spaces that reflect indigenous ways of knowing, being, and belonging where all learners feel connected, valued, and seen.

I have been in education for almost three decades, from non-formal education to the regular elementary classroom, teaching ESL to adult learners, and a special educator in all grade levels and an academic advisor. I have also been an
elementary department head in the remote Nisga’a First Nations community (SD 92) in NW BC prior to moving to Surrey Schools (SD 36) as an Integration Support Teacher. I had been the Pro-D Chair then the Social Justice Chair in my previous district.

I have been involved with the union since I began teaching in Canada and at present, I am on my eighth and final year in the BCTF Committee for Action on Social Justice. I am also on the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, where I was the Chair during my previous term. I was previously on Women in Leadership, and on the BCTF AGM Resolutions Committee. I’ve given trainings and workshops on SURTs to other locals throughout the year as well as during the Summer Leadership Conference and Social Justice Conference. Many of the connections I’ve made nationally and provincially have been useful for my union work locally.

I have been on the Surrey Teachers Association Executive Committee as Member-at-Large (designated for a 2SLGBTQ+ Member), Resolutions Committee, and am a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ Ad Hoc Committee, Status of Women Committee, Ad Hoc Members of Colour Committee, and IST Advisory Committee.

I’ve written on various topics for the Canadian Teachers’ Magazine, the BCTF Teacher Magazine, the BCTF Social Justice Newsletter, and The Advocate (The STA Magazine). If you see someone knitting during the many committee meetings I’ve attended, that might be me (it’s my fidget when I’m not taking notes). I also enjoy sharing about my culture and dispensing snacks.

Maraming salamat po, Thank you very much, Merci beaucoup, T’ooyaḵsiy̓ as n̓isim.

In solidarity.

My name is Jatinder Kaur Bir, and I am seeking election as a Member-at-Large.

I offer my name guided by seva, service rooted in care, responsibility, and a commitment to supporting our members and our collective work. Over the years, I have served the STA in a variety of roles, including as President and Vice President, Local Rep to the BCTF, STARA Rep, member of various committees, and for a third term on the local bargaining team. These experiences have given me in-depth understanding of our governance, our history, and the processes that guide our decisions, while keeping me closely connected to the perspectives and needs of our colleagues/members.

I am joining the provincial table through the BCTF Executive Committee (EC) and bring experience from the BC Teachers’ Council (BCTC), which regulates the teaching profession under the Teachers Act, and from the TRB Disciplinary Hearing Panel, where I contribute to fair and principled decision-making. I also serve on Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) Board of Directors, guiding strategic direction, governance, and oversee financial stability. These roles have strengthened my ability to advocate effectively, navigate complex issues, and support decisions that strengthen our union.

This is an exciting time for the STA. As we near the completion of our building renovations and prepare for upcoming municipal elections, we continue to focus on key priorities, including contract enforcement, political action in support of public education, and most importantly, ensuring rank-and-file members feel engaged, supported, and connected. These are opportunities to renew and reinforce our collective work while welcoming the energy and ideas that new voices bring.

Leadership, as I have said before, is not about titles or tenure, it is about how we work together. It is about bringing diverse skills and experiences to the table, listening to one another, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect the needs of the whole.
That is what makes us stronger together.

Back in school as an Integration Support Teacher, I remain grounded in the day-to-day realities our members face. This keeps me connected, informs my perspective, and reinforces my commitment to ensuring members’ voices are heard, encouraged, and supported. My experience has shown that thoughtful advocacy and consistent engagement can make a real difference for colleagues/members and students.

If entrusted with this role, I will contribute with care, humility, and a willingness to support the collective work of the Executive Committee. I am here to listen, offer context where helpful, and serve in a way that strengthens the STA and the members we represent.

Thank you for your consideration.

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

Please see submission for Second Vice President

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

Please see submission for Member-at-Large (Designated for a 2SLGBTQIA+ Member)

Hi, everyone! My name is Navpreet and I am excited (and just the right amount of fired up) to put my name forward for Resolutions Committee. As a French immersion science teacher in Surrey, I spend my days balancing lab experiments, language learning, and the ever-evolving realities of public education, which means I am no stranger to the nuance and work ethic that this role involves. I’ve also put forward resolutions in the past, and am excited to expand my learning about this important work.

You might know me from our Young Workers Committee, or maybe you saw me at BCTF AGM a few times calling the question. I’ve also been a staff rep since I started teaching 7 years ago. What you should know about me is that I want to be part of this committee that ensures our resolutions are meaningful, relevant, and grounded in the real voices of Surrey teachers.

I bring strong communication skills and a sharp eye for clarity. Having minored in French in undergrad, and now pursuing my Master’s in education in Modern Languages, I can confidently say that I bring strong research and writing skills to the table.

I also value collaboration and know how to communicate productively. I listen carefully, respect diverse perspectives, and work toward solutions that reflect our collective priorities. At the same time, I am not afraid to speak up when something needs to be said. Good committee work requires both diplomacy and honesty, and I am committed to working collaboratively with whoever else will be on this committee.

I would be honoured to contribute my voice, energy, and critical thinking to the Resolutions Committee. Thank you for your consideration; I promise to bring both substance and just enough spice to get the job done.

My name is Wah, and I want to begin by acknowledging that we are on the unceded traditional territories of the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations. I honour their enduring connection to this land.

I am very interested in serving on the resolutions committee. Having attended the BCTF AGM and served on the resolutions committee during this past school year, I have gained valuable experience with the resolutions process – from reviewing and clarifying submissions to supporting fair and respectful discussion. Serving in this role has deepened my understanding of how careful wording, collaboration, and attention to member voice help shape strong and meaningful resolutions.

I care deeply about representing our members and helping guide the direction of our union. I am a good listener, open to diverse perspectives, and committed to doing this work thoughtfully and collaboratively.

I would be honoured to continue serving on the resolutions committee for 2026-27.

I am seeking a position on the Resolutions Committee to contribute to a transparent, effective, and member-driven policy process. Having attended the 2026 BCTF Annual General Meeting, I gained valuable insight into how resolutions shape the direction, priorities, and advocacy of our association. Observing the debate and development of resolutions reinforced for me the importance of clarity, accessibility, and thoughtful engagement. I am committed to ensuring that this process continues to reflect the collective voice of Surrey educators.

Bio

I am an educator dedicated to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments where all students feel supported and empowered to succeed. My experience in the classroom has highlighted the importance of equitable access to resources, meaningful supports for students with diverse needs, and strong collaboration among educators. I value collegiality, open communication, and ongoing professional growth. I believe that when educators work together and share diverse perspectives, we strengthen both our practice and our union.

Policy Perspective

Resolutions are a cornerstone of the Surrey Teachers’ Association’s work, guiding advocacy efforts and shaping priorities at both the local and provincial levels. I support a resolutions process that is transparent, well-structured, and accessible to all members. It is essential that resolutions are clearly written, purposeful, and grounded in the real experiences of educators in Surrey schools.

I am committed to supporting resolutions that address key challenges facing educators today, including class size and composition, workload, and access to adequate supports for students with diverse learning needs. I also believe that student and staff well-being – particularly mental health – must remain central in our policy discussions and advocacy efforts.

Equity and inclusion must continue to guide all resolutions. Our policies should actively work to identify and address systemic barriers while promoting culturally responsive and inclusive practices. A strong resolutions process ensures that our collective values are reflected in meaningful, actionable policies.

Personal Platform

If elected to the Resolutions Committee, I will focus on three key priorities:

Clarity and Quality – Supporting the development of resolutions that are concise, clear, and effective in communicating their intent.

Member Engagement and Voice – Encouraging broad participation and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in the resolutions process.

Relevance and Impact – Advancing resolutions that address current challenges and lead to meaningful, practical outcomes for educators and students.

I am committed to working collaboratively with colleagues to strengthen the resolutions process and ensure it remains inclusive, transparent, and responsive. By doing so, we can better support our members and advocate effectively for the success and well-being of all students in Surrey.

Please see submission for Grievance Officer

I am putting my name forward for the Resolutions Committee because I want to be more involved in shaping what Surrey teachers bring forward to the BCTF AGM. Over the past year, I have seen the strength of this committee’s work, and I want to contribute to the process of developing resolutions that reflect the realities and priorities of our members.

As a newer teacher, I am still learning how the union operates beyond the school level, but I also recognize how important it is for early-career teachers to be part of these spaces. Many newer teachers want to be involved but are unsure where they fit. I want to help bridge that gap by being someone who is learning alongside them while also encouraging greater understanding of how our union functions at a larger scale.

My interest in this work is grounded in my commitment to equity. In my role as an educator, I see how systems impact students and teachers differently depending on their access to support. Because of this, I believe our resolutions should reflect a wide range of experiences, including those of newer teachers and those who may not always feel represented. Gathering feedback and working collaboratively to refine resolutions is something I value and want to be part of.

I have intentionally opened up my schedule to be more involved in union work and am committed to contributing consistently to this committee. I see this role as both a responsibility and an opportunity to learn. I want to support work that ensures Surrey teachers’ voices are clearly represented at the AGM while also helping increase engagement among newer members in our district.

Please see submission for Second Vice President

Hello fellow STA members! My name is Renee McFarlane and I have been a teacher in Surrey for just over 30 years and have been involved with the STA on and off throughout my career. I have recently become more involved in the past few years. I have been an STA representative for multiple years and have served on a few committees. I have attended the last 3 BCTF AGMs and I was elected to be on the Resolutions Committee for the BCTF AGM in March of 2024. I found the experience very enlightening and with support, I was able to bring forward a resolution around special education workloads that was passed at the AGM. I would appreciate the opportunity to be on the Resolutions Committee again and to be an integral part of helping shape the resolutions that Surrey brings forward to the next BCTF AGM. Thank you.

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

I hope to once again be on the Resolutions Committee with the Surrey Teachers Association. I believe that I have highly relevant experience as (1) a school psychologist working in schools all over Surrey, (2) outspoken Local Representative to the BCTF during this past bargaining year, (3) BCTF Woman in Leadership program participant as a trans woman, (4) and Staff Union Rep Training Facilitator for the BCTF. In my practice, I work closely with teachers and support staff looking to get the most support for students with disabilities in their classes and on their caseloads. I have strong writing experience, including author credits in academic journals, SAD magazine, and film. These and other experiences enable me to powerfully put words to motions that represent the needs and interests of the Surrey Teachers Association membership.

Please see submission for BCTF Local Representative

Please see submission for Member-at-Large (Designated for a 2SLGBTQIA+ Member)

I would like to start by acknowledging that I live and work on the unceded lands of the Katzie, Kwantlen, and Semiahmoo First Nations. I continue on my own journey of Truth and Reconciliation by listening, learning, and speaking out against racism, misinformation, disinformation, and colonial beliefs and structures.

Hello colleagues, my name is Corrie Shaw and I have been teaching in Surrey for 28 years. I have been a Staff Rep at both the Elementary and Secondary levels. I have also been a Surrey Delegate at the last three BCTF AGMs. For the last two years I have been part of the Resolutions Committee and have found the process of writing, discussing, and re-working resolutions very interesting and rewarding.

I am a believer that our public education system is the great equalizer in our society. However, over my career, the amounts of support teachers and students continues to decrease while the complexities of needs increases. We are experiencing inadequate funding for public education which is resulting in more stress for teachers. I have heard passionate teacher colleagues express worries that the career may not be sustainable. This, we all know, is not okay. We need to continue to fight for teachers’ rights and working conditions to ensure all students are able to learn to their full potentials.

I have found being a member of the Resolutions Committee and an AGM delegate as a way to fight for Teachers’ rights and fight for out public education system, and work to improve funding and supports.

Thank you for reading my statement and considering voting for me.

With respect and humility,

Corrie Shaw

Please see submission for Professional Support Services Officer

This past year, I was entrusted again to vote on behalf of many STA members at the BCTF AGM. In preparation for next
year, I am now putting my name forward for the Resolutions Committee. As an early career teacher who has now
survived the infamous 5-year threshold (yay!), it was enraging to see that this round of bargaining got us a lackluster
agreement that did not significantly improve our working lives. Our job as teachers has become increasingly politicized
and hyper-scrutinized, while our workload continues to climb exponentially and supports diminished alarmingly. As a
Surrey student who watched their teachers strike to fight for better learning and working conditions, I want to help
continue the story that teachers believed a better world was possible for the young people of past, current, and future
generations. Not only that, I also want to contribute to making that dream a reality for all of us, students and teachers.

I am eternally grateful for many past teachers and current colleagues who have taught me how to stand up and use my
privileges and skill sets to fight for what is just. The union has been a space where through many trials and tribulations, I have found community and comrades. I am putting my name forward because I would like to continue to be part of a
community that brings members’ concerns and dreams to the larger provincial body. As workers, we are often told that
what we desire is “not feasible”. For once, I would love for us to be able to dream because when we’ve asked what
students’ ideal school or education system would look like, they would tell you that they want all the things that we
want and more! With all that said, I would like to highlight some of the experiences that I bring with me that may
contribute to my success in this role:

If elected, I would work hard to ensure members’ concerns and asks are at the forefront of our resolutions and that I
would work collaboratively with other elected members. Thank you for your consideration.