Teacher Officer Positions
Listed alphabetically by last name, with incumbency indicated.
CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT
Marcia Howard *Incumbent*
Site: Roosevelt High School (English teacher, on release to MFE)
Years in MPS: 28
Years in MFE: 28
Union Activities/Involvement: not provided
I am running for a second term as president of the teacher chapter of MFE59. My commitment to fighting for safe and stable schools for our students has not wavered in the two years since I was first elected, and I vowed to be as fierce of an advocate for our members and the community we serve if I am elected again. Thank you for your consideration. Union Strong!
CANDIDATE FOR FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Natasha Dockter *Incumbent*
Site: Davis Center (TOSA, on release to MFE)
Years in MPS: 8
Years in MFE: 8
Union Activities/Involvement: 2024-Present Teacher Chapter First Vice President, 2022-2024 Teacher Chapter Recording Secretary, 2021-2022 CAT, Building Steward 2018-2021, COPE Committee 2018-Present, COPE Chair 2019-Present
I am a middle school social studies and AVID teacher. Currently, I serve as a TOSA who supports probationary teachers throughout the tenure process and supports all licensed staff with the PDP process. Previously, I worked at Andersen United. I also am currently on part-time release at MFE where I lead our political work.
I am running for re-election as First Vice President of the Teacher Executive Board because I want to continue to help lead our union to continue to build power to fight for the schools and communities our students deserve. Over the past several years, we have built a lot of collective power through our strike, contract campaigns, and work in our community. Our MFE blue hats have become a symbol of our collective leadership in Minneapolis. In the years ahead, we must further grow our power. This growth of power includes having efficient and effective Union communication and committees, building up our member leaders, and ensuring we are strike ready in case we ever need to take that action. Continuing to grow our power will allow us to further push for change that will strengthen MPS for all students.
If re-elected as First Vice President, I would also continue prioritizing supporting our stewards around contract enforcement. Without contract enforcement, our contract is just words on a paper. As an officer, I would also continue to focus on fostering a culture at MFE 59 where all are welcome to participate and lead. As a Union, it is essential that we support and encourage new leaders. During our recent contract campaigns and in Metro Surge, many members have stepped up and are playing a crucial roles in our Union; it is essential that we continue to foster their involvement and leadership.
In addition to focusing on these priorities, as a board officer, I commit to being approachable, transparent, and hard-working. I will also use my previous Union leadership experience and my organizational and listening skills to ensure that our Union’s Joint Executive Board meetings are well run and efficient in my role as First Vice President. Additionally, I will work collaboratively with our joint officers to ensure MFE runs smoothly. With this in mind, I ask for your vote and your support of the Moving Further Together slate.
CANDIDATE FOR SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Nate Hart-Andersen
Site: Adult Education North Campus (Adult Education Teacher)
Years in MPS: 7
Years in MFE: 7
Union Activities/Involvement: Board Member, Bargaining Lead, Strike Captain, Steward
My name is Nate Hart-Andersen, and I am running for 2nd Vice President of the Teacher Chapter of MFE.
I am a product of MPS. I attended Clara Barton through 8th grade, and graduated from Southwest High School. But even more importantly, I am an adult educator in my 7th year of teaching at MPS.
I am proud to have been the first adult education teacher to serve on MFT’s executive board. In addition to my service on the executive board, I have been a union steward, strike captain, and have been involved in 4 contract negotiations, including as a bargaining lead for the previous two contracts. It would be an honor to continue to grow as a leader in our union as the 2nd Vice President for the Teacher Chapter.
As many of you may know, adult education teachers at MPS have finally won the decades-long fight for pay-parity for adult education teachers. Adult Education teachers are highly skilled educators who have devoted decades of their lives to serving adult students, and I am proud of the role I played in finally winning these teachers the compensation their skills and training deserve.
The district response to this historic win has been to embark on a vicious union-busting campaign, greatly inflating a programmatic budget deficit as a pretext for laying off half of our adult education teachers, as well as every single Somali staff member. These cuts represent an existential threat to the vital work of MPS Adult Education.
But if there is one thing we know in MFE, it is that when we fight, we win! I am proud to be one of the leaders of the “Save Adult Education” campaign, a rank-and-file movement to save our program. We know that, with the support of our students, the community, and our union siblings, we are going to win. We also know solidarity is reciprocal. We stand alongside our colleagues in the Birth-22 system who are also facing unacceptable cuts.
The times in which we live demand courage, and courage requires strength. Our strength as a union comes through unity. Solidarity is not easy. It takes careful listening, patience, persistence, and humility. As the 2nd Vice President of the Teacher Chapter of MFE I will work to continue developing a strong union, rooted in authentic solidarity, with the courage for the challenges to come.
CANDIDATES FOR RECORDING SECRETARY
No photo or statement was submitted for the following candidates (listed alphabetically by last name):
Christina Brantner *Incumbent*
CANDIDATE FOR JOINT TREASURER
Elizabeth (Lizz) Done *Incumbent*
Site: Davis Center/City-wide (PAR Mentor)
Years in MPS: 15
Years in MFE: 15
Union Activities/Involvement: I have served as a building union steward, summer organizer, organizer on partial release, regional strike captain, bargaining team lead, and CAT member.
I am excited to ask for your support as I run for union treasurer. In our union, we need staunch advocates for all of our members. In my work as a classroom teacher and as a PAR mentor I have had first hand experience with over 40 schools in our district and have come to realize how important a strong union is to building schools that work better for us, our students, and our community. We have a moral obligation to continue to build our schools and our own power as union members to create the strongest school district we can and push back against those who seek to diminish the voices of teachers and public schools as a whole. I have spent the last year getting deep into MPS finances and as treasurer, I would ensure that our union’s finances are in service of the goals our members have identified.
My vision for our union is to build a district that values the voices of professionals from both chapters and gives everyone the support they need to continue showing up every day. That we will grow together, create change together, and use our power as a union to make MPS a destination district.
Teacher Chapter Executive Board Candidates
11 At-Large Positions
Listed alphabetically by last name, with incumbency indicated.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Anna Ashcroft *Incumbent*
Site: Andersen United Middle School (School Nurse)
Years in MPS: 8 years
Years in MFE: 8 years
Union Activities/Involvement: current executive board member, served on the bargaining team over the past 2 contracts, previous COPE and CAT participation
Having served on the teacher executive board since November, 2025, I have advocated in particular for RSPs and our sites hit hard by the ICE occupation, and I've participated in actions and votes affecting our union as a whole. I am looking forward to meeting many more members across our union in the years ahead and continuing the work of strengthening our union and organizing power!
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Tiffany Doherty
Site: Anwatin Middle School (Math Teacher)
Years in MPS: 20 years
Years in MFE: 20 years
Union Activities/Involvement: Building Steward 10+ years, 1 contract campaign as part of the lead team, 2VP of teacher chapter for 2 terms.
I have had the fortune of being an MFE union member from the start of my employment with MPS: 4 years in the ESP chapter and 16 in the teacher chapter. Though I have been a building steward for more than 10 years, I believe our strike was the event that really ignited me to become more active in our union. I saw how united we became as a union as we fought for a fair contract. I saw how we all found our voices and our strength. That experience encouraged me to run for the executive board and also provided the opportunity to be part of the lead negotiating team of the contract campaign that saw the largest salary increases in more than 20+ years! Most recently I have been proud to have taken an active role in our union's fight to protect our immigrant members and community through the ICE occupation. I have never been more proud of how we served our immigrant communities - and each other - through one of the most devastating times of many of our lives.
Over the past four years on the executive board, I have been proud to be a part of moving our union forward in a strong and responsible manner while building respect and unity within our membership and in our greater community. I would be honored to continue that work and to earn your vote to continue serving our union on the Teacher Executive Board.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Michelle Loomans
Site: Armatage Elementary (4th Grade Classroom Teacher)
Years in MPS: 17 years
Years in MFE: 17 years
Union Activities/Involvement: Bargaining team member for past 2 contracts, Armatage steward, CAT team member, COPE member, Liaison during contract bargaining to Minneapolis Families for Public Education (MFPE)
For the past seventeen years, first as an ESP, then as an elementary classroom teacher, I’ve been driven by one core belief: Public schools are the promise, and the union is our collective power to protect them, strengthen them, and to keep that promise.
I am proud of the work I’ve done to help grow the power of our union. As an Armatage steward for six years, I’ve worked to make sure our members' voices are heard. As a liaison to MFPS (Minneapolis Families for Public Education), I’ve worked to ensure that the voices of our families are lifted and part of the conversation. As a CAT Team member I have worked to make sure our actions amplify our voices. As a member of the Bargaining Team for the last two teacher contracts, I’ve worked hard alongside members from across the district to build our power at the bargaining table and fight for fairness and equity. As a member of COPE I’ve lobbied for affordable healthcare at the State Capitol and worked to elect candidates who recognize the promise of public education. I understand how important it is to have our voices in the places of power.
Above all, I take pride in my ability to show up with intention and heart—ready to serve, support, and uplift the people around me.
As a member of the Executive Board, I will bring my experience, commitment to the work, and dedication to the promise of public education to every decision we make together. I will listen to your perspective, act on your behalf, and uphold the promise of public schools.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Jose Rodriguez *Incumbent*
Site: Windom Elementary (K-5 Special Education Resource Teacher)
Years in MPS: not provided
Years in MFE: not provided
Union Activities/Involvement: I’ve served as a bargaining team member and lead, a union steward, a member of the Teacher Executive Board, and I currently serve on the Special Education Labor Management (SELM) committee.
Hello! My name is Jose Rodriguez (he/him/his).
I am a K–5 Special Education Resource Teacher at Windom Community School, and I’m running for re-election for the At-Large Teacher Executive Board.
Through out my time in Minneapolis Public Schools, I’ve stayed actively involved in our union. I’ve served as a bargaining team member and lead, a union steward, a member of the Teacher Executive Board, and I currently serve on the Special Education Labor Management (SELM) committee. In these roles, I’ve worked to hold the district accountable to our contract, knowing that our contract is only as strong as we are willing to enforce it. I’ve also pushed for clear, enforceable, and equitable caseload protections for educators.
A big part of my work has been making sure member voices are heard especially in special education. That includes addressing caseload overages, service delivery gaps, and working conditions that impact both staff and students. I believe real change happens through collaboration, and I’m willing to name challenges while also working toward practical, collective solutions.
I’m also committed to supporting early career educators and building leadership within our union. When members feel informed, supported, and empowered, our union is stronger and that directly impacts our students.
It has been an honor to serve these past two years as an At-Large Teacher Executive Board member, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue. I’m ready to keep advocating for our members, strengthening our union, and moving our district forward so our schools better meet the needs of our students, families, and educators while making MPS a destination district for both staff and students.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Brian Vats-Fournier
Site: Camden High School (ELA Teacher 11th-12th)
Years in MPS: not provided
Years in MFE: not provided
Union Activities/Involvement: not provided
I have been teaching ELA in our district since 1998. 23 years teaching out of 28 (with 5 on leaves). I've been a union member for every year I've been teaching (including as an EdMN member when on leaves and could not be a member of our local).
I've taught at Southwest, Edison, North, Las Estrellas (when it had a different name), Washburn, and now I teach at Camden. Most of these years (14 so far) have been on the Northside. I've been serving our union and our colleagues as a CAT member, often as a rally drummer, as a Solidarity rally participant with other unions in our city and region, and a representative on both the Legislative Committee and the pension-protecting Committee of 13 (now also called the Minneapolis Educator Pension Advocates).
I've been a coordinator of Advanced Learning and a teacher of IB for All. I've been involved in the implementation of many initiatives throughout these years seeking to constantly improve and see many strategies working their way through again. I'm involved in local DFL politics as the Secretary of SD40 where I live in Shoreview, and from that vantage point have developed relationships that have informed my work with the legislature in advocating for our issues in education, pensions, and public services.
I look forward to serving for the first time on the Executive Board as an At-Large member. I intend to serve in the capacity of the newcomer who asks the questions people might think are too obvious to ask--but with the intention to make the ensuing explanation make clear the problems no one else may want to talk about. Eventually I'll know what I'm doing so I'll have a more strategic explanation-- just know that I'm coming from the point-of-view that our Northside schools are often on the menu--but we need to be at the table demanding more for our students and our families.
I would appreciate the opportunity to serve our members in this way and ask for your vote in this election.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Farhiya Del *Incumbent*
No photo was submitted for this candidate.
Site: not provided
Years in MPS: 20
Years in MFE: 20
Union Activities/Involvement: not provided
My name is Farhiya Del, and I currently serve as the District Facilitator for the Somali Heritage Language Program. This is my 20th year with Minneapolis Public Schools, and I have been a proud union member since the start of my career.
I live in Minneapolis with my husband and four children. Three of my children currently attend Minneapolis Public Schools, two in high school and one in middle school, and one is a proud graduate of MPS. As both an educator and a parent, I am deeply committed to the success of our students, educators, and schools.
It has been an honor to serve during my first term on the Minneapolis Federation of Educators Joint Executive Board for the Teacher Chapter. In this role, I have worked to amplify educator voices, advocate for equitable resources, and support policies that improve teaching and learning conditions.
I am committed to continuing this work by advocating for our educators, supporting our students, and strengthening our union. I would be honored to earn your support for a second term, continuing to serve our members with dedication, integrity, and purpose.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Tequila Laramee
Site: Bethune Arts Elementary (Kindergarten Teacher)
Years in MPS: 15 years
Years in MFE: 12 years
Union Activities/Involvement: I have been an ESP building steward, strike captain, CAT leader & served on the MFE board as an at large ESP board member and at joint treasurer. I have also served as a summer organizer for several years and won ESP of the year in 2021-2022.
Colleagues, friends, and fellow educators,
I’m honored to be a candidate for this At-Large Executive Board position as a teacher! I come to you not just as an educator, but as someone who deeply believes in the power of our collective voice and the strength of our union.
Every day, we show up for our students, bringing patience, creativity, and resilience into our classrooms. But we also know the challenges we face: increasing workloads, the need for equitable resources, and the importance of being heard in the decisions that shape our schools. These challenges demand strong, thoughtful leadership, leadership that listens, collaborates, and acts.
If elected, my commitment is simple, I will advocate for all educators across our district. Representing every voice across grade levels, subject areas, and school communities. I will work to ensure that your concerns, your ideas, and your experiences are not only acknowledged, but actively brought to the decision-making table.
I believe in transparency and communication. You deserve to know what is happening within our union and why decisions are made. I will prioritize a clear, consistent voice and create more opportunities for members to share input. Our union is strongest when every member feels informed and empowered.
I also believe in unity, we are strongest when we stand together, educators, support staff, and community members. Fighting for the resources our students need and the respect our profession deserves. I will work to build bridges across differences and ensure that every member feels valued and included.
Finally, I bring a spirit of collaboration and problem-solving. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I am committed to listening, learning, and working alongside you to find solutions that move us forward. Together, we can continue to build a union that not only responds to challenges but shapes a better future for our schools.
Thank you for the work you do every day, and thank you for considering my candidacy. I would be honored to serve you.
In solidarity.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Robert Panning-Miller *Incumbent*
Site: South High School (9th-12th Social Studies)
Years in MPS: 34
Years in MFE: 34
Union Activities/Involvement: President of MFT 59, 2006-2008; building steward, 1996 – 2006 and 2008 – present; MFT Executive Board 2010 – 2014 and 2018 - present; Education Minnesota Governing Board 2007 – 2013; Chair of Negotiations Committee 2007 – 2008; Delegate to Education Minnesota Representative Convention multiple years; served on multiple joint union/district committees; served on Education Minnesota’s Human Rights Committee; REACH Caucus, 5 years.
I have been a member of MFE 59 from the beginning of my career, and quickly signed up to be a union steward for my building when I became tenured. I have been a union leader for most of the past 20 years, first as Teacher Chapter President and then on the Executive Board. We are all “the Union,” and we need to participate however and whenever we are able. The work we do with our students is made better by the work we do in our union. I believe a strong system of true public schools is essential for society, and this requires a strong, transparent, and democratic union.
I hope to bring my historical knowledge to the Executive Board one last time. I’m running for reelection to the Executive Board to continue the work of empowering our union and strengthening public education. This requires building and maintaining strong coalitions and working in partnership with parents and students. I’m proud of the collective power we’ve built in our union in the past several years, and honored to have served on the Executive Board as we’ve done this. Six years ago, our mobilization enabled us to go on strike for the first time in over 50 years, and we have continued to make it clear to the District that we are united.
Are strength can never be taken for granted and we need to always maintain the fight. I’m proud to have worked with Marcia Howard as our MFT Teacher Chapter President, and would like to continue to do this work on the Executive Board for one more term.
I ask for your vote, and for you to vote for Marcia Howard to continue as our Teacher Chapter President.
CANDIDATE FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
Treasure Thoreson *Incumbent*
Site: Hmong International Academy
Years in MPS: 11 years
Years in MFE: 11 years
Union Activities/Involvement: Current at-large teacher executive board member, site steward, member of SELM, member of the constitution and bylaws committee, CAT member, bargaining team member for the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 contracts.
Hello! I am a passionate and determined special education teacher who advocates for students, families, and staff every day. The power of our union comes from our membership - the rank and file who are in the classroom every day and understand the needs of their students and colleagues. One of my goals is to empower every MFE member to organize in their buildings as well as across the district and beyond. I want to uplift member voices to advocate and organize around the issues that are important to them and their school communities.
In our city, we stood up for what was right during the Surge. Educators in particular stepped up to the plate and understood the assignment - to serve our communities. We were able to do so through primarily rank-and-file organizing - we didn't need to wait to be told what to do. We simply did the right thing and supported our colleagues, families, and students.
As we continue to live and educate under the current federal administration, it is difficult to know exactly what may come next. However, being a member of our union gives us the resources and connections necessary to face whatever they throw at us. I want to continue to advocate for our members and help our union be as ready as possible under any circumstance.
Within our bargaining process as well as the special education labor management committee, I have helped to craft contract language to advocate for our overworked and burned out special education colleagues, as well as our students, who deserve the best working and learning conditions. In spring of 2025, I helped to lead the fight against the special education cuts that would have decimated our staff and harmed our children, where we worked together as staff, as well as alongside families and community to demand the reversal of the dangerous cuts to staffing.
Outside of MFE, I have built connections with other union and non-union workers throughout the Twin Cities, across the US, and internationally, and am active in several labor-focused organizing groups. In the days, months, and years to come, we will need to continue to build relationships with other working-class folks, both within and outside of education, in order to continue building worker power.
Please consider voting for me for executive board member at large!
CANDIDATES FOR AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBER
No photo or statement was submitted for the following candidates (listed alphabetically by last name):
Silvia Ibáñez *Incumbent*
Ashley Penney *Incumbent*
Dan Troccoli
Joint MRLF Chair
CANDIDATE FOR JOINT MINNEAPOLIS REGIONAL
LABOR FEDERATION (MRLF) CHAIR
Rebecca Miller *Incumbent*
Site: ECSE @ Wilder (Speech Language Pathologist)
Years in MPS: 33 years
Years in MFE: 33 years
Union Activities/Involvement: building steward, MRLF delegate and COPE committee member, MRLF Chair on MFT Joint Executive Board, Co-chair of Hardship Fund Committee 2024 & 2025, Legislative and COPE committee, past COPE treasurer (for about 10 years) , ECSE Strike Captain, Regional Strike Captain for Wilder programs and ECFE (2022.)
I am running for the MLRF Chair seat on the MFT Executive Board. For those who are not familiar with the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation (MRLF), it is the umbrella organization of unions in the Minneapolis area. MRLF’s mission is to organize in the community for social and economic justice for ALL working people.
I am excited to continue my work on the MFT EB. I am a strong voice representing all members and our students. As MRLF Chair, I not only represent licensed staff, but also ESPs. I have worked closely with ESPs at MFT and in the classroom and my spouse is an ESP in ECSE. I bring experience and perspective from early childhood education, Special Education and related services to the board.
Because of my work with MRLF, I value and understand the importance of MFT having strong relationships with the unions in our Minneapolis community. We saw this in the support our fellow unions provide during our strike and when organizing for a contract. These relationships encourage support for our members and our MPS schools and students. Our partnership with MRLF also provides MFT with opportunities to engage in social justice actions in our community that help support our MPS families and students.
Teacher Chapter MRLF Delegates
8 Positions
CANDIDATE FOR TEACHER CHAPTER MRLF DELEGATE
Gail Hansen
Site: Early Childhood Special Education at Wilder (Licensed School Nurse)
Years in MPS: 22.5 years
Years in MFE: 12 years
Union Activities/Involvement: served on CAT, volunteer as needed at MFE events, trained as a MFE 59 First Aid Frontliners, provide MFE representation at marches and rallies
I’m seeking to serve as a MFE delegate to the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation because I believe strongly in the power of collective action to improve the lives of working people. The Federation’s commitment to advancing social and economic justice aligns deeply with my values and my desire to contribute to meaningful change in our community.
As a delegate, I would bring a collaborative mindset, a willingness to listen, and a dedication to amplifying the voices of workers across all industries. I understand that strong, inclusive labor movements are essential to addressing inequality, protecting workers’ rights, and building a more just economy. I am motivated to help organize, advocate, and stand in solidarity with others to ensure that all working people have access to fair wages, safe workplaces, and opportunities to thrive.
Serving in this role would be both an honor and a responsibility, and I am committed to contributing my time, energy, and perspective to support the Federation’s mission and strengthen our collective impact.
OTHER CANDIDATES FOR MINNEAPOLIS REGIONAL
LABOR FEDERATION (MRLF) DELEGATES
Listed alphabetically by last name
Farhiya Del**
Natasha Dockter**
Tiffany Doherty**
Robyn Eliason
Hayley Forrest
Ashley Penney
Jose Rodriguez**
Treasure Thoreson**
Dan Troccoli
**Please refer to Candidate Statement above