Learn more about Dr. Lori Dickerson, a member of the Christina Education Association and building rep at The Bayard School. Dr. Dickerson is the Dean of Students for Eighth Grade at Bayard and has worked in Delaware schools for over 27 years.
... on why she chose a career in public education
"I went to school for early childhood education. My dream was to open a day care center. I just love working with younger kids. However, after earning a two-year degree, I decided to advance it and major in elementary education. I received my early childhood and elementary education degrees in 1992."
... on how she first got involved with her union
"The reason that I became more active in my local association is because I felt the need to educate myself on my rights as a teacher. I became a target of unfair practices. Things such as being given the most behavior problem students, overlooked for eper opportunities and made to feel as if I was less than when in-fact I was more than qualified. I use my role to help other members to understand that their role matters in school and that everyone is needed."
... on what has changed for the better in public education
"I believe that the school system recognizes the need to have more counselors in the younger grades. The children of today are experiencing so much trauma that it is hard for them to focus on their studies. On the flip side, we still must address teacher burn out. Teachers are giving more of themselves to the profession. It includes emotional, mental and physical. It is taking a toll on their bodies. Many teachers feel it is best to leave the educational system so that they do not have to deal with the everyday stresses that come with being a teacher."
... on the local association and/or personal accomplishments she is most proud of
"Since I work in the city of Wilmington, there are additional duties required in our contract, such as teaching additional minutes per day. My local has taken that into consideration and makes sure that teachers are compensated for that additional time worked."
... on what she wants potential members to know
"What are you waiting for? I would tell any educator that being in the union provides me with a sense of security and protection. It gives me peace of mind."
Member Spotlight: Dr. Lori Dickerson
Learn more about Dr. Lori Dickerson, a member of the Christina Education Association and building rep at The Bayard School. Dr. Dickerson is the Dean of Students for Eighth Grade at Bayard and has worked in Delaware schools for over 27 years.
... on why she chose a career in public education
"I went to school for early childhood education. My dream was to open a day care center. I just love working with younger kids. However, after earning a two-year degree, I decided to advance it and major in elementary education. I received my early childhood and elementary education degrees in 1992."
... on how she first got involved with her union
"The reason that I became more active in my local association is because I felt the need to educate myself on my rights as a teacher. I became a target of unfair practices. Things such as being given the most behavior problem students, overlooked for eper opportunities and made to feel as if I was less than when in-fact I was more than qualified. I use my role to help other members to understand that their role matters in school and that everyone is needed."
... on what has changed for the better in public education
"I believe that the school system recognizes the need to have more counselors in the younger grades. The children of today are experiencing so much trauma that it is hard for them to focus on their studies. On the flip side, we still must address teacher burn out. Teachers are giving more of themselves to the profession. It includes emotional, mental and physical. It is taking a toll on their bodies. Many teachers feel it is best to leave the educational system so that they do not have to deal with the everyday stresses that come with being a teacher."
... on the local association and/or personal accomplishments she is most proud of
"Since I work in the city of Wilmington, there are additional duties required in our contract, such as teaching additional minutes per day. My local has taken that into consideration and makes sure that teachers are compensated for that additional time worked."
... on what she wants potential members to know
"What are you waiting for? I would tell any educator that being in the union provides me with a sense of security and protection. It gives me peace of mind."