Mr. Tom Grace has been a 5th grade teacher at Madison for over 25 years. He has also taught 4th grade, computers and the ELA Pod program at Madison. If he looks familiar out of the classroom maybe your recognize him from managing Northside Pool.
- When did you become active in the union? My first year teaching at Madison. I was a Junior Representative under Diane Berclau. My Mom, Margaret Grace, was an english teacher at Edison and was very active. She held basically every position from grievance chair to negotiations chair within the union. I had some great examples to follow.
- What other positions have you held within the union? Senior Associate Representative at Madison for 2 years, Elementary Representative for 4 years, Grievance Officer for 14 years, Negotiations teams that negotiated 7 contracts, BLT and District BLT and the Evaluation Committee.
- What have you found rewarding about being involved with our union? I enjoy collaborating with teachers by helping them to be the best they can be for our students here in D200. Whatever it takes such as working on professional development or finding the best resources and seeing those things through is such a positive way to reach our students and families.
- Out of all your service, what is your most rewarding? My proudest efforts have been in the changing of the evaluation system from a summative to a working collaborative evaluation where teachers have control of their professional path to always improve.
- What advice do you have for our members? Be familiar with your contract. The union is always there to help in our profession. We are there to help make sure our students are getting the best education possible. Never be afraid to ask for help as you are supported in so many ways. Our union’s resources are numerous. We are lucky in that District 200, our communities and the union have a very collaborative relationship so get involved in whatever way you can.
