Bargaining

Your AEA “Team” is made up of teacher bargainers who are representative of the Union membership. Team members are nominated by the President and approved by the Executive Board. The Bargaining Team is charged with directing the bargaining process on behalf of the Association on matters pertaining to salary and working conditions. Salary, health benefits, transfers, leaves and the length of the work day are all mandatory subjects of bargaining under state law. If it’s competitive salary, quality health care or effective problem solving that “floats your boat,” then it’s time you talk with the AEA President about serving on the AEA’s Bargaining Team.

Bargaining Team Bios

Bob Carson (Chair): I have been a history teacher in  AUSD for 19 years and currently teach at Park Middle School. I have previously served as a site rep for Park and was also leader of the ONE Team. I will work hard to ensure we reach a contract settlement that is fair and protective of teacher rights.

Deanna Anderson: Deanna Anderson loves teaching. She believes teaching is her calling. She has been teaching for 22 years. She joined the Bargaining team in 2019. Deanna began teaching in the private sector in 1998 where she taught for two years. After teaching private school for two years she believed she could use her skills and talents helping those in the public schools in the area where she lived. So she decided to return to school and obtain her teaching credential. Deanna entered her credential program where she went to school evenings and weekends, and taught during the week. She taught in Oakland Unified School District for 7 years until she transferred to Antioch Unified in 2007. She began her career in AUSD at Diablo Vista teaching second grade. Since then, she has had the pleasure to teach at such wonderful schools as Carmen Dragon, Fremont, Kimball, and Mission (where she is currently teaching 2nd grade). When Ms. Anderson is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, crocheting, helping others, and cooking in her spare time.

Kendra Borja: I began teaching kindergarten in 2003 in a job share at Bidwell, then moved to Belshaw where I continued in kindergarten and moved to 4th grade and now 2nd grade. I’ve been a site rep for AEA and recently joined the bargaining team. I look forward to supporting student success by settling a fair contract for teachers.

Kevin Jones: I have taught in Antioch for 23 years working at Sutter, Antioch Junior High/Middle, and Antioch High. I currently teach in the EDGE Academy of Engineering at Antioch High. I have served as the AEA Vice-President, grievance coordinator, and on the bargaining team for the past 12 years. My areas of expertise on the team are health benefits, budget and data analysis.

Eirik Kingston: I have taught for 11 years in the Antioch Unified School District as a Social Studies teacher. I have taught at Antioch High School and Antioch Middle School both for one year each and the last 9 years I have been at Deer Valley High School.  I hope to utilize my experiences to represent not only secondary teachers, but all AEA members. 

Shelley Lewis: I have been in the education field for 23 years. I worked in Child Care for 6 years then transferred to the High school setting first as a Special Education Paraprofessional, then as a Special Education Teacher. Over 6 years ago I began teaching at the Elementary Level and have been at Mno Grant Elementary as a Special Education Teacher. I love teaching and helping my students and colleagues, which led me to becoming an AEA bargaining team member. I will be an active advocator for both teachers and students in the Special Educational system for AUSD. 

Valorie Luke: I have been a teacher in Antioch since 2005 and have been involved with AEA for my entire career. I have served as a school site rep, grievance rep, the bargaining chair, and the AEA Vice President. I am currently your AEA President and serve on CTA State Council. I believe in advocating for all teachers, protecting teacher’s rights, and protecting the contract.

Rosemary Louissaint: As your CTA Staff Representative, it is my pleasure working with your dedicated bargaining team. I bring to the table many years of bargaining experience, over 20 years of advocating for teachers, and 23 years of teaching experience.