Cherian Armstrong
Monomoy Regional Education Association
Vote incumbent Cheri Armstrong for NEA Director! Now, more than ever, we need PIE: PASSION ∗ INCLUSIVITY ∗ EQUITY
I am passionate about public education and the power it has to change lives for the better.
I am an advocate for:
- Salaries greater than a living wage that reflect members’ qualifications, experience and the vital role they play in society.
- Comprehensive and affordable health care insurance and greater retirement benefits.
- Supportive and safe work environments that value staff and educators’ contributions, provide resources, maintain healthy buildings, champion smaller class sizes and eliminate unnecessary paperwork.
- Mental health support and stress management resources for the wellbeing of school personnel.
- Academic freedom and First Amendment rights.
- The respect, dignity and equity deserved by all people.
I am inclusive in my outlook. I am:
- Open to opposing ideas and look forward to hearing multiple perspectives in a setting that allows everyone to speak their truth with kindness and to be heard with respect.
- Able to appreciate differences, work collaboratively and find common ground.
Equity is everything! I am:
- Committed to policies that protect access to public education and opportunities for all students, especially for those who have been marginalized because of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability and religion.
I have been a preK-12 educator for 27 years!
- Early childhood and elementary classroom ESP and teacher.
- Early childhood and elementary Reading Specialist.
- Elementary and middle school Librarian.
- Middle school Health and Wellness teacher.
- High school Career Education and Community Service Coordinator.
- NEA Board of Directors, Massachusetts
- MTA Board of Directors, 42C: Anti-Oppression Facilitator, Bargaining Negotiations Committee, Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, Equal Opportunity Council, Mass Child, Personnel Selection Team
- Chairperson, Greater Cape and Islands MEAN
- Monomoy Regional Ed. Assn.: PAST POSITIONS: President, Vice President, Building Representative, Membership Coordinator, Political Action Leader.
Yahaira Rodriguez Figueroa
Educational Association of Worcester
Together, we are stronger. Together, we lead.
Let’s lead together.
My name is Yahaira Rodriguez, and I am honored to run for NEA Director. As a proud Puerto Rican educator, bilingual advocate and ESP leader, my work has always centered on uplifting immigrant students, supporting families and ensuring that every educator — from preK to higher ed — has a powerful voice in our union. My commitment is simple and unwavering: My voice is our voice. I do not lead alone; we do this together.
In my role as the MTA ESP At-Large Executive Committee member and the Ethnic Minority Chair for my local, I have focused on creating spaces where all educators feel represented, respected and truly seen. I helped lead efforts to make our organization more inclusive, including adding a member acknowledgment at every meeting and establishing a new tagline to honor and recognize all educators. Even when change was challenging or slow, we continued moving forward together — with the shared goal of building a union that reflects the diversity and brilliance of our communities.
Supporting immigrant students has been at the heart of my work. Whether advocating for language access, creating safe havens for students and families or mentoring colleagues to better serve multilingual learners, I believe representation is essential for a just and equitable education system. I’ve collaborated with educators statewide and nationally to bring bilingual workshops, mentorship and hands-on support wherever it is needed.
I am running for NEA Director because I believe in the collective strength of our members — ESPs, teachers and higher ed professionals alike. I will continue working for equity, livable wages for ESPs, inclusive practices and schools where every student and educator can thrive.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we lead.
Rachel M. Rex
Gloucester Teachers Association
My name is Rachel Rex. I am an educator, union member and organizer who believes deeply that strong unions build strong workplaces, strong schools and strong communities. That belief has guided my work throughout my career, and it is why I am seeking the opportunity to serve as your statewide NEA Director.
Centering Rank-and-File Members
I am committed to empowering the collective voice of the MTA’s rank-andfile members. Our union is strongest when decisions are shaped by the lived experiences of preK through higher education workers in classrooms, worksites and communities across the Commonwealth. As NEA Director, I will work to ensure that those voices are not only heard, but centered in national conversations and decision making that impacts our professions and our students.
Leadership Rooted in Organizing and Solidarity
My leadership is rooted in organizing, collaboration and democratized unionism. I believe in transparent leadership that shares information openly, invites engagement and builds trust among members. I believe our strength comes not from hierarchy, but from solidarity across locals, roles and regions. When we act collectively, we are better positioned to win improved working conditions, fully funded public education, racial and economic justice and dignity for every education worker.
Advocacy at the National Level
At the national level, I will advocate fiercely for MTA members while remaining grounded in the priorities of the rank and file. I am committed to bringing Massachusetts educators’ experiences, challenges and vision directly into the work of the NEA and to ensuring that our union remains member-led and accountable.
A Call to Action
I respectfully ask for your support and your vote. Together, we can build the power necessary to protect public education, strengthen our union and stand up for one another.
