Opa-locka Elementary teacher wins
2007 Steward of the Year Award 

A National Board Certified Teacher and a UTD member for more than 28 years, Linda Brent was presented with the title of the 2007 Steward of the Year at the Annual Steward Conference held Saturday, Sept. 15^th.  

As the school’s Designated Steward for over 10 years, Brent’s dedication and hard work brought Opa-locka Elementary to 100% UTD union membership, the first school in the district to achieve this milestone.   

“I don’t recruit by words but by actions,” Brent explained when Opa-locka reached 100%.  She does not hold closed meetings and invites members and non-member alike, so everyone gets the same message.  

She has been able to maintain a balance between a healthy relationship with her Principal and stepping into her role as UTD Steward.  This has allowed her to resolve her members’ issues in a timely manner.   

“I have worked hard to make sure that not only UTD members but Administration knows the power of the union and that working as a collaborative team can ensure the contentment of not only the teachers but the well-being and education of the children we are here for,” she said. 

The award was presented to Brent, who was among the seven finalists chosen from throughout the district for their outstanding leadership qualities and union activism.  The finalists included:  Denise Conroy – Jose Martí Elementary; Willette Cruse – Edison Park Elementary; Beverly Erickson – Parkway Middle; Jacqueline Frankel – Kendale Lakes Elementary; Diane Greer – Exceptional Student Education; and Angela Ramsingh – Biscayne Elementary.  Following the ceremony, more than 500 stewards took part in two training sessions – Contract Search and Conference-for-the-Record – designed to help them become familiar with the contract’s new language and how to carry out an effective conference to discuss contract violations.

Pictured from left to right:  Diane Greer, Jacqueline Frankel,  UTD President Karen Aronowitz, Beverly Erickson, Willette Cruse, Denise Conroy, Angela Ramsingh and Linda Brent.