May 5, 2003
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494
Student Elected Regional VP of Statewide Education Association
Jaymie Bell-Dean, president of College of the Canyons Future Educator Club, has vaulted to higher elected office by being elected regional vice president of the Student California Teacher Association board.
Bell-Dean is a liberal studies major who plans to be an elementary school teacher after college. “I had awesome teachers in elementary school and at Valencia High School, and that made me want to be a teacher," Bell-Dean said. "I love the idea of teaching fifth or sixth grade.” She currently works at a local day-care facility as an after-school counselor and will be transferring to Cal State Northridge in the fall.
Bell-Dean has been an active member of SCTA since COC became a charter school affiliate with the statewide organization last year.
She was selected as a voting delegate at the Representative Assembly in San Diego on April 26 and 27, and she also ran for the position of regional vice-president of SCTA. The SCTA board consists of 10 elected members, including two Southern California regional vice-presidents and two Northern California regional vice-presidents.
After declaring her candidacy, the election process consisted of delivering a 2-minute speech before the state delegates and their representatives, followed by two questions selected by the election chair, and a 1-minute response to each question. In her presentations, Bell-Dean shared her goals to increase membership and underlined the importance of time management as both a student and board member.
The SCTA hosts two statewide conferences and two regional conferences for the 2,000 students who are studying to be teachers. One of Bell-Dean's responsibilities will include co-hosting the regional conference in Southern California. The conferences include leaders from the California Teachers Association, leaders in education and speakers connected to educational issues.
SCTA is the student affiliation of the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the National Education Association Student Program (NEA-SP).
Local chapters provide support with job interviewing skills, resume writing, classroom management, multicultural education and other concerns. Chapters also serve as forums for advising students about the education programs provided at their schools while providing opportunities to network with professional educators.
Student California Teachers Association is the largest student organization in California, with members at more than 70 campuses.
NOTE TO REPORTERS: Jaymie Bell-Dean can be reached on her cell phone at (661) 313-2034.
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