Delegate Assembly

Members & delegates please log-in to download comprehensive 2021 DA information about: New Business Items (NBIs), child care, special assistance, the Human & Civil Rights Gala, PAC fundraising, text alerts and other critical information.

Please note: Delegate Credentials will be mailed toward the end of September. Please contact your local union with any additional questions about the 2025 Delegate Assembly.

2025 Florida Education Association Delegate Assembly

October 10-11, 2025

The Delegate Assembly (DA) is FEA’s highest decision-making body.

Each year, locally-elected delegates come together to discuss and debate education issues, elect officers and chart the organization’s future.

Important decisions are made that impact education and association policy.

2025 DA Resources

DA Resources
Coming Soon

The Florida Education Association’s annual Delegate Assembly (DA) is the one of the highlights of the year for one-thousand delegates who make the trip to Orlando.

At its core, the DA is a business meeting — but a meeting like no other.

Delegates, who are all duly elected from their local union, gather in a grand exercise in democracy: members have a voice in the important decisions that will set the future course for our union and public education.

Each year delegates gather to conduct the business of FEA including:
voting for members to serve on the National Education Association Board of Directors
adopting FEA’s budget
voting on amendments to the FEA Constitution and Bylaws
recognizing FEA locals for their work in building membership
discussing and debating New Business Items, which provide guidance and direction to the FEA officers on the priorities of the membership in the year to come.

In fact, Article III of the our constitution declares the DA is “highest policymaking body” of the Florida Education Association.

More than a business meeting

However, the DA is much more than just a business meeting.

It is also a chance to connect with colleagues from around the state. There are nearly a dozen caucus groups such as the Science Educators Caucus, the Young Educators Caucus, the Minority Affairs Caucus, the Women’s Caucus, and many more. Membership in one (or more) of these caucuses is a great way for members to stay engaged throughout the year with colleagues from all over the state who share similar passions.

Thank you to the FEA DA Diamond Sponsor:

American Fidelity

2024 Delegate Assembly Schedule

Full 2024 DA Agenda: Download the complete 2024 DA agenda booklet (PDF, 2 MB). Every delegate will receive a hard copy at registration.

Friday, September 20

Professional Development / 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
CBE Annual Shareholders Meeting / 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Local Delegation Meetings / 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Constituency Meetings / 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Special Interest Caucus Meetings / 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Opening General Session / 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
NBI Submission Deadline / 7:00 p.m.
All Delegate Welcome Reception / 9:30 – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 21

Second General Session / 8:00 – Adjournment

2025 Professional Development Course Descriptions and Presenter Bios

Advancing Social Justice Education: A Deeper Understanding of Poverty and Homelessness
Celebrating Black History
Confidence Through Storytelling – Using Children’s Books to Foster Self-Worth and Connection
ESPs are the Glue: Managing Conflict and Communication in the Workplace
Exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Hands-On Learning Experience for Educators
Foundations of Racial and Social Justice: Power, Privilege, and Oppression
Navigating Challenges and Building Support for LGBTQ+ Communities in Florida Schools
School Board Elections
- Session 1: 101
- Session 2: 201
Understanding the DA and Roberts Rules

Advancing Social Justice Education: A Deeper Understanding of Poverty and Homelessness

The well-being of children and youth in the sunshine state is consistently ranked as one of the lowest in the nation. Pervasive inequalities, rising disparities, and an ever-changing global economy require us to reimagine and rethink how we can address and dismantle systems of oppression in education and local communities. We must collectively work to address growing opportunity gaps through culturally responsive and equity-centered leadership and practices. Families with children and youth are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population in the United States, particularly in the state of Florida. Additionally, Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities are disproportionately impacted by poverty and homelessness. This interactive workshop will explore the complex dynamics of economic inequality and education through intersectional lenses, illuminating the layered effects of homelessness on PreK-12 students and families. Participants will be invited to engage in critical reflection, collaborative conversation, and interdisciplinary connection making.

Location: Salon 1

Presented by: Rajni Shankar-Brown, MA, MBA, PhD, Professor and Jessie Ball duPont Endowed Distinguished Chair of Social Justice Education, Stetson University

Rajni Shankar-Brown, MA, MBA, PhD, (she/aval/they) is an internationally award-winning Professor and the Jessie Ball duPont Endowed Distinguished Chair of Social Justice Education at Stetson University, as well as the recipient of Stetson’s most prestigious awards — the McEniry Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Hand Award for Distinguished Faculty Achievement – and the President of the National Coalition for the Homeless board. She is also a global scholar and author of leading educational works, a community organizer, cultural strategist, poet, artist, and human rights activist. She is the Founder and the Executive Director of the Institute for Catalyzing Equity, Justice, and Social Change, the Director of the Poverty and Homelessness Conference, the Co-Chair of Equity and Justice for the International Society for Teacher Education and Information Technology, the Co-Director of the Acts of Kindness and Justice Movement, Coach and Curriculum Lead for the Racial Equity Action Lab, and a faculty member in the International Society for Experiential Education Academy. Dr. Shankar-Brown has worked in a variety of transformative educational leadership roles with communities, organizations, government agencies (federal, state, and local levels), corporations, PreK-12 schools, and institution of higher education in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the United States and around the world. She is an inclusive and civically engaged educational leader who is deeply committed to advancing equality and educational excellence for diverse learners.

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Celebrating Black History

This session is a discussion centered around why teaching Black history is important to our students and communities. We will hear from United Faculty of Florida members Geveryl Robinson of the University of South Florida (USF) and Dr. Deborah Ford of St. Petersburg College (SPC) who will also highlight important figures in Black history and how they have and still are impacting us.

Location: Salon 8

Presented by: Deborah Ford Ph.D., Associate Professor of Communications, St. Petersburg College and Geveryl Robinson Author and Professor, University of South Florida

Dr. Deborah D. Ford, originally from Brooklyn, NY, began teaching in higher education in NY over 24 years ago. She is a F/T Assoc. Prof. of Comm., and an adjunct in Social & Behavioral Sciences at SPC. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in General Psychology at Capella University, currently working on her dissertation. She is also a chapter author of Put Some ‘Respeck’ On My Name, in Black Faculty Do It All: A Moment in the Life of a Blackademic.

Geveryl Robinson Baltimore native, Geveryl Robinson is an educator, activist, organizer, author, screenwriter, and former columnist for the Savannah Morning News where her columns and musings have been mentioned or featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, Dallas Morning News, Tampa Bay Times. Her parent’s love story and her views about Black love were featured in the award-winning Historically Black podcast series in collaboration with The Washington Post, American Public Radio, and the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. A former instructor at Clemson University where she was the Associate Editor for Clemson’s literary journal, The South Carolina Review, Geveryl moved to Florida in 2019 after accepting a position at the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg where she was a 2021 recipient of the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy’s Faculty Excellence Award, Vice President-Faculty Liaison for the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA), a member of the Black Employee Steering Committee, UFF-USF union Senator and FEA member, and co-chair of the Enlightenment Workshop Series.

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Confidence Through Storytelling – Using Children’s Books to Foster Self-Worth and Connection

In this lively, interactive session, discover how purposeful read-alouds and inclusive stories can boost student confidence, build a sense of belonging, and support emotional growth. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources to affirm student identity and create a positive, welcoming classroom environment. When students feel confident and connected, they engage more fully and set themselves up for success—both in school and beyond.

Location: Salon 2

Presented by: PeTika Tave, Author and Founder, BayaBooks

PeTika Tave is an educator, mom, and award-winning children’s book author who writes to affirm children and strengthen families. After struggling with low self-esteem and childhood obesity, she transformed her life—losing nearly 200 pounds—and was honored with the 2006 WW Inspiring Stories of the Year award. Drawing from her two decades of classroom experience and personal triumphs, PeTika creates books that help children feel seen, valued, and empowered. Her stories spark meaningful conversations between kids and the adults who love them, encouraging confidence, self-love, and high self-esteem. PeTika’s work has been featured on television, in print, and across various stages and classrooms. Her award-winning books are loved by families, embraced by educators, and found in bookstores, libraries, and homes across the country. Through her company, BayaBooks and More, she continues to inspire communities and remind every child that they are beautiful and brilliant, inside and out, just the way they are!

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ESPs are the Glue: Managing Conflict and Communication in the Workplace

Location: Salon 3

Interpersonal conflict happens, but there are better and worse ways to address it when it does. Education Support Professionals often have the most links to the people and places in the school setting, and so conflict might come up more. In this session, we will look at how conflict can occur and how we can best communicate our way through it as ESPs working with colleagues, administrators, teachers, parents and students. You will leave this session with a nuanced view of conflict and communication and some tools and tricks to implement in your work and life.

Presented by: Violet Knoll, American Federation of Teachers

Violet Knoll works in the Paraprofessional and School-Related Personnel (PSRP) Department at AFT National. She has been working in the labor movement for about 8 years and feels honored to work on behalf of the school and support staff every day. Outside of work, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, catching up on an ever-growing pile of books and walking around her city.

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Exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Hands-On Learning Experience for Educators

In the rapidly changing landscape of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront. It is reshaping entire work sectors and will have an impact on almost all work. This workshop provides an introductory overview of AI, explaining its basic concepts and the various forms it takes in today’s world. This workshop is designed for union leaders, aiming to demystify AI and explore its implications in the labor sector.

A critical part of the workshop involves real-world demonstrations. Participants will witness firsthand how AI works, and how they can use AI in their role as a union leader. These demonstrations will showcase both the benefits and challenges of AI integration in the workplace.

Location: Salon 10

Presented by: Rob Weil, CEO, National Academy for AI Instruction and Shafeza Moonab, Field Staff Representative, Broward Teachers Union

Rob Weil spent 20 years teaching high school mathematics in Colorado and served as president of the Douglas County Federation of Teachers (DCFT), representing over 2,000 members, before joining the national staff of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Currently, his work focuses on the teaching profession’s evolving landscape, with a particular emphasis on the impact of artificial intelligence in education and the future of work. He leads AFT’s collaborations with AI developers, ensuring that the perspectives of teachers and AFT members shape the development and implementation of AI in schools. His work in this area spans both domestic and international efforts, helping to guide global conversations on ethical and effective AI integration in education. Weil has been named the CEO of the newly formed National Academy for AI Instruction, an institution dedicated to advancing the safe, thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.

Shafeza Moonab is a dedicated educator with 22 years of experience, currently serving as the Professional Development Coordinator and a Field Representative for the Broward Teachers Union. She specializes in curriculum development that promotes equity and success for all students. A committed union leader, Shafeza is a Governance Board Member of the Florida Education Association and a national trainer for both the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Known for her unwavering support of fellow educators, she balances her professional life with being a proud wife and mother of three amazing children.

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Foundations of Racial and Social Justice: Power, Privilege, and Oppression

This session is designed to deepen our understanding of power. We will explore how power is expressed and examine the different “faces” of power. We will also deconstruct the concept of privilege and its impact on our society.

Location: Salon 6

Presented by: Ryans Clamont, Educator, Poinciana High School

Ryans Calmont has dedicated nearly three decades to education, with 24 years as a teacher, primarily in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). He currently serves as a 10th-grade English Co-Teacher and VE Support at Poinciana High School. Ryans earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida and has served as a mentor for new teachers, helping guide and inspire the next generation of educators. He is also a National Education Association (NEA) Diversity, Cultural Competence, and Social Justice Trainer, as well as a NEA Leaders for Just Schools Facilitator. A devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather, Ryans is passionate about equity, inclusion, and empowering all students to succeed.

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Navigating Challenges and Building Support for LGBTQ+ Communities in Florida Schools

This year’s Equality Florida session will focus on supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff in Florida’s K–12 public schools. Together, we will review practical classroom “do’s and don’ts” that create safe, affirming spaces for all students, explore current trends and challenges impacting LGBTQ+ inclusion across our state, and engage in open discussion to hear directly from educators about their experiences. This session is designed to provide both guidance and a collaborative space where teachers, education support professionals, and all educators can share insights, strengthen strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student and educator feels seen, respected, and supported.

Location: Salon 5

Presented by: Geanny Ruiz, Senior Manager Statewide Safe and Healthy Schools, Equality Florida and Stephanie Arguello, Regional Manager Safe and Healthy Schools, Equality Florida

Geanny Joseph Ruiz serves as the Senior Manager for Equality Florida’s Statewide Safe and Healthy Schools Program. She is a South Florida native of Haitian descent. Geanny has worked extensively within education systems and local communities, providing professional development and resources to advance the health, safety and well-being of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. She began her career in the non-profit sector at Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, where she provided services to support mental health and combat substance abuse in Broward County. Prior to her time at Equality Florida, she oversaw the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives and Allyship at Florida Atlantic University Center for Inclusion, Diversity Education and Advocacy. She has implemented policies, procedures and programs to foster inclusive environments for all communities. She holds a master’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University.

Stephanie Arguello is a self-proclaimed lifetime learner, Stephanie Arguello is a native Floridian, who serves as regional manager supporting the Safe and Healthy Schools Program in Central Florida. As a product of Brevard County public schools, and graduate of UCF and FIU, Stephanie is committed to ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth enjoy access to safe and positive learning environments in the same community she grew up in. Stephanie brings over a decade of experience in public health, with 11 years spent leading education and community health improvement efforts with AdventHealth, most recently as the Director of Community Health for Central Florida. In addition to her experience as a leader and educator focused on driving equitable outcomes for all, she is currently completing her doctoral degree in public health at Walden University. Stephanie’s most important title is Mom. Her daughter, a current public-school student, is her biggest motivator to advocate for students and a more equitable future for the next generation of leaders. Stephanie spends her free time pursuing many passions, including yoga, baking, making jewelry out of fruit and completing random art projects.

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School Board Elections

School boards determine your wages and working terms and conditions. Unfortunately, school board races have become the new political battleground. We can either work to elect pro-educator candidates or see our school boards taken over. Most school board races are won with a small budget and a lot of grassroots work. This 3-hour training, broken into two parts, will provide you with the skillset so that you can help pro-educator candidates run and ultimately win school board races in your county.

Location: Salon 4 (both sessions)

Session 1: 101

Session 2: 201

Presented by: Stephanie Kunkle, Legislative and Political Specialist, Florida Education Association

Stephanie Kunkel currently serves as a Legislative and Political Specialist for the Florida Education Association, where she has worked for the last 8 years. In her capacity she lobbies lawmakers in Tallahassee, assists local affiliates with their local elections, and serves as a trainer for various issues. Prior to working for the FEA, Stephanie spent 11 years as a lobbyist in both the Florida Legislature and in Congress, lobbying on various policy issues including election and campaign finance reform, health care, and environmental issues. She has also worked on various local, state, and national elections since 2006. She is married to her husband, Bret, and they are raising two children, a college sophomore, and a high school sophomore.

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Parliamentary Procedure and Roberts Rules

Learn how to make your meetings run more smoothly! Find out how easy it is to understand the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order. Understand how to use that knowledge appropriately. Get tips on how to effectively participate and/or chair meetings using parliamentary procedure. Participants will learn the order of precedence, several basic motions, and when and how to make motions.

Location: Salon 9

Facilitator: Jeff Neurauter, member of American Institute of Parliamentarians

Jeff M. Neurauter is a member of the American Institute of Parliamentarians and an experienced parliamentarian. Jeff has served as a parliamentarian for numerous local, state, national, and international organizations, including student groups, churches, unions, social associations, and professional organizations. In addition to serving as a parliamentarian at conventions, he has conducted numerous seminars and workshops across the United States on the use of parliamentary procedure. Jeff specializes in providing workshops and advice to organizations on the development and revision of bylaws and governing documents. Jeff attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, where he studied Speech Communications and Rhetorical Studies. He subsequently earned his law degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, MN. Jeff works for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Jeff lives in Alexandria, Virginia. He is an avid sailor and enjoys playing golf.

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Thank you to the FEA DA Emerald Sponsor:
NTA Life

Voting at the DA

There are two amendments that will be on the ballot:

Bylaw Amendment 1: Proposed Amendment to the FEA Constitution related to Executive Cabinet terms of office
Bylaw Amendment 2: Proposed Amendment to the FEA Constitution related to Executive Officer terms of office

There are two unopposed candidates for office at this year’s DA.

Teresa Hodge, NEA Board of Director, Seat 1
Wendy Carey, NEA Board of Director, Seat 2

Click here for the text of the amendments and the candidates’ statements and bios (you must be a member and logged-in to the website).

New Business Items

Each year at the Delegate Assembly members can submit New Business Items (NBI) — which provide guidance and direction to the FEA officers on the priorities of the membership in the year to come.

New Business Items will be available for review after the 7:00 p.m. submission deadline on Friday, September 20 at FEAweb.org/nbi2024

Thank you to the FEA DA Emerald Sponsor: Optavise

FEA Human & Civil Rights Breakfast

Another highlight of each DA is the annual FEA Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Award presentation. Each year the HCR awards recognize the individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in the advancement of civil rights, social justice, public education, equality, and diversity.

Previously held as a sold-out evening gala, this year’s Awards Banquet will be held as a Saturday morning breakfast. Tickets may be purchased here until 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 13.

HCR tickets will be handed out in Orlando at the Delegate Assembly information desk.

Annual DA PAC Fundraising Campaign

We are excited to announce the Annual DA PAC Fundraising for the 2024 Delegate Assembly.

This is the 24^th consecutive year FEA member delegates have participated in our voluntary PAC fundraising campaign. Your individual contributions help support great public schools! PAC funds support pro-public education candidates on the federal, state and local level regardless of their political affiliations.

The DA PAC fundraising goal is $100 per delegate, but we welcome donations in any amount. Every member who contributes to PAC does so voluntarily.

Every FEA DA delegate and staff member is invited to participate by making a $75 contribution to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education and a $25 contribution to AFT COPE (Committee on Public Education).

You are encouraged to make your contribution to American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA) today, before the Delegate Assembly using the links below:

Reminder: Only members and staff can participate in this activity. Also note, we are unable to accept cash or money order contributions in excess of $100.00 at the Delegate Assembly because of federal law.

For questions or concerns, please contact Cathy Boehme by calling the PPA office at (850)224-2078 or by email at cathy.boehme@floridaea.org.

Sign up for text alerts at the DA

Text da2025 to 22394 to sign up for our text program so you can stay in the loop as we approach the event — as well as real-time reminders and updates at the Delegate Assembly!

Child Care

Child care will be offered at the Delegate Assembly for delegates for only $30 per day, but you must register in advance!

The coverage time period will be:

Friday: 7am to 11pm (breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner provided)
Saturday: 7am to 4:00 pm (Breakfast and lunch provided)

Please find more information here.

Thank you to the FEA DA Sapphire Sponsor:
Educators Choice

Special Assistance

FEA is pleased to announce that we will be offering special assistance to those who need it at the 2024 FEA Delegate Assembly. This is for any delegate who may need extra help during the voting process and other DA functions.

Delegates can pre-register for special assistance only by sending an email to Virginia Edwards at virginia.edwards@floridaea.org. You can also notify a registration specialist at the Delegate Assembly.

2025 Florida Education Association Delegate Assembly

2025 DA Resources

DA Resources
Coming Soon

More than a business meeting