Michael Larson
Position running for: Secretary-Treasurer
Job title: Treasurer
Local name: Dakota County United Educators (DCUE)
Email: lars0019@yahoo.com
Campaign links:
* About me: Being married for (34) years to my wife has been an incredible journey. We have (3) wonderful children who have given me (2) grandchildren. Spending time with my family has always been a priority for me. When I am not working as a teacher, union leader, and family man, I enjoy playing golf.
* Prior to being a teacher: From 1993 to 2006, I joined the US Naval Reserves and served for (12) years. After 9/11, supporting our troops with proper intel gave me a sense of pride knowing I fought for America’s Freedom.
* As an educator: I started my career as a teacher later than most. At age (33), I was hired at Rosemount Middle School in ISD196 in 1996. Connecting with 8th grade students has been my career for the past (3) decades and I can honestly say there has never been a day that I didn’t want to teach. I immediately started coaching a variety of sports and found another passion working with students in Rosemount, MN.
* Union Experience: I was elected as a Work Site Representative in 1999 for Rosemount Middle School. Serving and educating our members created an opportunity for me; I became our local union’s second Vice President. When I joined the DCUE (Dakota County United Educators) executive board, I learned how to support our members at a time when the district leadership was an adversary, not a partner. In 2014, I was elected the treasurer of DCUE and for the past decade I have served our members politically, financially, and emotionally. During my tenure as treasurer, our secretary retired and I needed to expand my role as treasurer. Learning Quickbooks and delivering a clear financial picture for our members every month was truly a challenge. When COVID hit, leadership from our unions was never more important. Not only did we remain fiscally responsible, we retained membership at a very high level. As I enter the twilight of my career, I am proud of my contributions; I believe I am ready for a new challenge.
* Eyes on the future: I am running for Secretary-Treasurer of Education Minnesota because I believe I am the most qualified for the position. I have functioned as the treasurer for the 3rd largest local teacher’s union in the state for the past decade. I have attended numerous conferences and conventions that have introduced me to the functions of our state union. I also believe we are entering into an era where we need insightful leadership to navigate the troubled waters of education. From anti-union sentiment to an increasing teacher shortage, we need leadership with a vision that will help make education a viable component of our future. Young people need to feel supported, and we need to provide the support by adapting to America’s new culture. In conclusion, I’m all in for education in Minnesota. I believe Education Minnesota is a shining beacon of light where unions across our nation look up to for guidance and strength; we need to protect our union and guide our youth to an even brighter future.
Testimonial: I want a leader with a voice who understands the needs of teachers in Minnesota; Mike Larson has this quality. His experience as the DCUE treasurer and serving several terms as a union negotiator has given Mike that experience. I have seen it personally on multiple occasions. Mike knows how to listen to all potential solutions, and use that information to make the best decision possible. He will hear your concerns and give them the respect and consideration you deserve from a union leader.
