Ryan Fiereck
Position running for: Secretary-Treasurer
Job title: Business Education Teacher
Local name: St. Francis #1977
Email: RyanFiereck@gmail.com
Campaign links:
Statement
My name is Ryan Fiereck, and I’m asking for your vote for Secretary/Treasurer of Education Minnesota. I believe in the power of our union to advocate for our members, students, colleagues, and communities.
I’m a Business Education teacher in ISD #15 for 19 years, with experience in K-5 and Middle School Computer Technology, as well as teaching at our Bar-None Level 4 Treatment facility. This diverse background gives me a well-rounded perspective on the challenges educators face.
As a husband & father of three public school students, I understand the personal challenges we all face—wages that don’t keep up with inflation, stagnant pensions, rising healthcare costs, & student loan debt. These are struggles my family faces, & I’m committed to addressing them for all educators in our state.
As local president of Education Minnesota St. Francis, I support Licensed Educators, Educational Assistants, Nutrition/Food Service Workers, Preschool, Transportation/Bus Drivers, & Office Professionals at the bargaining table or organizing actions, with each group presenting unique challenges. This broad experience deepens my commitment to advocating for all education professionals.
In 2022, Education Minnesota’s Governing Board elected me as Vice President. I’m proud of our support for our locals during their advanced work actions, early progress made on pension reform, & the perspectives shared statewide on our officer listen tour.
Other statewide leadership positions I’ve held include:
-Education Minnesota Executive Committee of the Governing Board
-Budget and Finance Committee Member
-At-Large Zone 3 Governing Board Member
-Chair of Education Minnesota’s Pension Advocacy and Taskforce
My vision for what drives me each day is the future of our union. We have challenges to face, in that, there will be opportunity. I’m committed to listening to you, bringing diverse perspectives to the table, and finding solutions that reflect the needs of all educators—whether from urban, suburban, exurban, or Greater Minnesota areas.
A key part of my leadership will be to implement programming and budgets that focus on the issues identified by Education Minnesota members, the Governing Board, and the priorities set by our President. I’ll ensure that our resources are allocated effectively to address the concerns of our members & support initiatives that strengthen our union & advocacy efforts.
Here’s how I plan to do it:
-Support Locals by Strengthening Local Engagement: Prioritize funding that gets locals the resources they need to win.
-Create Access for All Members: Create opportunities for involvement, no matter location or classification, so every educator feels connected to Education Minnesota.
-Dream Big & Include Diverse Perspectives: Be the leading voice for a living wage, pension reform, healthcare improvements, racial and gender equity, & ensuring every child is cared for & loved.
This is my vision for what’s possible & I promise to serve you faithfully.
Testimonial 1
I have watched Ryan’s countless years of dedicated service to Education Minnesota members. He brings passion, expertise, leadership, and kindness to all of his leadership experiences. I trust Ryan to be the leader we all need in the Secretary/Treasurer role.
Lisa Olson
Education Minnesota Governing Board
Elk River Education Association, Local 7079
Testimonial 2
Ryan has been a steadfast advocate for unionism for as long as I have known him. He has experience serving as an officer for our state when he stepped in to cover while we had a vacancy and knows what it is like to be an officer. He is a great mentor to those who wish to get involved in our union at the state or local level.
Mark Duffy
Education Minnesota Governing Board
Anoka Hennepen EM 7007
Testimonial 3
I have known Ryan for more than 10 years. He is equity-focused and is the right person for Secretary-Treasurer. I completely trust him to keep our union strong.
Marty Scofield
Education Minnesota Governing Board
State Residential Schools Education Association
Testimonial 4
I feel privileged to have known Ryan Fiereck for several years. As an Education Minnesota Governing Board member, his leadership and passion for kids and education as well as their families and our communities is inspiring. He has a strong sense of responsibility and concern for others. Ryan is smart, well-informed, and has a generous amount of good common sense. I encourage you to support in his election.
Wes Testerman
Education Minnesota Governing Board
Education Minnesota Retired
