Education Minnesota election candidate statements
At the 2026 Representative Convention, delegates will elect governing board members for several positions. All candidates had the opportunity to submit a statement and/or photograph. Candidates are listed in random order.
Candidates for NEA Director
Shantella Barnes (St. Paul)
No statement submitted
Anne Marie Martin (Osseo)
Being a World Language teacher, I have a unique skill set that allows me to work easily with people from different backgrounds, abilities, cultures, languages, and opinions. As your NEA director, I will use my skills to amplify your voice in the fight for our profession.
John (Vince) Wagner (Rochester Education Association)
If elected to serve as your NEA Director, I commit to the following five principles: 1) Member advocacy, 2) Speaking with one voice for Minnesota educators, 3) Honoring the teaching profession, 4) Supporting ESPs – one job should be enough, and 5) Advocating for racial and social justice everywhere.
Candidates for Governing Board At-Large Zone 1
Crystal Purdie (Deer River Education Association)
No statement submitted
Aaron Riehle (Education Minnesota-Grand Rapids, Local No. 1314)
No statement submitted
Candidate for Governing Board At-Large Zone 2
Chad Benesh (Cook County Education Association) [elected]
I believe that our union is the force that can make the world a better place. This starts with taking care of membership by improving pay, benefits, and working conditions. But it doesn’t stop there. As the saying goes, our power comes with responsibility.
Candidates for Governing Board At-Large Zone 3
David Leom (Milaca Education Association)
If elected, I will back efforts to allocate money which: 1) Make significant improvements for pensions of current teachers 2) Improve COLAs for retired teachers, 3) Form a mandatory statewide health insurance pool for teachers and 4) Increase starting wages for teachers statewide to $60,000 minimum.
Matthew Meagher (Minnewaska Teachers’ Association)
No statement submitted
Candidates for Governing Board At-Large Zone 4
Tammy Knapper (Education Minnesota-Willmar)
Running for reelection to Education Minnesota’s Governing Board. Serving since 2021, I represent Zone 4 districts and focus on member organizing, strong locals, fair pay, secure healthcare and pensions, professional respect, and racial and social justice.
Melissa Snobl (Canby Education Association)
I’m running to refocus our union on what matters most to educators: strong contracts, fair wages, affordable insurance, secure pensions, and safe working conditions. I believe our union should unite members around labor priorities and advocate for educators’ professional needs.
Candidate for Governing Board At-Large Zone 5
Michelle Gottberg (United South Central-Educational Support Professionals) [elected]
No statement submitted
Candidate for Governing Board At-Large Zone 6
Jessie Holm (Education Minnesota-Hastings) [elected]
No statement submitted
Candidate for Governing Board At-Large Zone 7
Tiffany Dittrich (Education Minnesota-Hastings) [elected]
No statement submitted
Candidates for Governing Board At-Large Zone 8
Michael Houston (St. Paul)
Michael Houston is a Saint Paul math teacher with 22 years’ experience and one year on the Education Minnesota Governing Board, seeking reelection. A union steward and SPFE Executive Board member, he advocates for equitable funding, fair pensions, teacher retention, and equity statewide.
John Wolhaupter (Anoka Hennepin)
No statement submitted
Candidates for At-Large ESP
Michelle Dennard (Education Minnesota Osseo Educational Support Professionals) [elected]
AS A CURRENT GOVERNING BOARD ESP AT-LARGE, I HAVE SHOWN UP AND DONE THE WORK-AND I WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR ALL EDUCATORS BY ELEVATING OUR VOICES AND ENSURING EVERY VOICE IS HEARD, RESPECTED, AND VALUED IN EVERY DECISION.
Geneva Dorsey (Minneapolis Federation of Teachers and ESP) [elected]
No statement submitted
Candidate for At-Large Higher Ed/Statewide Affiliate
Marty Scofield (State Residential Schools Education Association) [elected]
No statement submitted
