Sheri Postma honored as ESP of the Year

MEA-MFT member and long-time local leader Sheri Postma, Montana's Education Support Professional of the Year, was honored at a moving celebration during the 2009 MEA-MFT Representative Assembly in Helena April 3.

Read Sheri's introduction by her friend, colleague, and first ESP of the Year, Carleen Hathaway.

Read Sheri's acceptance speech.

Sheri works at the Missoula County Public Schools, where she spent the first 20 years of her career with as a paraeducator. She worked with children in grades k-8 with mild to severe physical and emotional disabilities -- students with the most significant disabilities in the Missoula County school district.

"I have done everything from caring for critical needs students with suctioning equipment and feeding tubes to toilet training, teaching children how to feed themselves, how to dress themselves, to read, write and communicate effectively," Sheri said.

With boundless good humor, Sheri has givien children the tools they need to become confident, happy, adjusted children in the lower grade levels and positive, functioning members of society in the upper grade levels.

Two years ago, Sheri made a 180-degree change in careers to become a media technician for the Missoula County Public Schools.

In the process, she has learned a great deal about computer software applications, library cataloging procedures. "As always, Sheri challenged herself - she was willing to step forward, accept a challenge, and change," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver.

Sheri has been a leader in her local union, Merged Missoula Classified Employees Organization (MMCEO) for 20 years, 11 years as president. She was instrumental in the effort to merge local MEA and MFT units into one entity. "I am proud to say we were the first local to merge," Sheri beamed.

She also played a pivotal role in the merger of the former Montana Education Association and Montana Federation of Teachers into MEA-MFT. She served many years on the MEA-MFT Board of Directors.

Sheri's pride in MMCEO runs deep. Through her dedication, MMCEO is one of the strongest MEA-MFT locals in the state, boasting a 99.8% membership rate.

"The members of my local are also the members of my community," Sheri says. "I consistently make sure MMCEO is seen in a positive light by others through our volunteer work." Sheri has spearheaded MMCEO's involvement in many charitable endeavors. She has organized teams for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and participated 24 hours at a time in the race.

She also uses her own vehicle to drive from school to school, collecting hundreds of pounds of food during MMCEO Food Drives.

Sheri repeatedly shows the Missoula community that "we are more than just folks who work for MCPS. We are out there in our neighborhoods, showing a professional attitude in every aspect of our lives."

Congratulations, Sheri, and thank you for all you do for Montana's children and for your union family!

Read Sheri's introduction by her friend, colleague, and 1007 ESP of the Year, Carleen Hathaway.

Read Sheri's acceptance speech.