HTA President
Candidate: Wendell Head
Contact: president@hanoverteachers.com
Bio: Originally from Newfoundland, I studied at Memorial University in the 90s and graduated with a B.A.(Hons), and B.Ed. My first career explorations, however, were not in education, but initially in policing and the information technology industry (I also earned a diploma in Applied Business Information Technology). Interestingly, it was actually through exploring these other careers that I really discovered my love of teaching. And so, with some degree of wisdom that was unusual for me at that young age, I changed gears and began my career in education.
It has been an adventure! I taught EAL in South Korea for a short time; I did a stint in Adult Education; I spent nearly a decade teaching in northern Ontario and northern Manitoba; and for the past 13 years I have been in Hanover. The past six of those years, of course, have been as President of the HTA, though I have served in a number of roles on local associations over the past 20 years, including bargaining chair, treasurer, public relations and vice president. The result is a wide range of experiences – not just in the union, but in teaching itself – middle years, senior years and even a couple of years in administration. I wish I could say early years too, but I just don’t have that superpower.
The most important part of this adventure has been my beautiful wife of 26 years and two daughters. No matter the challenge, they have always been my greatest supports and loves.
Electoral Statement: I am passionate about protecting teachers. I will represent you on big issues, on local and contractual issues, and I will support and represent you on the issues you face as an individual member.
The big issues are plenty. Big changes are coming, including provincial bargaining and amalgamations. The experience and knowledge I have gained as President over the past six years enable me to represent and advocate for our Association as we go forward. Now more than ever, experience matters.
Local and contractual issues are the “meat and potatoes” of a president, and I have a proven track record of standing up for members. Whether it was Saturday grads, personal leave, prorating of sick days, carryover of leave days for term teachers, religious leave, prep time, or bringing concerns forward about the implementation of Covid19 restrictions, I continually work hard to ensure the best working conditions possible.
As important as these matters are, it is at the individual level where the rubber meets the road. Whether that is working through the details of a maternity leave, sorting out payroll questions, or questions about an evaluation, understanding and accessing benefits, or getting help to navigate a difficult situation, I believe this is where I have done my best work as President. I am not afraid to speak up and go to bat for you.
I genuinely want to serve YOU. When the rubber meets the road for YOU, who do YOU want standing up for you? I hope it’s me.
Bio: Originally from Newfoundland, I studied at Memorial University in the 90s and graduated with a B.A.(Hons), and B.Ed. My first career explorations, however, were not in education, but initially in policing and the information technology industry (I also earned a diploma in Applied Business Information Technology). Interestingly, it was actually through exploring these other careers that I really discovered my love of teaching. And so, with some degree of wisdom that was unusual for me at that young age, I changed gears and began my career in education.
It has been an adventure! I taught EAL in South Korea for a short time; I did a stint in Adult Education; I spent nearly a decade teaching in northern Ontario and northern Manitoba; and for the past 13 years I have been in Hanover. The past six of those years, of course, have been as President of the HTA, though I have served in a number of roles on local associations over the past 20 years, including bargaining chair, treasurer, public relations and vice president. The result is a wide range of experiences – not just in the union, but in teaching itself – middle years, senior years and even a couple of years in administration. I wish I could say early years too, but I just don’t have that superpower.
The most important part of this adventure has been my beautiful wife of 26 years and two daughters. No matter the challenge, they have always been my greatest supports and loves.
Electoral Statement: I am passionate about protecting teachers. I will represent you on big issues, on local and contractual issues, and I will support and represent you on the issues you face as an individual member.
The big issues are plenty. Big changes are coming, including provincial bargaining and amalgamations. The experience and knowledge I have gained as President over the past six years enable me to represent and advocate for our Association as we go forward. Now more than ever, experience matters.
Local and contractual issues are the “meat and potatoes” of a president, and I have a proven track record of standing up for members. Whether it was Saturday grads, personal leave, prorating of sick days, carryover of leave days for term teachers, religious leave, prep time, or bringing concerns forward about the implementation of Covid19 restrictions, I continually work hard to ensure the best working conditions possible.
As important as these matters are, it is at the individual level where the rubber meets the road. Whether that is working through the details of a maternity leave, sorting out payroll questions, or questions about an evaluation, understanding and accessing benefits, or getting help to navigate a difficult situation, I believe this is where I have done my best work as President. I am not afraid to speak up and go to bat for you.
I genuinely want to serve YOU. When the rubber meets the road for YOU, who do YOU want standing up for you? I hope it’s me.
