Welcome Back to School from the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus!

Emilly Osterling [NC] & C. Scott Miller [CA]
cochair@nea-lgbtqc.org

As a new school year begins, the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus celebrates the courage, creativity, and resilience of our members and allies who show up every day for students. We know that in many classrooms across the country, educators are facing increased challenges — but also building powerful spaces of love, learning, and belonging.

This past NEA-RA, in Portland, the Caucus was instrumental in amending NBI #84. The original text was: NEA will organize both internally and with partners to advance racial and social justice to build the teaching and learning environment that will allow our students and members to thrive. Which morphed into NEA sending a bulletin to all State Affiliates about how to react to current legislative attacks against the LGBTQ+ Community. The cost of the NBI as written was $5000.00. After contact with the maker of the NBI, we crafted the following amendment which passed on the RA Floor:

In response to the most recent Supreme Court Case, (Mahmoud vs. Taylor), the NEA shall provide, through existing communication channels, information +included but not limited to: 

1. A sample local school board resolution that protects educators in the classroom who are teaching LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum/content.
2. A Know Your Rights Document under the new SCOTUS ruling
3. Hold Virtual Town Hall meetings on the current SCOTUS rulings and the impact they will have on educators and students, what a school board resolution is and how to use it, and how to continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ Students in this new political climate.
4. NEA will hold East and West Speak Up, Speak Out, LGBTQ+ Member engagement conferences to enhance members advocacy at the local and state levels.

These activities should assist educators in avoiding+ possible disciplinary action when teaching about LGBTQ+ history, materials, resources, books, etc. while at school/work.

The amendment directs NEA to continue with the Speak Up, Speak Out program that trains members to fight at their local and state levels. The new cost of this NBI was $280,000+ but will help round the Center for Racial & Social Justice’s budget to continue doing the LGBTQ+ work that is so desperately needed. Thank you to everyone who helped push your state delegates to a support position!

This year, we recommit ourselves to advocating for safe, inclusive schools where every student and educator can thrive as their authentic selves. Together, we rise against hate and embrace the joy of community, solidarity, and education.

We are grateful for you — your voice, your advocacy, and your commitment to equity. Let’s make this school year one filled with hope, strength, and pride.

Welcome back and remember: You are not alone. We are stronger together.
In solidarity,

Emilly & C. Scott, Co-Chairs

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Stephen C. Henry on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Stephen was a beloved elementary and middle school teacher in the Nashville area and a dedicated advocate for educators. He served in leadership roles on the MNEA, TEA, and NEA boards, where his passion for public education and community service touched countless lives.

Beyond his service to education, Stephen was also very active in the Nashville arts community. He shared his love of performance as a member of Nashville in Harmony and throughout the local theater community.

A memorial service to honor Stephen’s life will be held at 4pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Calvary United Methodist Church (Green Hills) Nashville, TN.

His full obituary can be found here.

Please keep Stephen’s family, friends, and all who knew him in your thoughts during this difficult time.

From the Desk of the Secretary

Sonia Martin-Solis [CA]
secretary@nea-lgbtqc.org

Welcome to the 2025-2026 academic year! I hope all of our members are starting this academic year feeling energized and ready for whatever comes our way.

I am Sonia Martin-Solis (she/her) from CA and you Caucus Secretary. It is such a pleasure to be able to work with the members of this caucus in moving forward to bigger, better, and brighter days. I know that we will have some blackout days in the process of getting there, but I am sure that those will only serve to make us more creative and resilient for our continued fight.

I was so happy to see everyone who made it to our caucus meetings and events during the summer, and I look forward to getting to know you all better as we continue to hold each other in strength and beauty while we fight those who attempt to challenge our rights as living, breathing, beings who are here for the betterment of all our members and students.

As your Secretary, I want to remind you all that we have a packed agenda of activities/events that happen throughout the academic year.

1. General Membership Meetings: Don’t think we only want to engage during the Representative Assembly. We have several opportunities to hear from our members throughout the year as a national group, or in our zones. Take advantage of those opportunities to reach out to other members in your area, or with your same interests.
2. Rainbow Series Dates: Look out for the opportunity to hear from others in this struggle.  We hold several dates during the year where we bring members, political figures, activists, and experts in various areas to address LGBTQ+ issues in the world. Some are very personal while others are very informative and professional.

Look for the emails that will invite you to sign up to our events. SIGN UP for the ones that look like something you want to participate in. We look forward to seeing many more members be active participants at these events.

Before we get too far into this academic year, and we forget to do other things, remember to apply for our Jerry Newberry Scholarship. Those applications are only open to members of the caucus. If you are a GSA sponsor, or would like to start a GSA, this may be a way to get up to $500 in funding to help you do what needs to be done in your area. We also have Rainbow Book boxes available for purchase (see the ad in this newsletter for details). That deadline is fast approaching, so buy your box now.

As always, I wish you all safety, love, support, and acceptance in all you do.

In Unity & Pride,
Sonia, Secretary

From the Desk of the Treasurer

Michael Hill [CA]
treasurer@nea-lgbtqc.org

I hope everyone’s school year is off to a great start! I’m Michael Hill, your caucus treasurer. I was serving the remainder of David Fernkopf’s term and was elected to a full term this summer in Portland.

I’m excited to continue serving the caucus and to help maintain our strong financial standing. I’m truly fortunate to take over the position within an organization that has a clear structure and plan for the future.

I’m happy to report that our membership numbers have recovered to pre-Philadelphia RA levels. It is vitally important for us to maintain our membership numbers because it’s in our members where we find the strength to do all of the great work we as a caucus have committed to.

I look forward to working with steering over the next two years to keep moving the caucus forward. I hope you all have a great school year.

In solidarity,
Michael [CA] , Treasurer

A Message from the Outreach Director
Building Bridges. Elevating Voices

Darell Crawford-Parker [CO]
outreach@nea-lgbtqc.org

Dear Caucus Members and Allies,

I am excited and honored to begin my journey as your new Outreach Director for the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus! As we continue to face evolving challenges and opportunities in education, our collective power as educators, advocates, and allies has never been more important. This is an especially meaningful time for me as I recently relocated to Colorado after spending the majority of my career in Tennessee. While this move represents a new chapter, my passion for advocacy, outreach, and community-building remains stronger than ever.

My passion for this work is deeply grounded in my years of leadership and service within my local education associations, the Tennessee Education Association (TEA), and the National Education Association (NEA). At the local level, I’ve worked to organize LGBTQ+ educators, build inclusive spaces, and provide resources to help members advocate for safe and affirming schools. Within TEA and NEA, I have collaborated on initiatives that amplify LGBTQ+ voices, influence policy, and strengthen partnerships that empower educators and protect our students.

These experiences have shaped my commitment to ensuring that our caucus continues to lead with purpose, visibility, and action. In this role, my goal is to strengthen connections within our community, expand our reach to new members and allies, and highlight the incredible work happening across the nation. Over the coming months, you can expect more regular updates, spotlights on members making a difference, and resources to support your advocacy in your locals, schools, and communities.

I invite you to stay connected, get involved, and share your stories with us. Your experiences shape the work we do and inspire others to take action. Together, we will continue to stand proudly, speak boldly, and build a future where every LGBTQ+ educator and student thrives.

In solidarity,
Darell, Outreach Director

ZONE 1

Tony Martinet [VA] & Kirsten Frazier [MA]
zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org

Hello, Zone 1 Members,

Another school year has started, and we hope it started well for all of you. Kirsten Frazier and Tony Martinet return as your Zone 1 Co-Directors.

We continue our goal this year of working to increase connections with as many of our zone members as possible. Here are 3 ways to connect right now:

1. Zone 1 Beginning of Year Member Survey
1. Complete this short survey via Google Forms to let us know who you are and to share some initial thoughts and ideas. The more we know, the better we can support you.
2. Zone 1 Facebook Page
1. If you’re on Facebook, please join the Zone 1 Group. We hope to expand to other social media platforms, but for right now Facebook is the easiest for us to manage.
3. Zone 1 Email -
1. You can send communication to us directly via our Zone 1 email. We appreciate hearing from our zone members.   zone1@nea-lgbtqc.org

Let’s meet your Zone 1 Co-Directors

Dr. Tony Martinet (He/Him/His) is a high school English Teacher in Prince George’s County, MD. This will be his 6th year in Prince George’s, and his 19th year in K-12 education. Currently, he serves on the Maryland State Education Association Board of Directors. Tony’s strong union passion is to be able to help and support members to find success in advocating for education and students. He is honored to be able to serve as a Zone 1 Co-Director to support caucus members in their advocacy and growth. 

Kirsten Frazier (they/she) is a high school teacher in Worcester, MA, where they teach English as a New Language and serve as the GSA Advisor at North High School. They have been in K-12 education for 16 years, and this is their 4th year in Worcester. They are actively involved with the Educational Association of Worcester (local affiliate) and the Massachusetts Teachers Association (state affiliate). They are also an appointed member of the Massachusetts Coalition for LGBTQ+ Youth, a member of PRIDE Worcester’s steering committee, and the NEA’s Multilingual and BAT Caucuses. Kirsten’s passions are organizing and advocating for marginalized communities at all levels, with a particular focus on creating brave and positive environments for students to learn and explore. They are honored to serve as your  Zone 1 Co-Director and support all caucus members in whatever way possible.

In solidarity,
Kirsten & Tony, Zone 1 Co-Directors

ZONE 2

Kristel Behrend [NC] & Zach Fisher [KY]
zone2@nea-lgbtqc.org

Hello! My name is Zach Fisher, (He/Him) and I’m a medically fragile special education teacher from Louisville, Kentucky. I have been in education for seven years, and a third generation, union employee of my school district. I love to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and special education funding, specifically IDEA funding. I am going into this new role as Co-Director with the caucus very excited and ready to work with fellow members in the Southern Region! I am the co-chair of my local, Jefferson County Teachers Association, LGBTQ+ committee and caucus, a member of my superintendents LGBTQ+ advisory committee, and a member on NEAs SOGI (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity) Governance committee, finishing my second year. Often, I present LGBTQ+ professional developments in my district and with NEA; I love attending them as well so if you have one in the future please let me know! If I am not doing something with education, I am gardening, enjoying my yard with my two Australian shepherds. Please reach out if there is anything we can collaborate on. Cheers!

Hello Everyone. My name is Kristel (kris-tell) Behrend (bear-end), she/her, and I’m a senior administrator for secondary libraries in Raleigh at the largest school district in North Carolina and the 14th largest in the nation. I was a high school librarian for eight years and an elementary librarian for two. Before that I taught elementary general music for fifteen years in both Ohio and North Carolina. I was fortunate to win the Jerry Newberry grant for my former high school to have LGBTQ+ book clubs and promotional materials for our student-led Gender Sexuality Alliance. That honor, my work with my district’s Gender Sexuality Educator Alliance, and my outspoken advocacy for diverse library collections led me to this position with the Caucus where I have served for three years as Zone Two Co-Director.

I am excited to chair the Rainbow Pages committee in honor of a Caucus legend, Guy DeRosa. In the face of blatant censorship and erasure of our communities, we must stand strong to ensure our students know that they are seen and valued. Order a set of books for your classroom before September 20th to have them delivered during October; each set has been lovingly curated for elementary, middle, or high school students by educators and school librarians. The more sets we sell, the more we get to give away; plus you are supporting a local NC bookstore.

Check out the “Call to Action” below and share what’s going on in your state. We are in this together!

CALL TO ACTION

✅Check your voter registration to ensure you are ready for elections this fall.
✅Call your senator NOW: 844-328-9232; Call your representative NOW: 844-329-6087 and tell them to support public education.

➡️OR Download 5 Calls (scroll to the bottom for the app) - it’s so easy to call about issues you care about - they even give you a script.

ℹ️Share your state's issues and/or celebrations.      Join us on Facebook

In solidarity,
Kristel & Zach, Zone 2 Co-Directors

ZONE 3

Stacy Schmidt [IA] & Frank Burger [MI]
zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org

Hello Zone 3 and welcome to the 2025-26 school year!! Like every school year, this one will come with both challenges and celebrations. But your Zone 3 co-directors are here for all of it!

My name is Stacy Schmidt (she/they) and I am an instructional coach and Gender & Sexuality Alliance advisor at Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa. This is my 22nd year working in Iowa public schools. Additionally, I also serve as the high school Executive Board member of the Des Moines Education Association and the chairperson for the Iowa State Education Association’s SOGI committee.

My name is Frank Burger (he/him/his) and I’m from Grand Blanc, Michigan. This is the beginning of my 29th year of teaching at Carman-Ainsworth Middle and High Schools, in Flint Township, MI, where I serve as the Secondary Educator Support Coach working with all new and non-tenured educators in the middle school and high school. At the high school, I also serve as the Co-Advisor for the Carman-Ainsworth Prism our Gender and Sexuality Alliance. I am also the President of the Carman-Ainsworth Education Association and have been a past MEA Executive Committee Member and Board Member and NEA Board Member.

We are proud to serve as the Co-Directors for Zone 3 of the Caucus. We are always here to help and assist you with any issues that may be arising in your states. If you haven’t already, please be sure to join our Zone Facebook page, where we share important information to keep members informed in our Zone.

Advocacy Check-Ins

We have planned three different Advocacy Check-Ins for our Zone. These will be hosted on Zoom and will be an opportunity for members of our Zone to meet others from our Zone and share how Advocacy is going within their state and to share and learn from others within the Zone.

Email reminders and an agenda will be sent out about these gatherings with a link to sign up to attend. Here are the dates of the Advocacy Check-ins. Please mark your calendars to attend these virtual gatherings:

• October 23, 2025
• January 29, 2026
• April 23, 2026

If you have questions or need to reach us, please email us at: zone3@nea-lgbtqc.org.

In solidarity,
Stacy & Frank, Zone 3 Co-Directors

ZONE 4

Elise Sotello [CA] & Joe Bento [WA]
zone4@nea-lgbtqc.org

Hi, Everyone!

Welcome back to another school year! I hope you had a chance to rest and recharge; remember, rest is resistance! It was so great to see so many of you at the RA in Portland.

For those who don’t know me, my name is Elise Sotello, and I am the female/non-binary Co-Director for Zone 4. This is my 26th year as a high school English teacher in Bakersfield, California.

Although I’ve been in Education since 2000, I didn’t become involved with union work until 2016 when I was appointed the LGBTQ+ Advocacy Coordinator for the California Teachers Association (CTA) Sierra Service Center’s Equity Team, a role I still serve. Recently I was re-elected to a second term as a CTA State Council delegate and represent my local association on the Civil Rights in Education committee. Previously, I have served as a CTA Human Rights Cadre Trainer and Co-Chair of the CTA Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Issues Advisory Committee.

I know don’t have to tell you how trying these times are for the LGBTQ+ community. During political turmoil and chaos like this, it’s really important to practice self-care. We can’t help others if we are burnt out. So don’t forget to put on that proverbial oxygen mask and BREATHE.

I live and teach in a very conservative pocket of California, so I know well some of the struggles those in less progressive areas are facing. I’d love to hear from other Zone 4 folx how things are going in your area – the good and the bad. As always, Zone 4 Co-Director Joe Bento and I are here to support you. Xo

Hey everyone! I hope your school year is off to a strong start!

I’m Joe Bento (he/him), a teacher and IB Career Program Coordinator from Kent, Washington. I’m honored to serve as your Zone 4 Co-Director of the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus, alongside my amazing colleague Elise from California.

In addition to my role on the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus steering committee, I also serve as Co-Chair of the WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus (www.wea-lgbtq.org).

Thank you for electing me to a 2-year term at the NEA RA — I’m excited to keep building this work with all of you! Please know that I’m here to support you and am always happy to answer questions.

What’s Happening in Our States?

Do you have LGBTQ+ initiatives, events, or advocacy happening in your state that others should know about? Share them with me so we can spotlight them for the whole caucus community.

Save the Date: WEA LGBTQ+ Educator Conference
The first ever WEA LGBTQ+ Educator Conference will be held on November 1, 2025. If you’re a WEA member in Washington, mark your calendar! This is a huge step for our statewide caucus. WEA LGBTQ+ Caucus leaders are working with WEA in planning this conference.

Statewide LGBTQ+ Conferences?

Does your state hold an annual LGBTQ+ conference for educators?

If so:

1. Who hosts it — your state association, a local, or a community partner?
2. What does it look like?
3. We’d love to learn from each other’s models and share ideas across states.

Growing Membership at State RAs

Some states allow caucuses to sell memberships at their State RA. If yours does — or if you’d like to explore that option — please reach out! Elise and I are open to traveling to support Zone 4 caucus work at your state RAs.

Let’s Connect
We ’d love to hear from LGBTQ+ Caucus leaders in Zone 4 to discuss what’s happening in your states and how we can grow membership together.

Elise and I will also be reaching out directly to connect with leaders soon.

In the meantime, feel free to email us (zone4@nea-lgbtqc.org) with any questions, ideas, or updates. Let’s keep building our caucus stronger than ever.

Wishing you a great school year,
Elise & Joe, Zone 4 Co-Chairs