QuEST 2005

The 2005 QuEST Conference was held in washington DC, July 7 - 10 and Local 943 was represented by the following members: Eddie Caffey, Kristine Cochrane, Judy Gerenda, Bob Goldsbury, Gail James, Carol Kopacz, Theresa Long, Mary Ann Martin, Joan Prendergast, and Nan Slewoski.

Following are articles by two of the attendees and photos from the conference:

By Joan Prendergast -- Teacher in District 122

QuEST 2005 was a wonderful experience. Workshops were offered on a wide-range of topics. There was certainly something for everyone.

One of the conference highlights was a question and answer session between Ed McElroy and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. Ed used some tough questions that were sent in by union members. While the two agreed on many current educational issues, there were definitely areas of disagreement.

Another special event was a discussion with famous public school alumni and their very special teachers. This was quite an inspirational discussion about teachers who made a difference.

On Friday night, the AFT sponsored a union label fashion show. The emcee wore a Harley Davidson outfit and she was hilarious.

Thanks to Local 943 for allowing me to attend such a remarkable conference.

The Creative Coalition -- Teachers Who Made a Difference

By Bob Goldsbury -- Teacher in District 126 and Vice-President of Communications of Local 943

On Thursday, July 7th, the QuEST Conference hosted a special event featuring the remarkable, lasting impact individual teachers can make on their students. I was able to attend a discussion hosted by Lawrence O'Donnell, Jr. with Joe Pantoliano, Antwone Fisher, Steve Buscemi, and Phylicia Rashad. Each celebrity introduced their favorite teacher and explained how each one helped them become the person they are today.

I found the session very moving as well as entertaining. Afterwards the actors and their teachers joined a reception where the QuEST attendees could meet and greet them. It was a highlight of the QuEST Conference.


Carol Kopacz, Gail James, Mary Ann Martin, and Joan Prendergast from Local 943 attend the conference	Joe Pantoliano and Phylicia Rashad with the teachers who made a difference in their lives	Conference attendees show their enthusiasm at the conference Photo by Michael Campbell

Actor Steve Buscemi who was one of the stars who honored his teacher	Actress Phylicia Rashad who also honored one of her teachers	Local 943 attendees relax at dinner after a full day at the conference

And some time for sightseeing too -- The United States Capitol		The Smithsonian Institution

AFT Local 943
15521 South 70th Court
Orland Park, Illinois 60462
(708) 633-0943
(708) 633-0944 (Fax)

Kathy Setlak, president

IFT Field Staff

Tonia Havard-Dew

Deneen Pajeau