The new school year brings increased responsibilities for everyone connected to the Richmond Public Schools system, but only one person is both managing her curriculum and plans to improve the lives of an entire city of schools employees. That person is Dr. Milondra B. Coleman, who balances teaching modern world history and AP government at John Marshall High School with her duties as president of the Richmond Education Association. The REA, founded in 1900 by Lila Meade Valentine, is a local branch of the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association and advocates for education and educators in Richmond. This can take a wide number of forms, from community organizing to lobbying and marching for greater financial resources from the state for teachers’ salaries and public schools. The organization’s services aren’t limited to just teachers and advocacy, Dr. Coleman says. As part of its member-led mission, the REA offers custodians, transportation workers, cafeteria staff and other schools employees free legal consultation, notary services, various discounts on a number of purchases and more through services and benefits sourced from and supported by their state and national partners in the VEA and NEA. “RPS employees need an association-union that is dedicated to advocating for them at the local, state and national levels,” Dr. Coleman says. In return, the 1,100 REA members direct the focus and actions of the association through its various committees, voicing their concerns during monthly meetings and electing representatives. Dr. Coleman, who was elected to a two-year term as REA president during the spring, now divides her time between her students at “The Joy and Pride of Northside,” as she calls John Marshall High, and her responsibilities to an organization facing reports of declining student success, inadequate facilities and teacher salaries that rank 34th below the national average. Adding to an already busy schedule, Dr. Coleman serves as a board member of the Northside Coalition for Children, the Richmond Crusade for Voters, the Richmond Urban Ministry Institute and the Richmond Citywide Choir. Despite the sheer amount of work on her plate, Dr. Coleman seems just as enthusiastic about the new school year as the rest of the Richmond community, all mutually energized to ensure that RPS students, teachers and staff have what’s necessary for a great school year. “One of the things I found is that as I talk to people in the community,” Dr. Coleman says, “there’s a groundswell in terms of the interest in education.” Dr. Coleman is heartened by the support she saw from the community, pointing to recent RPS partnerships with corporate, nonprofit and community organizations through RPS Shines! and mural projects to get schools ready for the new academic year. “Maybe it has always been there,” Dr. Coleman says, “but now, we’re talking about it more. People are hearing about it more.” Dr. Coleman aims to see REA do its part to ensure an equitable and fair school environment for its employees. She identifies teacher turnover as a particular matter to be addressed and wants the organization to review the data from RPS exit interviews. She is encouraged about the continuing decline in teacher vacancies, down to 13 after 18 for the 2018-2019 school year, calling it “a great step for Richmond Public Schools.” The REA also is planning a survey of its members about issues surrounding the state of RPS buildings to help ensure that students and faculty “work in a safe and nurturing environment.” “The learning environment of our students and staff is always a concern,” Dr. Coleman says. “The school climate should be one of love and support.” Asked about her next goal, Dr. Coleman answers: Doubling REA membership by December, and setting up a June trip to South Africa for John Marshall High students, parents and friends. The dual effort speaks to the many roles she’s juggling, and a strong confidence in her future endeavors. “I am excited about having the opportunity to work with the REA,” Dr. Coleman says. “And (I’m) looking forward to all that I’m going to be able to do.” Meet the energetic new president of the Richmond Education Association and this week’s Personality, Dr. Milondra B. Coleman:

Occupation: History teacher. I teach modern world history and AP government at John Marshall High School. 

Top community involvement: President, Richmond Education Association.

Date and place of birth: April 8 in Richmond. 

Current residence: North Side Richmond. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Duke University; J.D., University of Virginia School of Law; master’s of divinity, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University; master’s in Christian Education, Union-PSCE; doctor of ministry, United Theological Seminary; and master’s in teaching, Mary Baldwin.  

Family: Mom, Gloria J. Coleman, retired Richmond Public Schools teacher, and dad, Milton B. Coleman, retired Philip Morris strategic operations planner. 

The Richmond Education Association is: A local union of the Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association that advocates for all education employees of Richmond Public Schools.

Number of REA members: Approximately 1,100 members.

Richmond Education Association’s mission: Our mission is to advance the cause of education for all individuals by promoting professional excellence among educators; recognizing the basic importance of the educator in the learning process; protecting the rights of educators and advancing their interests and welfare; uniting education employees for effective citizenship; and promoting and protecting the human and civil rights of all individuals.

Services REA offers: In addition to advocacy, the following benefits are available to members: notary services; free legal consultations; preferred rate on personal legal services; discounted movie tickets and various discounts available through VEA e-source and NEA member benefits.

Role of members in REA: First and foremost, REA is a member-led union in which our rank and file members have the power to determine the direction in which our organization moves. To that end, our members elect representatives to serve as leaders within their work sites and on the Board of Directors; share their voices on the floor of our monthly meetings; and serve, if they so desire, on committees that are designed to advance the causes of the association.

REA’s position on current SOL results for city schools: We believe and understand that a student is more than a test score. Student growth is measured through the use of multiple modalities.  

Pay for teachers in Richmond is: Pay for teachers in Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia is below the national average! 

Why REA is needed:  RPS employees need an association/union that is dedicated to advocating for them at the local, state and national levels. 

Current REA relationship with Richmond School Board: REA has a rich history of having a working relationship with the Richmond School Board. We attend monthly and committee meetings. We also have discussions outside of those meetings in order to share more deeply about our concerns. 

Current REA relationship with school administration: The association has a standing monthly meeting with Superintendent Jason Kamras and members of his cabinet. The lines of communication are always open when we need to discuss the issues and concerns of our members.

Turnover among teachers is: While we realize that employees leave the school district for a variety of reasons, turnover in Richmond is higher than we would desire. 

What needs to be done to change that: In order to change that, we need to start the process by reviewing the data collected from RPS exit interviews.

Concern about condition of RPS school buildings: In the near future, the REA will be sending a survey to our membership to ascertain their concerns about the condition of RPS buildings. The learning environment of our students and staff is always a concern. We want our faculty and staff to work in a safe and nurturing environment. The school climate should be one of love and support.

What are three important things parents/guardians should do to prepare their children for the new school year: Parents should set high expectations regarding behavior and grades; make sure their children have the necessary school supplies; and teach them to respect all adults.

Favorite subject in school: History, of course, was my favorite subject in school.

Outlook at start of the day: Today is going to be a great day!

How I unwind: By listening to gospel music. 

A quote that I am inspired by: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I love teaching my weekly Mary Kay unit meetings. 

Best late-night snack: Doritos.

If I had more time, I would: Finish publishing my next four books.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: To respect everyone. 

The book that influenced me the most: “The Servant Leader: Transforming Your Heart, Head, Hands & Habits” by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges.

What I’m reading now: “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek; “The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results,” by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan; and “90 Days of Power Prayer: Supernatural Declarations to Transform Your Life” by Kynan Bridges.

My next goal: To double REA membership by December as “Each One Reaches One” and to plan a June 2020 trip to South Africa for John Marshall High School students, parents and friends.