BIOGRAPHY
Everything that Sherilyn has done in her life has led her to teaching.
At a young age, she moved with her family to central India and then Nepal. Her parents worked as humanitarians in remote regions teaching agricultural practices and public health to locals. Home-schooling involved working side-by-side with her parents in a number of communities. These experiences instilled an understanding of social activism and consciousness.
Sherilyn’s family returned to Canada, settling in Hartney, so she could graduate from a Manitoba high school. Her first job was a swimming instructor at Hartney Community Pool. From there she taught summer school programs at Waywayseecappo, Keeseekoowenin, and Rolling River First Nations. This path then led her to join her parents in Cameroon West Africa, where she worked at the U.S. Embassy.
These global lessons inspired Sherilyn to follow in her Mother’s footsteps to become a teacher and to become actively involved with MTS.
Upon graduation from Brandon University, Sherilyn began her teaching career with the Brandon School Division and remains in their employ.
Sherilyn has worked in her local association as Past-President, President, Vice-President, Collective Bargaining Committee member and council representative. Provincially Sherilyn has acted as Co-Chairperson of the AGM, and is a member of the Conference and Review Committees.
Sherilyn is married to Jim. They have two wonderful children, Josh and Cassie.
ELECTION STATEMENT
“Do what is right, not what is easy.” This is the mantra that I live by and the principle that will guide me at the Provincial Executive table. I hold tightly to the belief that MTS represents what is right for teachers, not what is easy.
Provincial Executive exists to represent all of the teachers of Manitoba. They are the elected voice of members. One’s responsibility in an elected position is to first listen and then act on behalf of the collective. I believe that this is the way to encourage and engage members in their profession and in the Society.
Each year, Manitoba teachers face increasing challenges. As a cost saving measure, school divisions continue to increase the number of EA’s employed. MTS must be persistent in protecting the integrity of the teaching certificate in Manitoba.
Appropriate Educational Programming (Bill 13) and increasing diversity in the classroom have made it difficult for teachers to meet the needs of every student. Together, we must continue to advance these issues locally at the bargaining table and provincially at the Legislature.
Throughout my career and especially as President of the Brandon Teachers’ Association, I steadfastly fought for the rights of my members. I will bring this same passion and commitment to McMaster House.
