BIOGRAPHY
Arlyn began her teaching career in the former Fort Garry School Division, where she had also been a student and teacher candidate. Now part of Pembina Trails, Arlyn has spent 17 years at Fort Richmond Collegiate teaching high school math, social studies, physical education and psychology.
Always prepared to share her thoughts, Arlyn spoke out too vigorously at a public Board meeting during a labour dispute between Fort Garry teachers and the School Board in 1999, and was immediately sought by Ron LeDoyen to join the Table Team. She has never looked back. In the 2006-2007 school year, following Ron’s retirement, Arlyn took on the role of PTTA Vice-President; Collective Bargaining. Her responsibilities also include Education Finance and Workplace Safety and Health, as well as assisting in the day to day operations of the Association.
Provincially, Arlyn is in her third year on the Collective Bargaining Standing Committee. She also serves as the Regional Coordinator for Metro Bargainers. In 2007-2008, Arlyn also served on the MTS Aboriginal Voice and Action Committee.
Arlyn has been married 16 years to the love of her life, Keon Filewich. Keon teaches Phys. Ed. at Acadia Junior High. Together, they have three beautiful children; Keylyn, 12, Kyler, 8 and McKenna, 6. They are a very active family. Each parent plays at least one sport and the children are involved in multiple sports. The family dogs, Tebow and Riley, add to the fun.
ELECTION STATEMENT
I am honoured and excited to be nominated for Provincial Executive. I am committed to do whatever it takes to provide effective leadership for the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.
I believe that the Society is currently distracted by many internal issues that are affecting the integrity of the organization. And, I believe it is to the needs of the members that the Society must turn its attention.
The teachers of Manitoba need the focus of our attention to be on their “inside” issues; class size, increasingly complex classrooms, the proliferation of Educational Assistants, ever-increasing hours of work, and diminishing preparation time. The Workload Task Force is a great first step in addressing this important issue, but we require strong leadership to actually start making tangible changes to the working lives of teachers.
I believe that there will be major changes ahead in terms of both Education Finance and Provincial Bargaining, and the Provincial Executive will need to provide outstanding leadership through these complicated times; leadership I shall provide.
I believe I am like the typical teacher in Manitoba; industrious, dedicated, passionate and experienced. It will therefore by my privilege to bring these qualities to the Provincial Executive table and represent all teachers of Manitoba.
