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| MACE was invited to speak a second time at Georgia State University to future educators! |
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| MACE visits some members from Macon's Westside High! (Mr. Brousseau is at center.) |
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At
MACE, We Value People!
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| The MACE Office is a child-friendly environment! The MACE lions don't scare Scooter! |
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| MACE Marketing Director Robinson hands Janice Scott a $500 contest check! |
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On
the Way to Greene & Hancock!
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| Theron Ward (L) & Norreese Haynes relax after dining at The Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle! |
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| Mr. Haynes & Dr. Trotter discuss the MACE itinerary for Greene & Hancock visit! |
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Membership
Brings Peace of Mind!
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| Dr. Trotter (center) visits members Eric Ritenour and Sheila Daniel at Southwest DeKalb HS! |
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| MACE Field Director Norreese Haynes (R) gives trusted advice to MACE Chairman, Dr. Trotter! |
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MACE Face.
Eyeing Empowerment
MACE started in the Fall of 1995, and within its first week of soliciting members, it had already
enrolled two former presidents of GAE locals (Fulton and Cobb), a former president of the Atlanta
Federation of Teachers (AFT), and other leaders of other educational organizations. These teachers joined MACE
because they knew that MACE was totally committed to the protection and empowerment of classroom educators.
The message of MACE resonates with Georgia’s teachers. The good news of MACE continues to spread throughout
Georgia, and MACE now represents teachers in over forty school systems in Georgia.
MACE
does not allow administrators to join. Why should MACE? Administrators have their own organizations (like
GAEL, GSSA, GAESP, etc.); however, administrators continue to flood the membership ranks of GAE
and PAGE. This is one of the main reasons that GAE and PAGE cannot speak forthrightly for classroom
educators. Sometimes, to advocate for teachers, you have to be critical of the misconduct of administrators. Sometimes,
you even have to call names. But what happens at GAE and PAGE when there is a conflict between a teacher and
a principal and both are members of the same organization? You know! It’s a classic case of conflict-of-interest.
Furthermore, the assistant superintendent and/or the superintendent may also be a member of that organization. What will
GAE or PAGE do? Nothing, probably. And, that’s what often happens – nothing. The teacher’s
interests do not get served. Frustration and a sense of impotence set in. Not so at MACE! MACE knows that the
administrator is not a member of MACE. MACE knows that there’s no conflict. MACE
knows whom we serve and for whom MACE advocates; therefore, keep spreading the good news that there is
a union for teachers, a union which does not apologize in advocating for teachers. Keep encouraging other teachers to join
the growing union that packs a powerful punch. When you say “MACE,” administrators listen.
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John R. Alston Trotter, Ed.D.,J.D.
Chairman
Dr. Trotter,
a fierce and loyal friend to his friends but a fierce and feared adversary to his adversaries, is Georgia's undisputed champion
of teacher rights. He has always emphatically and unapologetically stated that "you cannot have good learning conditions
until you first have good teaching conditions." Dr. Trotter rightfully maintains that there are three major problems
in public education in Georgia: (1) defiant and disruptive students, (2) irate and irresponsible parents, and (3) angry
and abusive administrators. When asked why he fights so hard for teachers, Dr. Trotter states, "Because teachers matter."
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Dennis Yarbrough, M.Div.
Vice Chairman
Rev. Yarbrough joined
MACE within the first month of its existence and has been a true and trusted trooper ever since. He was an All-American
football player in college and has a magnetic personality. From a large and loving family in DeKalb, Rev. Yarbrough
was inducted into the Druid Hills Athletic Hall of Fame. After teaching for several years, he earned a Master's
in Divinity and spent additional time at Emory's Candler School of Theology to become a nationally-certified chaplain.
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Norreese Haynes
Executive Director
This native of Atlanta has lived in Clayton County since he was seven years old, the same county that recently elected
him to its Board of Education. Mr. Haynes serves as MACE's Executive Director, visiting members at their schools and
picketing administrators outside their schools. Mr. Haynes received an outstanding alum award at Clayton State
University. Formerly a basketball coach in Clayton County Schools, his teams won several county championships.
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J. Anderson Ramay, Jr., Esq. (R)
General Counsel
Attorney Ramay
hails from a family of educators in south Georgia. Both of his parents are MACE members. He trained as an engineer
at Georgia Tech, then matriculated at Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law. Attorney Ramay and Chairperson
Trotter were in the same section at Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law.
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Jeff Cox
Membership Director
Mr. Cox is usually the first person from whom a member will hear, as he heads
up the initial contact team. This native of Jonesboro does an outstanding job counseling the MACE members
and is now into his fifth year as Membership Director. He and MACE's founding attorney, the late WIlliam L. Woods, graduated
at Jonesboro High School where they played football together. Mr. Cox has a noted musical side as he is an accomplished
singer and songwriter. He formerly was the lead singer of the popular Poppa Bear Blues Band.
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Rafael Garcia Regional Director
Rafael
Garcia, a native of Colombia, was raised in the U.S.A. once his father, a medical doctor in Colombia, died when he was twelve
years old. By this time, he had mastered the English language, and his mother and brother settled in the Miami area.
A "D1A" football prospect at Miami Killian High School, he finally decided to attend Florida A & M University
where he excelled on the offensive line. He was invited to try out in the NFL, but he eventually decided on a teaching
and coaching career. Mr. Garcia is most gregarious and his out-going personality is infectious. He never meets
a stranger. The Garcias (Rafael, wife Nekey, and son R. J.) live in Stockbridge. Rafael serves as MACE's Regional
Director. |
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Renee Bishop
Technology Director
Mrs. Bishop
has done an excellent job on maintaining MACE's technological edge. Renee and her husband and son live in Fayette County.
Her mother-in-law, Linda Crummy, is a Charter Member of MACE and served two terms on the Clayton County Board of Education.
(She was one of the wise members who did not "nut up" on the school board.)
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