The Voice of Educators in Maryland!

Sheila M. Finlayson has earned the reputation as the voice of educators throughout the state.  She works tirelessly to protect the rights and improve the working conditions of educators, including salaries and workload, while advocating for quality education for all students.

Sheila successfully managed three political campaigns, most notably Aris T. Allen for House of Delegates. She successfully lobbied the legislature for fare share legislation which was signed into law in 2004, on the first attempt. Sheila focused community attention on teacher workload, recruitment and retention of teachers and salaries.

Sheila organized the Coalition of Education Employees, made up of all education unions in AA county, and TAAAC-Retired.

Sheila’s educational and community advocacy are widely recognized. Sheila was appointed by former Governor Parris Glendenning to serve on a Task Force on How Capable Students are Prepared for College (Achievement Gap), chaired by State Superintendent Dr. Nancy Grasmick. Sheila also received appointments from former Anne Arundel County Executive Robert Neall, to the Bates Advisory Committee, where she served as Co-Chair, and from the Mayor of Annapolis to serve on the Board of the Community Action Agency.

Overview

Sheila is a proven leader, collaborator, negotiator, organizer, and public speaker.

• Immediate Past President of the Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County, TAAAC
• East Regional Director, National Association of Urban Education Associations, NCUEA
• Past Co-Chair, MSTA New Business Items Committee, Member of the MSTA Budget Committee
• Successfully thwarted efforts to change negotiated healthcare
• Successfully managed three political campaigns most notable Aris T. Allen for House of Delegates
• Successfully lobbied legislature for fare share legislation which was signed into law in 2004, on the first attempt
• Focused community attention on teacher workload and salaries
• Organized the Coalition of Education Employees, made up all education unions in AA County, and the Retired Teachers of Anne Arundel County