TEA Leadership
TEA's elected leaders are working educators who volunteer their time and energy to represent their colleagues and advance public education in Tustin Unified.
Executive Board
TEA's Executive Board is elected by the membership and serves as the governing body of the association.
Lisa Hickman
PresidentLeads TEA's advocacy efforts, chairs the Executive Board, represents TEA in negotiations with TUSD, and serves as a delegate to CTA and NEA.
Vice President
Vice PresidentSupports the President in all duties, oversees membership engagement and assists with contract administration.
Secretary
SecretaryMaintains official TEA records, takes meeting minutes, manages correspondence, and ensures proper documentation of board decisions.
Treasurer
TreasurerManages TEA's finances, prepares budgets and financial reports, and ensures compliance with CTA financial guidelines.
Elementary Vice President
Elementary VPRepresents TEA members at elementary school sites, liaises between site reps and the Executive Board, and advocates for elementary educators' concerns.
Secondary Vice President
Secondary VPRepresents TEA members at middle and high school sites, liaises between site reps and the Executive Board, and advocates for secondary educators.
TEA Committees
Committees are the engine of TEA — member-driven groups that carry out the association's work in specific areas.
Negotiations Team
Bargains the Collective Bargaining Agreement with TUSD on behalf of all members. Covers salary, benefits, workload, evaluation, and working conditions.
Grievance Committee
Investigates and processes member grievances. Ensures due process and contract compliance at every step.
Political Action Committee
Engages in local, state, and federal advocacy. Endorses candidates and ballot measures that support public education and educator rights.
Professional Development
Coordinates professional learning opportunities for TEA members, including CTA-sponsored workshops and local events.
Scholarship Committee
Reviews and awards TEA scholarship applications for members' dependent children and qualifying applicants.
Communications
Manages TEA communications including the website, newsletters, social media, and member updates.
Irvine–Tustin Teachers UniServ Council (ITT)
TEA is part of the Irvine–Tustin Teachers UniServ Council, a regional unit of the California Teachers Association. Our UniServ staff are full-time CTA professionals who provide expert support to TEA's leadership and members.
UniServ staff assist with negotiations, grievances, member assistance, political action, and professional development. They serve as a bridge between TEA and the resources of CTA statewide.
Get Involved in TEA Leadership
TEA is a member-driven organization. Board positions are elected each spring, and committee seats are open to all active members. If you want to make a difference for your colleagues and students, TEA leadership is the place to start.