New President Paul Lemle, Vice President Nikki Woodward to Focus on the Power Educators Have Together
New MSEA President to Lead State’s Largest Union
The state’s largest union has new leadership starting Aug. 1, as Howard County social studies teacher Paul Lemle becomes president of the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), and Montgomery County early intervention infant and toddler specialist Nikki Woodward becomes vice president. Lemle will lead MSEA’s 75,000 members, building on the work of outgoing president Cheryl Bost.
A working musician who changed careers to become an educator, Lemle first taught incarcerated youth in Louisiana and Washington. He has also worked in special education and as an education support professional, and recently achieved National Board Certification, a highly respected and prized teaching credential. A cancer survivor, Lemle understands firsthand the importance of good benefits and a stable career. In addition to his decades of teaching experience, Lemle served as president of the Howard County Education Association from 2011-2017.
“Working in our public schools should be a viable, rewarding, and well-respected career. This is good for our schools and lays the foundation for every student—no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they’re from—to pursue their dreams,” Lemle said. “Investing in our schools and educators is the foundation of a better future for our students and for all of Maryland.”
His work will build on substantial achievements by Bost, an elementary school teacher in Baltimore County, who is retiring from education. Under her leadership the past six years, MSEA’s accomplishments have included passing the historic Blueprint for Maryland’s Future funding formula, strengthening Maryland’s educator pipeline, expanding the voices of educators in policymaking decisions, and supporting the successful election of pro-public education lawmakers up and down the ballot.
“As our union, MSEA has consistently amplified our voice and strength as educators,” Lemle said. “We will continue to build and wield that power to expand access to the best education for all students, hire and retain diverse and highly qualified educators, and have a strong voice at the tables where decisions are made. We must continue to empower educators to make sure that the best policies, resources, and supports are in place for every student in our state.”
Woodward, MSEA’s new vice president, is an early intervention infant and toddler specialist for vision/visual perceptual disabilities or developmental delays in Montgomery County. “Public education is an equalizer for all learners, and we must provide them with the opportunity to become their greatest selves,” said Woodward. “This contributes to why working to ensure the implementation of transformational community schools and supporting Maryland’s youngest learners has been my priority.” Like Lemle, she has also worked as an education support professional and has decades of experience in Maryland public schools. She holds a doctorate in education from Johns Hopkins University, and most recently served as the Montgomery County Education Association vice president.