Racine Unified Teacher Named President of WEAC

A Racine Unified teacher with 30 years of experience is the new president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council.

WEAC made the announcement Monday.

Betsy Kippers, a physical education teacher, succeeds Mary Bell who steps down after six years because of term limits. Kippers had been serving as the organization's vice president.

Kippers said she's looking forward to working with members on strengthening public education.

“I really believe this is a time to move forward,” Kippers said in a press release from WEAC. “It is only with strong and engaged members in every corner of the state that educators can have a collective voice and power for public education. Together we will succeed. I stand squarely for lasting changes within our organization that will ensure we provide a great public education for all children.”

Outgoing president Bell isn't discouraged by the changes Act 10 has brought to education in Wisconsin and wants WEAC members to embrace the changes as welcome challenges.

 “We’re at a time of great change when it comes to education in Wisconsin. Raising the bar on student achievement and on educator performance is important to our members," she said. "As an organization, we are poised and ready to be a continuing voice for Wisconsin's public schools and staff, in their schools as well as at the state level.”