Candidate: Laura Dortch Edler

Laura Dortch Edler March 25, 2013, Laura pre-filed to begin the process of becoming Escambia County District 3 School Board Representative. May 6, 2013, approximately 5 weeks later, the citizens of District 3 overwhelmingly supported her in meeting the petitions requirement. The support was most encouraging and appreciative. Working together, we can bring about changes in our educational system to assure that ALL children have equal opportunities to reach their potential. Laura’s life and career experiences, as well as her credentials are the source of her preparation to meet the challenges of a candidate and as the District 3 School Board Representative. Laura is the Change District 3 Need, and the Voice District 3 Deserve! Laura is a lifetime resident of Escambia County, Florida, and District 3 has been her home for the most part of her life. She comes from very humble beginnings. She has faced many challenges and defied all odds against succeeding. Laura understands the struggles of obtaining an education. Laura was reared by a single parent who could not read or write, yet valued education with highest esteem. Her mother instilled early on the importance of a quality education, dedication, hard work and commitment. Homework was key, respect for self and others were non-negotiable and grades below a “B” were unacceptable. Those values are the driving forces in her never ending pursuit of education, and her zeal and passion for education for all children, regardless of their situation, backgrounds or circumstances. Since 7th grade Laura always worked full-time and completed her education as an honor student. Becoming a parent of seven children, one biological, two special needs, working full-time motivated her to obtain her education to the highest level. Along with her son, Michael, Laura and her husband Norman adopted four nieces, Barbara, Rosa Lee, Nathalia, Debra and two nephews, Step and Nathan as very young children. She is a widow. Her husband Norman died in 2011. Laura’s life and career experiences, her commitment to quality education, and her dedication to the children of our community represent her qualifications to serve as the next Escambia County District 3 School Board Member. Laura is “The change District 3 need, and the voice District 3 deserve.” Laura will serve our community well! EDUCATION: Ed.D (Doctorate in Education): University of West Fl. Major: Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Management Ed.S (Educational Specialist): University of West Florida. Major: Curriculum and Instruction MSW (Master Social Work): Florida State University BSW (Bachelor Social Work): University of West Florida A.A. (Associate of Arts Degree): Pensacola Junior College. Major: Home Economic Education LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): Booker T. Washington Vocational School Secondary Education: Booker T. Washington High School - High School Diploma Elementary Education: St. Joseph Catholic School EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: LPN: Sacred Heart Hospital, Baptist Hospital, Magnolia Nursing Home, Personnel Pool of Pensacola Home Health Care Child Development Specialist: Lakeview Child Development Center Medical Coordinator: Medical Personnel Pool Social Worker: St. Joseph Community Center Financial Aid Facilitator: Pensacola Jr. College (developed/implemented and supervised the Peer Tutorial Program) IMTS Lab Instructor: Pensacola Jr. College (tested and tutored students for vocational programs) Foster Parent Trainer/Foster Home Licensing Counselor: Florida Department of Children/Families Medical Foster Care Program Coordinator: Florida Department of Health (Developed the policies/procedures, implemented and managed the District One Medical Foster Care Program. Served on committee to write the standards, policies & procedures for Florida Statewide Medical Foster Care Program. Retired: Florida Department of Health Currently Employed: Assistant Professor, Social Work Department, University of West Florida COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member: St. Joseph Catholic Church Diamond Life Member: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Past president: Pensacola Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Member: Knights of St. Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Court 223 (Chartered president, served 10 consecutive years) President: Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida, Inc. Member: Englewood Neighborhood Improvement Association Former Member O.J. Semmes Elementary School Advisory Committee Website: Democracy.Com Email: edlercampaign@gmail.com