My Union Story

I’m Ryan Fiereck, and I’m proud to be a lifelong educator, a dedicated union leader, and a passionate advocate for Minnesota’s public schools and the people who make them work. For nearly two decades, I’ve worked in St. Francis Area Schools as a Business and Computer Technology teacher, serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. My teaching career has taken me into elementary computer labs, online classrooms, and even a Level 4 treatment facility, supporting students with the highest needs. This diverse experience has shaped who I am—not just as an educator, but as a leader who understands the complexity of our profession and the importance of representing every voice.

From the very beginning, I understood that the union is where we protect what matters most. I got involved early, first at the building level, and then quickly stepped into leadership roles. I’ve served as president of Education Minnesota – St. Francis for over a decade, leading a unified local that includes teachers, educational assistants, food service workers, transportation staff, early childhood educators, and office professionals. Together, we’ve bargained stronger contracts, organized for equity and fairness, and built a culture where every member feels valued.

My local work prepared me for broader leadership. I currently serve on the Education Minnesota Governing Board representing At-Large Zone 3. I’ve also been honored to serve on the Executive Committee and the Budget and Finance Committee—two spaces where fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strategic planning are critical. I bring those values to every table I sit at.

One of the areas I’m most proud of is my work around pensions. I have chaired both the Pension Advocacy Group (PAG) and the Pension Task Force (PTF), and I’ve been relentless in advocating for fair, sustainable retirement security for all of our members. I’ve worked with members across the state to educate, organize, and push for policy solutions that address Tier 2 inequities, strengthen our long-term system, and recognize the dignity of a career in public education.

In 2022, I was elected Vice President of Education Minnesota, where I continued to listen deeply, lead collaboratively, and build bridges between locals, zones, and leadership teams. Whether supporting newer educators, helping small locals navigate bargaining challenges, or ensuring Education Minnesota stays grounded in the real experiences of our members—I show up, I do the work, and I never forget who I’m here to serve.

My journey has not been one-dimensional. It’s been shaped by diverse roles, complex challenges, and a deep belief in the collective power of educators. I’ve served as a teacher, a mentor, a coach, a political candidate, a firefighter, and a father of three public school kids. I bring all of that with me into this moment. I’m proud of my experience because it means I’m ready—for the complexity, the accountability, and the responsibility that comes with the role of Secretary/Treasurer.

I know what it takes to build a budget, to support locals, to protect pensions, and to lead with both heart and strategy. I’m not afraid of hard conversations, and I’m not here for a title—I’m here to serve. I believe in this union, and I believe I have the experience, the values, and the commitment to take on this next chapter as your Secretary/Treasurer.