Connie Ann Nygaard Transue was born to a Dakota farm family July 15, 1951 on her mother's birthday. From 1952 to today her family shares time between the two borderlands of the U.S. After many cold winters on the prairie, her parents began wintering in Phoenix.

"I lived in two distinct worlds during my formative years. Flaxton, North Dakota is a village of fewer than 100 people today. For most of my youth I experienced the political activism of my family there. The Democratic Non Parisan League, the Farmer's Union, the Flaxton Public Schools, Home and Farm support groups and County Government."

"My parents exemplified service to community. This attitude of contribution is an important part of why I am a teacher."

She and her husband, Arthur, both teach in TUSD and her children, Laundon, 13 and Lucy 12 attend University High School and Booth-Fickett respectively. After earning a B.S. from Northern Arizona and an M.A. from Arizona State she worked in grades 4-8 in Phoenix. She took a break from teaching and worked in the Los Angeles area before beginning her high school career in Tucson in 1980 at Sahuaro High School and completing an administrative
certification.

Another break allowed Connie Ann to experience the private sector in owning and operating with her family the Rex Guest Ranch near Amado. She returned to the classroom after 3 1/2 years and plans to stay for about 10. Having taught all levels of English and performed a variety of Special Education roles, she is now happy to team teach with wonderful English faculty at Sahuaro and work as a transition specialist for special students.

"I look forward to serving as President of Tucson Federation of Teachers. We have a vital legacy to carry forward and I am honored to be a part."

Fernando Rendón is currently on his third consecutive two year term as TFT Treasurer. Fernando has been a bilingual teacher of mathematics at Tucson High Magnet School for the last 15 years.

Fernando is from Medellin, Colombia. When he was in high school, he came to Centerville, Ohio as an exchange student. It was there he met his future wife, Patricia. They now have two adult daughters.

Prior to entering teaching, Fernando worked in the corporate world in Colombia. In addition to his degree from Universidad EAFIT, he holds a masters degree from the University of Phoenix.

Fernando has been a member of the TFT since entering teaching. He was the delegate to the 1998 AFT Convention in New Orleans.