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Utah's largest teachers union has chosen its next leader.
Heidi Matthews, a media specialist in the Park City School District and a 28-year educator, will begin her term as Utah Education Association president in July, according to a Monday announcement.
In a prepared statement, Matthews said there is no greater time for the UEA to "harness" its collective power and assure great public schools for every student.
"Our association is the only voice that unites, empowers and gives voice to us as educators," Matthews said. "It's not about any one person, it's about what we do together."
Matthews succeeds outgoing UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, who was first elected in 2010.
UEA presidents are limited to two three-year terms.
The group also elected Cache County School District teacher Roger Donohoe as the union's vice president.
The election was held between March 24 and April 15, with results finalized by UEA's Elections Committee last week, according to the election announcement.
In addition to her work in the Park City School District, Matthews has served on the board of directors of the National Education Association and is a past president of the Park City Education Association.
The UEA represents 18,000 current and retired educators in the state, with local affiliate branches in each of Utah's 41 school districts.
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