Education Empowered.

Who We Are

We are educational professionals advocating to bring together our members, Kansans, and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education. We are driven by a vision of a great public school for every student. Our core values guide our work, starting with our unwavering belief in equal opportunity.

What We Do

KNEA is a state-level affiliate of the National Education Association. NEA provides support to state affiliates through advocacy, legal support, grants, trainings, and benefits. Organizing is at the heart of building stronger KNEA affiliates at the local level.

Our Mission

is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members, Kansans, and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.

Our Vision

is a great public school for every student.

Core Values

  • We believe public education is the gateway to opportunity. All students have the human and civil right to a quality public education that develops their potential, independence, and character.

  • We believe public education is vital to building respect for the worth, dignity, and equality of every individual in our diverse society.

  • We believe public education is the cornerstone of our republic. Public education provides individuals with the skills to be involved, informed, and engaged in our representative democracy.

  • We believe that the expertise and judgment of education professionals are critical to student success. We maintain the highest professional standards and we expect the status, compensation, and respect due all professionals.

  • We believe partnerships with parents, families, communities and other interest holders are essential to quality public education and student success.

  • We believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good. As education professionals, we improve both our professional status and the quality of public education when we unite and advocate collectively.

KNEA Leadership

Our team consists of dedicated individuals in various leadership positions, including KNEA President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Associate Executive Director. Click on any of the positions to view a full profile and learn more about our team members.

Sherri Schwanz

KNEA President

Sherri Schwanz is an experienced music teacher who spent her career in Lansing USD469. Sherri serves as KNEA President, leading the state’s largest union of education professionals. With a strong educational background, including a Bachelor of Music Education from Baker University and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University, Sherri has dedicated her career to leadership and advocacy.

She has held various leadership roles in her school district, KNEA, and NEA, serving on committees and as a mentor. Sherri is actively involved in professional development and has presented to educators across the state. In her personal life, she cherishes time with her family and enjoys activities with her two children, one grandchild, and her husband Brian, who works in education.

Kimberly Howard

KNEA Vice-President

Kimberly Howard, a K-5 ESL teacher at Washington Elementary in Wichita Public Schools USD 259, is currently serving as the Kansas NEA Vice President. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education, School Leadership, and Curriculum & Instruction in ESOL. Within her local United Teachers of Wichita (UTW), Kimberly has held various leadership positions, including President, and actively contributed to committees focused on labor management and professional development.

At the state level, Kimberly has served as KNEA Secretary-Treasurer, chaired the KNEA Budget and Audit Committee, and participated in multiple KNEA commissions. She has also been a member of the NEA Board of Directors. During her free time, Kimberly enjoys quality moments with her niece, traveling, supporting KU basketball, and indulging in activities like shopping and reading.

Jonathan Eshnaur

KNEA Secretary-Treasurer

Jonathan Eshnaur is a dedicated high school special education teacher at Olathe Northwest High School with experience at Salina South High School and Kenneth Henderson Middle School. He holds a Bachelor's degree in secondary social studies from Wichita State University and a Master's degree in Secondary Special Education from Kansas State University.

Jonathan's passion for education is influenced by his own schooling at Norwich schools in Kansas and his family's teaching background. He actively contributes to association activities, holds leadership positions at the local and state levels, and currently serves as Secretary-Treasurer, chairing important committees and being a member of the KNEA Executive Committee and Board of Directors. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys spending quality moments with loved ones and maintaining an active lifestyle through running and gym activities.

Board of Directors

The Kansas NEA Board of Directors is comprised of representatives of each of the 15 service areas (UniServs) of the state, and representatives of the following groups: KNEA Retired, the KNEA Aspiring Educators, Higher Education, Educational Support Professionals (ESP) and ethnic minority leaders.

Kansas NEA Board

President: Sherri Schwanz
Vice President: Kimberly Howard
Secretary-Treasurer: Jonathan Eshnaur
Ad Astra: Genie Scruton
Alliance: Lori Greenfield
Capital: Libby Devin
Cottonwood: Kristy Oborny
Kaw Valley: Mallory Raugewitz-Blick
KNEA Southwest: Daniel Minde

Konza: Dana Wiegand
Pony Express: Rachel Crosswhite
Rolling Hills: Justin Robinson
South Central: Candace Landers
UD1-Valley: Betsy Koon
UniServ Southeast: Anita White
United Teachers of Wichita: Noel Lucero
Walnut Valley: Terry Sader
Wyandotte United: Dominick DeRosa

NEA State Director A: Brian Skinner
NEA State Director B: Angie Powers
Educational Support Professional (ESP) Rep: Tara Florentin
Ethnic Minority Rep: Rachel Leonard
Higher Education Rep: Irene Olivares
Retired Program Rep: Judy Johnson
Aspiring Educators Rep: Brianna Jo Gough

Management Staff

Dr. David Fernkopf

Executive Director

Dr. David Fernkopf is the Executive Director of the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA). With more than fifteen (15) years of experience in education, David has held various leadership roles, including Assistant Director on the Career Standards and Assessment Services Team at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and Elementary Principal at Overbrook Attendance Center. He also has served as an Adjunct Professor at Fort Hays State University. David earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master's in School Leadership from Baker University, along with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Washburn University.

David's commitment to education extends beyond his professional duties. He has been a dedicated member of the KNEA, serving in various capacities, including local officer, Diversity Trainer, and Board Member. His involvement in the Kansas Children Service League (KCSL) as a Board of Directors member and his current role on the Board of Trustees further demonstrate his commitment to community service.

Known for his strong leadership and commitment to education, David is dedicated to advancing the interests of educators and students alike. His extensive experience in both teaching and administration, combined with his dedication to equity and community service, underscores his role as a respected leader within the educational community.

Kevin Scarrow

Associate Executive Director

Kevin Scarrow, the manager of the KNEA UniServ Program, has dedicated over two decades to serving in various capacities within KNEA. From his beginnings as a music teacher in Dodge City to his current role as Associate Executive Director, Kevin's commitment to empowering members to advocate for themselves shines through.

He has held positions on the KNEA Executive Committee, Budget and Audit, and Board of Directors, representing different UniServs. One of his proudest accomplishments was assisting with the NEA Shawnee Mission bargaining process, ultimately resulting in a ratified agreement after overcoming challenges. Kevin's unwavering passion lies in equipping members with the tools and support to advocate effectively..