PEA-Retired

On this page you will see PEAR meetings schedule, the PEAR vision, PEAR committes, the PEAR Leadership team.

YOU WILL ENJOY AND GROW YOUR MEMBERSHIP WHEN YOU ATTEND PEAR MEETINGS

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Joining hands to

accomplish more!

PEAR meetings are held each month that does not start with the letter J. Meetings are generally held at 10:30am on the second Wednesday of the month in the PEA building, 730 E. Davidson Street, , Bartow, FL

The next meeting is

OCTOBER 8

Through involvement in Polk Education Association-Retired and its affiliates, members are kept informed of programs designed to improve and strengthen the retirement experience, and to maintain their interest and involvement in public education and their community through mentoring, volunteering and being knowledgeable about education and community issues.

PEAR members stay engaged with pressing issues facing students, public education, and educators.
PEAR is an organization that works to preserve, protect and improve retirement pension and health benefits, Social Security, and Medicare.
PEAR members are part of the over 4,500 FEA-Retired and 335,000 NEA Retired members.
PEAR members continue to work with and support PEA members to achieve mutual organizing, bargaining, legislative, and political action goals.
PEAR members enjoy socialization and camaraderie with other retired educators.
PEAR members receive periodic PEAR UPDATES by email.
PEAR members continue to receive FEA, NEA, and AFT member benefits.

Join Hands Now!

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer for one of the following committees.

Membership works to meet needs of present members and to recruit new members; Program works with the president to develop programs for meetings; Hospitality plans and procures refreshments/meals for meetings; PEA Support works to provide support to members with service and grants as well as coordinating volunteers for PEA; Audit works with the treasurer to conduct an annual audit; Community Involvement provides members with involvement opportunities such as educational, service, and political.

Your Leadership Skills Are Needed NOW! If you are willing to serve on a committee let us know:

PEAR Leadership Team

PRESIDENT, Lorinda Lehning

Lorinda L. Lehning was born in Buffalo, New York, as the youngest of eight children. In January 1966, her family relocated to Florida, settling in Winter Haven by the summer of that year. Lorinda attended several schools in the area, including Eagle Lake Elementary, Westwood Junior High, and Auburndale Senior High. She pursued higher education first at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas—now Concordia University Texas—where she earned an Associate of Arts degree. Lorinda continued her studies at Concordia Teacher’s College, now known as Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Lorinda began her teaching career at a small Lutheran elementary school in El Monte, California. Afterward, she worked in various positions before returning to the classroom in July 1999. Over the years, Lorinda taught multiple grade levels within Polk County Schools, eventually becoming a teacher of the gifted in 2010. While teaching, she became actively involved with the Polk Education Association, serving for nine years as their Secretary-Treasurer. Her final teaching assignments were at Eagle Lake Elementary and Lake Shipp Elementary. Lorinda retired from the Polk County School Board on May 31, 2022.
Lorinda is divorced and has two sons and three grandchildren. Since retiring, she has enjoyed reading, editing her community newsletter, spending time with family, neighbors, and classmates, and volunteering at Eagle Lake Elementary. In addition, Lorinda joined and became active in PEAR after her retirement from the Polk County School Board.

VICE PRESIDENT, Sharon Floyd

Sharron Middleton Floyd, a Gainesville native and proud University of Florida education graduate, spent thirty-six years teaching in Florida public schools. Her career spanned Saint Lucie, Gainesville, and Orange counties, where she was an active Florida Education Association member, believing in and supporting its values. Now retired since 2012, Sharron lives in Winter Haven with her husband Samuel, attends Haven Worship Center, and enjoys time with her grandchildren.

SECRETARY, Kim Macdermaid

Kim Macdermaid was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and her family moved to Winter Haven in 1964. She attended Lake Alfred Elementary, Auburndale Junior High, and Auburndale Senior High. After completing her studies at Polk Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree, Kim began her career in education when she was hired as a paraeducator at Fruitland Park Learning Center (now known as Karen M. Seigel Academy) in January 1984. Over the course of nearly 40 years at the same school, she served as a classroom paraeducator, vocational trainer, and network manager. As Network Manager, Kim played a key role in implementing new technology initiatives that improved classroom learning experience for students and staff alike.
Kim became active in the Polk Education Association (PEA), serving as interim Secretary, and participating as a member of the bargaining and insurance committees, where she contributed to important decisions impacting educators and support staff. She retired from Karen M. Seigel Academy on April 28, 2023, marking the end of a dedicated and impactful career.
Kim is married and has one daughter. Since retiring, she has enjoyed reading, spending quality time with her family, and volunteering as a member of the Cypress Gardens Lions Club in Winter Haven. She joined and became active in the Polk Education Association Retirees (PEAR) after retiring from Polk County School Board (PCSB), continuing her commitment to supporting educators and her community.

TREASURE, Leondra Narramore

Leonda Narramore’s roots run deep in Polk County, Florida, though her journey began in California as the younger of two daughters in a pioneering family. In 1968, the family returned to Florida, where Leonda attended Auburndale Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating in 1974. Driven by a love for learning and a natural affinity for children, she continued her education at the University of South Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education. She then pursued a master’s degree in emotionally handicapped education and specific learning disabilities at Florida State University, rounding out her expertise with additional coursework in math and science education.
Leonda’s teaching career began in 1979 at Fort Pierce Elementary in St. Lucie County, where she taught third grade. Motivated by a desire to embrace new challenges and deepen her understanding of exceptional student education, she accepted a position at Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna. There, she taught incarcerated boys ages 14-18. Leonda recalls, “I wanted to help those who were often forgotten, to show them that learning could be a way forward.”
Her passion for empowering students led her next to Tallahassee, where she taught both severely emotionally disturbed students and advanced middle schoolers in math and science. That experience reinforced her belief that “every child deserves a champion who never gives up on them.” Leonda transitioned to Miami-Dade County where she earned her gifted certification and designed a specialized class for gifted students with specific learning disabilities.
Ultimately, Leonda’s path brought her home to Polk County, where she taught fifth grade and primarily middle school science. Her commitment and excellence were recognized in 2005 when she was named Polk County Teacher of the Year. Leonda often says, “Teaching was never just a job—it was my calling, shaping not only my life but the lives of those I taught.” Her dedication inspired students and colleagues alike, and she remains proud of the legacy she built in education.
After retiring in 2016, Leonda embraced a new chapter filled with adventure and service. A widow, she cherishes her two grown children and one beloved grandchild, whom she calls “the holder of my heart.”
Today, Leonda continues her commitment to education as an active member of PEAR. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring influence of a devoted teacher.