Sara Gjerdrum, a longtime local union leader, has been named as the new executive director of Education Minnesota, the state teachers' union.

Gjerdrum has been an organizer with the National Education Association for the past six years. Prior to that, she worked at the Minnesota Federation of Teachers, currently Education Minnesota, from 1993 to 2008.

She replaces Karl Aaro who is retiring Nov. 1.

"I'm thrilled to return to Education Minnesota and bring back the experience and lessons I've learned in my work across the country," Gjerdrum said. "I strongly believe in the purpose and the potential of Education Minnesota to be the voice of educators across the state and as the lead advocate for students in our schools."

Gjerdrum began her career as a teacher in Hudson, Wis. She moved to Hill-Murray High School in Maplewood in 1981 and was among a group of teachers to unionize the school after a four-year court battle that ended with a ruling by the Minnesota Supreme Court.

She and her husband live in St. Paul. They have two children in the St. Paul public schools.

"We were fortunate to find someone who has experience as a teacher, a local union leader and an organizer at the national level," said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. "Gjerdrum also shares our passion for public schools and building the union movement in Minnesota."