KCEA Advocate April, 2011

The

Advocate The official publication of the Knox County Education Association April, 2011 Volume XXIV Issue 7

KCEA Officers President Jessica Holman

Enough is Enough

Vice-President Sherry Morgan

When You have Finally had Enough, Will You Get Involved?

Secretary Jennifer Owen

Jessica Holman, KCEA President

Treasurer Tanya T. Coats

Executive Board Representatives Support Personnel Open Seat High Schools Emily Dalton Lisa Thomas Middle Schools Karen Peterman Kim Waller Elementary Schools Judy Barnes Kelly Keen Heather Wallace Alternative Schools Amy Arnold Administration Dr. Rodney Russell Minority Member at Large Benny Perry Parliamentarian Paula Brown

TEA / NEA TEA East TN Minority Tanya T. Coats TEA East TN Administrator Carmelita Perry TEA Board, District 4 Jessica Holman TEA-FCPE, District 4 Bill Bell NEA Resolutions Committee Anthony Hancock

TEA Staff Uniserv Director Jim Petrie Administrative Assistant Abbie Hoover

“These are the values inspiring those brave workers in Poland…They remind us that where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost. They remind us that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. You and I must protect and preserve freedom here or it will not be passed on to our children and it would disappear everywhere in the world.”

prescribed Race to the Top reforms to work? All the while, we are being portrayed as if we are the barriers to reform. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. We simply want a voice when reforms are proposed. After all, we are the ones behind the wheel, driving public education in this state.

If you haven’t sent an email, made a phone call, or written a postcard or letter, or traveled to Nashville, the time was yesterday to do so. Our elected leaders must hear from all educators regularly on these issues. We can make a difference. The very future of our jobs depend on it. TEA is not some “union” man in Nashville, making all the decisions. We are the TEA. TEA is governed by its members, the teachers. Now is the time to stand firm together.

United States President, Ronald Reagan Labor Day Address at Liberty State Park, 1980 I haven’t been in public education ten, fifteen, or twenty years. But even when I speak to those who have, they will tell you that they have never seen times like these we are currently facing.

I don’t want to take time up in my President’s column to explain each of the proposed “education” bills in our state legislature and why we are opposed to them.

Hopefully your KCEA building level representative has already kept you up to speed on that. If you still are wondering what all the fuss is about, please go to http:// teateachers.org and find out. I want to tell you why this is important and inspire you to do something about it.

Members have been traveling to Nashville each week to speak up on behalf of teachers, specifically, teachers who are members of the largest organization that represents them. There is a lot of stale rhetoric and hot air coming from most of the legislators pushing their agendas. Quite frankly, these bad bills don’t have a thing to do with education reform, which is what we would prefer they put their efforts toward. Where is the discussion around the new evaluation system and what that will look like?

How to provide supports to schools to meet the newer, higher standards? What about giving adequate time for

We keep hearing about the “big union bosses” and “union thugs” that go around “terrorizing” us to join TEA. When you meet our “union thug,” TEA President Gera Summerford, you’ll see why they quake in their boots: Pictured above, she is on the left.

Photo: Jennifer Owen, NEA Representative Assembly, 2011

THE ADVOCATE

APRIL, 2011

Their Goal is to Divide and Conquer Al Mance, TEA Executive Director Many members of the 107th General Assembly seem to have a distorted view of the relationship between Tennessee educators and the Tennessee Education Association. They want to drive a wedge between teachers and their professional organization. They don’t appear to understand that TEA exists because a large majority of Tennessee teachers have chosen membership to make their voices heard at the local, state and national levels. Some politicians are of the mind that TEA members stand in the way of education reform. I ask, “How can they talk of true reform while demoralizing teachers and degrading our professional rights?”

For more than 140 years, the TEA has been the largest organization of professional educators in this state. We have grown stronger over the years because teachers, administrators and education support professionals have made the choice to unite and participate in a collective effort to improve public schools and the teaching profession. In the current legislature, there is a concerted effort to silence the voice of educators. Let’s imagine for a moment what would happen if they had their way.

Imagine your professional life in a state that prohibits professional negotiations. Your local school board could refuse to meet with you or your representatives to discuss your compensation and your working conditions.

They could immediately cut your health insurance benefit so that you’d be paying 55 percent of your annual premium, an average increase of some $3,000 per year. They could require you to work a longer day, take on extra duties, or give up your planning time. And they could apply such requirements to some teachers, while sparing others! Most legislators don’t recognize that your fellow teachers are the ones at the table representing

you, seeking fair and equitable treatment for all. Nor do they realize that we also have to bargain for basic supplies, teaching materials and textbooks for our students.

Imagine your professional life if you had to work up to 10 years without tenure. At any point during that time you could be dismissed for no reason.

Even an exemplary teacher could be let go without cause. How easy would it be for the school board to create a vacancy and fill it with someone to whom they had promised a job? As one TEA member said to me, “Tenure doesn’t mean I can’t be fired. It just means if they want to fire me, they have to tell me why.” The current tenure law is simply a requirement of due process. Any board with the will to do so can gather evidence and dismiss a teacher if there is sufficient cause, so why the need to extend the probationary period?

Imagine what schools would look like without the requirement of licensure for teaching. I was trained to be a teacher and just because I have a master’s degree in math, I don’t assume I could do any job requiring mathematics. Why would we assume that anyone with a degree can do the job of teaching children?

When I consider these scenarios, I wonder what the motivation is for such changes. None of these proposals would improve teaching and learning in our classrooms. None of them create an environment where educators feel respected and valued for their contributions and service. So why have legislators proposed that we can’t elect our representatives to the retirement board? Why do they want to end our ability to choose payroll deduction for our dues?

I can imagine only one reason—to divide and conquer. This effort by legislators is not about school improvement. It is about weakening the ability of teachers to have a collective voice.

Now, more than ever, Tennessee’s teachers will not be silenced.

Teachers and supporters gather at Legislative Plaza to rally for public education. Last attendance estimates were between 3,000 and 5,000.

The Tea Party has a counter‐protest across the street, at the Capitol. They look lonely.

March 5th Rally in Nashville

THE ADVOCATE

APRIL, 2011

Evelyn Gill ‐ Candidate for President

Sherry Morgan ‐ Candidate for President

My name is Evelyn Gill, and I am running for KCEA President and would appreciate your support and VOTE. I am in my 7th year as a Special Education Teacher at Carter High School.

Knox County Education Association Offices: •Vice‐President •Representative, Karns Middle •Secretary •Middle School Board member •Chair, Human Relations Committee •Chair, Elections Committee •Chair, KC‐PACE •Professional Advisory Council •Legislative Committee •County Commission Contact Team

I have been actively involved with the Association since 2004, and I currently serve as High School Rep. for Carter High. My Association experience includes serving on the KCEA Executive Board, the Minority Affairs Committee, and the Sick Bank Board, and being a member of the Knox County Political Action Team for Education and G.R.E.A.T. I was the recipient of the 2007 Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2010 Community Shares “Gardener of Change” Award for Outstanding Educator.

These are challenging times, as collective bargaining is being threatened in Tennessee. If elected KCEA President, I will work to the best of my ability on your behalf, advocating for the needs and concerns of students, teachers and administrators in Knox County, to ensure that your voice is heard.

2009 ‐ present 1993 ‐ present 1993 ‐ 1997 2001‐2003, 2005‐2009 1997 2003‐2008 2008 – present 1993‐2002 1993‐present 1993‐97, 2007‐2009

I have been involved in Association activities since 1989. Since 1993, I have been a TEA delegate to the Representative Assembly. Also at the state level, I have worked with the Communications Committee, Legislative Editing Committee, and the Grassroots Cadre.

I have had the pleasure of addressing the Tennessee Legislature’s Education Oversight Committee on medicine and medical procedures affecting teachers and staff. I have attended several TEA Leadership schools and have been a delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly since 2005.

I am currently a legislative contact team member for Rep. Steve Hall and have worked with all our incumbent legislators and current county mayor.

As your president, I will recruit new members, as well as listen to and act on the concerns of our members.

Brad Corum

Candidate for Administrative Representative I have worked for the Knox County School System for the past 13 years: first, as a social studies teacher at Karns High School and for the past 7 years as an administrator.

I am currently an assistant principal at West Valley Middle School.

My reasons for seeking this office are many. I believe, first and foremost, that teachers and administrators will need strong leadership and guidance through the coming changes associated with the “Race to the Top” legislation.

As a teacher and administrator, I feel I have always been a voice for strong educational leadership and fair accountability for classroom teachers. As a member of the KCEA Executive Board, I will have the opportunity to play an active role in the facilitation of better administrator‐teacher relationships during this period of transition for our system and state.

Kayla Montgomery

Candidate for Ethnic/Minority Member at Large I am a proud member of the KCEA, TEA, and NEA. I serve as the chair for the Minority Affairs Committee and have been for three consecutive years. Prior to chairing that committee I was an active member of the association with no real role just attending meetings making sure that I “Work With My Association as My Association Works for Me.” I want to continue working but this time in the capacity of Ethnic/ Minority Member at Large. With zeal and resilience I am committed to serving in that new capacity with your votes. Thank you.

THE ADVOCATE

APRIL, 2011

Tanya T. Coats ‐ Candidate for President

Lisa Thomas ‐ Candidate for Vice President

Knox County Education Association Offices: • Treasurer • Executive Board Member • Minority Affairs Committee • Public Relations Committee • Elections Committee • TEA Board of Directors for East Tennessee • KC‐PACE

My name is Lisa Thomas, and I am running for KCEA Vice President.

I am an Instructional Coach (CIF) at Green Magnet Math & Science Academy. As an advocate for Knox County School Teachers, I serve as the chair of Green Magnet’s SWS Leadership Team and a commit coach to coach of the Coaches Network. I have served as chair of TEA’s Administrative Task Force Committee and currently serve as chair of the Minority Affairs Committee.

As your current Treasurer of KCEA, I believe in being financially and physically sound. To achieve this goal would take a visionary like me to reach for all the possibilities. My goal is to strengthen KCEA’s collaborative efforts with Knox County Schools and more importantly strengthen our membership.

“Upon verifying my credentials in numerous leadership roles which have included being a parliamentarian, financial officer, logistics coordinator, event planner, collaborator, president and an on‐going list of other offices, I have left a trail of evidence that will prove that I am well‐ prepared to be a captain of KCEA’s stronghold ship. Therefore, I would appreciate your vote of confidence to represent KCEA as President.”

I have been a member of KCEA for 7 years, an Association Representative for 5 years, and High School Representative on the Board for 1 year.

I have been a special educator for 7 years; before that I worked at a non‐ profit.

I am VERY passionate about teaching children, all children, but I am, also, very passionate about TEACHERS!!! I ask you to vote for me. We need passionate leaders in this changing educational environment, and I will be the best leader I know how to be!

Jennifer B. Owen ‐ Candidate for Secretary Morgan County Education Association 1992‐1996 Knox County Education Association 1996 ‐ present •Delegate to the TEA Representative Assembly 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 • •Secretary 2009 ‐ present •Editor of The Advocate 2009 ‐ present •Webmaster 2010 ‐ present •Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly2010 TEA Legislative Editing Committee East TN Band & Orchestra Association TN Secondary Schools Band Directors Association •Exec Secretary‐Treasurer •Secretary

Candidates Not Pictured: Tiffany Watkins Candidate for Elementary Representative

Sherry Hensley Candidate for Administrative Representative

TBA Candidate for High School Representative

2006‐2008 1992‐2004 1992‐2004 1998‐2004 1996‐1998

As KCEA Secretary, my goal has been to clearly document the work of the Executive Board and Representative Assembly so that the minutes may serve as a guide to the executive board in carrying out the directives of the membership.

This year, I have begun regular visits to our Representatives at the State Capitol.

When communicating our concerns, I let them know that I am a teacher, first and foremost.

While serving my Association, I believe in seeking and sharing accurate information that concerns all professional educators.

THE ADVOCATE

APRIL, 2011

How to Access & Use the Legislative Action Center Visit http://capwiz.com/nea/tn/home

Find & contact elected officials • Click the Elected Officials tab.

• Enter your zip code & click Go.

• If requested, enter your address (for zip codes that split legislative districts)

• At the top, is a link to the TN Legislative Directory and a link to the President’s information.

• Your local elected officials appear in the center.

• Legislative leadership and committee links appear toward the bottom.

Follow Issues & Legislation •Click the blue Issues & Legislation tab

• A list of topics will appear, from which you can choose.

• NEA & TEA items are included.

• Legislative bill numbers and Action Alerts are included.

• Click on an Action Alert to get a pre‐written e‐mail that can be sent or customized and sent to your elected official(s).

• Select whether to send an e‐mail or a printed letter.

• Select which portions of the pre‐ written message you want to include in your message and/or add your own sentence(s).

• Enter your closing and your name.

• Enter your contact information.

• Click an elected official’s name to see a biography.

• Click the Contact tab to get contact information including phone, e‐mail, street address and Web site, if available.

• Choose to sign up for e‐mail lists (This allows us to send you future e‐mails if we need you to contact your elected officials about a topic.)

• Select whether or not you’d like to send a copy to NEA. • Click Preview Message if you wish to review and edit your message prior to sending it.

• You can send e‐mail messages directly to your elected official from this location.

• Click Send Message and it will go to your Senator and Representative.

THE ADVOCATE

APRIL, 2011

Calendar of Events

We aren’t waiting; Super Teachers are everywhere!

This Super Teacher is Andrew Corbin from North Carolina. He is District 4B Director for the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), a theater teacher, and triathlete. Our editor “met” him at the NEA RA last summer via Twitter, where he is @tricorbin When asked for permission to use this picture, he replied, “Absolutely!”

March 28

•Candidate speeches given at the RA. •Election ed. of Advocate to ARs to distribute.

•Voting window opens

March 28

KCEA Representative Assembly 4:30 PM ‐ KCEA Building

April 1‐2

TEA Spring Symposium

April 4

Knox County School Board Meeting ‐ 5PM

April 6

Knox County School Board Meeting ‐ 5PM

April 8

•Voting window closes at 5PM •Candidates MUST file one copy of all

distributed campaign materials at the KCEA Office by 5PM April 8

TUEAC ‐ Nashville

April 11

KCEA Executive Board Meeting 4:30PM ‐ KCEA Building

April 15

Tax Day

April 22

Good Friday ‐ KCEA Office Closed

April 24

Easter

April 25

KCEA Representative Assembly 4:30 PM ‐ KCEA Building

May 2‐6

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 2

Knox County School Board Meeting ‐ 5PM

May 4

Knox County School Board Meeting ‐ 5PM

May 8

Mothers’ Day

May 9

KCEA Executive Board Meeting 4:30PM ‐ KCEA Building

May 23

KCEA Representative Assembly 4:30 PM ‐ KCEA Building

May 25

Last Day for Students

If you or your colleagues have questions about Tennessee’s Race to the Top application, the Tennessee First to the Top Act or the work of the evaluation advisory committee, the most direct route to get them answered by TEA is to e‐mail them to AskTEA@tea.nea.org.

May 26

In Service

May 27

Administrative Day

We’ll do our best to keep you informed.

May 30

Memorial Day

If you have pictures of other Super Teachers, please send them to KCEA@owenwebs.com

If It Weren't For The Union

by Peter Hicks and Geoff Francis, 1991 Our union's story is there to be seen, We've won many victories and we've suffered defeats, But as I turn through the pages and look back through time, There's one single question stands out in my mind ‐ Today we may prosper, today we live free, But if it weren't for the union, where would we be?

Chorus: It's our union, our union that defends our rights, But our union's as strong as our will is to fight, For the union is you and the union is me, So stand up and stand by our union.

Hear the song here: http://unionsong.com/u428.html

Questions? Ask TEA

Our Mission To promote quality education in Knox County, the Knox County Education Association will provide a support system that guarantees the opportunity for professional growth, secures and improves benefits, and protects the rights of educators of Knox County.

Contact KCEA 2411 Ma gn o l i a Ave. Kn ox vi l l e, T N 37917 Office: 865.522.9793 Cell: 865.660.0822 Fax: 865.522.9866

http:// KCEA in Touch .org For past issues of The Advocate, full size photos, updated calendars, and additional information, please visit the KCEA website.