NSEA The Voice Dec 09

The

Voice The Nebraska State Education Association December 2009

December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 1

On the Cover: Michael Fryda’s career plans were altered when he discovered how much he enjoyed teaching.

For the story, see

Page 8.

THE

VOICE Nebraska State Education Association 605 S. 14th Street, Suite 200 Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org (402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047

Volume 63, No. 4 ISSN Number: 1085-0783 USPS Number: 000-369 Executive Director Assoc. Executive Director Communications Director Assistant Comm. Director

Craig R. Christiansen Neal Clayburn Karen Kilgarin Al Koontz

NSEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jess Wolf, Hartington Vice President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia NEA Director Mark Shively, Omaha NEA Director Leann Widhalm, Norfolk

Official publication of the Nebraska State Education Association, Suite 200, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to NSEA Voice, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742.

Published 10 times yearly according to this schedule: September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May and August.

Payment of annual NSEA membership dues entitles Nebraska educators to receive The Voice. Total cost of producing 10 monthly issues of The Voice each year is about $4.84 per member.

Advertising rates of The Voice are available from the assistant communications director. All advertisements and advertisers are screened prior to publication.

Appearance of an advertisement in The Voice does not necessarily imply NSEA endorsement of either the product being advertised or the views being expressed.

Great Public Schools For Every Child Page 2 The NSEA Voice December 2009

Be the First to Know: Get NSEA Text Alerts Keep Tabs on News with NSEA, Legislature It just became easier to be “in the know and the first to know.”

NSEA now offers text message alerts! NSEA has created three text messaging groups, and members can sign up for one, two or all three options.

The all-member group will receive short text messages on general information relating to NSEA activities.

The legislative group will receive texts pertaining to state and federal lawmaking. The SEAN (student) group will focus on events and issues for that NSEA affiliate.

“We will not bombard our members with text messages,” said NSEA Director of Communications Karen Kilgarin. “But we do want members to receive timely updates on legislation or reminders about important events.

“This service will be a useful communication tool, especially for those members who use text messaging as a primary form of communication,” said Kilgarin.

To sign up for the text messaging service, provide the requested information at this Web site: http://www.nsea.org/text. htm Members can also sign up by e-mailing their first and last names and a cell phone number to Kristi Capek at: kristi.capek@nsea.org Members can easily unsubscribe, if desired. They can either reply to a received text message with the word STOP, visit the NSEA Web address used to sign up and follow the link to the form to STOP messages. Or, just call NSEA, provide your cell phone number, and request messages stop.

NSEA Matching Grants Aid Locals in Elections The NSEA Board of Directors has approved matching funds grants to several local associations this fall as their school districts attempt levy override elections or school bond elections.

NSEA will match the donations of local association members in such election campaigns. At the board’s September and October board meetings, several such matching fund requests were approved. They included: The Ord Education Association, $2,000 for a $9 million school bond election that passed.

The Sutton Education Association, $500 for a levy override election.

The district sought to add 20 cents to the allowable levy for a five-year period. The measure passed.

The Grand Island Northwest Education Association, $350 for a $6.7 million middle school bond issue. The

bond issue failed.

The Paxton Education Association, $500 for an $8.2 million bond election to renovate existing facilities and to add four classrooms and work space. The bond issue passed.

The Superior Education Association, $375 for a bond election. The bond issue passed.

The Holdrege Education Association, $700 for a $17.3 million bond election to build a consolidated elementary school and complete renovations at the high school. That bond issue failed in September.

The matching funds are to be used for the purchase of advertising or signage in support of the local bond issue or levy override election, and may also be used for printed materials, promotional meetings and mailings to voters.

For more details, contact NSEA’s Cathy Schapmann at: cathy.schapman@nsea.org

From the President

Remember the Big Picture

NSEA President Jess Wolf ‘...to shortchange our children is tantamount to bringing ruin to the democracy we hold so dear.’

The Legislature has done its job in Special Session, slicing $334 million out of a state budget that was already as lean as a circus thin man.

NSEA leaders and Government Relations staff worked hand-in-hand with Gov. Dave Heineman and Sen. Greg Adams, chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee, to make certain that cuts in state aid to education were minimal. The results: There will be no cuts in state aid for the current school year.

As for 2010-11, state aid will remain at this year’s level ($933 million), saving the state about $32 million over the state aid formula’s projected output of $965 million.

While the final figures are not catastrophic, we all know and understand that any cuts to education will not only hurt children, but those cuts also threaten our state’s long-term economic and social well-being.

The Tough Part NSEA’s message to the governor, to state senators and to the public at large during this budget-cutting process has been simple: school districts, community college boards, and four-year institutions must make any budget cuts resulting from the Legislature’s action as far from the classroom as possible.

Now comes the tough part – getting local decision makers to heed that call.

I won’t deny that this is a difficult task, one I would not relish if I were in the shoes of those with the authority to make such decisions. Perhaps a simple reminder about the role education plays in the development of the youth in our state would be of help. Perhaps a reminder of education’s role in the “Big Picture?”

That role, quite literally, is very sim-

ple: the future of our society, and our democracy, depends upon the education of our children.

The fact that our society has been successful lends credit to the vision and foresight of those past decision makers who have, to this point, made the right calls on education and education spending in Nebraska. The education offered to Nebraska’s children is among the best in the nation, but I believe there is a delicate balance between maintaining the quality we provide today, and slipping into mediocrity. And here’s the danger: to shortchange our children is tantamount to bringing ruin to the democracy we hold so dear. Indeed, it is not too bold a statement to say that to fail to educate our children properly threatens the stability of our democracy and our society.

Cool, Logical Thinking Therefore, “cuts far from the classroom” mean just that. Those in charge of budgets must first consider reducing portions of their school budgets that least affect classroom outcomes. Areas that ought to be explored for cuts first include curtailing non-student travel costs; limiting purchases to items needed in the classroom; forgoing major property improvements until better financial times; and dipping into cash reserves. Dare I say it? Use the stimulus dollars for their intended purpose: to preserve jobs and stimulate the local economy.

There is no doubt that public education will face other challenges in the future. Indeed, this financial challenge is far from over. But with cool heads and logical thinking, we can overcome those hurdles – as long as we keep the “big picture” in mind and let it lead our education spending decisions.

December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 3

Page 4 The NSEA Voice December 2009

Taking Leave? Consider this Advice Maintain Membership: Issues Can Crop up on Your Return When a school employee is in the midst of planning for a leave or sabbatical, the last thing on the employee’s mind is what happens after the employee returns to the job.

So NSEA’s Director of Member Rights Trish Guinan has one item to add to the pre-sabbatical check list: maintain your NSEA membership.

That’s good advice, considering that many school employees encounter salary, sick day or other issues that need to be resolved once they return to the job. In most instances, those are the types of entanglements that NSEA can resolve quickly.

“There are many issues that can come up when members take a leave of absence or sabbatical,” said Guinan. “The main problems are encountered when members come back: what’s the status of sick days – did they accumulate while the member was on leave? There are always questions about assignments,

salary schedule standing or how salary is calculated. And sometimes, there are questions about whether there is back pay owed to the employee.”

NSEA’s Member Rights team, as well as the NSEA UniServ corps, is very adept at tackling those kinds of issues. Thus, continued Association membership not only gives the member the value of professional expertise, it also saves the member the time and trouble of resolving such issues alone.

Guinan said leave can be taken for a number of reasons.

Medical leave for personal health is common, as is taking leave to raise children, and medical leave to care for elderly parents.

Military leave is also becoming more common, though such leave may not fall along semester breaks.

“The bottom line is this: no matter what kind of leave you’re considering, maintain your NSEA membership,” said Guinan.

“It will save you time and trouble when you return.”

For more questions, call your NSEA UniServ director, or Guinan, at 1-800-742-0047.

NSEA Access has Arrived Your Savings Can Begin with 2009-10 Card, Which Arrives in Your Mailbox This Week It’s in your mailbox.

The new, 2009-10 NSEA Access Membership Card should have arrived at your home address on about Dec. 1.

The card opens a whole new world of savings to NSEA members, and offers the opportunity to save much more than the cost of membership each year.

And in the current state of the economy, nothing is more important than saving when shopping.

NSEA’s Access Card serves double duty. It’s both an Association membership card and a discount card than can be used at thousands of merchant sites across the country. Whether you’re shopping for new clothes, or dining out, looking for hotel discounts or buying home electronics, your NSEA Access Membership Card can save you cash.

The card you just received is valid through December 2010. All NSEA members, including first-time members, can access the same savings by

using their individual 10-digit Association identification number, which appears on the card and above the name on every Association mailing.

To start saving, members must activate their card once it arrives. It’s easy to do, by following these steps: Log on to the NSEA Web site at: www.nsea.org Enter your member ID number (located on the front of the card or on the mailing label above your name).

Create your personal account by following the registration instructions.

You can also activate your account by calling the toll-free number listed on the back of each card.

Some merchants require that you present your card at the time of purchase. Others require that you print a coupon from the Access Web site, so be certain to check the individual merchant page on the Web site for specific instructions.

Start saving!

More Settlements Hit ‘Gold Star’ Status Contracts Improved Another half-dozen Nebraska school districts have settled contracts deserving of ‘Gold Star Settlement’ status.

Such settlements have significant language or contract enhancements and are unofficially designated as ‘Gold Star’ settlements by NSEA. These settlements join dozens of others that have seen increases of $1,000 or more on base salary this year.

For a complete report, go to: www.nsea.org Among the latest settlements: Arlington Base increase: $1,025, or 3.4%.

New Base: $31,170.

Wausa Base increase: $1,000, or 3.5%.

New base: $28,400.

ESU No. 5, Beatrice Base increase: $1,370, or 4.5%.

New base: $31,675.

Westside Base increase: $2,700, or 8.5%.

New base: $34,200.

North Loup Scotia Base increase: $1,000, or 3.7%.

New base: $27,800.

Millard 09-10 increase: $1,649, or 5%.

New base: $34,383.

10-11 increase: $1,649, or 4.8%.

New base: $36,032.

December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 5

State Aid Defended NSEA Lobbying Efforts in Special Session Minimize State Aid Cuts, Bring Attention to Pushing Cuts Away from the Classroom

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.

When the Nebraska Legislature met in special session last month to solve the state’s budget crisis, NSEA put on a well-coordinated offensive. Looking to defend a vital state aid package, as well as to preserve teaching jobs essential to quality education, NSEA had two critical goals.

First, NSEA urged policymakers to maintain the state’s commitment of $933 million in state aid for this school year, and to make the smallest possible cut to the $965 million state aid package for 2010-11.

Second, NSEA asked that lawmakers encourage school districts to make budget cuts for 2010-11 as far from the classroom as possible.

Both goals were met. Senators left the $933 million state aid package for this year untouched. Then, in 2010-11, state aid will remain static – at $933 million. While that’s a $32 million reduction from the $965 million in needs projected by the state aid formula, it was a victory for public schools. Senators went elsewhere to plug the rest of the state’s $334 million budget hole.

“The state aid cut for 2010-11 will cause pain and program cuts,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. “But the cuts to state aid could have been much, much deeper.”

Wolf noted that education jobs saved will help the economic recovery, as well as the state’s revenue shortfall.

“Education jobs saved and education dollars spent on Main Streets across Nebraska will contribute to the economy and to state sales and income tax receipts,” said Wolf. “Public education is part of the budget solution in both problems: spending cuts and tax revenue.”

NSEA’s quick action on the second goal – cuts away from the classroom – will help soften the effect of 2010-11 state aid cuts on the state’s public school classrooms.

Capitol Blitz As the Special Session got into full swing, NSEA worked with Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill on an amendment Page 6 The NSEA Voice December 2009

McGill

White

Dubas

Hadley

Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln introduced an amendment to LB5, the Legislature’s bill designed to slow the growth of state aid, during the Special Session in November.

McGill’s amendment, developed with NSEA’s help, pushed school districts to make any budget cuts resulting from state aid cuts as far from the classroom as possible.

Here is what McGill and some of her colleagues said about the amendment: “I believe the Legislature needs to make it clear to school districts that any cuts that result from leveling this state aid be made as far from the classroom as possible.”

Sen. Amanda McGill, Lincoln “I support Sen. McGill’s amendment because, first of all, it is our constitutional obligation to provide an appropriate education. Money is the only tool we have to ensure that is done.”

Sen. Tom White, Omaha “I think education is the foundation for all the other issues that we deal with in this body. If we have an educated populace, we’re going to eliminate a lot of other services that people may need one day down the road. So any dollar that we invest in education is a dollar well spent. And that will give us a great return on our investment.”

Sen. Annette Dubas, Fullerton “I want to give school boards one more chance. But this is a shot across the bow. If you don’t do this right, I’ll guarantee you the Legislature will be back, because we’re spending a billion dollars in your districts.”

Sen. Galen Hadley, Kearney

that highlighted the need to keep state aid reductions as far from the classroom as possible. The amendment went so far as to outline where cuts might be made. It also required districts to make public proposed budget cuts, and penalized districts that did not first cut noninstructional items.

Then, working quickly to garner broad support, NSEA lobbyists went on an early morning blitz, contacting nearly every one of the state’s 49 senators.

That effort drew 10 co-sponsors for McGill’s amendment and another 20

senators who said they would support, or were leaning toward supporting, the amendment.

‘One Chance’ While McGill announced beforehand that the amendment would be withdrawn before a vote, the issue was front and center in the Legislature for more than 90 minutes. And the point was made: education cuts should come as far from the classroom as possible.

“I believe the Legislature needs to make it clear to school districts that any

cuts that result from leveling this state aid be made as far from the classroom as possible,” said McGill.

“A high school junior does not benefit if the pre-calculus class or the computer class she had hoped to take is cut and then restored after she has graduated,” said McGill. “The fact is that our children have one chance at a quality education. And we, the Legislature, have an obligation to provide that education.”

Monitoring Cuts Omaha Sen. Tom White agreed, and noted that education is a constitutional obligation of the state.

“I support Sen. McGill’s amendment because, first of all, it is our constitutional obligation to provide an appropriate education. Money is the only tool we have to ensure that is done,” he said.

Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley issued a warning, noting that state aid is a nearly $1 billion a year line item for the state.

“I want to give school boards one more chance,” said Hadley. “But this is a shot across the bow. If you don’t do this right, I’ll guarantee you the Legislature will be back, because we’re spending a billion dollars in your districts.”

‘More Than a Request’ Before McGill’s amendment was pulled, there was further evidence that senators were interested in the concept.

Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm was particularly supportive of the amendment provision that required school districts to report how and where cuts were made.

He said state senators need to know how the cuts will affect education.

“My hope is that at some point we could make that more than just a request to school districts, but require some kind of reporting by school districts to show how they’ve dealt with this,” he said.

Membership Drive Will Save Jobs NSEA Board OKs Use of Mid-Year Campaign to Help Protect Jobs Expected Next Spring The most valuable asset owned by any educator is the job they perform each and every day of the work week. And without a doubt, the best way to protect that job is to join NSEA. In these harsh economic times, and with a $32 million reduction in state aid to schools next year, teaching jobs will almost certainly be at risk across the state next spring. That’s the time of year when the school district budgeting process for 2010-11 will begin to come into focus.

With that in mind, NSEA’s Board of Directors has opened an almost never-used, mid-year membership campaign for non-members. Beginning on Monday, Nov. 23, and through Friday, Dec. 18, non-members may join NSEA and NEA at a pro-rated cost.

The reasoning behind the membership campaign is simple, said NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen.

“If there are educators out there who are not members now, they will risk their jobs next spring when school boards begin to make budget-cutting decisions,” he said.

“We’re offering this one-time membership window as a service to our colleagues,” said Christiansen.

“New members will also bolster the strength of our organization.”

The campaign offers membership for the remaining nine months of the fiscal year to nonmembers at 75 percent of the cost of a full-year membership. Educators who join NSEA during the campaign will be full members, eligible for all NSEA services, including UniServ assistance and legal services. However, those new members will not be eligible for legal services for incidents or accusations that occurred prior to membership.

Local dues will be billed at the local association’s discretion.

The dues dollars spent will be well worth the cost when a teacher’s income is on the line. With a 142-year record to stand on, NSEA is the most effective agent in defending teachers and other public school employees facing job loss.

NSEA President Jess Wolf has already e-mailed local association presidents, urging them to make contact with every potential member in their school district.

“We’re asking local presidents to begin the campaign by inviting every non-member to become a part of the NSEA family,” said Wolf. “We need them, and they need us.”

Want to Be Politically Active? Join NSEA’s GR Committee!

Two years ago, NSEA leadership expanded the Association’s then-relatively small Government Relations Committee to 24 members. The committee is charged with keeping lines of communication open to state senators and policymakers.

That expansion assigned one committee member to every two legislative districts. The logic at the time was that 24 members would be manageable, both in numbers and cost.

However, two unexpected events have happened since.

First, the Government Relations Committee has held recent meetings through Webex technology, which has not only worked well, but has saved travel costs and member time.

Second, the 24 members of the committee seem to be active

in their own legislative district, but not quite so active in their neighboring assigned district.

With those facts to consider, the NSEA Board of Directors in October voted to expand the committee to 49 members, with one member from each of Nebraska’s 49 legislative districts.

Also on the committee are the NSEA Board officers, the NSEA executive director and members of the NSEA Government Relations staff.

If you are interested in serving on the Government Relations Committee in the future, or are interested in becoming an NSEA CyberLobbyist, please contact NSEA’s Cathy Schapmann at: cathy.schapmann@nsea.org December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 7

On the spot: Nebraska 2010 Teacher of the Year Michael Fryda does most of his assessment of student learning in the classroom as he interacts with students.

The Fryda Files Natural Science teacher, Westside District 66 Community Schools, Omaha.

Bachelor’s degree in science (zoology) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Master’s degree in secondary teaching (biology) from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Added endorsement in Assessment Leadership from UNL. Working toward a doctorate in Fryda science education and assessment at UNL. Career Westside High School 9-12 science teacher since 2003. Natural Science Team leader at Westside since 2005.

Other Facts Has served on the State Science Assessments Committee for five years.

Has served on the Westside Community Schools District Grading For Learning Task Force since 2006.

Has been a member of the Westside Community Schools Staff Development Cadre since 2007.

Has been a PowerSchool Web GradeBook pilot participant and trainer since 2007.

Page Page 88 The The NSEA NSEA Voice Voice December December 2009 2009

True Love 2010 Teacher of the Year Loves His Profession On his way to a career in scientific research, Michael Fryda discovered his true first love: teaching.

That discovery led him to another passion: assessment.

OK, so perhaps teaching isn’t Fryda’s first love, but his decision to switch from a career in science research to a career in the classroom was momentous.

“Other than marrying my wife,” he said, “it was the best decision I ever made.”

It has also turned out to be quite beneficial for students at Westside District 66 High School in Omaha, where Fryda teaches. Those students now have the 2010 Nebraska School Teacher of the Year at the head of their natural science classroom.

Fryda was selected for the honor in late October, and was introduced along with three other finalists at a luncheon at the Nebraska Governor’s Mansion.

Other finalists were Tom Jaworski,

Adams Central High School; Wanda Stelk, Grand Island Public Schools; and Amanda Stalnaker, Millard Public Schools (see sidebar).

‘Having a Blast’ Fryda earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and was recruited to pursue his PhD in science research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Even though he comes from a family of teachers, Fryda didn’t consider a teaching career. It wasn’t until he took a job as a teaching assistant at UNL that he changed course.

“I was sitting there as the teaching assistant in classes, and having a blast doing that,” said Fryda. “But I knew I didn’t have the tools to do a good job.

“I knew I was missing the teaching skills.”

After earning a master’s degree in secondary education, with an endorse-

ment in biology, he was hired at Westside. In his first year he developed a passion for improving assessment, an aspect of teaching that, Fryda says, has “always been so much more about the letter grade than the actual learning. We need to turn that around.”

He’s since added an assessment leadership endorsement to his resume, and is working on his doctorate in science education and assessment.

Oral Feedback His keen interest in assessment was focused when a student questioned why he was receiving failing grades in Fryda’s biology classroom. The teen could answer questions and explain concepts to support his answers. But he didn’t do well on homework or tests.

That student’s question more than caught Fryda off guard. It was a formative moment that pushed him to question his assessment methods.

Traditionally, students who fail to meet homework and testing expectations are punished in the form of poor or failing grades, said Fryda, even though some students are not yet cognitively able to be responsible.

“I’ve seen nothing in my seven-year career that shows that punishing kids has made them more responsible.”

So Fryda constantly seeks verbal feedback from his students. He’s a bundle of energy moving around the classroom, constantly challenging his students to answer questions, and to substantiate those answers. Proficiency is determined on the spot.

“Most feedback is oral, right at the point of instruction,” he said.

“Kids learn quickly that they can’t stand up here and spit out a right answer,” he said. “They have to answer questions and need to be able to defend their answers.”

That method changes the paradigm by valuing genuine understanding over completion of work.

“The teaching profession cannot afford to neglect such important reform, because it has the power to improve student achievement for all students,” said Fryda.

Concerning the bright student who failed at traditional assessment methods: “I had plenty of oral evidence that he heard and understood the work,” said Fryda. “I gave him a passing grade.”

Common Ground In his Teacher of the Year applica-

Growing Responsible Citizens and Problem Solvers Finalists Push Students to Work Hard, Excel Four Nebraska teachers were finalists for the 2010 Teacher of the Year Award. In addition to winner Michael Fryda, they included Thomas Jaworski, a grades 5-12 instrumental music teacher for the Adams Central Public Schools near Hastings; Wanda Stelk, a K-5 media, technology and gifted educator at West Lawn Elementary School in Grand Island; and Amanda Stalnaker, a grades 6-8 special education teacher at Millard North High School. Fryda, Jaworski and Stelk are NSEA members.

Jaworski says that while he teaches music, he also teaches students to be responsible citizens.

“This development of citizens as individuals has led to the building of a band program that Stelk Jaworski regularly steps onto district and statewide stages with success,” wrote Jaworski in his Teacher of the Year application.

Jaworski feels it is his “duty to educate to the best of my ability all the children that enter my classroom.

“My responsibilities begin by helping each child develop self-confidence at the beginning level,” he wrote.

Jaworski is past president of the Genoa Education Association, the Weeping Water Education Association, and the Adams Central Education Association, as well as the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association. His Adams Central band marched at President Obama’s Inauguration in January and his Weeping Water band marched at President Reagan’s Inauguration in 1985.

Wanda Stelk has the special interest of her second grade teacher to thank for her desire to teach. In second grade, her family moved from Nebraska to South Dakota, where she found herself behind other students.

“She worked with me every day after school to get me caught up,” said Stelk. “The special interest shown in me greatly contributed to my desire to teach.”

In middle school and high school, a math teacher and a French teacher were influential.

“Their teaching styles, mastery of the curriculum and love of students continued to feed my desire to teach,” she said.

With those influences, Stelk’s “main focus in education has been to provide the best learning experiences for my students, both in and out of the school setting.”

When she left the classroom in 2001 to become an integration specialist, she knew she had to gain additional training. Her graduate work in gifted education led to a doctorate in education studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

She’s also gained the understanding of what it takes to be a good teacher.

“It is through good teaching that students learn to believe in themselves and gain the skills necessary to work with other people, become thinkers and problem solvers, and develop admirable work ethics,” she said.

tion, Fryda said highly qualified teachers who know how to improve student learning are the heart of a strong teaching profession. For his part, Fryda wants to change teaching for the better.

“Classroom practices that improve student learning are the real measures of individual teacher success and professional accountability,” he wrote in his application.

All teachers, he said, have used strategies that could use improvement.

Teachers are sometimes reluctant to change methods, and that caution indicates exactly how much is at stake.

“We may not agree on what is best for children, but we are reaching common ground on what it means for students to be successful in the nation’s classrooms,” he said.

“I believe we can improve education one highly-qualified teacher at a time,” he said.

Spoken like someone who loves his profession.

December2009 2009 The TheNSEA NSEAVoice Voice Page Page9 9 December

Page 10 The NSEA Voice December 2009

NSEA Works for Members Member Rights Wins Exemplify Some of the Reasons for Membership NSEA’s Member Rights Department helps hundreds of members resolve workplace issues every year.

The department works closely with NSEA’s 18 UniServ directors to make certain that workplace conflicts are resolved fairly and quickly, so that members can focus on their job: teaching.

Here are summaries of three cases.

Medical Leave Denied After the Fact When a member in central Nebraska applied for a three-day family illness leave, her building principal gave her the A-OK. The leave slip was then forwarded to the main office, but the member never received a final verification. The member took the leave, and returned to school to find out that the leave had been denied by a midlevel manager at the central office.

The member called NSEA. With her NSEA UniServ director at her side, the member met informally with the school superintendent and business manager to review what happened. After that discussion, the district offered a compromise: the district would allow two days of paid leave under the family illness policy, and the member would use one of her personal leave days for the third day.

District officials put that proposal in writing, and the member, willing to accept that offer, signed off, preserving further loss of personal days or pay.

Unjustified Improvement Plan Dropped with NSEA When an NSEA member at a Nebraska community college was placed on a Personal Improvement Plan by his administrator earlier this semester, the member turned to NSEA and called his UniServ director.

“It seemed to the member, and to his NSEA UniServ director, that he had been placed on a Personal Improvement Plan for unjustifiable reasons,” said Trish Guinan, NSEA’s director of Member Rights.

According to the local association’s contract with the college, the issue did not fall under allowable grievances. But because there were no other options for resolution, the UniServ director coached the member through the first, informal, step of the grievance process, which the member then handled on his own.

“The result was exactly what the member had asked for in his grievance – the Personal Improvement Plan was withdrawn,” said Guinan.

Both the member and the UniServ director deserve accolades for a job well done, said Guinan.

Member’s Pay Grade Corrected, Thanks to NSEA In another higher education case, an NSEA member at Metro Community College was not placed on the appropriate base salary level at the time of hire, which was not discovered until two years later, during a salary promotion application. The member called NSEA. It took a review of the member’s academic credentials, verification of those credentials, plus a meeting with Metro Human Resources administrators, to clear up the issue. The member was placed on the correct salary level – moving up two pay grades and nearly $10,000 – in early November. College administrators also agreed to pay the member at the correct pay grade, retroactive to the start of the fall quarter.

Reading Conference Set for February “Light the Torch for Literacy” is the theme for the Nebraska State Reading Conference, to be held Feb. 25-27 in Kearney.

If your principal is interested in seeing research-based instruction on everything from RTI to comprehension strategies, there is something at the conference that will meet those needs. Amazing learning opportunities are being scheduled through workshops and sessions by nationally known speakers, authors and illustrators. There will also be an exposition with displays of the latest educational products.

Check the Web site for speakers, sessions and registration details: www.nereads.org December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 11

On the Side of Angels Legendary Lobbyist Herb Schimek, Teacher, Education Advocate, to Retire Herb Schimek is, first and foremost, a teacher.

He owns two college degrees in education. He taught for two years in Colorado, seven more in Nebraska.

Schimek’s biggest teaching success, however, has come in the past 38 years, as he taught state policymakers about the need to fund, protect and improve public education. His work touched every teacher and student in Nebraska in that time, and will shape the state’s education policy for years to come.

On Dec. 31, he will retire as NSEA’s first – and only – director of Government Relations. He has accomplished much.

In the late 1960s, he was part of a tidal surge that turned Standing tall: Herb Schimek’s 38-year career at NSEA has been the administrator-led NSEA into a teacher-led Association. spent working to improve public education in Nebraska. Much of As a leader in the Hastings Education Association (HEA) his work has been focused on lobbying the Nebraska Legislature. at about the same time, Schimek – along with Hastings colleague and future NSEA Executive Director Jim Griess – led guided by a favored idiom – Schimek says battles on behalf the HEA to the then-new Commission of Industrial Relations of teachers and public schools are fought “on the side of the to resolve a bargaining impasse. The HEA, one of the first local angels” – he was destined for a political life. associations to seek such relief from the CIR, won that case.

The oldest of four sons, Schimek’s father was a jobless He was a key actor in the passage of the state’s first fair German teacher who went to work for the railroad in North dismissal law in the 1970s, and has influenced virtually every Platte in the 1930s. Before dinner, the brothers read Drew education-related bill before the Legislature since 1975.

Pearson’s Washington Merry-Go-Round column in The North He has been relentless in pursuit of a slow, deliberate imPlatte Telegraph. Dinner conversation focused on politics. provement of the state’s teacher retirement system. Schimek After dinner, the brothers washed dishes. Father then superhelped to elect scores of education-friendly candidates to ofvised homework. fices from school board to governor – even president.

His maternal grandfather was a Howard County office“Herb’s advocacy for Nebraska teachers and students canholder and Republican Party stalwart. not be overlooked when considering those who have made “I grew up in politics,” Schimek said. major contributions to the state’s public schools,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf.

Early UniServ By the late 1960s, teaching at Hastings, Schimek had tried, Groomed for Politics and failed, to get on the ballot for the NSEA Board of DirecWith a smiling demeanor, a mischievous twinkle and

‘An Intimidating Force for Good’ “Herb has also been a powerful voice for teachers with the Nebraska Legislature. One of his legacies will surely be his successful advocacy for teacher retirement benefits.”

Former Lt. Gov. Maxine Moul Page 12 The NSEA Voice December 2009

“It’s hard to picture the Rotunda without Herb Schimek. My guess is he’ll still be weighing in here and there. My hope is he’ll continue to offer the valuable insight that has helped Nebraska become a better place for more than three decades.”

Former Governor and U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson “When I first met Herb Schimek in 1982 as I was organizing a campaign for Governor, I thought he was

a boxer. I actually wondered nose if I behaved badly. I had is gentle as ...... well, he’s as when he’s trying to get Neb deserve, and as tough as he resistance. He is an intimidati Former Governo

“The ability to move

tors. All but three or four of 22 board members were administrators.

“They had nomination boards from each NSEA District, but you could never find out when or where those boards were to meet,” he said.

A year later, Schimek wrote each history teacher in the district, seeking campaign help. He got on the ballot, and was elected. By the end of his first term, most administrators on the board had been replaced by teachers.

In mid-1971, Schimek joined NSEA’s small staff as one of the first UniServ directors, and was soon involved in campaigns and elections. One of NSEA’s first efforts was to change the tenor of the State Board of Education, which had fired the commissioner of education in the midst of a meeting.

NSEA candidates were victorious, bringing more balance to the board.

Dog Food for Dinner In 1974, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that a school district could fire a teacher for any reason – or for no reason at all.

That sparked NSEA to lobby the Legislature to pass a fair dismissal law.

Schimek was in the middle of the lobby push that received unexpected help.

“It was a tight vote in the Legislature, but it passed because some school boards that wanted to get rid of one or two teachers gave dismissal notices to their entire faculty,” he said.

Schimek drove one senator to Grand Island to watch a hearing on the dismissal of the senator’s nephew.

“He gave us his vote, and the bill passed with 32 (of 49) votes,” he said.

That statute, still in effect, gives Nebraska teachers facing reduction-inforce or dismissal the right to a hearing to determine whether the dismissal is justified. Hundreds of teaching jobs have been saved over the years, thanks to that legislation.

His personal crusade has been to improve retirement benefits.

“I used to get calls from little old ladies who had taught for 45 years.

They’d retire, and get a retirement ben-

ered if he might hit me in the ad no need for concern. Herb as gentle as he needs to be Nebraska teachers what they he has to be when he meets dating force for good.” rnor and U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey

ove important education

Membership Guru Johnson Will Retire at End of Year 20-Year NSEA Career Will End in December When Marlene Johnson started work in NSEA’s membership and accounting department 20 years ago, handwritten ledgers were the rule of the day; a computerized membership process was yet to be developed.

Headed toward a Dec. 31 retirement date, Johnson has seen the Association’s membership database evolve into a web-based system that is much easier to manage and manipulate.

All along, Johnson enjoyed working with NSEA members. She always put members first.

“Our members are our customers. That’s how I’ve always looked at it,” she said.

Johnson started as a temporary employee at NSEA, logging membership information during the busy membership season.

When a job in NSEA’s Communications Department came open in 1989, she was hired. Within a year, she had transferred back to Johnson membership.

There, she dealt with 17-digit source codes for each local association; large membership ledger books; and bundles of membership forms that had to be mailed to NEA Headquarters. Only one computer in the building was connected to NEA, and it was in another department.

When Johnson learned that the Iowa Education Association was piloting a computerized membership program that connected with NEA, Johnson urged NSEA leaders to take a look. They did, and NSEA was soon on board.

Johnson has also processed and managed the Association’s lifetime retired membership data – a subset of Association membership that has grown from 100 members 20 years ago to more than 4,500 today.

“Marlene has been solid as a rock in our Membership Department. She knows the system inside and out, and is reliable, dependable, always on time,” said NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen.

In her retirement, Johnson and husband Dean hope to travel, spend time with grandchildren and finish some of the family lines in her genealogy research.

efit of $20 a month,” he said. “They’d be eating dog food, crying on the telephone to me. I’d be crying with them.”

Taking baby steps, and a non-partisan approach, NSEA has made a 35year push to improve retirement benefits for teachers. With Schimek leading the battle, the state’s teacher retirement system now provides much-improved retirement benefits to school employees.

Pack Up, Leave Schimek has worked with hundreds of elected leaders over the years. Lobbying success, he said, is about relationships.

legislation was very dependent on Herb. Because he was so trusted, he could deliver criticism of certain parts of a bill and we could work together to improve the outcomes. Having Herb help was like enlisting an entire army!”

Former State Sen. Ardyce Bohlke “Herb has always worked hard to help Nebraskans understand education issues. I congratulate him

“We pass bills because of relationships we build with senators,” he said.

“You provide them with information, and if you don’t know the answer to a question, you tell them so, and you find the answer. If you lie to them, you might as well pack up and leave town.”

Not all senators understand the importance of public education when they walk through into the legislative chamber.

“We’ve had to work with new senators to educate them about education,” he said.

That is, after all, what Herb Schimek does best: teach.

on a fine career and wish him the best of luck in retirement.”

Former Governor and U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns “Over the years, Herb snagged better lives for thousands of present and future Nebraskans. We were glad to help him do that and will miss his drive to do more.”

Former State Sens. Bob Wickersham & Sandy Scofield December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 13

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Professional Papers: Keep Them Handy Filing Now Can Resolve Disputes Later Every educator – and every educational support professional, as well – should keep and have easy access to a ‘professional papers’ file that includes all records and documents relating to your employment status.

Of importance, according to NSEA Director of Member Rights Trish Guinan, are copies of all papers, letters, documents or responses to queries that are submitted to administrators. Copies of such paperwork can help resolve disputes down the road.

Of particular importance to education support professionals: copies of correspondence to or from other school personnel.

Find your contract and place it in a file or plain, heavy-duty manila envelope. Check off the other items, below, as you collect them for your file: Professional Paperwork Your teaching certificate or licenses.

Your work resume and employment history.

Your record of education, including college transcripts; diplomas; post-graduate hours; trainings; technical or vocational certificates.

Letters of appointment or hire, plus your record of appointment or hiring as shown in school board minutes.

Minutes of all board action affecting your contract status and duties.

Records of non-college seminars and workshops.

Contract-Related Items Your employment contract and supplemental contracts.

Your salary schedule and placement information.

Your annual salary notice, as supplied by your employer.

Records relating to retirement benefits.

Your record of accumulated sick leave, plus your record of sick and personal leave used.

Current and past teaching or work schedules and assignments.

Member Rights Paperwork Records of disciplinary techniques and methods used in handling student problems. Note date and witnesses involved.

A record of assaults, violence or workplace thefts.

Documentation Correspondence to or from school administrators.

Letters of praise or of reprimand.

Records and notes from all evaluations.

Dated notes from conferences with supervisors.

Awards, commendations and honors.

School-related insurance policies.

A school calendar.

Don’t forget to keep NSEA’s phone number in a prominent location in the file: 1-800-742-0047.

You may also want to review your school’s personnel policies, and collect and file any general school policies on discipline; corporal punishment; student suspension; access to school records; etc.

Questions? Call your UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047.

December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 17

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Special Olympics Needs Your Help NSEA Board of Directors Urges Members to Volunteer for National Games When Lincoln hosts the Special Olympics USA National Games next July, the event will need thousands of volunteers.

With that in mind, NSEA’s Board of Directors has approved a statement of support for the Games, encouraging NSEA members to volunteer.

The board action also created a committee that will work to encourage members to volunteer. NSEA President Jess Wolf appointed Jenni Absalon of Lincoln and Jean Anderson of Kearney to co-chair the committee.

“I think our members understand the value of these games.

They also understand what a huge undertaking this is,” said Wolf. “It’s my hope that our members will volunteer in droves.”

Largest Ever Event The Special Olympics USA National Games will be the largest event ever held in Nebraska, and one of the biggest sporting events in the United States. More than 8,000 volunteers are needed, said Deb Stroh, director of volunteer services for the Games.

The Games will take place July 18-23, 2010. Competitions and events will take place throughout Lincoln.

Special Olympics USA National Games are held every four years. In 2010, 3,000 athletes, 1,000 coaches, 800 officials, and more than 15,000 family members and fans will attend. Athletes will compete in swimming, basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, power lifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball and track and field.

Using Olympic-style sports as the catalyst, Special Olym-

pics works to enhance and improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Competition provides athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and build self-confidence. Special Olympics also offer programs that foster health and wellness.

The Healthy Athletes Program provides free health screenings to all athletes during the week of competition. The Athlete Leadership Program, through partnership with the Gallup Organization in Nebraska, teaches athletes public speaking and to be self-advocates.

Private Airlift Other unique opportunities will occur around the Games.

Many athletes will arrive via the Cessna Citation Airlift at Duncan Aviation. The services of more than 300 private jets, donated from across the United States, will transport athletes and coaches. Planes are expected to take off and land at Lincoln Municipal Airport every 90 seconds, for 12 hours straight.

During the week prior to the Games, the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place. More than 200 law enforcement officers from across the country will carry the Flame of Hope across 70 Nebraska counties.

“The 2010 Games would not be possible without the help of many dedicated volunteers,” said Stroh. “We would welcome any and all volunteers from the Nebraska State Education Association.”

Online registration and additional volunteer information is available via the Games Web site at: www.2010specialolympics.org

Speech-LanguageHearing Workshop in Kearney Feb. 12 The 2010 Mid-Winter Workshop of the Nebraska Speech-LanguageHearing Association is Friday, Feb. 12, at Kearney. The theme is ‘The Basics: School-Based Management of Students with Feeding/Swallowing Problems.’

Speakers are Illinois State University’s Dr. Rita Bailey and Dr. Maureen Angell. Their work focuses on the latest ways to improve eating and swallowing skills in school-age children with a wide range of skills and disabilities.

The workshop opens at 8 a.m., and ends at 3:30 p.m., at the Kearney Holiday Inn. For rooms, call 1-308-2375971. Mention the conference name for the $78.95 room rate. To register, call Angie at 1-402-476-9573, or go to: www.nslha.org December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 19

BCBS Q&A

Holiday Blues? This is the season!

By Kurt Genrich EHA Plan Advocate It’s a time of celebration, parties and get-togethers, but are you worried about personal issues such as your or your spouse’s job, finances, or family stress?

This is a very hard time for many in the teaching profession. Within the EHA plan, anti-depressant drugs are the third-most prescribed drug. This time of year, many are worried that their students will have enough to eat over the break, or have Christmas presents under the tree. Here are some ways to manage your stress at this time of year.

Acknowledge your holiday blues.

Express your feelings. If you need professional help, such services are covered through your EHA health plan or through your school’s Employee Assistance Program.

Set realistic expectations for your holiday gatherings. Don’t try to recre-

ate a favorite holiday from years gone by. Reduce time spent with difficult family members or co-workers.

Focus on the good in your life, the relationships that you value, and the true reasons why we celebrate the season.

Eat and drink in moderation during the holiday. Find time for regular exercise. Take a walk before or after your holiday gathering meals. Many times, over-eating and drinking will lead to further depression.

Make time to nurture yourself.

Find quiet moments in a book or hobby.

While the holidays are times to gather with family and friends around you, the time you spend on yourself, in activities

that bring you pleasure, relax or restore you, can make you a better host or guest this holiday.

Reach out in your community.

Volunteer to make this holiday more joyous for the less fortunate in your town. There are many organizations that could use your help and would welcome your time and effort, including retirement homes.

Happy holidays, and good health!

The Educators Health Alliance has contracted with Kurt Genrich to serve as the EHA Plan advocate.

Genrich will work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska plan participants to answer questions and promote the plan. The EHA Board is comprised of six NSEA representatives and three each from the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen chairs Genrich the EHA Board of Directors.

Call Genrich at 1-866-465-1342; on his cell phone at 402-217-2042; or e-mail him at: kurt@ehaplan.org

Retirement Seminars Available for Local Associations NSEA-Retired will again make a retirement planning seminar available to local associations.

More than 100 sessions have been held in areas all across the state with an audience of more than 4,000 NSEA members over the past six years.

The retirement planning seminar covers the following topics: the benefits that you will receive from the School Employees Retirement System; how your retirement benefit is calculated; tips on the eight payment options and whom you should name as your primary beneficiary; health

insurance after retirement; and answers to your questions. The session generally lasts about 75-90 minutes.

NSEA-Retired is cooperating with NSEA Districts to make presentations to local associations who want to provide retirement planning information for their members. The Districts are helping to underwrite the cost of bringing the sessions to members in those districts.

If you are an active teacher, or if you know of a need in your area to have retirement planning information in a specific local, contact your

district president to learn more about the process for bringing a retirement planning seminar to your local.

District Presidents and their contact information are listed in the NSEA pocket calendar, or you can find contact information on the NSEA Web page at: www.nsea.org/members/districts You may also contact Roger Rea, NSEA-Retired president, by email at: rrea68154@yahoo.com In the subject line of the email, please put “Retirement presentation for (name of your local).”

NSEA’s Hoffman Author of Chapter in New Textbook NSEA UniServ Director Jerry Hoffman has authored a chapter in a new textbook, Institutional Analysis and Praxis: The Social Fabric Matrix Approach.

The chapter title is Application of the ithink® System Dynamics Software Program to the Social Fabric Matrix to Analyze Public School Systems.

Hoffman’s chapter first looks at how Nebraska’s state aid to schools Page 20 The NSEA Voice December 2009

formula is created from social beliefs expressed in state constitutional conventions and early territorial reports.

For example, how the belief in free education delivers the system of property taxes. Next, the ithink® Analyst program is used to model the flow of laws, rules and regulations that form the school funding formula into an economic system.

Published by Spring Science+Business Media, LLC, the

book “contains both extensive applications of the Social Fabric Matrix Approach to contemporary issues, and chapters that embed applied research in relevant theoretical, philosophical, and methodological frameworks.”

Hoffman has been with NSEA as a UniServ director for three years.

His Missouri Bluffs UniServ unit includes Dodge and Washington counties and the northern edge of Douglas County.

NEA Member Benefits Snookie’s Snippets In tough financial times, when you need a coupon to save a few dollars, or a competitive home or auto insurance quote, go to the exclusive Web site for NEA members: www.neamb.com The site has something to offer each member. But not every member has the same needs, so we’ve added a more versatile range of products and features Krumbiegel – personalized to cover every aspect of members’ lives.

The more you learn about NEA Member Benefits, the more you will: Save time and money.

Receive expert advice on budgeting and managing debt.

Save up to 70 percent on items from hundreds of retailers.

Connect with fellow educators.

Tap hundreds of free resources.

Use informative articles, videos, and how-to-guides.

Take advantage of the benefits that your membership has to offer. No dues dollars support NEA Member Benefits.

Did You Know?

Member Benefits offers these plans: NEA Dental, Vision Insurance: This plan offers NEA members and their immediate family access to dental plans and vision insurance. Visit the Web or call 1-866-984-7730 for details.

NEA Vision and Prescription Savings Plan: This plan provides discount pharmacy benefits to cut your out-of-pocket costs. Call 1-800-3427188 for details.

NEA Hearing Aid Savings Plan: Members and their family can enroll and receive a free hearing screening at a local provider’s office. For details, call 1-800-286-6149.

The NEA Academy: Check online professional development courses designed for NEA members. Visit: www.nea.org/academy Member Benefits Sweepstakes Register at the Web site to win one of eight $250 VISA gift cards. Register at: www.neamb.com Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.

Refinancing Rewards Homeowners Can Reduce Mortgage Term, Borrow Against Home’s Value More and more homeowners are finding that their home’s equity can be a powerful financial tool. You can leverage your home’s equity to help you get onto solid financial footing. Refinancing your current mortgage may be a step that can help you: Consolidate high-interest loans or bills into a single, more manageable monthly mortgage payment.

Lower your interest rate.

Reduce your monthly mortgage payments.

Reduce the term of your existing mortgage to pay it off faster.

Access available funds for tuition costs, home improvements, or to cover large expenses.

Consolidate Your Debt High interest rates on credit cards, loans and other debt can create a significant drain on your resources, and often make it difficult to get ahead. Refinancing may provide you the opportunity to consolidate your debt. There may also be tax advantages.

Refinancing can offer a variety of benefits, but like any money management tool, it may not be right for your specific needs. Call us for a free consultation. A home mortgage consultant will be happy to discuss the

options open to you.

When Should You Consider Refinancing?

Our home mortgage consultants will walk through the financing options available to you when you are considering a refinance. Here are a few of the factors they will look at: Interest Rates: If rates are at least .5 percent lower than your current interest rate, it may be a good idea to consider refinancing.

Length of Time in the Home: The longer you remain in your home, the more likely your refinancing will pay off. If you’re thinking about moving within 5 to 7 years, perhaps you should consider other debt consolidation options, such as a home equity loan, or line of credit instead.

Loan Term: The amount of time needed to repay a loan is called the term.

When interest rates are low enough, you may shorten the term of your loan without having to greatly increase your monthly mortgage payments. The shorter the term of the loan, the less you pay in interest for that loan.

To learn more about refinancing, call the NEA Home Financing Program at 1-800-632-4968 and speak with a home mortgage consultant.

Avoid Holiday Overspending These Consumer Tips Can Save You Money!

In the excitement of the holidays, it’s easy to overspend your budget.

Follow these timely tips to get the most out of your holiday spending, and find more such tips on the NEA Member Benefits Web site at: http://www.neamb.com/ home/602_4520.htm Assess your budget, track your spending: No more than 1.5 percent of your gross income should be spent on all holiday items – includes gifts, travel, decorations and entertaining.

Curb spending on gifts and

other holiday cheer: Sometimes shopping at a store after 6 p.m. the day before an advertised sale is beneficial. The registers may be programmed for the next day’s big sale, meaning the consumers will often get these sale prices before they are even posted. Shopping online may also keep your spending under control (no sights, sounds or smells can entice you to spend impulsively).

Partying on a budget: Random gift exchanges – by drawing names – you buy for only one person.

December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 21

NSEA-Re red Corner

Taxes on Social Security Studied Legislative Interim Hearing will Investigate Changes Of special interest to retirees across the state is the Thursday, Dec. 10, hearing by the Legislature’s Retirement Committee on Legislative Resolution 106.

Introduced by Sen. Abbie Cornett of Bellevue, LR106 is an interim study to examine the economic impact of retirement income on the State of Nebraska tax revenues, and the most appropriate way to tax such income.

For the 2010 legislative session, NSEA-Retired leaders and members will continue their efforts to lobby the Unicameral to pass legislation that will exempt all, or part, of the state income tax on Social Security and Nebraska public employee pension incomes.

Nebraska is one of the few states in the nation that continues to tax retirees for all of their income from Social Security and public pension sources.

Join NEA-Retired and NSEA-Retired Now You may join your Retired Associations at any time, at any age, during your active education career. And there is no better time than right now, during your best earning years.

The best option? Join NEA-Retired and NSEA-Retired as Pre-retired Life Members (officially known as Life Subscribers) for a one-time cost of $400 (plus local dues where applicable).

To join, go to the NSEA Web site and click on ‘Membership Information’ to see the nearly 50 benefits you enjoy now and can continue to enjoy during your retirement. Remember, you must be a member of NEA-Retired and NSEA-Retired to continue these benefits after you retire.

With your NSEA-Retired membership, you’ll continue working with colleagues in the NSEA and in your school district; you will continue to have an impact on your profession in public education; and you will continue helping the young people to whom you gave so much of yourself during your career.

Yes, join the 4,154 retired members and the 1,402 pre-retired subscribers of the nationally recognized partner of NEA-Retired—your Nebraska asPage 22 The NSEA Voice December 2009

At the SEAN Delegate Assembly in April, NSEA-Retired Vice President Jim McDermott presented four $750 scholarships to SEAN students for use during their student teaching semesters. Pictured, from left, are Rita Vogel, UNK; McDermott; Cody Waldman, UNK; and Annie Peters, Hastings College. Not pictured is Mandy Sanders, College of St. Mary.

NSEA-Retired to Give SEAN Stipends College juniors or seniors preparing to teach during the 2010-11 academic year may want to consider applying for a SEAN-NSEA Retired Scholarship.

Four $750 scholarships will be awarded, based on both financial need and essay question answers.

Applicants shall be juniors or seniors who will student teach in 2010-11, and who have been a member of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN) for at least two years, including the current academic year.

Three letters of recommendation shall accompany the completed application form: one letter from a faculty or staff member; one letter from a local SEAN chapter officer; and the third, a recommendation from the chapter advisor.

Completed applications and letters must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2010.

Download the current application from this Web site: http://www.nsea.org/members/sean/awards/SEAN_Scholarship.htm For more details, contact Tamra Mick at 1-800-742-0047 or via e-mail at: tamra.mick@nsea.org sociation of retired friends and colleagues.

That NSEA Web site address to sign up for NSEA-Retired membership is: www.nsea.org/members/retired Watch for Events Coming Up In the January issue of The Voice, members will find the nomination coupons for those retired members interested in running for vacancies on the NSEA-Retired Board of Directors. Also in that issue: nomination

coupons for those who wish to be considered as delegates to the NSEA Delegate Assembly and the NEA Representative Assembly.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for two upcoming events: the NSEARetired Lobby Day in Lincoln on Tuesday, Feb. 9, and the NSEA-Retired Eastern Nebraska Conference and Annual Meeting in Lincoln on Thursday, April 15. More information on both events will follow in this space.

— Tom Black, Editor wpc6296@cableone.net

Fund Helps Kids in Need NSEA Children’s Fund Offers Clothing, More When a tornado struck near a rural Nebraska town early last spring, it not only injured three young siblings, it carried off and destroyed most of their clothing.

A teacher turned to the NSEA Children’s Fund, and asked for help. The response was quick: a voucher for clothing was sent, and the family got the basic necessities from Target in short order. The teacher’s note of thanks was brief: “I recently took these three students shopping, and I just wanted to convey to you how grateful they were for the clothing items they were able to purchase,” she wrote. “Having new clothing items never completely solves the financial and emotional dilemmas that families face, but it sure does help ease some of the struggle.”

The Children’s Fund can make a difference in a child’s life.

Every NSEA member is aware of children who face such struggles. They know children who are underdressed in cold weather; children who eat well only when school is in session; and children who can’t see the front of the room clearly because they receive no eye care.

Teachers frequently spend their own cash to help these children. But teachers can’t help every child. That’s why NSEA created the Children’s Fund in 1994. Donations to the Children’s Fund have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to help children in need. In just the past two years, the Children’s Fund has provided nearly $120,000 in relief.

Contributions are tax deductible — and it’s important to note that every penny contributed goes to help children.

NSEA picks up all administrative expenses.

For teachers to receive funding to help a child, there is no red tape, no form to fill out. Simply contact the NSEA at 800-742-0047 and ask for Sally Bodtke.

Or e-mail her at: sally.bodtke@nsea.org

On the road...literally: Lincoln Education Association President Jenni Absalon, left, and LEA associate staff member Teresa Greve donned costumes recently to raise money for LEA’s annual Harvest of Books Campaign. Absalon wore the LEA ‘Star’ mascot costume, and Greve wore the Cat in the Hat outfit.They stood on the median of a nearby intersection,and with the help of KFOR Radio, raised more than $800. The campaign distributes books to all first and second grade students in Lincoln each year.

Wanted: Award Nominees Rookie, Teaching Excellence, ESP Nominees Sought Deserving notables who have contributed to the betterment of public education in Nebraska will be honored at NSEA’s 2010 Delegate Assembly — but only if they receive your support!

Any NSEA member may nominate an individual or group for the awards.

In all cases, send nominations by Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, to: NSEA Awards, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Nominations may also be submitted online, with any required supporting material mailed to the NSEA. The online forms for the awards may be found at the ‘Call for Nominations’ link on the NSEA Web site at: www.nsea.org NSEA members are eligible for: NSEA Rookie of the Year.

Award for Teaching Excellence.

Education Support Professional of the Year.

Finalists for these awards will be notified in March. Winners will be announced at the Delegate Assembly in Lincoln April 16-17, 2010. Each winner receives a $250 cash award, and each finalist earns a $100 cash award.

In addition, the winner of the Award for Teaching Excellence will compete for the NEA Teaching Excellence Award and a $25,000 prize.

Though there are no cash awards for these honors, NSEA members are also eligible for these awards: Community Service: Recognizes NSEA members and/or local associations actively involved in non-paid volunteer work outside of classroom duty hours. An essay of no more than 200 words explaining the nominee’s qualifications must accompany the entry.

Local Public Relations: Recognizes local associations for outstanding communication within the association, and promotion of educational excellence in the community. Examples of dated material should be included.

These awards will also be presented: Friend of Education: Local associations are encouraged to nominate either an individual or organization that has made a statewide contribution to education/educators.

Media: Recognizes a newspaper, television or radio station for outstanding work in covering education and promoting community involvement in education. An essay of no more than 200 words must accompany each entry.

Examples of dated material may be included.

For details, call the NSEA at 1-800742-0047.

December 2009 The NSEA Voice Page 23

Speaking of Teaching “Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind.

The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.”

— Marva Collins, American educator

Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742

Helping Parents From L. Carvel Wilson, a middle school geography teacher in Syracuse, UT:

“Parents, in many cases, want to know how to help their student succeed in your class. Finding common ground with parents in ways to help their child will alleviate many problems and conflicts as the year proceeds. Parent-teacher conferences are critical to establishing this common ground.

“Most of the time, my students attend with their parents. During the conference, I ask the student direct questions, leading him to explain to his own parents what he is doing in the class.

This takes the focus from teaching styles, content or even communication issues and puts it squarely on the shoulders of the

Former SEAN Members: Remember the Rebate!

student, who has ultimate responsibility for his own success.

“We then talk together about how to set high goals and achieve them, or about how to adjust attitude and behavior to achieve success. I let them know the easiest way to contact me (email), and assure them of quick responses.

Teaching is already difficult enough without power struggles, which we seldom win.

“Unless there is a major behavioral problem or a moral issue at stake, you should be able to find common ground with parents. If nothing else, there is always your concern and caring for their child and your desire to help their child succeed in your class and in life.”

Sign up for Works4Me at this link: http://www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html

Family of Teachers

Get Your Money Back on Your SEAN Dues Are you a first-year teacher, fresh out of college?

If so, and if you were a member of the Student Education Association of Nebraska during your college years, you may be eligible for a rebate on your SEAN dues.

NSEA offers a one-time, $10 rebate for every year you were a member of SEAN. And this year, NEA is offering an additional $20 rebate for each year you were a member of SEAN. If, as a student, you were a member of SEAN all four years of college, the rebate of $30 for each year could total $120!

For a rebate form, contact your local association president, or download the form from the NSEA Web site at: http://www.nsea.org/members/ treasurer.htm Page 24 The NSEA Voice December 2009

It’s in their blood! At a 2008 reunion of the Riley Family, members realized that they combined for more than 180 years in the teaching profession. And that total didn’t include years spent in education by those not present or by those who are now deceased.

Pictured, in front, from left, are: Jeane Suhr, eight years of teaching, currently teaching English language learners with the Scottsbluff Public Schools; Lolita Biehl, four-plus years in rural schools in Nebraska; Laverna Amann, 17-plus years teaching in Nebraska schools; Harriett Jay, 27 years with the Lincoln Public Schools; Collette Suhr, 27 years as a para-educator with the Gering Public Schools; and Andrea Jay, 12 years with the Mullen Public Schools.

In the back row, from left, are: Cathy Hanson, former substitute in Nebraska schools; Kim Aden, 22 years with the North Platte Public Schools; Linda Wooters, retired after 27 years in Nebraska and Oklahoma schools; Gary Wooters, retired after 12 years in Nebraska schools; Gregg Wolfram, 25 years of experience in Las Vegas; and Neil Jay, 13 years as a substitute in Lincoln.

If you have a family of teachers, snap a photo and send it to Family of Teachers, c/o NSEA, 605 South 14th St. Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742.