The
Voice The Nebraska State Education Association February 2013
February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 1
Opening Bell Upcoming Assignments Feb. 15-16 Intergenerational Mentoring Program n What: The ninth round in the NSEA-Retired affiliate’s nationally-known program kicks off at NSEA’s Lincoln Headquarters in February. n Details: Retired members pair with and mentor college and university students who are studying to enter the profession. Call NSEA’s Rebecca Smith at 1-800-742-0047 for details. March 1 Read Across America! n What: Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss by participating in NEA’s Read Across America celebration. n Details: Turn to Page 5 to learn how to make your celebration an event to remember! March 4 NSEA Legislative Dinner n What: NSEA members meet, eat and talk to state senators about education issues. Last year, nearly 30 of 49 state senators attended. n Details: Attend and tell your senator how important bills affect your classroom. Learn more on Page 7.
Policy Expert: Go Slow on Tax Reform Study Aging Tax Code; Don’t Force Change
The time has arrived for comprehensive tax reform in Nebraska and the process by which it should occur should be careful and well thought-out. That was the idea expressed in midJanuary by Dr. Richard Pomp, a University of Connecticut professor and one of the nation’s foremost experts on state tax policy. “For comprehensive tax reform to be effective, it should be done with much research and it should not be hurried,” said Pomp, who was in Lincoln to speak at an OpenSky Policy Institute symposium on tax reform. “It certainly isn’t something that should be completed in a single legislative session.” Pomp’s sentiments were echoed by Renee Fry, executive director of the OpenSky Policy Institute. “Nebraska’s tax code hasn’t undergone a significant reform in more than 50 years and the economy has changed drastically in that time,” Fry said. “A complete and thorough inventory of our tax system is needed to ensure it is the best code for all Nebraskans.” Nebraska should be particularly careful, Pomp said, in regards to the disposal of the state income tax, an idea that topped Gov. Dave Heineman’s list of tax reform measures he would like to
see enacted. “The governor seems to be focused on the potential to attract businesses and jobs to Nebraska with the elimination of the state’s income tax,” Pomp said. “But I don’t know that substantial empirical evidence exists to support his stance.” The state could recoup the more than $2 billion it would lose in income tax revenue if it eliminated many of its tax exemptions in the sales tax, Heineman said. But Pomp urged care and caution when it comes to cuts on exemptions. “You have to be sure to cut the correct exemptions as many of those are integral to the structure of the sales tax, are proper and should not be on the table to be cut,” Pomp said. Rather than force any changes into the state budget in a 90-day legislative session, Pomp said the state should form an organized commission to study Nebraska’s aging tax code and make changes that will benefit all residents. “This process should take time because its effects are far reaching,” Pomp said. “The state should work to make sure the review is carried out properly.” Because state aid to education at the K-12 and college and university levels makes up such a large portion of the state’s budget, NSEA is monitoring progress of the governor’s proposal closely, and will weigh in when necessary.
teacher Barbara Madsen, 85, will attend NSEA Delegate On the Omaha Assembly in April, not because she has to, but because she believes it is Cover: important. She believes you should attend, as well. For more, turn to Page 12
the
VOICE Nebraska State Education Association 605 S. 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org (402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047
Volume 66, No. 6 ISSN Number: 1085-0783 USPS Number: 000-369
Great Public Schools For Every Child Page 2 n The NSEA Voice n February 2013
Executive Director Assoc. Executive Director Director of Public Affairs Assistant Comm. Director
Craig R. Christiansen Neal Clayburn Karen Kilgarin Al Koontz
NSEA Board of Directors President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia Vice President Leann Widhalm, Norfolk NEA Director John Heineman, Lincoln NEA Director Jenni Absalon, Lincoln
Official publication of the Nebraska State Education Association, Suite 200, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 685082742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to The Voice, NSEA, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742.
Published and mailed 6 times yearly according to this schedule: September, October, November, February, April and August. Published online only in December, January, March and May. 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.
From the President
Why is Enough Too Much? And Why Lessons Learned by British Olympians are Relevant
NSEA President Nancy Fulton
“
...if the
Legislature had just let the needs-based formula work over the last 10 years, state aid would be $700 million more than this year’s total. That begs the question: what effect would funding the real needsbased state aid formula have on property tax bills?
”
Whether you agree with his tax plan or not, credit Gov. Dave Heineman this past month for opening a long overdue discussion on Nebraska’s tax system. The governor has proposed elimination of state income and corporate taxes with the revenue loss expected to be offset by the elimination of sales tax exemptions. Regardless of opinions on the ambitious move – and opinions abound – most agree that an in-depth parsing of the state tax code is due. Also past due: a change in attitude toward state aid to Nebraska public schools. Too many state policymakers believe that enough state aid is too much. Ignoring Needs The state aid formula pitches into a pot significant factors like average daily membership, general fund operating expenditures, poverty, school district sparsity, local property tax effort rate and other such components. The resulting concoction is the grand total state aid amount split by qualifying school districts. Few people claim to understand the formula; fewer still actually do. The bottom line is that all those formula components combine to project, and then meet, the financial needs of the state’s school districts. In practice, however, despite good intentions, policymakers ignore the formula. Sights are set on a dollar amount and the formula is jiggered downward to fit that number. For instance, state aid to public schools in Nebraska this year is $852 million. The formula, if left alone, would put state aid for 2013-14 at $947 million, an 11 percent increase. But just two weeks into this legislative session the scuttlebutt indicates some lawmakers seek the 2013-14 state aid increase to end up in the 5 to 6 percent range. Hot Button Six percent sounds good. But consider that Nebraska ranks near last among all states in terms of state aid to public schools, and you begin to understand why property tax is a hot button issue in Nebraska. Further consider that state aid for 2013-14 is $81 million less than it was three years ago in 2009-10, and you understand the ratcheting, jiggering and “temporary” formula adjustments that have occurred at least seven times in the past 10 years. Have the needs in our public schools not increased since 2009? Have costs not gone up since 2009? In fact, if the legislature had just let the
needs-based formula work over the last 10 years, state aid would be more than $700 million more than this year’s total. That begs the question: what effect would funding the real needs-based state aid formula have on property tax bills? Policymakers ignore that the finely-tuned state aid formula says $947 million would be enough to meet the needs of our children next year. That $947 million is not enough, they contend; it is too much. Indeed, one state senator has already said $1 billion is too much to spend on state aid to our schools. Yet if the formula says $1 billion reflects true needs, why is it too much? Olympic Success All can agree that we want the best for our children. All agree that we need an educated populace to spur the economy, to preserve the democracy, to innovate and push our communities, state and nation forward. Costs keep rising. The $20 elementary reading book purchased for my classroom in 1992 costs $100 today. Do we ignore the need to invest in new books, computers, buildings and other equipment? Do we not invest in competitive wages for educators and other staff? Perhaps there is a good lesson in the British Olympic team’s experience. Great Britain – Team GB – as it calls itself, won a single gold medal and 15 medals total at the Atlanta games in 1996. That caused the thoroughly embarrassed British to employ a new approach: a “sustained public investment and organized purpose” in the country’s Olympic program. One news article called it a “new ecosystem to support individual sports with superb coaching at its heart.” No change comes quickly on such a massive scale. Investment in training facilities followed funding for world-class coaches and support staff like nutritionists and sports psychologists. Team GB athletes had science and technology at work, too, providing the best equipment. Most important: the investment wasn’t managed at the national level, but at the local level. Those in charge of each sport, those best attuned to the needs of their sport, directed funding. In 2000, Team GB won 11 gold and 28 medals. Four years later, Team GB took home 9 gold and 30 medals, followed in 2008 by 19 gold and 47 medals. Last summer, the home standing Brits won 29 gold medals and 65 medals overall. The lesson from that stunning turnaround is obvious: sustained investment in public programming works – but only when policymakers realize that enough investment is not too much, especially for our children. February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 3
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Time to Read Across!
Dr. Seuss has a Birthday; Celebrate with a Book! For Planning Made Easy, Give This Story a Look!
ly that he or she is already familiar with Do you plan to celebrate the birthday Read Across America and may have of Dr. Seuss – Theodore Geisel – via ideas to offer. Reserve books in advance NEA’s Read Across America program? – there may be a run on Dr. Seuss titles! The annual observance is held on March n Ask colleagues about their 2 each year, but because that day falls plans. Consider a school-wide event. on Saturday this year, the observance is n Invite guest readers. This is a set for Friday, March 1. most popular activity. There is someThe 2013 theme is “Grab your Hat thing powerful about and Read with the a policeman, fireCat!” It isn’t too late fighter, mayor, radio to begin planning, personality, pastor and this easy-to-folor grandmother sharlow process should SmileMakers, a Staples company and ing the love of readbegin now: n Consult and NEA Member Benefits partner, is for the ing. Be sure and ask obtain approvals first time the Official NEA Seuss Store guests to talk about from your admin- for NEA’s Read Across America 2013. why reading is imistrator. Most prin- Members can celebrate in style with portant to them. Have cipals love Read more than 100 Seuss products avail- your students write Across America, and able for purchase online. Use the promo thank-you notes. n Cake! If rewill not only support code NEAMB to receive 20 percent off, plus free shipping with any order $25 or your effort, but will more. A percentage of the profits from sources allow, you become involved. If Read Across America sales will be do- might want to have a your administrator nated to benefit the NEA’s literacy pro- ‘Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss’ cake. If funds hasn’t heard of Read gram. Learn more at: Across America, re- smilemakers.com/NEASeussStore are short, ask if any parents are bakers, or fer him or her to the ask if a local grocer NEA website. or baker will donate a cake. Easy altern Look at the calendar. If March 1 natives are cupcakes or cookies. Add conflicts with other school events, feel fruit punch or juice for a beverage. free to pick another day. Some schools n Hats! Everyone wants the famous celebrate the week before or after. Work Cat in the Hat hat, available at discount with your administrator and calendar to from nea.org’s Cat-a-log. Or, make your avoid as many conflicts as possible. own from red and white construction n Read the copyright and licenspaper. A 39-ounce coffee can has a good ing arrangements at nea.org. It’s imdiameter for the crown, and you can portant to honor NEA agreements with trace a large dinner plate for the brim. Dr. Seuss Enterprises. n Print Certificates of Participan Consult your librarian. It’s like-
Save on Seuss Products @ NEA
A good fit: Lincoln teacher Willie Banks and NSEA President Nancy Fulton stop for a photo during the 2012 celebration of Read Across America at at Clinton Elementary School.
tion and Appreciation. The certificates are available at nea.org. Children love receiving tangible evidence of their efforts, and your adult helpers will appreciate being thanked. n Send details home. Offer reading tips (available at nea.org). Some parents may offer to help, and some may volunteer to be guest readers. n Explore! Check out the nea.org site for ideas and resources. There is a lot of useful information. n Put on your hats on the big day! Enjoy your guest readers. Eat cake, drink punch and don’t forget to sing Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss. Read, read and read some more, and have fun! The NEA Read Across America website is at: nea.org/readacross
The Cat in the Hat on the Road NSEA President Nancy Fulton, far left, joined perennial Lincoln-area Cat-in-the-Hat Pat Etherton at Literacy Night for students at the Umonhon Nation Schools in Macy. At left, Fulton and Etherton display the books and soft toys they carried with them to entertain students. At right, Etherton reads to a classroom full of students. Etherton, of Lincoln, is a long-time classroom teacher and a past member of the NSEA-Retired Board of Directors. February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 5
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Taxes, Taxes, Taxes
Adams Earns Speaker Post
2013 Legislative Session Focus Will Fall on Retirement, State Aid and Tax Shifts
Much like the classroom teacher he was for 31 years, State Sen. Greg Adams of York has promised his new charges that he will help them succeed. Adams was elected Speaker of the Legislature in January and will serve in that capacity for the next two years. He told senators “my agenda is to help you be the best senators you Adams can be.” Adams career was spent at York High School as an American government and economics teacher. He is a former NSEA member, and was elected to the Legislature in 2006 and again in 2010. He is a former York city councilman and mayor, and is past chair of the Legislature’s Education Committee.
a desire to bring the final state aid numThe tone has been set and formation bers in at closer to a six percent increase. of alliances is well under way as the NSEA will push to maximize state 2013 session of the Nebraska Legislafunding for schools, as increased state ture enters its second month. aid works to keep local property taxes Gov. Dave Heineman set the tone down. In addition, Nebraska ranks at or early with his State of the State Address near the bottom of all states in terms of on Jan. 15, in which he proposed adding state aid to local schools — another reasales taxes to some previously exemptson for the state aid push. ed transactions as well as eliminating NSEA will also support several state income and corporate taxes. bills that relate to state aid. LB357, inWhile there is general agreement that troduced by Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar, a review of Nebraska’s tax code is in would extend for order, not all agree two years a budget with the governor’s lid exemption for approach. For inpayments for volstance, long-time untary separation Heineman allies at NSEA will hold its Legislative Dinner agreements. NSEA the Farm Bureau Federation were with senators on Monday, March 4, in Lin- also supports LB 469, introduced by quick to oppose his coln. It’s your chance to meet senators, Norfolk Sen. Steve plan to implement talk about legislative issues important to which sales tax on farm you and your students, and establish a re- Scheer, lationship with your senator. Interested in would make the machinery sales. exemption permaThe gover- taking part? Call Cathy Schapmann or Jan at 1-800-742-0047 or e-mail: nent. Separation nor’s proposals Anderson cathy.schapmann@nsea.org agreements would were introduced jan.anderson@nsea.org be exempt from by Omaha Senathe lid as long as tors Brad Ashford the district can show that the agreement and Beau McCoy in the form of LB405 saves tax dollars in the long run and LB406. Because Nebraska schools NSEA will oppose repeal of the receive a large amount of aid derived teacher education allowance to districts from the state’s general fund each year, which employ higher than average numNSEA will closely monitor both bills. bers of teachers holding master’s and higher degrees. Instead, NSEA will supState Aid Up Front port two bills which would continue the State aid to schools for the current allowance in different form: LB 416, by year is $852 million. Although the state Senator Rick Kolowski of Omaha and aid formula indicates Nebraska schools LB 645, by Senator Ken Haar, of Malwill need an 11 percent increase (to colm. It is important to recognize the $947 million) for the 2013-14 school additional costs necessary to maintain a year, the governor has proposed a five well-educated teaching staff. percent increase. The governor’s $895 million budget Sullivan Elected for 2013-14 state aid, and $939 million Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan is for 2014-15 state aid, would both fall the new Education Committee chair. well short of the $950 million sent to Other Education Committee memschools in 2010-11. bers are Sen. Bill Avery, Lincoln; Sen. Several state senators have indicated
Meet, Eat With Your Senator
Ken Haar, Malcolm; Omaha Sens. Tanya Cook and Rick Kolowski; Sen. Al Davis, Hyannis; Sen. Jim Scheer, Norfolk; and Sen. Les Seiler, Hastings. Keeping Watch Also on NSEA’s watch list are: n LB346, which authorizes school districts to levy a tax and exceed the budget authority for school security measures. NSEA supports LB346. n LB553, NSEA worked with sponsor and Retirement Committee Chair Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist to craft the bill. It would keep the state teacher retirement plan solvent by, among other things, raising the state contribution rate to 2 percent and eliminating the budget lid for school district retirement contributions. It maintains the Rule of 85. n LB570, NSEA supports the adoption of the Employers Certainty in Records Act, which requires employers who engage in any type of electronic monitoring to give prior written notice to all employees who may be affected, informing them of the types of monitoring which may occur.
Big News! Tuition Reimbursement Returns This Summer! Funding for the very popular teacher tuition reimbursement program of a couple of years ago is set to be restored in time for 2013 summer session classes. LB495 and LB497, both introduced by Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, would use $1 million in lottery fund proceeds to finance
the Excellence in Teaching Act to provide tuition reimbursement for active educators and students pursuing education degrees. NSEA supports both bills. Watch The Voice, NSEA’s website and the Nebraska Department of Education’s website for formal announcement of the reimbursement program details. February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 7
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NSEA: Rebuild Nebraska Coalition Calls for Investments to Rebuild State’s Schools, Services NSEA has joined a broad coalition of statewide organizations and private citizens calling on state senators to reinvest in crucial budget items that were underfunded during the Great Recession. At a news conference the day before Gov. Heineman’s annual budget address to the Nebraska Legislature, the Rebuild Nebraska Coalition urged senators to remember that Nebraskans pride themselves on The Good Life – a high quality of living that recognizes the importance of good schools, safe streets, affordable health care, and strong communities. Voices for Children in Nebraska Executive Director Carolyn Rooker said careful planning has allowed the state to weather the recession better than most states. Now, she said, it is time to reinvest in areas that have been cut. “We owe it to our children to create a state budget that lays out a plan for their future and gives them the same opportunities for success that generations before them have experienced,” she said. Rooker urged senators to think and plan carefully for the future, both in terms of revenue and spending. Even though the state faces a budget gap estimated at $200 million, Gov. Dave Heineman proposes tax revenue cuts.
High Praise For Nebraska The view on Nebraska’s need for tax reform may be subjective; over the past several years, the state has ranked quite well in terms of tax and quality of life issues. For instance: n Lowest business tax costs for new firms (Tax Foundation, 2012). n Second-best pro-business state (Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc., 2011). n Second-lowest state for business costs (Forbes, 2011). n Second-highest quality of living (Forbes, 2011). n Second-lowest unemployment rate at 4 percent (Bureau of Labor Statistics, July 2012). n Third-best state for taxes and regulation (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2012). n Third-best state for quality of living (Business Facilities 2011 Rankings Report). n Sixth-best state for business (CNBC, July 2012). n Eighth-best state for business climate (Forbes magazine, Nov. 2011).
Now that the economy is gaining traction, it is time to reinvest in schools, universities, hospitals, local governments, and public health and safety. Coalition members said “there is no way our state can maintain the public structures that make our state work, let alone rebuild programs that have been severely cut, without proper revenue. Spending proposals that would significantly change tax structure and reduce revenue are contrary to Nebraska priorities and to the values of shared responsibility.”
Indeed, as shown in the accompanying chart, Nebraska’s economy, tax structure, and standard of living are already highly ranked. Groups that support Rebuild Nebraska in addition to NSEA include AARP Nebraska, Center for People in Need, Center for Rural Affairs, Community Action of Nebraska, Food Bank of the Heartland, Heartland Workforce Solutions, Nebraska Association of Public Employees/AFSCME, Nebraska Appleseed, Non-Profit Association of the Midlands and Voices for Children.
State Aid, Higher Ed Cuts The coalition cited Legislative Fiscal Office numbers showing that over the last 10 years the Legislature has cut state aid to public schools by 17 percent, while higher education has taken a 20 percent cut. Shawn Bonge said the classrooms where her children learn lack new and fast technology, causing computers to freeze frequently. Multiple classrooms can’t stream internet content simultaneously, robbing instruction time, she said. “Our educators and administrators have worked so hard not to let these challenges hurt our students, but a Band-Aid can only work for so long,” said Bonge, a member of Nebraska Parents for Public Education. “If the bleeding continues, eventually it will bleed through.” February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 9
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A World of Fun!
With Your New NSEA Membership Card You’ll Save on Hotels, Motels, and More!
After the stress of the holidays and with a good start to 2013, it’s time to have some good old fashioned fun! No meals to cook, presents to buy, or family to prepare for – so use your NSEA membership card to save on resort, condo and hotel stays, as well as thrilling theme parks. Your new 2013 NSEA membership card, pictured here, should have arrived in your mailbox by now. You can use it to book a seven-night vacation stay from Resort Vacation Certificates by Endless Vacation Rentals. Or, relax and enjoy amenities like a kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, and more with 35 percent off Endless Vacation Rentals. Would you rather spend your getaway in a traditional hotel? You can also kick back and relax in a great hotel like Hawthorn Suites with 20 percent off. Or, check in to the Ramada for a restful getaway at 20 percent off.
You might also discover your inner child at Disneyland Resort and save up to $29 on resort tickets. If you’re craving even more Disney magic, visit Walt Disney World Resort where the more you play the less you pay per day! Or, you can go underwater for an aquatic adventure at SeaWorld with up to $20 off single day tickets when you buy online. Still looking for more ways to have fun? Enjoy up to $29 off LEGOLAND California tickets when you purchase online or save over 15 percent on LEGOLAND Florida tickets. You can also experience exciting entertainment at Universal Studios Orlando with up to $25 off park admission or three days for $69 at Universal Studios Hollywood in California. Summer isn’t the only season for fun. Make the rest of this winter a blast and have a good time saving by logging in to the Access savings program through the NSEA website. Click on the NSEA membership card icon at: nsea.org
National Board Teachers Raise Achievement Harvard Study Shows Students with NBCTs Outperform Peers plished practice, the independent, nonAs the highly regarded National profit National Board has developed the Board for Professional Teaching Stannation’s highest teachdards surpassed a ing standards, which significant milestone lead to improved of nationwide growth teaching, leading and — 100,000-plus aclearning. While state complished teachers teacher credentialing — new findings from Two NSEA members were programs set the basic Harvard University’s among those receiving National requirements to teach Center for Education Board for Professional Teaching in each state, National Policy Research afStandards certification in 2012. Board certification is firm the strong, posiWith the addition of Diane Scherthe profession’s reptive classroom impact gin and Deborah Waring, there resentation of what it of National Board are now 99 Nebraska educators means for teachers to Certified Teachers with National Board certification. demonstrate advanced (NBCTs). Schergin teaches social studies knowledge, skills and The report by Harand history at Westside Compractices. munity School District 66.Warvard’s Strategic Data ing taught middle school for the NBCTs earn cerProject on the nation’s Omaha Public Schools before tification through an second-largest school leaving the district last summer. intensive, multi-year district found that, on process of standardsaverage, NBCTs in based performance asLos Angeles public sessment and peer review. schools significantly outperform peers with the same level of experience. Impressive Results Formed in 1987 as the profession’s Harvard’s analysis of elementaryplatform for setting standards for accom-
Nebraska Nears 100
level L.A. students’ scores on both the math and English sections of the California Standards Tests showed that those whose teachers were Board-certified got an achievement boost equivalent to the effect of up to two months’ extra instructional time in math and one additional month in English language arts. A nearly identical level of NBCT success in advancing student performance was found in a study last year — also by Harvard’s Strategic Data Project — in Georgia’s Gwinnett County Public Schools. Both studies echo a 2008 national study by the National Research Council, which found that students taught by National Board-certified teachers score better on achievement tests than students whose teachers are not Boardcertified. Learn more at: http://www.nbpts.org/ The Harvard report can be found at: www.gse.harvard.edu/~pfpie/pdf/ sdp-lausd-hk-brief.pdf February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 11
On the job: Omaha English as a Second Language teacher Barbara Madsen is on the job every day at R.M. Marrs Magnet Middle School. In fact, she’s at school at 6 a.m. most days, and frequently puts in 13-hour days.
Barbara Madsen’s
Rule @ 85
Veteran Omaha Teacher’s Advice: Attend Delegate Assembly
A
Madsen backs up her advice: she’ll attend the 2013 Delegate well-worn and time-tested adage says experience is the Assembly in Kearney. She has told administrators she plans to best teacher. If so, all NSEA members would do well to teach again in 2013-14 and as a result will “probably” attend heed the advice of Omaha teacher Barbara Madsen. Delegate Assembly in 2014, as well. Calling on her lifetime of teaching and other experiences, That is an extraordinary level of commitment to her AssociMadsen says all members should consider attending NSEA’s ation – especially considering that MadDelegate Assembly in April. In fact, sen marked her 85th birthday on Jan. 25. Madsen believes members should at“It’s worth it to go even if tend even if they are not an elected delegate. The debate, action and information you’re not an elected delegate, n addition to the length of her profesgleaned from Delegate Assembly are just to go and watch and learn sional teaching tenure, Madsen has worth the time. impeccable credentials when it comes “I think it’s worth it to go even if from what is happening.” to life experiences. Also well stocked is — Barbara Madsen, her resume of Delegate Assembly attenyou’re not an elected delegate, just to go and watch and learn from what is hapOmaha Teacher, dance and her record of service to colpening,” said Madsen. NSEA member leagues as an Association representative. An English as a Second Language Before she began teaching, Madsen teacher at R.M. Marrs Magnet Middle worked off and on for five years in the School in Omaha, Madsen finds great value in the knowledge accounting division of a telephone company. It was there her gained and the voice she has at Delegate Assembly. union involvement began. “I like to know what is happening on issues that have to do “I was involved with union activities at the phone company with teaching,” she said. “I’ve always felt Delegate Assembly because I always felt I needed to know what was going on.” to be worthwhile.” Following time off for children, she began teaching in
I
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1969, after her youngest child entered kindergarten. She graduated mid-year, and unsure whether she would get a job until late summer, began work on her master’s degree. But she was hired, finished her master’s in urban education as she taught, and has been teaching since. Most of Madsen’s career has been at Marrs; she’s been there since 1981, and colleagues tease that the building was “built around her” – a fact that is not too far from the truth. Years ago, Marrs was rebuilt. Half of the school was demolished and rebuilt; then the other half was demolished and rebuilt. Through it all, Madsen has remained an Association activist. She has chaired the Omaha Education Association’s Bylaws Committee, serves on the OEA Governance Committee and has been either building association representative or building captain – a title she still holds – for more than 30 years. She has attended nearly every Delegate Assembly since that time, as well.
M
adsen’s interest in politics began long ago. “I was always interested in political science when I was in college. I was going to school at the time the Bootstrappers were there – they were very interesting to be in class with,” she said. Bootstrappers – military veterans of World War II or the Korean War – were mostly older than typical college students and attended on the G.I. Bill. Because of politics, she believes younger teachers should take more interest in their Association, as well. “Everything we do has to do with politics,” she said. “They’re talking about the new school board. They’re talking about retirement plan changes. All of that has to do with politics.” Madsen never really considered teaching as a career, even though her mother gave up her teaching career in the 1920s to get married. That changed many years ago, however, when her husband crashed his motorcycle and spent a month in traction. “I decided that if he’s going to do things like that, I’d better get a paying job,” she said. Madsen plans to teach and advocate for members for as long as she is fit and able. And she’ll continue to attend Delegate Assembly for a reason. “Because it’s worth it. Very definitely,” said Madsen. That’s from a voice of experience.
It’s A Big Deal!
Delegate Assembly: The Details
NSEA is your Association. Like every other NSEA member, you are eligible to be elected to serve as a delegate. It is at that meeting where difficult policy decisions will be discussed and decided; budget and dues will be set; and an opening on NEA’s elected board will be filled. How to Attend: Your local president will soon receive details regarding delegate eligibility. Talk to your local president or building rep about attending, or call your NSEA UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047. Here are other details: Who: Any NSEA member in good standing may apply for election to serve as a delegate. More than 300 NSEA members typically attend. Talk to your building rep or local president if you would like to serve. What: Held each year since NSEA’s founding in 1867, Delegate Assembly is where member voices are heard in a democratically-run forum. Where/When: Kearney, April 19-20. Why: Association goals and dues are set at Delegate Assembly, and Bylaws and Resolutions (NSEA’s guiding principles) are updated. Other Details: Each local association is entitled to representation, based on one delegate per 50 members, or greater fraction thereof. Thus, any local with 26 members is eligible to select one or more delegates, based on total membership. Those locals with fewer than 50 members band together with other locals in ‘clusters’ to select delegates. Cost: NSEA covers one-half a Friday night hotel room for each delegate, a box lunch on Saturday and mileage for delegates.
Draper to Keynote; Officer Seat Open Why should you attend NSEA’s Delegate Assembly? For starters, public school activist Dr. John Draper will be the featured speaker. Delegates will also elect a member to serve a three-year term on the NEA Board of Directors. Throw in action resulting from a likely education-centric session of the Nebraska Legislature, and you have the makings of a Delegate Assembly for the ages. Indeed, the fact that the Legislature is tinkering with the retirement system for teachers should in itself encourage members to consider service as a delegate. Dynamic, Inspirational Speaker Draper has been a newspaper reporter, construction worker, jailor, actor, timber buyer, musician, small business owner, choir director, soccer coach, Sunday school teacher, and door-to-door Draper aluminum siding salesman. For the last 30 years he has been a middle and high school teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, CEO of the Educational Research Service in Washington, D.C. He is now president of Cambridge Strategic Services, which helps school districts develop extraordinary learning communities. A dynamic and entertaining speaker, he has keynoted education gatherings across the nation. Open Seat on NEA Board Delegates will also elect a representative from NSEA to serve a three-year term on the NEA Board of Directors. Any NSEA member in good standing is eligible to file for this term. To have a name placed on the ballot, the candidate must be nominated from the floor during the Assembly’s opening session on Friday evening, April 19, 2013. Any candidate who wishes to seek election and to have campaign material included in a mailing to all delegates in advance of Delegate Assembly must submit that information to NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen no later than 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 (not less than 45 days prior to April 19). February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 13
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‘Distinguished Nebraskans’ Hits Library Bookshelves Labor of Love for Retired Grand Island Educator Sent to Libraries Across the State For nearly 20 years, retired Grand Island English teacher and author E.A. Kral has toiled on a labor of love, researching the lives of famous and not-so-famous Nebraskans who have excelled in their chosen hobby or vocation. Now, the book version of his work is available to virtually every Nebraska student. With NSEA serving as publisher, Kral has financed, authored, printed and sent copies of his new book, Nationally Distinguished Nebraskans, to more than 800 school and public libraries statewide. The 300-plus page book, subtitled A Bio-Bibliography of More than 900 Individuals From 1854 to 2012, tells the story of hundreds of men and women who have attained national or international excellence in fields of practice ranging from agriculture, athletics and engineering to medicine, the arts and science. The volume offers not only summaries of achievement, but also educational background and suggested readings. NSEA President Nancy Fulton authored the forward to Kral’s book, and said that the book will provide examples to our children of those from Nebraska who have learned to be continually curious and to desire to aspire. “Children can be encouraged to be curious, to seek to understand the world around them,” wrote Fulton. “The simple exploration of new opportunities, of machinations, of ideas and themes can provide a lifetime of exhilarating learning and understanding. At the same time, we can teach our children to desire to do well, to aspire to reach for the stars.”
That’s what the more than 900 entrants in Kral’s book have done. Early reviews from some of the librarians who received the book have been most generous. Tiffany Frost, a teacherlibrarian at Papillion-LaVista South High, said the book would be put to use immediately. “I also plan on letting teachers know about this new resource, so they can encourage students to take a closer look at some of the amazing individuals who are a part of Nebraska’s historical and present-day accomplishments,” said Frost. Winside School Librarian Kristy Wittler was just as enthusiastic. “Thank you for the reference book about distinguished Nebraskans,” wrote Wittler. “I will be placing it in our library. I am delighted to receive quality books like this.” Along with Jean Sanders, Kral co-authored a 2010 book entitled Profiles of Nationally Distinguished Nebraskans. That book included lengthy profiles on nearly 50 famous Nebraskans. The information from Kral’s newest book is also available online at the NSEA website. Look for the link to Famous Nebraskans on the bottom of the home page at: www.nsea.org
Leadership Institute Nominations Accepted Considering Seeking Leadership Post? NSEA Can Help! “Good leaders aren’t born, they are made,” said Hall of Fame football Coach Vince Lombardi. Association members can enhance their leadership skills through the 2013 edition of the NSEA Leadership Institute. The Institute should be of particular interest to members who are pursuing or interested in pursuing an Association leadership post at the local, regional or state level in the near future. The Institute is scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, July 16-18 at NSEA Headquarters in Lincoln. It is open to all NSEA members in good standing; expenses are paid and there
is no fee to attend. “Any current and/or potential local leader should consider attending,” said Kristen Sedlacek, an NSEA UniServ director, and the Institute director. “The training is informal, fun and informational.” Any K-12, Higher Education or Educational Support Professional member who is a local leader or has interest in becoming a local leader may attend. The program will develop a thorough knowledge of the Association, and will provide training on member rights, organizing, membership and other aspects of the Association. Participants will also network with other local leaders from around the state. Those interested should call Jan Anderson at 1-800-742-0047, or email:
jan.anderson@nsea.org Class size is limited. Apply soon!
Please Re-Elect
Susan Stake as your Capitol District President
Experienced & Dedicated. February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 15
Take Part! Vote in NSEA Leader Elections
Valid E-mail Address Required to Participate
A Fistful of Dollars: Bellevue Education Association member Brad Wellman, left, recently hand-delivered proceeds from the BEA’s Children’s Fund collection to NSEA Comptroller Sheri Jablonski. A jeans day event last fall raised $5,053 for the Children’s Fund, which benefits children who are in immediate need of basic necessities like warm winter clothes, dental care, food and other items.
Kreminska Earns Physics Honor Dr. Liubov Kreminska, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, was named the Woman Physicist of the Month for January 2013 by the American Physical Society’s Committee on the Status of Women in Physics. The award recognizes female physicists who have made a positive impact on other individuals’ lives and careers. Kreminska is a recipient of the College of Natural and Social Sciences Research Mentoring Award and willingly involves students in her research. Her students have received NASA Fellowships, undergraduate fellowship awards and have participated in research experience for undergrads. She has also worked with University of Nebraska-Lincoln physicists and UNK mathematics and statistics faculty. “Dr. Kreminska is an outstanding individual who has done, and is doing, outstanding work in research, service and teaching,” said Deanna Ratnikova, American Physical Society’s women and education programs administrator. Kreminska has a long list of publications, and has served on several committees and has been a judge for the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences, Central Region. Founded in 1972, the CSWP encourages career development of women physicists. Page 16 n The NSEA Voice n February 2013
Do you hope to vote in the NSEA elections in March? All you need is your 10-digit NSEA identification number and a valid e-mail address. The two-week voting period opens at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27. Prior to that date, members with valid e-mail addresses on file with NSEA will receive an e-mail alert detailing the voting process and including each member’s 10-digit identification number. NSEA members without a valid e-mail address on file will receive a postcard detailing the voting process. If you do not receive either a postcard or an e-mail from NSEA by Feb. 27, call NSEA at 1-800-742-0047. You may also update your e-mail address with NSEA by looking for the icon, above, on the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org Also on the NSEA website: view a list of candidates and a brief biography for those candidates that have supplied biographical information.
‘It’s Easy Bein’ Green’ NPPD Seeks for Creative Student Ideas
What could be a great way to emphasize energy efficiency in a home? What would be a great example of conserving energy? How could a student, or group of students, promote such a message in their community? High school and middle school students can help answer those questions by participating in Nebraska Public Power District’s “It’s Easy Bein’ Green” video competition. The competition among Nebraska high schools and middle schools challenges student teams to create an ingenious, 27-second message about energy efficiency. NPPD, together with its wholesale partner utilities, sponsors the energy efficiency video contest. The contest gives students the opportunity to learn the importance of conserving energy, build awareness about energy-wasting habits, and promote energy-saving alternatives, all by writing and starring in their own 27-second television commercial. Last year’s competition saw more than 40 videos submitted to NPPD, with Chambers High School taking top honors followed by David City High School. The contest is open to Nebraska junior and senior high schools in communities served by NPPD and its wholesale utility partners. Entries must be submitted by a school sponsor, be exactly 27 seconds in length, and should focus on creative and unique energy-saving ideas for the home, school, farm, or business. Entries must be submitted by April 5, 2013, via the website at: http://v1.nppd.com/videochallenge/ An Apple iPad 2 will be awarded to the classroom, along with prizes for team members who submit the winning video in the Creative Video division, while certificates of recognition will be awarded to the winners in the Most Popular Video division. The winning schools and students may be featured in NPPD news releases, social media sites online, and through other publicity media by NPPD. Additionally, the selected commercials could be considered for professional production and possible placement in a statewide media campaign in 2013.
Due Soon: Your EHA Dependent Eligibility Forms As announced last fall, the Educator’s Health Alliance has hired Xerox to conduct a dependent eligibility verification process for participants in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska health care plan. The verification of dependent eligibility will ensure that only eligible individuals are covered under the plan, and will help keep plan costs as low as possible. All subscribers should have received a letter requesting verification information. A response to that letter is required by Feb. 22, 2013. All responses are kept confidential. Failure to respond will mean loss of health care coverage for dependents. Questions? Call Xerox EHA at 1-855-874-8505; EHA Field Representative Greg Long at 402-4401358; or Kent Trelford–Thompson at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska at 402-458-4810.
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Member Benefits
Save With Dave! You can protect your family and your retirement nest egg from the high costs of long-term care. You’ve planned your finances for retirement, but what would happen if you experience a debilitating illness that requires continued assistance with the tasks of daily living? Many people don’t realize that Medicare and other health insurance plans do not cover Glenn long-term care services. The burden of care often falls on loved ones, or costly services must be paid for out-of-pocket. Such unplanned-for expenses have the potential to decimate retirement savings! NEA Member Benefits offers a solution to NEA members and their families: the NEA Long-Term Care Insurance Program. This program, available to members, their spouses or domestic partners, and parents and parents-in-law, provides education on long-term care needs and the various options available. Your first task should be to learn more about the importance of long term care insurance. Do so by reading about such coverage through an article from Kiplinger personal Finance at this link: neamb.com/insurance/7619.htm Visit the NEA Member Benefits site to learn more. Go to the website and look under the Insurance tab near the top of the page. From there, click on the ‘Health Insurance’ link and look for the NEA Long-Term Care Insurance Program. The Member Benefits site is at: neamb.com SmileMakers and Read Across SmileMakers, a Staples company and NEA Member Benefits partner, is the Official NEA Seuss Store for NEA’s Read Across America 2013. Members can celebrate in style with over 100 Seuss products available at: smilemakers.com/NEASeussStore. html. When members use the promo code NEAMB, they receive 20 percent off, plus free shipping with orders of $25 or more. A share of profits from sales will benefit NEA’s literacy program. David Glenn is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.
Workplace Violence: Reduce the Risk NEA Academy Offers Online Course It is an unfortunate reality: in today’s workplace, violent incidents are occurring more frequently and are escalating in ways that rarely happened in the past. Through a partnership with Teacher CEU Toolbox, the NEA Academy now offers the Workplace Violence In Schools course to help prepare and empower educators and education support professionals, as well as decrease fear and anxiety over school violence. In the 10-hour course, NEA members will establish a common framework of knowledge through case histories; gain appreciation for crisis management/ training programs; understand differing roles of staff and law enforcement; and learn strategic tools to effectively participate in and contribute to the safety of their school and workplace. NEA members receive a discounted rate of $63 for this course. The course offers an easily accessible and affordable way for educators
and education support professionals to become more involved with assessing workplace threats, evaluating vulnerabilities, and developing methods to positively focus and establish a sense of community before, during, and after a crisis event. The course offers: n Innovative, high-quality professional development material. n 24/7 online, self-paced scheduling. n Streamlined licensing requirement fulfillment process. n Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available. Teacher CEU Toolbox course creators are comprised of teachers who possess a master’s or doctoral degrees and are Nationally Board Certified and/ or have been recognized for their exemplary teaching practices. For more details, visit: neaacademy.org/teacherceutoolbox
Great Deals from NEAMB!
NEA Click & Save, the online discount service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants. Check these featured February Buylights: n Harry & David: 20 percent off; n Sears: Get $35 off $300; n New Balance: Get 15 percent off. Start shopping today at: neamb.com/clickandsave
Special Discounts by H&R Block Download a coupon for NEA discounts at H&R Block! File Federal Form 1040EZ for free through Feb. 15, 2013, ($39.99 thereafter) or get up to $15 off tax preparation of your Federal Form 1040 or 1040A. These offers may be redeemed either in H&R Block retail offices or online. Special offers on At Home for do-it-yourselfers. Get details
and download your coupon at: www.neamb.com/hrblock
Welcome to the New Nutrisystem With 150 entrees and snacks, including 30 new and improved foods, total access to invaluable support, Nutrisystem Success is weight loss made simple. NEA members can start with a Nutrisystem Success weight loss plan today and save an extra 10 percent over the featured discount. For details, visit: neamb.com/nutrisystem A Deal on Smithsonian! Save 82 percent off the annual subscription of Smithsonian Magazine, a respected publication covering the hard and natural sciences, art, history, environment, technology, popular culture, anthropology and more! Pay $12 (instead of $65.09) for 11 issues, and reap the benefits of Smithsonian membership! Use code CDTU when ordering at: www.neamag.com/smithsonian February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 19
News You Can Use ‘Secret Millionaires Club’ Offered by Buffett Students ages 7 to 16 are invited to put their thinking caps on and enter ideas for new businesses in the second Secret Millionaires Club “Grow Your Own Business Challenge.” The club is an animated series created by A2 Entertainment featuring the voice of Warren Buffett as a mentor to a group of kids as they learn important financial and entrepreneurial lessons. Entries must be submitted by Feb. 15, 2013. Four individuals and two team finalists in the competition will be transported to Omaha in May to present their winning ideas to Buffett and a panel of VIP judges. One grand prize individual and one grand prize team will each be awarded $5,000. The finalists will be invited to nominate a teacher who was most inspirational in the process to join them in Omaha and win up to $1,000. For full rules and to enter please visit www.smckids.com The Secret Millionaires Club Learn & Earn educational website offers materials for educators, parents and volunteers to extend the valuable lessons from Buffett into the classroom, home and afterschool programs. Girls, Inc., Junior Achievement and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) are all participants.
Art Education Grants Boost Knowledge, Skills The National Endowment for the Arts’ Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. In the Art Works: Arts Education grant program, the Endowment supports projects that provide opportunities for youth, educators and community leaders to gain in-depth arts education knowledge and skills in the arts. Also important are projects that have significant potential to be shared and/or replicated. Projects may include, but are not limited to, efforts that include arts instruction for youth, generally between ages 5 and 18, that result in increased knowledge and skills in the arts; and arts education professional development for Page 20 n The NSEA Voice n February 2013
teachers and other educators. For professional development, the Endowment is particularly interested in projects that: n Build capacity of educators or community leaders to better understand arts education. n Build capacity of educators and community leaders to use data to make decisions. n Include training in how to design, implement and utilize high quality assessment of student learning in the arts. For details, visit: www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP14/ ArtsEdAW
Institute Recognizes History Teachers The National History Teacher of
the Year Award recognizes the country’s best K-12 American history teachers. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and Preserve America sponsor the award. State winners are selected from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and U.S. territories. From these finalists, one honoree becomes the National History Teacher of the Year. Nominations are open year round for grades K-12. Middle and high school teachers (7-12) will be honored in 2014. State winners receive $1,000; the national winner receives $10,000. For details, call the National History Teacher of the Year coordinator at 646-366-9666, ext. 28, or e-mail to: nhtoy@gilderlehrman.org
From the Executive Director
Keeping Education Local, Personal I have visited the home and studio of the great American support of every segment of the local community are imarchitect, Frank Lloyd Wright, whose designs were a masportant factors in building schools that focus on students. terful combination of local materials, local resources, and Education is ultimately local. The best education is local soaring achievement. Most of us want that for the instrucand personal. The fear is that we are quickly moving to a tional design of our schools, too. national and impersonal system that emphasizes test scores Recently I joined a discussion in which local school suof schools or districts, rather than the personal growth of perintendents, school board representatives, local business individual students. owners, and other citizens discussed the challenge of innovative instructional designs for their local schools. As one The Natural Landscape book title tells the story, there has been “So Much Reform, As I looked around the room of business men and womSo Little Change” (Payne, 2008). And, frankly, some of the en, parent and community organizations, politicians, lomost significant change cal college professors, superintendents, and that has occurred has not school board members been an improvement — all exploring the defor students. sign of a new approach The federal No Child to schooling, I thought Left Behind Act is a of the beautiful strucdismal failure for many tures that Frank Lloyd students. There may be Wright designed. Many far more children left of his designs were behind under this conbased on the belief that gressionally-mandated homes should appear system of accountabilto be part of the natural ity than ever occurred landscape — rising from with local systems of the local setting, instead sensible achievement of being “transplanted” goals. Many of our from somewhere else. most successful schools An Integral Part of the Local Site: NSEA Executive Director It is the way more of us have long recognized there is far more to edu- Craig R. Christiansen enjoying one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most should view our schools. This was a meeting cation than the numbers famous home designs, “Falling Water.” that was about instrucon national or state tests tion and learning. What was refreshing was the intense could ever capture. What we have now is a system focus interest of these members of a broad community coming designed by Congress, rather than local communities. It is together to find a refocus for their individual schools. Una system that simply ignores or skims over the teaching of fortunately, the national chase for competitive test scores important topics and activities, because these are “not on has often pushed aside important aspects of a broad educathe test.” tion. When I was in school, there was usually some class hotLocal Realities shot who would always ask “Will this stuff be on the test?” Like the design of Wright’s iconic homes, the design Apparently, these same people now of local schools should fit the environment and reflect the values of the “When I was in school, there was set state and national policy. One of great strengths of the American owners. In fact, like a Wright home, usually some class hotshot who would the school has always been its local roots the local school should be an integral always ask ‘Will this stuff be on the — its connection to the interests and part of the local community. Every test?’ Apparently, these same people care of the community and its intervital community knows that. est in the individual success of every The discussion I joined was not on now set state and national policy.” funding, taxes, school buildings, or — Craig R. Chrsitiansen student. Talk with your local teachers principals about the pressure to national standardized tests. The enNSEA Executive Director and narrow the curriculum to only those tire discussion was on how a school subjects that are on state or national district or group of neighboring distests. Most American schools are tricts could increase its focus on the still local and personal. Ask your local school board memneeds for success of each student. Local realities, local bers to keep it that way. It matters for our students. sensibilities, local resources, local engagement, and the February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 21
NSEA-Retired Corner
‘Complete the Circle’ Volunteers Sought for Mentoring Project Have you left the classroom, but found that the classroom hasn’t quite “left” you? If so, it might be wise to check out the 2013 edition of NSEA-Retired’s Intergenerational Mentoring program. Now in the ninth year, the program pairs retired educators as mentors for college students seeking to enter the profession. The program gives retirees an opportunity to “complete the circle” by helping a future teacher get a good start. To make the project a success, volunteers are needed from the ranks of retirees. The 2013 sessions are set for Friday and Saturday, Feb 15-16, at the NSEA’s Lincoln headquarters. Sessions will last from 1-8 p.m. on Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Meals and housing for those from outside Lincoln will be paid. Interested? Call UniServ Director Maureen Nickels at 800-742-0047, or e-mail her at: maureen.nickels@nsea.org The application is available at: www.nsea.org/retired Questions? Contact Joe Higgins or Ruby Davis at these e-mail addresses: higginsj7@gmail.com rddelta@gmail.com Legislative Action Nebraska’s 49 citizen-legislators are now hard at work – and they expect to hear from constituents. NSEA-Retired has worked to make it easy. At the NSEA-Retired website, you will find links to begin lobbying, and links to follow legislative bills. Also available are specific guides to: n Contacting your U.S. Congressman or U.S. Senator. n Becoming a cyber-lobbyist. n Writing effective letters to the editor of your favorite newspaper. n Receiving NEA’s weekly email newsletter. n The 10 Golden Rules of Lobbying. n The legislative process. The link to legislative action is at: nsea.org/nsea-retired-legislativeaction-center NSEA-Retired is working with a coalition to develop legislation to make Nebraska more “retiree friendly.” If you Page 22 n The NSEA Voice n February 2013
Intergen 2012: This group of five participants from Intergenerational Mentoring Class of 2012 share a laugh during a session. From left are Sandi Hansen, Millard; Brittany Meyer, Wayne State College; Katelyn Lyon, Wayne State College; Marie Meyers, Westside; and Kate Koch, College of St. Mary.
can suggest organizations that would be valuable in this effort, or suggestions on proposals to make Nebraska more “retiree friendly,” share them with NSEARetired President Roger Rea at: rrea68154@yahoo.com Elections Ahead! Ballots will be mailed in around March 1 to all NSEA-Retired members. Nominees for office are listed at: www.nsea.org/retired Check the list of nominees and bios to cast an informed ballot for: n NSEA-Retired secretary and treasurer. n NSEA-Retired District Directors for Metro No. 1, Panhandle, Tri-Valley. n 14 Delegate Assembly delegates. n Four Representative Assembly delegates. Ballots must be returned in the postage-paid envelopes before the March deadline. Questions? Call Rebecca Smith at 1-800-742-0047. BlueSenior Classic Medicare NSEA members insured through the Educators Health Alliance (EHA), the Blue Cross plan that covers most school employees, and who turn 65 prior to retiring, are eligible to enroll in NSEA-Retired BlueSenior Classic Medicare supplement when their insurance through their school district ends. NSEA-Retired BlueSenior Classic is a Medicare supplement that offers dental as part of the supplement itself, and is only available to EHA subscribers and members of NSEA-Retired. For most school employees, insurance through
their school district plan will continue until Aug. 31 of the year in which they retire. Blue Cross will send details concerning NSEA-Retired BlueSenior Classic Medicare Supplement (with optional dental coverage) 4-6 weeks before insurance coverage from the school district ends. The mailing comes in a plain, white envelope with a colored sticker on the front, indicating that the envelope contains information about NSEARetired BlueSenior Classic. This is the only notice you will receive about the NSEA-Retired supplement. To enroll, fill out the forms in the envelope and return them by the deadline listed. If you do not see the name NSEARetired BlueSenior Classic on the materials, and do not have the option to select dental coverage, it is not the supplement that NSEA-Retired endorses. If you decline dental coverage when you first enroll in NSEA-Retired BlueSenior Classic, you cannot add coverage later. If you are not enrolled in an EHA plan when you turn 65, or if you selected COBRA coverage when you retired, you may enroll in NSEA-Retired BlueSenior Classic if you are a member of NSEA-Retired. You will need to call Blue Cross at 1-800-562-6394 about 60 days before your insurance coverage ends, to request enrollment information. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of NSEA-Retired. More details on Medicare Basics for 2013 can be found at: www.nsea.org/retired — Renae Kelly, Editor renaerkelly@gmail.com
Extra Credit
‘This Lady is a Teacher’ Summer of ‘72 Ruling in NSEA Case says No Impropriety in Teacher Having Houseguests The warm summer of 1972 was a prolific time for heated legal battles affecting Nebraska teachers. Forty years ago, three court rulings in three weeks challenged infringements on teachers’ rights. The Seward School District served the first challenge when it asked the Nebraska Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of the Commission of Industrial Relations. The key issue: the constitutional and statutory right of the CIR to set the salaries of public employees. Members of the Seward Education Association had been the first teachers to have their salaries set by a CIR ruling. In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court affirmed the CIR’s constitutionality and right to issue bargaining orders. The court also said the CIR has the right to establish wage scales on the basis of comparability. Then NSEA Attorney Ted Kessner called it a landmark victory that “establishes, once and for all, the right of teachers to negotiate their conditions of employment, and to seek adjudication by an impartial Court in cases of dispute.” Soon after, the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of five faculty members at North Platte’s Mid-Plains Nebraska Technical College. The five included the previous year’s officers
and negotiations team of the MidPlains Education Association. Under the guise of “curriculum changes,” the Mid-Plains Board of Governors eliminated the five teaching positions. The Court of Industrial Relations ruled, and the Nebraska Supreme Court agreed, that the five were denied contract renewal because of their local association affiliation and negotiations activity. The Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of all five teachers. One week later, Lincoln’s Federal District Court ordered the reinstatement of Frances Fisher, a Tryon teacher removed by the Tryon Board of Education for “conduct unbecoming a teacher.” The board had fired Fisher after it was discovered that she allowed friends of her 26-year-old son to visit and stay in her apartment. Kessner told the court that “this lady is a teacher. She can have houseguests. The government does not have the right to intrude” on her private life. Judge Warren Urbom ruled that “there is simply no proof of impropriety in Mrs. Fisher’s conduct,” adding that “the association of persons within one’s home is an activity constitutionally protected within the meaning
Francetta Cronin Gilsdorf Francetta Cronin Gilsdorf, 80, died in Lincoln on Jan. 6, 2013. A Minnesota native, Margaret Mary Cronin joined the Order of St. Benedict and received the name of Sister Francetta, the name she legally adopted when she left the order in 1972. A life-long educator, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Mount Marty College in 1965 and later received a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She taught in parochial schools in South Dakota and Nebraska and spent 22 years teaching at Gresham and Lincoln, her last post being at Huntington Elementary. She retired in 1996, but spent another 10 years as a substitute. Her obituary called her “a master teacher” and “highly respected and admired by professional peers and loved by students and parents.” Survivors include her husband Jack; a brother and three sisters; and several dozen nieces and nephews.
of the right to privacy.” The Court of Industrial Relations is constitutional. A teacher can’t be fired for being an active member of the local negotiations team. And outside the classroom, teachers are entitled to a life of their own. That was a pretty good collection of work for one summer. Source: NSEA’s Education News, Page 1, Sept. 14, 1972.
Communications Awards Presented to NSEA NSEA received accolades for work in the communications arena with four awards presented at the annual Public Relations Council of the States conference, held in Salt Lake City in January. Among the honors were three Awards of Excellence and an Award of Merit. They included: n An Award of Excellence in the Communications Plans category for the 2012 Coaches Association Campaign, which worked with the Nebraska Coaches Association to develop a video and related materials to encourage members of the coaching ranks to become active members of both
NSEA and the NCA. n An Award of Excellence in the Membership Materials category for the Learn With Friends membership campaign aimed at student members. n An Award of Excellence in the Public Image Campaign category for an anti-truancy effort entitled The Solution is ApParent. n An Award of Merit in the Government and Political Affairs category for a Get Out the Vote! campaign during the 2012 elections. February 2013 n The NSEA Voice n Page 23
$1 Million Goal for Newtown Scholarships, Sculpture Announced by CEA The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) has created the Sandy Hook Memorial and Scholarship Fund within the organization’s non-profit arm, the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF). CEA has set a fundraising goal of at least $1 million. Gifts will be donated to the Sandy Hook School Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Connecticut. CEA President Sheila Cohen said “This is a tribute that we hope will be meaningful and lasting to the families in the devastated community of Newtown.” In addition to contributing to the UConn Scholarship Fund, CEA has commissioned sculptor Marilyn Parkinson Thrall to create a bronze sculpture memorializing the heroism and sacrifice that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The CEA plan is to unveil the sculpture to mark the first anniversary of the mass shooting at the school. Cohen said, the monument “will be a place of comfort for friends, family members, the education community, and the nation, to help them heal from this unimaginable tragedy.” In December, CEA and its members held vigils, offered help, and provided resources to support those directly impacted by the tragedy. To donate, visit: www.cea.org
Speaking of Teaching “To teach is to learn twice over.”
—Joseph Joubert French essayist, 1754-1824
Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742
Family of Teachers
The Straka Family of Teachers: Catherine Straka taught kindergarten for 28 years at Atkinson Elementary School before retiring, but she left more than a legacy of well-educated students. Hers is also a family of teachers – including three kindergarten teachers! From left are son-in-law Steve Dennis, superintendent at Wilcox; daughter-in-law Heidi, a kindergarten teacher at Bryant Elementary School in Kearney; daughter Mary, a retired kindergarten teacher; the now-retired Catherine Straka; Maureen Bird, kindergarten teacher at Burwell Elementary; and Dan Bird, superintendent at Burwell Public Schools. If you have a family of teachers, snap a photo and send it to: Family of Teachers, c/o NSEA, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.
Cemetery Studies From Linda Prather, an eighth grade teacher in Kentucky:
“We are going to do what?!” “That used to be the first thing out of my eighth-graders’ mouths when I explained to them that I was going to take them to the cemetery on an all-day field trip. The moans and groans that you would hear, would make you think that this was a ‘haunted classroom.’ “But no more. Now it has become a highly anticipated tradition. Older brothers, sisters and friends have told them about the outing, so they no longer think that I’m the strangest teacher in the world! In fact, now the older classes that have already gone beg for me to take them back. “The biggest problems now is adminisPage 24 n The NSEA Voice n February 2013
tration and parents that ask, ‘Why study about the cemetery?’ There are many educational values. The main purpose is to encourage an appreciation of the unique historical significance of that place. Nearly every community has an old cemetery of historic and educational value. A study of it can reveal much about the lives of people of the past. Once there you can enjoy the wonderful artwork and architecture of the mausoleums. “A cemetery is a quiet place; much contemplation can take place there. One can learn about the philosophy prevailing and their decoration and epitaphs. Gaze upon the monuments and come to understand the statuary and iconography common upon them. “Of course the students just think, ‘This is a really cool day!’” Sign up for Works4Me at this link: www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html