The Voice May 2011 by Nebraska State Education Association

The

Voice The Nebraska State Education Association ď ś May 2011

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On the Cover: Members at NSEA’s Delegate Assembly elected WilberClatonia’s Nancy Fulton, left, and Norfolk’s Leann Widhalm, as president and vice president, respectively. For more, turn to

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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 64, No. 9 ISSN Number: 1085-0783 USPS Number: 000-369 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 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

It’s Time to Apply! Applications for Blue Cross/Blue Shield Scholarships are Due June 4 Nebraska educators constantly seek to improve their skills and knowledge base. Through a scholarship from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Professional Development Fund, certificated educators can have some of the costs of their advanced degrees covered. The competitive scholarships are awarded three times each year, and the next deadline, for the summer term, is Saturday, June. 4. All applications must be made through the NSEA website. Scholarships may be used to pursue an advanced degree, seek additional teaching endorsements or to take course work for certification requirements. Stipends may cover up to 50 percent of the cost of a single, threehour college course. Each applicant may apply for scholarship dollars for no more than three hours of course work. Books and supplies are not covered. To apply, NSEA members must complete the application form on the NSEA website. The form will be posted on the website through the Saturday, June 4, deadline.

Scholarship winners will be notified in July. The goal is to award stipends to the largest number of members from each of NSEA’s seven governance districts. To be eligible, NSEA members must be covered by either single or family Blue Cross/Blue Shield health care. Previous applicants, successful or not, may re-apply. However, applicants may be scholarship recipients in only two of the three scholarship cycles during a school year. Winners must provide evidence of completion of course work at an accredited post-secondary institution before they receive the scholarship funds. All courses must be taken for credit. Since 1986, 4,630 NSEA members have shared more than $592,130 in scholarship dollars, thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. The program does not affect Blue Cross and Blue Shield premiums. To apply, go to the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org For details, contact Sally Bodtke at 1-800-742-0047 or via e-mail at: sally.bodtke@nsea.org

Commission on Effective Teachers Would Like Your Advice Omaha’s Maddie Fennell Chairs NEA Task Force There is a new definition of an effective teacher and the teaching profession on the horizon. The honing of those definitions will take some help from active and retired teachers. NEA President Dennis Van Roekel last summer appointed a Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching, and named Omaha teacher Maddie Fennell as chair.The commission is charged with studying and analyzing existing standards, definitions, policies and practices related to effective teaching, followed by the crafting of a “teachers’ definition” of an effective teacher and effective teaching. The commission is also charged with crafting a new vision of a teacher-led profession that will ensure teacher and teaching effectiveness. The commission will develop recommendations on the Association’s role in advancing and promoting teacher effectiveness and the profession. The commission needs the help and advice of teachers, and is taking input through an online survey. Members are asked to complete the survey before midMay. The five question survey can be found at this web site: https://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/c2dg48b77

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From the President

A Need to Be Watchful

NSEA President Jess Wolf

“

Mark my words: The outcome of this debate will affect you. Have you followed the debate? Have you contacted your senator or the governor to express concern about the CIR debate?

”

It was a remarkable event, crowned by the election of an entirely new NSEA Executive Committee team. As reported on Page 5 of this issue, NSEA members at the 150th Delegate Assembly elected Nancy Fulton, Leann Widhalm, John Heineman, and Jenni Absalon to the Association’s executive posts. They are fine people to a person, and will lead us well as our association moves forward. I send them all good thoughts and prayers for a successful term of office. The election of a new association president means that this is my farewell column. While bittersweet, I want to recall how I began this column six years ago. In my first writing, I quoted the words etched above the north entrance to the state capitol: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.” In light of the current state of affairs in our country, how can anyone fail to see the need to be watchful? What’s Happening Recent actions in our very own citizen legislature have further reminded us of the need to be watchful. Consider that state aid to education for 2011-12 was fast-tracked by state senators at $820 million, a cut of nearly $130 million from the current year. Also consider that the Legislature has approved an increase in the rate every teacher will pay toward keeping the state’s retirement plan solvent, while the same Legislature has balked at meeting part of its own annual responsibility to that plan. Senators also cut $1 million in funding for the fledgling teacher tuition reimbursement program, yet managed to find $1.5 million for a business internship program. And, at the end of April, the state’s Economic Forecasting Board reported substantially higher than expected state revenues for the current year – $82.5 million higher. One begins to wonder: Is talk by policymakers about educating our youth truly sincere, or simply lip service? The Commission of Industrial Relations continues to be a hot topic at the Capitol. The

outcome of that debate is important to not only public employees, including education employees, but to all Nebraskans. Mark my words: The outcome of this debate will affect you. Have you followed the debate? Have you contacted your senator or the governor to express concern about the CIR debate? Your colleagues at Delegate Assembly thought the CIR debate important enough to pass a vital directive. By unanimous vote, delegates supported a proposal to investigate five issues – including preservation of the CIR – as potential ballot measures in 2012 (See Page 5 for the full story). Secure the Tradition The value public education plays in maintaining the democracy we hold so precious cannot be overstated. I truly believe our paramount task as public school educators is to instruct the values of democratic principles while teaching math; while teaching reading; while teaching science; while teaching writing; and while teaching civil discourse. Teaching those principles secures the tradition of democracy that is the United States of America. To allow wealthy, monied interests to buy elections for personal gain, at the expense of true democracy for all, is simply untenable. So, be watchful! Get involved in educational and political issues. Continue to stand up for children and others who cannot stand for themselves. This has been our mantra for 144 years, and we must not forsake it now! It’s Been an Honor Finally, I offer a heartfelt thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your president these past six years. I’ve done my best; I’ve committed every effort on your behalf. I’ve been ably assisted in this effort by Nancy, Leann, Mark Shively, Art Tanderup, the NSEA Board of Directors and NSEA staff. The work of your president could not be done well without that support. Most importantly, I’ve truly enjoyed your support and your encouragement. I will treasure that forever. May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 3

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Time to vote: Omaha Education Association’s Kelly Smith, foreground, picks up a ballot after signing in for one of several elections held during NSEA’s Delegate Assembly in April. The election of officers was a highlight of the meeting.

A Line is Drawn

New Leaders Elected; Initiative Petitions on the Table In Unanimous Vote, Delegates Urge a Fight for Union Rights

anti-middle class, union-busting legislation. With such legislation festering before Nebraska’s Unicameral, and with state business interests hinting at a ballot issue to eliminate Nebraska’s Commission on Industrial Relations More than 300 of NSEA’s nearly 28,000 stockholders have (CIR), or to end public sector bargaining all together, NSEA set a dramatic new course for the Association with the election members took action. of an entirely new leadership team. “What this action says to our opposition is ‘watch what you Delegates also drew a line in the sand with the approval of wish for,’” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. “If the situation a New Business Item that could put NSEA at the center of a continues to deteriorate, we can statewide battle over worker’s send a loud message.” rights in 2012. In a speech to delegates that The election of Wilber-Cla drew statewide and regional tonia’s Nancy Fulton as presiA fund-raiser at NSEA’s annual Delegate Assembly was a attention (see story, Page 7), dent and Norfolk’s Leann Widrousing success. Led by the Omaha Education Association, NSEA Executive Director halm as vice president marks members were able to bid and buy baskets of items in a Craig R. Christiansen told delwhat is believed to be the first silent auction, with proceeds going to NSEA’s Children’s egates that the real story was time in the 144-year history of Fund. The effort raised more than $2,200. “below the surface” of the CIR the Association that women discussion. hold the top two elected posi“The target isn’t public salaries and benefits. The real target tions. Delegates also elected Lincoln teachers John Heineman and Jenni Absalon as Nebraska’s representatives on the NEA is the collective power of common people working together,” Board of Directors. said Christiansen. “Unions in this country can muster one of the But it was action by delegates to make a philosophical stand few counterweights to the massive influence of the wealthiest on behalf of the middle class that garnered headlines across the few on our political system.” state and region. In a unanimous vote, delegates asked the Association’s leadFive Options ership to investigate the initiation of up to five ballot issues for With well-heeled business interests, some from out-of-state, consideration at the 2012 General Election. That action came in fostering the drive to destroy the CIR, delegates approved the response to anti-union rhetoric stirred by wealthy anti-tax interNew Business Item that called for NSEA leadership to investiests that have pushed politicians across the country to approve gate the option of initiating up to five ballot issues for the 2012

A Children’s Fund Success

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election cycle. Wolf proposed that NSEA consider petitions that would: n Protect the role of the CIR and the right of public employees to bargain collectively. n Repeal corporate welfare tax breaks, including LB775. n Enact a ‘millionaire’s tax’ and to increase the marginal tax rate for those making more than $1 million annually. n Repeal any law that would siphon money from the State General Fund, and, thus, education, and divert that money to roads construction. n Constitutionally dedicate to education a set of percentage of state sales tax revenues. Delegates gave immediate and unanimous approval. NSEA’s Board of Directors and Government Relations team will consider all options for the 2012 election, with deliberations expected to begin immediately. Delegates also OK’d, by unanimous vote, a New Business Item directing Wolf and Christiansen to send a letter to Gov. Dave Heineman and all 49 state senators requesting that any additional revenues projected by the Economic Forecasting Board’s April 28 report go to benefit state aid to schools. Lexington’s Lisa Fricke offered the measure, and noted that the education community is tired of going before the Legislature every year to beg for adequate funding. “Teachers work every day for kids,” said Fricke. “It’s about time the Legislature did, too!” New Officers Named Fulton and Widhalm will serve threeyear terms. Lincoln’s Heineman was elected to a three-year term on the NEA Board of Directors, while Absalon, the Lincoln Education Association president, will fill the remaining two years of Widhalm’s term. They will compose the executive committee of NSEA’s Board of Directors and will take office Aug. 1. In other action, delegates approved a $10, one-time dues assessment to battle ballot items. Central Community College’s Christopher Waddle introduced the New Business Item, and urged support, noting that public sector unions “are under attack.” Delegates also approved establishment of a Human and Civil Rights Award, to be presented for the first time at the 2012 Delegate Assembly. Delegates also OK’d a $5 dues increase for the 2011-12 Association year.

A Letter from Your New Executive Committee Dear Members, First and foremost, we’d like to thank you for trusting us with the job of leading your 144-yearold Association for the coming years. These are challenging times, of that there is no doubt. Public schools are under assault by those who see them not as public institutions serving the public good but, rather, as potential sources of profit. Further, public employees, their pay and their benefits are under full-scale attack, even here in Nebraska. In the face of those attacks, we pledge to advocate for our students, our members and public schools.We also pledge to be accessible; to work together; and to be ready to meet and assist members whenever and wherever possible. We are truly excited about this opportunity and know that there is much work ahead. But we also know that with your support and participation, we can further improve Nebraska’s public schools and the teaching profession. Thank you for your membership, and for all you do for Nebraska’s children!

Fulton

Widhalm

Heineman

Absalon

Sincerely, Nancy Fulton, President-Elect

Leann Widhalm, Vice President-Elect

John Heineman, Jenni Absalon, NEA Director-Elect NEA Director-Elect

Honorees: At left, President Jess Wolf presents the Friend of Education Award to Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Director of Education Elizabeth Mulkerrin, recognizing the zoo’s education outreach. At center, Vice President Nancy Fulton presents the William Gallagher Award to Panhandle District President Leonard Hartman.The award goes to the NSEA district that enrolls the highest percent of eligible membership. At right, Omaha Education Association’s Rose Pope and Cheryl Richardson accepted NSEA’s Local Public Relations Award. Award winners: Four members took awards home from Delegate Assembly. From left are ESP of the Year Terry Cook, Overton; Teaching Excellence Award Winner Penny Patrick, South Sioux City; and Rookie of the Year Jarred Rowe, Lincoln. Not present was Community Service Award winner Laurel Miller of Neligh-Oakdale.

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The Great Fire Sale

There are three main battlefields in In the midst of national attacks on pubthis war, he said. First is the effort by the lic employees and unions, NSEA’s annual wealthy to capture profit from the funcDelegate Assembly was notable for action tions of government. The top target: edutaken by delegates to counter such an atcation, a $900 billion a year entermosphere in Nebraska. prise – the size of Australia’s Gross The Commission on IndusDomestic Product. trial Relations – Nebraska’s Don’t be surprised, he said, that rarely used process to mediate the ultra-rich donate great chunks contract disputes between pubof cash to think tanks, reform eflic employees and their manforts and “front” organizations agers – is under siege. While related to the “reform” of governNSEA has worked to comment and education. promise with state lawmakers “When the prize is capturing the intent on CIR modifications, entire value of Australia right in critics contend the compromise their backyard, is the self-interest before the Legislature does not go far enough. In fact, late on Christiansen of big business really to have public education succeed?” the very afternoon the Delegate The second battle is the effective marAssembly convened, Gov. Heineman critginal tax rate. In 2006, he said, 20 Nebrasicized the effort and claimed NSEA and ka millionaires paid no income tax. By other educational interests “punted” their 2009, there were 46 Nebraskans in that responsibilities in assisting the Legislacategory. ture’s effort to change “The ironic – and inthe CIR, in a way that “If you have $1 in your disputable – fact is that will “control costs”. pocket right now, you have the richest people in this Heineman urged more than the Nebraska tax state are not paying their that the CIR be reduced liability of 46 millionaires.” fair share toward the to an advisory role, — Craig R. Christiansen, with school boards NSEA Executive Director state’s current fiscal problems,” said Christiansen. given final decision“If you have $1 in your making authority.” But pocket right now, you have more than the that would effectively void the contract proNebraska tax liability of 46 millionaires.” cess and neuter the ability of educators to The third front is every benefit of bargain. unionization: collective bargaining, salary NSEA Executive Director Craig R. schedules, pensions and dispute resolution Christiansen told members at the Delegate mechanisms. Thus the battle over the CIR. Assembly that the fight over the CIR is not “The only thing standing in the way about the cost of good education or govof these interests in winning these battles ernment. It is about destroying the only is the collective action of strong unions,” major institution that stands in the way of said Christiansen. the wealthy grabbing more of America for “If the most important institutions in personal profit: the teachers’ union. our union life are threatened, we will fight “Unions are the last organized barwith every resource we have,” he said. rier to an outright fire sale of America to “And, yes, petition initiatives are a twosupport ‘supply-side’ tax benefits for the way street. They know what is most imwealthy,” he said. “We stand in the way.” portant to us. And we know that unfair tax We are not really in the Great Recesadvantages are most important to them. It sion, he said. “We are in The Great Fire may soon be time to find out what is most Sale, in which every public institution is important to the voters of Nebraska. We in danger if it stands in the way of the ecowill always know what is most important nomic interests of the very wealthy, or of to us. There are too many people dependthose who have been duped into a belief ing on us to ever forget that.” that what this country needs is to abandon For more on his remarks, go to: the working middle class and serve the www.nsea.org self-interests of big business,” he said.

Historic Action, Immediate Response! Action by NSEA members at Delegate Assembly to investigate an initiative petition drive for the 2012 election drew immediate – and positive – response from NSEA members and the general public. Consider some of the notes that arrived, unsolicited, through NSEA’s web site: “I will admit that I have not always been very sympathetic to unions. However, watching the situation in Wisconsin and Ohio has reminded me that the middle class exists today because of unions.The attacks on public unions are attacks on the middle class. “I was very interested – and encouraged – to read what the NSEA voted to do. I very much hope you can succeed in changing the direction of the current political dialogue.” — Paul Dickey, Omaha “I’m pleased with the ballot options passed last week at the Delegate Assembly. It is exactly what we need to do. Now is the time. I will volunteer to help in any way. “It is time big business is sent a message that they cannot run roughshod over ‘the little people.’ Our politicians have not helped us on these matters.Thus, you (we) have to get after it.” — Chuck Friesen, Lincoln “At the recent NSEA Assembly, the NSEA leadership and our assembly representatives took a politically courageous stand by supporting the CIR/ collective bargaining rights and other issues that impact public education in Nebraska. Along with what is happening in the state, we need to address national issues such as Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget bill that fundamentally guts Medicare, a program vital for all Nebraska seniors. “If we want to thank the NSEA delegates, offer your voices and actions and contact our state and national legislators regarding the issues that impact all of us in one way or another. As talk show host and author Thom Hartmann has said, ‘Activism begins with you. Democracy begins with you, get out there, get active. Tag, you’re it.’ ” — Maureen Luebbers, Millard May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 7

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How Aff

Your lo ates with y tion for eve benefits, to and more. When t reach stale – that’s you can file for mission on The CIR w and order groups wan predictable way to wea

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Legislature Focus Now on CIR ‘Reform’ After Months of Work on Compromise Bill, Last-Minute Posturing Puts Outcome in Doubt You’ve heard about it on television and radio, and read about it in the newspapers. The effort to reform Nebraska’s venerable Commission of Industrial Relations is now in full swing, after more than nine months of meetings and discussions, public hearings and legislative debate. NSEA has worked diligently to protect the CIR, which provides resolution to bargaining disputes (see sidebar). It is imperative that NSEA members contact their state senators with that message. “There is no more important time than right now for our members to have an effect on the outcome of this bill,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. Those seeking changes claim that CIR “reform” will help protect the average taxpayer. Yet with Nebraska teacher’s salaries At the helm: Former York High School at 43rd in the nation, and at sixth teacher and now Sen. Greg Adams spoke to an among seven surrounding states, education group earlier in this legislative sesone can hardly argue that tax- sion. Adams chairs the Education Committee. payers are being fleeced. Wolf said working LB397, the CIR bill, has been frustrating. “We believe we have developed reasonable, coherent solutions to the concerns raised – only to have those solutions, some of which came from those seeking changes, first agreed to and then rejected,” he said. the Chamber of Commerce did an aboutHow Does This faceNotably, on requiring wage comparability studies to include private employers. After initially insisting this be part Affect You? of the “reform,” the Chamber now opposes the idea and Your local association negotiinstead favors using broader wage surveys that incorpoates with your Board of Educarate Bureau of Labor Statistics data. tion for everything from salary, to Also unsatisfied are the Nebraska Association of benefits, to working conditions, School Boards and the Nebraska Council of School and more. When those negotiations Administrators. Both groups have in the past advocated reach stalemate, either side (labor adding an ‘ability to pay’ clause to the CIR law. To help – that’s you – or management) address concerns raised regarding cost containment, can file for relief with the ComNSEA agreed that ‘ability to pay’ language be added mission on Industrial Relations. to LB397; however, the NASB and NCSA have now The CIR will mediate the dispute backed away from that provision. and order a solution. Anti-union NSEA will continue to work with senators, school groups want to take that fair and administrators and school boards. Members, however, predictable option from you, as a must be ready for a potentially contentious fight, where way to weaken your Association. extremists are willing to say whatever they can to strip the CIR’s authority, thus limiting the collective bargaining rights of thousands of Nebraskans. Call your senator and the governor at 402-471-2311 (state switchboard). Urge them to act in a reasonable and thoughtful way. Encourage them to reject anti-union rhetoric and instead listen to the common concerns of Nebraskans. That will lead to ensuring Nebraska maintains and improves its good schools, quality teachers, and its equitable process for resolving management-labor disagreements.

The Status of Nebraska Teachers Defunded, Unfunded, Ignored, Marginalized Four Very Good Reasons to Contact Your State Senator, the Governor The Legislature is in session, and Nebraska teachers will soon feel the effect of actions by state senators. How soon? With the first paycheck of 2011-12. To preserve your retirement plan, senators OK’d a bill to raise the pension contribution rate of school employees and districts. That rate increase will be felt starting with your first paycheck next fall. While shoring up the retirement plan is sound policy, the Legislature cut from the budget part of its own annual obligation to the pension fund. Meanwhile, in late April, the state’s Economic Forecasting Board said state revenues will be $82 million above earlier projections for this fiscal year. In the face of this fiscal crisis, senators also cut $1 million for a wildly successful tuition reimbursement program for educators.Yet, senators found $1.5 million for a chamber-backed internship program for business. Also cut was state aid: the 2011-12 aid will be $130 million less than the current year’s figure. As a result, nearly every Nebraska school district is cutting programs and opportunities for kids. As of this writing, senators are on the verge of saying ‘yes’ to diverting a quarter cent of sales tax revenue from the general fund and putting it to the roads fund, which already has the gas tax in a lock box. State aid comes from the general fund. Again, the state revenue outlook has improved. Just not for schools. Finally, several senators would take away your right to bargain collectively by abolishing the Commission on Industrial Relations. They say the CIR is driving up salaries and costs to taxpayers. It’s more than a stretch to claim our 43rd-in-thenation Nebraska teacher salaries are the cause of our state’s revenue shortfall! What can you do to stop this nonsense? Call or write your state senator and the governor. Tell them children and educators deserve better. Go to the NSEA website under the ‘Policy & Politics’ link to e-mail your elected official. That site is at: www.nsea.org May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 9

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Now

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Omaha Education Partnership: Key figures in the partnership that obtained a grant for the Omaha Public Schools are, from left: Superintendent Dr. John Mackiel; NEA Foundation President and CEO Harriet Sanford; Shelley Henderson, director, Communities In Schools of Omaha; Omaha Education Association President Chris Proulx; Gerry Huber, executive director, OPS General Administration; and Willie Barney, president,The Empowerment Network.

NEA Foundation Funds Omaha Plan Grant to Improve Achievement

The NEA Foundation will build on the success of its Closing the Achievement Gaps Initiative by awarding an Omaha public education partnership a $50,000 planning grant. The partnership, between the Omaha Education Association (OEA), Omaha Public Schools (OPS) and The Empowerment Network, will use the funds to improve the quality of instruction to increase achievement rates for low income and minority students, and raise performance for all students. The team will develop a plan to make the effort enduring. Based on a review of that plan, the Omaha partnership may receive a five-year, $1.25 million grant from the NEA Foundation to implement the strategy. The Omaha proposal will be considered along with that of a Florida partnership. “Building a stronger culture of collaboration in all schools in OPS will enhance the efficacy of teachers as they work with

every student in the district,” said Chris Proulx, OEA president. “The OEA is grateful to the NEA Foundation for providing the district and our association with this opportunity to work together to benefit students and to model effective collaboration.” The plan will focus on how the district and OEA will work together to strengthen three areas of intervention: n Increased teaching effectiveness, designed to close achievement gaps by ensuring teachers have the skills they need to reach the neediest students. n Community and parent engagement, designed to generate support for improvement efforts and to bring necessary resources for achieving the vision and outcomes. n System alignment and coherence, designed to increase capacity at the district level to ensure school-level success. The grants are by invitation, and are based on student demographics; local associations affiliated with the NEA; regional diversity; and stable association and district leadership.

NSEA’s Nowak Ends UniServ Career

Closes 19-Year Tenure

After 19 years of service to members in central and southwest Nebraska, UniServ Director Bill Nowak retired in March. He joined the NSEA after teaching 15 years in York and three years in Colorado. As a secondary math and science teacher; a local association president and negotiator; and six-year member of the NSEA Nowak Board, he had the skills for UniServ work. “Bill’s knowledge of and understanding of school district budgets, state aid and salary schedules is a great skill set for a UniServ director,” said NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen. “Bill’s service to the Association and to the members of his unit is very much appreciated.” Nowak served local associations in

south central and southwestern Nebraska for most of his NSEA career. “I’m honored to have been able to serve NSEA members,” he said. “I appreciate, and thank, all of the leaders, officers, negotiators and members who

have done so much to advance the association, the profession and the education of children in Nebraska. I value the numerous close relationships and friendships I have made over the years.”

Thanks for Your Support of My Campaign for Capitol District President.

— Susan Stake, Waverly May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 11

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News You Can Use Middle Level Academy Plans June Conference The Nebraska Middle Level Academy has a packed conference set for educators – and it’s a conference middle level teachers will not want to miss. With a theme of iTeach Middle Level Grades, the conference features Nebraska Commissioner of Education Roger Breed. Also on the agenda is Jessica Gall, the Education Project director for the Plains State Region of the Anti-Defamation League, one of the world’s top anti-bias and diversity organizations. Sessions include Virtual Field Trips with the National Archives; Dealing with Difficult Parents; Helping Students Set Learning Targets; Classroom Management; Understanding Middle School Students with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome; and more. The conference is Thursday and Friday, June 9-10, at Ashland-Greenwood Junior-Senior High School. There is a registration fee. For more details, go to the web site at: www.nebraskamiddlelevelacademy. org/

China Travel Opportunity: Act Now! The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Office of International Education is seeking individuals or couples with a background in education — and a desire for adventure! — to teach conversational English and American culture to Chinese high school students near Beijing, China, from Sept. 1, 2011, through Jan. 15, 2012. A small stipend, room and board, airfare, transportation to and from teh airport in China, and a pre-departure training workshop will be provided. If interested, submit a letter of application and resume to by Friday, May 20, to: Office of International Education, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2504 19th Ave., Kearney, NE 68849. UNK is AAEO/ADA. “game changers.” Submissions will be accepted until May 13. In June, up to five solutions will be awarded $1,000 from the NEA Foundation. To register your idea, go to the NEA Foundation web site and look for the ‘Challenge to Innovate Mobile Project’ icon. The web site is at: http://www.neafoundation.org/

Sand Hills Discovery Event Open to Educators Now in its 10th year, the Sand Hills Discovery Foundation has announced the 2011 conference: Sand Hills

Lakes, Rivers, and Creeks. The July l4 Conference in Ainsworth promises to be another enlightening event. Tours of area Sand Hills sites on the day before and after the conference add to the experience. Featured again will be an opportunity to dig for fossils at the Rick Irwin Fossil Quarry. A trip along the Calamus River will complement the river theme. These, plus other choices, are outlined on the web site at: sandhillsdiscovery.org Learn why past attendees have rated this event high on their list of things to do. College credit is available from Wayne State College.

Win $100 from the NEA Foundation A new challenge – sponsored by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Education, the National Education Association Foundation and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) – has been posted: up to five awards of $1,000 will be presented for the best teaching solutions that effectively incorporate smart phones or cell phones. The NEA Foundation’s C2i is open to public school educators, students, and other creative thinkers with an interest in improving public education. While the use of mobile phone technologies provides an incredible opportunity for educators and students to learn in new and different ways, existing cell phone policies often prevent students from using one of the best resources available to them. Smart phones are powerful handheld computers, and once they become widely affordable, students will have 24/7 access. They can be, literally, May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 15

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A Kindergartener, a Birthday and a National Tragedy A Reminder About How Teachers Make a Difference excited. My mom baked a football-shaped birthday cake. My Grandmother, Nana, was making a trip to town for dinner. My brother had loaned me a cool car to take for Show and Tell. Life was good. Mom took me outside and checked me over. I was wearing a I am one of 10 children. When I was little, the city block little three-button shirt with the buttons all done right up to the that I lived on had 36 children under the age of 18. We were a top. Off I went to school. microcosm of the Baby Boom. The afternoon was going well. Show and Tell was over, There were so many children that the parochial school my we’d had our nap, and soon we would celbrothers and sisters attended was full – there ebrate my birthday. was no classroom to use for kindergarten. But at around 1:30 p.m., our principal So in 1963, when I was old enough, I went appeared at the door. He called for Mrs. to public school. I was going to be a ‘pubMather, and when she reached the door he lican,’ as we called it, for a year and then bent down and began whispering to her. would transfer to the parish school. Mrs. Mather began to cry, and then sob. I was a ‘PM kindergartner’ – I attended School was cancelled and we were all sent in the afternoon. I recall standing at the head home. It was Nov. 22, 1963: President John of the steps that led down to the sidewalk F. Kennedy had been assassinated. that crossed our front yard. Mom would As it was a Friday, we went home for the walk me out each day, and run a comb weekend, a nation in mourning. On Monthrough my curly hair trying to get rid of day, we returned to school. The images of the knots. She’d check my elbows for dirt, the Wednesday funeral still fill my memory: and would sometimes take me back into the the riderless black horse, the caisson carryhouse to scrub them squeaky clean. Finally, Nearly 40 years af- ing the President, and young John Kennedy she’d dab a handkerchief and wipe off any terReconnected: being her student, Ron Coniglio dirt on my face and point me off to school. has become a close friend of teacher saluting as his father’s casket passed. There was no birthday crown or singing for my I would walk up the sidewalk to the Delores Mather. birthday. streetlight, push the button, cross South Street and proceed the block and a half to A Promise Made Prescott and Mrs. Mather’s kindergarten class, in Room 109. The year returned to normal. At the end of the year, Mrs. Mather gathered Jeff, Steve and I around her, as we would not A Room of Learning, Fun return to Prescott the following year. She made us promise that Mrs. Mather was young, tall, blonde, beautiful, and I was in when we learned to read, we would return and show her. love. I would have done anything for Mrs. Mather. Her classWhen my wife and I went house hunting, I gravitated to the room was always full of exploration, learning and fun. type of early 20th century, big white frame house that I had I loved kindergarten. We learned letters and colors. We grown up in. So 30 years after kindergarten, I found myself strung beads, and each day would sit on the rug in the reading back in my old neighborhood. corner and listen as Mrs. Mather would sit in her rocking chair One day I was in our front yard playing with our Siberian and read. We even had a nap. At 1:30 each afternoon, the lunch Husky, Ayla, when my 10-year-old neighbor Erin stopped for ladies would bring a tray of milk cartons and we would slug a visit. We sat on the lawn and chatted, and she mentioned her down that half cup of milk and then lie down for a 10-minute fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Mather. nap. Most of us spent our time looking to see who had their “Mrs. Dolores Mather?”I asked. eyes open, or we’d try to tie each other’s shoe laces together. “Oh, I don’t know what her first name is,” said Erin. But what I most looked forward to in kindergarten was my Kids are funny that way. Many are surprised to find that their birthday. In Room 109, birthdays were special. On your birthteachers actually have a first name. day you were allowed to sit in Mrs. Mather’s rocking chair – I knew now that Mrs. Mather was back at Prescott. She had the only time children were allowed to sit there. Mrs. Mather done a great many things with her career: she had been awardwould place a birthday crown on your head. She made these ed a Fulbright and travelled; she trained other teachers; and she crowns herself and they had your name and ‘Happy Birthday’ even aspired to administration. Now, near the end of her career, written on them. They were always golden and always had she was back at the school where she had started. spangles and faux gems on them. Note: Now in his 30th year of teaching, Ron Coniglio has taught since 1997 at Zeman Elementary School in Lincoln. He authored this article.

Ready to Celebrate My birthday is Nov. 22. When that day arrived, I was very

Return to the Old School One day I attended a district in-service at our Central Dis-

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trict Office. The training ended at 3 p.m., and I headed to my parents’ home for a visit. As I drove past Prescott, I remembered that Mrs. Mather was inside. I decided I would stop and tell her that I learned to read! I parked in the lot and made my way to the office. I signed in as a visitor and asked where Mrs. Mather’s room was. “Down the hall, up the stairs, first door on your right.” I headed down the hallway and at the base of the stairs, past Room 109. The steam radiator was still located right outside the door. When I was in kindergarten, I used to ask to go to the restroom with broken crayons hidden in my pockets. Once outside the door, I set the crayons on the radiator and watched them melt. I liked to consider it modern art! I climbed the stairs, reached the top and turned to the right and saw the door to Mrs. Mather’s room. I could see through the glass door panels. In front of the room stood Mrs. Mather. I backed across the hall and leaned against the window sill, waiting for school to dismiss. The bell rang promptly at 3:30 p.m., the door opened and children poured out into the hall to head home. I said, “Hi” to several of the neighborhood children, who no doubt wondered why I was there. I waved at Erin as she came out and told her that I had come to see Mrs. Mather. The last person out the door was Mrs. Mather. She walked right up to me. “Hi, Mrs. Mather. You probably don’t remember me,” I said. “Of course I do,” she said. “You’re Ron Coniglio, and you’re a teacher.” “That’s right,” I answered, “but, you don’t know why I’m here today.” “Yes, I do. You came to show me you learned how to read,” she said. There was a twinkle in her eye. That was the beginning of the reconnection of a relationship that had lay dormant for 30 years. In the time that followed, we met for lunch; visited each other’s homes; talked about education, politics, kindergarten, marriage and love. A Lesson Learned Two years later, I was teaching in a multiage setting with a three-classroom, 62-student team that had second, third, fourth and fifth grade students in the same class, at the same time, learning the same subject. It was a beautiful day, late in the fall, and I was in the office over my lunch break picking up my mail. A teaching partner came in and asked, “Ron, can you come to your room? Some boys got sent in from recess for arguing over football. Something about clipping – is clipping a bad thing?” Entering the room, I expected to see a couple of our boys. Instead, I saw all 62 fifth grade students sitting on the carpet in my room. In the front of the room was Mrs. Mather, with a rocking chair and a crown. It was my birthday. She sat me down in the rocking chair, placed the crown on my head and my students sang “Happy Birthday” to me. The lesson learned? Mrs. Mather taught me that good teachers continue to make a difHappy Belated Birthday: ference in the lives of their stuMrs. Mather helped Ron dents. And making a difference Coniglio celebrate his kin- in the lives of children is why dergarten birthday. we teach. May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 17

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Snookie’s Snippets More than 165 million people in the U.S. wear eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, according to The Vision Council. In fact, Americans shell out an estimated $26 billion annually on vision exams and accessories. The good news: Quality eyewear doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve got five ways for you to save big bucks: n Shop online. Many sites sell generic Krumbiegel frames, eyeglasses and contact lenses. n Keep your old frames. Most eyeglass retailers will put new lenses in old frames. Stick with classic styles instead of the latest trend. nTake advantage of insurance and member benefits programs. NEAMB offers steep discounts on eye exams, accessories (including glasses) and conventional and disposable contact lenses. nDiscount shop. Sites like AllAboutVision.com offer discount coupons, free trial certificates and other money-saving offers on eye care products and services, which are redeemable with retailers and eye care professionals. nUse your HSA/FSA. In addition to tax perks you get from taking advantage of such plans, they can be a useful way to sock away money for a pair of replacement lenses — a far better option than rolling over any unused dollars back to the government at year’s end. Pink-Slipped, Riffed, Non-Renewed, or Otherwise Laid Off? Be proactive. Visit the NEA Member Benefits Member Assistance Program site for guidance, information and tools for dealing with the financial repercussions of job loss, and to prepare to find a new position. That web site is at: www.neamb.com/assistance In addition to a Job Layoff Checklist and links to useful sites on the web, the ‘Resources & Services’ section provides information on special accommodations that may be available to participants in NEA Member Benefits programs. Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.

NEA Member Benefits

Tips for Surviving Job Loss

NEA Member Benefits, Credit Foundation Suggest Ways to Cope with Job Loss NEA Member Benefits and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer the following tips for coping with a layoff or salary reduction. n Take advantage of any training, job skill updating, or resume writing courses your employer offers. n Speak with your HR Department to make sure you understand the terms of the Member Benefits layoff (insurance, severance, etc.). n Confirm that you have applied for any Site Offers Aid government benefits for which you are eligiThe folks at NEA Member Benble (unemployment insurance, COBRA stiefits are acutely aware of the perpend, retraining credits, food stamps, etc.). sonal and financial challenges faced n Update your resume, and post it on onby NEA members experiencing line job sites. job layoffs, salary cuts, and other n Network with friends, family, business difficult financial circumstances. acquaintances, former colleagues, etc. About a year ago, NEA Memn Use social networking to your advanber Benefits dedicated a special tage. page of web site as a repository of n Be open to relocating. helpful information and resources n Stop unnecessary spending. Put a freeze to assist members to proactively on charging. address such challenges. n Involve the entire family, including The economic picture remains children – they will pick up on the fact that bleak for 2011 and, as member things have changed. Make this a teachable advocates, the NEA Member Benmoment and show them that you can survive efits staff have strived to expand a family financial emergency. avenues of support for members. n Track your spending. Commit to cutThe Member Assistance Program ting $10 from 10 spending categories, more (MAP) has been enhanced to inif you can. This will result in finding at least clude additional guidance, informaan extra $100 per month, perhaps more, to tion and tools to help unemployed put toward living expenses. members prepare for a job search n Don’t be tempted to live off of credit – and cope financially. This online remany well-intended people do so, thinking source center outlines programs a new job is just around the corner. Instead, and services available, including a they build up a debt load that leads them to step-by-step Job Layoff Checklist bankruptcy. and links to useful web sites. n Reach out for legitimate help from a Learn more at: legitimate credit counseling agency sooner www.neamb.com/assistance rather than later – delaying doesn’t solve anything, but instead makes matters worse. n Priority pay in this order: living expenses (rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, food, medicine, etc.), followed by secured payments (usually vehicle payments), then the creditors. n Your home is your largest investment, not to mention the place where you raise your family – protect it. Talk to a trained and certified housing counselor to see what options are open to you. n Resist the urge to dip into your retirement account. Instead, tighten the budget, sell assets, and use your savings carefully to stay afloat. Look for more resources and avenues of support for NEA members experiencing financial challenges on the “Member Assistance” page of the web site at: www.neamb.com May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 19

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From the Executive Director

A Question of Balance Outside the City Hall, in Athens, GA, stands an odd relic of the Civil War, billed as the only double-barreled cannon in the world. This invention promised horrid injury when the cannon balls were chained together and used to mow down the enemy. But no one could get the two barrels to fire at the same time. Like many things that just don’t work, the problem was a question of balance. In many ways, the current debate about our state budget is also a question of balance. The popular cry is about spending. But, like that odd cannon from so long ago, a political focus on spending without also considering revenue is simply out of balance.

more than doubled in three years. The ironic — and indisputable — fact is that the richest people in this state are not paying their fair share towards the state’s current fiscal problems. The effective tax rate for many of the wealthiest Nebraskans is less than what teachers pay. And politicians say that public employee salaries are the problem? When there are Nebraskans who make millions and pay absolutely nothing in Nebraska Income Tax, we have a significant problem of balance.

Fair Approach Needed This is not an accusation of wrong-doing or illegality. It is a matter of bad public policy — and simple fairness. What Revenue Erosion should struggling families think when they have trouble In these times, cutting spending might seem to make paying their bills and their taxes — knowing that Nebraska’s sense, but the intended targets for those cuts are too often tax system credits the very heart of our millions back to communities. For big business, allows instance, creating some millionaires more tax revenue to pay no taxes, and for road construction permits our state’s might make sense in top earners to effecgood times. In a time tively pay less than when schools face those who make the loss of millions much less, while of dollars, increascutting school funding monies for roads ing for the children is more than a little of those same strugunbalanced. Yet, gling families? Is that is exactly what this a balanced aphas been proposed proach to fiscal reby Nebraska legissponsibility? lators. Defending Our state’s fiscal state aid to schools system needs a tuneis not maudlin sentiup, a re-balancing. mentality. It is hard The current system economics. There is no guarantee that A Question of Balance: NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen is neither fair nor rational. What is tax dollars spent on with the double-barreled cannon of Athens, Georgia. falsely billed as conNebraska roads will servative or prudent is at the cost of strangling our infraever flow into more than a few Nebraska communities. structure and this state’s future by cutting sound public inPublic monies spent on education are multiplied many times vestment. Some politicians tout cuts to maintain the budget. as they are spent on the main streets of every community Fair enough. But, instead of attacking public labor costs, in Nebraska. Public expenditures, properly made, pump or cutting monies for schools and other community inframoney — and balance — back into the local economy that structure, they should focus on tax give-aways or exempwas wounded by business decline and job loss. A balanced tions that allow the wealthiest to thrive lavishly—even in solution is not just about cuts. It is also about the continuing the toughest economic times most of us have ever seen. Cost erosion of state tax revenue. containment is not only about spending. It’s also about containing erosion of revenue. A fair approach includes making A Problem of Balance wealthy Nebraskans pay the same effective tax rate as the Nebraska’s tax system needs rebalancing. In 2006, there middle class. And, for a few, it just means to start paying were 20 Nebraskans who made more than $1 million and taxes like the rest of us. It’s a question of balance. paid no income tax. In 2009, that number was 46. It had

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NSEA-Retired Corner

A Good Time Was Had by All Food, Tours and Learning Highlight of Spring Conference

Chief Standing Bear into the court of Judge Elmer Dundy. Standing Bear had been arrested for leaving the Oklahoma Reservation to return to his northeast Nebraska homeland to bury his son. On May 19, 1879, Judge Dundy ruled that “an Indian is a person” within the meaning of habeas corpus, and immediately freed Standing Bear and his followers.

On April 13, nearly 60 NSEA-Retired members and guests attended a gourmet dinner prepared by the student chefs of the Culinary Arts Institute at the Metropolitan Community College-Fort Omaha Branch (MCC.). NSEA-Retired Current Membership The entrees and desserts were incomparably delicious, As of March 31, 2011, NSEA-Retired counted 4,565 rebut the highlight came as the 40-some student chefs introtired members and 937 pre-retired subscribers, for a total duced themselves and their goals after graduation. membership of 5,502. The next morning, 121 NSEA-Retired members and guests attended the conference at Metropolitan Community NEA-Retired Dues Increase College. The highlight was the keynote address on Legal Current Lifetime Dues for both NEA-Retired and NSEAIssues and Living Options During Retirement, by Jane HalRetired are $200, for a total of $400. Annual Dues for both loran from the Eastern organizations are $25 Nebraska Office on each for a total of $50. Aging. The NEA-Retired Halloran reviewed dues in both the Lifehow to decide when time and Annual catit’s time for assisted egories may increase care; and when the within the next 18 time is right to discuss months. NSEA-Resuch care with the famtired Lifetime and Anily physician, the faminual Dues will remain ly, and the person to be unchanged. assisted. The options Thus, this would are endless: indepenbe a good time for acdent senior housing; tive NSEA members to Learning about cameras: Attendees at NSEA’s spring conference in join NEA-Retired and assisted living facilities; in-home facilities; Omaha learned about the use of digital cameras, among other things. NSEA-Retired as Preskilled nursing; and Giving the session rapt attention are, from left, Carol Forsee, Mark Retired Subscribers for long term care facili- Smith and Barb Davis. $400, saving the pendties. Costs can run up ing increase in NEA to $6,200 each month, dues rates. Local dues may also apply in some areas. financed by private, Medicare, Medicaid, or long term insurWhy join? Click on Membership Information at the top ance sources. of the NSEA-Retired web site page and read the many memIn preparation, one should consider arranging powers of ber benefits you will continue to receive when you join the attorney for medical and/or financial decisions, guardian/ retired associations after your retirement. All NEA benefits conservator plans, a will or a living will. Some resources for that active members now enjoy will end if they do not beinformation: come members of the NEA-Retired. That web site is at: n The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Serwww.nsea.org/members/retired vices at 1-800-942-7830. On-line enrollment for the 2011-12 membership year will n The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, at 1-888-554begin June 1, 2011. Contact Rebecca Smith at 1-800-7422711. 0047 for details, or e-mail her for application forms at: n The Aging Office of Western Nebraska, at 1-800-682rebecca.smith@nsea.org 5140. Tim Anderson, author of John Neihardt, Black Elk NSEA-Retired/SEAN Scholarships Speaks, described the unique fellowship Nebraska’s late Each year, NSEA-Retired funds four $750 scholarships poet laureate John Neihardt enjoyed with Black Elk, the for college or university juniors or seniors during their stueloquent Oglala Sioux Holy Man. dent teaching semesters. This year’s winners are Kelli Raile, After the Conference, 25 members toured the General Nebraska Wesleyan University; Kristine Price, Peru State George Crook House on the MCC Campus. The mansion College; Kristen Tassemeyer, University of Nebraska at Linwas built in 1879 for $7,500 as the home of the general who, coln; and Joel Kosch, University of Nebraska at Kearney. with Thomas Tibbles of the Omaha Daily Herald and attor— Tom Black, Editor neys John Webster and Andrew Poppleton, brought Ponca wpc6296@cableone.net Page 22 n The NSEA Voice n May 2011

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Stuff You Should Know

Big Check! Members of the Bellevue Education Association have come to the aid of the NSEA Children’s Fund with a check for $2,935 Presenting the check was BEA President Yvonne Goodman (red jacket, front row), along with the BEA Board of Directors. At left is NSEA Children’s Fund Coordinator Sally Bodtke; at right is NSEA Comptroller Sheri Jablonski.

Golf for Children with NSEA! The grass is green, warm weather is here and the 15th NSEA Children’s Fund Golf Tournament is not far away. The annual tournament will be held Tuesday, June 7, at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club in Lincoln. Details and sponsorships are still being arranged, but all proceeds will benefit the NSEA Children’s Fund. The tournament annually collects between $12,000 and $20,000 for the Children’s Fund. The Fund’s goal: to ensure that personal need does not interfere with a student’s ability to learn. When an NSEA member sees a student who

needs new eyeglasses, shoes, or a coat, the member can apply for funds. Assistance is immediate and confidential. Usually a phone call to NSEA is all that’s required. Financed entirely through donations, more than $40,000 in assistance has been delivered to students thus far this school year. To register for the tournament, contact NSEA’s Sally Bodtke at 1-800-742-0047 or via e-mail at: sally.bodtke@nsea.org Those interested in donating to or requesting assistance from the Children’s Fund should also contact Bodtke.

Generous gift:The Umonhon Nation Education Association (Macy) held a variety of fundraisers and donated $420 to the NSEA Children’s Fund. From left are UNEA members Vicki Winterlin,Vernon Miller, Lydia Anglin and NSEA UniServ Director Duane Obermier.

Elections Shuffle District Leadership NSEA members have elected or reelected nearly three dozen of their fellow members to represent them at the state level on the NSEA Board of Directors, or at the district level on one of NSEA’s seven district governance boards. The online election, which took place in February and March, put three new members on the NSEA Board of Directors. Here is the list of those elected: Capitol District NSEA Board of Directors: Jenni Absalon and Daniel Ross, both of Lincoln. President: Susan Stake, Waverly. Vice President: Sarah Brown, Wilber-Clatonia. Executive Committee: Jennifer Yoder, Lincoln. Elkhorn District NSEA Board of Directors: Vernon Miller, Macy. President: Tiffanny Heese, Winnebago.

Vice President: George Weiland, UmonHon Nation. Executive Committee: Jason Wiese, Arlington; Vernon Miller, Macy. Metro District NSEA Board of Directors: Molly Erickson, Millard; Alan Bone, Omaha. President: Becky Torrens, Elkhorn. Vice President: Thomas Whisinnand, Millard. Executive Committee, Subdistrict 1: Julie Krejci, Omaha. Executive Committee, Subdistrict 3: Susan Kalina, Omaha. Executive Committee, Subdistrict 5: Jenny Oddo, Millard. Executive Committee, Subdistrict 7: Linda Floro, Papillion-LaVista. Executive Committee, Subdistrict 9: Jane Leadabrand, Ralston. Panhandle District NSEA Board of Directors: Linda Hartman, Alliance. Vice President: Roberta Rudden, Alliance. Executive Committee, Area 2: Carolyn

Campbell, Bayard. Executive Committee, Area 3: Matthew Chrisman, Mitchell. Sandhills District President: Bill Walters, O’Neill. Vice President: Joy Schott, Garfield County. Executive Committee: Marina Garner, Hyannis; Amy Copper, Loup County. Tri-Valley District NSEA Board of Directors: Robert Beck, Dundy County-Stratton; Gordon Peeks, North Platte. Treasurer: Michelle Moore, North Platte. Secretary: Carol Eng, Hershey. Executive Committee (West): Katie Guenther, Hershey; Dennis Batterman, Imperial. Executive Committee (East): Tren Miller, Ravenna. Higher Ed District Treasurer: Ann Petersen, Chadron State College. Faculty Rep: Patricia Blundell, Chadron State College. Academic Professional Rep: Karen Granberg, Wayne State College.

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Change and Consequence Higher Ed Academy Readies Biennial Confab Across the nation and across Nebraska, the campus reality is changing. There is new pedagogy; re-defined curriculum and job descriptions; dual credit; clickers; mobility – and more! What does it all mean? Find out: save the dates of June 17-18 and plan to attend the 2011 biennial NSEA Higher Education Academy Conference, at the Country Inn and Suites Conference Center in Lincoln. Speakers will include Marty Mahler, executive director of the Nebraska P-16 Initiative; Dr. David Robinson, executive director of the Canadian University Teachers Association; and Dr. Jim Rice, president of the National Council for Higher Education. In addition, higher education colleagues from campuses across the state will network and discuss the collective future of higher education. For the moment, reserve those dates. More details on the conference program and registration will come shortly – watch the NSEA web site for those details. That site is at: www.nsea.org

A Lesson in History “We must close union offices, confiscate their money and put their leaders in prison. We must reduce workers’ salaries and take away their right to strike.”

—Adolph Hitler, May 2, 1933

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

Family of Teachers

Three sisters and a cousin:These four women are all related and all teaching in Nebraska schools. From left are Lisa Bartlett, a middle school family and consumer science teacher at Adams Middle School in North Platte; Melanie Bartlett Anderson, an elementary computer teacher at Plattsmouth; Dawn Bartlett, director of forensics and a communications instructor at Doane College; and Angie Bartlett Drahota, a K-12 guidance counselor at Ravenna. Lisa, Dawn and Angie are sisters; Melanie is their cousin. 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.

10 Questions to Start the Year From Cheryl Skid (cherylskid@brick.net), a retired secondary special education teacher in St. Louis County:

“During the first week of school, start each day with this activity. Call each student’s name, and ask a random question that will elicit something about his or her life. Have the student say his name and answer a question. This activity is a big hit! “Here are some examples of questions: 1. Tell us the funniest thing you ever saw on a walk. 2. Tell us about an award you received. 3. What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

4. What is something you wish you had never done? 5. What is your favorite book? 6. Tell about an accident/fire/arrest you saw. 7. Tell about your first fight. 8. How do you know if someone is a true friend? 9. How do you know if a teacher likes you? 10. What is your favorite thing to do on weekends? “The kids LOVE the brutal ones and will say, ‘Oh! I want that question – ask me that question!’ when it has something to do with anything that would alarm a timid soul!” Sign up for Works4Me at this link: http://www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html

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