The Voice, January 2011

The

Voice The Nebraska State Education Association ď ś January 2011

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On the Cover: Lincoln teachers Amanda Coon and Kaci Wiebers both applied for funding from the state’s tuition reimbursement program last summer. One received funding, the other did not.

Find out why on page

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VOICE

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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. 5 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 Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia Vice President NEA Director Mark Shively, Omaha Leann Widhalm, Norfolk NEA Director

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

Early reader: Kaylyn Harrill, 2, is already an avid reader. The daughter of Kimberly Harrill, a Millard South High School physical education teacher, Kaylyn was captured reading The Cat in the Hat this past summer.

NEA Ready to Help Read Across America For a Successful Local Event, Resources are Already Online!

Want to celebrate NEA’s 13th annual Read Across America in smashing style?

If that’s the case, your best bet is to consult the National Education Association’s website, where you’ll find all the tools needed to host a successful event.

The NEA is building a nation of readers through the signature event.

Through the year-round program, the focus is placed on motivating children and teens to read. A national day of reading celebration takes place each year on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. On that day, across the country, thousands of schools, libraries and community centers participate by bringing children of all ages together to celebrate reading.

If you’re interested in creating a reading event at your school or in your classroom; if you’re looking

for activity ideas for Read Across America; want copies of the Pledge to Participate; or need other support in your quest to encourage reading; you’ll find all the materials you and your colleagues need.

Among items on the site are 2011 Read Across America calendars; instructions on how to share classroom events on the Read Across America Facebook page; details on the SchoolTube ‘Read Across America channel’; and more.

There is also information for parents, a Reader’s Oath, favorite booklists, a ready-made proclamation for the local mayor to consider, and downloadable certificates of achievement.

Just check under the ‘Grants and Events’ tab at the NEA website at this address: www.nea.org

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From the President

Virginia, Not Scrooge

NSEA President Jess Wolf

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Our NSEA members are making requests for aid for children in their classrooms at a rate that threatens to exhaust the fund by the

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As I’ve mentioned every year since I became NSEA president – and my apologies here to all English teachers for taking a bit of journalistic license – the holiday season is my MOST favorite time of the year.

Yes, I could do without the bitter cold.

And missing out on many family gatherings last year because of untimely snowfalls certainly dampened my spirits.

Still, the season brings me joy. The anticipation of familial goodness to be shared among us is especially warming.

I’ve taken particular delight over the years in all the holiday stories which highlight the good nature among humankind.

Yes, Virginia For instance, I continue to find particular comfort in Francis Church’s reply to Virginia O’Hanlon, which first appeared in a New York Sun editorial in 1897, explaining that Santa Clause does exist. I find solace in the knowledge that dastardly no-goods like Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, and the Grinch of Dr. Seuss lore could be won over in the end by the events that surrounded them during the season they so deplore.

Even with the simple pleasure of those stories, life’s realities have a way of deflating the childlike joy we adults can relive during the holidays. Perhaps today’s real-life curmudgeons could use an injection of seasonal warmth and humanity.

A Direct Shot As this holiday season ends, we find our country still engaged in two wars. We have crises escalating on other fronts. The economy, while slowly improving, hasn’t truly rebounded for a large segment of Americans, with the most downtrodden being the most adversely affected. The low regard for the welfare of children, among both the general public and our policymakers, remains a very real concern. While I consider the renewed threats of cuts to school aid as a direct shot at the general welfare of all children, I’m even

more concerned about the daily food, shelter, health and clothing needs of those who are most vulnerable — those who, no matter the reason, are not getting the basic care and shelter they need at home.

You need to go no further than to examine our own NSEA Children’s Fund for evidence of that need. The need has always been great, and now it is rapidly growing.

Not a Single Penny The NSEA Children’s Fund, established in 1994, is a simple operation, financed completely through donations.

NSEA runs the program, taking not a single penny in overhead. If a teacher sees a child in need of a coat or shoes, for instance, the teacher calls NSEA and a voucher for the purchase of the needed items is mailed out almost immediately.

No red tape.

The Children’s Fund is experiencing an unprecedented run on its resources this year. Our NSEA members are making requests for aid for children in their classrooms at a rate that threatens to exhaust the fund by the end of the Association year.

So, while this will be a challenging year for public school educators (see the stories on pages 7-10), my concern during this favorite season is also for those who we touch every day – the students in our care.

One Dollar My plea, in this most generous time of year, is not that you stop making requests of the Children’s Fund, but that you consider making a gift to the fund. A single dollar from every member would generate more than $20,000 and help keep the fund afloat. Please consider making a contribution – you’ll feel more like Virginia O’Hanlon and a lot less like Ebenezer Scrooge! More details are on Page 5.

May the joys of the season shared by Virginia, the Grinch and Mr. Scrooge be with you and your family during all of 2011!

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Children’s Fund Running Low Members Asked to Consider Donations, Fundraisers in March4Children Drive to Benefit Fund For more than 15 years, the NSEA Children’s Fund has helped Nebraska students in need.

Now, the Children’s Fund needs your help.

Comptroller Sheri Jablonski told the NSEA Board of Directors in December that while the nonprofit Children’s Fund report indicated a balance of about $55,000 at the end of November, the report did not reflect the $20,000 or so in vouchers outstanding at the time.

The growing need for Children’s Fund dollars is rapidly depleting the fund. On one December morning, NSEA staff took eight requests for funding help – all before 10 a.m.

“There is tremendous need,” said Jablonski. “I expect that at this rate, we will exhaust the fund by the end of the school year.”

The fund’s dwindling level of finances has made it necessary to appeal to the Association’s membership for donations.

Coats and Mittens Since 1994, the Children’s Fund has accepted donations and then sent those funds to teachers who come across children in need of winter coats, mittens, eyeglasses, snow boots or other necessities that will get them to school and in a position to learn. There is no red tape for teachers making requests, and NSEA absorbs all costs – every penny donated benefits a child.

In one instance a child in south central Nebraska had lost all his belongings in a fire, and the Children’s Fund helped restock his closet. In another case, two teenage boys came to school on alternating days during the winter month — they shared between them a single pair of long pants — until the Children’s Fund stepped forward. In yet another case, a young girl wore her flip-flops to school every day — right into December, because she had no other shoes. Then, the Children’s Fund purchased decent winter shoes.

A summer golf tournament brings in between $10,000 and

$20,000 each year, and a corporate donor provides another $500 or so a month, but such funds are quickly used up.

Statewide Effort Jablonski proposed to the Board of Directors that members across the state be asked to consider holding a local association fundraiser in March to benefit the Children’s Fund. If enough local associations participate in a ‘March4Kids’ fundraiser, it would help the fund stay solvent, she said.

“We want to continue to be able to send dollars out to help children in need,” said Jablonski. “But we can’t do that when there’s no money in the fund.”

Such a fundraiser might include a benefit walk or ‘March4kids’ with pledges collected. Watch for more details on how to arrange such an event on the NSEA website and in The Voice next month.

Another alternative might be the collection of donations from teachers in exchange for allowing a casual day at work.

For instance, such a causal day organized by the PapillionLaVista Education Association annually collects between $2,000 and $4,000 for the Children’s Fund. A simple request for donations from family or friends; a bake sale at a school event; or a raffle of donated items; might also raise money for the Children’s Fund.

NSEA’s website homepage includes a link to a listing of ideas and materials that local associations can consider. That website is at: www.nsea.org Questions about the fund can be directed to NSEA’s Sally Bodtke or Sheri Jablonski at 1-800-742-0047, or via e-mail at: sally.bodtke@nsea.org sheri.jablonski@nsea.org And, of course, for the moment, the Children’s Fund continues to answer the call when a child is in need. Contact Bodtke for more details.

Study of NSEA Dues Format: Current Method is Best A study of the NSEA dues structure by the Budget Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors has concluded that the most effective and efficient way for the Association to collect dues from members is through the current flat rate.

The study was requested by a vote of members attending the NSEA Delegate Assembly in April 2010. The proposal asked that a committee of members investigate other dues formats.

The committee reviewed the dues structures for other states, and collected data from the National Education Association.

Other states collect dues based on the average teacher salary, the average beginning teacher salary, a percent of the highest professional step on the salary schedule, and average fraction of Step 1 on the salary schedule, or some other formula.

“We found that more than 30 states collect dues using some kind of formula,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. “But it’s also

common for those states to have special assessments on top of the formula.”

In fact, more than half of those states with formula-based dues collect a special assessment, and some collect several assessments, ranging from $4 to $68. Colorado levies two special assessments totaling $51; Missouri levies a $12 assessment.

Iowa adds a $69 UniServ dues fee, which, while not classified as an extra assessment, is paid on top of Iowa’s $437 dues.

“The committee concluded that the formula method isn’t really working for many of those states because the special assessments are needed,” Wolf said.

Of a dozen states using a flat-rate dues method, three, or 25 percent, levy special assessments. Wolf said the committee noted that NSEA collected dues on a formula method through the 1970s, when that process was abandoned in favor of a flat rate.

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Martin: Mentor, Advocate, Friend 31-Year Career Comes to a Close for Veteran UniServ Director Over the past 40plus years, Tom Martin has been a teacher, coach, association leader, teacher advocate, mentor and UniServ director. He has been a salary schedule pioneer in Nebraska. But mostly, he has been a friend.

He ended his 31year career as an NSEA UniServ director by Martin retiring on Dec. 31.

“Tom’s steady demeanor, his knowledge of the teaching profession and his complete dedication to helping members is simply unsurpassed,” said NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen. “He has counseled, calmed and mentored thousands of members and co-workers over the years. He will be missed.”

Martin has often gone out of his way to help friends and acquaintances. His deep sense of loyalty to friends was lauded over and over by NSEA staff members during a gathering in Lincoln in December.

“His loyalty is unquestioned. He would do anything for anybody,” said NSEA UniServ Director Ron Goldenstein.

Martin has always been willing to share his research and knowledge, said Jay Sears, NSEA’s director of instructional advocacy.

“He was a friend to you, a friend

who was willing to visit you in the hospital,” said Sears. “I learned a lot from Tom.” Replacing Martin in his Capitol UniServ District will be Sears, who was a UniServ director from 1983-95. For the time being, other NSEA program staff Sears will cover Sears’ former duties.

For Martin, however, the future brings a new start.

Interstate Offer After graduation from then-Kearney State College, Martin began teaching at Holbrook in 1967. For 12 years he taught math, physics and chemistry in grades 7-12, was an assistant coach in every sport, and head volleyball coach.

He served as secretary of NSEA’s southwest Nebraska district, and later was president of that district before taking a job in Grand Island in 1979. He was there a semester before NSEA called.

At a meeting at an Interstate 80 restaurant, then-NSEA Executive Director Paul Belz told Martin that a UniServ director had retired. “It was an interview, and he offered me the job,” said Martin.

He served southwest Nebraska for a time, and later worked south central Nebraska, and in some years as far

north as Columbus and Fremont. Recently, he’s had schools around Lincoln.

“Over the years, I’ve had the southern tier of counties from Beatrice to Colorado,” he said.

State Aid ‘Expert’ Martin was also one of the pioneers in the salary schedule movement in Nebraska. When he arrived at Holbrook, male teachers automatically earned $100 more than females; there was a ‘head of household’ stipend; and secondary teachers earned more than elementary teachers.

Martin led the negotiations process that changed all that, putting in place the first salary schedule at Holbrook.

That experience, plus his math background and interest in helping others to do well at bargaining, led him to become well-versed in state aid and school budget documents, as well as salary schedules.

“He’s done that on his own for years, when that could have come from research,” said Goldenstein. “Tom was a math teacher, and I think he does like to work with those numbers. He has never been assigned that responsibility, but saw a need to do it and became our ‘expert.’”

Martin won’t miss those duties.

“I’ll miss the people in the office and the teachers I’ve met,” he said. “You always miss the people, not necessarily the work, but the people.”

Vote for

John Heineman

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T A

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Tough Session Ahead Deep Cuts to Education Proposed Act Now to Protect Children & Education

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Leading the chorus: Lincoln teacher and NSEA member Amanda Coon was a fortunate recipient of tuition reimbursement dollars from the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program.

Putting it on paper: Kaci Wiebers, a Lincoln teacher and NSEA member, was one of more than 100 teachers who applied for, but did not receive, funding from the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching program this past year.

Pivotal Year in Lincoln Tuition Reimbursement Program Needs Additional Funding; Meanwhile, State Aid Faces Cuts that Could Cost Hundreds of Education Jobs through vocal warm-ups.

Kaci Wiebers kneels on the floor next to the desk of one of In Coon’s first application for tuition reimbursement, she her kindergarten students as they work in their regular writer’s made the cut. If she completes the master’s workshop. degree classes she’s enrolled in this semesTaking notes on each student’s progress, “...with a beginning teachter, the program will cover about two-thirds she is calm and deliberate in giving pointers er’s salary, there’s not a lot of of the estimated $3,000 cost. That’s huge, and encouragement. considering that, like Wiebers, Coon has the Wiebers is more animated when she extra money to be able to go usual monthly bills, including student loans talks about Nebraska’s fledgling tuition re- back to school.” imbursement program for teachers – the — Kaci Wiebers, from her undergraduate degree.

“This will leave me with some money I Enhancing Excellence in Teaching program Lincoln teacher can put toward repayment of my undergradpushed by NSEA and enacted by the Legislauate loans,” she said. ture in 2009. Working toward a master’s de“Our economic, social and Meanwhile, the program is working exgree in curriculum and instruction, Wiebers actly as hoped. Coon, like Wiebers, is also was one of more than 100 Nebraska teachers ethical priority should always working on her master’s degree in curricuwho were denied reimbursement funds last be the sound education of lum and instruction, and says graduate classsummer when the program ran out of money. es have improved her teaching.

The last two classes in her program would young people.”

— Craig R. Christiansen, “I took an assessment literacy class and, cost $1,200 – and finding that kind of extra NSEA Executive Director, as a result, reworked all the tests I give. I money on a third-year teacher’s salary is challenging, especially as she’s still making (Read More on Page 21) didn’t know that certain stipulations were needed,” she said. “It has made all my tests payments on her undergraduate degree loans. better.”

“My budget was a lot tighter,” said Wiebers has also learned much from her assessment, curricWiebers, a teacher at Brownell Elementary School in northeast ulum and planning coursework. She has also learned how difLincoln. ficult it can be to pay for an advanced degree on teacher’s pay.

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said. “But with a beginning teacher’s salary, there’s not a lot of extra money to be able to go back to school.”

Exhausted Again This year marked the second time in the program’s two-year run that there wasn’t enough money to meet the needs of all reimbursement applicants. One of NSEA’s goals when the Nebraska Legislature convenes on Jan. 8 is to use lottery proceeds to bring the $600,000 annual budget for the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Act to $1.1 million.

While that $500,000 increase seems to be a spit in the state’s more than $3.4 billion annual budget ocean, it will be a battle for every penny. That’s the kind of legislative year 2011 is going to be.

“This is going to be a pivotal session for education,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. “Every public school employee in Nebraska will feel the effect of actions taken during this session.”

Here’s why: Nebraska’s revenue for the next two budget years is expected to fall more than $900 million short of needs. State aid to public schools – vital dollars that keep children learning, teachers teaching and local property taxes down – is on the chopping block.

Local programs and curriculum could be cut; class sizes could be increased; property taxes would rise; teaching jobs could be lost; schools could close.

If aid is cut by the $100 million some senators have mentioned, it could mean up to 2,000 teaching jobs lost statewide.

Thus, state aid to schools will be at the top of NSEA’s list for the coming session. Here’s a look at key issues: Tuition Reimbursement: Lottery Proceeds The tuition reimbursement program gets good results and is money well spent – that fact is obvious. Teachers broaden their knowledge base and advance their skills, and children benefit.

But it’s also obvious that too few lottery dollars are allocated. NSEA will work to move an additional $500,000 in lottery proceeds to the program.

State Aid: Something’s Gotta Give Last year, the Legislature sent $950 million in state aid to the state’s K-12 schools for the 2010-11 school year.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Legislature could cut as much as $140 million from that for 2011-12, and the cuts would continue in 2012-13.

Legislative Action Will Affect Your Job Now, More Than Ever: Know What’s Happening

With the tight budget considerations the Legislature is facing, there is no doubt that the Legislative session that opens on January 5 will be difficult. The end result of the session could be even more difficult for hundreds — maybe thousands — of public school employees. If state senators fail to maintain public schools as a priority, jobs are at risk in every Nebraska school district. Job loss means larger class size, lost programs and lost opportunities for our children.

That’s why it has become imperative that Nebraska teachers know what happens inside the legislative chambers. It’s also important that NSEA members let state senators know of their concerns about legislative actions that affect public schools.

Follow the Legislature It’s so very easy to be in the know! Here’s how: n NSEA text message alerts: To sign up for the text messaging service, provide the requested information at this website: http://www.nsea.org/text.htm You can also sign up by e-mailing your first and last name and a cell number to: kristi.capek@nsea.org n Via telephone: Call the NSEA toll-free at 1-800-742-0047. An experienced NSEA team watches the legislative process closely. n Read The Voice: NSEA’s monthly magazine keeps members on top of the latest legislative happenings. n E-Updates: Add your name to NSEA’s e-mail list to receive regular legislative updates. You can also become one of NSEA’s cyberlobbyists. E-mail Cathy Schapmann at: cathy.schapmann@nsea.org n On the Web: Follow the progress of bills on the Nebraska Legislature’s website at: http://www.leg.ne.gov n

By Mail: Receive the Legislature’s weekly newsletter, Unicameral Update, by calling the Legislature’s 24-hour Request Line at 1-402- 471-2788. You may also request limited copies of bills, resolutions or amendments, but you must provide the bill number of any legislation you wish to receive.

Talk to Your Senator!

There’s no better way to affect legislation than to get to know and talk to your state senator. Most senators return home on weekends and set up meetings with constituents. Meet with your senator at such opportunities.

You can also e-mail your senator through the Legislature’s home page at: http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/ Or you can e-mail your senator through a link from NSEA’s website at: www.nsea.org Finally, write your senator! Address the envelope with your senator’s name and district, and complete the address with: State Capitol, P.O. Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 685094604.

But, like the Jack Nicholson movie from a few years ago, Something’s Gotta Give: State aid cuts translate into higher property taxes, massive job and program cuts, and increases in class size at the local level. State aid cuts hurt kids.

“Cuts to state aid will widen the achievement gap,” said Wolf.

Beyond that, public education is an economic driver that benefits Main Street businesses statewide. Cutting state aid stalls that economic engine.

Also note that, in 2007, state senators gave Nebraskans the largest single tax cut in state history: $435 million. That

cut has only added to the state’s deficit.

Finally, Nebraska ranks near the bottom among all states in terms of state aid to local schools.

Retirement: NPERS and OSERS Updates A November actuarial report (which included market values through June 30) showed that an $18.8 million state contribution is needed to adequately fund the school employees’ retirement plan for 2011-12. The state contribution would be in addition to monies school employees and school districts add to January 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 9

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A chance to chat: NSEA members from southeast Nebraska had a chance to talk about education issues with state senators at the annual NSEA Capitol District dinner. Seated, from left, are Joanne Allen, Lincoln; Marcia Benner, Lincoln; Sen. Amanda McGill, Lincoln. Standing, from left, are Betty Dasenbrock, Lincoln; Pat Etherton, Lincoln; Burke Brown, Palmyra; and Lisa Olivares, a political consultant for McGill.

the retirement fund each month.

It would mark just the second time in 20 years that the state has provided a contribution beyond a statutorily-required 1 percent annual contribution.

While the $18.8 million in additional funding is legally a state obligation, the state’s budget situation means some lawmakers may be loath to provide a general fund contribution to the plan unless school employees agree to increase their contribution rate.

In fact, there has been some talk of moving new employees away from the defined benefit system to a defined contribution plan. NSEA will remind lawmakers that research shows defined contribution plans are more expensive to manage, have lower returns on investments, and produce lower retirement benefits. Talk has also surfaced of a reduction in retirement benefits and an increase in the age of eligibility.

NSEA will work with senators to minimize increases in teacher or school district contributions and to preserve the defined benefit plan for all employees.

There was also early talk that a $7 million service annuity the state provides to the Omaha School Employee Retirement System (OSERS) might be cut. While that discussion appears to have little or no footing, NSEA will work to ensure that funding continues.

Higher Ed: Bargaining at Risk?

There may be a legislative challenge to the State Employee Collective Bargaining Act. It will help to have two re-

Key Dates

and reasonable, and NSEA will be vigilant in its defense of the CIR.

Jan. 8, Legislature Convenes.

Jan. 31, Last Day to Introduce Bills.

Feb. 15, NSEA-Retired Lobby Day. March 7: NSEA Lobby Day. June 8: Legislature Adjourns.

Facebook: Facing the Problem Last spring, two teens at a central Nebraska school posted a phony Facebook page using a local teacher’s name and image. The page was graphic and insulting, and was soon taken down.

Questions immediately arose: what can the school district, the teacher, NSEA or the legislature do to prevent such incidents, and what can be done to punish the perpetrators? State Sen. Annette Dubas met with NSEA and others to discuss current law and to determine whether additional statutory provisions are needed. NSEA will closely monitor any such legislation.

cent Nebraska Supreme Court decisions that have affirmed the process. NSEA will defend the act.

CIR: Changing the Rules The Commission on Industrial Relations has settled contract disputes between labor and management in the public sector for decades. Now, the CIR is under siege by those who contend it drives up wages and pensions, and drives up the cost of government.

Those arguments ignore the fact that the CIR does not order outrageous salary settlements, and, in fact, can only order settlements that are ‘average’ when compared to other, similar bargaining units. It is also important to note that some CIR cases settle contract language disputes rather than salary issues.

The CIR does not decide pensions in the public school arena. Those contribution rates are set by the Legislature.

Though much of the current public ire is directed at municipal cases that have come before the CIR, the debate could affect the public school duties the CIR performs. NSEA contends that the CIR has been a successful dispute resolution process that is both predictable

April 15: More Than Just Tax Day Most Nebraska teachers know that districts must let teachers know by April 15 if their contract will not be renewed.

Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notices must be delivered by that date.

Personnel costs are part of every school district’s budgeting process. In state aid discussions, some senators say they have been asked to consider moving the RIF notification date later than the state aid certification date – which could be after the Legislative session ends in June. But there has been little reason given that shows moving the date would be of benefit, and such a move gives suddenly jobless teachers little time to search for a new job.

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Omahan to Chair NEA Panel Fennell to Lead Teacher Effectiveness Exploration

The National Education Association (NEA) has announced creation of a national, independent commission to study the teaching profession and make recommendations on maximizing teacher and teaching effectiveness. NEA President Dennis Van Roekel has appointed NSEA member and Omaha teacher Maddie Fennell as chair.

Van Roekel announced plans for the commission during his keynote address at the NEA’s 2010 Representative Assembly in New Orleans. The Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching (CETT) will draw on the wisdom and experience of 21 accomplished teachers — supported by researchers, policymakers and academicians — who will examine the policies and practices governing the teaching profession, and craft a new teacher-centered vision of teaching and the profession.

“There is a fundamental need to shake up the nation’s collective thinking on quality teaching,” said Van Roekel. “We believe the best way to do that is to get the perspective of professional educators who are recognized for their innovation and accomplishments in the classroom. Our hope is that this commission will not only focus on the professional practices that make a difference in student learning, but also address the critical issues facing the future of the profession.”

He said NEA will dedicate significant resources to support the commission’s work because of the importance of the task. The commission will meet four to six times over the next year, and will conduct public hearings to gather input. Commission members will deliver a final report to the public in the fall of 2011. NEA will use the recommendations to examine the Association’s policies and long-term vision for teaching.

Fennell was the 2007 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, is a past president of the Omaha Education Association, and is a fourth-grade teacher in Omaha.

Retirement Seminar Available to Locals The NSEA-Retired affiliate is once again offering a retirement planning seminar to local associations.

The seminar covers these and other topics: retirement benefits; how your retirement benefit is calculated; tips on benefit payment options; beneficiary selection; and health insurance after retirement. The session generally lasts no more than 90 minutes.

If you are an active teacher, or know of a need to offer retirement planning information in a specific local, contact your district president to learn more about the process for bringing a retirement seminar to your local. District presidents and their contact information are listed in the NSEA pocket calendar, or you can find contact information on the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org/members/districts You may also contact Roger Rea, NSEARetired president, by email at: rrea68154@yahoo.com In the email subject line, put “Retirement presentation for (name of your local).”

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Cent. Community College Locals Earn First Contract Salaried and Hourly Staff Units Complete Successful Negotiations Two bargaining units at Central Community College are celebrating the recent signing of their first multi-year negotiated agreements.

The Central Community College Staff Association Salaried and the Central Community College Staff Association Hourly units have both signed three-year contracts with the college’s board. The contracts are for the 2009-10 through the 2011-12 school years. In each case, it was the first time a master agreement was negotiated and terms and conditions of employment were put into a single contract document.

Both local associations have members at each of the college’s campuses in Hastings, Grand Island and Columbus.

“This was a very successful negotiations process, especially for a first contract,” said NSEA UniServ Director Midge Dublinske. “It’s truly the first complete negotiated contract document for both groups.”

The salaried unit includes technicians, trainers, staff development personnel and grant managers, among other staff.

The salaried unit contract included a preamble, 19 provisions and two appendices. The unit will receive a 3.25 percent raise for 2009-10; a 2.5 percent raise for 2010-11; and a 3 percent raise for 2011-12.

On the hourly unit side, the agreement provides 21 articles and two appendices. Those employees include clerical staff, technical support staff and others. They received a flat rate increase on their hourly wage, plus 1.5 percent for 2009-10; a flat rate increase plus 1.25 percent for 2010-11; and a flat rate increase plus 1.5 percent for 2011-12.

Negotiators for the hourly unit were chief negotiator Brian Hoffman, along with Lael Churchill, Jennifer Wurdeman, Margaret Williams, Kaylene Derr and Sue Mahlin and others.

For the salaried unit, they were chief negotiator Patrick Cecil, Coleen Murray, Lacritia Spanel and Pennie Morgan.

Bargaining Ahead!

Higher Ed Bargaining Conference Set for Kearney in February NSEA, with support from the Higher Education Academy District, will host a bargaining conference for all higher education negotiators at the University of Nebraska-Kearney campus.

The conference is set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 11-12.

Topics will include use of bargaining data and budget and financial analysis; negotiations strategies; and skill development, among other topics. There will also be time for local units to meet with their UniServ director to discuss and set future bargaining goals.

There may also be a session on interest-based bargaining.

To register, contact NSEA or call your UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047. Registration will also be available on the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org

Conference for ESP Negotiators Will Feature Two Tracks Bargaining will take center stage for the state’s K-12 and higher education support professionals (ESPs) in March.

NSEA will host the Statewide Bargaining and Advocacy Conference for ESP members on March 25-26, in Kearney.

The conference will include two tracks of study.The first will examine how members can advocate for themselves with supervisors and administrators. The second track will focus on bargaining, and will look at developing a proposal; behavior at the bargaining table; and how to prepare for bargaining, among other topics.

The conference will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25, and close at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. A grant will enable NSEA to cover hotel room costs, and to allow a $25 stipend for gas money for each carload of members traveling more than 50 miles.

Registration will go online on the NSEA website around Feb. 1.

That website is at: www.nsea.org In the meantime, to register call NSEA’s Jan Anderson at 1-800742-0047, or e-mail her at: jan.anderson@nsea.org

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NSEA Leadership Posts Open Strong Leaders Needed to Push Association to New Heights Your Association needs a few good candidates – candidates who will take leadership roles in determining the future of the Association.

NSEA will hold elections in midMarch for nearly two dozen district offices, along with several slots on NSEA’s Board of Directors. Those elected will assume their elected positions with the Association in August 2011.

The filing deadline for those offices is Sunday, Feb. 20. Voting will take place from Wednesday, March 9, through midnight on Wednesday, March 23.

Note that NSEA’s Minority Involvement Plan encourages minorities to seek office. The plan says “It shall be the goal of the Association to seek minority representation on governing and appointive bodies at least equal to the percentage of minority membership for that appropriate level.”

To file for office: Simply go to the NSEA website and click on the ‘2011 District Elections’ link.

Select your district, and then select the office you are interested in seeking.

All persons seeking to file as a candidate will need their 10-digit NSEA membership identification number. Your number can be found on your NSEA Access membership card, or above your name on mailing label on The Voice. Nominations will be posted to the NSEA website within 24 hours of being filed.

As a step in the online filing process, all candidates will have an opportunity to provide a 50-word statement about their candidacy. Voters will be able to access that statement during balloting. It may be easiest for candidates to type the

statement in a Word or other text document before beginning the process, and then pasting the statement into the appropriate box during the filing process.

If you do not have access to the Internet, mail your name, address, local association name and a 50-word statement to: NSEA Elections, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Be sure to state which office you are seeking.

In all cases, the deadline for filing for office is Sunday, Feb. 20. The NSEA website is at www.nsea.org The vacancies: Panhandle District Vacancies: District vice president; district treasurer; two executive committee positions; the district executive committee’s education support professional representative; and one NSEA Board of Directors position.

Sandhills District Vacancies: District president; district vice president; and three spots on the district executive committee.

Tri-Valley District Vacancies: District treasurer; one executive committee seat from each of the East and Central subdistricts, and two from the West subdistrict; as well as two spots on the NSEA Board of Directors.

Elkhorn District Vacancies: District president; district vice president; one member of the executive committee; the education support professional rep on the executive committee; and one spot on the NSEA Board.

Capitol District Vacancies: District president; district vice president; one seat on the district executive committee; and two seats on the NSEA Board of Directors.

Metro District Vacancies: District president; district vice president; three positions on the district executive committee; and two spots on the NSEA Board of Directors.

Higher Ed District Vacancies: Academy treasurer; faculty representative; and the academic professional representative.

Candidate Deadlines for NSEA President, Vice President Approach On August 1, three of the top four elected positions in NSEA’s leadership ranks, and potentially all four, will sport new faces.

At NSEA’s annual Delegate Assembly in April, delegates will elect a new president, vice president and a new NSEA representative on NEA’s Board of Directors.

There is also the possibility of an election for a second spot on the NEA Board of Directors.That postion would be for a two-year term of office.

Any NSEA member in good standing is eligible to file for one of these positions. To have a candidate’s name placed on the ballot, the candidate must be nominated from the floor of the Delegate

Assembly during the Assembly’s opening session on Friday evening, April 15, 2011.

Any candidate who wishes to seek election to any of these positions, and who wishes 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 not less than 45 days prior to April 15.The actual deadline is 11:59 p.m. CST on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

The 2011 Delegate Assembly will be held at the Embassy Suites in LaVista. For more details on NSEA elections, go to this website: nsea.org/delegate_assembly/DA.htm

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NSEA Team Meets Congressmen Members Take Case for Funding to Representatives on Capitol Hill

By Kelsey Foley NSEA Communications Intern NSEA leaders met with Nebraska congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., in December to lobby for school funding.

In the capital for a meeting of the NEA Board of Directors, the NSEA team took that opportunity to meet with Nebraska’s congressional delegation. NSEA’s team included President Jess Wolf, Hartington; Vice President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia; NEA Director Leann Widhalm, Norfolk; and NEA Director Mark Shively, Omaha. Also on hand were NSEA board members Tracia Blom, South Sioux City; Tammy Schafer, Lincoln; and Christopher Waddle, Central Community College.

They met with Sen. Ben Nelson; Sen. Mike Johanns’ staff; Rep. Jeff Fortenberry; Rep. Lee Terry; and a staff member from Rep. Adrian Smith’s office.

The NSEA leaders spoke individually about legislative issues that will directly affect their classrooms. Congressional representatives heard concerns about cuts in discretionary spending, and were urged to keep education as a priority in order to ensure our economic future. Continuing to fund schools and education-related programs is vital to that goal.

As Nebraska faces a state budget shortfall, NSEA leaders encouraged representatives to invest in education, particularly in underfunded programs such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title 1. Such funding is needed to build a competitive economy; to close the achievement gap; and to ensure all students receive needed services.

Title 1, designed to assist the most economically disadvantaged students, has not received the funding promised under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), formerly known as No Child Left Behind. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, as interpreted by NEA, suggest that Nebraska’s Title 1 appropriation is underfunded by $44.7 million, and that IDEA programming in Nebraska is underfunded by nearly $103 million.

Change to the ESEA was a theme. NSEA leaders discussed

At the Capitol: On the way to Capitol Hill, NSEA’s delegation paused for a photo. From left are Mark Shively, Omaha;Tammy Schafer, Lincoln; Leann Widhalm, Norfolk; Tracia Blom, South Sioux City; Christopher Waddle, Central Community College.

hopes for ESEA reauthorization, and a “whole child” approach to learning, including ensuring a student’s physical, social and emotional health and well-being; providing safe, modern learning environments; and encouraging parental involvement.

New House Education and Labor Committee chair, Rep. John Kline (MN), brings optimism to educators who hope the reauthorization will come soon. Kline hopes to do more than tweak NCLB, and will look at all aspects concerning the mandates set for schools, including restoration of local control.

NSEA leaders encouraged representatives to work with educators to help create the necessary changes.

Junior Duck Stamp Contest Now Open Nebraska youth may enter the Nebraska Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest in one of four age groups. Prizes and ribbons go to the best in each group, and the best art becomes part of a traveling display. Each year, a Nebraska ‘Best of Show’ is selected, and goes on to the national contest in Washington, D.C. Rules and entry forms are available by calling 308-635-7851 or writing: Crescent Lake/North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, 115 Railway St., Suite C109, Scottsbluff, NE 69631. Entries must be postmarked by March 15.

Details are also available at: http://duckstamps.fws.gov January 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 15

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Early Retirement and Health Care Options If Your Plans Include Early Retirement, Consider Insurance

select the direct bill early retirement option, and not the available COBRA coverage. Individuals electing COBRA, at early retirement and after Aug. 31, 2004, do not have the option Educators who wish to retire early of enrolling in this program at the end and maintain access to Blue Cross of COBRA coverage. and Blue Shield of Nebraska health n A minimum eligibility age of 50. insurance coverage (until eligible for Educators must also be an NSEA Medicare) must be Special Services aware of three conmember in order ditions that must be to continue in the met under the Eduplan.

cator’s Health AlliEach applicant Those who would like to retire early and maintain access to ance (EHA) retiree should review opBlue Cross and Blue Shield of direct bill program tions carefully to Nebraska health insurance covfor retired school see what program erage (until Medicare eligibility employees.

The may work best in kicks in) must be aware of three EHA has mandated their circumstancconditions that must be met these eligibility rees. under the Educator’s Health Alquirements in order The EHA plan liance Special Services program to keep the plan vifor school emfor retired school employees able. ployees covers (see full story).

The eligibility more than 70,000 requirements are: Nebraskans, and n Participais governed by a tion in the EHA plan for the five years 12-member board that includes six immediately prior to retirement. This NSEA representatives, and three repmeans that someone who was eligiresentatives each from the Nebraska ble for the EHA Blue Cross and Blue Council of School Administrators and Shield plan prior to retirement, but the Nebraska Association of School chose not to participate in the EHA Boards. plan, is not eligible for direct bill health For details, call NSEA from Lincoln insurance through the EHA plan (there at 475-7611, or from elsewhere in the are special rules for employees and restate at 1-800-742-0047, or click on tirees from school districts that have ‘Retirement Info’ at the EHA website recently joined the EHA program). at: n At retirement, the member must www.educatorshealthalliance.org

Retiring Early?

PAC Refund Requests Due Soon NSEA’s Political Action Committee (NSEA-PAC) is supported by voluntary donations collected with NSEA membership dues.

Support for the election of recommended candidates is provided by an annual contribution of $15 from each NSEA member.

Any NSEA member may request a refund of those contributions for the current membership year. Members may also direct that the $15 contribution be used only for non-partisan issues.

Refund requests must be in writing to NSEA President Jess Wolf. Each letter must be individually composed, and contain an original signature of the member. Photocopied, computer copies or e-mail messages will not be accepted. Each letter must indicate whether all or part of the contribution is to be refunded, or whether the entire contribution is designated for non-partisan statewide ballot issues.

Requests for refunds must be postmarked for delivery to NSEA Headquarters no later than Feb. 15, 2011. No refunds will be returned until after that date.

Send your request to NSEA President Jess Wolf, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. The Association’s toll-free telephone number is 1-800-742-0047.

Time to Apply for BCBS Scholarships Deadline is Feb. 5

Nebraska educators constantly seek to improve their skills and knowledge.

Through a scholarship from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Professional Development Fund, certificated educators can have some of the cost of their advanced degrees covered.

The competitive scholarships are awarded three times each year, and the next deadline, for the spring term, is Saturday, Feb. 5.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, Feb. 5, deadline.

Scholarship winners will be notified in March. 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 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, 4,585 NSEA members have shared more than $580,000 in scholarship dollars. The scholarship 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 January 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 17

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RA Delegates: File Now Deadlines Loom for Those Interested in Attending Representative Assembly for transportation, lodging and meal expenses. Depending Summer schedules are beginning to fall into place, so on several factors, four to five delegate slots will be availthose who want to serve as delegates should begin makable to At-Large candidates. ing plans for NEA’s 2011 Representative Assembly in ChiAfter receipt of the nomination information, potential cago. delegates will receive details about the 2011 RA. More than 100 NSEA members will be among nearly 10,000 NEA members who will gather at RA, where they District At-Large Cluster Delegates will debate issues and set the national Association’s policy Local associations with fewer than 76 members have and course for coming years. been grouped in clusters in each of NSEA’s six governance All active members are eligible to serve as a delegate. districts for the purpose of electing delegates to the RA. In addition, there are provisions for student members and There are approximately 10 openings for Cluster Delretirees to serve. egates from the Capitol, Elkhorn and Tri-Valley districts; NSEA’s larger local associations — those with 76 memeight from Metro District; seven from the Sandhills District; bers or more — will hold internal elections to select RA three from the Panhandle District; and four from the Higher delegates. In all other cases, those who wish to be conEd District. Cluster delegates fund their own Representative sidered must qualify through one of the categories listed Assembly costs. below.

Members interested in being a Cluster Delegate to RA For those interested, the first step is nomination of delmust complete the online filing process by the Feb. 20 egate candidates. Candidates for the NSEA-Retired deldeadline. egation must use the form found on this page. All other candidates for RA must file their intent to seek election as SEAN Delegates a delegate through the NSEA website at: Members of Nebraska’s student association (SEAN) www.nsea.org elect their NEA representatives to the RA by statewide balAll persons seeking to file as a candidate will need their loting. SEAN members wishing to be considered as delNSEA membership identification number in order to file. egates must complete the onThat individualized number line filing process by the Feb. can be found on each mem20 deadline. ber’s NSEA Access memetired bership card, or above the epresentative ssembly NSEA-Retired Delegates member’s name on The Voice Members of Nebraska’s mailing label. In all cases, omination orm retired affiliate (NSEA-Renominations will be posted to NSEA-Retired will elect delegates to the 2011 RA in tired) elect their NEA reprethe NSEA website within 24 Chicago July 1-5. Any active member of NSEA-Retired may sentatives to the RA by statehours of being filed. If you be nominated. The NSEA-Retired president is a delegate by wide balloting. do not see your name on the virtue of office.

Four delegates will be website list by March 7, conI have included (or will e-mail) a bio of no more than elected. Two delegates will tact NSEA immediately.

50 words and am a candidate for delegate to NEA’s 2011 be elected at large; one delWhen filing online, delRepresentative Assembly from the following district: egate will be elected by the egate candidates have the q Metro District combined retired memberoption of completing a 50q Capitol, Elkhorn, Sandhills, Panhandle, Tri Valley ship of Capitol, Elkhorn, word statement that can be I also wish to be a candidate as an at-large delegate: Panhandle, Sandhills and reviewed by voters.

q Yes q No Tri-Valley Districts; and one Except for NSEA Retired, delegate will be elected by the deadline for filing is SunName:___________________________________ the retired membership of the day, Feb. 20. Questions? ConMetro District. An individual tact NSEA’s Patty Schroer at: NSEA-Retired Dist:__________________________ filing as a district delegate patty.schroer@nsea.org Address:__________________________________ may also file for the at-large Here are the categories: delegate position.

E-mail:___________________________________ Active members of NSEAAt-Large Delegates Retired wishing to be considAny active NSEA member Phone: (____)______________________________ ered as candidates must comis eligible to place his or her plete the form on this page, name on the statewide AtSignature:__________________________________ * 50-Word Biography Needed and return it no later than the Large Delegate ballot by filing Must be postmarked by Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, to: Feb. 5, 2011, deadline. Also through the NSEA website.

Rebecca Smith, Elections, NSEA, Suite 200, required: a biography of no Those elected as statewide 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 more than 50 words. delegates will be reimbursed

NSEA-R NEA R A N F

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Snookie’s Snippets No one wants lazy money!

So NSEA members should compare their savings account interest rates with the interest rates offered by the NEA-sponsored Money Market Account.

Members love the NEA-Sponsored Money Market Account.

The special member bonus rate, low minimum deposit, and easy Krumbiegel access make it a great way to earn extra interest on your savings. Consider these provisions: n Competitive rates. n The average percentage yields are based on a bonus rate of 1 percent for the first 60 days, with a limit of one bonus period per member. n Accounts are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law. n Low minimum deposit of just $500. n Members can make up to six withdrawals per monthly statement cycle, three of which can be made by check.

Did You Know?

A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona tested 50 purses for harmful bacteria and discovered that one in four handbags was contaminated with E.coli. Many others were found with various bacteria present – so it is advised that you disinfect your purse regularly, and keep them off floors and countertops or anywhere food is prepared.

Free Subscriptions!

As a token of our appreciation for your membership, NEA Member Benefits and the NEA Magazine Service are pleased to provide you with two FREE magazine subscriptions for one year (with no strings attached).

To view a complete list of free subscriptions and to order yours, go to: www.neamag.com/thankyou!

Call NEA Member Benefits at 1-800637-4636, or visit this site for more details on Member Benefits programs: www.neamb.com Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.

NEA Member Benefits

The Right Time to Refinance Considerations Should Include More Than Just Interest Rates Many homeowners consider refinancing when interest rates suddenly fall or there’s a change in financial circumstances.

But even though a large decline in rates or an opportunity to pay off debts might make refinancing seem like an easy decision, you shouldn’t consider any single variable on its own. Think about how long you plan to stay in your home, how you plan to use your equity, and how a refinance can support your overall financial goals. A good rule of thumb is that if interest rates are onehalf percent to five-eighths percent lower than your current interest rate, it may be a good time to consider a refinance.

When you refinance, you’re actually replacing your old mortgage with a brand new loan. In doing this, expect to go through a mortgage application process similar to what you experienced with your original mortgage. Refinancing can be a sound financial choice that can allow you to meet a variety of needs: n Reduce your monthly payments by taking advantage of lower interest rates or extending the repayment period.

n Reduce your interest rate risk by switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate loan or from a balloon mortgage to a fixed-rate loan. n Reduce your interest cost over the life of your mortgage by taking advantage of lower rates or shortening the term of your loan. n Pay off your mortgage faster (accelerating the build-up of equity) by shortening the term of your loan. n Provide funds for major expenses or to consolidate debts.

Rate-Term Refinance vs. Cash-Out Refinance A rate-term refinance has a loan amount that is just enough to repay the balance of the existing mortgage.

The purpose of the loan could be either to reduce your interest rate, adjust your loan term, or both. A cash-out refinance, on the other hand, has a loan amount that exceeds the current mortgage balance. The higher loan amount converts some of your home equity into cash proceeds, which you receive at loan closing.

To learn more about refinancing, contact the NEA Home Financing Program at 1-800-632-4968.

Reduce Worry with ID Theft Protection The statistics on identity theft are troubling, to say the least. Consider these data from the website, spendonlife.com: n There were 10 million victims of identity theft in 2008 in the United States. n One in every 10 U.S. consumers has already been victimized by identity theft. n In 2008, existing account fraud in the U.S. totaled $31 billion.

The unfortunate truth is that identity theft is continuing to escalate, and victims may spend thousands of hours and dollars trying to “undo the damage.” That’s why NEA Member Benefits and Identity Fraud, Inc. (IFI), a pioneer in providing identity fraud solutions for individuals and businesses, are offering members both resources and discounted services through the NEA ID Theft Protection Program.

NEA members can choose from three protection plans with savings from 15 – 33 percent off retail prices. Individual plans start at $19.95 per year; family plans are available for as little as $39.95 annually. Members also have access to an extensive library of information and tools to educate themselves about identity theft.

Visit www.neamb.com and look under “Member Benefits” and the “Discounts” section for the NEA ID Theft Protection Program or www.identityfraud.com/neamb to learn more about the ID theft protection plans available to NEA members.

January 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 19

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BCBS Q&A

Is Stress Dominating Your Life?

By Kurt Genrich EHA Plan Advocate At this time of year, we all face issues that cause stress. Some of us just don’t handle that stress as well as others.

Health problems often start because of stress mismanagement. It’s up to us to learn to manage that stress. After all, our body deserves to be treated well.

Our bodies suffer in many ways when we undergo stress. In stressful situations, the adrenal glands release catecholamine, or stress hormones. If stress is continual, the body becomes vulnerable to disease and illness.

The effects of stress may fall under any of the following categories: emotional; mental; physical; spiritual; or social. Physical signs manifested with stress can easily be identified. You may start to worry that you’re not handling your stress well when you see any of these signs: headaches and dizziness; jaw pain; grinding of teeth; shortness of breath; heart palpitation; rapid or irregular heartbeat; cold or clammy hands; constipation, diarrhea or frequent urination; nausea; dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing; indigestion; ulcers; or

muscle spasms.

If stress is unattended, psychiatric problems can occur, and anxiety disorders and phobias may follow.

You may also see these behaviors in individuals under stress: irritability; lack of concentration; fidgeting and pacing; hyperventilation; talking too fast; increased or constant fatigue; insomnia and nightmares; weight gain; tics, twitching or trembling; crying; work inefficiency; substance abuse; incessant smoking and too much drinking.

When thoughts of suicide begin, it’s certainly time to seek professional help.

It would also be helpful to seek attention if there are feelings of ineffectiveness at work or at home, or feelings of anxiety. Sudden panic attacks, or sudden fears – such as getting dizzy in a high place – are also warning signs.

When you’re under too much stress, don’t take your body for granted. Your body is asking for help.

There are many ways to relieve stress: exercise, change of environment, talking to a friend, reading a book – all can help. Find a stress reliever, and your days will be brighter!

2010-11 EHA Member Survey Let us know if the health and dental benefits offered at your school are meeting your needs! The new member survey is on the EHA website: www.ehaplan.org The Educators Health Alliance has contracted with Kurt Genrich to serve as the EHA Plan advocate.

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

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

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From the Executive Director

Understanding Priorities

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In the roughest economy since the Great Depression, there is legitimate concern about the fiscal health of our state. Some state senators are warning that there may be a huge decrease in state aid to schools for the following year. Their argument is that other state agencies have had to make cuts in their budgets and it is now time for schools to “feel the pain.” This sentiment has been repeated over and over in discussions with some policy-makers.

Feel the pain? Really?

Which parent wants their child’s education to be shortchanged enough for them to feel pain? Most parents would go into debt, take another job, or make major changes in their lifestyle to avoid an adverse effect on the education — and the future — of their children. If our policy-makers do not understand this, they miss the point of priorities.

be. For our children, teachers are the most important ingredient in any school. And cuts in school funding threaten the jobs of dedicated and qualified teachers.

Cuts in state aid mean students will feel the effects.

The pain of cuts for students will be the result of the inability of schools and colleges to attract highly qualified teachers. It also means the loss of teaching positions and resulting increased class sizes or the outright elimination of classes that students need. Up-to-date text books, teaching materials, and the maintenance and repair of clean and safe buildings are just some of the other effects on student learning.

Message Spread In 1932, during the Great Depression, Nebraska legislators proposed both an income tax and a sales tax — just Now at Risk to bolster support for our In the Nebraska Hall of schools. They underFame in the Capitol Building stood priorities…even in in Lincoln, there is a bust of a depression.

Our greatest leaders understood priorities: NSEA ExecGov. Robert W. Furnas, who utive This is the message that Director Craig R. Christiansen with the Hall of Fame also served as first president bust of Governor Robert W. Furnas. every parent, grandparof the Nebraska State Teachent, teacher, school bus ers Association. driver, real estate agent, Furnas helped write the first school law while in the or packing-house worker…everyone who cares about Nebraska Territorial Legislature, started the first school students of any age…must spread: This is the worst board in the state, and served as president of the first possible time to cut back on funding for our schools and Board of Regents for the University of Nebraska. He colleges. Equalizing pain is not good judgment in any understood the value of education for this state. His pripublic policy. Spreading the pain of our economy to the ority was education. Now that priority is at risk. education and future of our children is not fair or equal Some are suggesting that, considering the econo— it is both educational and economic nonsense. my, a cut of more than $100 million in state aid to our These are tough economic times. But tough times schools would be a reasonable number. After looking do not mean that we change our priorities. It is exactly at effects of cuts to our schools and colleges, the questhe time we keep those priorities safe. Our economic, tion is whether any cut is reasonable. Incredibly, those social, and ethical priority should always be the sound who would allow schools…and students…to “feel the education of young people. If we can’t find other places pain” must believe that a cut in state support for our to cut spending, it simply means that education is not a schools would not have any real effect on students. genuine priority. Don’t mince words with this message.

And don’t neglect to say it. Letting our students “feel Loss of Teaching Jobs the pain” is not the legacy we want to leave for our The largest single expenditure in any school budget children. And it is not the future we want for them… is the cost of teaching staff. That is exactly as it should or for this state.

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NSEA-Retired Corner

An Important Day This Year Lobby Day is Feb. 15.

Can You Attend?

the outcome of legislation. To register for Lobby Day, call NSEA at 1-800742-0047. Ask for Rebecca Smith.

One of the most important days of the year is coming soon: The NSEARetired Lobby Day. Although NSEA calendar materials indicate that day is Feb. 8, it has been moved to Feb. 15.

With all important issues on the table as state senators grapple with revenue shortfalls, this will be a year in which retired members can play a key role in

Update: Retired Affiliates Omaha Education Association-Retired John Jensen is president. Other officers include Virgie Louis, vice president; and Rose Sheehy, secretary-treasurer. Other leaders are Cheryl Richardson, Dee Rankin, Sharon Hayenga,

Ruby Davis, and Roger Rea. Members will learn about New EHA Health Plan options; federal income tax changes for 2011; get an OPS pension plan update; state taxation of Social Security and public pension benefits; and changes for seniors due to health care reform.

Reach Jensen at 402-493-7546 or at: Jensen.Omaha@gmail.com — Tom Black, Editor wpc6296@cableone.net

Elections Will Fill Upcoming Board Vacancies

Elections are scheduled in March to fill vacancies on the NSEA-Retired Board of Directors. Elections will also be held to choose delegates to NSEA’s Delegate Assembly and NEA’s Representative Assembly.

The vacancies on the NSEA-Retired Board of Directors include the statewide offices of president and vice president.

District director positions are open in the Sandhills, Capitol and Elkhorn districts. All of those elections are for threeyear terms beginning Aug. 15, 2011.

Fourteen members will be elected as delegates to the NSEA Delegate Assembly set for April 15-16 in LaVista.

The 14 elected delegates are as follows: Metro District, four; Capitol District, three; Elkhorn District, two; Tri-Valley District, two; Sandhills District, one; Panhandle District, one; and one at-large delegate.

NSEA-Retired Nomination: Board of Directors I am a candidate for a three-year term on the NSEA-Retired Board of Directors, beginning with the 2011-12 Association year. I have included (or will e-mail) a bio of no more than 50 words. I am seeking the following office: q Sandhills District Director q Capitol District Director q Elkhorn District Director

q President q Vice President

Four retired members will be elected to serve as delegates to the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting and NEA Representative Assembly set for June 27-July 6 in Chicago (see page 18).

Members interested in seeking election to any of these posts must complete and submit the form(s) on this page by the Feb. 5, 2011, deadline. Candidates for the Board of Directors are asked to submit a 50-word biography. If possible, e-mail your 50-word biography to Rebecca Smith at: rebecca.smith@nsea.org Questions? Call Smith toll free at 1-800-742-0047.

NSEA-Retired Nomination: NSEA Delegate Assembly

Name:___________________________________ Address:__________________________________

Address:__________________________________

City/State/Zip:______________________________

City/State/Zip:______________________________

Phone: (____)______________________________

Phone: (____)______________________________

E-mail:___________________________________

E-mail:___________________________________

Signature:__________________________________

Signature:__________________________________ Postmark or fax by Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, to: Rebecca Smith, Elections, NSEA, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 Fax: 402-475-2630

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Embassy Suites, LaVista, NE, April 15-16, 2011

NSEA-Retired will elect delegates to NSEA DA on a district as well as an at-large basis. Any active member of NSEARetired may be nominated. The NSEA-Retired president is a delegate by virtue of office.

I am a candidate for delegate to NSEA’s 2011 Delegate Assembly from the following district: q Metro q Capitol q Elkhorn q Sandhills q Panhandle q Tri Valley I also wish to be a candidate as an at-large delegate:

q Yes q No Name:___________________________________

* 50-Word Biography Needed Postmark or fax by Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, to: Rebecca Smith, Elections, NSEA, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 Fax: 402-475-2630

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Stuff You Should Know

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Do You Work With Great Teachers?

Of Course You Do. So Why Not Nominate a Fellow Teacher or ESP for One of NSEA’s Annual Awards?

There will be awards distributed to a handful of deserving notables at NSEA’s annual Delegate Assembly in April. You work with talented teachers and education support professionals – don’t they deserve consideration?

Any NSEA member may nominate an individual or group for the awards, listed below. In all cases, send nominations

by Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, to: NSEA Awards, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Nominations may also be submitted online, with any required supporting material mailed to the NSEA. The online forms for the awards may be found under the ‘Call for Nominations’ link on the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org NSEA members are eligible for these awards: n NSEA Rookie of the Year. This award goes to a teacher who sparkled in his or her first year of teaching during the 2009-10 school year. n Award for Teaching Excellence. This award goes to a teacher who has excelled in the classroom over a long period of time. n Education Support Professional of the Year. This prize is awarded to an ESP who has excelled in his or her job.

Finalists for these three awards will be notified in March, and the winners in each category announced at the Delegate Assembly in LaVista April 15-16, 2011. Each winner receives a $250 cash award. In addition, the winner of the Award for

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

Though there are no cash awards for these honors, NSEA members are also eligible for these awards: n Community Service: Recognizes individual NSEA members and/or local associations who are actively involved in non-paid volunteer work outside of classroom duty hours.

An essay of no more than 200 words explaining the nominee’s qualifications must accompany the entry. Photos and videotapes are helpful. n Local Public Relations: Recognizes local associations for outstanding communication within the association, and promotion of educational excellence within the community.

Sufficient examples of dated material should be included.

These awards will also be presented at Delegate Assembly: n Friend of Education: NSEA’s highest honor. Local associations are encouraged to nominate either an individual or organization that has made a statewide contribution to education/educators. n Media: Recognizes a newspaper, television or radio station for outstanding work in covering education issues and promoting community involvement in education. An essay of no more than 200 words explaining the nominee’s qualifications must accompany each entry. Examples of dated material may be included.

For details, contact the NSEA at 1-800-742-0047.

UNK’s Eckloff Dies; Lincoln, Norfolk Members Pass Funeral services were held on Dec. 2 for Maurine Eckloff, a former president of the University of NebraskaKearney Education Association.

Eckloff, 82, died Nov. 28 in Kearney.

She graduated from the University of Denver in 1948 and started a career in broadcasting at KOLN-TV in Lincoln.

She later worked in the script department at CBS Television in Los Angeles, including time on The Jack Benny Show and I Love Lucy. After radio and television jobs in Gettysburg, PA, and Denver, Eckloff returned to television at Kearney. She eventually earned a master’s degree at UNK and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In 1962, she began teaching in the speech and theater department at UNK. Over her 44 years there, she was speech department chair, director of graduate students and director of internships.

Eckloff developed the UNK Institute on Leadership and directed it from 1980 to 1990. She also served on the Minden

Board of Education, the Kearney County Foundation Board, the board of Nebraska Educational Television and the board of the Museum of Nebraska Art. Lincoln teacher Carole Jean Glenn lost a nearly six-year battle with cancer on Dec. 3. She was 45.

The Kearney native and University of Nebraska at Kearney graduate taught in Broken Bow from 1987-93, and had taught in Lincoln since 1993. She took a leave from her post at Maxey Elementary School early in 2010, and had hoped to return later in the spring. When that goal passed, she had hoped to return to her classroom in August.

She was an active member of NSEA. The Norfolk City Education Association has had a difficult year, losing three members since December 2009.

Bernie Tremain, 57, a 35-year special education teacher, died in December 2009. She was active in the NCAEA

and NSEA, as well as in her profession.

She chaired the North Central Accreditation Committee at her school; was on the local Red Cross Board of Directors; and was an award-winning teacher.

In July, Debra Cover, 57, a 15-year Norfolk teacher, lost a long battle with cancer. Cover, a native of Minden, had previously taught at Educational Service Unit 9 in Hastings, at Axtell, and at ESU 8 in Neligh. A long-time NSEA member, she earned a degree in speech pathology and special education from Kearney State College, and later earned a master’s degree from Doane College.

In October, Douglas Brown, 64 passed away. He taught at Genoa for five years before moving to Norfolk, where he taught American history for 28 years, and coached tennis and basketball. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a master’s degree from Wayne State College. He was the Nebraska Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1990.

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Leadership Institute is July 20-22 NSEA members thinking of stepping into a leadership position in their local association might consider dancing into leadership instead – with the help of the NSEA Leadership Institute in July.

“Leaders must encourage their organizations to dance to forms of music yet to be heard,” said the late Warren Bennis, a pioneer in the field of leadership studies.

With that thought in mind, NSEA staffers are developing a dance-themed series of sessions for this summer’s Leadership Institute, formerly known as the New Leader Institute. So whether you favor the Tango, the Cha-Cha Slide, or a good polka as you dance toward leadership, the NSEA Leadership Institute is a must for your dance card.

Scheduled for July 20-22, the event will be held at the NSEA Headquarters in Lincoln. Other than travel costs, all expenses are paid.

Space is limited. For details, or to register, call NSEA at 1-800- 742-0047, and ask for Rebecca Smith. Or you can e-mail Smith at: rebecca.smith@nsea.org

Speaking of Teaching “It’s easier to build a child than repair an adult.” ­— Anonymous

Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association

Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742

Family of Teachers

Family of Teachers:Wilma Robinson Droge began teaching in rural Saunders County in Nebraska. Upon her marriage to Lyle, she moved to Pawnee County, where she taught in two rural districts and then in Pawnee City until her retirement. Many in her family followed her teaching footsteps.

Pictured, front row from left, are: Ginny Freitag, a 25-year teacher in South Dakota; Wilma Droge; Doreen Droge, now in her 33rd year teaching at Norris Elementary School near Firth; and Karin Droge, a Title I reading and math teacher at Pawnee City.

In back, from left, are: Dale Droge, who teaches at Dakota State University at Madison, SD;Wilma’s husband, Lyle, who taught for 10 years following World War II; Bruce Droge, a former vocational agriculture teacher in Iowa; and Chad Petska, a teacher at Lincoln Northeast High School.

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.

Independent Reading Time From Donna Barnhart, a fourth grade teacher in Reading, PA:

“From the very beginning of the year, I teach my students to be independent workers. I systematically teach, model, and practice how they are to utilize their independent time. After about the first 4-6 weeks, my students know that they can read silently to themselves, work on writing pieces, work on vocabulary and spelling, listen to a book on tape, and even read quietly with another student while waiting for others to finish a class assignment.

I am not an advocate of worksheets to fill time between assignments. I am an advocate of teaching children to love reading and to have a book or two to read at their desks at all times. So whenever they must wait for others to complete assigned work, they can read silently books of their own choosing. My students know that silent reading is always an option for wait time. Resources I have used are The First Six Weeks of School, The Daily 5, and The Book Whisperer.”

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

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