The
Voice The Nebraska State Education Association ď ś April 2012
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Opening Bell
Upcoming Assignments April 20-21 NSEA’s 151st Delegate Assembly n What: The Association’s annual meeting of member-elected delegates, at which NSEA’s course is set for the coming year. n Details: See page 15-18. May 12 & Aug. 18 Children’s Fund Walk-a-Thon n What: Two summer walks will benefit the Children’s Fund. n Details: See story, page.13 May 15 Primary Election n What: Winners in the Primary Elections, from school board to U.S. Senator, will advance to the November General Election. n Details: Don’t forget to register! See story on page 31. June 19-21 NSEA Leadership Institute n What: Aimed at new and potential leaders this is a threeday, expense paid training at NSEA HQ. Learn about membership, NSEA programs, organizing skills and more. n Details: Space is limited; first come, first served. Call NSEA at 1-800-742-0047.
On the Cover: the
What Are Your Summer Plans?
Th
If Summer Classes are on Your Schedule, You’ll Love This Issue of The Voice! As the last few weeks of the school year speed past, many of NSEA’s nearly 28,000 members have an eye on summer plans. In many cases, those summer plans include a return to the classroom. Nebraska colleges and universities offer the necessary summer classwork that enables teachers to enhance skills and knowledge and to move along the salary schedule. But just how can teachers select which course and which school might best meet their needs? They can start by reviewing the advertisements placed by many of Nebraska’s colleges and
universities on the pages of this issue. NSEA has solicited information for this issue, which includes summer session class offerings from eight Nebraska colleges and universities. The information includes class schedules, program availability and location, as well as information on how to contact the colleges and universities for details. All of the state’s colleges and universities were invited to participate. Let your college or university of choice know that you read about their course offerings in The Voice!
Have You Moved? Have you moved? Changed your name by marriage? Planning a move? If so, you can update your Association membership information online. How? Log on to the NSEA website and click on the ‘For Members’ button on the left side of the screen. Then click on the ‘Members Only’ link and look
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It’s a fact of life that educators simply want to teach —
for the ‘Member Update’ icon in the center of the next screen, and follow directions. Keep your issue of The Voice near, as the mailing label includes your membership number, used to access your information. The NSEA website is at: www.nsea.org
to impart knowledge and skills to children. It is also a fact of life that we must make a
On a Friday morning in November 2009, ESP Carol Stensvad was fired from her job at the McCook Campus of Mid-Plains Community College. Two years later, the college paid a $162,000 settlement. For more, turn to
VOICE Nebraska State Education Association 605 S. 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org (402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047
Volume 65, No. 8 ISSN Number: 1085-0783 USPS Number: 000-369
Great Public Schools For Every Child
Executive Director Assoc. Executive Director Director of Public Affairs Assistant Comm. Director
Craig R. Christiansen Neal Clayburn Karen Kilgarin Al Koontz
NSEA Board of Directors President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia Leann Widhalm, Norfolk Vice President NEA Director John Heineman, Lincoln NEA Director Jenni Absalon, Lincoln
Official publication of the Nebraska State Education Association, Suite 200, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 685082742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to The Voice, NSEA, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742.
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Published and mailed 6 times yearly according to this schedule: September, October, November, February, April and August. Published online in December, January, March and May. Payment of annual NSEA membership dues entitles Nebraska educators to receive The Voice. Total cost of producing 10 monthly issues of The Voice each year is about $4.84 per member. Advertising rates of The Voice are available from the assistant communications director. All advertisements and advertisers are screened prior to publication. Appearance of an advertisement in The Voice does not necessarily imply NSEA endorsement of either the product being advertised or the views being expressed.
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NSEA President Nancy Fulton
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stand and voice strongly-worded opinions when our ability to teach effectively is threatened.
”
ening Bell
From the President
our ns?
The Power of Members
Schedule, Voice!
he pages of this issue. licited information for this issue, which includes summer session class offerings from eight Nebraska colleges and universities. The information includes class schedules, program availability and location, as well as information on how to contact the colleges and universities for details. ate’s colleges and uniinvited to participate. or university of choice ead about their course Voice!
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er Update’ icon in the t screen, and follow diour issue of The Voice ing label includes your mber, used to access n. ebsite is at: w.nsea.org
NSEA President Nancy Fulton
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It’s a fact of life that educators simply want to teach — to impart knowledge and skills to children. It is also a fact of life that we must make a
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6 times yearly according to this ctober, November, February, April online in December, January,
stand and voice strongly-worded opinions when our ability to teach effectively is threatened.
A membership dues entitles Neeive The Voice. Total cost of proes of The Voice each year is about
”
he Voice are available from the ons director. All advertisements reened prior to publication. Apement in The Voice does not necdorsement of either the product views being expressed.
Members, you have come through again! Earlier this month, NSEA sent out a call asking members to contact their senators and express opposition to LB970, Gov. Dave Heineman’s tax plan. We asked you to contact the governor and state senators to share how the never-ending cuts to public school funding affect the teaching and learning that goes on in your classroom every day. As this issue of The Voice heads to press, the final version of LB970 was still under discussion before the Legislature. Suffice it to say that the version of LB970 under debate at the end of the third week of March was a shell of the original version. I firmly believe that you made a distinct difference in the final outcome. Your phone calls, your use of social media and your hundreds of e-mails were heard in the offices and hallways of the Nebraska Capitol building. Many senators have talked about how much they have heard from their constituents regarding the impact LB970 would have on Nebraska children. Let me share some of the messages sent: From Lori Umstead, a librarian for the Millard Public Schools: “I am requesting your opposing vote to LB970 tax cuts because I believe these revenue losses will further reduce Nebraska’s already lagging financial support for public education and services to our most vulnerable citizens. Nebraska’s schools continue to reduce spending, increasing class sizes, eliminating counseling, extra-curricular activities, and social services for our students and community, and leaving infrastructure and technology below standards for effective learning environments.” From Margalee Thomas, a math teacher at Heartland High School in Henderson: “Nebraska’s middle class and low-income families should be our number one priority, but LB970 fails to deliver. The state is already struggling to invest in education, transportation and safe communities: things that we know create jobs and boost a state’s economy. LB970 will require significant cuts to basic core functions of government that would affect all Nebraskans. From Grand Island’s Chuck and Devon Hamner, a retired English teacher and retired kindergarten teacher, respectively: “This is no time to sacrifice the average Nebraska taxpayer, education and essential services on the altar of pie-in-the-sky short-term ‘economic growth incentives’ for the wealthy. Why
on earth would we want to enact a desperation budget that not only squeezes all of the above, but is projected to turn out state’s hard-won budget surplus into a deficit within a couple of years?” From Georgia Sarroub, a world language teacher who teaches French and Spanish at Lincoln Northeast High School: “I oppose LB970 because if it passes it will shake Nebraska’s educational foundations, and it will jeopardize the future of all of our students. As a veteran teacher, I firmly believe that LB970 will have disastrous effects on school performance, and it will stop the progress we have so diligently made.” Even the membership of the Student Education Association of Nebraska became involved. From Peru State College secondary special education major Megan Brown: “Without adequate funding, it will be difficult for teachers to provide a quality education to every student. I feel that the implications of the deficit caused by LB970 would be too burdensome for the state budget and our local schools. Students would pay the ultimate price.” It’s a fact of life that educators simply want to teach – to impart knowledge and skills to children. It is also a fact of life that we must make a stand and voice strongly-worded opinions when our ability to teach effectively is threatened. There is no doubt that letters like these made a difference. Thank you to all the members who wrote, called or e-mailed your state senator to voice the opinions of the many. Voices at Delegate Assembly There will be another opportunity for you to give voice for your Association – at the upcoming NSEA Delegate Assembly, which will be held in LaVista on April 20-21. You’ll find details about our 151st Delegate Assembly in this issue. Delegate Assembly is considered to be one of the most important events of the Association year. Members who are elected by their local attend and discuss and debate Association ideals, as well as to set the future direction of the Association. That action will include discussion on Bylaws, changes to Resolutions and the 201213 dues proposal. We will also honor deserving individuals and organizations for their service. I’m looking forward to presiding over my first Delegate Assembly. Please help by seeing that your local association has a voice in NSEA’s future.
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Lobby dinner succ as these educators w Dinner this January w Sen. Burke Harr, Jane
Defici Tax
LB970 Scaled
The e-mails and te state senators and the g by NSEA members an kans have worked! Following three ho mid-March — and wi senators still uneasy wi cit LB970 will create — advanced an amended v to the second stage of c At press time, the LB970 would provide month to a Nebraska fa an adjusted gross incom NSEA remains opp Even with the modific plan, LB970 will ball state deficit to more th for the 2013-15 budg deficit means that fund ka’s public schools — vital public services — ther cuts in future year Just as importantly plan ties the hands o makers, as many of rent senators, as well will be out of office w takes full effect. NSEA members, a members of other gro Page 4 n The NSEA Voice n April 2012
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THINK LETTERS TO LAWMAKERS DON’T WORK? NSEA Members Helped Turn the Tide on LB970 These excerpts are from the hundreds of letters sent to senators in recent weeks by Nebraska teachers. These and other phone calls and e-mails caused lawmakers to greatly reduce the scope of LB970 (see main story): Lobby dinner success: Meeting face-to-face works well with state senators, as these educators well know. Talking politics at NSEA’s annual Legislative Dinner this January were, from left, De Tonack, Lincoln; Mitch Lingo, Omaha; Sen. Burke Harr, Jane Erdenberger and Harry Gaylor, all of Omaha.
Deficit-Enhancement Tax Plan Modified LB970 Scaled Back by Lawmakers; State Aid Cut The e-mails and telephone calls to state senators and the governor’s office by NSEA members and other Nebraskans have worked! Following three hours of debate in mid-March — and with a number of senators still uneasy with the huge deficit LB970 will create — the Legislature advanced an amended version of LB970 to the second stage of consideration. At press time, the latest version of LB970 would provide a tax cut of $4 a month to a Nebraska family of four with an adjusted gross income of $48,000. NSEA remains opposed to LB970. Even with the modifications to the tax plan, LB970 will balloon a projected state deficit to more than $550 million for the 2013-15 budget. That coming deficit means that funding for Nebraska’s public schools — as well as other vital public services — will face further cuts in future years. Just as importantly, the LB970 tax plan ties the hands of future policymakers, as many of the state’s current senators, as well as the governor, will be out of office when the tax plan takes full effect. NSEA members, as well as and members of other groups that formed
a coalition to fight LB970, flooded legislative offices with phone calls and emails urging ‘no’ votes on LB970. The initial version of LB970 would have pushed the deficit into the $660 million range. In other legislative action, state senators advanced to Final Reading an amended budget bill. Changes to the 2011-13 state budget include a $10 million increase in special education funding for 2012-13, with that money drawn from the state’s cash reserve fund. State aid to schools is now set at $852 million for 2012-13, a $28 million cut from current state aid, but far better than the governor’s proposed $51 million cut. Kearney Sen. Galen Hadley’s state aid bill (LB947), a priority bill of Sen. Ken Haar and cosponsored by 18 lawmakers, would maintain state aid at $880 million. It remains in committee. Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh’s LB720, which reduces the Omaha Public School board from 12 to seven members, appeared on the Legislature’s Wednesday, March 21, agenda. NSEA does not have a position on LB720, but will continue to monitor this legislation.
“I urge you to vote ‘No’ on the Governor's tax plan in LB970. I do believe this bill is political in nature.What I mean by this is constituents typically like to hear that taxes will be cut. It is a ‘hot topic’ and can be used to sway favor and votes, when in reality the savings are minimal while the impact on the programs being cut is detrimental. You know this to be true. “In light of this, I ask that you stand for what is in the best interest of Nebraska as a population and state, rather than a collection of individuals.” Patrick Piskorski, Seward “As a public school teacher, I am so tired that the answer to every question I pose to my district is ‘there is no money’ – no money for the adaptive potty chair that will allow us to effectively potty train our preschoolers; no money for additional paras who will help us supervise and keep safe our young children with disabilities; no money for important professional development opportunities, etc. “I am not politically active, nor do I want to be, but I will do everything I can to oppose your efforts to give tax cuts to the rich at the loss of vital services in our schools.” Hope MacFarlane, Lincoln “In my building alone, we’re already at four classrooms with more than 25 students. That may seem manageable to many people, but the curriculum we deliver to our students is very differentiated to meet the needs of all our learners. As educators, we are proud of what we offer our students, but our class sizes are making it close to impossible to deliver the curriculum that we know is best for our students.” Melissa Hansen, Papillion April 2012 n The NSEA Voice n Page 5
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Reaching Full Capacity
EHA:
Local Vitality Built on Growing, Vibrant Membership
Association leaders and activists know that strong local associations bolster the strength of the statewide association. They also know that the work of a strong statewide association benefits members at the local association level. Is your local association as strong as it might be? Does it have the traits of a strong local? This series reviews the traits of what the NSEA and the NEA consider a “Full Capacity Local Association.” The series allows current leaders, future leaders and members to measure the strengths, as well as opportunities for gaining full capacity, within their local association. This month looks at a core local association service: membership.
NSEA UniServ Director Marlene Wehrbein knows that membership is important to any vital and vibrant organization. A former local association leader at Louisville – and a former school board member at Plattsmouth – her experience is that broad membership creates a thriving organization. “Strong local associations depend on a steady flow of new energy and dynamic ideas,” said Wehrbein. “Locals must embrace change on a regular basis. New members must be provided with opportunities through mentoring, training, workshops, leadership opportunities and organized social opportunities to take on meaningful roles in local association affairs,” she said. “There is strength in numbers.” A local with a strong, dynamic membership will reach mem-
bership, contract and other goals, she said. Traits exhibited by a successful local include: n An expectation that high membership is the local association’s goal, and that membership is every member’s job. Wehrbein n The use of local financial resources toward membership recruitment and retention. n Active leaders who coordinate membership activities. n Regular training of association representatives to conduct the local association’s recruitment and retention activities. n An established and regularly updated plan to recruit new members year-round. n An effort to welcome and engage new members through new teacher and education support professional orientation. n Inclusion of ESP members in local association trainings, activities and political actions. n Recognition of and incentives or rewards for recruiters. n Use of goals, targeting and an early enrollment process. n Maintenance of accurate local association records on members and potential members by building. NSEA has available for use by local associations a complete assessment survey. It will help determine whether a local meets these and other ‘full capacity local’ benchmarks. Questions? Call your UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047.
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Educators Alliance Ap 2.99% Rate
As school budgets by state aid cuts, the E Alliance is doing its p down for the comin school year. The EHA Board of Directors ha announced that pre mium rates for the Blu Cross and Blue Shiel of Nebraska health car plan used by nearly ev ery Nebraska schoo district will increase b just 2.99 percent nex year. Health care costs fo Nebraska’s school dis tricts have been virtu ally unchanged for tw years. The EHA Boar did not raise rates las year, and at that tim pledged that the rate in 13 would be no more t Further, the only c efits for the coming ye ments to women’s h grams, said EHA Boa Chairman Neal Clayb hancements go into ef of the plan year on Se be no changes to ded coinsurance or prescr payments. “Nebraska teacher tricts and school dis are getting some real buck through this pl burn. “This very mod rates is welcome news tricts as they begin the for 2012-13.” The rate is furthe that there will be no early retiree category. sought and received $ stabilization funds fro tirement Reinsurance the national Patient Affordable Care Act allowed the zero perc rates for the early re and lowers the overa for the plan to 2.82 pe
said. lude: rship mem-
Wehrbein es tontion. embership activities. presentatives to conduct etention activities. ated plan to recruit new
new members through essional orientation. al association trainings,
rewards for recruiters. ly enrollment process. association records on lding. associations a complete e whether a local meets chmarks. or at 1-800-742-0047.
EHA: Small Increase in Rates Educators Health Alliance Approves 2.99% Rate Increase
in compliance with the Patient Proteccovers more than 70,000 school distion and Affordable Health Care Act trict employees, their spouses and (PPACA) and include: children across the state. n Well women visits. Clayburn said the EHA board was n Counseling for breastfeeding particularly pleased that the 2.82 and breast pumps. As school budgets get hammered overall rate increase is below industry n Screening for gestational diabeby state aid cuts, the Educators Health surveys of medical plan rate increases tes in pregnant women. Alliance is doing its part to keep costs nationally. The plan has now marked n Counseling for STDs. down for the coming 10 consecutive years n Screening for papillomavirus. school year. The EHA with increases of less A History n Counseling, screening for HIV. Board of Directors has than 10 percent. of Rate Increases n Screening and counseling for inannounced that pre“That is an extraorA history of rate increases terpersonal and domestic violence. mium rates for the Blue dinary record of rate the Blue Cross and Blue Clayburn said the EHA board apCross and Blue Shield for stability for our EHA Shield plan now managed by preciates the financial pressures and of Nebraska health care the EHA Board of Directors: plan participants,” he concerns facing school districts and plan used by nearly evsaid. 2002-03:................... 17.00% individual plan members. ery Nebraska school 2003-04:......................9.40% Several factors con“We understand that every penny district will increase by 2004-05:......................9.70% tributed to the small counts,” said Clayburn. “We think just 2.99 percent next 2005-06:......................9.00% increase, he said, inour work to keep costs down, to keep year. cluding low utilization 2006-07:......................8.84% this rate increase at a minimum, is just Health care costs for 2007-08:......................7.80% of the plan; further what our plan members expect.” Nebraska’s school dis- 2008-09:......................4.80% expansion of EHA’s The Educators Health Alliance is tricts have been virtu- 2009-10:......................7.70% state-wide wellness a non-profit corporation that was creally unchanged for two 2010-11:......................4.56% program; continuing ated to procure quality, affordable years. The EHA Board 2011-12:......................0.00% declines in medical inhealth care insurance for Nebraska did not raise rates last 2012-13:......................2.99% flation trends; extended educational employees. The EHA is year, and at that time use of a pharmacy benmanaged by a Board of Directors conpledged that the rate increase for 2012efit management plan that has led to sisting of members selected by the Ne13 would be no more than 4 percent. reduced pharmacy trends; and further braska State Education Association, Further, the only changes to benuse of a program designed to assist in the Nebraska Association of School efits for the coming year are enhancethe management of chronic diseases. Boards and the Nebraska Council of ments to women’s health care proEHA health insurance rates for the School Administrators. grams, said EHA Board of Directors 2012-13 plan year apply to all availFor more details on the rates, go to Chairman Neal Clayburn. Those enable seven active employee health the EHA website at: hancements go into effect at the start benefit plans, three early retiree benewww.ehaplan.org/ of the plan year on Sept. 1. There will fit plans, and five dental benefit plans. be no changes to deductible options, The enhancements to the plan are coinsurance or prescription drug copayments. “Nebraska teachers, school districts and school district employees are getting some real bang for their buck through this plan,” said Clayburn. “This very modest increase in NSEA members can become lifetime members of rates is welcome news for school disNEA-Retired/NSEA-Retired at any time in their teaching career by tricts as they begin their budget plans for 2012-13.” making a one-time payment of the current lifetime dues. The rate is further tempered in that there will be no increase for the Lifetime dues for NEA-Retired will increase by $50 on Sept. 1, 2012. early retiree category. The EHA board sought and received $5 million in rate If you join before the dues increase takes effect, stabilization funds from the Early Reyou will pay only $400 for pre-retired lifetime dues. tirement Reinsurance Fund as part of After Sept. 1, 2012 the lifetime dues amount will be $450. the national Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. That funding Visit www.nsea.org/members/retired to join at the current rate. allowed the zero percent increase in Call 1-800-742-0047 if you have questions. rates for the early retirees category, Members of OEA (402-346-0400) and LEA (402-489-7500) and lowers the overall rate increase should contact their local office for the proper membership form. for the plan to 2.82 percent. The plan
Join NSEA-Retired now! Beat the dues increase.
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Paper Made the Case Never underestimate the power of paper – it was an important part of the Carol Stensvad case against MidPlains Community College. On one hand, Stensvad had an extensive collection of paperwork and e-mails that documented the effort by college officials to stifle her use of the Family Medical Leave Act. On the other hand, NSEA Attorney Scott Norby had to go to extraordinary lengths to get paper from the college documenting its handling of Stensvad’s leave requests. Stensvad worked first with NSEA UniServ Director Ellen Yates, and later with UniServ Director Kristen Sedlacek. Director of Member Rights Trish Guinan was involved, and finally Norby became involved, and first met with Stensvad at a public library in Lexington. “I had such a paper trail,” said Stensvad. “Scott said that ‘we definitely have a case.’” Guinan said that Stensvad’s is another example of the need for members to document their workplace life and history. She reminded members to keep a file of workplace documents. “Good documentation can make or break a member rights case, or even determine whether there is a case to consider,” she said. After the case was filed, Norby sought college paperwork to review as he built a case for Stensvad. The college sent ream upon ream of paperwork – but withheld about 120 documents citing privilege and other reasons. Norby had to file a second lawsuit to request those papers, and a federal court order succeeded in getting about two-thirds of those documents. “That was enough. That made the case,” he said.
Busy schedule: Carol Stensvad’s monthly schedule has slowed very little since she was fired from her job as an administrative assistant at the McCook Campus of Mid-Plains Community College. Her husband’s medical appointments fill up much of her calendar.
Reversal of Fortune Carol Stensvad’s Membership Paves Way for Court Order: College Violated FMLA Rights
belongings and was escorted out. “I could not believe what had happened.” For nearly 10 years Stensvad had worked at Mid-Plains. Through several supervisors her performance evaluations were consistently On a Friday morning in late 2009, Carol good. The lone issue with Stensvad’s work was Stensvad was finishing her work week at Midher frequent leave time. When her husband’s Plains Community College’s McCook Campus health worsened in 2006, Stensvad took leave when her supervisor utto get him to medical tered eight words that stops in McCook, North “For education support changed her life. Platte and, at times, Omaprofessionals, it demonstrates ha, Lincoln and Kearney. “I need to see you in this organization’s my office.” Fortunately, StensStensvad was in a bit vad’s union contract commitment to pursuing of a rush. At noon she was included paid leave statutory remedies for ESP to drive her medicallyprovisions to care for a members. We’re committed fragile husband the 70 family member with a miles to North Platte for serious health condition. to working to provide the one in a series of mediThe Family and Medisame level of services cal appointments. Once cal Leave Act (FMLA) to ESPs as we provide to our in her supervisor’s office allows up to 12 weeks a instructional membership.” — with the area dean of year leave to care for a student services on hand — Scott Norby, spouse, child or parent — the supervisor handed NSEA Attorney with a serious health isStensvad termination pasue. But her supervisor pers. and other administrators “He said ‘clean out your desk before you eventually all considered her absences excesleave,’” Stensvad recalls. sive, and worked to some degree to discourage Packing boxes were ready. Stensvad would or deny her efforts to use FMLA leave. not be allowed to return after her North Platte “Her union contract was key in her ability trek to collect personal items. She packed her to exercise her FMLA leave,” said NSEA At-
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torney Scott Norby. “FM unless the negotiated ag paid leave.” With NSEA at her s leged in a United State lawsuit that her FMLA lated. Judge Laurie Sm issued an unusual 18-p and Order that favored count. College officials settlement. In Decemb Community College B proved a payment of $ Another $50,000 came Nebraska College Insu “For education supp demonstrates this organ ment to pursuing statuto members,” said Norby. working to provide the es to ESPs as we provid membership.” Said Stensvad: “I co better representation tha NSEA.”
Short Duration Leav Hired in February 20 tive assistant for comm vad’s job was to get peo classes on topics from h computers. Her outgoin to the campus. The coll 401k plan were helpful cee putting a son throug In 2004, she married His health faltered in 20 dealt with Type 2 diabe cancer and bladder canc sues. Norby said Stensv frequently to meet her h needs, though most of t duration. Her absences ficulties, but that was be up tables to deal with co “They did not deal w exacerbated because, in and get his or her hands last dean would not do
Reduced Hours As her interim super gave Stensvad a satisfac ever, the vice president to talk about her use of human resources directo classified as part-time, “ The HR director note be a little underhanded, initially declined that op he was ready to alter the The HR director noted t than attack the individu
y little since she was Campus of Mid-Plains h of her calendar.
tune
orted out. what had happened.” tensvad had worked several supervisors ions were consistently h Stensvad’s work was When her husband’s , Stensvad took leave get him to medical ops in McCook, North atte and, at times, Oma, Lincoln and Kearney. Fortunately, Stensd’s union contract cluded paid leave ovisions to care for a mily member with a rious health condition. he Family and Medil Leave Act (FMLA) ows up to 12 weeks a ar leave to care for a ouse, child or parent th a serious health ise. But her supervisor d other administrators d her absences excese degree to discourage e FMLA leave. was key in her ability ave,” said NSEA At-
torney Scott Norby. “FMLA leave is unpaid, unless the negotiated agreement provides for paid leave.” With NSEA at her side, Stensvad alleged in a United States District Court lawsuit that her FMLA rights had been violated. Judge Laurie Smith Camp ultimately issued an unusual 18-page Memorandum and Order that favored Stensvad on every count. College officials quickly sought a settlement. In December, the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Directors approved a payment of $112,500 to Stensvad. Another $50,000 came her way from the Nebraska College Insurance Fund. “For education support professionals, it demonstrates this organization’s commitment to pursuing statutory remedies for ESP members,” said Norby. “We’re committed to working to provide the same level of services to ESPs as we provide to our instructional membership.” Said Stensvad: “I could not have had better representation than what I had with NSEA.”
What is FMLA? The Family Medical Leave Act was approved by Congress in 1993. This explanation comes from the U.S. Department of Labor website: The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees are entitled to 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for: n The birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within 1 year of birth; n The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement; n To care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition; n A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job; n Any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a covered military member on “covered active duty;” or n Twenty-six workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the service member’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin (military caregiver leave).
Short Duration Leave Hired in February 2000 as the administrative assistant for community services, Stensvad’s job was to get people on campus for classes on topics from hunter education to computers. Her outgoing nature drew people to the campus. The college’s health care and 401k plan were helpful to Stensvad, a divorcee putting a son through pharmacy school. In 2004, she married a retired railroader. His health faltered in 2006 and he has since dealt with Type 2 diabetes, lost a kidney to cancer and bladder cancer, among other issues. Norby said Stensvad used FMLA leave frequently to meet her husband’s medical needs, though most of the leave was of short duration. Her absences may have caused difficulties, but that was because Stensvad did everything from set up tables to deal with complex financial reports. “They did not deal with her absences effectively, and it was exacerbated because, in part, the dean in the past would step in and get his or her hands dirty and help with the work. But the last dean would not do that,” said Norby.
Reduced Hours As her interim supervisor in 2007, the college vice president gave Stensvad a satisfactory evaluation. Within weeks, however, the vice president and the human resources director began to talk about her use of FMLA. According to a deposition, the human resources director suggested that Stensvad’s job be reclassified as part-time, “eliminating the availability of benefits.” The HR director noted the tactic was “pretty drastic and may be a little underhanded, but I kind of like it.” The vice president initially declined that option. But in November 2007, he said he was ready to alter the hours – if the college president agreed. The HR director noted that “if we change the position, rather than attack the individual, we should be OK from an HR and
legal perspective. One would assume that Carol would resign if this were to occur.” The vice president did not act on that option, and by June 2008, Stensvad had a new supervisor who was told to address her use of FMLA. In a deposition, the supervisor said “when I came into this position, (the college vice president) told me to fix it.” The supervisor admitted Stensvad was entitled to FMLA leave, but advocated against it because “I felt it would keep her at her desk.” He encouraged her to use flex time and to set medical appointments outside of work hours – even though the HR director said he outlined FMLA rights and said “I don’t know how you require her to attend her medical visits outside of work hours when her work hours are the same as the hours of available medical service.” The supervisor also conditioned FMLA leave on Stensvad’s ability to identify how her workstation would be occupied; her duties would be performed; and whether she would make up time out of the office.
Legal Action At one point, the supervisor denied an FMLA request. Stensvad e-mailed administrators asking why it was denied and why it was conditioned on her making up the time out of the office. The HR director advised that the college was exposed to legal action. In October 2008, the HR director suggested that Stensvad be put on a performance improvement plan for poor performance, insubordination and short or no notice when using FMLA leave. In a deposition, he said he had no knowledge of her performance, other than absenteeism due to FMLA. Further, he admitted recommending insubordination as a basis for the plan – without actual knowledge of insubordination. A team of top administrators, including the campus president, vice president, human resources director and attorney then met to prepare a July 2, 2009, evaluation for Stensvad. The goal: to make sure that performance, rather than “chronic absenteeism due to FMLA leave,” was a legitimate issue. The team identified data entry as the performance problem. After the poor evaluation, Stensvad prepared and delivered a written response defending her use of FMLA. She was placed under an the improvement plan — which also found her insubordinate for her e-mail response to the previous evaluation. She responded with a grievance, and on Nov. 6, 2009, was fired. Not quite 26 months later, Judge Smith Camp issued her Memorandum – unusual because at the U.S. District Court level, magistrates typically handle proceedings at that stage. “The fact that she wrote the opinion, rather than the magistrate, was a clear signal to the college to ‘make this case go away,’” said Norby. Stensvad misses her colleagues and meeting the public. But she knows that what happened to her could happen to anyone. “If you have representation from the NSEA, it just makes it so much easier. They are just a phone call away.” April2012 2012nnThe TheNSEA NSEAVoice VoicennPage Page99 April
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RIFS
Notificatio
It happens every y and small: a veteran t notice – a pink slip – of school is the teache Nebraska schools w tight budgets into the of life across the state. is to be prepared. The advice: if you receive a The second fact to k school districts to han The moment you rec By state statute, you a hearing to contest never reach an actual h by immediately giving NSEA UniServ directo ment time to determine If you receive a not n Fax a copy of th 475-2630. n Call your NSEA to verify that the fax h As always, if you h director or the NSEA o 0047.
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RIFS and You Notification Deadline is Near
It happens every year at Nebraska school districts large and small: a veteran teacher receives a Reduction in Force notice – a pink slip – notifying the teacher that the last day of school is the teacher’s last day with the district. Nebraska schools will continue to deal with extremely tight budgets into the future, and RIFs will likely be a fact of life across the state. The best way to deal with RIF notices is to be prepared. The first fact to know is this tried and true advice: if you receive a RIF notice, call NSEA immediately. The second fact to know is this: the statutory deadline for school districts to hand out RIF notices is April 15. The moment you receive a RIF notice, a countdown begins. By state statute, you have seven days in which to request a hearing to contest the notice. While your situation may never reach an actual hearing, the best option is to act quickly by immediately giving NSEA a call. That will give you, your NSEA UniServ director and NSEA’s Member Rights department time to determine what steps are in your best interest. If you receive a notice, do two things: n Fax a copy of the RIF notice to the NSEA at 1-402475-2630. n Call your NSEA UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047 to verify that the fax has arrived. As always, if you have questions, contact your UniServ director or the NSEA office of Member Rights at 1-800-7420047.
Walks to Benefit Children’s Fund The inaugural walk-a-thon for the Children’s Fund last August was such a success that organizers thought they’d would try it again this year. Twice! Children’s Fund supporters can show their support for the Fund at walk-a-thons in both Lincoln and Omaha this spring and summer. A two-mile walk in Lincoln on Saturday, May 12, will be held at the Super Saver Grocery Store at 27th and Pine Lake Road. A second walk will be held at Millard’s Super Saver Grocery Store at 5710 S. 144th St., on Saturday, Aug. 18. Registration for both walks will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the walks to start at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to collect pledges in exchange for completing the walk, or to provide a donation for participation. At both sites there will be prizes and other fun activities. Last August’s walk in Lincoln collected more than $8,000 for the Children’s Fund. In the past two years, more than $120,000 in relief has been provided by the Children’s Fund. For more details on the walk-a-thons, watch The Voice and the NSEA website, or call NSEA at 1-800-742-0047, to participate or for more details. The website is at: www.nsea.org
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‘Stock
NSEA Delega Heavywe
Each of the more tha 27,000 NSEA membe have an interest in the professional association In that manner, the resemble stockholders. The vested interest members is never mo apparent than at the A sociation’s annual De egate Assembly, at whic elected delegates fro across the state represe all members as they s NSEA’s course for the c This year’s event — 146-year history — pro cludes National Educat Roekel as well as Omah floor leader, potential gu last year brokered a legi lic sector bargaining in Several Bylaws chan and the delegate ‘stockh past year’s work from N consider changes to NS Business Items propose Bylaws are NSEA’s g Item calls for a specific are the Association’s g 2012-13 dues proposal bly will be a fast-paced “We’re counting on t won’t get much rest,” s
Van Roek A graduate of the U high school math for 23 a leadership path. He i and the Arizona State E terms as NEA vice pres VanRoekel is comm enhancing the professio he believes go hand-in veiled its “Leading th plan in December. Th corporates proven best p thousands of leading t around the country – i ponents are raising the into the profession; teac teacher quality; and un to transform the profess An Omaha native, father to four daughte Page 14 n The NSEA Voice n April 2012
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‘Stockholder’ Meeting is Near NSEA Delegate Assembly will Offer Heavyweight Lineup, Action Each of the more than 27,000 NSEA members have an interest in their professional association. In that manner, they resemble stockholders. The vested interest of members is never more apparent than at the Association’s annual Delegate Assembly, at which elected delegates from Lathrop VanRoekel across the state represent all members as they set NSEA’s course for the coming year. This year’s event — the 151st Assembly in the Association’s 146-year history — promises to be memorable. The agenda includes National Education Association President Dennis VanRoekel as well as Omaha State Sen. Steve Lathrop, a legislative floor leader, potential gubernatorial candidate and the man who last year brokered a legislative compromise that preserved public sector bargaining in Nebraska. Several Bylaws changes have been proposed (see Page 18), and the delegate ‘stockholders’ will also hear a summary of the past year’s work from NSEA program directors. Delegates will consider changes to NSEA Resolutions, and there may be New Business Items proposed by the time the Assembly convenes. Bylaws are NSEA’s governing documents; a New Business Item calls for a specific action by the Association. Resolutions are the Association’s guiding principles. Add action on the 2012-13 dues proposal, and the April 20-21 Delegate Assembly will be a fast-paced affair. “We’re counting on this being a pretty busy event – delegates won’t get much rest,” said NSEA President Nancy Fulton.
Annual meeting of stockholders: In this photo from NSEA’s 1960 Delegate Assembly, Columbus delegate Wayne Krepel studies a copy of the Nebraska Education News, predecessor to The Voice. The headline reads ‘A delegate is like a stockholder.’
of Creighton University and an attorney. In the Legislature, he chairs the Business and Labor Committee; is vice chair of the Judiciary Committee; and sits on the Agriculture Committee. During the 2011 session of the Legislature, when threats to public sector collective bargaining were at their highest, Lathrop brokered a compromise that preserved the Commission of Industrial Relations and the right of teachers and other public sector union members to bargain for salaries and benefits.
Van Roekel, Lathrop Scheduled A graduate of the University of Iowa, VanRoekel taught high school math for 23 years in Phoenix before embarking on a leadership path. He is past president of his local association One Member, One Vote and the Arizona State Education Association, and served two The more than 300 NSEA members who serve as delegates terms as NEA vice president. are elected proportionally to represent their colleagues across VanRoekel is committed to improving student learning and the state. The issues they debate and consider will affect the enhancing the professionalism of education employees, which Association’s course during the 2012-13 year. All the action he believes go hand-in-hand. Under his leadership, NEA unwill take place at the Omaha-LaVista veiled its “Leading the Profession” Embassy Suites Convention Center, plan in December. This agenda inOn These Pages: which opens on Friday, April 20, and corporates proven best practices from The 2012 Delegate Assembly schedule, as well closes on Saturday, April 21. thousands of leading teachers from as proposed changes to the NSEA Bylaws and the NSEA was founded in 1867 — around the country – its main comproposed dues for the 2012-13 Association year. just five short months after Neponents are raising the bar for entry Online: braska gained statehood. In the into the profession; teachers ensuring All NSEA committee reports and proposed 145 years since, members have teacher quality; and union leadership Delegate Assembly Standing Rules have been met nearly every year, and in some to transform the profession. posted to the NSEA website. Find them at: years have held two Delegate AsAn Omaha native, Lathrop is a www.nsea.org semblies. father to four daughters, a graduate April April2012 2012nnThe TheNSEA NSEAVoice VoicennPage Page15 15
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2012-1
Order of Business: Delegate Assembly 2012
The NSEA Board of staff. Delegates to the N year, the NSEA Board
Embassy Suites Omaha-LaVista Hotel and Conference Center President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia, Presiding
Registration: Embassy Suites Omaha-LaVista Hotel and Conference Center, Beginning at 5 p.m.
The total NSEA du Contingency Fund. Th Association year. The t
Friday, April 20, 2012 t 7 p.m. Call to Order: NSEA President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia Pledge of Allegiance: SEAN President Patrick White, Hastings College National Anthem: Assembly Delegates First Report of Credentials Committee Adoption of Standing/Procedural Rules Adoption of Order of Business First Report of Resolutions Committee: Co-Chairs Tracia Blom, S. Sioux City, and Resa Wiltse, Lincoln, Nebraska representatives on NEA’s Resolutions Committee; and Becky Torrens, Elkhorn, member of NEA’s Internal Editing Committee of the NEA Resolutions Committee Submission of Additional New Resolutions and/or Amendments to Continuing Resolutions Report of the Bylaws Committee: NEA Director Leann Widhalm, Norfolk, Bylaws Committee Chair Debate on Proposed Bylaws Amendments (Voting to take place Saturday from 7 a.m. until 8 a.m.) Keynote Address: NEA President Dennis VanRoekel Begin Action on New Business Items Report of the Auditing Committee Dues Proposal for 2012-13: NSEA Vice President Leann Widhalm, Norfolk, Chair, Budget Committee Submission of Additional New Business Items Announcements and Recess These activities will take place immediately following the close of the First Session: tNEA and NSEA Resolutions Hearing, Fedora I Room. tNSEA Budget Hearing, Fedora II Room. Horace Mann Reception: Windsor Ballroom VII-X
Saturday, April 21, 2012 t 8:30 a.m. Voting on Bylaws Amendments will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Final Report of Credentials Committee Submission of Additional New Business Items (By 10 a.m.) Submission of Additional New Resolutions and/or Amendments to Continuing Resolutions (By 10 a.m.) NSEA Awards Program Reports to the Assembly: NSEA Committees Address to the Delegates and Members by the President: Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia Programs in Review: NSEA Program Directors Action on New Business Items Final Report of Resolutions Committee: Tracia Blom, Resa Wiltse and Becky Torrens Action on Resolutions Report of the Executive Director: Craig R. Christiansen Action on the Dues Proposal for 2012-13 Adjournment Parliamentarian: Michael Cheney, University of Illinois Springfield Friday evening break service provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska; Saturday Morning Break Service Provided by NSEA.
G S B S T
The Ballot Conting Political Action Fund With the expiration the NSEA budget for 2 All amounts listed a As noted, the 2012-1 Political Action Fund a receipt of a written, ind of the NSEA Voice. Ad
Delegates to the 200 action created four leve structure. The ESP dues into consideration the f model, the ESP membe member. The percentag
Ac Ac Ac Ac Ac Ac
Membership dues f
State Wyom Iowa... Colora Nebra Kansa South Missou
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Active: $376
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AVERA
2012-13 NSEA Dues Recommendation Dues for Certificated Staff The NSEA Board of Directors has recommended the following annual fee structure for Association membership by certificated staff. Delegates to the NSEA Delegate Assembly on April 20-21 will consider and act on this proposal. For the 2012-13 Association year, the NSEA Board of Directors recommends the dues for these certificated classes of NSEA membership be as follows: p.m.
Wiltse, Lincoln, orn, member
ions e Chair 8 a.m.)
ommittee
Active: $376
Half-time Active: $188
Active Substitute: $188
Non-Active Sub: $94
The total NSEA dues and assessments for 2011-12 were $372, including a one-time assessment of $10 for the Ballot Contingency Fund. That special assessment was approved by the 2011 Delegate Assembly and expires at the end of the current Association year. The total NSEA dues and assessments for the current year and the proposal for next year are summarized below:
2011-12 2012-13 Changes (%) General Fund Dues............................. $342.................... $355...........$13 (3.8%) Special Assessment............................... $10........................n/a........................n/a Ballot Contingency Fund........................ $5........................ $6..............$1 (20%) State PAC.............................................. $15...................... $15.........................$0 Total................................................... $372.................... $376............... $4 (1%)
The Ballot Contingency Fund is used when proposed ballot initiatives or referenda affect public education. The NSEA Political Action Fund (PAC) supports member-recommended pro-education candidates. With the expiration of the special assessment, the proposed dues and fund assessments reflect a net increase of $4 to fund the NSEA budget for 2012-13. All amounts listed are for state dues only. NEA dues for 2012-13 have been proposed at no more than $180, a $2 increase. As noted, the 2012-13 dues amount for full-time, active members of NSEA includes a voluntary contribution of $15 to NSEA’s Political Action Fund and $7.50 for half-time active members and active substitute members. This contribution is refundable upon receipt of a written, individually-composed request. A reminder of the opportunity to seek a refund is published in the January issue of the NSEA Voice. Address refund requests to NSEA PAC Refund, in care of NSEA President, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. Dues for Educational Support Professionals Delegates to the 2001 Delegate Assembly approved a separate dues structure for Educational Support Professionals (ESP). That action created four levels of dues for ESP members, and the NSEA Board of Directors modified the ESP dues structure to a six-tiered structure. The ESP dues structure is motivated by an effort to establish equity between the wide range of ESP salaries, while taking into consideration the fact that beginning teachers or teachers in lower-paid school districts are still paying full NSEA dues. In this model, the ESP member’s total base salary, regardless of the hours or number of days worked, establishes the state dues for that member. The percentages are based on the lowest starting teacher salary in the state, which was $27,050 in 2011-12.
ESP Dues Tier NSEA Dues Active ESP (salary of $27,050 or more)......... $376.00 (100 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($21,640 to $27,049)................... $338.40 (90 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($16,230 to $21,639)................... $263.20 (70 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($10,820 to $16,229).................. $188.00 (50 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($5,410 to $10,819).................... $112.80 (30 percent of teacher dues) Active ESP ($5,409 or less)........................... $37.60 (10 percent of teacher dues)
2012-13 Dues Comparison
ions (By 10 a.m.)
Membership dues for the Nebraska State Education Association rank in the middle of adjacent states.
State 10-11 11-12 Proposed Wyoming............ $504 $508 $NA Iowa................... $454 $466 $481 Colorado............ $376 $376 $NA Nebraska.......... $357 $372 $376 Kansas............... $362 $366 $369 South Dakota..... $350 $360 $370 Missouri............. $341 $351 $359
aska;
AVERAGE..............$392
$399.85 $391
NSEA Dues History Budget Year
NSEA Dues
Percent Increase
2012-13 $376 1.08 2011-12 $372 4.20 2010-11 $357 2.00 2009-10 $350 2.30 2008-09 $342 4.26 2007-08 $328 6.49 2006-07 $308 4.05 2005-06 $296 4.96 2004-05 $282 5.22 2003-04 $268 4.28 April April2012 2012nnThe TheNSEA NSEAVoice VoicennPage Page1717
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Proposed NSEA Bylaws Revisions These proposed changes to NSEA’s Bylaws will be considered during the annual meeting of the Delegate Assembly at the LaVista Embassy Suites on April 20-21. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 1 n Article I: Membership Section 2. There shall be eight (8) classes of membership in the Association: Active Professional; Active Educational Support Professional; Substitute; Reserve; Special Services; Student; Retired; and Staff. (a) Active membership shall be of two types, Professional and Educational Support Professional (ESP). Active Professional membership shall be open to any person who is engaged in or who is on a leave of absence from the profession (teaching, administrating or substituting) or is serving as an elected officer of the Association or a chartered local association, or whose employment status is in dispute and for whom the Association is providing legal services. Active Professional members shall hold or shall be eligible to hold a baccalaureate or higher degree or the regular teaching, vocational or technical certificate required by their employment. Active Professional members regularly employed fifty percent (50%) or less of the normal schedule for full-time faculty members (as verified by the local association) are eligible to join the Association as half-time active members. Active Professional members shall be eligible to be voting delegates to the NSEA Delegate Assembly and the NEA Representative Assembly. Educators employed on a regular basis as a substitute teacher holding at least a baccalaureate degree are eligible for active substitute membership. The active substitute receives all the benefits of active membership. Dues for active substitutes employed full-time are 100 percent of Active Professional dues; for substitutes employed less than fulltime, the dues are fifty percent (50%) of NSEA active dues. Where no local association is available, an active professional may join NSEA/NEA directly. Rationale: This Bylaw change would allow active professionals who teach at an institution without an active local association the opportunity to belong to the NSEA/NEA. Submitted by the Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 2 n Article III: Board of Directors Section 2. The District Presidents, the President of NSEARetired, the President of the Higher Education Academy, an Education Support Professional representative, the President of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN), and the Chair of the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC), shall be invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors each year as ex-officio members without the right to vote. In the absence of any Board member the District President may assume the seat of an absent director from the same district with voting privileges. NSEA members who are elected at the National Education Association level to be members of the NEA Board of Directors shall be invited to attend meetings of the NSEA Board as ex-officio members without the right to vote. NEA-budgeted funds must be utilized for expenses. Rationale: With the Higher Education membership no lon-
ger a separate NSEA district for the coming association year, this Bylaw would allow the Higher Education president to continue as a member of the NSEA Board of Directors as an ex-officio member, without voting rights. Submitted by the Bylaws Committee of the NSEA Board of Directors. Proposed Bylaws Amendment 3 n Article III: Board of Directors SECTION 2. The President of NSEA-Retired and the President of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN) shall serve as ex-officio voting members of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the President, the Vice President of the respective association may assume the seat of the absent President with voting privileges. SECTION 2 3. The District Presidents, the President of NSEA-Retired, an Education Support Professional representative, the President of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN), and the Chair of the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC), shall be invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors each year as ex-officio members without the right to vote. In the absence of any Board member the District President may assume the seat of an absent director from the same district with voting privileges. NSEA members who are elected at the National Education Association level to be members of the NEA Board of Directors shall be invited to attend meetings of the NSEA Board as ex-officio members without the right to vote. NEA-budgeted funds must be utilized for expenses. Rationale: This amendment would establish three categories of NSEA Board membership: (a) voting members who have been directly elected to the board and who have proportional representation for their respective electing bodies; (b) ex-officio voting members who have not been directly elected to the board, but who represent membership categories who do not have voting rights through other membership groups on the board; and (c) ex-officio members who do not have voting rights who are a subset of members who otherwise have voting rights on the board. Ex-officio members of the NSEA board serve because they have an official elected position in an affiliated organization. There is currently no voting member on the NSEA Board of Directors who either is directly elected by or who represents the membership of either NSEA-Retired or SEAN. This change would create a new category of ex-officio NSEA Board membership with voting rights, but does not establish proportional representation for either NSEA-Retired or SEAN. The Bylaw change specifically provides for voting rights for the presidents of NSEA-Retired and SEAN. Both NSEA-Retired and SEAN presidents currently hold ex-officio membership on the NSEA Board. This Bylaw will not increase the size of the NSEA board, and does not provide for proportional representation for these two membership categories. This Bylaw gives these two membership categories, who do not currently have voting rights for their respective members through any other membership category on the board, a vote at the NSEA Board level. Submitted by NSEA-Retired President Roger Rea and SEAN President Patrick White.
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Are
2013 Teac Application M
An excellent teach classroom. Even so, o earn the honor of Nebra Applications are no Nebraska Teacher of apply should understa earns far more than ju ceives thousands of do Candidates should knowledgeable and s nity in which they tea energetic. The SMART Techn of the Year with a pack for classroom use. As and other education or The Nebraska Teach ceived financial suppo of Nebraska, SMART
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Coverage Co Your Professio
Every member of ered by the Educator Liability (EEL) Insura chased by the Nationa sociation. In general, the EEL coverage for members their educational emplo Those activities are g as duties performed pu press or implied terms ment or at the expres member’s supervisor a supervisor’s school em In addition to defen ters, the EEL insuran imbursement for bail ployment-related crim reimbursement for pe damages caused by an or while performing sc Further, the EEL vides reimbursement i ters arising out of e ployment activities if found not guilty. The specific terms a vided by the EEL insu
visions
oming association year, cation president to conof Directors as an ex-ofubmitted by the Bylaws ctors.
ndment 3 s NSEA-Retired and the ssociation of Nebraska members of the Board dent, the Vice President me the seat of the absent
dents, the President of Professional represenucation Association of Ethnic Minority Affairs o attend all meetings of -officio members withany Board member the t of an absent director ileges. NSEA members on Association level to rectors shall be invited as ex-officio members d funds must be utilized
establish three categovoting members who and who have proporve electing bodies; (b) ot been directly elected bership categories who membership groups on who do not have voting o otherwise have voting
oard serve because they affiliated organization. on the NSEA Board of by or who represents the or SEAN. This change cio NSEA Board memt establish proportional or SEAN. des for voting rights for EAN. Both NSEA-Reold ex-officio memberwill not increase the size de for proportional repcategories. This Bylaw s, who do not currently members through any rd, a vote at the NSEA
ident Roger Rea and
Are You TOY Material? 2013 Teacher of the Year Application Materials Available An excellent teacher resides in every Nebraska classroom. Even so, only one Nebraska teacher will earn the honor of Nebraska’s 2013 Teacher of the Year. Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Nebraska Teacher of the Year program. Those who apply should understand that the state’s top teacher earns far more than just a title: the winner also receives thousands of dollars in classroom materials. Candidates should be exceptionally dedicated; knowledgeable and skilled; active in the commu2012 nity in which they teach; and poised, articulate and Nebraska energetic. Teacher The SMART Technologies provides the Teacher of the of the Year with a package of hardware and software Year Luisa for classroom use. Assorted other gifts, from NSEA Paloma, and other education organizations, add to the value. Omaha The Nebraska Teacher of the Year Program has received financial support from BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska, SMART Technologies, the Nebraska Council
of School Administrators, the Nebraska State Education Association, the Nebraska Association of School Boards, Nebraska PTA, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), Dillard’s in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Sherwood Foundation, Union Bank & Trust Company, The Nebraska Academy of Sciences, Inc., and ConAgra Foods Foundation. These sponsors and other friends of the Nebraska Teacher of the Year Program provided stipends to the Awards of Excellence recipients and to the Nebraska Teacher of the Year. The application is on the Department of Education website, and can be completed electronically. Copies will be mailed to individuals who request them. The deadline to apply is Aug. 10. Finalists will be interviewed in October, and an awards luncheon and reception will be held at the NSEA headquarters in November. For details, or for application materials, call Lora Sypal at the Nebraska Department of Education, 402-471-5059. The Department of Education website is at: http://www.education.ne.gov/
NSEA Membership: Liability Coverage, Too! Coverage Comes with Your Professional Dues
governed by the insurance company. For additional information, contact your NSEA UniServ director, who
will be happy to provide you with additional details. Reach your UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047.
Every member of NSEA is covered by the Educator’s Employment Liability (EEL) Insurance policy purchased by the National Education Association. In general, the EEL policy provides coverage for members arising out of their educational employment activities. Those activities are generally defined as duties performed pursuant to the express or implied terms of their employment or at the express request of the member’s supervisor acting within the supervisor’s school employment. In addition to defending civil matters, the EEL insurance provides reimbursement for bail bonds in employment-related criminal matters and reimbursement for personal property damages caused by an assault at school or while performing school duties. Further, the EEL insurance provides reimbursement in criminal matters arising out of educational employment activities if the member is found not guilty. The specific terms and coverage provided by the EEL insurance policy are April 2012 n The NSEA Voice n Page 19
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Ag in Classroo National Conf
Plans are well und 2012 Agriculture in the tional Conference, to b Loveland, CO. All educators, as we tors, curriculum special ance counselors and oth agriculture are urged to The conference inc interactive workshops ods for incorporating tural applications into language arts, math, n and social studies le materials will be avail links to useful websi shops, workshops and wheels are also availab Two pre-conferenc a flora and fauna hik National Forest, and a Mountain National Par The conference is through Colorado Stat continuing education cr
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News You Can Use Ag in Classroom Sets National Conference Plans are well under way for the 2012 Agriculture in the Classroom National Conference, to be held in June at Loveland, CO. All educators, as well as administrators, curriculum specialists, career guidance counselors and others interested in agriculture are urged to attend. The conference includes engaging, interactive workshops that share methods for incorporating real-life agricultural applications into classroom style language arts, math, nutrition, science and social studies lessons. Resource materials will be available, along with links to useful websites. Mini-workshops, workshops and workshops-onwheels are also available. Two pre-conference tours include a flora and fauna hike in Roosevelt National Forest, and a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park. The conference is also certified through Colorado State University for continuing education credits.
Teen Drivers: A Comprehensive Resource Teen drivers are at greater risk than any other age group. Now, parents can stay involved in their teen’s learning-to-drive process utilizing the new AAA website. TeenDriving.AAA.com provides the latest state-specific information, as well as useful tools to help improve your teen’s driving skills. On the site are: n Details on your state’s graduated driver licensing stages. n A downloadable Parent-Teen Driving Agreement. n Tips to help teens steer clear of distracted driving habits. n Considerations for choosing the right car, plus much more. For more details, visit: teendriving.aaa.com
The conference is set for June 19-22. For details, go to: www.agclassroom.org/conference
Ad-Free Website Simulates Stock Trades Have your students compete in an online stock trading simulation found at SimVest.com. The simulation offers students the opportunity to invest in real stocks, but with virtual money. Each student starts with $100,000 in virtual dollars to buy and sell stocks
that trade on stock exchanges in North America. SimVest uses real market data and a leader board keeps track of gains and losses. Teachers can create a private, password-protected tournament so that players outside of the classroom are not competing with students. The website is funded by Resource World magazine, a monthly that reports on mining, oil and gas, and alternative energy investments. The simulation is free; there is no advertising on the site. For details, call 1-604-729-5576, or visit the website.
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Snook Snippe
Did you know? Sn gel, NSEA’s NEA M specialist and the edi tor of “Snookie’s Snip pets,” has retired! “As this is my las column for The Voice I wanted to convey my thanks and apprecia tion to the NSEA staf and leadership for th support and opportuni ties they consistently provided for inclusion of NEA Member Ben efits’ program inform tion with their locals a groups,” she said. Krumbiegel also tha allowing her to partic state events over the pa “A special thanks to tive Director Craig R who was a great state sociate Executive Dire burn for the easy transi tion; to Administrative Schroer, for all she did and to the entire NSEA
Go California C California Casualty, NEA Auto & Home Ins is providing two oppor cators and students to w n Win a $7,500 Makeover. Four winn line is April 30. Enter a www.schoolloungem n Create Real Imp about distracted drivin ages 15-22 asks stud creative entries in one ries – art, writing, mus deadline is April 27. D www.createrealim
Search Engine fo Lesson Planet offe ed, reliable resources 400,000 standards-cor reviewed lesson plans u Planet search tool. NE ceive 20 percent off a membership fee. Chec www.neamb.com/12
Snookie Krumbiege NEA Member Benefit
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Snookie’s Snippets Did you know? Snookie Krumbiegel, NSEA’s NEA Member Benefits specialist and the editor of “Snookie’s Snippets,” has retired! “As this is my last column for The Voice, I wanted to convey my thanks and appreciation to the NSEA staff and leadership for the support and opportunities they consistently provided for inclusion of NEA Member Ben- Krumbiegel efits’ program information with their locals and constituency groups,” she said. Krumbiegel also thanked NSEA for allowing her to participate in NSEA state events over the past several years. “A special thanks to NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen, who was a great state contact; to Associate Executive Director Neal Clayburn for the easy transition to that position; to Administrative Assistant Patty Schroer, for all she did so well for MB; and to the entire NSEA staff,” she said. Go California Casualty! California Casualty, provider of the NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program, is providing two opportunities for educators and students to win great prizes: n Win a $7,500 School Lounge Makeover. Four winners, entry deadline is April 30. Enter at: www.schoolloungemakeover.com n Create Real Impact is a contest about distracted driving. It asks youth ages 15-22 asks students to submit creative entries in one of four categories – art, writing, music or video. The deadline is April 27. Details are at: www.createrealimpact.com Search Engine for Teachers Lesson Planet offers educator-tested, reliable resources – choose from 400,000 standards-correlated, teacherreviewed lesson plans using the Lesson Planet search tool. NEA members receive 20 percent off a $39.95 one-year membership fee. Check it out at: www.neamb.com/1209_5382.htm Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.
NEA Member Benefits
The Right Time to Refinance?
Take a Step to Reduce Monthly Payments 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, if interest rates are 1/2 to 5/8 percent lower than your current interest rate, it may be a good time to consider a refinance. When you refinance your mortgage, you’re actually replacing it 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 enables 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 your refinancing options, call the NEA Home Financing Program at 1-866-327-6385 and speak with a home mortgage consultant. Remember, the benefits of the NEA Home Financing Program are extended to parents and adult children of NEA members.
Here are Some Real Deals! Sometimes you have to pay more to get the best deal! In other words, it’s better to have one good pair of shoes than four bad ones! When it comes to electronics, shopping bargain-basement can be a bad idea. You’ll get cheaper parts and usually slower customer service if something goes wrong. When buying furniture – investing in quality gets you a kiln-dried hardwood frame as opposed to short-lived plywood and particle board. Yet it’s never wise to spend more than you can afford. Even then, being smart with your money may mean saying no to a cheap option. Here are some deals:
n H&R Block: It isn’t too late. Download a coupon for special NEA member discounts until April 30 at: www.neamb.com/hrblock n NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program: Offers members low pricing with used cars always priced below Kelley Blue Book. The average member’s savings is $3,729. Visit: www.neamb.com/autobuying n NEA Moving & Storage: Reasonable pricing of 67 percent off interstate moving services and 45 percent off storage, with one-on-one customer service provided by Bekins Van Lines. April 2012 n The NSEA Voice n Page 27
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The Pu
Public employees unionize and collecti than 40 years. What public? Harvard University Creating Public Valu mission of our public value. It is a fair cla and institutions must they create. PublicSo, is there a public offer to the communi Professor Moore d in two ways: by pub national defense, goo lic institutions tha are run efficiently fairly, courteously, or derly and responsibly How do public-secto unions contribute t these two ways of cre ating public value?
Personal Interest The mission o virtually every pub lic-sector union ha a focus on the im provement of the ser vice product to ou communities. Why Firemen have a per sonal interest in fir prevention and saf firefighting. Police of ficers have a persona prevention. Teachers cational experience o ers want the best serv employees are citize ties they serve. That demand that their un makers. Public emplo ers they encounter in vocacy of these stree major reason why th highly valued by our pecially those of pub public decision-maki voicing their member are important forces i institutions. It is ofte expertise to public de Page 28 n The NSEA Voice n April 2012
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From the Executive Director
The Public Value of Public Unions Public employees in Nebraska have had the right to unionize and collectively bargain in Nebraska for more than 40 years. What is the value of these unions for the public? Harvard University Professor Mark Moore, in his book, Creating Public Value (1995), challenges us to see the mission of our public institutions as the creation of public value. It is a fair claim on government. Public agencies and institutions must be able to articulate the public value they create. Public-sector unions are not an exception. So, is there a public value that public employee unions offer to the community? Professor Moore describes the creation of public value in two ways: by public-sector production (clean parks, national defense, good roads, etc.) and by creating public institutions that are run efficiently, fairly, courteously, orderly and responsibly. How do public-sector unions contribute to these two ways of creating public value?
Union members often learn the detailed processes of democracy in their union meetings, including campaigning for office, discussing and debating issues, conducting elections, and building coalitions. They also learn the importance of collective action, including pooling their money to support their causes. This is how engaged democracy works. The laboratory public unions provide for its members to learn the process of democracy is a unique opportunity that some experts believe is a critical contribution to American public life. Public employees become more engaged citizens because they have learned hands-on democracy through their union experience. Good Citizens
Public-sector union members understand the importance of political action, because they work in uniquely political environments. The road crew, the fire battalion, the police night shift, and the cafeteria Personal Interest workers at the public The mission of school all understand virtually every pubthe importance of polic-sector union has litical decisions on a focus on the imtheir work. They are provement of the serinvolved in the politivice product to our cal process because communities. Why? they understand that Firemen have a personal interest in fire A mission of creating public value: NSEA Executive Director Craig R. democracy belongs to those who show up. prevention and safe Christiansen in front of the NSEA Headquarters in Lincoln. Public-sector union firefighting. Police ofmembers “show up” and participate in our democracy ficers have a personal interest in public safety and crime through their pooled contributions and their involvement prevention. Teachers are personally invested in the eduin the political process. And that is exactly the engagecational experience of their students. Public social workment that we expect of good citizens. The laboratory of ers want the best service possible for their clients. Public democracy in our public unions creates great public value employees are citizens and members of the communiby the engagement of street-level experts in the political ties they serve. That is the reason why public employees decisions on public service. demand that their unions voice their concerns to policyFew people legitimately dispute that public employmakers. Public employees understand firsthand the barriees contribute great value for our communities. But ers they encounter in providing public service. The adsome question the role of public unions. The fact is that vocacy of these street-level experts for their clients is a public-sector unions create value in our communities in major reason why the public service they provide is so unique ways that help shape the direction and quality of highly valued by our communities. Individual voices, esour public institutions. Yes, unions advocate for working pecially those of public employees, are often lost in the conditions and wages for their members. They also adpublic decision-making process. Public-sector unions, vocate for public safety, good roads, quality education, voicing their members’ experienced and expert concerns, clean water, safe food and care for the disadvantaged. are important forces in increasing the value of our public Public-sector unions are advocates for their members. institutions. It is often the union voice that adds firsthand They are also important advocates for all of us. expertise to public deliberation.
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NSEA-Retired Corner
Beat the Rate Hike NEA-Retired Lifetime Dues Increase Ahead; Join Now NSEA members can become preretired, lifetime subscribers to the retired organizations at any time in their careers with a one-time payment of the current lifetime dues. However, NEa-Retired lifetime dues will increase by $50 on Sept. 1. Thus the current combined state and national lifetime retired dues of $400 will increase to $450 on that date. In order to beat the dues increase, NSEA members are encouraged to become lifetime members in the retired organizations now. For those not securing the lifetime membership, the annual NEA dues will increase by $5 on Sept. 1. There is a list of nearly 50 membership benefits that active teachers currently enjoy that will continue with the lifetime retired membership. Retired lifetime members also have access to NSEA-Retired BlueSenior Classic, the Medicare supplement that is endorsed by NSEA-Retired and underwritten by Blue Cross of Nebraska. NSEARetired BlueSenior Classic is the only Medicare supplement that has dental coverage available as part of the supplement itself. And with your NSEARetired membership, you will continue working with colleagues in NSEA; you will continue to have an impact on your education profession; and you will continue to help the young people to whom you gave so much of yourself during your career. For a list of the nearly 50 continuing membership benefits, click on “Membership Information” at this website: nsea.org/members/retired To join now and beat the dues increase, visit the above link. Download the membership form and return it with your payment to the address on the form. Omaha Education Association and Lincoln Education Association offices process their own membership applications, so members in Omaha (402-346-0400) and Lincoln (402-4897500) should contact their local associations for the proper enrollment forms. After June 1, NSEA members will be
Annual Meeting, Spring Conference
The dates have been set, plans are being finalized. All that is needed is you! Here’s the tentative schedule: for the NSEA-Retired annual meeting and Spring Conference.There will be an evening social event at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, followed by the conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, at the Boys Town Conference Center, Omaha. Included on the agenda: Artist Matthew Placzek as the keynote speaker. Also sure to be a highlight will be Darrel Draper as Theodore Roosevelt, the Roughrider President! Tentative breakout sessions will include the topics of honeybees, digital photobooks, antique appraisal, spring gardening, health insurance after retirement and others.There is no cost to attend for members. For non-members and guests, the cost is $10. For the agenda, and to register on-line, go to: www.nsea.org/members/retired Register or obtain more details through NSEA’s Rebecca Smith at 1-800-742-0047 or: rebecca.smith@nsea.org
NSEA-Retired Election Results
NSEA-Retired held elections in February and March. Here is the slate of candidates elected to represent you: Metro District Director: Walta Sue Dodd, Omaha. Delegates to NSEA Delegate Assembly: Jan Barnason, Hastings; Tom Black,West Point;Walta Sue Dodd, Omaha; DeLoris Tonack, Arlene Rea and Pat Etherton, Lincoln; Dee Gillham, Bartlett; Joe Higgins, Liz Rea, Roger Rea, John Jensen and Carol Krejci, Omaha; Jim McDermott, Scottsbluff; Guy Roggenkamp, Grand Island; Art Tanderup, Neligh. Delegates to NEA Representative Assembly: Tom Black, West Point; Pat Etherton, Lincoln; John Jensen, Carol Krejci and Roger Rea, Omaha. able to enroll online at the website above by clicking on the JOIN NOW! link at the top of the page. Payment for Pre-Retired Lifetime Membership must be completed by August 15 to qualify for the reduced dues of $400. For assistance, call NSEA’s Membership Department at 1-800-742-0047. EHA Wellness Program The EHA Wellness Program is designed to support the health and wellness of every EHA plan subscriber. The program empowers EHA members to improve their health. The results of a healthier body include greater productivity in the workplace and at home, as well as lower plan medical expenses. The wellness program began two years ago as a pilot project, and has been fully operational for more than a year. The results, as reported by members, are impressive. Members reported a 21 percent increase in the
number of individuals who exercise at least 30 minutes each day; a 19 percent increase in finding new opportunities to add physical activity into daily routine; an 11 percent increase in productivity at work and home; and a 10 percent increase in overall well-being. An impressive 43 percent of the participants in the weight-loss promotion lost weight. The online EHA wellness program is free to all EHA subscribers. Are you an early retiree who is engaged in the EHA Wellness Program? Has the wellness program created a healthier lifestyle for you? NSEA-Retired would love to share your success story in our publications. Tell us about changes in diet, exercise, weight loss and lifestyle. Send your story to your NSEA-Retired EHA Board of Directors’ member Art Tanderup at: atanderu@gmail.com — Tom Black, Editor wpc6296@cableone.net
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A Civ Are Yo
Set an Ex and Regist
There’s one sure w your students, colleag to be good citizens: exe vote. Nebraska’s Primary for Tuesday, May 15. T is yet plenty of time to to change or update v information, to receive mail-in ballot and to co er all the candidates se ing election. In each case, contact your county clerk or county election commissioner, or look for your county clerk o county election comm sioner’s website for e details on voter regist mail-in ballot informat Then watch for the The Voice, which will pro-education candida ed by your colleagues. From the Nebrask State’s office, these ar
ed Corner
onference
eded is you! eeting and Spring Consday, April 18, followed by at the Boys Town Con-
e speaker. Also sure to be ghrider President! Tentaphotobooks, antique others.There is no cost $10. For the agenda, and
h at 1-800-742-0047 or:
Results
. Here is the slate of
rnason, Hastings; Tom ck, Arlene Rea and Pat Rea, Roger Rea, John luff; Guy Roggenkamp,
om Black, West Point; er Rea, Omaha.
A Civics Question: Are You Registered? Set an Example for Students, Colleagues and Register to Vote in the May 15 Primary There’s one sure way to encourage your students, colleagues and friends to be good citizens: exercise the right to vote. Nebraska’s Primary Election is set for Tuesday, May 15. That means there is yet plenty of time to register to vote, to change or update voter registration information, to receive an early voting mail-in ballot and to consider all the candidates seeking election. In each case, contact your county clerk or county election commissioner, or look for your county clerk or county election commissioner’s website for exact details on voter registration and mail-in ballot information. Then watch for the May edition of The Voice, which will include a list of pro-education candidates recommended by your colleagues. From the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office, these are the important
viduals who exercise tes each day; a 19 perfinding new opportuniical activity into daily ercent increase in prok and home; and a 10 in overall well-being. 43 percent of the parweight-loss promotion e online EHA wellness o all EHA subscribers. arly retiree who is enHA Wellness Program? ss program created a e for you? NSEA-Ree to share your success lications. Tell us about exercise, weight loss end your story to your EHA Board of Direct Tanderup at: u@gmail.com — Tom Black, Editor pc6296@cableone.net
dates for this year’s election season in Nebraska: n Monday, April 9: Early voting begins. n Friday, April 27: Postmark deadline for mailed in registrations. n Wednesday, May 9: 4 p.m. is the deadline to receive an application for early voting ballots to be mailed out to a specific address for the May 15 Primary Election. n Monday, May 14: The last day for early, in-person, voting at the county clerk or election commissioner office. n Tuesday, May 15: Statewide Primary Election Day. n Wednesday, Oct 31: 4 p.m. is the deadline to request an application for early voting ballots to be mailed out to a specific address for the Nov. 6 General Election. n Monday, Nov. 5: The last day for early, in-person, voting at the county clerk or election commissioner office. n Tuesday, Nov. 6: Statewide General Election Day.
Extra Credit Don Maxson
Donald A. Maxson, 55, of Brainard, died on March 6 in Lincoln. Maxson was president and chief negotiator for the East Butler Education Association. He taught business and math, and had coached volleyball, boys’ basketball and baseball, and was a basketball and volleyball referee. He taught at Polk before Maxson joining the East Butler faculty in 1983. Maxson was president of the Butler County Fair Board and was active on the State Fair Board. He enjoyed running, biking, collecting antiques and Husker football memorabilia and working with livestock. He owned the Brainard Cafe for 15 years and served on the local volunteer fire department for 27 years, most of those as secretary. Memorials are suggested to the fire department or the Butler County Ag Society.
Henry Nelson
Retired North Bend Central teacher and administrator Henry Nelson, 81, died in Fremont on Feb. 11. He was a life member of NEA and NSEA, and former North Bend Education Association member. An Alliance native, Nelson graduated from Chadron State College and then served in the Korean War. He taught at Farwell and Thedford before taking a job at North Bend in 1964. He taught industrial arts, and was activities director and principal before retiring in 1989. Memorials are suggested to the North Bend Senior Center.
Kathy Sebby
Kathy A. Sebby, 58 Beatrice, died March 14 in Lincoln. A Beatrice native and Hastings College grad, Sebby taught music for 23 years at Todd County Schools in Mission, SD, before returning to Beatrice in 2001. At the time of her death, she was an instrumental music teacher and the orchestra instructor for Beatrice Public Schools. She was a member of NSEA and the Beatrice Education Association, and was longtime choir director at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice. April 2012 n The NSEA Voice n Page 31
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Journey into Dyslexia Public Invited to Attend Film, Panel Discussion The Nebraska Dyslexia Association and the Friends of the Nebraska Dyslexia Association will offer a free event for families, middle school through college students, educators and the public. It will feature a showing of HBO’s Journey into Dyslexia. The movie examines the complexities of the differently-structured brain and debunks misperceptions about dyslexia. A panel discussion with the audience will address medical, social, psychological and other aspects of dyslexia. Resource information will also be available. The events will be held Saturday, April 14, 9-11 a.m., at the Phoenix Academy, 1110 N. 66th St., Omaha. For details, call the NDA at 402-4346434, e-mail toinfo@ne-da.org or visit: www.ne-da.org
Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742
Family of Teachers
Speaking of Teaching “Nothing more clearly signals what you value as a state as the decisions you make about where to invest. Budgets are about choices, so today I’m calling on you to choose to invest more in teachers, invest more in education, and invest more in our children and their future.” —President Barack Obama, Speaking to the National Governors Association at the White House, Feb. 27, 2012
More than 270 years: The Rasmussen family of teachers has been in the teaching profession for hundreds of years! Front, from left, are Deb Cavenee, in her 37th year teaching physical education and coaching at Minden; Robbie Rath, who taught music for 30 years, with her last stop at Aurora; Shari Kimple, who is in her 35th year teaching elementary level at Kearney; Shelia Rasmussen, who has taught elementary at Gibbon for the past 19 years; and Marilyn Rasmussen, who taught elementary at Minden. Back row, from left, are Tanner Cavenee, who has taught and coached at Elm Creek for 9 years; Rick Rath, who taught and coached at Clay Center for 39 years; Scott Rasmussen, who has taught and coached at Gibbon for nearly 28 years; Steve Rasmussen, who has taught and coached at Franklin for nearly 33 years; and Mike Rasmussen, who has taught and coached for nearly 39 years, and is an athletic director for the Lincoln Public Schools.
Point Cups From Jamie Whooley, a primary teacher in Addison, IL:
“I recently augmented the behavior management system (token economy) in my classroom. All students at my school (K-12) have daily behavior charts. Their teachers are to keep the charts with the students at all times. These charts show the students’ behavior in 5-minute intervals throughout the day and a section for fines and bonus points. The students in my class are beginning readers, and for the most part are unable to read the important things on their charts. “I came up with a system using base 10 blocks and colored unifex cubes. Students have a cup Velcroed to their desk. Every 5 minutes the student is working, I put a base ten block (1 unit) in their cup, each time
the student receives ten blocks, they must come to the bank (me) and exchange them for a rod (10 units). If the student earns a fine, they must pay the bank with their earned points. They also have the opportunity to earn bonus points (color coded for each teacher in the classroom-use unifex cubes). The bonus points can be used to buy computer time during breaks. The base ten blocks can be used to purchase larger items from my store (toys, stickers, etc.). “I still have to use the behavior charts in addition to the cups, but this works out great for the students. They are beginning to understand what the behavior management system is all about. Of course, they get angry when they have to pay their fines off, but it has reduced the number of times they act inappropriately in a given day!!” Sign up for Works4Me at this link: http://www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html
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