The
Voice The Nebraska State Education Association ď ś December 2011
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Opening Bell Upcoming Assignments Jan. 4, 2012 Opening Day of 102nd Nebraska Legislature n What: The 2nd Session of the 102nd Nebraska Legislature convenes for a 60-day run. n Details: Sure to be hot topics: funding for state aid to public schools and the school employee retirement plan. Watch The Voice for details. Jan. 20-22 NEA Western Region Leadership Conference n What: This annual meeting is designed to enhance knowledge of K-12, Higher Ed, ESP, student and retired members. If local association budgets allow, it is an excellent opportunity for locals to send an individual member or team of leaders. n Where: Oklahoma City. n Details: Online at www.nea. org/wrlc June 19-21 NSEA Leadership Institute n What: Dates for the 25th installment of this event are now set. The program enhances leadership skills and broadens knowledge about the Association. n Details: Call your UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047.
On the Cover: the
Welcome to the Digital Edition of The Voice Welcome to the very first electronic-only edition of The Voice, NSEA’s monthly magazine for members. This digital edition provides every feature the print publication of The Voice would offer, Did this issue of The Voice including news and features, money-saving of- arrive in the wrong e-mail infers, tips and guidelines for educators, as well box? Would you prefer we send as personal columns from NSEA elected and to a different location? Go to the management leaders. NSEA website and change your For the record, NSEA has had a printed publi- preferred e-mail address. That cation since 1872. We will continue to print using site is at: a schedule that combines digital and printed mawww.nsea.org terials. For the moment, the December, January, March and May editions are set for the digital versions. February and April are scheduled as print editions. The change is a result of budget cuts enacted by the NSEA Board of Directors in October. The goal is to continue to meet the needs of members while reducing expenditures in a strategic manner.
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NEA Partners with Teacher Hall of Fame The National Education Association (NEA) has announced a partnership with The National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) to strengthen efforts to honor the nation’s teachers and raise the profile of the teaching profession. The NEA, through the NEA Foundation, provided a grant of $25,000 to the Hall of Fame, and will honor the 2012 inductees during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-12, 2012. NEA leaders will join the Hall’s Board of Trustees and a representative will serve on the national selection committee. The Hall was founded in 1989 at Emporia State University, and is committed to drawing attention to exceptional PreK-12 teachers through a museum and recognition program. The NTHF is the only organization of its kind dedicated to recognizing career teachers; to preserving and promoting education; and to serving the nation by inspiring others to enter the profession. Learn more at: http://www.nthf.org/
The Nebraska Department of Education has announced the 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, and she is Luisa Palomo, a kindergarten teacher at Omaha’s Liberty Elementary School. For her story, 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. 4 ISSN Number: 1085-0783 USPS Number: 000-369
Great Public Schools For Every Child Page 2 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
Executive Director Assoc. Executive Director Director of Public Affairs Assistant Comm. Director
Craig R. Christiansen Neal Clayburn Karen Kilgarin Al Koontz
NSEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia Vice President Leann Widhalm, Norfolk NEA Director John Heineman, Lincoln NEA Director Jenni Absalon, Lincoln
Official publication of the Nebraska State Education Association, Suite 200, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to The Voice, NSEA, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln,
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NE 68508-2742. Published 10 times yearly according to this schedule: September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May and August. Payment of annual NSEA membership dues entitles Nebraska educators to receive The Voice. Total cost of producing 10 monthly issues of The Voice each year is about $4.84 per member. Advertising rates of The Voice are available from the assistant communications director. All advertisements and advertisers are screened prior to publication. Appearance of an advertisement in The Voice does not necessarily imply NSEA endorsement of either the product being advertised or the views being expressed.
From the President
The 26-Hour Day
NSEA President Nancy Fulton
“
...our work both at school and outside the school setting is critically important. Our students need us as teachers, leaders and advocates, at all times and in all places.
”
Happy holidays to each of you! The calendar year is quickly coming to a close, and many of you probably have the same thought I’ve had the past few weeks: “How did 2011 go by so quickly?” It seems that it was just a short time ago that we were in the hustle and bustle of a challenging legislative session, and now here we are, preparing for the 102nd session of the Legislature that starts on Wednesday, Jan. 4. It also seems as though we just closed the doors on the last school year, and all of a sudden, the end of the first semester of new school year is at hand. That 2011 has zipped by is testament to the fast-paced lifestyle that most of us occupy. The holiday season becomes even busier as educators push to meet curriculum goals by the end the first semester, attend or sponsor extra-curricular activities, enjoy holiday events, and prepare for their own holiday celebrations. Personally, sending out holiday greeting cards by mail has become a thing of the past; at best. I try to send them out electronically. Sometimes there simply is not enough time for even that kind of effort – perhaps a 26-hour day would be of help. Digital, Not Print I’m sure you’ve noticed that this issue of The Voice has arrived in digital, rather than print, format. At the October NSEA Board of Directors meeting, the board made adjustments to the 2011-12 Association budget. These budget corrections will more accurately reflect expected income and other expenses for the remainder of the year. The major change: digitize the delivery of at least three issues of The Voice for this Association year.
We live in an electronic world. It’s a rare day that we don’t use our cell phone; send a text message; check multiple e-mail accounts; update our Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn accounts. Electronic communication plays an ever-increasing role in our work. Computers and other media devices are used every day in classrooms across the state. Classroom discussion blogs are posted, grades are recorded, assessments taken, webcasts viewed, and on and on – the list seems endless. No wonder the pace of our lives has accelerated! All Times, All Places Because the use of electronics can be a quick and effective means of communicating, I anticipate that such use will continue to grow and will likely become the primary means of communicating for most of us. As an organization, we must communicate effectively and responsibly – and I’m not just talking about fiscal responsibility. We must also model correct “etiquette” in sending our electronic messages so that the recipients of our communications have a clear understanding of the message. Finally, your dedication is proof that, as educators, our work both at school and outside the school setting is critically important. Our students need us as teachers, leaders and advocates, at all times and in all places. To be effective, educators need to be rested and renewed. Take the holiday break to rejuvenate yourself for the work we have ahead of us. Take time to enjoy the company of family and good friends. Recharge, relax and get ready for a flying start to 2012! Now, if I can just find the formula for a 26-hour day...
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Omaha Earns NEA Grant Foundation Awards $1.25 Million to OEA, OPS to Improve Achievement
The NEA Foundation has awarded a $1.25 million, five-year, annually renewable grant to a part nership between the Omaha Education Association Teachers Can Lead Reform Efforts and the Omaha Public Fifteen union-district partnership teams, including one Schools that will engage from Omaha, and all supported by the NEA Foundation, teachers, administrators met recently in Columbus, OH. Purpose: to share and build and the community in the upon approaches that teachers, their unions, district adminplanning and design of istrators, and communities have created and are using to whole school turnaround. improve the quality of teaching and student performance. The inaugural grant, Teachers and unions can, and should, be a major force in for $250,000, will fund reform, if student success is to be achieved and sustained, the whole school reform said Harriet Sanford, foundation president and CEO. model in four high-needs Attending the conference from Omaha were Omaha Edelementary schools, and is ucation Association President Chris Proulx, Carolyn Grice part of the NEA Foundaand Janice Garnett. Also on hand were Shelley Henderson, Communities in Schools, and Katie Weitz-White, with the tion’s Closing the AchieveSherwood Foundaton. ment Gaps Grant that uses The Foundation’s annual convening of its union-district progressive, union-led partnership teams focused on discussions and planning that policy and practice to raise support three national goals: student achievement. To help educators improve their practice so students OEA President Chris can increase their academic achievement and develop 21st Proulx said members look century skills. forward to the opportunity To increase the ability of school districts, local unions, to work with the district and communities to work together to boost achievement to develop a plan that will for all students. foster a greater sense of To give educators tools to reclaim their voice in shaping trust and collaboration in public education, helping them to, among other strategies, Omaha schools. expand the scope of bargaining agreements to include a “Research shows that greater focus on teaching and learning. a dominant factor in high student achievement is ful to the NEA Foundation for providhaving highly effective ing the district and our association with teachers,” said Proulx. “Building a this opportunity to work together to stronger culture of collaboration in all benefit students and to model effective schools in OPS will enhance the efficacollaboration.” cy of teachers as they work with every Through the grant, collaborative student in the district. The OEA is grate-
OEA Team Attends Union-District Confab
school teams will create their own measurable and continuous improvement plans. Those plans will feature increased roles for teachers in decision making, and will be tied to student outcomes over the life of the grant. The Omaha partnership will evaluate the success of these four collaboratively designed reform models and will identify which among them represent the strongest scale strategy for district-wide closure of the achievement gap. Co-created by the OEA and the Omaha Public Schools, with support from the Omaha Schools Foundation, the partnership has marshaled a high level of community support for its proposed effort. The focus areas of the grant project include, but are not limited to: n Teacher and principal effectiveness. n Curricular and instructional innovation, especially with regard to time for learning. n Community and parent engagement. n Equity and cultural proficiency projects. Proulx said the OEA is eager to expand upon its collaboration with the OPS, The Empowerment Network and the NEA Foundation. “The dedication of our teachers towards closing the achievement gap as evidenced by their desire to collaborate with their peers and administrators, and their willingness to put in the extra time and attention our students need, reflects upon the great work already under way in Omaha,” he said.
You Can Win an NEA Foundation Grant! The NEA Foundation awards nearly 200 grants to support the efforts of educators across the country to close achievement gaps, develop creative learning opportunities for students, and enhance professional development. There are two primary grant categories open to public education professionals: Student Achievement Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants. The Student Leadership Grant amount is $5,000. The proposal should engage students in problem solving that
deepens knowledge of standards-based matter. The work should also improve student inquiry, self-directed learning and critical reflection. Proposals resulting in low-income and minority student success are particularly encouraged. Learning & Leadership Grants support K-12 teachers, ESPs and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education for one of two purposes: n Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer
institutes or action research; or n Grants to fund study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. The Learning & Leadership Grant amount is $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups. The NEA Foundation sets three application periods each year. The next deadline is Feb. 1, 2012. Applications for both can be completed online at: www.neafoundation.org December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 5
Award winner: Kindergarten teacher Luisa Palomo works with some of her students during a writing and response literature project in her classroom at Omaha’s Liberty Elementary School. Palomo is Nebraska’s 2012 Teacher of the Year.
Teacher of the Year Luisa Palomo is in the Right Place to Use Her Advocacy Skills There was a time when Luisa Palomo was uncertain about her future, when she doubted that her desire to advocate for children could be met while teaching in a traditional classroom setting. Those doubts have been erased, and her abilities have been given a statewide stamp of approval: Palomo is the 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year. A kindergarten teacher at Omaha’s Liberty Elementary School, she is the 41st teacher to wear that mantle. “I know that I’ve been teaching for only eight years, and that I’m really young,” she told guests at the Nebraska Teacher of the Year luncheon at NSEA Headquarters in November. “But I’m really passionate, and I’ve learned at Liberty what it means to be a transformative teacher.” She credits her father’s devotion to community service with fostering her caring, advocacy-driven nature. Her father has been active in Boy Scouts, Page 6 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
The Palomo Files n Kindergarten teacher at Liberty Elementary School, Omaha, since 2004. n Bachelor’s degree from Creighton University, 2004; English as a second language endorsement, Concordia University, 2007; master’s degree in educational administration and supervision, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 2009. Other Facts n A member of the school’s Family/School Advisory Council since 2007, and a facilitator in that program from 2008-10. Palomo n Alice Buffett Award for Excellence in Teaching, May 2010. n Has presented on curriculum issues at the building, school district and statewide level numerous times over the past six years. n Has developed curriculum and trained staff in after-school programs for the past two years.
tennis leagues and other community service work for decades. “It was almost like his service to others was another member of the family,” said Palomo. “His model was ‘if you have a talent, you should share it.’” Liberty Elementary’s emphasis on
the “full-service community school model” allows her to use her skills as a champion for children. “Liberty reinforced that I could be the teacher I wanted to be, that there were schools that would encourage me to be a care giver, a doctor, an advocate
Mentors, Kindness and a Desire to Learn Expertise of Finalists is in Elementary Music, Reading, Language Arts Five Nebraska educators were finalists for the 2012 Nebraska Teacher of the Year honor. In addition to winner Luisa Palomo of Omaha, they were Thomas Michalek, Hastings; Michael Musil, Lincoln; Diane Stauffer, Omaha; and Karen Wolken, Johnson Brock. Palomo, Michalek, Stauffer and Wolken are NSEA members.
master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Iowa. Stauffer wrote that human touch cannot be trumped, and that kindness is the highest form of intelligence. “Use each of these wisely with children and you, the teacher, will emerge as one of the most significant, if not the most significant, influence on the students you teach,” she wrote. “My greatThomas Michalek, Morton est contribution is my ability to touch Elementary School, Hastings: the heart of a child, making learning Michalek Stauffer Wolken A K-5 music teacher, Michalek effortless due to absence of fear in the earned a bachelor’s degree in music classroom. I believe all children deserve education and a master’s degree in music from the University of Neto be respected for what they can do, and supported in areas of need.” braska-Lincoln. He taught at Bellevue and Millard before joining his hometown Hastings Public Schools staff in 2006. Michalek credited Karen Wolken, Johnson-Brock Public Schools, Johnson: his mentors for his teaching abilities. A grades 7-12 language arts teacher, Wolken earned a bachelor’s “As my teaching skills have improved over the years, I realize I degree in English/Speech and theater from Peru State College, and a am not a teacher who was ‘born to teach’ but rather someone who master’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Linlearned from many mentor teachers,” he said.“I am now very excited coln. Wolken said her bookcases are lined with professional books about the contributions I am making to the lives of children, as well as that have enlightened and instructed her, and forced her to raise the passing this excitement on to other teachers that I teach or mentor. I bar. And she said she is a better teacher today than she was a year am, hopefully, giving children the tools they need to become life-long ago, because she continues to learn. participants in music-making experiences.” “After 27 years of teaching, it’s never gotten easier. A teacher doesn’t pull lesson plans from the year before, because the needs of Diane Stauffer, Alice Buffett Magnet School, Omaha: each student and each class are different,” she wrote. “All students A sixth grade reading teacher, Stauffer earned a bachelor’s decan learn if we set high expectation and deliver our content in varigree in elementary education from McPherson (KS) College and a ous ways to meet their individual learning styles and needs.
– all rolled up into a teacher,” she said. Palomo received a gift package of cash, hardware and other items from sponsors of the Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program. Four other finalists were also honored: Thomas Michalek, Hastings; Michael Musil, Lincoln; Diane Stauffer, Omaha; and Karen Wolken, Johnson-Brock. A ‘Crazy Adventure’ In her Teacher of the Year application, Palomo called every day in her classroom a “crazy adventure.” Activity and motion are important parts of her methodology. “I feel that if you ask a five-year-old to sit still, it’s hard on everyone,” said Palomo. For instance, in an hour-long reading block, her students move from stationto-station as many as five or six times. “We have a lot of content to get in, but we do it in a way that works for them, in an authentic way so it’s not forced, or a demand,” she said. “They’re learning from each other, learning as a team, building confidence and fostering an inherent love of learning.”
Palomo clearly is in love with teaching. During a classroom writing exercise, Palomo, a para-professional and a student teacher divide her 22 students into three groups. Palomo keeps the eight charges at her table moving forward with compliments, kindness and probing questions. Students are focused, attentive and engaged as she checks their work, answers questions, and works to build a sense of teamwork and community. A quick moment later her students are up and ready for music. Another kindergarten class, two pre-kindergarten classes and a Head Start classroom join her students on the floor as they sing, clap and dance through a half-dozen songs. Among the selections are “The Chicken Dance” and “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” “We keep them moving and active. We do a few A-B-C songs, a few wordrich songs, some stand-up and sit-down songs and maybe some theme songs, like Thanksgiving,” said Palomo. But it’s about more than movement. With music pumped through an iPod, Palomo leads the singing from a bright-
ly-colored rocking chair in a corner of the room. Other teachers, para-professionals, student teachers and volunteers sit on the floor among the children. “The children are less hesitant to sing, to try new words and sounds, if the adults are on the floor with them. “We’re also building literacy skills for the group of early childhood students, giving them those fundamentals and the feeling like they have an umbrella of adults looking out for them,” she said. A Connection Palomo certainly looks out for, and connects with, her students. A walk through the Liberty’s halls and dozens of students greet her, hug her, wave or high-five her. She’s found a home, but her career very nearly bypassed the schoolhouse door. The legal profession also enticed the Gering native. In high school, she worked at a school for children of migrant workers, and also spent time working in a law office, so she knew the merits of both professions. She leaned toward teaching – she remembers that lawyers deal with December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 7
a lot of paperwork. Absent tinue her pre-service work at from the legal profession is Liberty Elementary, with its another perk: as a teacher, emphasis on writing and an Palomo is able to curry beninclusive instruction model. eficial, long-term relationThere was an immediate ships with children and their connection. families. In her first pre-service Her search for a college week at Liberty, Palomo included two qualifiers: a loencountered a child whose cation “just far enough from mother could not attend home” and a specific studyparent-teacher conferences abroad program that incor– the woman had just given porated service learning and birth. studies on social justice. She “The principal said ‘why found just what she wanted don’t we go to her,’” said at Creighton University and Palomo. in the university’s SemesSo rather than accept and tre Dominicano program, be resigned to the fact that a program she said “is so the parent could not attend, much more than a typical It’s No Secret: Kindergarten teacher Luisa Palomo, Nebras- a unique effort was made to study abroad program.” She ka’s 2012 Teacher of the Year, readies her charges for the lunch foster parental involvement, spent six months in the Do- line. to keep a child on track. The minican Republic living in a conference with the mother community with other students as she refined her Spanish and was held in her home. That experience, and others at Liberty, learned through a service learning model. Her linguistic abiliopened Palomo’s eyes. Work on her master’s degree had taught ties improved, as did her appreciation for public education. her the value of finding the “right fit.” Palomo had found hers “After spending six months abroad, I knew that if we had at Liberty Elementary. education for all, we could eliminate the problems that Third “I just felt it was so much more than teaching in a traditional World countries face,” she said. classroom,” she said. “It empowers teachers to advocate for Upon her return, she began to question whether teaching children.” was the right career choice when an advisor suggested she conNo doubt.
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Good Marks for NPERS Returns Up; NSEA Members Testify for Defined Benefit Plan An actuary told the Retirement Committee of the Nebraska Legislature that excellent returns on investments for the state’s teacher retirement plan have left the plan in generally good shape. For the year that ended on June 30, the return on investment was 23.3 percent, said Dave Slishinsky, a consulting actuary for Buck Consultants. That return has helped offset investment losses in 2008 and 2009. Combined with increased contribution rates by educators over the past year, Schlinsky said projected future state contributions to keep the plan solvent are “substantially less” than they were a year ago. Even with the plan’s improved standing, at least one senator cautioned that senators will need to study whether the defined benefit plan can be maintained. Tortoise, Hare Offering written testimony in favor of the existing plan were members of the Bellevue Education Association Retired (BEAR) and NSEA-Retired President Roger Rea. The unified focus: the continued stability of the defined benefit plan, managed by the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System. Bellevue’s Mary Kay Gibson said the healthy Nebraska defined benefit retirement plan, bolstered by larger contributions from members and school boards, has stopped the poverty cycle for teachers. Forty years ago, she said, the maximum retirement benefit was $52.50 per month. “In some plans, people retire early when the stock market is up and delay retirement when the stock market is down” said Gibson. “This is not in the best interest of schools and students. Our formula system provides excellent
At the Legislature: Attending a recent hearing of the Nebraska Legislature’s Retirement Committee were, from left, Phil Kaldahl, Mary Kay Gibson, Roger Rea, Mary Spurgeon and Alice Ferris. Rea is of Omaha, and is president of NSEA-Retired; the others represented the Bellevue Education Association-Retired. Kaldahl served as NSEA president in 1973 and again in 1974-75.
financial planning and predictability at a lower cost than other types of plans.” Rea reminded senators that retirement plans have a 50 year horizon – 30 or more years of member contributions and another 20 years of retirement. “There is nothing short-term about the contributions that will come in, and nothing short-term about the stream of retirement benefits to be paid,” he said. The historical long term investment return for a diversified portfolio has averaged more than 8 percent over every rolling 30-year investment period since records have been kept, beginning in 1930, said Rea. Since 1983, the Nebraska plan has averaged 9.4 percent. Rea encouraged all involved – the Retirement Committee, the Investment Council and the Public Employee Retirement Board – to keep that long-term investment perspective. “It is good to remember the old parable of the tortoise and the hare – it was the slow and steady runner who won that race. It will be the long-term, steady investment return of monies that will eventually provide funding
for the promised retirement benefits for school employees,” he said. ‘Better Than Average’ The plan utilizes a five year “smoothing” to ease dramatic market swings. Thus, losses during the 2008 and 2009 plan years are still on the plan’s current books, and the gain made last year – $905 million – will be spread equally over the next five years, mitigating those losses somewhat. The result is good: projected state contributions to the plan are reduced. Earlier this year, projections called for state contributions to the retirement plan of $18.8 million this fiscal year and $48 million the next fiscal year. Today, those numbers are at $23 million and $19 million, respectively. By 2014, the state’s contribution to the plan will fall to about $1 million. Slishinsky said that with 2008 and 2009 losses still on the books, the plan is only 80 percent funded, compared with 82 percent funded the previous year. “The average, nationwide, is probably in the 65-70 percent range,” he said. “So the plan is better than average.”
In Favor of a Secure Social Security Plan Can Nebraskans influence the outcome of Congressinoal deliberations over Social Security and Medicare cuts? Several state senators believe so, as do NSEA members who testified during a Retirement Committee hearing in November. State Sen. Jeremy Nordquist of Omaha introduced Legislative Resolution 10, which urges Congress to “reject harmful
cuts to Medicare and Social Security.” Though it ultimately failed to make a recommendation to Congress, a so-called “super committee” considered all manner of proposals, including cuts to Medicare and cuts of $150 billion to Social Security benefits over the next 10 years. To stave off automatic spending cuts starting in 2013, the super December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 9
committee had been tasked with finding ways to cut deficits by at least $1.2 trillion over 10 years. When the Legislature’s Retirement Committee hosted a hearing on LR10, NSEA members were well represented through testimony in favor of Omaha Sen. Nordquist’s resolution. NSEA President Nancy Fulton told senators that Social Security income keeps senior citizens above the federal poverty line and off social aid programs. “For the typical Nebraska retiree, Social Security represents more than half of their retirement income,” she said. “Those Social Security dollars allow them to stay in their own homes, and to remain independent.” Roger Rea, Omaha, is president of the NSEA-Retired and serves on the Executive Committee of the National Council on Teacher Retirement. Rea said that cuts to Social Security, including cuts to cost-of-living adjustments, will push more of the state’s senior citizens below federal poverty levels. “As you know, when a senior citizen falls below the poverty level, there is a great likelihood that he or she will become eligible for Medicaid – a program where the costs are borne to a large extent by the state of Nebraska rather than the federal government,” said Rea. Social Security and Medicare combined pump more than $6.25 billion into Nebraska’s economy each year. “That is income being spent in every county in the state. It provides money to purchase goods and services in every area of the state,” he said. John Jensen, Omaha, is vice president of the National Education Association-Retired and is a past president of the National Council on Teacher Retirement. Jensen said that under existing law, Social Security cannot go into debt, and the program has had no effect on the country’s deficit. “Reducing benefits to Social Security will lengthen the time that the trust fund will last,” he said. “That $150 billion cut over the next 10 years does not – in any way – reduce our nation’s debt.” State senators who have signed on in support of LR10 include Sen. Bill Avery, Sen. Danielle Cook and Sen. Amanda McGill of Lincoln; Sen. Tanya Cook, Sen. Heath Mello, Sen. Steve Lathrop and Sen. Gwen Howard of Omaha; Sen. Annette Dubas, Fullerton; Sen. John Harms, Scottsbluff; Sen. Russ Karpisek, Wilber; and Sen. Norm Wallman of Cortland. Page 10 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
Reaching Full Capacity As Always, Good Communication is Key It’s a fact: a strong local association adds to the strength of the state association, which, in turn, benefits the local association. But what traits make for a strong local association? This series reviews traits that the NSEA and NEA call a “Full Capacity Local Association.” The series will allow current leaders, Elwood future leaders and members to measure the current strengths, as well as opportunities for gaining full capacity, with the local association. This month’s issue: communication. Lynne Elwood has served NSEA members as a UniServ director for nearly 14 years. A former special education teacher, she understands the need for effective communication skills. “A local education association can be successful with a strong communication plan that addresses external and internal public relations,” said Elwood. “Local leaders should be trained in communication skills and media relations, in order to maintain effective internal communications and external visibility.” An effective, full-capacity local should exhibit these traits:
n Regular communication with members in person, in print, with Association bulletin boards and via home and or work e-mail. n Training for top leaders on how to communicate with the employer, with the community, with parent groups and with local media. n Regular distribution of NSEA, NEA and UniServ information to all members on state, federal, local and education issues. n Regular, visible activities with members, including socials, professional development, polling or focus groups. n Promotion of regular annual activities such as American Education Week, Read Across America and National Teacher Day. n Regular efforts at creating local association visibility through participation in community activities and events. n Regular communication with news staff at local newspapers and radio stations, providing story ideas about the local association, local school district and public education. Does your local meet these traits? NSEA has available a complete assessment survey. It will help determine if your local meets these and other benchmarks. Questions? Contact your NSEA UniServ director at 1-800-742-0047.
Christmas in Nebraska Community Aided by The Children’s Fund Editor’s Note: These remarks were offered by “Margaret,” a 30-year teacher, following her first-ever use of the NSEA Children’s Fund a year ago. Our school nurse walked down to my room one day in mid-December, not because I’m our local association president, but because I’m originally from our small community, and she just needed help. One of our students was scheduled for several operations in Omaha. Mom had wrecked the car in a snowstorm a couple of weeks before, and there wasn’t going to be Christmas at their house because of a lack of money. She told the nurse that she would be able to borrow a car from a friend, but didn’t know how she was going to put gas in it. During their conversation, she told the nurse that she had told her kids that there wasn’t going to be any Christmas this year. I picked up the phone and made a call to a friend who manages the local Coop. Someone needs gas and I can’t tell you who or why....does that matter? He said, “Nope, just tell them to walk in and tell me ‘Margaret sent me’ and I’ll turn on the pump.” Then I picked up the phone and called NSEA and said, “We have kids that need coats, hats, boots – can you help?” And again, the answer “Do you have a Target store? It makes it so much easier.” Teachers and administrators gave money for the pre-schooler to have winter clothes, and a new single teacher bought toys for the little boys. He thought they should have some presents. Out of nowhere, sweatshirts and tshirts that our boosters sell appeared for the teenage girl. For the first time, she had the same clothes as her classmates. I had the extreme pleasure of shopping
with mom and two of the boys, courtesy of the Children’s Fund donation. Everyone should be so lucky. I don’t think my own kids are that picky, but when the upper elementary boy couldn’t find the coat he wanted in his size, he turned to his brother and said “you get this one cause it’s really cool and I’ll take the red and black one. I can always see you when you wear it.” It was a shopping experience I will never forget. Santa knocked on their door that Saturday and delivered the presents personally. There were gift certificates from businesses in town and $400 cash from various people and the churches. Our youth group paid some of their winter utilities. When the nurse and I saw all of this unfold, we decided it would be a private matter. Churches wrote checks, people donated and they didn’t even know who was to benefit. We decided that as private as the mom is, she wouldn’t appreciate her picture in a newspaper, and we didn’t want her to feel indebted to anyone. The teachers know, but will never say a word. I came back to my hometown to live, raise my family, and perhaps give something back to the community by teaching here. I’m extremely proud of our community. When asked to give, they gave freely, didn’t ask who it was for, and said if we ever need anything again to come back. You all are a piece of this story too. The dollars collected at local association meetings have already made so many children warm this winter. The Children’s Fund is about someone seeing the print on the chalkboard who hasn’t seen it before; it’s about someone having snow pants so he can slide on the snow like the other kids for the first time. The Children’s Fund provides what every child should have, no more. ‘Tis more blessed to give than receive? Indeed it was this past Christmas in our community. Have a good year, and thank you all for serving the teachers and students of Nebraska.
It’s Cold! Many Nebraska Children Aren’t Clothed for Winter Weather Like it or not, cold weather is here. Some of us can take refuge in warm coats and gloves as we get to and from work, but that’s not the case for every child. Heartbreaking as it is, not every family has the ready cash to spend on cold weather gear, or proper dental care, or eyeglasses. That’s where the NSEA Children’s Fund makes a difference. Teachers often use their own dollars to help these children. That’s why NSEA created the Children’s Fund. Since 1994, donations to the Fund have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to help children in need. NSEA picks up all administrative expenses. To help a student, there is no red tape, no form for teachers to fill out. Simply contact the NSEA at 1-800742-0047 and ask for Sally Bodtke. Or e-mail her at: sally.bodtke@nsea.org
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Artistic help: University of Nebraska-Lincoln student Meredith Schneider, above left, helps Howard Elementary kindergarten teacher Dara Sindelar with classroom artwork. Below, NSEA President Nancy Fulton works with student Hannah Schnitzler to sort clothes for the school’s clothes closet.
Outreach 5 GI’s Howard Elementary Spruced Up
What happens when more than 100 college students, retirees and other volunteers descend on a single school building on a cold November Saturday morning? A school building gets refreshed, and the work that gets done saves school district staff countless hours of time. In this case, the beneficiaries were the teachers at Howard Elementary School, and the district staff of the Grand Island Public Schools as the fifth Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN) Outreach to Teach event was held Nov. 19. Outreach to Teach is patterned after a National Education Association project held in the host city of the NEA Representative Assembly each year. Howard Elementary School Principal Julie Schnitzler said the work was greatly appreciated, in particular the work of volunteers to update bulletin boards throughout the building. That alone saved teachers four weekends of work, she said. “The quality of work was exceptional,” said Schnitzler. “The students were motivated, stayed on task and completed all tasks above expectations.” One crew of hardy volunteers spent a good share of the day outside in below-freezing temperatures as they refurbished the school’s inner courtyard. As part of that work, two picnic tables were given a new “splatter paint” look. “The kids thought the picnic benches looked ‘cool,’” said Page 12 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
Schnitzler. “The courtyard took a lot of manual labor. It’s noticeable to everyone.” Other volunteers moved old and unused items from the building basement, and organized the building coat and clothes closet into plastic tubs, with clothes separated by gender and size. “The basement organization is not in a public place or really noticed, but staff appreciated all the effort to clean out the basement,” said Schnitzler. “It’s not embarrassing to take
Working inside and outside: York College students Heather Colby, Drew Leonard and Morgan Goracke, left, display their picnic table handiwork. Above right, University of Nebraska-Lincoln students Kari Atkins and Ibrahim Acar place plastic edging in the courtyard garden. Below, University of Nebraska-Kearney’s Jami Scott and Hastings College’s Shannon Reachard power up to put a table together.
people down for clothing. We’ve already been down in the basement pulling coats and clothes. It saves time being able to pull just the right size.” Another crew helped organize and straighten the school media center, repairing damaged books, disinfecting computers, and returning books to shelves. Because the building’s four kindergarten classrooms will soon move to a new, adjacent building, several student volun-
teers spent time assembling new furniture. That work saved district personnel a lot of time, as well, said Schnitzler. Donors helped make the event happen, giving cash or products to help with the work. NSEA-Retired gave $300. Other donations came from Viaero, Runza, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Sam’s Club and former Howard teacher Candace Edwards. Jill Kimbrough, a student at the University of NebraskaKearney, chaired the event this year. December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 13
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A Bumper Crop NSEA President Nancy Fulton, left, and NEA Director Jenni Absalon, right, were on hand for delivery of some of the more than 7,200 books delivered to Riley Elementary School first-graders during the Lincoln Education Association’s annual Harvest of Books. Since 1997, Harvest of Books has delivered more than 170,000 books to Lincoln schoolchildren.
McAuliffe Award a Nod to Courage Courage is an important quality not often recognized in teachers. The Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education honors courageous teachers from across Nebraska. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education & Human Sciences invites Nebraskans to help find the best candidate. Nominations are due by Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. The award recipient will be named in March. The winning teacher will receive a $1,000 stipend. The winner’s school will receive a $500 award to help support school activities. “Rewarding courage selects out a different kind of teacher,” said Dr. Gregg Wright, prize creator and co-chair of the selection committee. “The teachers who have been recognized are all excellent educators who have shown a special kind of courage in their career.” The prize honors Christa McAuliffe, the teacher/astronaut who lost her life in the Challenger space shuttle accident in January 1986. Nominations are submitted electronically and should include a letter of nomination; the nominee’s resumé; a statement from the nominee of his or her philosophy on education; and a statement from the nominee of the way in which they exemplify courage, commitment to excellence, creativity and the ability to inspire. Other letters of support are welcome. Learn more at: http://courage.unl.edu
Get Creative!
Grab a Camera For NPPD Contest ‘Easy Bein’ Green’ Focus is Energy Conservation An idea. A video camera. Energy efficiency. Combine the three, and what do you have? A competition among Nebraska schools to create an ingenious, 30-second message about energy efficiency. The Nebraska Public Power District, along with its wholesale partner utilities, is sponsoring the contest, “It’s Easy Bein’ Green!” The contest gives students an opportunity to learn about conserving energy; to build awareness about energy-wasting habits; and to promote energy-saving alternatives – all by writing and starring in their own 30-second television commercial. The last competition saw more than 40 videos submitted, with Norfolk Junior High taking top honors, followed by the Doniphan-Trumbull Public Schools. Energy efficiency and conservation are important parts of NPPD’s longterm strategy to meet growing energy needs. “We know that the cheapest and greenest kilowatt is the one we do not use. It is our job to make sure younger generations know and understand the importance of energy efficiency,” said Diana Luscher, NPPD’s community relations and education specialist. The contest is open to Nebraska junior and senior high school students in communities served by NPPD and its utility partners. Entries must be submitted by a school sponsor, exactly 27 seconds in length, and should focus on creative and unique energy-saving ideas for the home, school, farm, or business. Entries must be submitted by March 2, 2012. Qualifying entries will be posted online. A panel of energy industry experts will select the top three winners. The video with the most YouTube views will receive special recognition. The winning schools and students may be featured in NPPD news releases, social media websites and through other NPPD publicity outlets. Selected commercials will also be considered for professional production and possible statewide placement. For details, go to: www.nppd.com/videochallenge December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 15
Your NSEA Card Will Save You Cash! Membership Card Will Arrive in Your Mailbox by Year’s End The 2011-12 NSEA Membership Card will be in your mailbox soon. The new card – a gateway to savings – is scheduled to arrive in your mailbox before the end of the year. In the meantime, your current card is good until the new card arrives. As is usual, the NSEA card opens a whole world of savings, and gives members the opportunity to save much more than the cost of annual membership. And during the holiday season, with the New Year ahead, saving money is important. NSEA’s Access Card serves double duty. It’s both an Association membership card and a discount card that can be used at thousands of merchant sites across the country. Whether you’re shopping for new clothes, dining out, looking for hotel discounts or buying home electronics, your NSEA Access Membership Card can save you lots of cash. The new card is valid through December 2012. All NSEA members, including first-time members, can access
Leslie H. ‘Les’ Anderson Leslie “Les” H. Anderson, of North Platte, died Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at his home following a battle with cancer. He was 68. A veteran of the United States Army, Anderson served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Anderson received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University and later earned a master’s degree in psychology, as well as a specialist’s degree in school psychology, from Kearney State College. Before his retirement, he was employed for more than 30 years as a school psychologist by the Educational Service Unit No. 16 at Ogallala. Anderson was a long time member of the NSEA and served for many years as treasurer of the Educational Service Unit No. 16 Education Association. He is survived by three sons, a daughter and three grandchildren. Page 16 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
savings by using their individual 10-digit Association identification number, which appears above the name on every Association mailing. To start saving, members must activate their card once it arrives. It’s easy to do, by following these steps: n Log on to the NSEA website at www.nsea.org. n Enter your member ID number (located on the front of the card or on the mailing label above your name). n Create your personal account by following the registration instructions. You can also activate your account by calling the toll-free number listed on the back of each card: 1-888-313-6591. Some merchants require that you present your card at the time of purchase. Others require that you print a coupon from the Access website, so be certain to check the individual merchant page on the website for specific instructions. Start saving!
SEAN Stipends Available
College juniors or seniors preparing to student teach during the 201213 academic year may want to consider applying for a SEAN-NSEA Retired Scholarship. Up to three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded, based on both financial need and essay question answers. Applicants shall be juniors or seniors who will student teach in 201213, and who have been a member of the Student Education Association of Nebraska (SEAN) for at least two years, including the current academic year. Three letters of recommendation shall accompany the completed application form: one letter from a faculty or staff member; one letter from a local SEAN chapter officer; and the third, a recommendation from the chapter advisor. Completed applications and letters must be postmarked by March 1, 2012. Download the current application from this Web site: http://www.nsea.org/members/sean/awards/SEAN_Scholarship.htm For details, contact Tamra Mick at 1-800-742-0047 or via e-mail at: tamra.mick@nsea.org
At the SEAN Delegate Assembly in April, NSEA-Retired Vice President Jim McDermott presented four $750 scholarships to SEAN students for use during their student teaching semesters. Pictured, from left, are Joel Kosch, University of Nebraska-Kearney; McDermott; and Kelli Raile, Nebraska Wesleyan University. Not pictured are Kristine Price, Peru State College and Kristen Tassemeyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Brown Honored at NEA Student Leadership Confab
Peru Student Education Association Chapter Also Honored
Peru State College student Megan Brown was honored with the Jeffrey Miller Outstanding Underclassman Award at the NEA’s National Student Leadership Conference in Chicago. Brown is president of the Peru State College chapter of the Student Educa-
tion Association of Nebraska (SEAN), and vice president of SEAN. Brown is a special education and early childhood education major. Said Associate Professor of Education and PSEA advisor Dr. Judith Ruskamp: “We are extremely proud of Megan. Her enthusiastic leadership and willingness to contribute to the success of the Peru Student Education Association is deserving of national recognition. PSEA will continue to be an innovative and
active campus organization under Megan’s leadership.” The Peru State chapter was also honored with the NEA’s Outstanding Local Newsletter Award.
Bright Lights Education Coordinator Bright Lights, a unique summer non-profit organization for elementary and middle school students in the Lincoln area, seeks a 12-month, full time Education Coordinator (EC). Must have strong leadership skills; strong communication and public speaking skills; organizational skills; and networking skills, in both the university and K-12 schools. Administrative certificate, teaching certificate, MS Office and Excel experience, and nonprofit experience helpful. Program serves 2,300 students with classes at 12 sites. The EC will: n Be an administrator in the three-week, six-session program. n Hire 100 teachers, with 20 new instructors each summer. n Confirm school sites. n Build the summer schedule. n Work with class descriptions. n Supervise background checks for teachers and assistants. n Work w/ program evaluations. To apply, e-mail resume, w/ three personal references, to resumes@brightlights.org Salary $37-$42,000. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 17
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Snookie’s Snippets For competitive yields, and the safety of FDIC insurance up to the maximum amount allowed by law, it would be wise to check out the NEA Money Market account. A special member bonus rate; low minimum deposit ($500); and easy access to your funds; make it a great choice. Family members are also eligible. Call 1-800-215- Krumbiegel 2727 and mention NEA Group Identification No. 10394. Did You Know? California Casualty, NEA Member Benefits’ business partner for the NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program, is offering the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant of $1,000 or more for high school sports programs affected by reduced budgets. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2012. Award recipients will be announced in April. To learn more, or to apply for a grant, visit: www.CalCasAthleticsGrant.com Consumer Tip of the Month If you seek help to repair credit, make sure it comes from a legitimate source and is free or reasonable in cost. Beware of credit repair or high-fee loan advance scams. Learn how to choose a reputable credit counselor by seeking help from NEA’s partner, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, at: www.debtadvice.org.nea NEA Click & Save Website Hertz is on a mission to give free rentals to 40,000 returning troops. For all car rentals through Dec. 31, 2011, Hertz will donate one percent of the proceeds towards that goal. Rent, save and thank our troops for their service. Real Deals! Retailers offering great deals during the holiday season include Nordstrom, Macy’s, Sears, Best Buy and Kmart. To start saving today, go to: www.neamb.com/clickandsave Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.
NEA Member Benefits
Why You Need to Protect Your Income Interruption of Income a Serious Matter
You get up and go to work each day and don’t think twice about it. But what if you sustained a disabling injury or illness that prevented you from performing your job and earning an income? While that possibility may seem remote, statistics paint a different picture: Nearly one in three women can expect to suffer a disability that keeps them out of work for 90 days or longer at some point during their working years. For men, the odds are about one in four. And one worker in seven can expect to be disabled for five or more years before retirement. For most people, a sudden interruption of income would have serious financial consequences. No doubt you have some kind of personal debt, like a mortgage or credit cards. Would you be able to pay your bills and maintain your standard of living if you were too ill or injured to work for an extended length of time? In fact, nearly half of all mortgage foreclosures and a significant number of personal bankruptcies are caused by disabilities, according to the Life and Health Insurance
Foundation for Education. Another point to keep in mind: an accident or illness that keeps you out of work could be very costly in ways you don’t anticipate. For example, not all your medical debts may be covered by insurance, and a disability could require you to make expensive modifications to your car or home. Of course, many people must also continue to provide for their dependents. Most anyone who works — whether single, married, with dependents or not — should take action to protect his or her income. Fortunately, NEA Member Benefits and American Fidelity Assurance Company have designed a disability income protection plan for NEA members that offers both short-term and long-term coverage options, as well as special features for NEA members only. Learn about the advantages of the NEA Income Protection Plan, and see how easy it is to enroll online. Go to the NEA Member Benefits website and click on ‘NEA Income Protection Plan.’ The site is at: www.neamb.com/insurance
Buying a New or Used Car? You Can Save With NEA Member Benefits!! The NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program saves you an average of $4,441 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Before you even set foot on a car lot, you’ll receive a guaranteed low price in writing that our carefully selected network of dealers will honor — no haggling or pricing games at the dealership! Program advantages include low prices on new and pre-owned vehicles; used car pricing below Kelley Blue Book; savings, in terms of time and money; hasslefree buying experience. With the holiday season approaching, you can expect to save even more. From now until the end of the year, manufacturers are offering incentives to motivate you to buy. You could be driving home in the car of your dreams! To find the NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program in the Everyday Living tab under “Discounts,” go to: www.neamb.com December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 19
BCBS Q&A
Wellness Plan Fired Up for December By Kurt Genrich EHA Plan Advocate Firing up our body’s metabolism through exercise is the theme of the fun-filled December 2011 EHA Wellness program, Flab on Fire. Whether you’re a new or seasoned exerciser, this program, available to Educators Health Alliance groups, will help keep you accountable and inspire you to commit to making time for daily physical activity. In addition, the Flab on Fire program will give you ideas on finding opportunities to sneak physical activity, including resistance training and aerobic workouts, into your daily routine. There are so many health benefits to exercise, including activating the body’s natural lipid burners that fight fat, increasing energy, and reducing stress — which are all critical during the hectic holiday season. “We think this is the perfect time of year to ignite our healthy-living engines. We hope you’ll join the EHA Wellness Flab on Fire movement and move more in December!” said Linda Kenedy, EHA Wellness coordinator. All participants in the Flab on Fire program will receive an exercise sports towel to use during their daily workouts. Participants who are compliant with the program guidelines for at least 20 days during December will be entered into a drawing for one of 200 gift cards valued at $25 each. Look for promotional posters at your school. Your wellness representative will have details on how to sign up. Not sure whether your school is in-
Have You Moved? Have you changed your name by marriage? Are you planning to 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 for the ‘Member Update’ icon in the center of the next screen, and follow directions. Keep handy an issue of The Voice or the e-mail that delivered the digital edition, as the mailing label include and the e-mail include your membership number, used to access your information. The NSEA website is at: www.nsea.org Page 20 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
volved? Need more details to get your school to participate in EHA Wellness? Contact Linda Kenedy, EHA Wellness coordinator, or Howie Halperin, EHA Wellness administrator, at: linda@ehawellnessprogram.org howie@ehawellnessprogram.org The EHA Wellness website is at: www.ehawellness.org Blue Cross Blue Shield Opens National Dental Network On Jan. 1, 2012, members of the Educators Health Alliance will be able to utilize a new National Dental Network. The Blue Grid, the name for the Blue Cross Blue Shield network, will allow EHA members to have access to participating providers in others states. The dental grid is a network of multiple BCBS plans that, when combined, offers one of the largest
national PPO networks. Furthermore, when using these providers, the out of pocket cost will also be lowered. EHA members who live or travel out of state will now be able to go to providers and dental specialists that are closer to them. Just like the National Medical network (Blue Card), the dental grid will be seamless to members for services received outside the state of Nebraska. The dental grid network directory will be online on Dec. 15, 2011, and you can find it at: www.nebraskablue.com The Educators Health Alliance has named Kurt Genrich to serve as the EHA Plan advocate. Genrich will work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska plan participants to answer questions and promote the plan. The EHA Board is comprised of six NSEA representatives and three each from the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. NSEA Associate Executive Director Neal Clayburn is chair of the EHA Board of Directors. Call Genrich at 1-866-465-1342; on his cell phone at 402-217-2042; or e-mail him at: kurt@ehaplan.org
From the Executive Director
The Line When I was learning how to drive, my father was insistent that I knew exactly where the edge of the car was. “There are lines on the road to protect you and the other drivers. That line is there for everyone’s protection. Don’t cross it.” It was an important lesson. Drifting over that line has been fatal for too many drivers. Crossing other lines in our society can be just as dangerous. The lines on our streets and highways are good reminders of the protective nature of rules in our society. These lines are protective only if we can depend on everyone believing in their importance — and only if we follow these rules as a matter of habit. Our shared public habits and expectations of behavior become the institutions of our society.
special reference to the requirement for doctors, hospitals, nurses, school employees, and social workers. Other states have different legal requirements. The question is whether adults can live up to their responsibilities by only meeting minimum legal requirements.
Outrageous Numbers It has been estimated that one out of four girls and one out of six boys will be sexually abused by the time they reach 18. These numbers are outrageous. Most of this abuse occurs in private. And, sadly, even when abuse is public, there are those who do not intervene or report the incident. They always have reasons for not reporting child abuse: some worry Missing the Point that reporting might endanger Recently, there has been the child or destroy the relamuch attention in the national tionship between the child news on examples of what, and the abusing adult. Let overwhelmingly, is regarded as the authorities handle those grossly inappropriate behavior concerns. Our actions should of adults towards children. always be for the protection Fortunately, our society has esof the child. tablished, as a societal instituSome people question the tion, clear behavioral lines that definition of “child.” What should not be crossed between about senior high or college adults and children. Unforage students? Do we still tunately, there is still confuhave an obligation to report sion and discussion about the suspected abuse? Always. responsibilities of adults who The Safety Line: NSEA Executive Director Craig R. The line between adult and may witness or have knowl- Christiansen with one example of the protective lines in child is the same line between edge of someone who has our society. the professional and the cli“crossed the line.” ent. High school teachers and I worry when students hear adults trying to define what the college professors have the same ethical responsibility as exact legal requirement is for someone to report abuse to the elementary teachers, both in their behavior and in their soauthorities — or whether adults are ever required to intervene cietal duty, to report or intervene for the protection of their in such abuse. Doesn’t that sound like adults are trying to find students. a way out of protecting children? Does it really matter what the minimum requirement is? Questioning whether intervenThe Bottom Line tion or reporting is mandatory misses the point of the role of This is the holiday season. It has always been about chiladults in this society. There may or may not be a legal obligadren — candy canes, gifts, Santa Claus, the Charlie Brown tion to report or intervene, but it is always an expected part of Christmas Special, and being included in special family and being an adult. It is not someone else’s job — it is everyone’s religious celebrations. The holidays are centered on chiljob to protect children. dren, their laughter, smiles and well-being. One of the gifts Some states define, in the law, the responsibility to report this society — you and I — can give to all children is the gift abusive behavior. Nebraska law requires that everyone is of protective care from every adult. It is the bottom line for a required to report suspected abuse to legal authorities, with civilized society. And it is the responsibility of every adult. December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 21
NSEA-Retired Corner
Welcome to the Digital Age...Again! Nominations Forms for Office Will Appear in Digital Format In the past, the nomination coupons that retired members used to file for election to NSEA-Retired positions appeared in the January edition of The Voice. Also among those coupons were nomination forms for delegates to NSEA Delegate Assembly, and the NEA Representative Assembly. Members could simply nominate themselves for election by filling out the coupons, cutting them out of The Voice, and mailing them to NSEA. That will not be the case this year, as the January 2012 edition of The Voice, like this edition, will be digital in format. The nomination coupons will still appear in the digital edition of the January 2012 issue. Active and retired members will have access to a computer: 1) to receive an e-mail message with links to the digital edition of the January edition of The Voice; and, 2) to locate the page(s) that include the nomination coupons. Members will be asked to print out and complete the coupon, and then mail it to the NSEA. This is Really, Really Important! There are policymakers on the national scene, as well as here at home, who want to reduce or eliminate your Social Security benefits, to reduce or end your Medicare benefits, to change your hard-earned state pension. They falsely argue that this is necessary to reduce the national debt, even though these programs are generally supported by contributions from you, the recipient, and not by tax dollars. They might also argue that these programs should not be the responsibility of government — that the recipients should totally foot the cost of the pro-
2011-12 Officers: The slate of officers for the NSEA-Retired affiliate of NSEA is on the job and at work. From left are President Roger Rea, Omaha; Elkhorn District Director Francis Rohrich, Norfolk; Treasurer Art Tanderup, Neligh;Tri-Valley Director Jan Barnason, Hastings; Metro District Director Walta Sue Dodd, Omaha; Vice President Tom Black,West Point; Panhandle District Director Twila Griffiths, Scottsbluff; Sandhills District Director Dee Gillham, Bartlett; and Metro District Director John Jensen, Omaha. Not pictured are Secretary Ruby Davis, Omaha; and Capitol District Director De Tonack, Lincoln.
grams. If such plans were to pass, they would be a disaster for senior citizens who have spent years making contributions to Social Security, to their teachers’ pensions, and to Medicare. It would be even more disastrous to current active members who may find themselves at retirement without the benefits of Social Security, Medicare and their pension income. Stay abreast of these issues. Make it your habit to access NEA and NSEA websites; to read your NEA and NSEA magazines; and to keep up on the latest news on these attempts to destroy your retirement plans. Then write or call your state senator to tell why you oppose legislative attempts to do away with these important programs. Here’s how: n E-mail your senator (first name initial and last name @leg.ne.gov, as in jdoe@leg.ne.gov. n Write your representative at Senator John Doe, District No. X, State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604. n Call 1-402-471-2311 and ask to
be directed to your senator’s office. In the near future, Social Security, Medicare and pensions will be debated in Congress. Use these addresses to tell your congressmen why you oppose cuts or elimination of these programs: n Sen. Ben Nelson: 720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-2706, phone 1-202-224-6551. n Sen. Mike Johanns: 404 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-2705, phone 1-202-2244224. n Rep. Jeff Fortenberry: 1515 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2701, phone 1-202-225-4806. n Rep. Lee Terry: 2331 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2702, phone 1-202-2254155. n Rep. Adrian Smith: 503 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2703, phone 1-202-2256435. — Tom Black, Editor wpc6296@cableone.net
Looking to Volunteer? How About Becoming an AARP Tax Guide? Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference? If so, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide — the nation’s largest free tax preparation and assistance service — seeks volunteers for the 2012 tax season.You don’t need previous experience. Buford Williams, Minatare, has been an NSEA member since 1963. He volunteered through the program last year, and said one-third of volunteers at Scottsbluff’s AARP site were retired teachers. WilPage 22 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
liams said the AARP had 34 Nebraska sites offering tax prep services, staffed by 179 volunteers. Those volunteers prepared nearly 8,200 returns, with an emphasis on those who are 60 and older. Many volunteer opportunities are available — from tax volunteers to greeters. Training is in coordination with the IRS. To volunteer, call 1-888-687-2277, or visit: www.aarp.org/taxaide
Extra Credit
Classroom CSI UNL Research Project is Recruiting Rural Science Teachers for Study
Asking insightful questions. Collecting relevant evidence. Applying data to devise and test hypotheses. Over the past few years, these staples of investigation – both criminal and scientific – have made “CSI” a household acronym in American living rooms. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s National Center for Research on Rural Education (R²Ed) wants to ensure that science teachers promote these same skills in American classrooms. R²Ed aims to achieve this goal through a project fittingly dubbed CSI: Coaching Science Inquiry in Rural Schools. The CSI project will examine how professional development and followup coaching efforts influence teachers’ knowledge and implementation of guided scientific inquiry, a classroom approach designed to help students learn the methods that scientists use to study the natural world. “Recent research has suggested that this approach leads to greater student achievement in science than the more traditional approaches using standard textbooks and materials,” said Dr. Gwen Nugent, a lead researcher on the project. CSI is recruiting the participation of
more than 160 middle and high school science teachers from communities in rural Nebraska. The research team will randomly assign roughly half of the teachers to receive training in scientific inquiry, while the remaining participants will continue teaching science as they previously have. R²Ed faculty and staff will train the designated teachers over the course of an eight-day summer institute. Those same teachers will later receive coaching via distance technology to support their implementation of inquiry strategies in the classroom. In addition to gauging the impact on teachers’ inquiry knowledge, skills and practice, researchers will assess how the resulting classroom lessons influence students’ knowledge of scientific concepts and inquiry principles. The team will document students’ willingness and ability to engage scientific questions; utilize the evidence at their disposal; and formulate, evaluate and communicate proposed explanations. Nugent and her colleagues believe the project will provide valuable information about disseminating scientific inquiry to schools in rural communities.
Great Colleagues!
Third Grade Pivot Point A study by the American Educational Research Association reports that a youngster who is unable to read at grade level by the third grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than is a child who reads proficiently by that age.When poverty is considered, a student is 13 times less likely to graduate on time. “Third grade is kind of a pivot point,” Donald J. Hernandez, the study’s author, told Education Week magazine. “We teach reading for the first three grades and then after that children are not so much learning to read but using their reading skills to learn other topics. In that sense, if you haven’t succeeded by third grade, it’s more difficult to [remediate] than it would have been if you started before then,” said Hernandez, a sociology professor at Hunter College. Learn more at: http://www.aecf.org/Knowledge Center/Education.aspx
“The research results should help us identify how to best instruct educators in inquiry methods,” Nugent said, “ultimately advancing our understanding of how to improve science education.” For details visit: http://r2ed.unl.edu
Does a Co-Worker Deserve Recognition? Nominate Them for an NSEA Award
A handful of NSEA members will be honored at NSEA’s annual Delegate Assembly in April. Will one of those award winners be a deserving co-worker? Only if you nominate them! Any NSEA member may nominate an individual or group for the awards listed below. All nominations are due Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at: NSEA Awards, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Nominations may be submitted online, with any required supporting material mailed to the NSEA. The online forms may be found under the link on the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org NSEA members are eligible for these awards: n Rookie of the Year: Recognizing a teacher who sparkled in his/her first year of teaching in the 2010-11 school year. n Teaching Excellence: Honoring a teacher for long-term excellence in the classroom. n Education Support Professional of the Year: Awarded
to an ESP who has excelled. n The Great Plains Milestone Award: Recognizes an individual or group that has promoted human and civil rights. n Community Service: Recognizes individual NSEA members or local associations actively involved in volunteer work outside of classroom hours. n Local Public Relations: Honors local associations for great communication within the association and community. These awards will also be presented at Delegate Assembly: n Friend of Education: NSEA’s highest honor. Local associations are encouraged to nominate an individual or organization that has made a statewide contribution to education. n Media: Recognizes a media outlet for outstanding work in covering education. Winners will be announced at the Delegate Assembly in LaVista on April 20-21, 2012. For nomination forms, go to: www.nsea.org December 2011 n The NSEA Voice n Page 23
DonorsChoose Aids Teachers Program Ties Donors with Classroom Projects The message from DonorsChoose to the public is simple: “You Give. We Deliver. Kids Learn.” DonorsChoose.org grew out of a Bronx high school, where teachers experienced the scarcity of learning materials in public schools. A social studies teacher sensed that many citizens would be willing to help distressed public schools, but were frustrated by a lack of influence over their donations. DonorsChoose.org was created in 2000 so that individuals could connect directly and easily with classrooms in need. Educators sign up online, explain their need and wait. Donors can review and choose to give. If enough funding is received, DonorsChoose purchase the materials and ship them to the school. Teachers can sign up and create a project for consideration by donors. Just go to the website at: www.donorschoose.org
Speaking of Teaching “I reject the idea that we have to strip away collective bargaining rights to compete in a global economy. We shouldn’t be in a race to the bottom, where we try to offer the cheapest labor and the worst pollution standards. America should be in a race to the top. And I believe we can win that race.”
— President Barack Obama, introducing the American Jobs Act, Sept. 8, 2011
Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742
Family of Teachers
The Kinzer Clan: When children and grandchildren of Charles and Mary Ellen Kinzer gathered to celebrate the marriage of Emily Wilke and Curt Reese, they took the opportunity to take a photo of their Family of Teachers. From left are Ed Kinzer, who has taught science for 35 years at Columbus Lakeview and is now retired; his daughter, Jill Kinzer, a former physical education teacher at Columbus; Emily Wilke Reese, a Spanish and English teacher at Norfolk; Curt Reese, a science teacher at Battle Creek; Emily’s mother, Kathy Kinzer Wilke, a teacher at Randolph Elementary School; and the sister of Ed and Kathy, Joni Kinzer Moore, who taught for 10 years in Nebraska and now makes her home in Utah. If you have a Family of Teachers, snap a photo and send it to Family of Teachers, c/o Nebraska State Education Association, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.
Football Behavior Program From Diane Postman, a teacher in Yorktown,VA:
“Years ago, Poquoson Primary School used sports to create a school-wide behavior incentive program for January. We used a die-cut machine to cut footballs. Each teacher was given a stack. We were asked to carry a few with us at all times. When we saw another class (not our own) that was well-behaved in the hallway, cafeteria, at the bathrooms, or the like, we handed a football to a student in the class. They could also earn a football for an individual act of good citizenship. Upon returning to the classroom, the teacher talked about what the class did to earn the football and would post it on a paper football field that was displayed outside of her door in the hall. Each time the class earned a football, Page 24 n The NSEA Voice n December 2011
their ‘team’ would advance 10 yards on the field. (This was great for teaching counting by 10’s.) When the team reached the goal post, they would earn a touchdown and start over. Tally marks were used to display and track points earned. “When it was time for the Super Bowl, the totals were given to the principal. We then had a culminating assembly and everyone wore sports-related clothing to school. The principal and assistant principal dressed like football players, complete with helmets and pads! The top scoring classes got to do cheers, and all classes were praised for their behaviors. Examples of especially good deeds and behaviors were announced for all to hear. This activity was extremely popular, and allowed us to ‘catch ‘em being good’ rather than to give out reprimands.” Sign up for Works4Me at this link: http://www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html