Maine Educator December 2013

Maine

December 2013 Vol. 74 • Number 4

Educator

MEA: Leading the Way to Great Public Schools for Every Maine Student

Visit MEA Online: www.maineea.org

Great Things Happen When Educators Become Students “We’ve had so many kids say I didn’t realize that while I was eating, my mother wasn’t,” said Portland High alternative education teacher Beth Arsenault who, like many others in school, deals with the harsh realities of poverty. “It’s kids sleeping in classrooms with heads on their desks tired, hungry some wearing the same clothes every day,” said Kathy Ryan from Deer Isle-Stonington.

Arsenault, along with Sophie Payson, a social worker at Portland High, told fellow educators at the recent Fall Conference at the Samoset Resort in Rockport how to better understand their students who live in poverty and teach in a way that helps their unique situation.

The “Teaching with Poverty in Mind: How to Help At-Risk Students Succeed” professional development session had the highest participation rate with more than 80 of the 260 members in attendance. With a captive audience, Arsenault explained the Cont. Page 4

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Early Learning for All

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Lessons MEA and Learned: Medicaid 2013 Fall Expansion Conference

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Affiliate News

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MEA Members Endorse Mike Michaud

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Fight Hunger, Feed Hope

Top Issues In Education

Early Learning for All

Have you read the MEA’s paper on poverty’s effects on education in Maine entitled, “One Small Step for Students?”

Last month we rolled out the report at www.maineea.org/onesmallstep. The data on children growing up in poverty is astounding. It bears repeating here that research shows that by the age of three these kids hear 30 million fewer words than their middle class peers.

Thirty million! And the comprehension of literature, understanding of directions and ability to follow conversation when they enter school at age five is already substantially diminished.

On November 21st, the Maine Children’s Alliance published its 19th annual Kids Count Data Book which is available online at - http://www.mekids. org/2013-maine-kids-count-data-book. php. We couldn’t have stressed the importance of quality early childhood education better than this quote from MCA, “Maine’s stagnant economy continues to negatively affect the youngest among us the most, with one in four children under age 5 now living in poverty. All modern science says that the best way for us to ensure a bright future for our children is to provide them with healthy, nurturing experiences that will literally build the brain’s architecture during the early years. Investing in children creates healthier, more productive citizens and can lead to a stronger Maine economy as well.”

Daily News said, “In Maine, Head Start will lose $1.61 million in 2013, according to the Maine Head Start Directors Association. About 360 children, out of 4,433 served in the 2011-12 school year, will not be placed in a classroom.

Twenty-two classrooms will close, and 86 Head Start workers will lose their jobs.”

Lois Kilby-Chesley, MEA President

It is absolutely imperative that Maine schools begin to provide universal early childhood opportunities to all our youngsters, but especially to those who live in poverty and may require an extra boost to succeed in school. Presently, our kids have some chances for early education. We know these include private child care, community child care, Head Start and other programs. But these programs only scratch the surface of need. Only about one-fourth of the children who could qualify for Head Start can actually attend.

Remember sequestration (Federal across-the-board cuts) a mere eight months ago? Nationwide those cuts took Head Start, preschools and services away from 57,000 children. Rather than punishing our poorest children with cuts to opportunities we should be supporting them with the same chances that their more affluent peers have available. On September 11, the editors of Bangor

Accepting Nominations for MEA Awards Each year the Maine Education Association sponsors awards to recognize individuals, groups, and companies for their commitment to public education. We encourage each local association to participate fully in acknowledging those MEA members whose commitments to the ideals of our Association serve as models for each of us.

For forms and descriptions go to:

www.maineea.org/awards

Deadline for award nominations is March 3, 2014

We must be rethinking our priorities toward our youngest learners. Other locations have already started. In Washington, DC, two-thirds of threeyear-olds have the chance to attend a preschool in the public schools at no charge. Laura Moser, a parent who takes advantage of this opportunity for her child has said, “My son is learning much more in preschool than he was in day care”. She goes on to say that this shouldn’t be a surprise since the teachers are all highly qualified professionals. Maine needs to be looking at beginning this process by including four-year olds in public education.

Let’s take that necessary step and make universal preschool for four-yearolds the norm. Our parents and students should have the best opportunities available to them, and a quality early childhood program is part of the equation.

Read Across America Grants are NOW AVAILABLE! Go to:

www.maineea.org/ readacrossamerica for more information and to apply

Awardees are recognized at an awards banquet at the MEA Representative Assembly in May.

Maine

Educator

Volume 74 Number 4 Copyright 2013

ISSN #1069-1235 Published by Maine Education Association Periodicals rate paid at Augusta, Maine and additional mailing offices.

President Lois Kilby-Chesley Executive Director/ Managing Editor Rob Walker Comm. Director/ Editor Giovanna Bechard Layout/Ad Manager Allison Coombs Questions/comments: gbechard@maineea.org

Subscription $10 per year. The Maine Educator is published 9 times annually, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April & May. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator, 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330-8005

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December 2013

www.maineea.org

Medicaid Expansion

Why the MEA Will Engage in the Medicaid Expansion Debate

You’re all paying attention to this issue.

The Affordable Care Act provides for Medicaid expansion as one of the tools to get more Americans covered by health insurance. The federal government will cover one hundred percent of the cost of the Medicaid expansion for the first three years and ninety percent thereafter.

We’ve heard the arguments on both sides. “It will increase the size of government.” That rhetoric is countered by, “How can the richest nation in the country not provide medical treatment to all Americans.” “Health care should be regarded as a basic right.” The retort to that statement might be, “Government should not insert itself into the private lives of its citizens.”

poorest, most rural parts of the state.

There are no wealthy communities with failing schools. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs must be met before all students can learn. The basic physiological and safety needs must be met before deeper learning can take place. In other words, we must address the poverty issue so all our kids come to school ready to learn.

Rob Walker, MEA Executive Director

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

There are two broad reasons why the MEA will engage in this debate.

First, this is about our students. Our new research report (www.maineea. org/onesmallstep) about poverty and the distribution of Title I funds clearly demonstrates the Governor’s grading system is not so much a grade of the schools but a measurement of the wealth of the community. It comes as no surprise to us that the Governor’s failure list encompasses schools found in the poorest parts of a community and in the

Second, we must address our needs.

The consumers in the private insurance market are reeling from reduced regulation. This embracing of the free market works to some degree in Boston where you can literally walk across the street to go to a different hospital.

Contrary to reports, the free market system has not reduced rates in rural Maine. By law, every hospital in this state cannot refuse to treat a patient if they cannot afford the care. Hospitals have figured it out. They know where the deep pockets are. The cost of this charity care is passed on to consumers through the rates paid by insurance companies.

While not a cure, reducing charity care will help to stabilize health insurance rates. In other words, addressing the poverty issue has a direct effect on a core issue for us and addresses Maslow’s physiological and safety needs for us.

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www.maineea.org

Main Office 15 University Drive Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-3857

December 2013

Chestnut Branch 60 South Chestnut St Augusta, ME 04330 207-623-8396

CATC Branch 40 Pierce Drive Augusta, ME 04330 207-430-0788

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Lesssons Learned

“It was awesome to sit down and speak with other educators and learn.

Without this conference, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do that.”

Cont. from Cover

–Ralph DeSarno, Auburn EA

Nearly 300 members attended the Fall Conference at the Samoset Resort

importance of understanding the life of a child who lives in poverty, explaining not only are students in poverty hungry but they lack other basics like a sense of time.

“The idea of planning four years out—you might as well ask them what they are going to name their unicorn. They might not even know where they are going to sleep that night. They’re thinking I am not going to plan for Friday because I don’t know if my mom is going to be conscious. They are living in the moment,” said Arsenault.

Instead, Arsenault says educators should focus on winning smaller battles and set goals for students making sure to tell them when they are succeeding. One suggestion—teachers should call parents when a student does something good and not only when they fail. Arsenault also says classroom teachers need to be more adaptable when it comes to school work. For students in poverty, Arsenault says it is important to be flexible in grades and students should be able to do the work they enjoy adding if an assignment is late, accept it anyway. “In the real world, if I miss my mortgage the bank isn’t going to say, ah forget it. I still have to pay. So, let them turn it in late and set new objectives for next time to get the work in when it should be,” said Arsenault who also stresses that students in poverty like structure and boundaries because they lack that in their daily lives at home.

Beth Arsenault (Portland EA)

of those who live in poverty. “They’ll spend all their money on material things so they fit in—they blend,” said Payson. For those that live in poverty, money is to be used, spent. Those in the middle class see money as something to be managed while those who are wealthy think money should be conserved, invested. The varying viewpoints makes a world of difference when it comes to how a student in poverty may act in school.

That’s why Arsenault and Payson say it is important to come back to one key theme for children in poverty— Members socialize after dinner hope. “Show them that you care. It opens the floodgates to give them hope.

Openly welcome them back in the classroom if they are missing for large chunks of time,” Arsenault told the group. Because in the end, for a student in poverty, says Arsenault, if you can get a kid to respect you through understanding of who they are then you will have the power and can focus on one of the most important lessons of them all—hope can be taught.

OUR PURPOSE “We don’t need to search for purpose or meaning in our life.

We have such an opportunity in our jobs.” Rep. Tori Kornfield (D-Bangor).

Representative Tori Kornfield, who spent 37 years as a classroom teacher, spoke to members at the conference during lunch, sending the message that not only is MEA supporting educators in Augusta but educators need to speak up too and share their success stories to those that create education policy. Part of marketing our education miracles comes with building relationships in your local and sharing your values and beliefs with the communities in which you live. “We should

One of the biggest discussions in schools, says social worker Sophie Payson, surrounds the issue of technology and poverty. Often, Payson says, teachers question why a student in poverty has a smartphone. This too, Payson says, can be explained with understanding the mindset

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December 2013

Members discuss issues in Higher Education

www.maineea.org

Lessons Learned

Members Learn at Unconferences

Team/Leader building exercises get members thinking

train every building rep like they are the president of that building. If you have an effective building rep in every building you would have an amazing association,” UniServ Director Joan Morin told members at another highly attended session, “What everyone ought to know about their local association and its ability to affect your school and community.” After leaving this session, members said they plan to survey their local membership to see how they can better assist those in their district, talk to members about a sense of community and take advantage of building rep training provided by MEA. “It is amazing for me to hear all these things I’ve never heard. It’s something SEAM members collected hundreds of dollars you don’t learn in for educators to buy food for students in need the classroom,” said Student Member Melissa Tardiff who is studying to be a teacher. For others the conference brought upon the willingness to act, to help their local, their students and their profession. “I’d like to go back to my local and talk about our purpose so people don’t just look at us as a negotiating team,” said Nicole Camire, RSU 4 EA.

For the first time ever, MEA held “Unconferences” at the Fall Conference.

These sessions were open dialogues for members to talk about whatever was important to them and share their thoughts and concerns. One of the most attended dealt with hot topics in education. Members talked about everything from evaluations, to ineffective administrators to customized learning to better K-12 collaboration with those in higher education to health insurance issues. “I thought the ‘unconference’ was excellent because we had an opportunity to share and talk with our colleagues from across the state. It’s interesting to see everyone is dealing with the same issues.

The only bad thing, we could have used more time,” said Joan Deans from Oxford Hills EA.

plug into what matters Choose an electric company that

gives back to your Professional Association

If you missed this year’s Fall Conference, gear up to come to MEA’s Spring Conference where more professional development opportunities, networking and good conversation will be available.

You hAve A choice in electricity suppliers.

Choose a company that cares about helping your profession while charging you a guaranteed low rate.

Locally owned, Union Atlantic Electricity partnered with the Maine Education Association to give a portion of its earnings back to the Association to better serve you, the member.

SEAM President Johnny Buys speaks with a veteran teacher during an introduction activity

www.maineea.org

www.unionatlanticelectricity.com/mea

Remember to use code “MEA” when signing up

December 2013

www.maineea.org

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Leading the way to great public schools for every Maine student Hike Through History Wins Award

Socks For Veterans Thank you to all our MEA members across the state for collecting more than a thousand pairs of socks for veterans in need as part of Make A Difference Day. The MEA, at its headquarters in Augusta, kept a box in the lobby for anyone to donate socks. In addition, at our schools statewide local associations collected socks and MEA donated every pair to Togus VA Hospital. Job well done!

Teacher Saves Student’s Life Good job is not nearly strong enough praise for what Alice Deegan (Oxford Hills EA) did for a 6th grade student at Paris Elementary School. Deegan saved the student’s life after she noticed he was choking in the school cafeteria. The student swallowed a water bottle cap which ended up lodged in his throat. The superintendent of SAD 17 praised Deegan during a recent Board of Directors’ meeting for immediately noticing the look of panic in the boy's face and performing the Heimlich maneuver on the student, saving his life. Thank you, Alice Deegan for going above and beyond. Your colleagues and the MEA are more than proud of your efforts.

Maine Teacher Appointed to National Committee Congratulations to Mike Thurston (Winslow EA) for his recent appointment to the NEA Read Across America (RAA) Committee.

Thurston is the NEA Director for Maine, acting as the state’s voting representative on the NEA Board of Directors. NEA President Dennis Van Roekel appointed Thurston to the RAA committee, which oversees the program. Thurston will be part of the group that comes up with new ideas and resources to help local districts make any event at your school Seussational.

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Congratulations to Vicki Stewart whose program, Hike Through History, won the 2013 statewide Historic Preservation Honor Award for Organizational Excellence. The award is given by the Maine Preservation Association. Each spring, Hike Through History leads pre-K through 3rd graders in SAD 35 through the streets of Courtesy photo (L to R): Vicki Stewart South Berwick to witness live (MSAD 35 - Retired), Nicole St. Pierre displays, activities and musical (Old Berwick Historical Society), Greg performances showcasing local Paxton (Maine Preservation Director), historical events. Stewart, who and Nina Maurer (Old Berwick Historical Society) used to teach in SAD 35 at Central School is now a retired MEA member and principal, continues to work with students to share the importance of history in our communities. The program is celebrating its 20th year as a major educational initiative that links three schools, involves two museums and almost 800 kids.

The town-wide walking tour teaches about local history and involves a month long training and education program for the students.

Teacher Deploys to Kuwait

MEA would like to say thank you to Brooksville Elementary School teacher Joe Devine (Penobscot Bay TA) for his service to our nation. Devine is leaving his classroom where he teaches math and science and headed to Kuwait for a year. Devine shared some of his experiences in the Army with his students on Veterans Day, even allowing them to try on his helmet. This is not Devine’s first tour. He was called up for active duty in 2003 and served a year in Kuwait, supporting ground Photos Courtesy of Brooksville troops in Iraq by improving Elementary School roads and base camps. While Devine is leaving Maine, he is taking a piece of his school with him in the form of the Mrs. Andrews Flat Stanley, a cut-out paper drawing inspired by the Flat Stanley Project but designed as the school secretary. (Worldwide, Flat Stanleys travel while students plot their journeys.) Devine is scheduled to return home in December 2014. MEA wishes Devine safe travels and is proud of his service in the classroom and for our country.

December 2013

www.maineea.org

Member Benefits

MEA Members - Here’s Your Chance to be Heard MEA Member - Here’s Your Chance To Be Heard MEA Elections Information for the 2014 MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies

Would you like to have more voice in your Association? Would you like to participate in creating the beliefs of your Association? Get involved - be elected to represent your Association and have a say!

The MEA Representative Assembly (RA) is made up of elected local association delegates from across the state and serves as the Association’s highest governing body. At its annual meeting in May, the RA will determine MEA’s policies, programs, and budget for the following year. NEA’s RA, which is held in July, determines policies also by elected delegates from across the country.

Election information and forms for filing for Maine Education Association positions are available on the MEA web site. Elected positions include:

• MEA Board of Director • MEA Representative Assembly • NEA Representative Assembly • NEA Director • MEA MePERS Trustee

The election information is divided into 3 categories. All forms and instructions are PDF file format and available on the MEA website at www.maine.nea.org then go to MEA Elections in the Members Only area. Register for access if you have not already done so by following the instructions on the Members Only access page.

If you need assistance, please contact Linda Heaney at lheaney@maineea.org.

Elections Conducted by the Local Association

MEA Representative Assembly Local Delegates/Alternates

Candidates’ Notices of Intent are due to Local Presidents by January 24, 2014 to run an election. Elected delegates and alternates Certificates of Election need to be signed by the Local President and submitted to MEA by March 5, 2014

NEA Representative Assembly Local Delegates/Alternates

NEA will be sending 2 emails to Local Presidents with information regarding delegate counts and forms around January 27 – filing deadline is April 10, 2014

Elections Conducted by Maine Education Association MEA Board of Directors

Information, forms, responsibilities, and list of districts for Board vacancies – filing deadline is February 3, 2014

MEA Representative Assembly Statewide Associations

ACSUM, AFUM, UMPSA, CCFA, CCAA, MPBCEA Information and forms for MEA RA vacancies – filing deadline is February 3, 2014

MEA Representative Assembly Cluster Delegates/Alternates (locals with less than 35 members) Information, forms, and list of cluster districts for MEA RA vacancies – filing deadline is February 3, 2014

NEA Representative Assembly District Seats and Cluster Delegates/Alternates

Information, forms, and list of responsibilities for NEA RA District vacancies – filing deadline is February 3, 2014

MEA-Retired – vacancies for MEA and NEA Representative Assembly

Information and forms for members of MEA-Retired Association for MEA and NEA Representative Assembly vacancies – filing deadline is February 3, 2014

SEAM – Student Education Association of Maine

Elections will be conducted by the MEA for the MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. Forms will be emailed directly to SEAM members.

Elections Conducted at the MEA Representative Assembly

NEA Director and the MEA’s Maine Public Employees Retirement System Trustee Information and forms for positions – bios and statements deadline is February 28, 2014

Saturday, January 11, 2014 Keeley’s Banquet Center - Portland

NEA’S English Language Learners: Culture, Equity & Language Training for Closing the Achievement Gaps is a resource with research-based and classroom focused instructional and advocacy strategies to help educators.

Register at: http://tinyurl.com/ELLWorkshop NEA’s Making Connections: Engaging ESP Members in Building Community Support. This workshop is especially for ESP leaders. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/ESPWorkshop

National Board Certification Workshops Scholarships and CEU credits are available for attending the workshops. Be sure to register early. FMI and to register, contact Cindy Fabbricatore at cfabbricatore@maineea.org and visit: www.maineea.org/nationalboard

Each workshop is limited to 40 participants (on first-come basis).

Contact Linda Heaney for more information at lheaney@maineea.org.

www.maineea.org

Candidate Support Workshops:

Location: MEA Headquarters, Augusta - 8:30am-2:30pm - Morning coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided

December 2013

2014 Jan. 11 Feb. 8 March 22

Renewal Candidates (2004-05) Workshops: Location: MEA Headquarters, Augusta - 9am-11am

2014 Jan. 11 Feb. 8 March 22

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Affiliate News Saco Valley TA Organizes Members The Saco Valley Teachers Association is in the process of creating a better communications plan for its members in the district. Educators from Bonney Eagle recently purchased SVTA pins and are setting up a group on Facebook to give members a place to share their thoughts and ideas. Many members are already wearing the pins on their shirts/jackets as a show of support for the local association.

Educator Effectiveness Workshop Members from South Portland, Yarmouth, Westbrook, Wells/ Ogunquit, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Sebago, York and Biddeford attended a regional workshop about teacher evaluations. The new "Educator Effectiveness" Law (teacher & principal evaluations) requires each school district to develop a new evaluation system in accordance with state guidelines and to implement this system by 2015-16. MEA provided the training for members which included a review of the law and the rules, guidelines for establishing an appropriate evaluation system process, and strategies for an effective local evaluation committee. The training focuses on Association involvement in the committees that develop the evaluation system, and what Association representatives need to know to ensure a fair and equitable system. It is critical for local associations to play an active role in the development, design and implementation of educator evaluation systems. Many decisions will be made at this level that will impact the quality, fairness and equity of evaluations. This training is offered statewide at various times, please check with your UniServ Director to see what is available in your area.

SEAM Scarefest

More than 100 students, faculty and guests attended UMF SEAM's first Scarefest at The Landing at UMF's Olsen Student Center. Former SEAM members Eric Brooks, an elementary teacher in RSU 18; Melissa Auty, a high school English teacher in RSU 10; and Geoff Cyr, a technology integrator in RSU 20, volunteered to talk about their scariest moments as new educators. Students heard great advice on topics ranging from interview skills to dealing with parents.

While the group learned from each other they also had a lot of fun and took part in a donut eating contest.

MPBN Members Take Action MPBN members, represented by the Maine Education Association, recently distributed a petition to the Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation asking to have a participatory voice on the board. The employees of MPBN are 50 experienced communications professionals who have dedicated a large portion of their lives to the success of the organization, yet have no official means of communicating directly with the organization's governing body. MPBN members, through the petition, are asking the Board to have that voice in order to create an organization that benefits from the input of the experts in the communications field. Members are still waiting to hear if they will be allowed to express their thoughts to the Board.

Merit Pay in RSU 22 After two years of negotiating, including the possibility of an alternative pay scale, RSU 22 has implemented a program that will grant teachers an additional sum of money based on evaluations which will be added to the salary scale. Significant improvements to the base salary scale were made as well.

Implementation going forward is under review by both the Association and the Administration given the development of a new evaluation system in response to the new Educator Effectiveness Law.

Educators and Students Walk to Fight Diabetes

Jennipher Smith, (MSAD 49 Teachers Association) organized a walk to raise money and awareness for diabetes at Albion Elementary School where she teaches and where her son attends. The walk centered around students helping students. Smith’s 12-year-old son Rece is a diabetic and together the two and the school community are working to understand the disease and how to live with it each day. Students raised more than $700 in cash from selling paper sneakers and raised additional funds after they walked around the school for more than a half hour. MEA provided healthy snacks and water for the walkers whose message about living a healthy lifestyle and supporting a classmate made the news in both Portland and Bangor.

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December 2013

www.maineea.org

Affiliate News Higher Ed Receives Contract After 28 Months of Negotiating The Associated Faculties of the Universities of Maine, or AFUM reached a contract agreement for its 1,200 full-time faculty members across seven campuses statewide. The contract offers retro pay and has an end date of June 2015.

The contract includes pay increases of 7% over the life of the agreement (or 1% 7-1-2011, 2%, 1-1-2013, 2% 7-1-2013, 2% 7-1-2014). Because the prior contract expired on July 1, 2011, AFUM members will receive a significant amount of retroactive increases. The contract also includes wellness provisions which will lower the percentage of faculty contribution when faculty and spouses participate, raise the contribution for those who do not, reduce co-pays for certain generics and reduce copays for practitioners who follow wellness criteria.

The tentative agreement has increases or decreases on the premium share paid based on whether the parties can keep premium increases above or below 4.5% per year capping at no more or no less than 10% or 13% of premium share. The settlement includes several significant language changes such as the definition of teaching. It also includes additional compensation when a professor works with a student on an independent study.

Want the latest education news and inspiration? Log on to MEA’s Facebook page and give it a “Like.”: www.facebook.com/maineea.

Meet Your Program Staff

MEA has staff working directly to help you in various specialized fields— take a minute to meet them.

Collective Bargaining and Research Dir. - C.J. Betit

My mother is a teacher in Bath and a long-time MEA member. I vividly recall as a kid going with her to school throughout the summer and nearly every weekend during the school year as she worked to prepare for her students, and I noticed she wasn’t alone. The dedication teachers have for their students is unparalleled which is why I’m proud to work with them throughout the state now. Before my current role at MEA, I was a UniServ Director, and I worked for the Maine State Employees Association and the Portland Newspaper Guild. I live in Gardiner with my wife, Laura, and we are expecting our first child.

E-mail C.J. at cbetit@maineea.org

Communications Dir. - Giovanna Bechard

I live by the motto—“Good moms have sticky floors, dirty ovens and happy kids.” This is especially true for me as I try and keep up with my two sons, Johnny, 4 and Louis, 18 months. There are few things more important to me than making sure my children have the best possible public education, which is one of the reasons I love working for the MEA. Prior to my work at the MEA, I was a TV news reporter in Bangor, Alaska, Virginia and most recently at WGME in Portland. While I love Maine, I am a Jersey girl at heart—which explains a lot, including my accent. Favorite Food: fried calamari with marinara. Guilty Pleasures: The Bachelor and Starburst (red is my favorite). Contact Giovanna at gbechard@maineea.org

Government Relations Dir. - John Kosinski

I was born in Delaware and thanks to my public schools received a top-notch education. While on the brink of becoming a teacher, a friend approached me and told me I should become a union organizer.

The next day I interviewed with the AFL-CIO and immediately found my calling. Before joining the MEA, I spent 10 years working for labor organizations in California. I was the political director for the largest union in California before becoming the Government Relations Director for the Writers Guild of AmericaWest—the union representing the nation’s TV and film writers. I survived cancer and 6 months as the Head Republican Page in Washington, DC. I live in Brunswick with my talented wife, Sarah. I have two children ages 2 and 4, who both want to be teachers, and a dog who wants to be a superintendent.

E-mail John at jkosinski@maineea.org

www.maineea.org

December 2013

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MEA Members Endorse Michaud

“I think one of the biggest problems that you look at today in the education area is there is too much emphasis placed on testing and not enough time letting teachers do what they do best, and that’s teaching the students.”

— Congressman Mike Michaud, MEA endorsed candidate for Governor

MEA Members Endorse Mike Michaud for Governor In late November, MEA members came together to take part in an early screening and endorsement process for the 2014 Gubernatorial race. All three candidates, Independent Eliot Cutler, Democrat Mike Michaud and current Governor, Republican Paul LePage were invited to attend the question and answer session. Both Cutler and Michaud engaged in a spirited discussion while LePage did not respond to the MEA invitation and was not present. Each candidate answered the same set of questions independently of each other and was each given the same amount of time to respond. After hearing both candidates, MEA members chose to endorse Congressman Mike Michaud in 2014. The following are Michaud’s answers to some of the questions asked.

State Funding for K-12 Public Education Question: Do you support the state paying 55% of the cost of public education in Maine? Why or why not?

Michaud: The short answer is yes. If I am elected governor, one of the things I definitely have to do is look at the overall budget process. I am committed to getting to the 55%. I always felt strongly that you have to invest in education. Some candidates look at it as an expense; education is an investment. It is an investment in our future and we have to be willing to pay that investment. We should learn from past mistakes in the Legislature and as Governor that is one thing I will do is put Maine back on track.

Question: If elected Governor, how will you achieve the 55% mandated funding that the citizens of Maine require the state to provide for public education?

Michaud: I will have to look at the larger picture but also—I believe you have to have that partnership not only with the local municipalities but with the state and at the federal level as well. As Governor, I will be

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looking at what federal resources we can draw down for the state of Maine to actually help our overall budget problems that we are facing.

Higher Education Question: Would you support or oppose efforts to increase State funding for the University of Maine System?

Michaud: I am very supportive of higher education whether it’s the University System, Community College or Maine Maritime Academy. I have always been a strong supporter in higher ed facilities. We’ve got to do more—look at ways we can collaborate. For example, when you look at purchasing power—whether it is fuel or some other administrative aspect—it’s something that we have to look at, how can we actually get more buying power.

Charter Schools Question: Would you support or oppose raising the cap on the number of charter schools that are allowed to open? To what level?

Michaud: I do not support any further expansion of the charter school system. I know we already have some charter schools in Maine and they probably ought to be able to continue to operate but I do not support any further charter schools. We have to focus on public education. I am a product of public education. We’re not adequately funding public education today and we ought to make a concerted effort with our current public education system.

A-F Grades Question: Do you favor or oppose Governor LePage’s system of giving A-F letter grades to all of Maine’s schools?

Why? Michaud: I am adamantly opposed to it. It is demeaning and demoralizing and not an accurate system when you look at what our schools are doing in the state of Maine.

December 2013

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MEA Members Endorse Michaud

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MoreONLINE! Answers from Mike Michaud

Poverty, Education and Grades

Educator Rights

Question: Currently, the school funding formula penalizes schools with high concentrations of kids in poverty by counting the funds they may receive from targeted federal sources designed to help students with the most need against them.

Question: Do you support educators retaining control of the curriculum they teach, instead of having to use curricula designed by for profit companies, which rely heavily on testing and do not reflect best practices?

Please explain.

Would you support or oppose efforts to stop the “offsetting” of Title I funds so schools with the highest concentrations of students living in poverty are not penalized for receiving targeted funds?

Michaud: The whole idea behind Title I funds was to supplement not offset so I would definitely be opposed to that. There have been many studies, whether it’s in the military or law enforcement communities that say the more we do in pre-school the better off we’ll be in the long run. Here is where you can actually think outside the box—I would definitely be looking at ways we can establish pilot programs using Department of Justice funding as ways to pay for pre-schooling programs. I don’t think we’ve done a very good job at doing that with the current administration leaving millions of dollars on the table for education, which is unfortunate.

Michaud: We definitely have to get away from teaching to the test and spend more time to actually let teachers do what they can–which is teach. My sister is a school teacher down in York High School and really loves her job and is definitely not bashful in telling me what she thinks on some of these issues relating to education. That’s what I’ve always done is reached out to a lot of folks. It is not a closed door policy and that’s what I’ve always done and what I will continue to do, if elected governor.

Recent studies show a investing in high-quality early education will not only cut crime but can save taxpayer dollars by reducing prisoner incarceration.

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December 2013

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NEWS & NOTES Skiing Discounts Sunday River & Sugarloaf Ski Resorts Maine & New England's premier ski resorts. Up to a 20% discount with MEA membership card.

“My Hero Works at School” Essay Contest

The Portland Sea Dogs and the Maine Education Association are jointly sponsoring an essay contest for all students in Maine’s public schools. The topic of the essay is: “My Hero Works at School.”

Please encourage your students to write an essay, no more than 250 words, to explain how a school employee has had a positive impact on their life. Two winners will be selected.

Prize package includes: Sea Dogs tickets for student and school employee and their family and friends. Winning students will be Junior PA for one inning, announcing the players. On field award ceremony and more!

Please send entries to: MEA-Sea Dogs Essay Contest Attn.: Giovanna Bechard 35 Community Drive Augusta, ME 04330 or E-mail gbechard@maineea.org

Shawnee Peak Ski Resort, Bridgton Family-friendly terrain with over 40 trails and great night skiing.

Lost Valley Ski Resort, Auburn MEA members save $5.00 off an 8-hour lift ticket with MEA membership card..

Carter's X-C Ski Centers Beautifully groomed cross country ski trails. MEA members save $2.00 off per day ticket price

Deadline for entry submission is March 21, 2014

Entries must include the student’s name, home address, phone number, school name and address and grade level.

Plan a Read Across America event without spending a dime!

MEA’s Read Across America Incentive Grants applications are now being accepted from local associations that plan events/activities for March 3rd.

THANK YOU for viewing the new

Grants of $50 each will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

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We hope you enjoy reading the Maine Educator wherever you go on your phone, computer or tablet!

Please share the link to the Maine Educator Online with your fellow colleagues to stay informed about what is happening in your profession and learn what other educators are doing inside and outside of their classrooms to provide the best public education possible for Maine’s students.

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Requests must be made by the local association president for funding of activities within the local association. The grant may be used for a local association sponsored event or an event in conjunction with the district.

More information can be found at www.maineea.org/readacrossamerica

Deadline: February 7, 2014.

December 2013

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Fight Hunger, Feed Hope Maine takes part in NEA's national Day of Action On December 9, educators, students and parents from across the state came together to participate in a statewide food drive.

The effort was part of a national effort to educate the community about the issue of poverty in our schools. According to the USDA, nearly 1 in every 4 children are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal will come from. In fact, Maine ranks 1st in New England when it comes to people living with food insecurities. “I decided to get Asa Adams Elementary involved in this statewide food drive, along with Orono Middle School and Orono High School, because I see how hunger affects student learning. There is so much poverty in our area, and with the cuts being made to food stamps and school food programs, more children are going hungry. No child should have to go to school hungry,” said Linda Manning a Special Education Teacher at Asa Adams Elementary.

In order to help Maine’s students, 17.5% who live in poverty (Annie E. Casey Foundation), the MEA, along with the Maine Superintendents Association, Maine Principals’ Association and the Maine School Boards Association joined together to collect non-perishable food items for families in need. Educators collected food in schools from every corner of the state which was then donated to local food pantries. Below are some of the efforts from around the state to help families and students.

MEA Board Members/Staff

Riverside EA (Orono) Members in Orono held a food drive from December 4th through the 11th with each school involving students in a different way. At Asa Adams Elementary School classrooms competed to see which class could collect the most food.

At the high school, members worked with the students involved in the National Honor Society. The friendly competition went a long way to help those in need during the holiday season and beyond.

The food drive in Orono captured media attention as well, with local TV showing up to capture and document the event. Members chose to donate the nonperishable items to Crossroads Food Pantry in Old Town. In total, Asa Adams collected 676 items as of Dec. 9—that’s in addition to what the middle and high school collected.

The more than 20 MEA Board Members collected $1,831 to help support the effort, giving the money to the Good Shepherd Food Bank. The food bank will be able to provide 7,324 meals to families in Maine with the monetary donation. In addition, MEA staff statewide participated in the food drive and collected non-perishable items.

UniServ District 6 Director Nicole Argraves adds non-perishable items to the collection at MEA headquarters

Maranacook Area Schools Association Maranacook Area Schools Association donated $100 to the Augusta Food Bank. For every one dollar donated, on average a food bank can buy enough food for four meals.

The Augusta Food Bank helps on average 350 families in the Augusta/Manchester area each month.

York Support EA After conducting a food drive for the Thanksgiving holiday, York Support EA also decided to donate $1.00 for each member in the local association in December to help provide fuel for residents in need. The association is now talking about another effort to help those in need for the spring time.

Additional Facts About Poverty & Hunger

Linda Manning and students from Asa Adams Elementary (K-5) show off the food they collected for families and students in need.

Maine Population: 1,328,361

Pequawket Valley EA (Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow & Denmark)

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Students at Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryeburg collected non-perishable items and were rewarded for their efforts.

Students were allowed to wear a hat in school for the day, if they brought in a food item for the drive. In addition, staff brought in monetary donations. All donations will be given to the Brownfield Food Pantry and the Sweden House.

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Gardiner Bus Drivers Association The association donated 54 turkeys to help the Gardiner High School National Honor Society fill its food baskets for those in need in the district. The students collected the food and the bus drivers added to the baskets, in total making up 200 Thanksgiving baskets.

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Poverty rate in Maine: 12.8 percent (Source: Census Bureau) Child food insecurity rate: 23.9 percent, or nearly 1 in every 4 children, are food insecure (62,810 children) Since 2005, there has been a 50 percent increase in the number of Mainers facing hunger Food Stamps: Approximately 19 percent of Mainers are using food stamps (FY 2012, Source: USDA) 35 percent of Maine's food insecure population makes too much to qualify for food stamps and must rely on the charity food assistance network (Source: Feeding America) Maine ranks 18th in the nation, 1st in New England in terms of food insecurity (Source: Good Shepherd Food Bank) Maine ranks 19th in the nation, 1st in New England in terms of child food insecurity (Source: Good Shepherd Food Bank)