Maine Educator December 2014

Maine

Educator 5

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rs ponso d MEA s ee f nge to ry challe g n ’s hu Maine

Also: New Programs Help Fight Student Hunger Facebook “f” Logo

December 2014 Vol. 75 • Number 3

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2 To qualify for the $20 bonus offer, the applicant must: (i) be an Eligible NEA Member (an individual who is an NEA member as of the account application date, or any of the following individuals who is related to such an NEA member as of the account application date: parent, spouse, domestic partner, son, daughter, parent of the spouse/domestic partner), and (ii) open either an NEA CD or NEA Money Market Account through Discover Bank with an initial minimum deposit of $2,500 or an NEA Online Savings Account through Discover Bank with an initial minimum deposit of $500. NEA affiliation subject to verification. Offer limited to one per Eligible NEA Member, per product, per calendar year. NEA IRA CDs are not eligible for this offer. Bonus will be awarded via account credit within 60 days following the end of the month in which the account is funded and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. Account must be opened at time of account credit. Offer may be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice.

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IT’S YOUR ASSOCIATION. READ ALL ABOUT IT. contents 5 6 9 21 22

Editor’s Note Ask Lois Fast Facts Events & Deadlines Just For Fun

Making a Case 10 for Cursive

Should public schools still teach cursive handwriting— why or why not? Members weigh in with the pros and cons on this elementary subject in modern day teaching.

Inside the Classroom:

18

Maine’s 2015 Teacher of the Year

She’s received the highest honor awarded to a teacher in the state and now she’s sharing her secrets to success with her fellow MEA members.

Meet Jennifer Dorman from Skowhegan and learn how she helped students improve their reading skills by three grade levels in just one year. Plus, her advice for “close reading” that helped her win the prestigious title.

14

Moving Mustangs

On the Cover: MEA President Lois Kilby-Chesley with members of Scarborough EA

On the go and with a purpose—Two Massabesic Mustangs lead by example from their coach to show a team and a school what it means to never give up.

Long-time coach and member explains his motivation to help two special needs students succeed while competing in high school athletics.

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

3

More amazing members!

News You Can Use 7 8 9 10

7

Fighting Student Hunger Q&A: Maint. Employee Phil Morse Fast Facts Perspectives: Should Schools Still Teach

Cursive?

11 5 Hot Holiday Tech Gifts 12 School Spirit Challenge 14 Moving Mustangs MEA-R Members break for lunch after working with SEAM members to clean up local schools during the Day of Caring.

Advocacy

15

15 Did You Know?

16 Thank You for Your Campaign Efforts 17 Get Out of Student Loan Debt

Your Association

SEAM members man their rakes during the Day of Caring.

18 19 20

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Educator

Volume 75 Number 3 - Copyright 2014

Editorial Staff

MEA Elected Officers President - Lois Kilby-Chesley Vice President - Grace Leavitt Treasurer - Denise Simoneau NEA Director - Michael Thurston

Board of Directors

Making gingerbread houses Maine Educator • December 2014

Send letters to the editor, questions, and comments to gbechard@maineea.org Subscription to the Maine Educator is $10 per year, available to persons or institutions not eligible for MEA/NEA membership. The Maine Educator is published 7 times annually, September, October, December, January, March, April, & June.

New PJ’s on Christmas Eve Watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Phyllis Hunter, Steven Knowles, Jesse Hargrove, Cyndy Fish, Jan Calderwood, Jill Watson, Robin Colby, Jim Thornton, Samantha Garnett, Terry Martin, Bob McCully, Amanda Cooper, Jamie Watson, Mary Sue Jackson , Roger Roy, Neil Greenberg, Crystal Ward, Bob Calderwood 4

2015 Maine Teacher of the Year What I Learned at the Fall Conference Find NEW Money for your Classroom

MAINE

Managing Editor - Robert Walker, Executive Director Editor - Giovanna Bechard, Communications Director Layout/Ad Manager - Allison Coombs, Communications Assistant

Planning the Thanksgiving menu

18

Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is published by: Maine Education Association 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330-8005 207-622-4418; fax 207-623-2129

POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330-8005 Non-Profit US Postage paid at Augusta, Maine and additional mailing offices.

For advertising rates and information please contact: Allison Coombs, 35 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330, acoombs@maineea.org 207-622-4418 ext. 2206

Editor’s Note Humbled.

Sometimes in life you meet someone you just know is doing something right—something selfless—something that is making a difference for someone else. When I was in high school, that person was Lisa Simons, my soccer coach.

She was tough but knew how to push me to be a better player, and frankly a better person. She taught me how to be resilient, how to be a team player and how to kick a mean corner kick. The third lesson doesn’t really do me any good now-a-days but the first two help me every day. Ms. Simons was a coach, a teacher and, likely more than she knows, an inspiration.

Giovanna Bechard

Editor I met someone just like Coach Simons at Massabesic High School last month. When I talked to Coach Mark Crepeau I just got this feeling he was the real deal—the kind of man who was helping shape the lives of the students he works with each day. After talking with his runners, I realized I wasn’t wrong. Not only is he working to help kids succeed, he’s teaching them lessons about inclusion coaching two special needs students on his team. You can read more about Coach Crepeau and his Moving Mustangs on page 14.

There’s no doubt about it, our members are amazing. If you need more proof, look no further than the amount of food collected during the WGME-TV, Channel 13, School Spirit Challenge. The MEA was a proud sponsor of the challenge to help raise awareness on hunger and its impact on student learning. The response from members was outstanding. The participating schools collected the most food from one food drive than the Good Shepherd Food Bank has ever seen. The effort to fight student hunger is challenging but there are new programs in place aimed to help. Please take a minute to read more about the Challenge and the issue of hunger in our schools on 2nd on left Michelle Brann, RSU 73 EA pages 7 and 12. The ongoing efforts are truly inspiring and MEA members deserve a pat on the back for collecting so much food.

While you’re in a festive mood, take a minute to read more about how you can save money this holiday season with your member benefits. Just recently our own MEA President saved $70 on a TV purchased through Click & Save, an NEA member benefit. That’s real cash! Check out the savings on page 23. On a more serious savings note—did you know if you have student debt you may qualify to get rid of some or all of it without ever paying another dime? Read more on page 18.

As you gear up for the holiday cheer of this season remember, to first cheer yourself on and applaud the work you do each day for your students and your schools. As a parent, it matters. It really matters.

Jeff Bailey (right) 2014 Oxford County Teacher of the Year, Western Foothills EA

Photos: Students, teachers and administrators from Spruce Mountain High School in Jay (above left) and Mountain Valley High School in Rumford (above right) with WGME’s Jeff Peterson.

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

5

Lois On...

ASK

High-Stakes Testing Lois Kilby-Chesley, MEA President

Change Takes Effort Lily Eskelsen García, our new NEA president, is quoted in the Washington Post as saying, “The revolution I want is ‘proceed until apprehended.’” The WP goes on to say that the translation given is “teachers, administrators, and everybody else involved should...do ‘the right thing’ for kids.”

At MEA we need to be the agents of revolution and resistance. We must lead the way to developmentally appropriate, academically challenging, educational opportunities that are right for our students in preK through higher ed classrooms.

No more fear. Doing the right thing takes courage. Our strength is in our numbers and we are 24,000 members strong. But we can’t do it alone. We need to begin by including parents as we resist education policies that are bad for our students.

Most members of the MEA, and many parents, are willing to resist the current onslaught of standardized testing brought on by the adoption of Smarter Balanced Assessments. These assessments are closely intertwined with Common Core State Standards, Race to the Top, Educator Evaluation, and No Child Left Behind. Highpressure, high-stakes testing is bad for our kids and we should all be shouting that fact loudly and clearly until state and federal leaders listen.

But the testing associated with Common Core State Standards is not the only area for which we need to build resistance.

Repeatedly we share stories about the consequences of Mass Customized Learning (MCL), standards-based education (SBE), proficiency-based diplomas (PBD), and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) implementation. Are these right for our students? We must stop and consider the lasting impact on this generation of students as we muddle our way through from fad to mandate to poorly designed policy. But nothing will change until we organize the larger community of parents to say, “enough is enough.”

Change takes effort. Our effort starts with organizing others with similar points of view ~ that every child matters. As García said to state presidents recently, “it all comes down to building personal relationships, personal relationships with someone who’s not always your friend, or maybe you didn’t think could be your friend. But you try.”

The time is now to build support for our students’ well-being. Insist on professional development to learn, and preparation time to turn what we learn into what we teach. Develop reasonable student evaluation alternatives to standardized testing. These are only a few places to resist what is being done to us, and to take charge of our students’ success.

We cannot continue on the road that we are on. The wholesale adoption of bad policy and mandates, whether from Washington, Augusta, or a local district, one on top of the next, is the wrong direction. We must stand up, resist, and do the right thing for our kids. Let’s not wait. We must act now, because tomorrow is too late.

6

Maine Educator • December 2014

“High-stakes testing is bad for our kids and we should all be shouting that fact loudly and clearly until state and federal leaders listen.”

“We must stop and consider the lasting impact on this generation of students as we muddle our way through from fad to mandate to poorly designed policy.”

“The time is now to build support for our students’ well-being. Insist on professional development to learn, and preparation time to turn what we learn into what we teach.

Develop reasonable student evaluation alternatives to standardized testing.”

Do you have something you want to ask Lois? E-mail her at lkilby-chesley@maineea.org.

Due to space constraints not all questions will be published.

u News Yo

Fighting Student Hunger

Ca

n U se While some students sit in class hungry, millions of dollars in federal funding is being left on the table that can help fight student hunger. A federal program, newly offered to schools in New England, allows schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of income. The program, available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is now offered in six different districts in Maine and reports already show schools are feeding more students than ever before, including those who may have qualified for free and reduced lunch before and just never applied.

Alisa Roman, Nutrition Director at Lewiston Public Schools says she is working to figure out how to offer free lunch and free breakfast to students in her district. Lewiston schools have some of the highest rates of students enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs in the state. Roman and the Lewiston Food Service Managers Association are working to combat hunger in the district. Recently, Roman travelled to Washington D.C. to advocate for funding for her students.

“What I took away—we have a voice in Maine. We were able to go and get some representation that might not otherwise exist. To have the USDA listen is key,” said Roman.

In order to qualify for the funding a district or individual school has to show 40% of its students are eligible for free meals through the existing free and reduced lunch standards. report having students in their The focus on student hunger is apparent at the state level as well where estimates show classroom who regularly come one in every four children suffer from not knowing where their next meal will come from.

Senator Justin Alfond and Representative Victoria Kornfield are co-chairs of a task force to school hungry, according to to end student hunger. The group met with the state’s congressional delegation to better a No Kid Hungry survey. coordinate state efforts with federal programs, like the free breakfast and lunch, in order to maximize funding and participation in student food programs.

“Maine leaves an estimated $30 million in funding from the federal government for child food programs. If Maine is going to increase participation and access to funding, communication and cooperation with Maine’s congressional delegations will be vital. Working together we can end student hunger in Maine,” said Senator Justin Alfond of Portland.

The legislative group is working to create a 3-5 year plan to address student hunger, something Rep. Kornfield understands first hand, as a 30-year-teacher from Bangor. Kornfield is working to focus additional efforts on new school food programs for at-risk students.

“These after-school meals programs are essential in getting at-risk students the nutrition they need to grow and learn. Programs that provide meals and safe spaces for at-risk students now are a direct and important investment in their future success,” said Rep. Kornfield of Bangor.

Nationally

73%

of educators

SMART SNACKS

The focus on feeding students healthy food also improved in the new school year with an effort to bag the junk. Now, all foods sold at school during the school day will need to meet nutrition standards. The Smart Snacks in School regulation applies to foods sold a la carte, in the school store, and vending machines.

Before the New Rules

286

235

After Smart Snacks

136

161

118

0

TOTAL CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIES

TOTAL CALORIES

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Bar

Regular Soda

Light Popcorn

Tortilla Chips

No-Calorie Flavored Water

(1 BAR - 1.6 OZ)

126

(6 MEDIUM)

182

Empty Calories

112

Empty Calories

(12 fl. oz.)

Empty Calories

(SNACK BAG)

17

Empty Calories

(1 OZ.)

0

Empty Calories

(12 fl. oz.)

0

Empty Calories

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

7

News You Can Use

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU’RE NOT LOOKING? Q&A with Maintenance Employee Phil Morse, Westbrook EA

What do you do each day that others maybe don’t know about to keep students and staff safe?

While all students and staff are gone, I wash all the desks and chairs twice a week to get rid of germs and dirt and as needed. I also spray waste baskets to disinfect and deodorize every day. This is not only important to keep things clean so students and staff stay healthy, but it’s also important for those students who have allergies. I want to make sure everything is sanitized so any student who has an allergy is safe.

Removing food allergens from tables and desks is extremely important.

Are there any policies you recommend educators use in their classrooms to prevent the spread of germs?

I believe the students’ water bottles are a big problem. I see them passing them around to share; they also leave the same water in them for days. I would guess the amount of germs on and inside must be huge.

Students and staff really shouldn’t reuse the plastic bottles, it’s just not sanitary.

Editor’s Note: Phil’s statement is backed by a lot of research. A study of water bottles at a Calgary elementary school found bacteria in the students’ bottles that would force health officials to issue boil-water advisories if those same samples were taken from the tap. Researchers found 1/3 of the samples from the reused water bottles not only had bacteria in them, but some samples showed evidence of fecal coliforms. The scientist who conducted the study said the bacteria likely came from “kids' hands and mouths over time as they repeatedly used the same bottles without washing them or allowing them to dry.”

Any advice for bus drivers?

I believe drivers should wipe down their bus as often as they can to rid any germs that might be hanging around, including grab bars and seats when there is any extra time.

8

Maine Educator • December 2014

Anything else you want to share about health and safety in schools?

Both health and safety should start at home. Parents should believe in sending a clean, well-dressed child to school.

Some students walking through the doors should never have been sent to school for the teachers and school nurse to care for because they are not properly dressed. Educating children is not only a school-wide effort from everyone who works in the building, but it is a community effort where we all need to be involved and invested in our students.

News You Can Use

Fast Facts

Interesting facts and quotes about Association membership and public education in Maine and beyond.

Have an idea or stat you want shared? Send it along with your name and local to gbechard@maineea.org

458

$

“I'm really happy…it's a major win for our city.” Janet Beaudoin, a kindergarten parent and McMahon Elementary PTO Vice President on news Lewiston schools will hire two

Average amount educators spend of their own money on classroom supplies according to DonorsChoose.org

additional Kindergarten teachers and five Ed Techs to reduce class sizes which swelled to 26 kids per class.

Parents spoke out and raised public awareness that Lewiston was ignoring a state regulation that says Kindergarten classes should be no greater than 20 students per teacher.

“We need teachers everywhere and if they can go to Connecticut and make $20,000 or $30,000 more, they’re going to. We have to keep in mind that we do have good schools here. I’d be cautious when we see any of these negative reports to instantaneously respond by pointing fingers and saying, , ‘We’ve got to be doing this; we’ve got to be doing that.”

- MEA President Lois Kilby-Chesley reacting to WalletHub Survey ranking Maine as the 9th worst state to be a teacher.

97 - Greely High School 331 - Winthrop High School 389 - Yarmouth High School Newsweek’s rankings of best high schools in the United States.

1.25 million

Number of homeless students nationwide in the 2012-2013 school year as reported in new data released from the federal government. The number represents an 8% hike in student homelessness from the previous year.

“I don’t accuse people of plagiarism lightly, but this is actually not a difficult case to spot or decide...anyone who doesn’t understand that has no business on the Board of Trustees.” - Associate Professor Jane Kuenz, AFUM member at USM speaking at the nomination of Susan Dench to the University of Maine System Board of Directors. The legislature rejected Dench’s nomination, along party lines, after the plagiarism allegation brought forward by AFUM members in addition to other statements regarding Dench’s views on gender roles.

77%

of K-12 parents own a smartphone Source: www.blackboard.com

Nearly 70%

of all children under age 6 in Maine live in households where both parents work, according to the Maine Children’s Alliance December 2014 • www.maineea.org

9

PE

S

C RSPE TIVE

Should schools still teach

Cursive?

YES I have been teaching third grade in Bangor for the past 18 years. Every year I’ve taught cursive to my students. We use the “Handwriting Without Tears” method. I enjoy teaching it, and what’s more, the students enjoy learning it. It’s always a restful lesson with every child striving—the room is quiet and children are relaxed.

When I asked my students if they thought teachers should stop teaching cursive their response was a vehement “No!” If we were to remove cursive instruction from our schools, we would be disappointing a lot of third-graders.

They love it. My third-graders look on learning cursive as a rite of passage. With it they begin to leave babyhood behind and become more like grown-ups.

If we dropped cursive from our curriculums we would also be denying students the choice. I know that a lot of people are anticipating less and less need for cursive handwriting. High schools and colleges are using computers, iPads, and other devices with keyboards or other technology for students to write reports and compositions.

But what about shopping lists, filling out forms, writing a quick request on a sticky note? What about signing your name? What about reading cursive? Wouldn’t we be denying them easy access to great-grandparents’ letters kept in a family archive box, or the original Declaration of Independence?

May I suggest a compromise? Let’s keep cursive instruction in the curriculum at least for third-graders. After they’re good at it, by fourth or fifth grade, give them the option of using it or not.

In addition, give me a list of tasks and duties that teachers or students work on now. Circle those that might be optional. I bet I could find at least one that most every teacher would rather get rid of instead of cursive.

Janet Riley, Bangor EA

NO

Have an idea for a future Perspectives topic?

Send it to gbechard@maineea.org

Conventional cursive handwriting is quickly losing priority in schools as new mandates and laws come down the pike, and as educators aim to prepare students for our digital world.

Over the course of my teaching career, I’ve had numerous students in my classroom who have various special needs, and I have found that cursive can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many other necessary skills and concepts that need to be understood and mastered. It can be discouraging and challenging for some students.

The Common Core State Standards require students to be able to compose a piece of writing using a digital format; there is no mention of handwriting a written piece. Consider the up and coming digital standardized tests and assessments that will require students to type fluently and successfully manipulate a digital device. Upon personal reflection of a given day, consider and compare how much time is spent typing versus handwriting. Speed is also a factor of consideration. Today, an increasing percentage of people can type faster than they can write in cursive or print.

As educators, we must continually think of the future and how we can best prepare our learners. We need to consider how the world of education is changing; student creation and expression does not occur on paper alone any longer. Digital tools such as social media, the internet and cell phones allow today’s learners to create, share, and express in writing as we never have before. A concern that rises to the top when looking at the big picture, is the question of preparation for the future. My district’s vision includes the phrase “Preparing Today’s Learners for Tomorrow’s World” - so do students need to know how to read and use cursive in order to be successful in tomorrow’s world? I believe the answer is no.

Rachel McGlinn-Bourgeois, Eastern Aroostook EA 10

Maine Educator • December 2014

5

Hot Holiday Tech Gifts

Tech T@lk FinderCodes Pet Owner Lost and Found Kit Price: $24.99

Anker Astro3E 10000mAh External Battery Pack Price: $25.99

This external battery charger for smartphone and tablets can be used to give your device an extra boost of power when you have no power source. The charger pack can be used for iPhones, iPads, Samsung devices and more.

While there are other power packs on the market, this one receives 4.5 stars from online reviewers who say it “holds a charge for a long time and charges pretty fast.”

This pet lost and found kit includes QR code tags that attach to pet collars so you will always know where your pet is, even if they run off. The owner will be alerted if the QR code, like this one, is scanned by someone who may have located your pet. In addition, the owner will receive a GPS location of the object connected to the QR code tag. So, if you place the tag on your dog’s collar you will know where that collar is located. Finally, you can add your contact information to a web portal so the finder of your pet can contact you if he/she locates your four legged loved one.

Polar Loop Price: $85

Google Chromecast

The Polar Loop keeps track of your moves, every step you take. It can be worn swimming, biking, running or walking. The bracelet, which comes in several colors, syncs automatically to your computer or smartphone and it tells you on the band itself how many steps you have taken and how many calories you’ve burned.

Scosche boltBOX

Price: $24.99

Tired of having your charger wires take up the kitchen counter? The boltBox lets you neatly charge and sync your devices with a retractable cable that extends up to 3 feet.

Made for Apple products.

Price: $35

For less than $40 you can watch your favorite videos that live on your phone, tablet or computer on your TV. By plugging in Chromecast into any HDTV your video will project on the big screen giving you control to play and pause with your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Chromecast works with a number of apps including Netflix, YouTube, Pandora, HBO GO, WatchESPN, Google Play, Hulu Plus and more.

Want it for less?

Check out NEA Click and Save to save on this product and others from your favorite retailers.

Find out more on page 22.

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

11

Cover Story

School Spirit Bags Food for Hungry Mainers

MEA members, students and communities in southern Maine came to play during the WGME-TV (Channel 13, Portland) School Spirit Challenge.

The Maine Education Association was a proud sponsor of the challenge where members in nine schools, chosen by Channel 13, along with students and the communities involved, collected food and cash donations for the Good Shepherd Food Bank. The results were more than anyone could have expected—with the food drive collecting enough food to buy 300,000 meals for hungry Mainers! Good Shepherd said this food drive is the single largest in the organization’s history—and our MEA members are in part responsible. How amazing is that?!

The challenge was a friendly competition for members and students to participate in both the food and cash collection, and a televised pep rally, held each Friday, through the fall. At the finale, Sanford walked away with the top prize but the true winner was Good Shepherd and those in need.

“We know that hunger is a barrier to student learning, so it is great to see our members, students and the community come together to support this event. Together we all can help prepare our students with the skills they need for the jobs of the future, and that starts with making sure they have the basics, like food,” said Lois KilbyChesley MEA President.

At the conclusion of the Challenge, the MEA donated an additional $2,000 to the Good Shepherd Food Bank to make sure the basic needs of students are met so they are ready to learn. The funding for the sponsorship was provided through a NEA Media Grant, awarded to the MEA.

Total Pounds of Food Raised

336,273

Pounds of food collected include cash donations which equate to 5 pounds of food for every $1 collected.

Most cash collected $17,237.39

1

st

13,502 lbs. of food

Sanford High School

93,728 lbs. of food 12

Scarborough High School

Maine Educator • December 2014

Edward Little High School (Auburn)

34,365 lbs. of food

Most food collected 13,258 lbs.

2

nd

Brunswick High School

26,295 lbs. of food

Mountain Valley High School (Rumford)

76,086 lbs. of food

Bonny Eagle

7,438 lbs. of food

providing

300,000 meals

to hungry Mainers

3

rd

Gorham High School

12,095 lbs. of food

Gray/New Gloucester High School

14,327 lbs. of food

Spruce Mountain High School (Jay/Livermore Falls)

58,435 lbs. of food December 2014 • www.maineea.org

13

“We’re all keeping an eye on the prize,” assistant coach T.J. Hesler told the cross country team at Massabesic High School.

But this team defines prize in more than one way. Sure, it’s a first place finish at the upcoming meet, but it’s also much more—especially for two students who helped shape the character of the Massabesic Mustangs.

“Cross Country allows these kids to feel part of something—Noah and Al feel like they are part of something,” said coach Mark Crepeau.

Noah and Al are both on the autism spectrum, and are among the few special needs students in the state to compete in high school athletics.

“It’s good exercise. It’s healthy for me,” Noah said as he stretched with Al by his side, whose favorite race is the 2 mile run. The two often run together along with ed techs who help them both in and out of the classroom.

“I think most importantly they feel included. Al will hear one of his teammates say good job and then he says it to someone else and he feels “It's really fun to see how they do at track part of the team. Al used to not socialize with anyone until he got his cross meets. When they are close to the finish country jacket and now he line everyone stands up.” - Jay LeDoux says ‘this is my team,’” said ed tech Sam Person who “It’s tear jerking. It’s awesome.” works with both students.

- Sam Person, Massabesic EA Coach Crepeau says cross country and track are inclusive and give both boys the chance to do the same things as the mainstream students because they can compete at their own pace, without the obstacles other sports like soccer and football impose on a special needs student. And Crepeau works hard to make sure each feel like they belong and are contributing to the team’s success.

“I think it’s important; I’m in education for 38 years and I believe in all-inclusive environments for kids. They need to be exposed to a variety of things. The kids need to learn to work with them understand them—I think it’s part of the education of life. We are not just teaching them, we are showing them what life is all about,” said Crepeau.

It’s a lesson that’s very personal for Crepeau. His sister-in-law is in a wheelchair and never had the opportunities both Noah and Al have now.

“She never went to public school and this is part of the high school experience—part of it is sports, yearbook…they should be part of the whole experience,” added Crepeau.

While the team experience is “It’s good exercise.” - Noah beneficial for Noah and Al, Crepeau “Cross reinforces with his runners that they Country allows can learn a lot from both boys who seem to be making a difference in the attitudes of these kids to others.

“I think they both have a lot of determination if they can do it I can do it too,” said feel part of Senior Gabby Johnson. something.”

So each time the Mustangs lace up their sneakers this year they’re thinking about - Mark Crepeau, keeping their eye on the prize and remembering they’re running for something much greater than most would expect, thanks to a coaching staff that pushes them to think.

Massabesic EA “It’s not just about winning and losing it’s about teaching them about life and to be lucky for what they have,” said Crepeau.

14

Maine Educator • December 2014

Faculty Members at the University of Southern Maine fought to protect two more programs and 50 jobs slated for elimination. Faculty members, represented by the MEA and members of AFUM (Associated Faculties of the University of Maine) rallied against the cuts holding several news conferences on campus stressing the importance of investing in USM to create a viable university in the economic hub of the state.

“USM is the key to southern Maine’s economic future and eliminating 15% of the faculty not only jeopardizes the students’ ability to complete their specified majors but also greatly impacts this community. We need to invest in this University so we can prepare all students with the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

Cutting these positions does nothing to help our students or this economy—in fact it does the exact opposite,” said Jerry LaSala, AFUM member, Professor of Physics and Chair of the Faculty Senate.

The University System says, despite the protest from faculty and students, the cuts are just the first in an effort to eliminate $16 million from the University’s budget. The MEA is working with AFUM members to discuss possible contract violations that are related to the full administration proposal which, among other things, includes forcing faculty to teach additional classes each semester.

cac y

o

USM Faculty Speak Out Against System Cuts

Adv

Did you know?

School Departments in Lamoine, Hancock and Ellsworth refused to give ed techs their contracted wage increases and health insurance but have agreed, after the threat of an MEA lawsuit, to honor the contract in the first year. With help from MEA, the ed techs pay is being restored and all ed techs will now have health insurance which includes an employer contribution.

MEA ESP members now have a brand new online monthly newsletter called the ESP Digest. Keep an eye on your e-mail for the publication for important information regarding all ESP members. Haven’t received a copy? E-mail jmorin@maineea.org to be added to the mailing list.

As a member you have access to The Great Public Schools (GPS) Network which is a free tool offering resources to enhance lesson plans and share ideas. In addition, GPS provides members an open forum to collaborate on professional issues to help your students. To learn more log on to www.gpsnetwork.org After more than two years without a contract, custodians and food service members in Scarborough EA won a binding arbitration decision finding that the bids the Scarborough School Board had obtained for subcontracting custodial services do not justify eliminating the jobs of every custodian in the bargaining unit. Using the full resources of the MEA, 30 custodians in Scarborough will keep their jobs.

Approximately one-third of Maine high school graduates enrolled in a University of Maine System campus, and approximately one-quarter enrolled in a Maine Community College according to a report published by Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI)

At A Glance: Maine Students After Graduation • According to the DOE, Graduation Rates are in the top 15 in the country and continue to climb with 86.3% of all students who enter 9th grade in 2009 earning a diploma on time in 2013.

• 6 out of 10 high school graduates in Maine enrolled in a college or university and 90% who started college enrolled full time. About 40% do not enroll in college, which is consistent with data in the last twenty years, according to an education policy research report.

• More than 90% of the fastest growing jobs, according to the Department of Labor, will require some type of postsecondary education or training which includes everything from 2 to 4 year degrees to other education/training which does not earn a degree.

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

15

Advocacy

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CAMPAIGN WORK By: Lois Kilby-Chesley, MEA President

Election Day 2014 is over. As educators, we will continue to teach and help prepare our students for success.

And we must hold elected officials responsible for doing their part to ensure that all students, regardless of their zip code, have the opportunity to get a good education.

The work of MEA members made the difference in many victories and kept the election at all levels competitive. Thank you for being a part of electing pro-education candidates in many parts of our state.

At MEA we will continue to work for strong schools for our members, appropriate educational expectations for our students, and student assessments and teacher evaluations that are fair. We are, after all, educators and we will continue to provide great public schools for our students.

Educating our students is the most important investment we can make in our future. Since 2010, Augusta has cut from our state education budget. This trend will not be reversed until we get truly pro-public education activists standing up and speaking loudly. It's up to us: educators, parents, and community leaders, to make choices every day that will help ensure that our students have the future they deserve.

We will have our challenges in the next few years, but MEA won't give up, and we will be fighting for what's best for our students.

If we want to have a real impact on the future of education, we must encourage all pro-public education voters to stay involved. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and let others choose the direction education will go. It is our responsibility to stand up and make our voices heard to ensure our students get the schools and future they deserve.

Please know that MEA will continue to work toward Great Public Schools for Every Maine Student!

MEA and MEA-Retired members gather before going into a rally in support of Mike Michaud with special guest, President Barack Obama.

16

Maine Educator • December 2014

Advocacy

Get Out of Student Loan Debt Without Paying Another Dime Loan Forgiveness is Real and You May Qualify

Students in Maine have the 7th highest student loan debt in the nation. That’s according to the latest research from the Project on Student Debt which also shows, on average, students graduating in 2012, from both 4-year public and private institutions walk away owing almost $29,500. The figures are perhaps more daunting when you consider that 67% of those same students carry student loan debt, whether they’ve graduated or not.

Those figures do not include those already working who will carry that student loan debt well into their careers. Nationally, Americans owe $1.2 trillion in student loans; figures for Maine are not tracked. The news seems depressing—but there is now a way for public sector employees, like educators, to walk away from student loan debt without making another payment through a federal loan forgiveness program. Here’s what you need to know:

What is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?

The purpose of this federal program is to support people in public service jobs, like teaching. Under this program, qualified employees with student loan debt may be eligible for loan forgiveness on the remaining balance of their Direct Loans after making 120 on-time, full, scheduled monthly payments.

What are on-time, full scheduled monthly payments?

On-time payments are received no later than 15 days after the scheduled payment due date. Full payments meet or exceed the amount you’re required to pay each month under your agreed upon repayment schedule. Scheduled payments are those made under a qualifying repayment plan after the servicer of your federal loan has billed you for the month’s payment. They do not include payments made while your loans are in deferment or forbearance.

THE FACTS 40,000,000 Americans have student debt

33 MILLION

people qualify for federal loan forgiveness

What loans are eligible for forgiveness?

Only loans received under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program are eligible for PSLF. Loans received under the Federal Perkins Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) do not qualify. If you have a Perkins Loan or a loan under FFEL you may consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan to take advantage of the forgiveness. However, only payments made on the new consolidated loan will count toward the required 120 qualified payments.

6.8 MILLION who qualify are educators

What kinds employment qualify and how is full-time defined?

Anyone who is employed with a federal, state, or local government agency, entity, or organization or a tax exempt not-for-profit organization qualifies. Educators fall into this category and do qualify. You must, however, be a full-time employee which for the purposes of the program is defined as working at least an annual average of 30 hours per week. If you are an educator under contract for at least 8 out of 12 months you meet the full time standard if you work an average of at least 30 hours per week during the contractual period.

1,000,000

have applied— Won’t You?

I think I qualify. How can I sign up?

Head to www.maineea.org/studentloan to learn more about the program and how to sign up. Want to take action? Sign the NEA Degrees Not Debt Pledge at nea.org/degreesnotdebt and add your voice for more college affordability.

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

17

so ciation

Meet the 2015 Maine Teacher of the Year:

Your As

Jennifer Dorman

With a jar full of tongue depressors, one with each student’s name on it, Jennifer Dorman stands in front of her middle school class ready to teach. She pulls out one stick at a time asking questions about the class’ reading assignment to give each student an equal chance to participate in the lesson on immigration.

“Who can remind me what minimum means?”

Dorman pulls Jada’s stick. The newly named 2015 teacher of the year has worked especially hard with Jada to engage her in learning. “I know she likes cheerleading so I made sure to learn about that. I want to connect on a personal level with every one of my students so they will be more willing to learn,” said Dorman. It’s a difficult task, especially when you consider the type of student she teaches; Dorman is a special education teacher and reading interventionist at Skowhegan Area Middle School. Some of the middle schoolers are only at a first grade reading level, which is what makes Dorman’s story so remarkable.

“In the last three years alone students have increased their reading level on average three plus years in one year. I think that gave me a lot of attention in this process. My goal here is getting them reading on grade level before they go to high school. It's a life changer for them—learning to read for them is the difference between employment and unemployment,” said Dorman.

Dorman is quick to credit her success on a great team in Skowhegan with supportive administration, including Assistant Principal Doug McEwen who nominated her for the award. “She’s just amazing. You watch her work with kids and come up with plans and goals; she’s so methodical and supportive of the students,” said McEwen.

Dorman’s The support for each student is clear in Dorman’s methods of teaching. She “Close Read” Code teaches using a workshop model. While she is close reading with a small group of students, who are matched together based on skill level, other students are either The 2015 Teacher of the Year uses this reading with guidance from headphones or working on reading lessons on the code each time she reads passages computer with support from an ed tech so Dorman can focus on assessing each with her students and then asks them to student before she moves on to a new concept. discuss what they marked in their text: “She helps me understand things in a new way. Instead of just reading it, she’ll split the words apart to make us understand them. She’s a good teacher,” said + When you see something you know Shane who was practicing his reading skills on the computer.

When a student comes on a word they’re likely to see again in another class, - If you disagree with the topic Dorman writes it on the board to help boost overall vocabulary. “We have a ! Wow, I’m surprised humanities approach. A lot of reasons these kids have trouble reading is they’re lacking a general knowledge base. To connect reading to what they already know ? Don’t understand or have a question and make their world larger helps them in their reading skills,” said Dorman.

The model is working in Skowhegan as Dorman makes her way from table to table, reassuring students and congratulating their successes along the way.

“Beautiful reading, nice expression,” she says to one student as she walks along to another saying, “I’m coming. There is one of me, many of you. Be patient.”

In her own words

What makes your teaching style unique?

I use formative assessment daily. It is sometimes as simple as listening to a child read aloud for 30 seconds and then planning your next step on that quick formative assessment. I feel by latching on to that technique I am really working to make a difference in kids’ academic lives. I don't want to leave anybody behind. They are always ready for the next step.

What’s it like to be the Teacher of the Year?

I am incredibly honored. I feel a responsibility on multiple levels…first for my students, to be a voice for them, to represent special ed students and their families and also to be a voice for the special ed population so it doesn’t get drowned out. As Teacher of the Year, I want to make sure everyone is paying attention to all of our students. I want my students just as prepared as others so they have a chance at success too.

If you had one thing to share….

I think it would be that we ultimately need to pay attention to the needs of each student. I have had so many parents who write to me and say their children have made the most growth here and I feel it's because we look at each child to meet his needs. When you do that, you increase their self-esteems and build social skills, and it spills over to their families. Parents then take pride in how well their children are doing and then they support you; and we need parents’ support.

18

Maine Educator • December 2014

Professional Development - Your Association

“This is my first MEA conference in the more than 30 years I’ve been in the classroom. I learned there is a lot to do. We are in the middle in our district creating a proficiency based diploma system.

Teaching this long—we pull for the kid that tries hard and find ways to help that student succeed but still may not be proficient.

By hearing others talk about PBD I learned we’re on the right path with how we’re approaching PBD and learned from others the positives and negatives and what would work in our district."

- Steve Dexter, RSU 34 EA “I had a very helpful session on contract language and ‘just cause.’ I learned the importance of keeping ‘just cause’ if it is suggested to go away to know that's not an option. We are going into negotiations this winter and this information was key.”

- Jenny Wiltse-McClure, Madison Area EA

“I learned to be more vocal to stand up for ourselves, as ESP, and let fellow staff members as well as the community know how important our jobs are in running our schools effectively.”

- Sue Snow, Seacoast EA

What I Learned at

2014 MEA Fall Conference

“I learned at the Fall Conference that standards based grading is a bike that everyone is trying to build while they ride it…at least now, thanks to the conference, I know the many resources that are available to me to help our district build this bike.”

- Justin Stebbins, Scarborough EA

“I learned about how to play a leadership role from a teacher’s standpoint and what the teachers have to face each day.

This conference also helped me realize how to show others the benefit of the Union.”

- Jenna Soucy, SEAM: UMPI

“At the special education session I learned about Smarter Balanced Assessments, how to manage them, and how difficult it is going to be for our kids. I am a Special Education teacher and normally ed techs help us with our assessments, and I didn't know they couldn't help us with these new assessments. I now know how to proceed going forward and learned of the resources available to me.”

- Shirley Dempsey, Sebago East Shore EA December 2014 • www.maineea.org

19

Your Association

“Will we all get to use the drums?”

It was a heartbreaking question for Minot Consolidated School music teacher Aaron Gagnon. He had only 3 drums and every student wanted to play.

“Some of them had holes in the top and it was always a game of we’ll do the song one time and three kids get to play then we would do the song again and three other kids got to play,” said Gagnon whose budget only allows him to buy the absolute necessities. “That’s where DonorsChoose comes in handy; otherwise I might be waiting 2 or 3 years and that’s 2 or 3 years where I am struggling in the classroom,” added Gagnon.

Gagnon uses the website DonorsChoose.org to ask people to fund projects. Horace Mann sponsors DonorsChoose helping connect public school educators in need with individual donors who want to help. The connection brought 20 drums directly to Gagnon’s Minot classroom and into the hands of students who would have otherwise missed a beat.

“I think it’s great that you can take the time to put a project up and once you’ve posted your information you don’t have to think about it...it’s not like a fundraiser where you have to keep track of getting the money. It reminds me of the Ronco Rotisserie—‘set it and forget it!’ It’s been really cool because groups like Horace Mann will match a donation so if someone donates $10 then it’s automatically $20.”

At Maranacook High School Special Education teacher Jill Watson needed a refrigerator to help teach her students who struggle with learning independent life skills like preparing healthy meals, cleaning and understanding proper food care. Watson’s school lacked basic kitchen appliances needed to give students the Do hands-on experience they needed so no Watson turned to DonorsChoose. rsC org. ho “The refrigerator replaced os “As an MEA/NEA member I got extra donations.” e.o my old one which was - Jill Watson, Maranacook Area Schools Association rg probably in the school since the 70's, parts of it froze food and parts were warm - not fun when you are trying to teach kids with disabilities how to store and take care of food properly. DonorsChoose has pro been invaluable to me and my students. I'm able to concentrate more on my je f u cts teaching and less on our budget concerns that wouldn't allow for me to get sta nded tew these larger items for my classroom. As a MEA/NEA member I also got some ide extra donations which sped up the process of getting funded,” said Watson.

Ma Both Watson and Gagnon have new projects they are working on funding and ine encourage others to take advantage of the free resource which is open to all public school Stu de educators. nts He lpe d

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Log on to donorschoose.org Click on “I’m a teacher” and set up an account Write a brief summary about what you need, including photos Submit Project Share your project with friends and family Maine Educator • December 2014

Do you have a DonorsChoose campaign? Share it with the us: facebook.com/maineea twitter.com/maineea

Your Association

Upcoming Events and Deadlines December 5, 2014: Academic Award Deadline Give your wallet a break California Casualty awards K-12 public school teachers $2,500 to help with out-ofpocket expenses for school supplies and instructional materials.

Apply at http://www.calcasacademicaward.com

December 19, 2014: Grant Deadline Leadership, Human and Civil Rights and Political Action Grants Available The MEA offers grants in the categories listed above.

To learn more and to apply, www.maineea.org/grants

January 24 or February 7th, 2015: Negotiators’ Conference NEW! Beginner and Advanced Bargaining Training for Leadership and Negotiator Teams This brand new offering is geared to help local association leadership, with an emphasis on negotiation teams, bargain contracts with information on how to do everything from basic negotiations to how to create complex new salary scales.

This conference is open to all members and will have four separate tracks for those who are new to bargaining and those who have experience and need advanced training. Information will be relevant in bargaining for support staff, K-12 teachers and higher education members. Every local is encouraged to send a team to this conference. The January conference will be held in Orono; February, South Portland. Keep an eye on your e-mail for registration information.

With a little help from our friend, the MEA The Portland Education Association's new president, Sue Olafsen, faced a challenge as she moved into that leadership position this summer. The district had a record number of new hires, 90 teachers and over 10 ed techs. Sue was pleased to learn that the MEA offers membership recruitment grants and saw the grant as an opportunity to be creative with a membership incentive.

Her idea was simple. Ask non-members to join and give them something to show they belong to their professional association. The PEA partnered with a local business, Old Port Wool & Textile Co., to produce Maine-made merino wool scarves in PEA colors.

February 1, 2015: Grant Deadline Teaching and Learning Grants Available The NEA Foundation awards grants to public school educators to enhance teaching and learning: • Student Achievement Grants support initiatives that improve academic achievement.

• Learning & Leadership Grants support high-quality professional development.

To apply: http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/grants-to-educators/

Ongoing: Membership Drives

Mid-year membership is a possibility in all locals. If you need help organizing a membership drive contact your UniServ Director.

The results were amazing. The membership drive is a big success with 80 new members to date. Many of those new members already say they see the value in belonging to PEA, MEA and NEA. “I joined the PEA because it creates a safe and secure learning environment for new teachers like I strive for in my classroom for my students. I look forward to the helpful guidance and expertise of its knowledgeable and caring members!” said Michaela Moloney, a new elementary teacher

Health Insurance Benefit— Don’t wait until the New Year With your MEABT Health insurance plan you receive more than just comprehensive coverage. Members can also receive financial incentives simply for being healthy or getting on the path to wellness.

Through the MEABT Onlife Wellness Program, members can earn up to $150 in pre-paid debit cards throughout the year for doing simple things like completing an online Health Assessment. Just by completing the Assessment, found at www.onlifehealth.com, members will receive 50 points that can be redeemed for a prepaid debit card that can be used at over 100 retailers nationwide, including T.J. Maxx, Cabela’s, Disney and Lowe’s.

The Health Assessment also gives you an honest look at your lifestyle and what you can do to improve your overall health. Once you’ve completed the Health Assessment you can use health trackers, work with an online health coach, complete self-directed courses and join in online challenges to earn more points and get healthier.

So, don’t wait to make a New Year’s Resolution to get into better shape, start now and earn some pre-paid debit cards while you’re at it! For more information about Onlife and to take the Health Assessment and earn 50 points go to www.onlifehealth.com.

December 2014 • www.maineea.org

21

Make ME a Meme!

Submit your best meme caption along with your name and local for this photo to meaweb@maineea.org for a chance to win a $25 giftcard to Dunkin’ Donuts or Staples!

Deadline: December 15, 2014 The winning meme will be posted on MEA’s Facebook and Twitter pages. The winner will be notified by e-mail.

Deal of the Day

In addition to saving money through Click & Save, you also can earn WOW points when you shop. Points can then be redeemed for other items—so it’s a win, win with cash back for you in the form of points!

Save on your Heating Bill with a new Member Benefit!

If you use propane heat, a new partnership with Propane.pro can save you on average 3040 cents per gallon. This new program provides you with quotes from up to four top-rated and pre-screened, local propane suppliers who compete for your business. 80% of Propane.pro users report significant savings.

This discount is offered to MEA members and their families through the NEA Propane Discount Program.

To find out more go online at www.maineea.org/neamb In addition to fuel savings, you will receive the following benefits as a program participant: • $50 of free propane when switching to a Propane.pro supplier • $100 toward the purchase of a new propane tank from a Propane.pro supplier 22

Maine Educator • December 2014

Some Sample Savings: Give the Gift of Food

Spend $5 and get a $25 gift certificate at a number of restaurants including: • 20 Milk Street, Portland • Waterboro House of Pizza • Mac’s Deli and Catering, Scarborough

Jewelry

Save $50 on Orders Over $300 Zales The Diamond Store, Bangor Mall

Video Games

$10 off Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor - PlayStation 4 or Xbox One

Start saving today: www.neamb.com/clickandsave

Great teachers make a difference and help create brighter futures for young people.

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Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) Designed for professional K-12 educators, Husson’s M.Ed. program offers a unique balance of literacy-based and STEM inquiry course content. With a hybrid format that combines conveniently scheduled classes with online studies, this program is perfect for busy working professionals.

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Have a happy Thanksgiving and beginning of the holiday season!