Maine Educator December 2019

MAINE

Educator 2020 MAINE r e h c a e T of the Year Heather Whitaker enriches the lives of alternative education students - P. 8

December 2019 www.maineea.org @maineea

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Maine Educator • December 2019

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Maine Educator • December 2019

DECEMBER 2019

Volume 80, Number 3

CONTENTS 10

16

Build a Trap, Catch a Robot

York TA Reaches 97% Membership

21

22

Transforming Students Into Video Storytellers

26

World Records at UMaine

10

30

Learning & Leading Conference

MEA-Retired PreRetirement Seminars

6 Opening Bell 7 Editor’s Note 8 President’s Message 9 Free Stuff 10 Build a Trap, Catch a Robot 12 Maine Reads 13 Tech Talk 14 Fast Facts 15 Suicide Prevention 16 York TA 18 MEA Elections 19 Transforming

Students into Video Storytellers 20 Public Schools

Dangerous Behavior Protocol 21 MEA Legislative Priorities 22 World Records at UMaine 25 We Are MEA 26 Learning & Leading Conference 27 Read Across America 28 Salary Increases 30 MEA-Retired 31 Student Loan

Forgiveness Navigator 32 Calendar 33 Holiday Deals

22 Editorial Staff

Managing Editor Editor Layout Design

Paula Voelker Giovanna Bechard Shawn Berry

Leadership

President Vice President Treasurer NEA Director

Grace Leavitt Jesse Hargrove Beth French Amanda Cooper

Board of Directors

Robert "Bo" Zabierek Suzen Polk-Hoffses Mallory Cook Cedena McAvoy Ken Williams Janice Murphy Nancy Mitchell Dennis Boyd Rebecca Cole

Amy O'Brien Brown Bob McCully Janet Howe Kuech Donna Longley Lisa Leduc Neil Greenberg Gerry French Lois Kilby-Chesley Carson Hope

Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is Non-Profit US Postage paid at Augusta, Maine published by: and additional mailing offices.

Maine Education Association For advertising rates and information please 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330contact: Shawn Berry 8005 35 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 207-622-4418; fax 207-623-2129 207-622-4418 ext. 2206 POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 043308005 December 2019 • www.maineea.org 5

PENING BELL

Public Attitudes Toward Public Schools

Nominate an Educator or School Employee for "Life Changer of the Year" Life Changer of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees across the country. This includes teachers, support staff, principals, and anyone else who is employed by a K-12 school district. Anyone can nominate up to 3 employees. The program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019-2020 program. Life Changer of the Year is sponsored by the National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation.

Awards include: • 1 Grand Prize Winner: $10,000 to be split between a $5,000 individual cash reward and a $5,000 donation to the winner's school/district.

• 4 Grand Prize Finalists: $5,000 to be split between a $2,500 individual cash reward and a $2,500 donation to the winner's school/district.

• 10 Life Changer Awards: $3,000 to be split between a $1,500 individual cash reward and a $1,500 donation to the winner's school/district.

• 30-35 Honor Roll Awards: $50 Visa gift card to the nominee, as well as some surprise goodies.

To nominate someone, go to www.lifechangeroftheyear.com Nominations Deadline: December 31, 2019

Compare the Candidates

In a huge show of support for teachers, 74% of parents and 71% of all adults say they would support a strike by teachers in their community for higher pay, according to the most recent PDK poll of public attitudes toward public schools. The poll also shows a higher percentage of parents - 83% and 79% of all adults - say they'd support teachers striking for a greater voice in academic policies. High percentages of teachers say they would support teachers in their own communities if they went on strike for any of these reasons as well. The poll also reveals that of those surveyed, 62% have seriously considered leaving the profession because they are in communities where they feel undervalued, their pay is unfair, or because they earn less than $45,000 a year. Among the comments from those surveyed: "Pay the teachers more. That recruits better teachers. Teachers are the backbone of a good education." - Deanna 42, mother of two in rural Colorado.

Learn more about the poll at pdkpoll.org/results 6

Maine Educator • December 2019

NEA has developed an online presidential candidate comparison tool to see every person's position on education issues. The nonpartisan tool is a part of the Strong Public Schools campaign, launched by NEA to provide insight and information about the 2020 presidential candidates and their education politics. The tool allows you to take a deeper look at each of the candidates currently in the race and learn more about who they are and where they stand on a variety of education issues including education policy, education funding, class size, privatization and more. You can also submit a question on the site to any of the candidates. Each answer to a submitted question is source cited based on the candidate's own words, making the tool both informative and truly nonpartisan. Check it out at strongpublicschools.org

December

FROM THE EDITOR

2019

Thankful for a mini-chef who loves bacon.

We have an elf.

His name is Fluffy.

He is a busy creature this time of year. He drinks a lot of hot chocolate, likes to play knee hockey and also cards with the other stuffies in the house. He’s not quite as busy as those fancy elves on Pinterest, but he sees his share of action, and my kids love it. While you may not have an elf, we all have traditions regardless of what holiday you celebrate or what faith you may or may not practice. This time of year, despite the chaos, I find comfort in the traditions that give us reasons to be thankful.

I was especially reminded of this during my visit with Maine’s 2020 teacher of the year, Heather Whitaker from Gorham. Heather teaches alternative education, and the personal experiences of her students are more than any adult should have to bear, let alone a child. The work being done in her classroom to not only engage these students but keep them coming back and keep them learning is remarkable. I’m thankful for educators like Heather.

Further north, at UMaine a large team of professors, staff and students are leading the way to innovate and change how people build, using technology and a brand-new, world’s largest 3D printer. The work being done on the campuses of our public colleges and universities is unlike anything happening anywhere else—it's literally breaking world records.

I’m thankful for those in our higher education system who continue to inspire and lead.

In Augusta, while you’re working, there are MEA staff and leadership advocating for you. They’re sharing the stories of what’s happening in our schools and what needs to be done to best support you so you can do your jobs. I’m thankful to work for an organization that truly cares

Thankful for a son who follows his passions and works hard to improve. about what happens to our public schools, students and educators.

Read more about how MEA is working on your behalf.

At home, at every turn, I can find something to be thankful for, as long as I remember to look beyond the mounds of dirty laundry. I wish you all the best this winter and encourage you to take a moment, during what seems like a chaotic time, to be thankful for even the smallest things.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Giovanna Bechard Editor editor@maineea.org

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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MEA PRESIDENT'S LETTER

We hope to reach that student who just didn’t understand the lesson yet, or who has been impacted by trauma, whose needs are not being met. We strive to do what we can to prepare our students for their future, despite this being a daunting task at times.

"

And we are doing a really good job, especially when you consider the resources we have! But our students and educators deserve more support. You may have heard on a TV ad, “Just OK is not OK”. “OK” is not good enough when we are talking about what our students need to be successful or what our educators need so they can inspire all our students to reach their potential.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, one of hope and anticipation. We enjoy time with families and friends, there are cheerful decorations (the color red is everywhere!), and we look forward to the New Year as we reflect on the past and vow to make (and keep!) healthy resolutions.

But as we know all too well, many of the students and families that we work with are less fortunate. The latest statistic I’ve seen states that 44% of our students come from families that are economically disadvantaged. (“Helping Diverse Students Thrive”, 2019 Educate Maine Report) Many have additional challenges in their lives. In 2017, 38 children per 1,000 in Maine were affected by the opioid crisis, a total of 10,500 impacted, making our state the ninth in the nation in this tragedy. (https://pinetreewatch.org/maine-ranks-9th-innumber-of-children-impacted-by-opioid-crisis/) Some of our colleagues, too, may struggle to provide for their own families as they remain dedicated to caring for their students.

As educators, we need to be hopeful and keep looking forward; it’s inherent to our profession. After all, isn’t ‘educator’ a synonym for ‘optimist’? We hope to reach that student who just didn’t understand the lesson yet, or who has been impacted by trauma, whose needs are not being met. We strive to do what we can to prepare our students for their future, despite this being a daunting task at times.

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Maine Educator • December 2019

The past year has brought many improvements for our schools, for our students, and for our members, thanks to your efforts, the work of our MEA staff, and elected friends of education. But there is more to be done to provide what all of our students need and deserve, and to ensure that each of our schools is fully staffed, able to provide wraparound services and qualified, supported educators with the necessary resources. We want to be sure we have the best educational system, way better than “OK”, for all students in all of our communities.

On the national level, there is more to do as well! Much, much more!

To make the progress we want to see for our students and for our profession, being hopeful is not enough. We will all need to keep working together. We will need to be even more active in our districts and speak up at school board meetings. Let’s all be sure to “wear our red” and make the work we do stand out in the public’s eyes.

We will need to be active in Augusta and speak with legislators so they understand. And we will all need to be engaged in the coming elections—at the local, at the state, and at the national levels. (If you have not yet done so, please take a minute to take the pledge to be a public education voter by going to https://educationvotes.nea.org/ presidential-2020/2020pledge/ ) I am looking forward to working with you to face the challenges that lie ahead, and to working towards a future where the holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year for each and every one of us.

Wishing you all an enjoyable holiday break and a bright 2020!

In unity, Grace

Grace Leavitt President gleavitt@maineea.org

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December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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Build a Trap, Catch a Robot

Maine Teacher of the Year enriches the lives of alternative education students

T

o say Heather Whitaker is a student-centered teacher would be a huge understatement. The 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year and Gorham Middle School Alternative Education teacher works tirelessly to build relationships with her students. Each student in Whitaker's class is carefully selected to learn in the unique alternative education environment. The program is capped at just fifteen because of the high needs of each child.

“We tailor kids' programming to their aspirations,” says Whitaker who on this day is working with the school’s technology integrator to help students build a trap to catch a robot—all after following a programmed computer code. The task allows students to work in groups, collaborate, innovate and design. Each student has a responsibility, and each a problem to solve, with the idea that a cardboard box trap will close over their robot.

Success was not achieved on the first try for anyone, and for Whitaker there’s an important lesson in the failure, particularly for her students who have experienced so much trauma in their personal lives.

“We’re not afraid at all when things fall apart. We are going to let them fall apart, process it and then teach the skills to deal with their emotions.

Your normal instinct is to go in, control and fix but at the very heart of what we do is restorative practices. We do a circle for everything,” added Whitaker.

Restorative practices allow Whitaker to reach her students and understand and deal with their emotions. In the alternative education program, the fifteen students spend the entire day together for every subject, making them close knit and “family-like.”

“We are working with youth at-risk. Many students are heavily traumatized, heavily disengaged from school or in the juvenile justice system. Our students are very smart, but we have to do something to let them shine,” said Whitaker.

Creating that positive space is at the heart of the alternative programming for the students. In the fall, students go on a multi-day hike and camping trip together; in the winter they ski. Alternative pathways to success keep Whitaker’s students not only engaged in their learning, but also successful.

“Education isn’t only academics. When we are at the mountain, we meet with different employees-the person who works in the hotel, the snowmaker and more, so it’s a career exploration experience for them. They hear their stories and see what they can become, even if they choose a path that doesn’t involve college. These trips model healthy behavior and a passion in something positive. We're exposing kids to things they don’t normally get and finding that passion in something else, other than a poor decision,” added 10

Maine Educator • December 2019

Maine 2020 Teacher of the Year Heather Whitaker

Whitaker. “The chair lift conversations are incredibly powerful. I had a student look at me and say ‘Mrs. Whitaker, this is the only time I don’t want to be high.’”

The holistic, collaborative approach to Whitaker’s teaching is what she believes helped earn her the Teacher of the Year honor. However, Whitaker is quick to point to others in her school community who help her students.

“The program wouldn’t be the program without the whole team. It’s evident that I have strong relationships with multiple players-that’s what allows for things like art integration and the robotics lessons. I’m connected to the bus drivers too-they have my phone number and if something happens on the bus, they connect with me before it becomes a detention,” said Whitaker.

Outside of her classroom, Whitaker started a food backpack program in the district and a community garden which provides fresh fruits and vegetables to a local food bank. Whitaker is also working with a local doctor to pilot a program that helps test and correct her student’s vision to better understand the obstacles they’re facing with their literacy skills.

All of Whitaker’s efforts are felt deeply by her students who say, without her, they would feel lost.

“She helps us with everything. If we have emotional problems, if we’re having a bad day, she’s kind of like a teacher and guidance counselor in one. She helps motivate me to try harder and this year has been so much better than last year. My grades are up and I was one point away from honor roll. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without her,” said 8th grader, Caden.

“

We’re not afraid at all when things fall apart.

We are going to let them fall apart, process it and then teach the skills to deal with their emotions. Your normal instinct is to go in, control and fix, but at the very heart of what we do is restorative practices. We do a circle for everything.

- Heather Whitaker, 2020 Maine Teacher of the Year

As Teacher of the Year, Whitaker plans to learn more about the availability of alternative education programs around the state and advocate for an increase in what is accessible to students, saying she hopes to remove the stigma from alternative pathways because of their clear success. The model, Gorham Middle School Principal Quinton Donahue says is working because of Whitaker’s dedication.

“Her students know when they come to school, they have someone who cares,” said Donahue.

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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EDUCATOR RECOMMENDED BOOKS WINTER 2019 Reads

Maine

The Hate U Give By: Angie Thomas Because of Mr. Terupt By: Rob Buyea A Bad Case of Stripes By: David Shannon Recommended by Bethany Meehan-Poulin, Dirigo EA Grade Level: K-3 The Girl With a Brown Crayon By: Vivian Gussin Paley Recommended by Robin Ellen Brooks, Merrymeeting TA For Educators Summary: The Girl with the Brown Crayon tells a simple personal story of a teacher and a child, interweaving the themes of race, identity, gender, and the essential human needs to create and to belong.

With characteristic charm and wonder, Paley discovers how the unexplored territory unfolding before her and Reeny comes to mark the very essence of school, a common core of reference, something to ponder deeply and expand on extravagantly.

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Summary: "What we have here is a bad case of stripes. One of the worst I've ever seen!"

Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don't like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she's so worried that she's about to break out...in a bad case of stripes!

"Shannon's story is a good poke in the eye of conformity...and his empathetic, vivid artwork keeps perfect pace with the tale." Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Maine Educator • December 2019

Recommended by Kris Samson Grade Level: 3-7 Summary: Seven students are about to have their lives changed by one amazing teacher in this school story sequel filled with unique characters every reader can relate to.

It's the start of a new year at Snow Hill School, and seven students find themselves thrown together in Mr. Terupt's fifth grade class. There's ...Jessica, the new girl, smart and perceptive, who's having a hard time fitting in; Alexia, a bully, your friend one second, your enemy the next; Peter, class prankster and troublemaker; Luke, the brain; Danielle, who never stands up for herself; shy Anna, whose home situation makes her an outcast; and Jeffrey, who hates school.

They don't have much in common, and they've never gotten along, not until a certain new teacher arrives and helps them to find strength inside themselves-and in each other.

Recommended by Michele Metzler, EA 22 Grade Level: Middle grades and up Summary: Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburb prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger.

Protestors are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family.

What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night?

And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does-or does notsay could upend her community.

It could also endanger her life.

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December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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16%

FAST FACTS Mental Health Among Maine’s High School Students

The State is routinely collecting information from Maine students through its Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS). The data paints a clearer picture of what our students are feeling and experiencing. The following data shares information regarding the mental health of Maine students, according to the most recent MIYHS survey.

7%

Attempted suicide in the past year

15%

Seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year

33% of lesbian, gay, bisexual students 14

Targets of offensive comments or attacks based on their perceived sexual orientation at school or on the way to or from school

Maine Educator • December 2019

Purposefully hurt themselves, like cutting or burning, without wanting to die

89%

Feel safe at school-

Students who feel safe at school are less likely to have seriously considered suicide

81%

24%

Students who talk with a parent about school at least once a weekAre less likely to report being depressed Feel sad or hopeless and got help from an adult

CRISIS S

Maine 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112 | Na

SUICIDE PREVENTION

How educators can help students in need

I

n Maine, a person dies by suicide about every two days.

Maine law requires school districts to have suicide prevention protocols, including how educators are to intervene when a child expresses suicidal thoughts. Prior to the law that went into effect in the 2018-19 school year, about 25% of districts had such a protocol in place.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers guidance to help navigate this difficult topic. While there may be counselors or social workers on hand at your school, it is important for everyone to understand both the warning signs of suicide, what can help protect against it and resources to help. The following information is provided from DHHS.

Warning Signs of Suicide

What Can Help Protect Against Suicide

Other than what may seem like the “obvious” signs of suicide, statements like “I wish I were dead” or “if ‘such and such’ does not happen, I will kill myself,” there are other warning signs that can seem less obvious.

If you notice any of the following encourage the person to get professional help:

“Protective factors” are the positive things in someone’s life that can reduce the potential of suicide and other high-risk behaviors. Protective factors include:

Signs of Depression

• Mood-sad, irritable, angry • Withdrawing from friends, family, activities • Changes in sleep, appetite or weight • Hopelessness-sees no chance of improvement • Not able to think or focus

Anxiety Restlessness, agitation, pacing.

Feeling like a burden “people would be better off if I were dead.”

Alcohol or Drug use is increased or excessive Feeling trapped with no way out Neglecting appearance Drop in performance or increase in school absences

Coping Skills and Personal Traits

• Good decision making, anger management, conflict resolution, problem solving and other life skills • A sense of personal control • A healthy fear of risky behavior and pain • Hope for the future

Connections

• Religious/spiritual beliefs about the meaning and value of life • Positive relationships with family, friends, school, or other caring people • Responsibilities at home, work or in the community

Health and Home

• A safe and stable environment • Staying drug and alcohol free • Taking care of self

These are all signs something is wrong, and that help is needed.

Suicide Intervention Protocol Chart For Schools A student has displayed risk for suicide Take immediate action; notify a building administrator/designee Warning Signs Gatekeeper conducts basic assessment; if in doubt, call Maine crisis hotline Low Risk No plan, no intention to harm self

Medium to High Risk (Self-harming behavior, threats, ideation, plan, history of attempt)

Fill out risk referral form, develop safety plan

Consult with crisis services, Notify parents or guardians, Follow crisis recommendations.

Forward form to student's guidance counselor or social worker on the same day of the incident and relay information to necessary staff

Document actions taken Debrief with staff, Follow up with parents/guardians

SUPPORT

Source: Maine CDCenter for Disease Control

ational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Attempt On-site

Off-site

Clear the area of other students DO NOT LEAVE THE STUDENT ALONE Render first-aid Life threatening?

YES Call 911, & family

NO Call Maine crisis hotline & parents

Disposition determined after crisis assessment Monitor other at-risk students, provide support Contact parents to set up reentry meeting

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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York TA Reaches 97% Membership SECRETS TO THE ASSOCIATION’S SUCCESS

York TA reached a high membership mark, with nearly everyone eligible joining the Association. Currently, there are only six non-members in York. The success is outstanding, and Maine Educator sat down with local leaders and building representatives to ask: what makes the Association so successful?

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Maine Educator • December 2019

Jordana Thompson, English Teacher, York High School. Jordana is the building rep for YHS.

Support System

"I believe the high membership is due to the fact that our teachers feel supported. Knowing there are trusted, kind and caring members to turn to is reassuring in times of trouble, frustration, and even celebration. Historically, the executive team has been amazing at seeking out our input and communicating to us all. York teachers have high expectations for our students and for ourselves professionally. I think YTA does a great job at working collaboratively with all constituents, even through the most difficult of times, to represent us well and to make sure there is a system of checks and balances."

-Mary Jo Thompson, Village Elementary Special Education Teacher, YTA Secretary

Back to School Orientation Membership Ask

“We start membership off on opening day. We have tables set up for each school, we welcome our members and soon-to-be members, we proivde information, and ask our colleagues to join or renew their membership with us. We have our own YTA brochure-it’s a quick snapshot of information. You can see right away we are much more than ‘you get in trouble and I’m going to be your lawyer.’”

-Bill True, York High School, York TA President “YTA is very present-it’s the feeling when you first walk in, it feels like a family, it’s just what you do. When you walk into the building a membership table is there and if you don’t sign that day, we find you. All the new people this year are members, except for one at the high school.”-Liz Schambach, York TA Treasurer

When Someone Says Membership is Too Expensive...

"My answer would be that when you join you have the peace of mind that if you’re called on the carpet for something, you have someone to turn to. But it’s so much more than that. We try to instill a belief that unions can really have power, if people join. When you are part of the Association you can have a seat at the table- if more people weigh in, we have more power. School Committees don’t have the perspective we have, and with such a strong membership they don’t hear just a few voices, they hear a lot of voices if there is an issue. That’s worth every penny."

-Jordana Thompson, York High School Building Rep.

Culture of Belonging

“Membership is so prevalent in our district-it’s a known entity. Veterans just fill their ears with what the YTA does.

New people feel comfortable on that opening day; members are very open and friendly. We intermingle like a family.”

-Cindy Bernier, Vice President York TA

Communication is Key

“There are point people you know you can go to if you have questions, we do our best to remind the teachers that we are here if you need us. I touch base with our department heads and I meet with the principal once a month if there are any concerns.”

-Jordana Thompson, English Teacher, York High School building Rep. “We are actively making ourselves available- going to our schools, handling situations. Members know there are bodies to talk to. Our newsletter is great. We believe communication is more than an email, it’s a conversation, it’s follow-up. You have to be personal with people and then they’re more willing to join and be involved.”-Bill True, York High School, York TA President

Building Trust

"I think the YTA in York has been successful because of the trust that has been built between the association and its members. Communication is key. Our current president has done a remarkable job keeping all constituents in the loop and encourages involvement. I also feel the executive board has built a strong relationship with our Uniserv Director at MEA which has been an invaluable resource, especially during the trying times we recently encountered during negotiations. I also feel that the way we have introduced the union to new members during their first in-service days has also been beneficial. The YTA acts when there are concerns within the union and works to build positive working relationships with the School Committee and building administrators." -Deborah Bradburn, Math Integration Specialist, Village and Coastal Elementary Schools, Coastal Ridge Building Rep.

YTA Executive Team Picture (from left to right): Mary Jo Thompson, YTA Secretary; Cindy Bernier, YTA Vice President; Keri Harrod, Co Building Rep; Suzanne McCormack, Grievance Chair; Bill True, YTA President; Jordana Thompson, Building Rep; Liz Schambach, YTA Treasurer.

Missing from the photo: Matt Duggan, Building Rep; Jess Rafferty, Co Building Rep; Deb Bradburn, Building Rep; Betsy Pattison, Building Rep.

York TA Contract Highlights

• Course reimbursement • Planning and prep time • Duty free lunch • Attend school-related activities for free

Contact York TA President, Bill True btredsox1@yahoo.com December 2019 • www.maineea.org

17

Elections Conducted at the MEA Representative Assembly

ELECTIONS 2020 Elections Conducted

by Maine Education Association

The MEA is always looking for new people to join in the conversation! Be a decision-maker and run for an open seat in our MEA Elections.

MEA Board of Directors • Board vacancies are available for 3-year terms in Districts A, C, G, K, L, P, R – Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

MEA Representative Assembly Statewide Associations • ACSUM, AFUM, UMPSA, CCFA, CCAA, MPBCEA – Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

MEA Representative Assembly Cluster District Delegates/ Alternates • (locals with less than 35 members) – Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

NEA Representative Assembly Delegates/Alternates • 1 At-Large opening for 1-year term • Districts 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 openings for 2-year term, and Cluster Districts – Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

MEA-Retired • Vacancies for MEA and NEA Representative Assembly Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

Student MEA • 1 year term for MEA Representative Assembly & NEA Rerpresentative Assembly • Filing deadline is March 4, 2020.

Elections Conducted by the Local Association

MEA Representative Assembly Local Delegates/Alternates • Local Delegates/Alternate candidates must submit a Notice of Intent to their Local President by January 21, 2020. If elected, the delegates, alternate or president must submit a Certificate of Election (signed by their Local President) to the MEA by March 4, 2020.

NEA Representative Assembly Local Delegates/Alternates • NEA will contact Local Presidents with information on elections to the NEA Representative Assembly - filing deadline to MEA is April 10, 2020.

18

Maine Educator • December 2019

NEA Director • 3-year term - Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

MEPERS Trustee • 3-year term - Filing deadline is January 21, 2020.

Instructions and forms are located at Maineea.org If you need assistance, contact Terry Gordon at govforms@maineea.org or at 888-622-4418

Transforming Students into Video Storytellers Gorham teacher named Milken Educator “Let’s go to the video” isn’t just something they say on the nightly news in Gorham. It’s also the go-to skill for student storytellers at Gorham High School, thanks to the pervasive and forward-looking influence of technology teacher Adam Parvanta, a member Adam Parvanta, Gorham High School, awarded the 2019 Maine Milken Educator Award. of Gorham TA. A tech Photo courtesy: Milken Family Foundation mentor for grades 9 through 12 students, as well as staff, Parvanta puts technology in students' hands and teaches them how to craft stories large and small. Whether it’s augmenting class projects, highlighting student activities or helping students create visual résumé boosters to supplement their college applications, Parvanta deploys technology in ways that spur students to become creators of content rather than just passive consumers. He gives students the technology tools to edit and improve their futures and, as a result, student engagement and enthusiasm is through the roof.

Parvanta was presented with a Milken Educator Award by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley and Maine Commissioner of Education Pender Makin. An excited Parvanta was named a 2019-20 recipient of the national recognition, which comes with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. He is the only Milken Educator Award winner from Maine this year and is among up to 40 honorees for 2019-20.

The Milken Educator Awards, hailed by Teacher magazine as the “Oscars of Teaching,” has been opening minds and shaping futures for over 30 years. The initiative not only aims to reward great teachers, but to celebrate, elevate and activate those innovators in the classroom who are guiding America’s next generation of leaders. Milken Educators believe, “The future belongs to the educated.”

Parvanta is bringing that future into sharper focus with hands-on technology expertise passed on to students. His non-traditional approach truly connects with students, and his understated passion for video editing and storytelling prompts students to spend extra time on their schoolwork as they learn skills that will translate well in an evolving future of rapidly advancing technology.

“Adam Parvanta knows that technology is an essential foundation for education just as it is throughout life,” said Foley. “By integrating tech narrative skills into the classroom, Parvanta is helping students become authors of their own life stories. We’re proud to welcome this innovative and visionary Milken Educator.”

Parvanta creates videos to welcome students and staff back at the beginning of the year, highlight athletes’ big wins, and entices the community to fill the auditorium for the annual musical. With his guidance, seniors create “resume” videos to submit as supplements to college applications. Parvanta reconfigured his office to include stations where students can work on their projects and lends them equipment to bring their ideas to life. Students flock to Parvanta and spend many non-class hours learning from him—not because they have to, but because he motivates them to make their work better.

"It doesn't feel real, but I'm so happy it is. It's just a shock," Parvanta told local TV reporters. "It just makes me so happy, again because people appreciate what I do and they praise it and it's just awesome."

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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Public Schools Dangerous Behavior Protocol What is Dangerous Behavior?

20-A MRSA §6555 defines dangerous behavior as "..behavior of a student that presents a risk of injury or harm to students or others."

The definition is broad.

Use your discretion when deciding what may or may not cause a risk of harm or injury.

The law is designed to help keep staff and students safe and is not intended to use this process to report every misbehavior.

Dangerous Behavior

Teacher or staff person reports the dangerous behavior to an administrator or supervisor.

Your district should have a form for doing this. MEA has created a sample form which has been provided in guidance to all local leaders.

Reporting

Administration reviews the reported incident with the assigned school employee and determines if the incident is substantiated.

Incident is Substantiated Administration, in consultation with the impacted employee, develops a response plan to avoid further dangerous behaviors. Other educators and specialists may be consulted on the development of a plan as deemed necessary.

It may be appropriate for the student to not return to class until a response plan is in place, any necessary accommodations are made for the student, and the needs of other students and staff are provided for.

Response Plan Response plans will be unique to the situation, but should address a variety of options for both the students and staff, including the use of restorative practices, specific training or professional development for staff, responses that minimize suspensions and expulsions, counseling and guidance services for students and staff, trauma-informed practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), and adequate staffing.

Additional Questions?

Reach out to Dan Allen, Training and Professional Development Director, MEA 207.622.4418

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How Does This Impact Sick Time?

Time away from work cannot be taken from accrued sick leave if the injury was caused by dangerous behavior and a physician determines the employee is unable to work as a result of the injury.

Maine Educator • December 2019

Incident is Not Substantiated The affected employee should be notified that the incident has not been substantiated.

If further action regarding the behavior is needed to avoid future incidents, the affected employee, with union support, should contact the administrator or supervisor for additional discussion and consideration.

Review

Additional Steps Should dangerous behaviors continue to occur with that student, reports should be filed.

If there are issues with the implementation of the plan, the union and affected employees should address these with administration.

Was a staff person injured?

If the employee is injured, follow these steps: • Depending on the injury, employee may seek emergency medical attention or immediate assistance from a school nurse, if one is available.

• Employee files injury report with employer and asks the employer to file a notice of injury with Workers' Comp.

• Incident may be reported to a School Resource Officer.

• Employee may report incident to the police.

Under the

DOME

MEA PRIORITIES TO SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS, STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS

MEA is always working on behalf of its members, at the local level, federal level and of course at the State House where so many new ideas are debated that impact your work and the lives of your students. This legislative session, MEA has several key priorities. With input from members, here are some of the changes MEA will advocate for in the coming legislative session.

AN ACT TO PROTECT TEACHERS FROM CERTIFICATION CHANGES The teacher certification rules have been under review by the Legislature and several changes have been made over the last few years. The MEA is pushing for a bill that would create a system in law that states when a teacher becomes certified under the state’s teacher certification programs, the grade spans they are eligible to teach will operate as a “property right” for teachers, meaning they cannot be impacted or changed in future years for that teacher. The state may change the recertification requirements and a teacher seeking recertification may be subject to additional coursework in order to meet the new recertification requirements, but the grade spans or subjects the teacher is eligible to teach will remain regardless of prospective teacher certification changes made by the state. The teacher certification system remains a quagmire, and the Dept of Education and the Legislature have consistently made additional changes, and more uncertainty remains. This bill is necessary because it will protect teachers from the constantly changing certification rules and bring stability for most teachers. The bill is sponsored by Representative David McCrea.

AN ACT TO PROTECT TEACHERS FROM PUNITIVE TRANSFERS This bill will prohibit school districts from transferring teachers for punitive reasons or as an act of retaliation. MEA has tried several times to give members the right to negotiate over transfers. However, lawmakers have rejected this idea each time.

While this new law won’t give educators that right, it will prevent administrators from transferring a teacher for punitive reasons.

MEA believes this protection is necessary because of recent efforts by some administrators to transfer teachers in order to retaliate against their personal political activity outside of school hours.

We expect fierce opposition to this bill as many administrators will argue they need “flexibility” to move teachers around, but too many times teachers are transferred as an act of retaliation. The bill is sponsored by Representative David McCrea.

AN ACT TO PROVIDE A LIVING WAGE TO SCHOOL EMPLOYEES This bill will mandate that any district that wants to receive state funding for schools must pay a minimum of $16 per hour to all support staff, including bus drivers, educational technicians, custodians and all other support staff. The bill is intended to address the serious shortages of support staff in our public schools and to insure all school employees are paid a living wage. The bill is sponsored by Representative Ben Collings.

SUPPORTING RETIRED EDUCATORS AN ACT TO INCREASE THE STATE SHARE OF THE COST OF HEALTH INSURANCE FOR RETIRED TEACHERS This bill will increase the amount the state pays for healthcare for retired teachers. The state currently pays 45% of the cost of retiree healthcare but there has been no progress in increasing the amount for over a decade. MEA knows health insurance costs are rising for retired educators and is committed to seeing the state increase the amount it pays for health care for retired educators.

The bill is sponsored by Representative Ben Collings.

AN ACT TO CLARIFY THE STATE’S COMMITMENTS CONCERNING CERTAIN PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENT BENEFITS Maine’s retired teachers saw steep cuts to their pensions during the LePage administration, including several years of freezes to the cost of living increases. This bill would codify the cost of living increase for retirees as a contractual commitment, thus limiting the ability for the Governor or the Legislature to make cuts in the future. This bill has been sitting on the Governor’s desk since June, but she has refused to sign it. MEA expects there will be a discussion about this bill again in the next session and the MEA is committed to passing it to make sure current and future retirees get the cost of living increases in their pension they need and deserve. This bill is sponsored by Representative Michelle Dunphy.

SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION ADDRESSING PAY AND BENEFITS OF ADJUNCT FACULTY The MEA is working with allies to address the growing use of adjunct faculty in the University of Maine and Community College systems. There is a growing reliance on the use of adjuncts to teach courses at both institutions, but adjuncts are often woefully underpaid, have no job protections and often receive no benefits.

MEA is committed to building career ladders for adjunct faculty to become full-time or part-time faculty members and protect the full-time faculty at both institutions from erosion in their working conditions. MEA expects a bill on this subject in the upcoming legislative session and expects the Education Committee may report out a bill on the same subject. Current faculty in the Community College System are concerned as the System continues to use adjuncts to deflate the wages of those who are full time faculty. It is a priority of the MEA to bring equity to those working in our higher education system.

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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S

etting three world records, UMaine unveiled the largest ever 3D printed boat built on the world’s largest prototype polymer 3D printer. The 25-foot, 5,000-pound boat, printed in three days, named 3Dirigo, is setting a new standard for what’s possible in the boat building industry and beyond, according to Dr. Douglas Gardner, Professor of Forest Operations, Bioproducts, & Bioenergy at the UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center, where the printer is housed.

World Records at UMaine on the literal cutting edge of technology, benefiting students and faculty

22

Maine Educator • December 2019

The new 3D printer is designed to print objects as long as 100 feet by 22 feet wide by 10 feet high and can print at 500 pounds per hour.

More December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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“A lot of boat builders in Maine are very interested in this for tooling because they see it as a big way to save money in making boat molds. Looking in my crystal ball, I could see in the next 3-5 years some of this technology be spun out commercially; there are a lot of opportunities for this technology. The process to make a traditional mold-you might have metal, wood, foam and then it has to be machined and coated-it’s quite a process to do that and there is also a lot of lead time. Some of the calculations, if we 3D print a mold, we can cut the time and cost easily by 30-40%,” said Dr. Gardner.

The new 3D printer is designed to print objects as long as 100 feet by 22 feet wide by 10 feet high and can print at 500 pounds per hour. The one-of-a-kind printer will support several ambitious initiatives, including 3D printing plastics with 50% wood. For students, the innovation is an opportunity to be involved with something much bigger than the university itself.

“It gives us a great opportunity to be involved in something innovative that students at other college campuses don’t get. At some point, everyone participated. I was helping with getting the boat cut out and ready for the unveiling. It’s great to get to know this innovative technology and to learn so much from so many of the higher-up engineers,” said mechanical engineering graduate student Elisabeth Waugh.

with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Soldier Center and its mission to develop rapidly deployable shelter systems for soldiers. Other use areas include concealment applications, structural shelters and high-temperature fire retardant materials for vehicle-mounted shelters.

“The innovation that we have witnessed here at the University of Maine will revolutionize how the Army prototypes and manufactures shelters, vehicles and other large systems,” said Col. Frank Moore, military deputy for the CCDC Soldier Center. “The lighter yet stronger 3D printed systems will advance the state of the art in additive manufacturing.”

The opportunities seem endless for not only the technology but the students and the faculty who continue to learn, in the midst of setting records.

“I think it’s awesome that we as students have the opportunity to work with such innovative technology; we have so many opportunities here at UMaine as students,” said Taylor Bailey, a second-year civil engineering graduate student.

UMaine also showcased a 3D-printed, 12-foot-long U.S. Army communications shelter. The new printer will support programs

3D-printed, 12-foot-long U.S. Army Communications shelter.

The largest ever 3D printed boat. The 25-foot, 5,000-pound boat printed in three days, named 3Dirigo.

“It gives us a great opportunity to be involved in something innovative that students at other college campuses don’t get. At some point, everyone participated. I was helping with getting the boat cut out and ready for the unveiling. It’s great to get to know this innovative technology and to learn so much from so many of the higher-up engineers."

- Mechanical engineering graduate student, Elisabeth Waugh 24

Maine Educator • December 2019

MEA members shine in so many ways. Together, let's celebrate our successes and congratulate our colleagues.

We Are MEA 2

Kirsten Gould

4

Priya Natarajan

3 Alyson Saunders

Greg Cushman

1 Images courtesy of Maine DOE and Portland Public Schools

Samantha Drost

4

2 Erin Bjorkdahl

1

Saco Valley TA Member Named Health Teacher of The Year

Congratulations to Erin Bjorkdahl who was named the High School Health Education Teacher of the Year at the 2019 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance conference. Bjorkdahl teaches three different classes: Health, Advanced Health, and Foods for Wellness. She is currently the Department Head of the Health and Physical Education Department at Bonny Eagle High School.

Lewiston EA Member Named CTE Teacher Of The Year During the Maine Administrators of Career and Technical Education annual conference the MDOE Deputy Commissioner presented Greg Cushman, an electrical instructor at Lewiston Regional Technical Center, with the CTE Teacher of the Year award. An alumnus and former educator of Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, Cushman has a successful 25year career in electrical trade under his belt. He has since returned to his roots in Career and Technical Education in a different capacity, to serve as an educator to the students in his community and has now been awarded for his successes.

Presidential Excellence Award Winners

Raelene Allen

3

Members Win Financial Literacy Honors Congratulations to Samantha Drost of Central Aroostook High School and Raelene Allen of Madison High School for their work in financial education. The Maine Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy recognized their outstanding efforts, awarding them the organization's Financial Educator of the Year Award.

The award is given to an educator, and this year two, to highlight the work done to improve the financial capability of the students and families.

Established in 1983, the Presidential Excellence Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science.

Three MEA members received this high honor: Kirsten Gould, Buxton Center Elementary, Saco Valley TA; Priya Natarajan, Casco Bay High School, Portland EA; and Alyson Saunders, Dexter Regional High School, SAD 46 EA. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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MEA HOSTS TWO FREE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS

2019

MEA is always working to provide members with quality professional development. This year, in an effort to reach more members, MEA hosted two conferences in the fall, one in Hampden and the other in South Portland. Each training provided educators with immediate lessons they could take back to their classrooms and schools. If you missed these conferences, here are some of the lessons learned. Be sure to keep an eye on your email and on the MEA website for future opportunities.

Trainings are all FREE for members!

OVERHEARD AT THE CONFERENCE On developmentally appropriate practice with all children, particularly ELL students

“You’re building a relationship with that child so

they can feel safe enough to learn and feel known and feel seen in the classroom. You need to make sure the environment is reflective of those childrenput photographs of all the kids working in the room and if they’re not native speakers, use their language, when you can, and make sure they’re seen and heard. You are going to do all you can to let that child know they’re known. If reading is hard, pull them aside and let them know you understand and then choose a special book for that child and let them know it’s just for them. This lets that child go into that day knowing the teacher understands them, and that student will be more present. There is definitely a link between this presence and behavior management."

Anne Adams, Associate Director of the Bowdoin College Children's Center

On benefits of membership “This training is incredibly relevant to what I’m doing right now. I am a restorative practices leader at my school so the session that walked us through how to build this type of community is great. This formal training on the topic is extremely valuable. I see a growing need for that type of education in our school and it’s great to have MEA understand that and help train us."

Jessica Harvey, RSU 16 EA 26

Maine Educator • December 2019

On Supporting LGBTQ Students

“The number one request from

Trans and Gender Expansive folks is to honor a person’s name and pronoun."

Gia Drew, Equality Maine Program Director

On building strong local associations “A strong local association is a powerful one.

To have more power you need a few important things: an effective leadership team, a membership recruitment plan, member involvement, constant communication and community allies. The visibility of your association will create value in membership for those who belong. Communicating how the local is advocating for members keeps people engaged, making it more powerful in the long run."

Phyllis Hunter & Becky Fernald, MEA UniServ Directors

On benefits of membership

“This training has been excellent. I learned the

benefits of being part of the MEA. The great cohesiveness that comes with attending these conferences is a feeling I will bring back to my school."

Ralph DeSarno, Sebago East Shore EA

MAINE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION The MEA provides $2,000 for incentive grants of up to $50 each to Presidents of local associations who sponsor association activities for the Read Across America program on March 2.

The grants should be requested by the local association president for funding for activities within the local association.

Because of the overwhelming number of requests received last year, the grants will be honored as follows:

READ ACROSS AMERICA is March 2!

MAINE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION INCENTIVE GRANTS Deadline for Application: February 1, 2020

1. One $50 grant to each local association president who submits a request, first-come, firstserved basis.

2. If the amount is not completely dispersed to fulfill one request from each local association, then $50 grants will be distributed to local associations who submit two requests on a firstcome, first-served basis, then to local associations who submit three requests, and so on until the funds are exhausted. The grants will be awarded to the local association and sent to the local president following the February 1 deadline.

Please complete the form online to apply. Forms can be found at maineea.org

December 2019 • www.maineea.org

27

Salary Increases

MEA works to lift pay to minimum $40,000 and beyond The MEA advocated to increase the starting teacher salary to $40,000 and is actively working with local Associations to increase salary scales to reflect the increase at the beginning of the scale and improve pay throughout the entire scale. As intended, when proposed, the minimum salary increase is increasing pay for teachers throughout the state.

The MEA recently presented along with RSU 39 superintendent Tim Doak at the 108th Annual Department of Education Commissioner’s Conference for Maine Superintendents on how to get to the $40,000 minimum. Along with the starting pay of $40,000, the following elements are key to making the scale as strong as possible: • Reducing the number of steps to more closely align with a teacher’s career trajectory. Research shows teachers generally master their craft – often defined as a teacher being prepared to teach someone else how to teach – in 7 to 10 years, so an appropriate professional salary commensurate with this mastery should be attained as soon as possible.

• The scale should be indexed in order to keep up with inflation over time. This allows the purchasing power of the salary at each level of the scale to retain its value.

The recent RSU 39 settlement shows an example of how to attain these standards. A new scale was created that has 18 levels, with a 3.2% index between steps, meaning a new teacher starting today will reach the top at the beginning of her 18th year. Presently a teacher takes 36 years to get to the top. In order to move to this scale, which increased the career earnings – strength of the scale – by over 25%, a transition has to occur. In the first year, each teacher goes to the first level where they will receive a minimum of a 3% increase. The scale is built in a manner, so each teacher has room to move up a level in the second and third years. Then in the next contract normal negotiations resume where a cost of living increase is negotiated to the scale.

Here is how the scale looks:

Here is how the conversion in RSU 39 looked in the first year: RSU 39 CONVERSION CHART 2018-19 2019-20 YRS. EXP. BA MA LEVEL BA 0 $33,591 $35,289 A $36,000 1 $33,946 $35,660 2 $34,301 $36,031 3 $34,655 $36,402 4 LEVEL B $36,773

MA $38,000

3 4 5

LEVEL A $35,010 $36,426

LEVEL A LEVEL A $38,256

B

$38,000

$40,000

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16-19 20-24

$37,841 $39,257 $40,672 $42,088 $43,504 $44,919 $46,335 $47,750 $49,166 $50,582 $51,997 $54,536

$39,739 $41,221 $42,704 $44,187 $45,670 $47,153 $48,636 $50,118 $51,601 $53,084 $54,567 $57,227

25-29 $57,074 30-34 $59,612 35+ $62,150

$59,887 $62,546 $65,206

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

$40,000 $41,280 $42,601 $43,964 $45,371 $46,823 $48,321 $49,868 $51,463 $53,110 $54,810 $56,564 $58,374 $60,242 $62,169 $64,159

$42,000 $43,344 $44,731 $46,162 $47,640 $49,164 $50,737 $52,361 $54,036 $55,766 $57,550 $59,392 $61,292 $63,254 $65,278 $67,367

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Maine Educator • December 2019

RSU 39 SCALE 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 LEVEL BA MA BA MA BA MA A $36,000 $38,000 B $38,000 $40,000 $38,000 $40,000 1 $40,000 $42,000 $40,000 $42,000 $40,000 $42,000 2 $41,280 $43,344 $41,280 $43,344 $41,280 $43,344 3 $42,601 $44,731 $42,601 $44,731 $42,601 $44,731 4 $43,964 $46,162 $43,964 $46,162 $43,964 $46,162 5 $45,371 $47,640 $45,371 $47,640 $45,371 $47,640 6 $46,823 $49,164 $46,823 $49,164 $46,823 $49,164 7 $48,321 $50,737 $48,321 $50,737 $48,321 $50,737 8 $49,868 $52,361 $49,868 $52,361 $49,868 $52,361 9 $51,463 $54,036 $51,463 $54,036 $51,463 $54,036 10 $53,110 $55,766 $53,110 $55,766 $53,110 $55,766 11 $54,810 $57,550 $54,810 $57,550 $54,810 $57,550 12 $56,564 $59,392 $56,564 $59,392 $56,564 $59,392 13 $58,374 $61,292 $58,374 $61,292 $58,374 $61,292 14 $60,242 $63,254 $60,242 $63,254 $60,242 $63,254 15 $62,169 $65,278 $62,169 $65,278 $62,169 $65,278 16 $64,159 $67,367 $64,159 $67,367 $64,159 $67,367 17 $66,212 $69,522 $66,212 $69,522 $66,212 $69,522 18 $68,331 $71,747 $68,331 $71,747 $68,331 $71,747 The following are other examples of restructured salary scales from around the state, following the same transition as RSU 39, with the starting minimum salary of $40,000. As your district works to implement new salary scales, please reach out to your MEA staff to help guide you in the process.

(Only Bachelor’s and Master’s lanes are shown on scales for space purposes)

Perry Scale: LEVEL A B C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

2019-20 BA $32,500 $35,000 $37,500 $40,000 $41,400 $42,800 $44,200 $45,600 $47,000 $48,400 $49,800 $51,200 $52,600 $54,000 $55,400 $56,800 $58,200 $59,600

MA $34,000 $36,500 $39,000 $41,500 $42,900 $44,300 $45,700 $47,100 $48,500 $49,900 $51,300 $52,700 $54,100 $55,500 $56,900 $58,300 $59,700 $61,100

2020-21 BA

MA

2021-22 BA

MA

$35,000 $37,500 $40,000 $41,400 $42,800 $44,200 $45,600 $47,000 $48,400 $49,800 $51,200 $52,600 $54,000 $55,400 $56,800 $58,200 $59,600

$36,500 $39,000 $41,500 $42,900 $44,300 $45,700 $47,100 $48,500 $49,900 $51,300 $52,700 $54,100 $55,500 $56,900 $58,300 $59,700 $61,100

$37,500 $40,000 $41,400 $42,800 $44,200 $45,600 $47,000 $48,400 $49,800 $51,200 $52,600 $54,000 $55,400 $56,800 $58,200 $59,600

$39,000 $41,500 $42,900 $44,300 $45,700 $47,100 $48,500 $49,900 $51,300 $52,700 $54,100 $55,500 $56,900 $58,300 $59,700 $61,100

2020-21 BA

MA

2021-22 BA

MA

$38,400 $40,000 $41,280 $42,601 $43,964 $45,371 $46,823 $48,321 $49,868 $51,463 $53,110 $54,810 $56,564 $58,374 $60,242 $62,169 $64,159 $66,212 $68,331

$41,400 $43,000 $44,376 $45,796 $47,262 $48,774 $50,335 $51,945 $53,608 $55,323 $57,093 $58,920 $60,806 $62,752 $64,760 $66,832 $68,971 $71,178 $73,455

$40,000 $41,280 $42,601 $43,964 $45,371 $46,823 $48,321 $49,868 $51,463 $53,110 $54,810 $56,564 $58,374 $60,242 $62,169 $64,159 $66,212 $68,331

$43,000 $44,376 $45,796 $47,262 $48,774 $50,335 $51,945 $53,608 $55,323 $57,093 $58,920 $60,806 $62,752 $64,760 $66,832 $68,971 $71,178 $73,455

• Perry’s prior scale was 40 steps, beginning at $31,839 and topping out at $54,816 for Bachelor’s. Career earnings increased by over 36%, and the C Level will go away in the next contract, reaching the $40,000 minimum.

RSU 56 Scale: LEVEL A B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

2019-20 BA $36,800 $38,400 $40,000 $41,280 $42,601 $43,964 $45,371 $46,823 $48,321 $49,868 $51,463 $53,110 $54,810 $56,564 $58,374 $60,242 $62,169 $64,159 $66,212 $68,331

MA $39,800 $41,400 $43,000 $44,376 $45,796 $47,262 $48,774 $50,335 $51,945 $53,608 $55,323 $57,093 $58,920 $60,806 $62,752 $64,760 $66,832 $68,971 $71,178 $73,455

• RSU 56’s prior scale took 27 years to reach the top, starting at $35,165 for Bachelor’s and ending at $61,664. Career earnings increased by over 15%.

SAD 75 Scale: LEVEL AA A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S

2019-20 BA $38,000 $40,000 $41,800 $43,600 $45,400 $47,200 $49,000 $50,800 $52,600 $54,400 $56,200 $58,000 $59,800 $61,600 $63,400 $65,200 $67,000 $68,800 $70,600 $73,260

MA $42,500 $44,500 $46,300 $48,100 $49,900 $51,700 $53,500 $55,300 $57,100 $58,900 $60,700 $62,500 $64,300 $66,100 $67,900 $69,700 $71,500 $73,300 $75,100 $77,760

2020-21 BA

MA

2021-22 BA

MA

$40,000 $41,800 $43,600 $45,400 $47,200 $49,000 $50,800 $52,600 $54,400 $56,200 $58,000 $59,800 $61,600 $63,400 $65,200 $67,000 $68,800 $70,600 $73,260

$44,500 $46,300 $48,100 $49,900 $51,700 $53,500 $55,300 $57,100 $58,900 $60,700 $62,500 $64,300 $66,100 $67,900 $69,700 $71,500 $73,300 $75,100 $77,760

$40,500 $42,320 $44,140 $45,960 $47,780 $49,600 $51,420 $53,240 $55,060 $56,880 $58,700 $60,520 $62,340 $64,160 $65,980 $67,800 $69,620 $71,440 $73,260

$45,000 $46,820 $48,640 $50,460 $52,280 $54,100 $55,920 $57,740 $59,560 $61,380 $63,200 $65,020 $66,840 $68,660 $70,480 $72,300 $74,120 $75,940 $77,760

• SAD 75’s prior scale took at least 35 years to reach the top, starting at $36,300 and ending at $67,800 for Bachelor’s. Career earnings increased by over 28%.

MEA PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINARS 2020 APRIL

MARCH

04 11 18 25

Belfast Kennebunk Skowhegan Auburn

01 08

FREE FOR MEA MEMBERS! SPRING 2020 WEDNESDAYS 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Ellsworth Make-Up Date*

*Make-up Date, if needed, due to any cancellations.

To register for one of the Pre-Retirement Seminars, please register on the MEA website at: www.maineea.org. (Professional Development, Pre-Retirement Seminars). Select the location and date that you would like to attend and register.

Fall dates will be added later.

Registrations will be taken on a first-registration basis and will cease five (5) days prior to each seminar.

MUST PRE-REGISTER IN ORDER TO ATTEND Enrollment is limited to 75 at each session so be sure to register early.

For questions, call the MEA office in Caribou at 1-800-281-3191.

MEA-RETIRED MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: WHAT A BARGAIN FOR LESS THAN $75!

By: Ben Paradis, Chairperson, MEA-Retired Membership Committee Are you already retired or planning on retiring soon? Are you looking to enhance your retirement? What will you do in your retirement now that you don’t have classes to teach? No more papers to grade? No tests to create? No more teacher or committee meetings to attend? MEA-Retired invites you to join our ranks!

For less than $75 a year you can stay informed, join activities, make new friends, and help promote your profession. You will also be eligible for discounts and make connections that help to enhance retirement. You may also want to join to improve your association’s clout as we work tirelessly to protect our pension and COLA each year.

MEA-Retired has more than 5,000 members, with a proactive group of leaders from around the state that meet monthly to conduct the affairs of the Association. Or maybe you could benefit from the many discount programs offered through MEA-Retired and NEA-Retired. We also hope you will join your local affiliates as they work to assist active educators in and out of the classroom.

Continuing to practice your profession as a volunteer can be very satisfying and a lot of fun. Giving back can be the greatest reward 30

Maine Educator • December 2019

and benefit. Participating in forums, chat groups or discussion boards sponsored by an association is also a great way to grow your network. This allows you to use your peers as sounding boards and often make some great friends with the same interests as you.

Once we retire from school, we all know how hard it can become to get out and meet new people and make new friends! Using professional networking groups such as MEA-Retired, the local affiliate, and NEA-Retired provides many opportunities to meet new people, socialize, learn, and have fun. In our retired educator organization, we have access to an established support system of experienced people who are motivated to help others and get things done. There is always room for one more.

Lastly, after having been in the classroom for many years, having extra time to pursue new interests was not possible. Now that you have some free days you may discover new interests, hobbies, pastimes, and abilities that you may not even know you have. Join our retired organizations and discover new opportunities and horizons TODAY! This is quite a bargain and you can have a monthly payment of less than $7 deducted from your MainePERS check. If you have further questions, feel free to contact the Caribou office at 1-800-281-3191.

Student Loan Forgiveness Navigator Student loan debt now averages more than $30,000 per borrower. It can be a very difficult obligation to meet – especially for someone beginning their career in education. NEA Member Benefits has partnered with Savi to provide a unique student loan benefit to NEA members. Start your journey to student loan freedom.

1

NEAMB.com/LoanForgiveness

NEAMB.COM/LOANFORGIVENESS

NEA Member Benefits has partnered with Savi to provide NEA members a free online student loan evaluation tool to determine their eligibility for federal repayment and forgiveness programs.

Just answer a few questions on our secure website, and the Loan Forgiveness Navigator will do the rest.

2

Free Student Loan Checkup The Loan Forgiveness Navigator checks your loans against free federal repayment and forgiveness programs. The average user finds over $1,500/year in new savings! As an educator, you may also be eligible for special teacher forgiveness programs.

When you are completing the Loan Forgiveness Navigator, you will enter your basic personal information, tax information, and can sync your student loans. We recommend having a recent tax return and student loan statement available to make your registration run as efficiently as possible.

Free Student Loan Checkup

What You Get: •

Income-based repayment plan options.

•

Whether you qualify for any cancellation or forgiveness plan, and how much you can save.

•

Phone and chat support.

Pick a repayment plan and easily enroll. Savi will provide ongoing advice, tools, and information.

3

Enroll in Savi Essential Service for $29.95 The online calculator will allow you to determine your repayment options and show you what your potential savings could be completely for free. Once you see your options, you can choose to apply for the programs yourself.

As an NEA Member, you can also take advantage of our convenient e-filing service and get 1-on-1 support from our student loan experts for $29.95 -- a 66% discount from our non-member rate.

neamb.com/loanforgiveness

Essential Service

What You Get: •

Pre-filled electronic repayment and forgiveness forms and enrollment.

•

One-on-one phone support about your loans and the loan forgiveness process.

•

66% Off the Retail Price

1-833-615-1376 December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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Calendar Jan.

14

Jan.

30-31

Feb.

1

Feb.

1

Seal of Biliteracy Roundtable

Maine Winter Wellness Summit

Learning and Leadership Grants

World Languages Discussion Intended Audience: 9-12 teachers, principals, school counselors This is an opportunity to learn more about the Maine Seal of Biliteracy and have your questions answered. Zoom link will be provided when you register.

Get a mid-winter boost for yourself, your school and/ or your Wellness Team by attending this can't-miss, fabulous event! Two nationally acclaimed speakers will open each day with keynote presentations that will engage, educate, motivate and inspire! Murray Banks is a motivational speaker and world champion athlete with roots in teaching school. This year he will share the importance of positivity on one’s health and well-being using hilarious images, imaginative videos and poignant classroom and personal stories.

Grants are available through the NEA Foundation in $2,000 and $5,000 increments. The following are the categories for the grants: • Individuals to participate in high-quality professional development like summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad programs, or action research • Groups to fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson plan development, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff

The NEA Foundation has successfully provided funding to thousands of educators to enable them to take the lead on a wide range of projects to improve student learning.

Grant funds can be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, technology, or scholars-inresidence. Although some funds may be used to support the professional development necessary to implement the project, the majority of grant funds must be spent on materials or educational experiences for students.

FMI: https://www. neafoundation.org/foreducators/learning-andleadership-grants/

FMI: www.neafoundation.org/ for-educators/student-successgrants/

5:00 PM - 6:00 pm Cost: Free FMI: http://bit.ly/2RqL40b

Location: The Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine Cost: Free Registration: bit.ly/342Mkt5

Student Success Grants

It's hard to believe it's time to get ready for the new school year. As you prepare for returning students, you should also think about preparing for your own financial future.

Supplemental retirement plans offered in your district are one of the best places for you to set aside money for your future. Why participate?

• Earnings in the account grow tax-deferred.

• You determine how much you want deducted from your paycheck – which you can change at your convenience.

• The contributions you make are saved through convenient, automatic payroll deductions – you won’t even miss them.

• Any contributions you make are always 100% vested –so the money you save is always yours.

Whether or not Horace Mann is an approved provider in your district's supplemental retirement plan,it ’s important that you participate to help prepare for a healthy financial future. Contact your local Horace Mann representative to get more information on how to help protect what you have today and achieve a more secure financial future.

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Maine Educator • December 2019

Holiday Deals Give the Gift of Broadway

Direct from the Box Office, give the gift of Broadway this holiday season. From Wicked, to the Lion King to Hamilton purchase discounted tickets with your MEA/NEA member benefits.

FMI: neamb.com

Gift of Electronics

With your MEA/NEA membership you receive member pricing on everything from TVs to computers and more. If you don’t have one, create an account with NEA Member Benefits and search the vast catalogue of items available at a discount. Plus, you’ll earn WOW points, which can be used later for even bigger deals. Start shopping today at neamb.com

Gift of Travel

With NEA Vacations you can save on hotels and vacation packages, including cruises. As a member, you have $500 of travel dollars that are put toward bookings through NEA Vacations. The amount put toward each hotel stay or vacation package varies, but any savings is worth it. The $500 travel dollars costs you nothing but saves you when you book through NEA Vacations. Search online at neamb.com/products/nea-vacations

MEA MAGAZINE ART COVER CONTEST

The Maine Educator will feature a cover designed by a Maine public school art student depicting the theme “What I Love About Maine.” Submissions can be any form of art and should be 8.5” by 11”. Please advise students that the magazine title will be across the top and 2.5” high. The artist will want to make sure there is nothing important to the piece at the top, as it may be obscured by the title. Entries need to include name of the student, the school, and the teacher’s name and email.

WHO: Grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12 Based on entries, an indeterminate number of finalists will be selected, with one overall winner chosen from the finalists to have their work on the cover of the magazine.

HOW: Submit artwork to Giovanna Bechard via email at contest@maineea.org or mail to: Giovanna Bechard, 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 Deadline: April 29, 2020

MEA/SEA DOGS “MY HERO WORKS AT SCHOOL” ESSAY CONTEST

The MEA is pleased to join with the Portland Sea Dogs for its annual “My Hero Works at School” essay contest. Students are encouraged to write a short essay no more than 300 words, about their school hero. Two winners will be selected and receive tickets to a 2020 Sea Dogs game for themselves, their family and their school hero.

WHO: Grades K-5 Based on entries, two winners will be selected.

HOW: Submit essays to Giovanna Bechard via email at contest@maineea.org or mail to: Giovanna Bechard, 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 Deadline: April 29, 2020 December 2019 • www.maineea.org

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