31 minute read
Artwork Cover Contest
by Maineea
WINNER
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MAINE
Hunter Ferretti
Tri-County Technical Center Teacher: Karen Walsh
Digital Finalist
Cover Artwork Contest The MEA is pleased to showcase student artwork during its third annual Maine Educator Art Cover Contest. The contest gave students, in all grade levels, the opportunity to create a piece of work that focused on the theme-"What I Love About Maine." Artwork was judged in the following categories: K-4, 5-8, 9-12/Digital. On the following two pages, please enjoy the work of the selected finalists, with the overall winner's work displayed, on the cover. The MEA is excited to promote both students work and the Arts through this contest, and thanks all of those who participated. To see the images below in their full 8x10 size, please log on to the Maine Educator Online.
9-12 Finalists
Jordan Farnham
Houlton High School Teacher: Cindy Mooers
Brandon Michaud
Tri-County Technical Center Teacher: Karen Walsh
Jenny Nguyen
Great Falls Elementary Teacher: Kimberly Kelly
Grant St. Laurent
Fairview School Teacher: Colleen Henry
Faith Pete
Glenburn School Teacher: Lindsay Hartwell
Ben Jalbert
Lewiston Middle School Teacher: Kay Allison
We've got your back!
Question: I feel like there are so many new laws regarding schools I can’t keep up. I’m familiar with the rules of restraint and seclusion. Are there any new rules or laws regarding student contact that educators should be aware of?
Answer: It only takes one misstep or error in judgement in the use of social media or communicating with a student to potentially ruin a career, let alone subject you to potentially criminal charges and public ridicule. The Maine Legislature has responded to the outrage that these types of stories generate by amending the criminal laws in ways that directly impact school employees, specifically how students and educators physically interact.
Discussing sexual contact with a minor or a student can be an uncomfortable topic. However, it is critical that teachers and those who work with students understand the scope of criminal laws that impact them and not rely on outdated, inaccurate, or even apocryphal stories which could put their livelihood and personal freedom at risk.
First, Maine law now absolutely prohibits teachers and employees with instructional, supervisory, or disciplinary authority over a student from intentionally subjecting a student enrolled in any private or public elementary, secondary or special education school, facility, or institution to any sexual contact. In plain English, it is a crime for any school employee to engage in any sexual contact with a student that the When teachers & professors need someone in their corner, MEA is there. When support staff members need help in their career, MEA is there. MEA is your resource for any and all issues related to your career.
We've got your back!
teacher or employee has instructional, supervisory, or disciplinary authority over, regardless of the age of the student, and regardless of the student giving consent.
Further, it continues to be a crime for any teacher, employee, or school official who is at least 21 years-old to engage in any sexual contact with a student less than 18 years-old who attends school in the same school district/RSU or educational unit. The distinction is whether or not the teacher has the student in a class or is otherwise responsible for the student – in which case the age of the student that they engage in sexual contact with is irrelevant – there is no instance where sexual contact is allowed. Sexual contact with a student is only legal if the teacher/employee is at least 21 years old and does not have any authority over the student in any manner and the student is at least 18 years old. Finally, a teacher or employee having supervisory authority over a student enrolled in any public or private school can be charged with gross sexual assault for engaging in a sexual act with a student, regardless of the age of the student. This is a more serious crime as it concerns sexual “acts” as opposed to sexual “contact.” In addition, the court can increase the sentence imposed if it is proved that the sexual act was committed in a safe children zone. A conviction under any of the provisions I have discussed in this article also requires that the individual be placed upon on the Sex Offender Registry. MEA Legal services excludes coverage for legal representation for such criminal charges because they are not employment related. Even if your actions are “legal,” you are not safe from having discipline imposed by a school district for actions that violate school policy. Even if criminal charges are dismissed or unsubstantiated, being involved in criminal proceedings will likely subject you to having your certification investigated and risk your continued employment due to the significant publicity that typically surrounds such salacious allegations. My advice is to never put yourself in a situation where you are alone with a student in any capacity not related to school, and even then, make sure that other protections are in place to eliminate the potential for any misunderstanding or false charge to be made against you and police have to rely upon your word against that of a
student.
Andrew Mason is General Counsel for the MEA. Mason graduated magna cum laude from Vermont Law School. He has practiced in the field of Employment Law for more than 10 years. Previous to his career in law, he worked with blind an visually impaired children, and was a part of IEP teams.
School children visit the farm in Brooklin, Maine, that inspired Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
MEA's continued effort to inspire children to read continues this spring and summer as the MEA partners with Maine Public to sponsor PBS's The Great American Read. The Great American Read is an eight-part television and online series designed to spark a national conversation about reading and the books that have inspired, moved, and shaped us.
PBS has created a list of 100 diverse books and is encouraging everyone to read as many of the books as possible and then vote for your favorite. Maine Public will also create a space for Mainers to vote for their favorite book.
"The MEA is excited to be part of this reading initiative to encourage both children and adults to read. Maine Public, along with its national chapter, PBS, have consistently proven they care about helping educators and supporting learning. This partnership is one way MEA can support Maine Public, the educators who use the resources provided by the organization, and reading as a whole," said Lois Kilby-Chesley, MEA President.
More About The Great American Read
The Great American Read premiered Tuesday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m. on Maine Public Television with a launch special, kicking off a summer of reading and voting. The episodes will uncover details about the books, their authors and those who are reading them. In the fall, additional episodes will reveal America's most beloved book, featuring appearances by celebrities, athletes, experts, authors, and everyday Americans advocating for their favorite book. Be sure to join in the conversation and start reading, and then vote for your favorite! In the fall, Maine Public will announce the book that received the most votes here in Maine on Maine Calling on Maine Public Radio.
Quiz! How Many Books Have You
Read From the List of 100?
Visit: http://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/quiz/ and share your results with @Maineea
Celebrating 25 Years
Reasons Why MEA Benefits Trust Health Insurance is Better Nearly 70,000 individuals rely on the MEA Benefits Trust for their health care coverage. The MEA Benefits Trust is run by and for members. The Trust is non-profit and has some of the lowest administrative costs in the insurance business and, members benefit from MEABT being one of the largest clients. There is power in size! That savings, over the 25 years in existence, is passed on to you, the member. As the MEABT celebrates 25 years this year, make sure you take advantage of the unique offerings available to you through MEABT. Please visit the MEABT website to see all the valuable programs that are available to you.
Rate Protection
MEABT is committed to providing the best health insurance plans at affordable rates for the benefit of all Plan participants. They negotiate annually. In 2013, due to legislation, the MEABT transitioned to a new rating methodology. The modified risk pool approach allows school districts with 51 or more eligible employees (including retirees) to benefit in the rating process from good claims experience, while also protecting school districts with less-than-average claims experience by capping the maximum increase a school district could receive. School districts with 50 or fewer employees are part of a statewide community rate.
Member Assistance Program (MAP).
A free and confidential service, you and your household members can get help with a wide range of issues. Call 855-686-5615 or visit anthemeap.com. Login (MEABT) to set up limited free visits with licensed therapists, financial advisors, attorneys and other professionals.
Vision Coverage.
The MEABT added vision coverage to the active insurance plans in July of 2016. Visit an in-network provider/facility to obtain the highest level of benefits. Vision benefits include vision testing, frames, lenses or contacts.
LiveHealth Online
This benefit provides you with a 24/7 virtual doctor, psychologist or therapist visit where they can assess your condition, provide a treatment plan and even send a prescription to your pharmacy. Just download the free LiveHealth Online app or visit livehealthonline. com to pre-register/use.
Valuable Insurance Coverage
MEABT offers four comprehensive health insurance plans for active employees and early retirees. For those retirees enrolled in Medicare, they offer the Group Companion Plan, a product that supplements Medicare’s coverage and protects you from balances left after Medicare’s payments. Regardless of which MEABT health plan you enroll in, you can be assured that your plan provides comprehensive prescription drug coverage which shields you from the rising costs of prescription drugs.
Walk-In Facilities across the state.
Members are able to access health care at a lower cost option when an emergency room visit is not necessary. For a current list of participating facilities visit meabt.
org/documents.
Onlife Health
MEABT’s wellness incentive program offers participants the opportunity to maintain or to improve their health status by participating in healthy lifestyle activities; fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, and emotional health. When you participate, each point you earn is worth $1, points are redeemed in $50 increments, up to $250 in prepaid cards that can be used at over 150 retailers. To register go to OnlifeHealth.com. You must be an Anthem plan member and over age 26 to participate.
Condition Care
This program offers guidance and support to manage long-term chronic conditions including Asthma, Diabetes, COPD, CHF, and CAD. Call 866-596-9812 to register and engage. You must be an Anthem member to participate. Participates receive waived or reduced physician & pharmacy copays, along with gift card incentives. If eligible, you, your spouse or domestic partner, must be 18 years old or older to receive the ConditionCare gift card incentives.
How
STRONG are "Teacher Unions?"
As educators take to the streets nationwide, the movement of unions is growing. With a sea of red in the streets and in our schools, Maine Educator took a closer look at the strength of U.S. “Teacher Unions”, as they’re called by researchers. What is the perception of “Teacher Unions” on a national level, and where does Maine fall into this conversation? Below are some key findings from the most recent study on the topic from The Thomas B. Fordham Institute Research Report entitled: How Strong are U.S. Teacher Unions? A state-by-state comparison.
ABOUT THE STUDY:
37 variables analyzed across 5 areas
Resources and membership Involvement in politics Scope of bargaining State policies Perceived influence
MAINE FINDINGS
OVERALL RANK 22 STATE POLICIES 7 SCOPE OF BARGAINING 16 PERCEIVED INFLUENCE 11 RESOURCES AND MEMBERSHIP 20 INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS* 44
CONCLUSIONS
In terms of strength, the Maine Education Association stands among the best states to collectively bargain with state policies that benefit students and employment. With a ranking of 7 in the nation for state policies, Maine ranks among the best in the categories of class sizes that benefit students, fair evaluation processes, security in the job and limitations on charter schools. The MEA was, and continues to be instrumental in preserving our neighborhood public schools, fighting to put a cap on charter schools which siphon money away from the schools most students attend. In addition, MEA was at the helm during the creation of the teacher evaluation process— ensuring student test scores were not a mandatory part of the evaluation process, but a local decision. At the inception, some lawmakers wanted to create an evaluation tool that would have required test scores make up 20% of the evaluation process. MEA pushed back to help craft an evaluation process that is fair, helps the educator grow, and the student succeed. *Source: http://edex.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/publication/pdfs/20121029-UnionStrength-Full-Report_7_0.pdf June 2018 • www.maineea.org 21
Your Association
INTERNATIONAL DAY
Students at Lewiston High School celebrated diversity through food, song and dance during the annual International Day. In a place where you can hear more than 30 different languages in the halls and 30% of the students are born in other countries, sharing a piece of themselves is one way this school helps students respect and appreciate each other.
Asma Omar, Co-President, Celebrate Diversity Club (Photo, top right)
Patty Mackinnon, LHS teacher/Advisor, Celebrate Diversity Club (Photo, right center)
Jake Langlais, LHS Principal
Rosaria Chantrill, Family and Consumer Science teacher (Photo, left)
RUNNING & READING “ I want all my students and clients to have fun! Work hard and you will get results! I will encourage, motivate and energize everyone to reach their goals. I will provide a safe and comfortable environment so all students and clients can reach their full potential.” -Alyssa DiPietro, Saco EA
We sat down with to get a better sense as to how she manages and often enhances her teaching through her active lifestyle. Alyssa DiPietro is a Multiage Teacher from Fairfield Elementary School in Saco, Maine. She is also a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. Alyssa has been in education since 2006, starting in Special Education working in developmental programs and behavior programs. This is her third year as a first and second grade multiage teacher.
Alyssa shared her thoughts about her teaching with the MEA Benefits Trust.
Q1: What inspires you about teaching and personal training?
AD: It is exciting to watch kids grow and learn. I enjoy seeing the lesson(s) I am teaching suddenly “clicks” with the students. I often hear, “now I see why you are teaching me this”. Knowing they are learning and excited about learning, makes my day.
Personal training provides similar satisfaction by helping people to achieve their fitness goals. It’s exciting when your clients see positive changes both physically and mentally. The ultimate goal is to bring a client to where exercise has become enjoyable and part of their lifestyle.
Q2: Do you find similarities in your teaching students and personal training clients?
AD: Yes, each student and client are motivated by their unique triggers. The challenge is to find those triggers and connect with them so they are best prepared to succeed. When I can do this, I am able to keep students and clients on task moving towards their goals. Learning and training should be enjoyable and that is a big part of my job to stay positive, upbeat and to have fun while helping my students and clients learn and succeed.
Q3: How do you balance your time between teaching, training and your own exercise program?
AD: Like most people I have a very busy lifestyle. I am lucky to be able to do the things I am passionate about. Whether it is teaching or personal training it provides me with a great deal of satisfaction when I can help others achieve their goals. As for finding time to exercise, I make sure to find that time for myself, it serves as a physical and stress reliever.
Q4: What advice would you give to someone just starting an exercise program and who may feel intimidated to exercise at the “gym”?
AD: Reach out to a certified personal trainer, look for free introductory sessions, go with friends, go at a time when the “gym” will be less crowded. Start small, celebrate small success, set goals. Make it a priority that is non-negotiable.
Q5: Has the Onlife Health program helped you to reach your fitness goals?
AD: I have been doing the Onlife Health program this year and it has kept me motivated to work on my strengths and weaknesses in my daily routines. It is easy to do, and the best part is getting the gift cards! I also participated in the Fall Football Challenge, I was able to earn extra points and was entered to win a $250 gift card!
0th 9
Representative Assembly May 19 & 20, 2018
During MEA's 90 th annual Representative Assembly, MEA members elected new officers. Below are the new slate of officers that will take the lead in July. Here are their thoughts and visions, in just a few words, for the future of the association.
President-elect Grace Leavitt
"It is a great privilege to serve as your next MEA President. As the official spokesperson and chief policy officer for the MEA, I will see to it that MEA keeps moving forward, strengthening connections among all of our members and increasing the visibility of our organization, so that all recognize and value, with actions and not mere words, the important work that educators do every day for Maine's students."
Vice President-elect Jesse Hargrove
"It is an honor to have been elected to this dynamic leadership team. Together we will find new ways to support students and educators across the state, expand our organizational capacity, and inspire a new generation of leaders. Let's have some fun."
Treasurer-elect Beth French
"It is my sincere honor and privilege to serve as your next MEA Treasurer! I’m eager to continue the work of this great organization; to engage and organize our members, to grow membership, and promote the vision of “Unionism For Today” in every workplace, for every member. Thank you for your support and I look forward to our shared advocacy on behalf of MEA members and our students!"
NEA Director Amanda Cooper
"I am very much looking forwarding to my second year of work on the NEA Board of Directors! I am also excited and optimistic about the opportunities and support that Grace, Jesse, Beth and I will continue to advocate for, to ensure that ALL Maine students and educators have what they need to reach their fullest potential!"
0th 9
Voice in the Profession
Representative Assembly May 19 & 20 | Portland Mariott Sable Oaks
The MEA held its 90th annual Representative Assembly (RA) on May 18th and 19th. MEA’s RA is the largest democratic body of the association made up of educators elected by their local associations to represent their district. The MEA RA delegates set the course of work for the Association in the upcoming school year, discuss and take positions on key education issues, and elect new leadership.
First-Time Delegates MEA Award Winners
Among the delegates this year were many who had MEA is proud to honor its members, and members of never been to the MEA RA before. Several shared their the community who are committed to excellence in perspective on why attending is so important. education. Below are this year's winners.
Renee Doucette, K-A-K EA
"We are in our own association—we get the magazine and the emails but seeing it live is powerful. I'm glad I was able to be part of the process and see all these educators working together to improve instruction and This year's winner of the MEA's Human and Civil Rights
learning with students. "
Jennifer Dorman, SAD 54 EA
"The networking has been a positive experience—meeting teachers from across the state who are dealing with things from the profession—there is a lot to be said about this is an experience that can build you up as a professional where there is so much tearing us down. I'll definitely come Anne Sheehan Political Action Award - (Not Pictured) This year’s winner of the MEA’s Anne Sheehan Political Action Award is Susan Feiner, a professor of economics and women and gender studies at the University of Southern Maine.
Human and Civil Rights Award - (Not Pictured back!"
Award is Ina Demers, an educator at Howard C. Reiche Community School.
FRIEND OF EDUCATION AWARD
Mary Beth Bourgoin, Winslow EA
"I’ve been a member since I started, but have never been to the RA. I’m glad I came—seeing how it operates—and how the decisions are made has been a positive experience. It’s something I can bring back to the membership to let them know their concerns are heard and something is being done about it."
Courtney McCann, Quamphegan EA
"I always thought there was a mystical person to tell our president things, so demystifying that is a really good thing. It's not as intimidating as a lot of people may think it is—it's a bunch of people sitting in a room talking about issues important to education."
Friend of Education Award - Presented to Maine Senator Angus King
CORPORATE AWARD
GOLDEN APPLE AWARD CLYDE RUSSELL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Golden Apple Award - Linda MacArthur, Princeton Elementary School
GOLDEN APPLE AWARD
Golden Apple Award - James Ford, Lewiston High School
JOAN MCGOVERN ESP AWARD
Joan McGovern ESP Award - Presented to Doreen Armour, Ed Tech at China Middle School.
MEA AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE
Pictured Left to Right: Meagan Jordan, Abby Soucy, Jordan Daigle and Cole Cerabona
The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund was created by the MEA through a trust established by the late Audrey Lewis. It awards graduating seniors monies to help cover tution, room, board, books and fees. Congratulations to this year's winners!
Cole Cerabona, Kennebunk High School: Cole plans to attend American University in the fall and will to study law and practice as an attorney.
Jordan Daigle, Spruce Mountain High School: Jordan plans to attend Harvard in the fall and aspires to be an environmental engineering student.
Meagan Jordan, Machias Memorial High School:
Megan plans to attend Eastern Maine Community College in the fall where she will work toward becoming a Veterinary Technician. Meagan plans to continue her studies at the University of Maine at Augusta.
Abby Soucy, Van Buren District Secondary School:
Abby will attend Northern Maine Community College in the fall where she hopes to receive a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Click here to read speeches from outgoing MEA President & Executive director
New C-30 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes in the development of a comprehensive approach to provide interventions for students before mental health issues emerge as threats to school populations.
New C-31 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes all students must attend safe schools to optimize learning. To that end, the MEA believes schools must have adequate funding for security, adequate funding for mental health staff, a weapon free environment, and trained educators who recognize and report student in crisis.
New C-32 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes school property and buildings must remain gun-free, with the only exception made for trained law enforcement officers. Our primary focus as educators must remain the education, safety, and general welfare of students and staff. At no time should parents, students, educators, or others be encouraged, permitted or required to carry firearms on school property.
New E-25 RESOLVED: That the MEA believes that all transgender students should be able to use the bathroom or locker room of the gender with which they identify.
Amendment of C-21 C21. RESOLVED: That the MEA supports statewide minimum compensation and working conditions for all public education employees including payment of at least a liveable wage to all employees living wage to all employees as determined by the MIT Living Wage Calculator. (Adopted 2004; Amended 2006; Amended 2018)
2018 NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
RESOLVED: That the MEA will support legislation that protects students in schools including but not limited to: increased funding for school security, more restrictive weapons laws, increased funding for mental health professionals, and red flag laws that require professionals to report possible student crises. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. RESOLVED: That the Maine Education Association will provide professional development on school climate and culture as they impact teaching, learning and school safety.
RESOLVED: That the MEA support legislation that addresses the negative impact on students due to the legislative requirements of the proficiency-based diploma mandate.
RESOLVED: That the MEA supports legislation that ensures teacher-led certification committees in all school districts as existed in Chapter 118 of the Rules
for the Department of Education. RESOLVED: That the MEA review the policy regarding the use of MEA buildings for committee meetings.
RESOLVED: That the MEA investigate participating in social justice events in Maine.
RESOLVED: That the MEA investigate as part of every MEA committee meeting providing each committee member with a list of open committee spots identified by (UniServ) district.
RESOLVED: That the MEA investigate as part of every conference evaluation survey asking attendees to name three members they will commit to personally inviting to the next conference then follow up with them when the registration for the next conference opens to remind them to invite the members they named.
RESOLVED: That the MEA investigate creating email listserv groups for local presidents (for example: districtk-presidents@mea.org) to communicate with each other without being required to disclose their personal email addresses.
10. RESOLVED: That the MEA will investigate the development and implementation of a one-quarter time dues category for MEA members, with a recommendation from the Structure and Bylaws committee presented at the 2019 Representative
Assembly.
11. RESOLVED: That the MEA supports Bargaining for the Common Good & Student Centered Advocacy by developing curriculum, providing statewide and regional trainings, committing resources and setting statewide goals.
12. RESOLVED: That the MEA research grant opportunities, professional learning opportunities and resources focused on social and emotional learning.
Such opportunities should be communicated to local association leaders in a timely manner.
13. RESOLVED: That the MEA will work with Maine
School Management Association to encourage local school boards to adopt policies that specifically protect the privacy of staff members regarding social media use by students for non-educational purposes.
14. RESOLVED: That the MEA Board of Directors investigate establishing a standing committee devoted to addressing its membership recruitment and engagement needs and consider assigning this task to the Board's Organizing Committee.
15. RESOLVED: That the MEA Government Relations
Committee will actively form and promote legislation to grant public service sector workers the right to strike.
2018 STANDING RULES Change
STANDING RULE 2, ELECTION PROCEDURES
SECTION 5, Campaigning B. Definitions
5. Written Material
Distribution by a candidate or designee of written and/or printed materials shall constitute a legitimate campaign activity, and actual expenses thus incurred must be reported. All campaign materials must carry an identification of their source and sponsorship (i.e. paid for by the candidate or their committee.)
Christopher Sutherland, Westbrook EA
Delegates from Portland EA
Your Association
June 30
Award Nomination
Nominations are being accepted for the 2018 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) Teacher of the Year awards. Nominations are due by June 30 and completed applications are due by August 21. For more information contact Kristen Allen at kallen@rsu10.org, MAPHERD Awards chairperson, before June 30. August 13
Computer Science Day
The Maine Department of Education, Maine State Library, and Project Login are partnering to host Computer Science Day this summer. The event will be at the State House in Augusta from 9-4 and is open to the public. Attendees can join presentations, visit booths with hands-on learning opportunities and learn what resources exist to help educators integrate computer science into their teaching and learning practice. October 1
Technology Grants
Grants for Grades K-5 • Do you teach in an elementary school classroom? • Do you have an innovative idea for improving math or science instruction in your classroom? • Is your idea project based learning with measurable outcomes? • What do you need to make learning math and science fun for your students?
K-5 grade teachers are invited to apply online for a $1,000 Toshiba America Foundation grant to help bring an innovative hands-on project into their own classroom. Application Deadline: Oct. 1 October 15
Teaching & Learning Grants
The NEA Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 exclusively to NEA members to enhance teaching and learning: • Student Achievement
Grants support initiatives that improve academic achievement. • Learning & Leadership
Grants support highquality professional development. Preference is currently being given to projects that incorporate STEM and/or global learning, as well as projects with leads/partners that are ESPs. FMI and how to apply visit The NEA Foundation's website.
Student Loan Solutions
Learn how managing student loan debt can make a difference in educators’ lives
Horace Mann offers a suite of solutions that may help educators find ways to remove or reduce monthly student loan payments and redirect any savings to other life goals.
Remove
Forgiveness programs may remove some or all student loan debt Reduce
Repayment and refinancing options may reduce monthly payments Redirect
Redirect any savings to help achieve financial goals
To learn more about: Student Loan Solutions Workshops or schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact your local Horace Mann representative. Or, visit horacemann.com/workshops
Lisa Bussiere, Auburn . . . . . . . . . . .207-783-3660 David Case, Bangor . . . . . . . . . . . . .207-941-2121 Joe DeFranco, Ellsworth . . . . . . . . . 207-941-2121 Jeff Delisle, Augusta . . . . . . . . . . . .207-623-5004 Martha Frost, Falmouth . . . . . . . . . .207-797-3019
P.J. Kinney, Presque Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-764-1283 Tony LaPrino, Rockland . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-941-121 2 Dominic Vermette, Waterboro . . . . . . . . 207-467-3650 Troy True, Brunswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-729-1975 Dominic Vermette, East Waterboro . . . . .207-247-0186 Paul Yarnevich, South Portlan d . . . . . . . .207-510-6600
Founded by Educators for Educators
Summer Discounts . . . 4–5 . . . 6–7 . . . . 8–9 . . . . 10 GET ADVICE FROM PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND Your World WWW.MEAMB.COM NEAMB.AFFINITYPERKS.COM . . . . 11 TRAVEL ON AN EDUCATOR’S BUDGET Trips of a lifetime . . 12–13 NEA Travel Newsletter: Make travel dollars . . .14–15 Vacations can help you gain new perspectives that you can share Today, there are countless places to look for financial go further: Subscribe to our travel newsletter for valuable articles, plus member-only deals with your family and students. Here are ways to save money while and insurance products, travel discounts, retirement and discounts. neamb.com/travelsignup advice and budget tips. Yet with all the resources exploring new horizons. NEA® Vacations: All-new NEA Vacations available, it’s more difficult than ever to find lets you book, plan, tour and more, offering exclusive rewards and travel discounts tailored information that’s relevant to you as an educator. just for NEA members. neamb.com/nea-vacations Expand your world Your NEA membership provides advice you can Trafalgar Guided Vacations: Receive 10% • Stretch Your Travel Budget by Avoiding trust and solutions that are exclusively designed savings on more than 230 guided vacations to Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, We’ve gathered the seven simplest ways to keep on top of your benefits — because the more you is the place to start. These 6 Fees: neamb.com/no-fees-4-me • 8 Little-known Vacation Deals for Teachers: to your needs. Australia and New Zealand. neamb.com/Trafalgar neamb.com/travel-deals Keep this guide as a quick resource. You’ll find G Adventures: Explore all seven continents on ate booking sites — in two minutes flat. Register for your benefits and save your info here (your User ID is your email address): • Free Attractions to See in the U.S.:neamb.com/free-attractions • Travel theWorld With Grants Just for countless ideas for saving money, improving your finances and ensuring the security of your family. land or by sea, with an experiential, small group travel company offering the world’s greatest adventures. NEA members and up to three travel companions can receive a 15% discount Educators: neamb.com/my-grant And if you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate off their next trip OR any other single G Adventures offer, whichever is greater. • 8 Questions to HelpYou PickYour Perfect Guided Tour:neamb.com/guided-tour to call us at 1-800-637-4636 neamb.com/gadventures .
• How to Plan aVacation Without Going Into
Debt: neamb.com/vacation-budget
ou subscribe, and we’ll customize NEAchieve! to suit you. Get offers and insights to help you reach your goals — whether you’re planning a career move, a family or
email alerts, for advance notice of special offers that interest you:
witter and Facebook. Ask members for their opinions, or post a question
