Maine Educator November 2013

Maine

November 2013 Vol. 74 • Number 3

Educator

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

Visit MEA Online: www.maineea.org

What’s His Number?

The five digit divide—how a zip code affects public education

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4

Tell Your The Five Story Digit Divide

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ESPs:

Supporting Students and Schools

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New Educator Evaluation Rules

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Meet Your One Small UniServ Step for Directors Students

Top Issues In Education

Happy American Education Week

quality that Maine’s students produce under the tutelage of art teacher members statewide. In March 2014 we are looking forward to another successful display being unveiled at our Art Opening Gala.

American Education Week should be 52 weeks a year. But this year, November 18th through 22nd is set aside to acknowledge the collaborative work of Maine’s educators and community members. Each day of the week is dedicated to the hard work of those who make education great.

Maine educators provide wonderful opportunities for our students through hands-on, real-life experiences. Having grassroots support is essential to our success and we are lucky that in Maine parents, teachers, and ESP work together with other community organizations for successful public schools at all levels–preschool to higher education.

The Maine School Garden Network, with the culminating Maine Harvest Lunch Week, is made possible with the help of our talented food service workers, teachers and parents in communities all over the state. From Central School’s Outdoor Classroom in South Berwick, north to the Caribou FFA Farm Stand, east to Shead High School Garden in Eastport and west to Brownfield/Denmark School Gardens, gardens are sprouting up at schools as the joy of gardening enhances student learning.

The Maine Physical Science Partnership and Maine Elementary

Lois Kilby-Chesley, MEA President

Science Partnership bring together 12 high schools and 31 elementary schools from rural Maine. There are cohort groups available for support, partnerships with University STEM faculty, students and researchers, and a variety of other activities, including summer conferences.

It has just been announced that AFUM member Michelle Smith, a University of Maine researcher and assistant professor in UMaine’s School of Biology and Ecology, and a MPSP partner will be participating in five projects aimed at improving nationwide science instruction and assessment.

MEA is proud to partner with Maine Art Education Association for our yearly Student Art Show that graces the walls of our Augusta Headquarters for several months each year. The work the students do is superb and we truly marvel at the

Tell Your Story

The 24,000 members of the Maine Education Association need to start telling their stories. And they need to tell those stories to anyone who will listen.

Far too many decisions are being made in Augusta and Washington, D.C. that impact our students and our colleagues without the much-needed input from the professionals working in Maine’s public schools. Legislators and their education advisors – the vast majority of whom have never worked in public education, are making these decisions. They are

Maine

Educator

Volume 74 Number 3 Copyright 2013

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

Every school has examples of the dedication and student-centered learning that go on inside (and outside) the walls.

Maine educators are amazing and the MEA gives a big shout out to every one of you during American Education Week and the other 51 weeks as well. These activities are what education is all about – raising our hand for public education, and giving students real-life experiences that will stay with them throughout their lives. most likely getting riddled with advice from education “reformers” who are much more concerned with profits than they are with our students.

Mike Thurston, NEA Director

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

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

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Let’s Go 5-2-1-0 is a coalition of county, city, and local organizations that support individual sites in schools and communities. Together with teachers, Let’s Go works to encourage healthy eating habits and fight childhood obesity.

In RSU 20, elementary school children celebrated ‘Harvest Week’ recently with taste tests at Nickerson and East Belfast Schools. Kennebunk Elementary School, in partnership with Let’s Go, uses oversized puzzles that encourage students to eat more fruits and veggies, avoid oversized portions, and seek out locally-sourced food.

November 2013

So let’s stop waiting for someone to ask our advice. Let’s talk to school board members, neighbors, parents, administrators, and the decision-makers in the capital. Let’s tell them about the students we work with and how our experiences have shaped the way we do our jobs. More importantly, let’s let them know that we have much to say when it comes to reforming public education. For example, we can tell everyone: •

Students need to be able to think critically and solve problems in order to be engaged citizens.

•

Evaluation systems should use multiple sources of evidence of student learning and school performance over time, rather than a single high-stakes test or a vague “A-F“ grading system.

www.maineea.org

Top Issues In Education Cont. from Page 2 •

Schools should strive to educate the whole child, increasing wraparound services to help students come to school ready to succeed.

•

The government should provide for adequate, equitable, and sustained funding for schools, fully funding critical programs such as Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

•

School districts should partner with teachers to develop professional inservice plans that fit the needs of the students in those local schools.

•

Public school districts should ensure that all low-income children have access to high-quality early childhood education.

This list is just a short example – there is so much more to say. We need to remember that we are the people who should be saying it. Contrary to what some would have you believe, Maine’s public schools and universities are great places to learn and to work. And it is MEA members who make that happen every day. If you work in a classroom, hallway, office, kitchen, or school bus you are the expert. So get out there and beat that drum. Let’s be the voice that we have been waiting for.

Michael Thurston has been teaching in Maine for 29 years. He is currently the Social Studies Department Chair at Winslow High School, Winslow Education Association President, and Maine’s Director on the NEA Board.

A great way to “Tell Your Story” is to get more involved with your local association! If you are unsure of who your local leaders are contact your UniServ Director.

Check out pages 12 and 13 of this magazine to “Meet Your UniServ Director.” www.maineea.org

November 2013

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What’s His Number?

The five digit divide—how a zip code affects public education Five numbers. 486 combinations statewide. A zip code. It’s a seemingly benign figure…something you easily rattle off when asked by the mail order clerk on the phone or quickly enter at the gas pump before you fill the tank. But when it comes to zip code and education, there’s more than meets the eye.

Statewide, the total per pupil spending varies dramatically depending on the zip code attached to the community. And what you get for your money changes drastically too—ringing true the old adage you get what you pay for. That’s not to say schools with less spending power are failing—but the amount spent makes a big difference when it comes to programs offered and opportunities available to each student.

“If we could have a golden scenario we would have more money to have more full-time staff so we can offer more— wouldn’t it be nice if we could offer foreign language? If we could get more computers or a teacher dedicated to teaching them about computers or technology or specialized courses for theater? We can’t do that. We try and put band-aids on things… for example we get one theater presentation, that’s it,” said Marin.

While the school does offer one period of art and music a week, Marin says students are not exposed, due to the remoteness of Washington County, to many of the cultural offerings other kids receive and funding doesn’t allow for those experiences to be brought into the school.

The statewide average for total per pupil spending, according to the DOE, is $11,062. Taking small island schools out of the equation since they spend a considerable amount more per student because of location and size, one of the districts that spends the most per pupil is Wells-Ogunquit CSD at $14,351. RSU 25 (Bucksport, Orland, Prospect and Verona Island) spends about the state average at $11,058 per pupil and Jonesport School Department, which is made up of just the elementary school, spends among the least in the state at $7,688 per student. This article will take you to each zip code and give you a closer look at what each district/school provides based on the amount of money spent, explaining the significance of location when it comes to public education.

Funding also dictates the technology provided in the school.

Students do not have iPads and the school does not have a librarian or media studies program. The PTO helps pay for new books in the library, again due to funding issues. If students want to play sports they need to travel to the high school, there are none offered at the PreK-8 school.

04649 - Jonesport School Department

04416 - RSU 25

Fast Facts Tax Rate: $12.00/per $1,000 value Average Property Value: Not Calculated By Town Student Population: 127 Major Industry/Employer: Fishing Average % on Free and Reduced Lunch: 61% Jonesport is a fishing community in the heart of Down East with a rugged coast and approximately 1,500 year round residents. There are two schools in the town, but funding is calculated differently for each school. The Jonesport School Department consists of just the elementary school which educates students in grades PreK-8. According to DOE figures, only three districts in the state have a lower per pupil spending figure. Still, part-time art and part-time gifted and talented teacher Lisa Marin says Lisa Marin conducts a lesson about Op Art the educators and the community are determined to give each student the best education they can. Marin says the school relies heavily on a very good Parent Teacher Organization and local organizations to help fund projects like a school garden which teaches students how to eat healthy and raise their own food. But, when it comes to in-school instruction, Marin says the school is only able to offer basic courses.

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Despite the challenges, Marin says everyone in the community works together, does the best they can with what they have and because of the small community, no student falls through the cracks.

“I am proud of teaching here. Would it be nice to have everything we had years ago, yes but...” says Marin.

Fast Facts: Tax Rate: $13.56 per $1,000 value (Bucksport) Average Residential Property Value: $170,000 Student Population: 1,100 Major Industry/Employer: Verso Paper Mill Average % on Free and Reduced Lunch: 55% At the head of Penobscot Bay, Bucksport is the largest community in RSU 25 with approximately 5,000 people. The downtown waterfront area is a draw for both visitors and businesses. The schools, three in the RSU, spend about the state average per pupil.

In RSU 25, that amount of funding give students a variety of choices in courses, including classes offered in forensic science, U.S. Photo Credit: RSU 25 Website History through Sports, and Architectural Design. Foreign languages are also offered at both the high school and in grades 6-8.

New this year, the school hired one gifted and talented teacher and a school resource officer. The gifted and talented program is currently not available for students at all grade levels, but the school administration hopes to offer that in the future, when funds allow. Due to funding cuts in the last three years, the district was forced to close a school and cut music and physical education in half. The school district offers after school sports to students in both the middle and high school level and is supported in part by boosters who hold fundraisers to help pay for the programs.

November 2013

www.maineea.org

What’s His Number?

While RSU 25 does not spend as much as other schools in the state, Superintendent James Boothby says educators work to develop personal learning plans when students are in high school so they can choose courses that best fit their needs and goals for their future. “I am so impressed with the work ethic of the staff. They commit to students. Sure I would love to have a box of money and say you can have all the professional development time you need…but we can’t. I am truly impressed with how hard our teachers work and everything they do,” says Boothby.

Maine

Educator

ONLINE! 04401 - Hermon

Fast Facts Tax Rate: $11.70 per $1,000 value Student Population: 1,153 Major Industry/Employer: Healthcare Average % on Free and Reduced Lunch: 25%

04090/03907 - Wells/Ogunquit Fast Facts Tax Rate: $9.12 per $1,000 value (Wells) $7.50 per $1,000 (Ogunquit) Average Residential Property Value: $250,000/$328,727 Student Population: 1,330 Major Industry/Employer: Shaws Distribution Average % on Free and Reduced Lunch: 22% The Wells/ Ogunquit CSD receives some of the highest accolades in the nation and the state.

Wells High School is the fifth highest achieving high school in the state, according to the Photo Credit: Wells High School Building Project Archives U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 listing of best high schools. In 2012, the high school also had the highest graduation rate in the state at 99%.

At the elementary level, students have access to two computer labs, one MAC and one PC. The MAC lab has a full-time teacher and each student goes to a computer class once a week. The school has a full-time librarian/teacher and full-time library ed tech. During recess, fourth graders have the option of taking band. Technology is also at student and teacher’s fingertips—3rd and 4th graders have netbooks while K-4 have iPad minis in their classrooms. Teachers also have new MacBook Air computers and iPad minis to use as teaching tools and many classrooms in the district have some kind of interactive whiteboard.

The curriculum in the district is also rich with AP, Honors, college-prep, STEM, gifted and talented education at all levels, including elementary. Support through ed techs and district speech therapists is available. In addition, taxpayers in the district just approved a $26.85 million dollar bond to renovate the high school which is set to open in 2016. The project would change the spacing of the school to allow for a library that is more open and has pull-out space for groups of students to work together, a larger performing arts center to seat up to 450 people and improvements to the gyms, locker rooms and cafeteria. In addition, science labs that are too small will be much larger and a brand new section of the school will house classes to fit a modern group learning style—including common areas where students can work together on class projects. New common areas will be designed in a living room style so they are inviting places for students to meet and work. On top of the classroom changes, the new space will be adaptable for the possibility of geothermal heating and/or solar panels.

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Exclusive Online Content

What kind of programs does your school offer?

What offerings are missing?

Hermon High School has great programs to provide opportunities for the 500 students, about half are from the town while the other half are from Carmel or Levant through district contract.

We have relationships with 10+ institutions of higher ed for dual enrollment or advanced credit.

We have students participate in Job Corps, United Technical Center and we are a pilot partner in the Bridge Year program. There are AP Courses offered in each subject area as well as honors program.

We have a full-time Gifted and Talented counselor who also facilitates the honors program.

Some students are accessing the AP 4 All program as well. There is a full staff and program available for Special Needs students. We have 2 full-time guidance counselors and a social worker. We also contract out with some services for at-risk students. I’m unaware of a daytreatment program. Our nurse splits time with the elementary and middle school. There are accomplished arts programs, both visual, musical and a state champion show choir.

To my knowledge, we are the only school to offer steel drum band to students and adult education. The school has recently added football to its athletic program, but also offers other traditional school sports.

The biggest weakness at this point is in technology. In the mid-90’s the town had a concept of “connecting” everyone in the town. They invested in a terminal based network and refurbished state scrap computers to run in the school. Everyone in town as an account.

Theoretically, a student/staff can access their terminal account anywhere in the world. The school opted not sign on to the MLTI program because of this. The intent is good, however classroom machines are limited. Access is limited to 3 labs, one of which is a classroom that offers a full schedule of courses (accounting, desktop publishing, etc). We are expanding our SmartBoard capacity, though there are many teachers frustrated by the instability in the network. Because of the intertwining between town and school systems, untangling is complicated as is oversight.

What sort of funding issues does your school have—for example are you using textbooks from the 80’s?

Honestly, I can’t say that this has not been an issue. My previous school had a very tight budget for supplies, workshops, PD etc. I have not had an issue getting funding for legitimate program purchases or events. We don’t drive Cadillacs but we’re not wallowing either. I’m also working to phase out dependence on textbooks. Some of our staff are older and less tech savvy. They rely on textbooks, which quickly become obsolete and stale.

As department head, I’m working towards more authentic materials and use of primary sources.

How has the budget process been recently? Can you share what it meant for schools/teachers? Do you notice projects that were supposed to be funded that are not, buildings to be repaired but are not?

The schools have been well maintained. The high school was built within the last 20 years and the current middle school is the old high school. It is beautiful as well. The elementary seems to be in the oldest, but certainly nothing alarming about its condition.

The town is conservative and does not take to budget increases well. There was particular concern last year with the excise tax issue as there are two trucking centers in town and all the trucks are registered there. Loss of the revenue is significant, however the budget did pass. There have been town Parks and Rec projects that didn’t pass despite 90% outside funding and revenue guarantees.

November 2013

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Leading the way to great public schools for every Maine student Running Club Gets Kids Moving Kimberly Kelly, (Lake Region TA) managed to get nearly half of her entire Sebago Elementary School to participate in a running club that meets weekly in the fall and twice a week in the spring. The club also works with students to learn about good nutrition and exercise.

Kelly says the students run both short and long distances, stretch, play tag games, relay, and learn the basics about running. Some students even compete in 5K races on the weekends. Kelly says the motivation to get her students to run came from her 3rd grade teacher who noticed she liked to chase boys on the playground. Together Kelly ran with her teacher, giving her a new passion at such a young age. Today, she is doing the same thing for her students.

“The biggest success I believe is that these kiddos are having fun, feeling part of a team, running and learning how it feels good to push yourself. It feels like it is making a difference,” said Kelly.

Members Receive TEEAM and ITEEA Awards Congratulations to Saco Middle School teacher Sam Blunda (RSU 23 EA) who is the recipient of the 2014 Middle School Teacher Excellence Award given by the Technology and Engineering Educators Association of Maine and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The award is given to one middle school teacher in the state. The technology associations also honored Roger Wheeler (Pequawket Valley EA) of Molly Ocket Middle School in Fryeburg for his work awarding him the 2014 Program Excellence Award. Both educators were honored locally and will be formally recognized at the associations’ annual conference in March. The competitive awards given prove both Blunda and Wheeler are working hard to incorporate technology in the classroom while having positive effects on students.

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Portland Board of Public Education Honors Outstanding Educators The Portland Board of Public Education honored several Portland Education Association members and one BASE member for outstanding work in the district. The honorees included Nancy Young, Jeff Borland, Kristin McWilliams and Eli Small. The Board honored Young for her enthusiasm, integrity and passion for her job. Borland, McWilliams and Small, all Deering High School teachers, were recognized for leading students on a recent camping trip to Bradbury Mountain State Park to provide them with outdoor learning experiences.

Portland Board of Public Education Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk with Nancy Young and Jeff Borland

Members Finalists for Nation’s Top Teaching Award in Math, Science Congratulations to Robin Kennedy (RSU 19 EA) and William O’Brien (Megunticook TA) who are finalists for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest honor for math and science educators. Kennedy is a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Sebasticook Robin Kennedy Valley Middle School in Newport. Kennedy teaches students how to connect science to their everyday lives while incorporating problemsolving skills in her lessons. Kennedy previously ran Maine’s Challenger Learner Center student programs which helps students get excited William O’Brien about space and earth science. O’Brien who teaches at Camden Hills Regional High School is Maine’s only mathematics finalist for the award. O’Brien works hard to make sure each student can succeed no matter how much they struggle with math. O’Brien also serves as a Deputy Chief Examiner for the International Baccalaureate, writing and assessing math examinations.

November 2013

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ESPs

Supporting Students and Schools in Every Way Possible Our Education Support Professionals work hard each day to keep students and schools safe and clean. They work in our halls, on school grounds, in classrooms, on the bus, in the cafeteria, in the library and in the main office all while keeping an eye on students.

ESPs are usually the first to arrive at school and the last to leave. They are dedicated and are a key part of the school community. The following data is based on responses of a survey the MEA sent to ESP members.

99%

Believe that their job responsibility involves promoting school safety.

86%

73%

94%

Have intervened or tried to stop bullying in schools.

Have witnessed bullying behavior in Maine’s schools.

Live within the community/ communities of the school district where they work.

40%

75%

Spend their own money to buy supplies or food for students in their district.

Volunteer to help students in their district.

60%

Belong to a community or school group. www.maineea.org

94%

Have participated in classes, training and certification to further their knowledge of their field, such as CPR, Associate’s/Bachelor’s degrees, ELL, Anti-Bullying, and Nutrition.

November 2013

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NEWS & NOTES Professional Development Overseas Explore Greece, Australia or China—the world is out there and you can earn graduate credit to see it!

Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) runs trips 8 to 24 days in length that are designed to be interesting and affordable for teachers.

GEEO provides teachers educational materials and the structure to help them bring their experiences into the classroom.

The trips are open to all K-12, university educators and administrators, and retired educators. Educators are also permitted to bring along a non-educator guest.

Help keep your health insurance rates low With the Maine Legislature now requiring health insurance carriers to release the usage ratings to all school systems in Maine, there is something you can do to help keep your school's experience ratings low.

Save the emergency room for emergencies by going to a walk-in clinic…this saves time and money. Walk-in clinics offer many of the same services as an ER. Walk-in centers have the same types of nurses, doctor's assistants and doctors you'd see in an emergency room or at your doctor's office. Most walk-in centers can treat problems like minor cuts and burns, sprains and strains, sports injuries, sore throats, earaches and the flu.

Some places can take X-rays or run other tests on site, so they can let you know quickly if you need more specialized care.

Your Anthem network includes many local walk-in centers. To find the closest walk-in clinic near you go to: http://tinyurl.com/ meabtwalkinclinics Not sure if you need urgent or emergency room care? Call the 24/7 NurseLine at 1-800-607-3262 anytime, day or night. Talk about your symptoms with a registered nurse who can help you decide which type of care makes the most sense.

For more info: www.geeo.org

Saturday, January 11, 2014 MEA is offering two 1-day professional development workshops in Portland. Look for workshop descriptions and registration information in an upcoming President’s Message e-mail.

GRANTS AVAILABLE NOW! MEA grants! Apply today!

Go to: www.maineea.org/grants

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

NEA’s Making Connections: Engaging ESP Members in Building Community Support. This workshop is especially for ESP leaders.

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

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

NEA Great Public School Funds: http://www.nea.org/ grants/56725.htm

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November 2013

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Legislative Scorecard

Teacher Evaluation: How New Rules Will Affect You

DID YOU KNOW? bottom 20% of rankings in one year, only 20% to 30% had similar ratings the next year, while 25% to 45% of those same teachers moved to the top of the rankings.

Of teachers who scored in the

For the second time in as many years, the Department of Education is working on creating rules for the new teacher evaluation law that many districts are already implementing.

The proposed rules considered by the DOE state that not less than 20% of a teacher’s evaluation will be determined by student growth. How student growth is defined would be left up to the individual district, but could mean 20% of your evaluation will be based on students’ standardized test scores.

It is important to understand that while your district may already be using an evaluation model without the rules in place any evaluation given to any teacher may not be valid, according to the law.

The Maine Education Association, along with teachers testified in front of representatives from the DOE expressing concern with the 20% floor, which in reality allows districts to determine up to 99% of an evaluation based on student test scores. MEA continues to pursue a rule with a ceiling of not more than 20%. MEA believes that at least 80% of an evaluation must be based on professional practice and growth.

MEA President Lois Kilby-Chesley told the DOE, “Evaluations should be based on our teaching practice, not our students’ test results. The latest research from experts in the field shows that using Value Added Measures based on test scores simply does not work to evaluate individual teachers. What works to improve student learning is an effective professional development-based evaluation system based on professional standards. We have a chance to build these systems in Maine.”

just standardized tests, and student learning can rarely be attributed to individual teachers in a reliable or useful way,” said Kilby-Chesley.

Your Voice Is Needed The rule making process for the teacher evaluation law is still in the beginning phases. The DOE needs more input from teachers across the state. You can e-mail comments and share your stories about the evaluation process to:

Deborah Friedman at deborah.friedman@maine.gov or mail them to: Deborah Friedman - Director, Policy and Programs Maine Department of Education, 23 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0023

Comments must be submitted by November 25th at 5pm

Research Shows….

Across the country teachers say their evaluations and “effectiveness rating” changes from year to year based on the students assigned to them, taking into consideration things like a child’s socioeconomic background, parental involvement, summer learning loss and prior teachers and schooling. In fact, a study examining data from five school districts found, for example, that of the teachers who scored in the bottom 20% of rankings in one year only 20% to 30% had similar ratings the next year, while 25% to 45% of those same teachers moved to the top of the rankings scoring well above average.

Going Forward MEA believes, and told the DOE during the recent hearing, that student test scores should be limited to 10% of the total teacher evaluation adding that a higher percentage ignores the fact that the evaluation is intended to measure the success of the teacher and not the student’s ability.

“Students learn and grow in many areas as a result of their experiences in school. Standardized test scores measure a very limited range of student learning. Measuring student growth requires a broad range of assessments, not

www.maineea.org

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

Candidate Support Workshops:

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

2013 Dec. 14

2014 Jan. 11 Feb. 8 March 22

Renewal Candidates (2004-05) Workshops:

November 2013

Location: MEA Headquarters, Augusta - 9am-11am

2014 Jan. 11 Feb. 8 March 22

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Affiliate News Emerging Voices

Members interested in learning more about the Association and how it can have a positive impact on their lives and community came together in South Portland during a training called Emerging Voices. Those in attendance discussed the challenges and opportunities facing them at work and learned how to gain influential control of their work lives to increase association presence in their local, and in turn improve, student learning conditions. This training is held periodically, so please keep an eye out for future dates!

Scarborough Education Association The Scarborough Education Association launched a community campaign to prevent the outsourcing of the school custodians. SEA went into fact finding before a three member panel (1 neutral, 1 employee rep., 1 employer rep.) on Oct. 22 concerning the outsourcing issue. Fact finding is the process which the panel analyzes the facts of the bargaining process and seeks to reach a potential compromise.

The parties are not bound by the recommendations of the fact-finder, though it may influence public opinion regarding the appropriate resolution of the dispute. The Association and the Board submitted posthearing briefs to the panel and the panel will then have 30 days to write their report.

Eastern Aroostook EA RSU 39 Caribou, Limestone and Stockholm are planning job actions prior to their contract going into fact finding. Educators are participating in silent protests with signs on car windows and peaceful Friday Pickets to inform others they are working without a contract. Teachers have pulled together and continue to support their bargaining team.

Megunticook Bus Drivers, Custodians, Food Service EA

The school district in CSD/MSAD 28 recently received proposals from private companies to clean the schools as it considers outsourcing the school custodians. Currently, MEA members do all custodial work in the schools. Members in the district Bob and Jan Calderwood, who are both custodians, are working to gain community support to stop the outsourcing. They’re wearing buttons to school each day and started an online petition to further the cause. The district is expected to make a decision in December if it chooses to privatize the work.

AFUM

AFUM, in support of a faculty member, won a recent case after an arbitrator ruled the University of Maine System violated the collective bargaining agreement regarding the post tenure review of the member. Due to the ruling, the performance improvement plan that flowed out of the overall unsatisfactory rating of the member was rescinded and removed from her personnel file. In addition, another review of the member’s work performance must be conducted based on current information. If she is found to be overall satisfactory, she shall be awarded the merit increase, retroactive to September 2011, and made whole for all lost wages and related benefits

York County Retirees Celebrate 50 Years The York County Retired Educators Association recently reached the 50 year milestone and celebrated their decades of dedication to public education. In 1963 a group of seven retired teachers came together to advocate for York County teachers as well as the students they taught. The retiree association not only provides grants and scholarships for students but also does extensive community service in the county, including donating books, conducting food drives and helping spruce up local schools.

Congratulations on all of your success…and here’s to 50 more great years!

Senator Nancy Sullivan (D - District 4)

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Sandra Crehore

November 2013

Shirley Jones and Larry Given, MEA-R President

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Affiliate News NEA Vice President Visits Maine

plug into what matters

Lily Eskelsen García is a sixth-grade teacher from Utah and Vice President of the National Education Association. Garcia visited Maine in late October and met with members during a reception in Augusta. Garcia can talk about any subject with expertise. She can talk about Common Core, charter schools, teacher evaluation and student test scores and weave all of the topics into a coherent discussion. While she was in Maine meeting informally with MEA members and later at Maine School Management Association’s fall conference for superintendents and school board members, she spoke honestly about all these subjects and more, and the ultimate effect each will have on the future of America’s public schools. Always an innovator, Lily presents her ideas for best professional practices that will have the most positive impact on our students.

Choose an electric company that

gives back to your Professional Association

You hAve A choice in electricity suppliers.

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

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

Lily Eskelsen García with MEA members Debra Drake (Portland EA VP) and Ina Demers (Portland EA ESP President)

www.unionatlanticelectricity.com/mea

Remember to use code “MEA” when signing up

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November 2013

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MEA - Meet Your UniServ Directors

Whether you need assistance with contract language or organizing members, our UniServ Directors are always there for you. UniServ Directors are based in local communities throughout the state.

They work tirelessly to make sure you have the best representation possible.

UniServ District 1 - Judi Beverage When I was in third grade I knew that I wanted to become a teacher. After graduating from the University of Maine at Farmington, I was hired as an English teacher at Winslow High School, where I taught for eleven years and was very active in both the local association and MEA. While I am no longer in the classroom, in many ways I feel that I am still “teaching.” For me, the best part of my job is the wonderful and incredible MEA members that it has been my great pleasure to work with over the years. E-mail Judi at jbeverage@maineea.org.

UniServ District 2 - Cheryl Lunde As a former ed tech, teacher, and local and state association leader, my professional journey brought me to Maine and to work as an Association staff person. Beginning my life in education committed to improving the profession, staff work was a logical next step after being in the classroom for 12 years. It’s been a rich journey and a privilege to work with Maine educators. E-mail Cheryl at clunde@maineea.org.

UniServ District 3 - Greg Hannaford I was a SPED educator in Oklahoma City and Wichita for 10 years many decades ago. I loved my kids, but loved my union work on behalf of other educators even more so I set off on this great adventure 24 years ago blazing a trail from the Great Plains to Texas, Maryland and back home to Maine representing educators and loving nearly every minute of it! I have spent the past 13 (best) years with the MEA, met the beautiful Karla Marie, became happily domesticated and the proud ol’dad of the beautiful and successful Stephanie and Kristina and of course, the handsome and athletic Gregory Terrance. E-mail Greg at ghannaford@maineea.org.

UniServ District 4 - Becky Fernald As a strong supporter of public education and unions, I have been a union organizer and advocate for most of my professional life, including nearly 20 years with MEA. With a background in teaching and union advocacy, I am committed to helping employees gain a greater voice in their profession and to increase support for public schools. I have a Master’s degree in Education, although my biggest education has been from my three children, all graduates of Maine’s public schools. E-mail Becky at rfernald@maineea.org.

UniServ District 5 - Rose Mahoney Like many of my colleagues, my foundation of activism was in 6th grade. I don’t recall the issue, but I do recall staging a walk out of our 6th grade class, and everyone participated. I came to UniServ work from the University System where I was the Academic Program Manager for the School Psychology Graduate Programs in the College of Education at USM. I am thrilled to be working for the MEA–my home affiliate in the state that I love. E-mail Rose at rmahoney@maineea.org

UniServ District 6 - Nicole Argraves Throughout my career, I have been a long-time advocate for workers. Before coming to MEA, I served as a Field Representative with the Maine State Employees Association.

Prior to that, I was a steward for my local while working as a Paralegal for the State of Maine. In January 2013, I began my work with MEA. I am thrilled to be working with educators and support staff and look forward to sharing my experience and skill with you, as I advocate on behalf of your membership. E-mail Nicole at nargraves@maineea.org.

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UniServ District 7 - Joan Morin I have been an advocate for education employees for many years, and have proudly served MEA members for the last seventeen as a UniServ Director. I am very proud to have been one of the many pioneers who fought for and supported Educational Support Professionals throughout the state as well as nationally. Prior to my employment at the Maine Education Association, I was an educator with the Augusta School Department for eighteen years. E-mail Joan at jmorin@maineea.org.

UniServ District 8 - Lee Libby I was a music educator for over 27 years where I focused on working with classroom teachers to implement interdisciplinary curriculum. I was an active local association member and officer before becoming involved in the MEA as a member of the Statewide Bargaining Committee, MEA-RA and NEA-RA Delegate, and a member of the Board of Directors. Before returning “home” to the MEA, I worked for nearly two years as a Union Staff Representative for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). I have two adult children and two adorable grandchildren; Sophia 7, and Mason 4. E-mail Lee at llibby@maineea.org.

UniServ District 9 - Dan Allen I became a UniServ Director in January of 2011 after an 18-year career as an English teacher, literacy specialist, and teacher coach. I served my local over the years variously as building rep, vice president, co-president, and chief negotiator. I believe the members of the MEA are the educational experts who should be driving an education reform movement that benefits students and families and I believe it is my role to support my members in that effort. E-mail Dan at dallen@maineea.org

UniServ District 10 - Krystyna Dzialo Prior to joining the MEA, I served as a Field Representative, Organizer and Political Organizer working with public and private sector workers in Maine, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Before beginning my work with labor unions, I spent several months teaching third graders English in al Jofeh, Jordan. When I am not working, I love to go for a long jog or to spend the day at the beach with my 7-year-old daughter Abigail. E-mail Krystyna at kdzialo@maineea.org

UniServ District 11 - To Be Announced UniServ District 12 - Aymie Walshe I was raised by teachers and so naturally chose education as my own path, attending the University of Maine at Farmington studying child development and elementary education. I taught at the early childhood and middle school levels and served as the assistant director for a large child care center in mid-coast Maine. After several years working on early childhood policy at the state and national level, I am pleased to be again working with public schools to promote and strengthen the core commitment we as a society make to raise and educate all of our children. E-mail Aymie at awalshe@maineea.org

November 2013

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UniServ District 13 - John Bracciodieta

UniServ District 15 - Elizabeth Peterson

I have been a UniServ Director with the MEA for the past 9 years Growing up in a family of teachers, the importance of education and it has been my pleasure to serve the members of this great was ingrained in me. After completing an internship at Education organization. I moved to Maine in the Fall of 2004 with my wife Minnesota, Minnesota’s state educators’ union, my senior year of Audrey. Audrey and I have two daughters that keep us busy college, I knew I wanted to advocate for educators. I accepted a when we are not working. My family loves living and working in position with American Federation of Teachers in New Mexico and Maine. On weekends, we can often be found in the outdoors enjoying the wonderful am now thrilled to be with MEA. E-mail Elizabeth at epeterson@maineea.org. recreational opportunities that Maine has to offer such as camping, hiking and fly fishing. E-mail John at jbracciodieta@maineea.org.

UniServ District 16 - Lou Willey

UniServ District 14 - Ross Ferrell

I am a retired teacher with 33 years of classroom experience under my belt. I am a lifelong County resident and hope to retire I am a born and bred Mainer, growing up in Cumberland and at Long Lake in Sinclair at some point in my life. I was president Yarmouth. Everyone in my family, from my loving wife of 40 years, and chief negotiator for thirteen years in my home town of Joan, to my two children Jeffrey and Matthew have all worked Caribou, now RSU 39, which gave me some of the background in some form of education. My devotion to fair work conditions I needed for this job. I love my work – I love helping teachers & ESP members in began in the 70’s when I worked for AFSCME and continued Northern Maine. E-mail Lou at lwilley@maineea.org. working for unions through the years. I came to MEA in 1999 and work mostly with higher education locals. I hope to retire to Georgia and spend more time with my loving wife and three grandchildren. E-mail Ross at rferrell@maineea.org.

Find Your District

[ www.maineea.org

November 2013

Higher Ed 13

ONE

SMALL for

STEP

Read MEA’s One Small Step report at: www.maineea.org/onesmallstep

Students

“A few years ago I had a child who couldn’t name a single letter when he came into my kindergarten class. Usually, in kindergarten a child can identify the letters in their name. This child was not able to identify a letter from a number to a shape,” said Suzen Polk-Hoffses. The reality, for Polk-Hoffses from Washington County, is more than troubling especially considering what she knew lay ahead. The Milbridge Elementary School teacher knew it wouldn’t be the last time she would come across a student who lacked the very basics when entering school.

Studies show the average child in poverty hears 30 million fewer words compared to a child in a professional household by the age of three—that amounts to nearly a third less experience with words per hour.

The MEA is working to change how federal dollars flow in whole to each district. This requires legislative action. The MEA is launching a campaign called “One Small Step for Students” that outlines the issue of poverty in our schools and focuses on a solution to help every child. It’s the kind of funding our teachers say makes the most difference in the lives of their students, including that little boy from Washington County who couldn’t differentiate a shape from a letter.

“My student who didn’t know a single letter in kindergarten grew tremendously when he received help through specialized support paid for with Title I funds,” added Polk-Hoffses.

To read more about “One Small Step for Students” log on to http://www.maineea.org/onesmallstep

Percentage of Students Receiving Free or Reduced Lunch By County (2013)

30 MILLION LESS the difference in the number of words a child on welfare will hear compared to a child in a professional household.

54.6%

Free and reduced lunch at school also helps educators identify students who may need extra help because it is an indicator of poverty. Every single county in the state has seen an increase in eligibility for free and reduced lunch over the past five years. The impact of the lack of food for students, says Aroostook County teacher Phyllis Hunter, makes a big difference on performance in the classroom. “I have students who are no longer able to concentrate on their work, in part because they’re hungry and worried about where their next meal will come from,” says Hunter.

59.7%

59.9%

48.9% 54.2%

The lack of the basics for so many students across the state makes the need for additional resources that much more important, says Lois Kilby-Chesley, teacher and President of the Maine Education Association.

“We need to make sure all of our students, including those who live in poverty, have the extra support they need through things like after-school or summer-school programs or to extended school days, all of which are paid for through Title I funds,” said Kilby-Chesley. Title I funds, money from the federal government intended to improve the academic achievement of the disadvantaged, are not being spent in Maine as the law intended.

Currently, because of the funding formula in Maine, the 65% of school districts that are supposed to receive Title I funding lose $40 million in intended federal support. The State offsets Title I funds a district receives, meaning for every Title I dollar received by the districts the State reduces its share by a dollar. This process hurts Maine students in every corner of the state. “No wonder we’re dying here,” said Polk-Hoffses.

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61%

60% 48.4%

57.5%

Knox

32.6% 35.7%

November 2013

44.5%

Sagadahoc

42.7%

Androscoggin

53.5%

48.2% Lincoln

48.3%

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