MAINE
Educator November 2018 www.maineea.org @maineea
forEd
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November 2018 Volume 79, Number 2 MAINE
Educator November 2018 www.maineea.org @maineea
forEd
Featured on the cover: MEA Members
CONTENTS Advocacy 14 #RedforEd 15 Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund 16 Fast Facts: School Funding 17 Top 3 Reasons Why Politics Matter 18 You Decide 20 MEA 2018 Endorsed Candidates
"
Besides the United States, no other developed country has such a large gap between salaries paid to teachers and to professionals with similar degrees.” - Fast Facts: School Funding page 16
News You Can Use 8 9 10 11 12 13
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Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No.” Tech Talk: Using Emojis in Your Teaching Classroom Crafts Promoting the Profession American Education Week New Diploma Law: Side-by-Side
Editorial Staff Managing Editor Editor Layout Design
Robert Walker Giovanna Bechard Shawn Berry
Leadership
President Vice President Treasurer NEA Director
Grace Leavitt Jesse Hargrove Beth French Amanda Cooper
Your Association 22 New Website - New Look - New Resources 23 Early Career Educators Find Help With MEA 24 Perspectives: From the Faculty - What Our Union Really Stands For 25 MEA Proud Moments 26 Did You Know? 27 Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Ask For More Money 28 Taking Time to Talk 30 MEA Calendar 31 Member Deals
Board of Directors Robert "Bo" Zabierek Suzen Polk-Hoffses Mallory Cook Cedena McAvoy Ken Williams Janice Murphy Maryann White Jim Thornton Rebecca Cole
Terry Martin Bob McCully Janet Howe Kuech Donna Longley Lisa Leduc Neil Greenberg Thomas Moore III Gerry French
Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is published by: Maine Education Association 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330-8005 207-622-4418; fax 207-623-2129 POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330-8005 Non-Profit US Postage paid at Augusta, Maine and additional mailing offices. For advertising rates and information please contact: Shawn Berry 35 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 207-622-4418 ext. 2206
November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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MePers Information The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPIU) for the year ending June 30, 2018, was 2.9 percent. Per our retirement plan, MePERS Board is required to offer a percentage increase each September based on the CPI-U. An increase is capped at 3 percent and applies to the first $21.818.30 of benefits. The Board voted to grant a COLA of 2.9 percent as of the September payment.
MEA Grants Available DEADLINE FOR ALL GRANTS - DECEMBER 14th For applications visit maineea.org/award-grants Human, Civil Rights and Cultural Affairs Grants MEA members…Do you have a good idea for: • helping students understand Human, Civil Rights and Cultural Affairs Issues? • helping teachers understand and support the issues of Human, Civil Rights and Cultural Affairs? • involving parents and community members with these issues? The Maine Education Association will award up to $1,000 in grants to local associations (determined by the number of grant applications awarded). The grants are designed to help local association members provide HCR leadership in their schools and communities. Leroy Lambert Political Action Grant for Local Associations MEA members…Do you have a good idea for: • Local political action? • Implementing a political action plan in your school district? • Involving the community in supporting public education? • Increasing Association involvement in activities that promote public education? The purpose of this annual grant is to facilitate the development and implementation of a local political action program. The Maine Education Association will award up to $200. The Leroy Lambert Political Action Grants are designed to help Local Association members develop and implement a political action program in their schools and communities. This grant is coordinated by the MEA Government Relations Committee. Members are Leaders Grants for Local Associations MEA members…Do you have a good idea for: • Improving student achievement? • Aiding educators in enhancing their professional growth? • Involving the community in supporting public education? • Increasing involvement in your Association activities that promote public education? 4
Maine Educator • November 2018
PENING BELL Members are Leaders Grants for Local Associations cont. The Maine Education Association will award up to $1,000 in grants to local associations. The Members are Leaders Grants are designed to help local association members provide professional and educational leadership in their schools and communities.
MEA Awards Available DEADLINE FOR ALL AWARDS - MARCH 7th, 2019 For applications visit maineea.org/award-grants JOAN MCGOVERN ESP AWARD To emphasize outstanding accomplishments and reflect the contributions of Education Support Professionals to public education. ANNE SHEEHAN POLITICAL ACTION AWARD To recognize an MEA member or governance affiliate which has demonstrated a strong commitment to political action for public education issues. HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD To recognize individual members, local affiliates, individual students, or student organizations who have demonstrated outstanding dedication in promoting human and civil rights for students and citizens of the State of Maine. JOHN H. MARVIN LOCAL ASSOCIATION AWARD To recognize a local association for effective bargaining and protecting member rights by: 1. being a strong advocate for members; 2. being a leader in effective bargaining practices; and 3. organizing wall to wall units. FRIEND OF EDUCATION AWARD To recognize an individual currently holding an elected or appointed public position and currently making a significant contribution to public education. CORPORATE AWARD To recognize a for profit, non-profit, or not-for-profit company/ corporation which has made a significant contribution to public education in Maine. HONOR MEDAL To recognize an MEA member who has demonstrated outstanding courage in defending academic freedom or in upholding the right of educators to adhere to the principles of their profession free from harassment and coercion. Also, to recognize a member who has faced a difficult period and risked personal welfare because of professional commitment. GOLDEN APPLE AWARD To recognize an individual or group that has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local school(s) and/or to the children of a community
Parting is such sweet sorrow...
EDITOR'S NOTE
There will be no pie from these apples, and that’s Ok.
Time
T
here’s never enough time. Not enough time to make the apple pie with all the apples we picked from the orchard. Not enough time to make sure the bathrooms are as clean as they should be. Not enough time to volunteer for all the things I feel I need to do in order to be a “good parent.” There’s just not enough time for me to feel I'm doing the best job I can, both at work and at home. It’s my problem really because I don’t properly manage expectations—at least I hadn’t until recently. I told the PTA that I can’t coordinate the shirt sales for the entire elementary school, with more than 600 students. I said no, I'm not going to bring the snacks to the game for the kids because I didn’t want to peel all the oranges. I realized that what makes me the mother I want to be is not if I continue to give and volunteer, but if I'm present for my kids when they need me. My kids don’t think I'm a better mother if I give nicely peeled mandarins to every kid on their football team, they just care if their bellies are full. So, there are other mothers and fathers who can help too. It’s not shucking responsibilities, it’s giving sometimes, and not all the time.
The MEA is always working to help provide you the resources you need to help support you in your work. This magazine is one way to do that—and new this fall--the MEA is launching a new public image campaign to show those who aren’t in education how much you’re all doing I still take the time to pack all this food to make sure each child has for one kid’s lunch. Choosing what really a great education. Learn matters has made a huge difference. (Side note: how does one kid eat all this in a day?!) more about this effort on page 11. Sharing the stories of your work is crucial in ensuring people who don’t have children in our schools support our schools and see the value of a good education. The media campaign will help on that front.
While you learn to say “no” to the things that cause you stress, I am reminded to make sure I say “yes” to the things that truly matter. Yes, I will sit on the couch and watch my fourth-grader play Fortnite even though it drives me completely insane. (I’m sure many of you can relate). Yes, I will watch the 2-hour football practice if my son asks me because I know he wants me to see So, to add time back into my life, and take a lot of stress away, I if he does something impressive. Yes, I will chaperone the 1st am saying “no” to a whole lot more things. I’m doing what I feel is grade field trip so my little one can sit next to me during the manageable and realistic and doesn’t cause unnecessary stress. I performance at the Merrill even though I know he is going to don’t need to be a super mom—what I do for them is just going cry when I leave him. (top left photo) Yes, I will do the things that to have to be enough. Sure, there are mothers and fathers out matter most to me and my family instead of worrying if I'm doing there who can swing it all, and their kids have the perfect Pinterest “enough” in the eyes of others. Yes, I'm taking my time back and, for costumes. That’s not my kid—and I've learned I’m OK with that. that, I know my kids are grateful. I’m OK with saying no, for my sanity and my stress level. Saying no isn’t easy, though. Learn more on the art of doing it on page 8.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Giovanna Bechard Editor editor@maineea.org November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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MEA | President's Message The Countdown and Those ‘P’ words… Policies, Politics, Power, the Polls So, once again, a few numbers…
26--As I write this, there are only 26 days until Election Day. As you read this, there may be just a couple of days left before you vote, if you haven’t already voted via absentee ballot…
186—The number of Maine legislators—35 in the Senate, 151
in the House—all of them elected or re-elected every two years.
1,927—the number of bills submitted to the 128th Legislature
150—the number of candidates in state races endorsed
L
ast spring, I heard a panel of educators from West Virginia talk about the walk outs that were the first wave of the Red for Ed movement. They were inspiring in their dedication to students and colleagues and in their determination to set the course of public education in their state on a better path. A quote from one of them stuck with me: “The biggest power we have is at the polls.”
While MEA members are indeed a diverse group, as a member recently wrote in a message to me, and while that is a source of strength for us, I am confident that we are alike in our steadfast belief in the promise of public education and that we are united in our efforts to provide Maine’s students with the education they need and deserve to prepare them to be informed and engaged members of society. Some of us are more interested in politics than others; some have a strong distaste for the topic and may think, as I have heard jokingly quoted, that “politics” is more like “poly-ticks”—that is, “many bloodsucking, disease-carrying parasites”. But whatever you think of the subject, please understand it is the people whom we elect to offices, at all levels of government, who make many decisions that affect our professions and our students. As I recently heard at an NEA meeting in D.C., “We do not engage in politics for the sake of politics; the only reason we engage in politics is to promote good policy for our students, our schools, and our members.”
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Maine Educator • November 2018
by your MEA Board of Directors after a committee of MEA members reviewed responses to questions about education, members’ rights, retirement; studied voting records; and conducted interviews. Additionally, NEA endorsed three candidates recommended by MEA in federal races, again, after MEA members reviewed questionnaires and records and held interviews. The endorsements help show where candidates stand on issues that impact our students and our colleagues.
These are turbulent times. But just like when I experienced turbulence on the flight to D.C., we have to hold on, keep our seat belts fastened, and reach our destination—a great public school for every student in Maine. It may be a bumpy ride, but we can—we must!--get there. As your President, it is my job to do my best to represent all of you and to work hard on behalf of our students and members. It is a privilege to do so, and it is a responsibility I take seriously. Whatever the outcome on November 6th, we will all need to keep working at promoting what we know is best for our students, for educators, and for public education. We must hold our elected officials—whoever is elected—accountable. Our students rely on us to stand up for them. Let’s exercise our power at the polls to ensure good policies are in place for each one of them! As the Countdown continues, remember that Your Vote Counts! The number 1 can make a difference!
Grace Leavitt President gleavitt@maineea.org
Free Stuff
t's one of the best four letter words out there Ibudget. FREE especially when you're on a tight Maine Educator found a few freebies! —
—
Dinosaurs: Activities and Lesson Plans
Through the American Museum of Natural History, you can receive 28 activities for elementary students including a plate tectonics puzzle in which students work with a partner and use the location of fossils to reconstruct what Earth’s surface may have looked like approximately 220 million years ago. The six-page PDF includes student materials and answer key. Observe a Dinosaur has students observe birds, living dinosaurs, outdoors or on videos to record their behavior the way scientists (and moviemakers) do to understand how dinosaurs might have moved and acted. Curriculum Connections (American Museum of Natural History) is a source of lessons, activities, articles, videos, professional development, and more for science educators and students. Activities can be downloaded as PDFs. FMI: https://www.amnh.org/explore/curriculum-collections/ dinosaurs-activities-and-lesson-plans
Turn Students into Published Authors
Puzzle download: https://www.amnh.org/explore/curriculumcollections/dinosaurs-activities-and-lesson-plans/plate-tectonicspuzzle
Create a book with your class by using a free publishing kit. The free Classbook kit includes 66 Kit Pages: 33 for text & 33 for illustration, cover, title, dedication and author page, a studentcreated sample book, step-by-step teacher guide, replacement materials, parent order forms, and access to a teacher community. Once your students have finished creating the pages, your kit is returned to us and transformed into a published book. You will receive a free hardcover book and parents can order copies of the book for themselves. FMI: https://studentreasures.com/start-your-classbook/
Geography, Earth Science Resources
Fake News from Real News
Can your students discern the truth in today’s digital age? Use these news literacy classroom resources to help students become smart, active consumers of news and information. Lessons and activities for students in grades 6-12 are available. Lessons include topics like: News Literacy: How to know what to believe and Citizen Watchdogs: Participating in democracy. FMI: http://www.scholastic.com/newsliteracyproject/
GeoSTART develops geography, earth science, and spatial thinking skills for middle school and high school. Each of the eight activities relates to one of eight modes of spatial thinking listed in the learning scaffold. Teachers can download the complete package or the teacher’s guide and eight spatial thinking activities separately. The Teacher’s Guide introduces spatial thinking, includes answer keys and other materials, and suggests lesson differentiations, extensions, and caveats. FMI: http://www.aag.org/cs/education/k12_and_teacher_ education/geostart_teaching_earth_science
November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use • Decide in advance what you want to say “yes” to. Before your coworkers and administrators can ask you to take on new things, decide your own criteria for saying “yes.” If you have a passion for sports and know you want to coach a team, put that on your “yes” list. By creating a (short) list of things you know will serve your students and career, you avoid agreeing to things that don’t interest you. How to Actually Say “No” So, once you decide that you need to say “no” to something, how do you do it?
Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No.”
BY MITZIE HIGA, NEATODAY.ORG
Taking on new responsibilities is critical to career success, but don’t risk your time and sanity. Have you ever been asked to take something on that you don’t have time for? Sometimes we end up still agreeing because as educators, we always want to take on more. While taking risks and responsibilities is important for career development, managing yourself and your time is just as crucial. All educators—from new to experienced—are susceptible to burnout. In the beginning of my 17-year career as a teacher, I found myself saying “yes” to everything, and my classroom suffered because of it. I realized how burnt out I was when a parent of one of my kindergarten students told me her child had been storing her socks inside of her desk. Was I really so distracted that I didn’t notice a sock hoarding habit had entered my classroom? From that moment on, I became determined to focus more on my classroom and manage the extra tasks I was taking on from others. To cut down on the additional responsibilities I had been taking on, I used the steps below to decide what I finally needed to say “no” to. • Fully understand what people are asking of you. Always ask questions when some asks, “Can you do this?” Make sure to fully understand the request, so you don’t commit to something that is out of your wheelhouse. Some sample questions include: • What would this involve? • What kind of meetings would be needed? • How much time do you expect this commitment to take? By fully understanding the process and time commitment, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to whether or not you can handle the obligation. 8
Maine Educator • November 2018
No matter what, always be respectful. When I choose to decline something, I always express gratitude to the person asking for thinking of me. Show them you appreciate being considered, but that you already have enough on your plate at the moment.
Was I really so distracted that I didn’t notice a sock hoarding habit had entered my classroom? From that moment on, I became determined to focus more on my classroom and manage the extra tasks I was taking on from others.
“” Give them respect, but clearly say no. If you’re genuinely interested in the request but know you don’t have the capacity, ask them to think of you the next time around. For example, if an administrator wants you to lead a professional development seminar that you’re interested in but don’t have time for, mention that you’d like to be involved next year. Even though we want to do it all, saying “yes” to everything can hurt your career. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your class is saying “no” to things that won’t serve them. Since I cut back on extra commitments, I’ve felt like a better teacher to my students and better colleague to my peers.
News You Can Use
Tech Talk
Using Emojis in your teaching Use Emojis in writing prompts
Start with a sentence and a few emojis and have students use their imagination to craft a story based on the emojis. For example: It was eight o’clock and I heard a knock on the door.... Put the horse, crazy face, thumbs up and pizza emoji below the sentence
Use Emojis as an exit ticket
When you want a quick evaluation about your lesson, you can ask simple questions like ‘What did you enjoy most about the lesson?’ or add some emojis to the mix. This works especially well for younger students. Here’s a sample that you can easily replicate:
Use Emojis for Vocabulary or Foreign Language
Associating pictures students are familiar with and connecting them to new words in English or a foreign language they’re learning can be helpful. Emojis can help update your classroom and make your teaching more relatable to your students. Use them for new words you’re teaching younger students or foreign languages. November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use
Classroom Crafts
Fidget Spinner Literacy Do you have a fidget spinner? Put it to crafty use with a paper plate and some letters-all you need is a plate, a spinner and a marker! If you want to get fancy you can cut letters out and glue them to the plate, or you can just write the letters yourself directly on the plate. Now you‘re ready to play!
How to Play Have students spin the modified fidget spinner (see picture) until it stops and points to a letter. Depending on the age of the child, ask students to write the letter or to write a word that begins with that letter. This is also a great game to play with older, foreign language students. You can also create a numeracy game with the plate. Replace the letters with numbers and create math problems with each spin.
Fact Family and Math Ideas Depending on the time of year, you can have fun with this one! Choose a house, flower or turkey and get crafty. Depending on the age of the student, leave some answers blank and let the students fill in the correct numbers.
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Maine Educator • November 2018
News You Can Use
Promoting the Profession
“What we do every day is come in and do the very best that we can for our students. The challenges are immense, but we do it because we are passionate about this work. The people who are committed to this business are committed to the kids who come through the door every day.” Alan Yuodsnukis, Gardiner Area High School
T
he MEA is continually looking for new ways to reach out to the public so the people who live all over this great state understand the work being done in our public schools. Recently, the MEA Communications Department received a grant to help in this effort, and is producing several video commercials to air both online and on television. The commercials feature MEA members-bus drivers to teachers to custodians and more highlighting the efforts to help each student succeed and how the MEA helps support that work. Be sure to keep an eye out for these spots, and always remember MEA has your back and is continually working to educate the public on how much goes into educating each child each day!
November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use
American Education Week 2018
November 12-16
Reach. Educate. Inspire. MONDAY
TUESDAY
12
13
Encourage students, staff and parents to celebrate great public schools.
Invite parents and family members to school for a first-hand look at a typical school day.
Kickoff Day
Parents Day
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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15
16
Wear #RedForED to recognize and celebrate ESPs who meet the needs of the whole student.
Encourage elected officials and community leaders to serve as “educators for a day” for a hands-on school experience.
Honor and celebrate educators who are called on to substitute for regular classroom teachers in their absence for their services.
Education Support Professionals Day
Educator for a Day
#aew2018 | www.nea.org/aew 12
Maine Educator • November 2018
FRIDAY
Substitute Educators Day
News You Can Use
New Diploma Law: Side-By-Side
O
n December 13, 2018 Maine’s new diploma law will go into effect. The new law removes the mandate that high school diplomas must be based on a student’s demonstration of proficiency in Maine’s Learning Results. Instead, there are now two diploma options. The Maine DOE created the side-by-side comparison below to help inform educators and the public about the changes. Please use this information as you continue to navigate these changes.
Maine High School Diploma Options and Requirements
This resource provides a general comparison of the two diploma options as established in Public Law 2017, Chapter 466, enacted in July 2018. The points of comparison are relevant to the requirements of a high school diploma as provided for in the new law. Statutory Requirements Legislation/Statute State requirements for award of diploma
Proficiency-based Diploma Law PL 2017, Chapter 466 Demonstration of proficiency in all (8) content areas of the Maine Learning Results and the Guiding Principles Demonstration of proficiency in The Guiding Principles of the Maine Learning Results
Locally determined requirements for award of diploma
Educational experiences relating to English language arts, mathematics, and science and technology in each year of a student’s secondary schooling Allowed; specified by local governing body (typical examples: participation in assessments, specific courses, endorsements or badges, service learning, exhibitions, post-secondary plans)
Credit-based Diploma Law Title 20-A, §4722 as referenced in PL 2017, Ch. 466 Credits in 1. “English--4 years; 2. “Social studies and history, including American history, government, civics and personal finance--2 years 3. “Mathematics--2 years 4. “Science, including at least one year of laboratory study--2 years. 5. “Fine arts, which may include art, music, forensics or drama--one year” Allowed; specified by local governing body (typical examples: participation in assessments, additional courses/credits, endorsements or badges, service learning, exhibitions, post-secondary plans; grade/score thresholds) All secondary school students expected to “achieve” the standards. Certification of achievement is not required by state for diploma
Applicability of content area standards of the Maine Learning Results to the Diploma
Certification of “proficient” in all eight content areas required for diploma
Applicability of Guiding Principles of the Maine Learning Results to the Diploma
Certification of “proficient” in the Guiding Principles required for diploma
None specified
Students with Disabilities: State requirements for diploma
“As specified by Individual Education Program (IEP) team,” students must complete all diploma requirements; tasks and accommodations must “maintain integrity of standards.” Demonstration of proficiency in six content areas and the Guiding Principles; and Complete state-approved CTE program and meet third-party-verified state or national industry standards OR earned six credits in a dual enrollment CTE program Schools must provide “Sufficient opportunity and capacity through multiple pathways for all students to study in [the eight content areas of the Maine Learning Results].” None; determined by local governing body
“As specified by goals and objectives of their Individual Education Plan,” students must meet the standards of the Maine Learning Results, and students must satisfy graduation requirements. May, “with the approval of the Commissioner,” satisfy minimum state-mandated course requirements with CTE through separate or integrated study within CTE curriculum and courses
None; determined by local governing body 1. Certification of content-area proficiency “must be included with… permanent…transcript” 2. Certification of post-secondary readiness, based on objective measures 1. Certification of content area proficiency 2. Transcript
Determined by local governing body 1. Certification of post-secondary readiness, based on objective measures
Career and Technical Education CTE students: State requirements for diploma
Programmatic curricular and instructional requirements specified in diploma laws Pedagogical approaches (i.e. methods of teaching) Grading/scoring approaches Transcript requirements
Official academic credential
Schools must provide “Sufficient opportunity and capacity through multiple pathways for all students to study in [the eight content areas of the Maine Learning Results]” Determined by local governing body
Transcript November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Advocacy
#RedforED T
he #RedforED Movement is continuing this school year as educators advocate for the good education that all students must have, and the decent pay and benefits educators deserve. The national movement is taking off in Maine with educators wearing red on Wednesdays, as several local associations fought and continue to fight for the resources and working conditions that both educators and students need to succeed.
Why Now? The movement began after educators in other states, including Oklahoma and West Virginia, walked out to demand a stop to the budget cuts, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated materials that inhibit their ability to provide the support and tools their students need to learn. Educators are also demanding the decent pay and benefits that will attract and retain the dedicated professionals who strive every day to connect with and reach their students. Recent polls show the public supports educators in this effort to advocate for our students and schools.
F
Impact on Elections
ed up with politicians who don’t listen to them, at least 15 current and former teachers in Maine chose to run for political office. The goal for many educators, as part of the #RedforEd movement, is to reject politicians who do not support public schools. Henry Ingwersen
As a classroom teacher and educational leader for over 25 years, I understand that getting a good start in life should be available for every child in Maine, regardless of where they live. Equal access to a good education is vital to Maine’s economy. When I get to Augusta I will work hard to ensure that the will of the voters is followed by supporting a fair school funding formula.
A new Economic Policy Institute study shows that teacher pay continues to erode, in comparison with the pay for professionals in other careers. This “teacher pay penalty”—the percent by which public school teachers are paid less than comparable workers—hit a new high, of nearly 19 percent, in 2017.
What’s Next? Continue to show your support for our public schools and students and wear red every Wednesday during the school year. Even if your school or district isn’t negotiating a contract, or doesn’t have any budget issues, the visual of all educators in red sends a strong message that we, as a group, are united together to support a common cause. Now is the time to advocate for change. MEA/NEA gives educators a voice to advocate for better pay, benefits and working conditions that have long been ignored. Educators in Maine, and across the nation, deserve, and have earned, pay and benefits that match their expertise, education and professional experience. Make sure you use your voice to speak up for your students. The MEA is always seeking the first-hand stories from those in our schools-we want to know what issues you’re facing, what you need to be successful and how MEA can help. Connect with MEA today! Email us at editor@maineea.org It’s time we push public officials to make funding decisions that better account for school needs! 14
Maine Educator • November 2018
Jan Dodge
One of the reasons I’m running is the push-back I received on the “Stand Up For Students” referendum question enactment, even after it was passed by Maine voters. Short term fixes are not enough. I hope to host a wonderful celebration when an education funding mechanism is enacted! Our students are too important, and as a retired teacher I knew it was time to talk the talk and walk the walk.
Jennie Butler
Educators deserve a seat at the table in Augusta. For too long education policies and budgets have been decided with little or no input from educators. It is crucial to invest in education from pre-k to workforce training in Maine because that is how we will keep and attract younger people.
Advocacy
Scholarships Available for you Students! OVERVIEW OF THE AWARDS: The Trustees have designated two different categories of awards:
PRESENTED BY:
(1) Graduating High School Seniors who will attend a 4-year college (2) Graduating High School Seniors who will attend a Maine Community
College
In all categories the awards will be major in nature, not to exceed $10,000. The award for Community College students will not exceed $2,000. The Trustees may grant the awards in all categories to recipients who meet multi-faceted and diverse criteria, as opposed to any single criteria such as financial need or scholastic achievement. Each year the Trustees will determine the number of scholarships to be awarded. Runner-up finalists will receive $500 in recognition of their outstanding achievement and/or cultural contribution. The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund was created by the Maine Education Association through a trust established by the late Audrey Lewis.
The Advantages of
Membership
Where Educators and Community Unite
l
Home Equity Loans
l
Low Rate Auto Loans
l
Free Checking
l
Mobile Banking with Remote Check Deposit
l
Instant Issue Debit Card with Rewards Points
Membership eligibility required
85 Civic Center Drive · Cony High School/CATC Campus www.connectedcreditunion.org · 1-800-464-3773 Federally Insured by NCUA
2018 Winners of the Clyde Russell Scholarship Mrs. Lewis served as President of the Maine Teachers Association in 1958, and named the fund after Clyde Russell, who served as Executive Director from 1945 to 1966. The Trust operates in accordance to the Will of Audrey Lewis, is administered by its own Trustees, and is independent from the Maine Education Association.
The deadline for application is February 1st, each year. November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Advocacy
FAST FACTS
1 out of 5 educators must take another job to make ends meet.
#outofmypocket #RedforEd
71%
16%
of people think less funding goes teachers are not paid to districts with the enough. highest poverty.
Jamie McAlpine-Maine Ed Tech III Windham Primary School
O
ur district does reimburse teachers up to $250 they may spend each school year, but as a paraeducator, I do not receive that benefit. I teach social skills and while I was extremely grateful that teachers in my building donated games and materials to me for use with my kiddos, I still spent around $200 on books, games, and teaching materials (amen for Teachers Pay Teachers!) to use with my kids. This year the district helped fund more of the curriculum I will be using, but that was a big hit last year working on a para salary. I’m thankful for supportive colleagues and online resources to help me get through!
Kristina Presley - Missouri Library Media Specialist
M
y first year I spent well over $1,500 to decorate, stock my classroom library, and provide snacks for students who came without. I’m in year 9 now and I can’t even guess what my personal total is up to #outofmypocket #redfored
Ambereen Khan-Baker - Montana English Teacher
I
spent at least $1,000 a year on materials, snacks, resources. My husband and I budgeted for this every year. This shouldn’t be happening. Our students deserve funded schools. #outofmypocket
94%
of US teachers spend their own money to stock their classroom with the necessary supplies and resources.
Joyce Farr -New Jersey ESL Specialist
I
too debated whether to buy #outofmypocket textbooks and workbooks because there weren’t enough to go round, so I did it and hope for a reimbursement. Why? So my #ELLs would have what they need. Supplies e.g.pencils, markers, folders, binders, notebooks are annual gifts.
In the News: SCHOOL FUNDING
The following is an excerpt from a debate where all candidates were asked the same question regarding public education funding. Question: Do you feel Maine schools are adequately funded, yes or no? (Question was posed during a rapid fire round where candidates were asked to respond with a simple yes or no response.) Moody “They’re over-funded. We need to get them to be more efficient and more effective.” Mills No. Caron No. Hayes No. Source: Associated General Contractors of Maine debate posted on You Tube, published 2/9/18
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Maine Educator • November 2018
Advocacy
November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Advocacy
You Decide
2018 Screening and Endorsement Questionnaire for Candidates for Governor
MEA asked Maine’s candidates for governor a series of questions. Below are their responses, in their own words. Responses have not been altered, even for spelling or grammar. These are the candidates own words. Some answers have been shortened for space constraints, however you can view full responses in our Maine Educator Online. The MEA hopes the following information is helpful as you make your decision in November. Maine's next governor will make critical decisions impacting our classrooms, our students and our profession, including: • Improving support for public schools and the students we serve • Determining the amount of state aid our schools receive • Appointing a Commissioner of Education to lead our state’s public schools • Signing or vetoing bills that directly impact our public schools
Question 1 - Do you think standardized test scores should be used to evaluate teachers? If so, how much should test scores count when evaluating teacher performance? No, this method of evaluating teachers is too flawed and relies on too many factors outside of the teacher’s control. Standardized testing should be diagnostic for the student only, and should play no part in teacher evaluations. Question 2 - If elected, will you advocate for state funding of our public schools at 55%? Specifically, what will you do to help ensure our schools are fully funded?
Janet Mills
Yes, I will - and I believe my experience as a State Legislator and as Attorney General has positioned me well to immediately begin working with members of the State Legislature to move towards the goal of fully meeting the state’s commitment to our schools.
Question 3 - Do you support the right for school employees and other public employees to collectively bargain? Why or why not? Yes, and I have gone to court to fight for that right. Every employee should have a powerful voice in the workplace, whether it is a school, a factory, a hospital, or any other place of business. I consider this a fundamental right. Question 4 - Did you vote to support Question 2 on the November 2016 ballot to better fund our public schools by asking the wealthiest 2% to pay a little more in state taxes? Yes, I supported Question 2. Question 5 - Would you support or oppose further cuts and restrictions to the public employee retirement system? I would oppose any further cuts and restrictions to the public employee retirement system because I believe it would be a fundamental breach of the contract between the state and retired teachers and ed techs. Question 6 - Do you support the school choice program as proposed by Governor LePage? What opportunities for school choice would you support? No, I do not support Governor LePage’s so-called school choice program.
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Maine Educator • November 2018
Advocacy KEN FREDETTE
GARRETT MASON
M A R Y M AY H E W
JANET MILLS
Question 1 - Do you think standardized test scores should be used to evaluate teachers? If so, how much should test scores count when evaluating teacher performance?
INSIDE: HOW THEY ANSWERED Question 2 - If elected, will you advocate for state funding of our public schools at 55%? Specifically, what OUR EDUCATION will you do to help ensure our schools are fully funded? QUESTIONS The issue with schools is not the amount of funding. It is where we spend the money. I care deeply about Yes, I think standardized test scores should be used to evaluate teachers. It is one metric that can be used to measure success in the classroom. However, I also think it’s important to consider other metrics such as peer feedback, teaching style in the classroom, and student engagement.
S H A W N Moody MOODY Shawn
D I Aand N E asR the U S Sonly E L Lperson to ever B Eserve T S Y on S Wboth E E Tthe University of Maine System Board and the Maine education, Community College Board, I know that it’s possible to reduce overhead while improving the delivery of services to our students. I will advocate for Maine schools, but will not support additional funding without reform. I don’t believe in double standards, we will lead by example removing duplication in the State’s overhead and infrastructure. We will serve as a role model incentivizing local communities to follow our lead by integrating town and school duplicated functions and facilities to lower costs and take the pressure of local property taxes.
Question 3 - Do you support the right for school employees and other public employees to collectively bargain? Why or why not? I believe that unions can serve an important role for school employees and other public employees, and they have a right to engage in collective bargaining. However, I also believe that joining a union, or contributing to a union, should not be a condition of employment. People should be free to make the decision about whether to join a union, without being forced to fund collective bargaining operations. We would favor a statewide contract. I served on the UMS Human Resource and Labor relations committee. When I got on the Board 4 years ago USM was in turmoil. They hadn’t had a contract for years, votes of no confidence in leadership, $16 million dollars in the hole and the students were protesting. Three years later we just put $8 million dollars back into the budget stabilization fund, our contracts have been negotiated and agreed upon in good faith. USM is now growing enrollment and private investment is coming in for a proposed graduate center located in Portland. Question 4 - Did you vote to support Question 2 on the November 2016 ballot to better fund our public schools by asking the wealthiest 2% to pay a little more in state taxes? No, I did not vote to support Question 2 on the November 2016 ballot because it would have devastated Maine’s economy. Question 2 did not ask people to pay a “little more” in state taxes, it proposed a 40% increase in the state income tax. The question was worded in a way the was completely misleading and not representative of the true tax increase. I interviewed both Talya Edlund and Tammy Ranger on the radio show “Inside Maine”. I asked them both “did you know the proposed tax increase would impact every successful pass through business in the State of Maine. They both answered no they did not know it impacted businesses. Two of the top educators in the State of Maine and neither one knew. Maine is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. If we are going to be serious about attracting and retaining businesses and growing our economy, we must be competitive. We cannot tax and spend our way to prosperity. Question 2 would have resulted in losing many people to lower taxed states. These people provide jobs, are involved in their communities, and provide resources to Maine charities. Question 5 - Would you support or oppose further cuts and restrictions to the public employee retirement system? The 2011 budget passed sweeping pension reform that reduced the unfunded liability and ensured that the pension system was solvent for retirees. Those changes were necessary for those who paid into the system for years, and relied on it for their retirement. At this point, the system is solvent and in good financial health. I support ensuring that the pension system stays solvent for retirees. The fiducialries that were managing the retirement system at the time grossly mismanaged the fund and projected unrealistic return rates for the pension holdings at that time. This was negligent, and non one was held accountable for it. Question 6 - Do you support the school choice program as proposed by Governor LePage? What opportunities for school choice would you support? Yes, I support parents having control over the education of their children and not state government. I support voucher programs, homeschooling opportunities, and charter schools as alternatives to traditional public schooling. I recently went to bat for a family that had two children in a neighboring school system. Their son was experiencing behavioral problems which the parents felt was induced by the classroom environment and culture at the school. Their daughter also didn’t seem enthused about school. One Superintendent and the accepting school agreed to allow them to transition over, the other Superintendent refused. When I spoke with the opposing Superintendent he basically said “it was about the money”. For someone that started from scratch and built a great family and business based upon taking care of people and the money would take care of itself that was obviously the wrong answer. The parents ran that appeal to the highest authority and I was thrilled that the BOE saw the benefits of allowing the move and I can proudly say it changed that families life in a positive way. How many parents get frustrated and just give up because they don’t have the means or the muster to go up against the administrative apparatus? November 2018 • www.maineea.org 19
Advocacy
Question 1 - Do you think standardized test scores should be used to evaluate teachers? If so, how much should test scores count when evaluating teacher performance? Did not answer. Question 2 - If elected, will you advocate for state funding of our public schools at 55%? Specifically, what will you do to help ensure our schools are fully funded? Did not answer.
Terry Hayes
Question 3 - Do you support the right for school employees and other public employees to collectively bargain? Why or why not? Did not answer. Question 4 - Did you vote to support Question 2 on the November 2016 ballot to better fund our public schools by asking the wealthiest 2% to pay a little more in state taxes? Did not answer. Question 5 - Would you support or oppose further cuts and restrictions to the public employee retirement system? Did not answer. Question 6 - Do you support the school choice program as proposed by Governor LePage? What opportunities for school choice would you support? Did not answer.
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Maine Educator • November 2018
Advocacy
Question 1 - Do you think standardized test scores should be used to evaluate teachers? If so, how much should test scores count when evaluating teacher performance? Dropped out of Governor race. Question 2 - If elected, will you advocate for state funding of our public schools at 55%? Specifically, what will you do to help ensure our schools are fully funded?
Alan Caron
Question 3 - Do you support the right for school employees and other public employees to collectively bargain? Why or why not?
Question 4 - Did you vote to support Question 2 on the November 2016 ballot to better fund our public schools by asking the wealthiest 2% to pay a little more in state taxes?
Question 5 - Would you support or oppose further cuts and restrictions to the public employee retirement system?
Question 6 - Do you support the school choice program as proposed by Governor LePage? What opportunities for school choice would you support?
November 2018 • www.maineea.org
21
Advocacy
MEA 2018 Endorsed Candidates
The MEA Board of Directors voted to endorse the following candidates running for political office in the November 2018 election based on both voting record and an MEA questionnaire that focused on education and union issues.
Gubernatorial Candidate
1st Congressional District Candidate
2nd Congressional District Candidate
U.S. Senate Candidate
Janet Mills
Chellie Pingree
Jared Golden
Angus King
SENATE Senate District 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35
Name Troy Jackson Mike Carpenter Jeff Johnson Susan Mackey Andrews James Dill Louis Luchini Bev Uhlenhake Geoff Gratwick Bill Lippincott Erin Herbig David Miramant Laura Fortman Shenna Bellows Kellie Julia Karen Kusiak Jan Collins Ned Claxton Nathan Libby Lois Kilby-Chesley Eloise Vitelli Everett Brownie Carson Cathy Breen Bill Diamond Ben Chipman Heather Sanborn Rebecca Millett Linda Sanborn Justin Chenette Susan Dechambault Thomas Wright Mark Lawrence
HOUSE House District 1 2 3 4 22
Name Deane Rykerson Michele Meyer Lydia Blume Patricia Hymanson
Maine Educator • November 2018
House District 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 18 19 20 21-Dual Endorsement 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 34 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 47 48 49 50
Name Charles Galemmo Tiffany Roberts-Lovell Daniel Hobbs Christopher Babbidge Diane M. Denk Henry Ingwersen Ryan Fecteau Lori Gramlich Donna Bailey Margaret O'Neil Anne-Marie Mastraccio Jeremy Mele Daniel Lauzon Justin Reinhardt, Kelcy McNamara Richard Fitzgerald Timothy Goodwin Mark Bryant Jennie Butler Maureen Terry Andrew McLean Chris Caiazzo Anne Carney Lois Reckitt Christopher Kessler Andrew Gattine Ann Peoples Richard Farnsworth Matt Moonen Michael Sylvester Rachel Talbot Ross Erik Jorgensen Benjamin Collings Teresa Pierce Dale Denno Janice Cooper Sara Gideon Matthea Daughtry Ralph Tucker
Advocacy House District 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 68 72 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 90 91 93 95 96 97
Name Joyce McCreight Jennifer DeChant Allison Hepler Denise Tepler Seth Berry Martha Poliquin Eryn Gilchrist James Handy Margaret Craven Kristen Cloutier Heidi Brooks Gina Melaragno Brian Carrier Bettyann Sheats Misty Coolidge Jessica Fay Janice Barter Dennis O'Connor Christina Riley John Nutting Carol Carothers Catherine Nadeau Dawn Castner Steve Ball Craig Hickman Kent Ackley Thomas A. Harnett Charlotte Warren Donna Doore Jason Putnam Chloe Maxmin Holly Stover Mick Devin Jeffrey Evangelos Anne Beebe-Center William Pluecker William Zeigler Jan Dodge
Homecare for all
House District 98 99 101 102 106 107 110 115 116 117 118 119 120 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 131 133 134 135 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 146 147 148 150 151
Name Scott Cuddy April Turner James Davitt Kimberly Hammill Stanley Short Betty Austin Colleen Madigan John Madigan Ben McCollister Stephanie LeBlanc John Tiele Jaco Deertrack Richard A. Evans, MD Michelle Dunphy Ryan Tipping Aaron Frey Tori Kornfield John Schneck Barbara Cardone Arthur Verow Nathalie Arruda Sarah Pebworth Genevieve McDonald Brian Hubbell Doug Bunker Robert Alley Will Tuell Anne Perry Donald Green Patricia Nobel Stephen Stanley Ted Sussman Sarah LeClaire Robert Saucier David McCrea Danny Martin John Martin
Vote Yes on Question 1 November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Your Association
New Website - New Look - New Resources
M
EA has updated its online look! A new website is now live and ready for members to explore. It’s cleaner, easier to use, and mobile friendly!!! (Can you tell we’re excited about that part?!)
On the new and improved site, you’ll be able to search MEA’s calendar of events, register right online and export the event to your mobile calendar (iCal and Google friendly) You won’t miss an MEA event again with this new feature! Plus, search our trainings and online resources-everything from free webinars to free lesson plans to free micro-credentials. It’s all easy to find under the Professional Development tab.
Search our NEW Member Center where you’ll find a salary and health care data base, discounts and deals available to you, and other exclusive member benefits, including information on our collective bargaining services. Check out our Awards/Grants tab where you’ll learn more on how you can honor a colleague, apply for grants and even find scholarship money for your students, direct from MEA. Be sure to bookmark maineea.org on your computer and visit often. MEA will continue to upload new education resource articles, share updates on education news in Maine and beyond, and post new offerings available to its members. And—help spread the word! Visit maineea.org today! You can also find this magazine online under our new Media tab online. All issues of Maine Educator are archived online as well!
Bookmark this! Maineea.org 24
Maine Educator • November 2018
Your Association
EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS FIND HELP WITH MEA T
YEP-MEA Provides Support
he Young Education Professionals of the Maine Education Association (YEP-MEA) are members who are newer to the profession of education, care about our students, our schools, and shaping the future of the profession–all while having fun! The mission of YEP-MEA members is to build personal and professional relationships with other like-minded educators through networking and community outreach to help further the cause of great public schools for every Maine student.
YEP-MEA hosts several events specifically designed for early career educators throughout the year. Recently, a group gathered at Rising Tide in Portland to network and learn from a panel of educators about what they wished they knew when they started in the profession. To learn about other upcoming events, log on to maineea.org and click on the YEP-MEA tab-and be sure to attend our next event!
MEA/NEA Webinar Series Top 5 English Language Learners’ Strategies in the Classroom Learn research-based ELL strategies to support ELL learning and achievement on explicit skill instruction, student-directed activities, instructional strategies that enhance understanding, and opportunities for students to practice. Date: November 8th, 8-9pm Register: https://maineea.org/events/category/webinar/list/ 10 Tips to Manage Your Workload as a New Educator Join our panel of early career educators and hear their reflections and strategies on managing your teacher workload and balancing professional expectations with the realities of life. Date: December 13th. 8-9pm Register: https://maineea.org/events/category/webinar/list/ Preparing for Your Parent-Teacher Conferences
visit maineea.org/yep-mea
Hear from educators’ experiences on conducting effective and welcoming parent-teacher conferences to encourage family involvement in your classroom and promote positive outcomes for your students. This webinar is completed, but resources can be sent to you. Sign up to receive previous resources from completed webinars.https://actionnetwork.org/forms/resources-for-neweducators-2/?source=schoolme More Resources Available Online at maineea.org/yep-mea November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Your Association health care refund that each member had received early in the fall of 2017. They also were impressed with how the local chapter kept membership informed through regular e-mails regarding meetings with administration at USM and statewide AFUM matters. They also remarked that they were amazed by the amount of work that AFUM did behind the scenes.
From The Faculty: What Our Union Really Stands For By: Dr. Paul Johnson, University of Southern Maine, School of Social Work
O
n June 27th, 2018, the Supreme Court barred public employee contracts that required workers to pay union dues. This is referred to as “Fair Share,” whereby employees pay a reduced rate that entitles them to complete union assistance. Although I am no legal scholar, it is my understanding that the Supreme Court’s majority decision utilized the First Amendment, and one’s right to free speech, their argument being that compelling members to pay a reduced fee which would provide them all the protections afforded to all full fee paying members, was violating their first amendment right. In Maine, this decision only impacts those who work in higher education, and not in our K-12 public schools. I personally disagree with the ruling and believe our union will only grow stronger the more we talk about the benefits of joining. Where do we go from here? Recently, at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham, Portland, and Lewiston/Auburn campuses, the Associated Faculties of the Universities of Maine (AFUM-the MEA’s higher education local) held a recruitment/informational drive. Members met and talked with those who didn’t belong, provided them with information and literature about the organization, including the advantages and benefits of becoming a “full member.” AFUM also took the opportunity at each of the campuses to meet and listen with as many faculty as possible about their concerns and any questions or suggestions they might have. Most surprising was that some faculty were unaware that they were “Fair Share” members and not “Full Members.” Several were extremely apologetic saying that monthly dues were being taken from their pay check. Hence, they assumed they were full members of the union. Regarding the faculty paying the full union dues, they stated that they were extremely appreciative of what AFUM had done over the past several years at USM. Many mentioned the significant 26
Maine Educator • November 2018
The reason this is of significance is despite the ruling of the Supreme Court’s majority decision that Unions compel individuals to support views they find objectionable, AFUM addresses tangible issues which are of significance to all. For example, it promotes quality and affordable health insurance, advocates for adequate raises and salary increases to a level commensurate with one’s peers. It protects shared governance, supports academic freedom, provides flexible family and medical leave policies, lowers the cost of medical copays, and provides faculty with representation. These are not abstract or conceptual issues. They are real and have meaningful importance to all the faculty at the University of Southern Maine. Over the past several years, AFUM has been anticipating this ruling from the Supreme Court. It has never been a matter of if but when this decision would be handed down. I believe that this ruling provides AFUM with an opportunity. For many years, we were somewhat complacent in our attitude that it was ok to have some colleagues pay a reduced amount but still receive all the benefits of a full paying member. This court decision and the recruitment and informational drive have confirmed that we need to ensure that all faculty become AFUM members. AFUM is not about curtailing one’s views and opinions, indeed to make that assertion in an academic setting is rather ingenuous. Rather, supporting differences and the exchange of ideas is what higher education is all about. We encourage our students to question and challenge what we are saying and what they are reading. We want all to think critically about what we do and how we could improve things. Hence, we as AFUM members need to welcome all. When new faculty join the University, we need to be ready to meet with them and inform them of the numerous benefits of joining AFUM. By everyone being a member, this can have benefits not only for our members but also positive outcomes for our students and the citizens of Maine. Being a member of MEA and AFUM is not a theoretical, ideological concept. Rather, it is meaningful and has profound implications. It means that we as members take seriously our working conditions, that we speak up about the need for quality and affordable health insurance, that we take very seriously the importance of shared governance, and that we not only speak about academic freedom, but embrace and take full advantage of that right. It means that we have to be willing to meet with the Administration, Board of Trustees, legislators, and the Governor and tell them why public schools and higher education is of such importance and significance to all the citizens of the State of Maine. Being a member of MEA and AFUM is not compelling individuals to mouth support for views they find objectionable, but rather standing up for the citizens of Maine and demonstrating how public education benefits all.
Your Association
Joseph Hennessey English Teacher Piscataquis Community HS
Proud Moments
A
ll three finalists for 2019 Maine Teacher of the Year are MEA members! Congratulations to winner Joseph Hennessey and finalists Shana Goodall and Connie Russell.
2
018 Piscataquis County Teacher of the Year, Joseph Hennessey teaches American, World, AP Literature and Composition, and Camden Conference Seminar for grades 11-12 at Piscataquis Community High School (RSU 80/MSAD 4). He has been teaching for 6 years.
Shana Goodall Social Studies Teacher Orono High School
2
018 Penobscot County Teacher of the Year, Shana Goodall teaches Social Studies, World Civilizations, AP Human Geography, and AP World History for grades 9-12 at Orono High School (RSU 26). She has been teaching for 15 years.
Connie Russell 2nd Grade Teacher Mabel I. Wilson School
2
018 Cumberland County Teacher of the Year, Connie Russell is a 2nd grade teacher at Mabel I. Wilson School in Cumberland, North Yarmouth (MSAD 51) and has been teaching for 27 years.
Mallory Haar English Language Learner Teacher Casco Bay High School
M
allory Haar, an English language learner (ELL) teacher at Casco Bay High School, and previous winner of the MEA Human and Civil Rights Award along with her students, is the winner of three awards for outstanding teaching. Haar has won a 2018 Lawrence W. O’Toole Teacher Leadership Award from the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, which includes a $15,000 grant, and is the 2018 recipient of the Education for the Common Good Award from Bowdoin College. She also recently was awarded a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms grant.
York & Kittery Teachers Unite!
Y
ork and Kittery teachers showed up in force at their respective School Committee meetings as they worked through the bargaining process for new contracts. Kittery teachers reached a tentative agreement, but those in York are headed into mediation. The show of support for one another during this time truly highlighted the truth that we are all stronger together. November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Your Association
NOT RECEIVING OUR EMAILS?
DID YOU KNOW? Your Dues Include Free Life Insurance Coverage includes: • Up to $1,000 of term life insurance • Up to $5,000 of accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage • $50,000 of AD&D insurance for an accident on the job or serving as an Association Leader • $150,000 of life insurance if you lose your life while doing your job Have you named your beneficiary? Make sure to update or name one or more beneficiaries. If the worst happens to you, your choice will speed up benefit payments for loved ones who need them.
Your Dues Include Discounted Pet Insurance Get Reimbursed Up To 90% on Veterinary Bills with this discounted insurance! Pets are part of the family too, which is why NEA Member Benefits partnered with Pets Best, a leading U.S. provider, to offer pet health insurance. Pets Best was founded by a veterinarian in 2005 and has paid over $175 million in pet insurance claims to pet parents just like you. Plans start at just $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs. FMI: call 1-877-738-7237
How to Fix It Outlook
Clutter Folder 1. Check Clutter folder and find the MEA email 2. Right click on the email and choose "Mark as Not Clutter" or just drag it to your inbox. Junk Email Folder 1. Highlight the MEA email inside the "Junk Email" folder. 2. Right click on the message select "Junk." Select "Not Junk" from the next menu. 3. Outlook will give you the option to add the sender to the "Safe Senders" list as you remove the message from the "Junk Email" folder.
Gmail
Promotions Folder 1. Find the MEA email in promotions folder. 2. Right click the email. Hover over "Move to tab" then select "primary" Spam Folder 1. Find the message you want to move out of your spam folder. 2. Right click on the MEA email. Mark "Not spam."
Yahoo
Your Dues Include a Free Retirement Help In less than 5 minutes you can take the pulse of your retirement plan—and it’s completely FREE for MEA members. Whether you think you’re too young or you’re ready to retire soon, it’s worth checking to see where you stand financially. Where are you now and where do you need to be? Answer a few questions and you’ll get a retirement savings snapshot plus additional planning resources if you need them.
Start your check-up now: https://bit.ly/2x77wzR
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Maine Educator • November 2018
Promotions Folder 1. Click "Spam" folder. 2. Select the MEA email to open it. 3. Click the "Not Spam" button in the toolbox to immediately send the email to your inbox.
If you have a different email provider than one listed and are experiencing difficulties receiving our emails, please visit maineea.org/contactus and send us a message!
Your Association
Why You Shouldn’t be afraid TO ASK FOR MORE MONEY
T
he numbers don’t lie. Teacher wages are falling further and further behind. According to a new study conducted by the Economic Policy Institute wage penalties have “grown significantly” for both male and female teachers. Take this information with you as you talk about your upcoming contracts. The report states: • In 2017, female public school teachers were making 15.6 percent less in wages than comparable female workers. • In 2017, male public school teachers were making 26.8 percent less in wages than comparable male workers.
Dollars and Cents in 2017
College Graduates $1,476.01* Public School Teachers $1,137.03*
*average weekly wages of public school teachers and of other college graduates, adjusted only for inflation
Comments From Facebook Edith Schriever Korstanje This makes me so sad...education is the foundation of all other professions. When do people finally realize that?
In 2004, teachers abroad were already better off than their U.S. counterparts November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Your Association
Taking Time to Talk
Lewiston EA members reach out to learn more about what’s really happening in their schools
B
e bold. Be heard. That was the theme of the Lewiston EA’s Listening Tour-a week-long event where representatives from the Association went to every school and talked with as many educators as possible, answering questions about the contract, listening to issues that were important to members and providing members and non-members a space to have their voices heard.
“We’ve had over 180 conversations with Lewiston educators. I’ve had people say ‘it’s really nice to have someone sit and listen and talk to us about stuff that matters to our jobs.’ The Listening Tour has been positively received and there are some incredible issues that have come out of it. It’s super rewarding to hear people say positive things about the Assocation,” said Samantha Garnett Sias, Lewiston EA President.. One of the purposes of the Listening Tour was to increase visibility for the Association across all the buildings in the district. During the week-long event, the LEA signed up 24 new members and spoke to 187 educators. LEA received help from MEA staff and affiliate staff from other states in order to reach out to the large group of people. As part of the conversations, LEA learned more about what types of professional development is needed for those who work in the district and is now working with MEA to help create specific plans to help arrange for relevant supports for their members. “MEA is always looking to make sure we are reaching our members in a positive way to ensure we’re providing members with the support they need to do their jobs to the best of their ability. By being in each building and simply asking people what their ideas and thoughts are, the Association opened up the lines of communication to allow members to have a voice in their work,” said Amanda Fickett, UniServ Director for the Lewiston area. 30
Maine Educator • November 2018
Your Association My Hero Works at School Essay Contest
Maine Educator Cover Contest – What I Love About Maine
The MEA is pleased to join with the Portland Sea Dogs for its 4th 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 2019 Sea Dogs game for themselves, their family and their school hero. Entries must include the name of the student, the school, the submitting educator’s name and email and the name and email of the school hero, if different than the submitting educator.
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” or able to be photographed. Please advise students that the magazine title will be across the top and 2.5” high. Entries must include the name of the student, the school, and the submitting teacher’s name and email.
DEADLINE: April 10, 2019 WHO: All public school elementary and middle school students HOW: Submit essays to Giovanna Bechard via mail at 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or email at contest@maineea.org
WHEN: Deadline April 19, 2019 WHO: Grades K-4, 5-8, 9-12 – There will be 3 finalists from each category, plus electronic art. One overall winner will be chosen from the finalists and have their work on the cover. HOW: Submit artwork to Giovanna Bechard via mail at 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or email at contest@maineea.org.
MEA Members - Here’s Your Chance to get Involved MEA Elections information for the 2019 MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies Would you like to be more active in your Association? Would you like to participate in creating the beliefs of your Association? Get Involved - get elected to represent your Association and have a say! The MEA Representative Assembly (RA) is made up of elected local association delegates from across the state and serves as the Association’s highest governing body. At its annual meeting in May, the RA will determine MEA’s policies, programs, and budget for the following year. NEA’s RA, which is held in July, determines policies also by elected delegates from across the country. Election information and forms for filing for Maine Education Association positions are available on the MEA website. Elected positions include: • MEA Representative Assembly • NEA Representative Assembly • MEA Board of Directors All forms and instructions are PDF file format and available on the MEA website at www.maineea.org under the About tab. If you need assistance, please contact Terry Gordon at tgordon@maineea.org. November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Calendar October
November
26
8
Nominate Students for the U. S. Presidential Scholars Program.
Register for our MEA/NEA webinar with the topic: Top 5 English Language Learners’ strategies in the classroom
Presidential Scholars Program
Each district may nominate one senior who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent U.S. resident and has scored exceptionally well on either the SAT of the College Board or the ACT of the American College Testing Program. In addition, a district may nominate a high school senior who has demonstrated excellence in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Applications are due to the Maine DOE by Friday, October 26th.
Learn research-based ELL strategies to support ELL learning and achievement on explicit skill instruction, student-directed activities, instructional strategies that enhance understanding, and opportunities for students to practice. FMI: maineea.org check out the Events calendar for registration link
FMI: Contact Superintendents’ Offices across the state
November
13-15
ELL Webinar
Now & Ongoing Scholarship for Students
MAARS Overview
The Clyde Russell Scholarship Fund was created by the Maine Education Association through a trust established by the late Audrey Lewis. OVERVIEW OF THE AWARDS:
Maine’s Assessment & Accountability Reporting System overview will occur during one day sessions in Presque Isle, Bangor/Brewer and Portland areas. Sessions will focus on, but aren’t limited to, English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics eMPowerME and Science released items and specifically the impact on curriculum and development review to instructional practice.
The Trustees have designated two different categories of awards:
The intended audience for this session is Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, curriculum coordinators, and ELA, Math and Science teaching staff. FMI: Contact Janette Kirk, Deputy Director, Office of Learning Systems at janette.kirk@maine.gov or 624-6707.
(1) Graduating High School Seniors who will attend a 4-year college (2) Graduating High School Seniors who will attend a Maine Community College In all categories the awards will be major in nature, not to exceed $10,000. The award for Community College students will not exceed $2,000. FMI: https://clyderussellscholarshipfund.org
We’re here for you Founded more than 70 years ago, Horace Mann is dedicated to helping you through a lifetime of changing needs. We can help you protect what’s important today and prepare for a successful tomorrow. • Retirement solutions
• College savings plans
• Auto and home insurance • Life insurance • Student Loan Solutions
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
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Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann auto and homeowners insurance. Horace Mann life insurance is underwritten by Horace Mann Life Insurance Company. College savings plans are offered by Horace Mann Investors, Inc. (HMII), member FINRA / SIPC, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, IL 62715, 217-789-2500.
Maine Educator • November 2018 AMC04196 (Aug. 18) MEA
• Educational workshops
P.J. Kinney, Presque Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-764-1283 Tony LaPrino, Rockland . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-941-1212 Dominic Vermette, Waterboro . . . . . . . . 207-247-0186 Troy True, Brunswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-729-1975 Paul Yarnevich, South Portland . . . . . . . .207-510-6600
Member Deals
NEA Click & Save “Buy-lights” for October 2018
The new school year is in full swing, and the fall season is upon us. Get ready for changing weather and invigorating outdoor activities with the proper clothing, footwear and equipment! NEA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured “Buy-lights” for October!* *Note: Up-to-date information on merchant discounts, shipping terms and WOW Points appears on the NEA Click & Save Web page at www.neamb. com/clickandsave and may change at any time. Don’t forget to use your WOWPoints—they’re just like cash (100 WOW Points = $1; plus, no blackout dates and no expiration)!
SAMPLE SAVINGS: The Walking Company:
With brands such as Dansko, Ecco, and New Balance--plus up to 50% off UGGS, and get 4X WOWPoints and free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
LL Bean:
Outfit yourself for this winter and earn 4X WOWPoints.
Movie Ticket Deals Save up to 35% on movie tickets!
Available at various theater chains across the state. Check out ticketsatwork.com for more details!
November 2018 • www.maineea.org
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Earn your Master’s in Education UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development offers several M.Ed. programs such as Elementary and Secondary Education, Instructional Technology, and Special Education fully online to accommodate your busy schedule. “As a teacher with a busy family, the M.Ed. program meets my needs in so many ways. I am able to take engaging online classes with instructors who know how to create class communities in the virtual environment. I am also able to develop valuable skills that I can apply immediately in my teaching practice. Finally, the M.Ed. program instructors and support staff genuinely care about the success of the students. I really couldn’t have asked for a better program!” – Jessica Ludders
Be a Black Bear From Anywhere! Contact an advisor today to get started. 207.581.5858 • umaineonline@maine.edu
online.umaine.edu/masters-in-education The University of Maine is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
