Maine Educator September 2015

MAINE

Educator Big changes to NCLB p. 17

Cool Classrooms p. 12

Reading Hits the Road

SPECIAL DOUBLE ISSUE:

Find your NEW membership roadmap at the back of this Educator!

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September 2015 Vol. 76 • Number 1

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IT’S YOUR ASSOCIATION. READ ALL ABOUT IT. contents 5 6 11 23 24

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

16 5 Issues Will Impact Your Work

Say goodbye to Smarter Balanced—but what will take its place? A lot happened in Augusta at the end of the legislative session that will affect your job.

Read the review of it all and what it means for you.

14 E-readers: The Best vs. The Budget With so many choices in technology we take the burden off you and look deeper into e-readers and what you get for your dollar.

SAVE THE DATE FALL CONFERENCE

Oct. 30 & Oct. 31 - Samoset Resort Fall Conference at the Samoset Resort is quickly approaching. Make sure to mark your calendars for this year’s “not to miss” opportunity.

20 CALLING ALL STUDENT ARTISTS AND ART TEACHERS!

Get your crayons, pencils, paints, cameras— whatever you choose—because here is your chance to design the cover of the Maine Educator. Let your creativity flow and share your love for art.

On the Cover: Don Sanders (Merrymeeting ESP Association)

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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News You Can Use

Advice for “First Year You” Two Ears, One Mouth A teacher’s story of sabbatical in Finland “My Hero Works at School” Essay Contest Fast Facts Cool Classroom Tech Talk: E-Readers

7 8

21

10 11 12 14

15

Advocacy 15 16 17 18

12

End Student Hunger 5 Issues that Will Impact Your Job The END to NCLB Reading Hits the Road

Your Association 20 21 22

15

Q:

What did you want to be when you were little?

MAINE

Educator

Volume 76 Number 1 - Copyright 2015 Editorial Staff Managing Editor - Robert Walker, Executive Director Editor - Giovanna Bechard, Communications Director Layout/Ad Manager - Allison Coombs, Communications Assistant

Send letters to the editor, questions, and comments to gbechard@maineea.org 4

Maine Educator • September 2015

20

Grants & Opportunities NEA Representative Assembly Perspectives: Should students check their cell phones at the door?

Take the membership road trip!

Flip yo page 25 and hit the road!

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

Board of Directors Phyllis Hunter Steven Knowles Jesse Hargrove Cyndy Fish: First female interstate truck driver and a teacher Ken Williams Jill Watson: Detective Robin Colby: Clothing designer Jim Thornton: True frontiersman Samantha Garnett Sias: I had no idea what I wanted to be Terry Martin Bob McCully: U.S. Navy Sailor but I surpassed the height limit Amanda Cooper Deborah Butler: Teacher or Veterinarian John Messier: Astronaut Neil Greenberg: Fireman Crystal Ward: Teacher Bob Calderwood

Subscription to the Maine Educator is $10 per year, available to persons or institutions not eligible for MEA/NEA membership.

The Maine Educator is published 6 times annually, September, October, December, February, April, & June.

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

Editor’s Note

My Tupperware Cabinet Chances are you’ve spent some time on social media. So, you’ve likely noticed that a lot of people make it seem like their lives are so perfect—you know the ones that tell you how many miles they ran today—or show you a picture of their home which is spic and span clean—and the family photo where everyone is smiling and seemingly having an amazing time at the latest festival.

I’ll admit I’m guilty of the picture perfect kid photos—I don’t post the pictures that came out awful before the good one. I’ve also never seen anyone post a photo of their cabinet that holds the Tupperware—you know the cabinet you hope doesn’t explode all over the floor when you open the door.

Like th

is...

But that’s a reality for a lot of people—beyond the picture perfect images on places like Facebook there is truth. The things you don’t see are often the things you need to know or the things that more accurately depict reality.

This may be true for the value of your membership. You already know a negotiated contract is a benefit of your membership, but did you know as an MEA member you also receive access to 16,000 Common Core aligned lesson plans? Use our new Roadmap to Membership on the back cover of the magazine to make sure you’re making the most of your MEA membership and understand all the benefits being a member has to offer.

The “perfect one”

The reality (which I think is better anyway)

nd get t lucky a e g t s ju es, you rst try.

Sometim photo on the fi a good

Speaking of making the most of things, this past summer our family tried to enjoy all this great state has to offer. We spent a lot of time at the lake and I dubbed this past summer the “summer of fun.” I felt if I gave the summer a title I would focus more on making sure the little things didn’t matter—like when the dryer broke or my car started smoking while I was driving—those were just a few blips on the “summer of fun” radar. While summer is over—sigh—remember this is a new school year and it will be as good as you make it. Take a minute to laugh at what fellow MEA members have said to their students on page 24, get some cool classroom ideas on page 12 and apply for a grant for your school or classroom found on page 20. Learn how MEA members helped changed the course of standardized testing for this school year on page 16.

Most of all though…this year…remember nothing is picture perfect and some things will take a lot of work to get right, if possible at all. My Tupperware cabinet will never be perfect—one out of every three times everything falls all over the floor and I’m OK with that because I’ve accepted things really don’t need to be picture perfect. As long as I can get to my colander when I need to strain the ziti, I’m all set.

Giovanna Bechard Editor

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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What Educators Do Right Too many times others are quick to point their finger at educators and tell us what we do wrong. I am here as a parent, a grandparent, a community member, a teacher, and your MEA President to tell you the top 12 things you do right in my book (in no particular order).

1.

Ask

You love what you do and you show it when you always want to do just a little bit more.

2. You share yourself with the students in your school and model what they hope to become.

3. You give your time, your resources, your experience and your love even (especially) to those that are a little rough and scratchy.

4. You sacrifice family time for “your kids.”

5. You give students who are lost at this moment in time hope for the future.

6. You work for the good of the community in which you work as much as for the community in which you live.

7. You fight for your students’ rights even when it threatens your livelihood.

8. You work way more than your contract says, and no, you don't have summers off.

9. You respect differences, and you encourage kids to develop into successful, independent citizens who think for themselves.

10. You laugh at yourself and with your students, and at the end of the day you can still laugh at the funny things that happen.

11. You listen intently to children when they tell you things that break your heart and you cry silently (in the dark) in empathy when you can't solve all the problems.

12. You educate parents who don't have the skills to parent, administrators who don't have the skills to lead, and governance that has forgotten what it is like to be a child.

You are incredible! You are awesome! You are amazing! You are our bus drivers, professors and food service workers. You are our techs, research assistants and teachers. You are our educational leaders, administrative assistants, clerks, and secretaries. You are our custodians, librarians, and public broadcasting employees. You are the MEA and your brothers and sisters are here to support you at every turn.

So when you hear people who don’t “get it” saying stupid comments about our profession, and when that finger is pointed in your direction, and when our state leaders don't want to pay you what you are worth and fight you at the negotiations table, and when others don't recognize how important you are to the fabric of a successful state for all our residents, I say remember we have each other's back.

Remember, together we are organized labor and we work for social and economic justice. Together we move this state we love forward because we work to improve the quality of life for working families. Together we advocate for equity for all our students because denying equal access to resources for education hurts not only our students, but also our communities.

You are the MEA and because of all the things you do that are right—and for all the right reasons— we have strong influence on the lives of our students. Thank you for this. Thank you for being a member. I hope you will have a successful beginning to another school year.

In Unity,

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Maine Educator • September 2015

u News Yo

If I only knew then...

Can U se

It’s easy to get caught up in the back-to-school buzz and forget the basics of what makes a great school day. Take a minute to read the advice for your “first year you,” what you know now but wish you knew then, and then relax and have a great start to the school year.

Don't try to do it all! It's hard to contain your enthusiasm, but you have to be realistic. Not all great ideas translate into great lessons/units.

- Sarah Griffin, Portland EA

Lighten up! Have fun!

We are all going to make it out of this year alive!

- Phyllis Hunter, Washburn TA

I wish someone had told me about the importance of voicing classroom perspective at IEP Meetings and not letting test results drive the student's IEP plan.

- Lois Kilby-Chesley, MEA President

There’s a solution to every problem.

You don't know how much you don't know until you get your own classroom.

- Rob Walker, MEA Executive Director

Never stop learning! I enjoy taking classes to keep up with technology and all the latest teaching trends. It energizes me to be in a group of adults, talking about the things we do every day. I always learn a new tip or strategy for my “little bag of tricks.”

- Kim Howe, Quamphegan EA

Make friends with custodians and secretaries—they are a lifeline when you need it. Remember you aren’t perfect and you can’t do it all—you need to have balance.

- Jill Watson, Maranacook Area Schools Association

- Cyndi Fish, Bangor EA September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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News You Can Use

“Two Ears, A Maine teacher’s story

By Lynn Snow, Seacoast EA

Now and then: 1981 to 2015 - Lynn Snow (left in both pictures) and Outi, the Snow family’s former foreign exchange student and friend, had the opportunity to reconnect as Lynn spent part of her 201415 sabbatical in Finland. The trip included being able to visit Outi’s classroom and see first-hand how education functions in Finland.

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Maine Educator • September 2015

During the 2014 – 2015 school year I was blessed with a sabbatical.

I kidded friends, family, and colleagues that it was like “winning the lottery.” And now as I begin readying for my coming fifth grade students, I can reflect upon the true gift that my previous year has been.

My sabbatical comprised of several elements including advanced education, family travel, language study, and volunteerism. Yet it was one particular adventure during the spring of 2015 that I find myself appreciating most. This was my trip to Finland.

I am a “half-blood” Finn. My paternal great-grandparents immigrated in 1899. Iltapäiväkahvin (afternoon coffee) and Sunday night saunas were typical at my childhood home in Warren.

In the fall of 1981, the year I entered the sixth grade, my parents decided to host an exchange student from Finland. Outi came to live in my home and attend Medomak Valley High School. She became my “big sister” for a year. Time went by and Outi and I both grew up to become teachers, she in Finland and me in Maine at Thomaston Grammar School.

This past March I boarded a plane from Boston to Helsinki to spend time in Finland. During my stay, I lived with Outi and her family in Espoo.

In a nutshell, my trip can be summed up with three nouns – ski, sauna, and school! I spent Easter vacation Nordic skiing in Lapland.

Although I grew up with a sauna in my backyard, I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive about the sauna standards in Finland. The norm is to sauna with the same gender, naked! This took some getting used to, but I became accustomed and genuinely comfortable.

Schools! Where to begin? First, schools in Finland are almost always public and are government funded. Curriculum is created by educators, approved locally, and guided by a national framework. All teachers have master’s degrees and 95% of them join the teaching union. Children begin unified comprehensive basic school at age seven.

At approximately 16-years-old, most students continue on to uppersecondary school to either learn a trade or prepare for college. Upon successful completion of the National Matriculation Examination, graduates may apply to college. If accepted, college education is free.

I spent time in three different Finnish schools. For five days, I went to school with Outi. This warranted me a full experience and not just a “peek” inside.

Kids arrive at school via bike, skateboard, or foot. Very few are transported by car. There are no school buses here; some students use public transportation. Classrooms are primarily self-contained where students have the same teacher for usually three consecutive years. The teachers are also the “specialist,” teaching things like woodshop and dance. Kids speak fluent English by the 5th grade. Students call teachers by their first names. The curriculum includes knitting, ice skating,

News You Can Use

One Mouth” of sabbatical in Finland

swimming, skiing, handcrafts, art, religion, and more. Every grade has outdoor recess and lunch is free for all!

There are three school practices that I believe have great positive effects in the Finnish education system. The first is the custom of teaching the same elementary age group of students for three years in a row. This allows a teacher to undoubtedly get to know her kids. When the class returns to school in the fall, for two years anyway, there is no time wasted trying to get to know each other. That teacher already has a firm understanding of each student’s capacity, attributes, and personality and can quickly get right to work.

Next, I believe that there are favorable benefits in having teachers trained as “specialist.” Educators sometimes become so absorbed in their own subject area(s) that they forget, or even disregard, other equally important disciplines. Admittedly, I have found myself in this position. Yet, in Finland this is not the case. With teachers teaching across the curriculum, there seems to be mutual respect for ALL courses. Additionally, in this model, teachers demonstrate their own diversity and multifariousness.

The Finns’ goal of schooling is to help each student find their talent.

Because of this belief, Finnish schools are rich in arts, crafts, music, languages, and lifelong fitness. Kids are learning to knit, swim, ski, paint, play an instrument, and speak a second (even third or fourth) language. The concentration isn’t merely about reading, writing, and math. It certainly isn’t about standardized assessments! Kids go to school and become well-rounded individuals. The vast opportunities available to them guide them toward success.

I look forward to integrating some of the Finnish ways into my own classroom. The Finns have an expression, “Two ears, one mouth.” One of my utmost goals is to practice this truth. I must speak less and listen more; my students have a voice too. Lifelong fitness is important to me and like the Finns I will promote it to my students. I will attempt to influence them to be physically active by modeling healthy behaviors.

Finally, I must continue to build my respect for all subject areas. I will seek ways to meld disciplines and appreciate the diversity and value of them all.

In Finland teachers are trusted, kids are cared for, and equity is treasured. Competition between schools is discouraged. Arts, music, and fitness are promoted. Schools are managed locally and staff is well-trained. Upper-secondary students have vast choices in their educational paths. College is government funded. And…the ski trails are meticulously groomed and the sauna is steaming hot!

To learn more about how Lynn prepared for her trip and the Finnish way, open this page.

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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MAINE

Educator O N L I N E

Exclusive Content

How Lynn prepared for her trip: There are two resources that helped me to prepare for my trip and continue to be of value as I continue to reflect upon the Finnish way. The first is Pasi Sahlberg’s book, Finnish Lessons 2.0. Sahlberg provides the reader with history, statistics, facts, and insight as to how Finland has become a world leader in education. His research is solid and his writing style is very much readable.

The blog www.taughtbyfinland.com is a terrific resource created by Tim Walker. Tim is an American currently living and teaching in Finland. His blog covers a variety of subjects, most associated with Finland’s school system.

He writes honest narratives supported by experiences and facts. Blog subscribers keep the conversations going on a variety of Tim’s topics.

Congratulations Rylee Dorr & Aaron Lynch

for writing winning essays for the “My Hero Works at School” contest

Essay contest winners stand with their school heroes (L to R): Sharon Longley (Sedgwick EA) and Rylee Dorr, Aaron Lynch and Richelle Brown (Ellsworth EA), and MEA President Lois Kilby-Chesley.

Submissions are open for the 2016 “My Hero Works at School” essay contest The MEA is pleased to join with the Portland Sea Dogs for its 3rd 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 2016 Sea Dogs game for themselves, their family and their school hero.

WHEN: Application Deadline - March 11, 2016 WHO: All public school elementary and middle school students are encouraged to apply HOW: Mail submissions to: Giovanna Bechard 35 Community Dr. Augusta, ME 04330 or email gbechard@maineea.org

News You Can Use

Fast Facts

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

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

“Statistics are like a bikini: they show much, but they hide the most important parts,” - Shanna Peeples, National Teacher of the Year at the NEA Representative Assembly where more than 7,000 educators from around the country gathered to set the policy and agenda for the Association for the coming year.

According to a new study of teachers conducted by Communities in Schools:

• 91% of teachers spend their own money on supplies.

• 54% of teachers have used their own money to help feed students.

• 52% of teachers have helped a

student and/or their family through a crisis.

• 49% of teachers have helped a student get new clothing or footwear.

58.3%

Percentage of income growth captured by the top 1% in Maine between 2009 and 2012,

according to data from the Economic Policy Institute.

According to the same data, the disparity in income between the top 1% of income earners and the rest of the Maine population has grown by 27.8% in the last 28 years.

88% of teachers say that poverty is a barrier to learning

• Nearly one-third (29%) of teachers have arranged for a student to receive medical attention.

$

1.3 Trillion

Total outstanding balance of federal student loans, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States.

“There’s no research that shows kids who master these skills in kindergarten have any better academic success than kids who do it in first grade. We’re getting away from what they need—and that’s play,” Holly Mariucci,

Kindergarten teacher in NEA Today discussing reading standards for kindergarten students.

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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News You Can Use

CR

E V I T A E

Clas

s m sroo

If your idea of crafty doesn’t include washi tape—or you’re saying what the heck is washi tape—then you’ve probably seen that classroom or bulletin board that makes you say, “why didn’t I think of that?” MEA members are full of creative ideas to get students engaged in learning at all levels. So if you’re a few Crayolas short of that perfect pack of 64—feel free to “borrow” some ideas from your colleagues to help you create a cool classroom.

{

Be an OWL Teacher: Melissa Knight, Massabesic EA Grade: 5 School: Line Elementary, RSU 57

Melissa received a small stuffed owl at an MEA meeting and literally took off with the owl theme turning the word owl into a motivator for students, calling them Original Willing Learners “hoooo” soar.

The owl theme goes beyond the posters and decorations, Melissa creates her lesson plans to include owls and even calls her classroom newsletter the Parliament Press, because a group of owls is called a parliament.

The owl mascot has his own passport and email address. When the owl travels to other countries with Melissa or her friends and family he emails stories about where he’s been and what he is learning.

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Maine Educator • September 2015

“My students live vicariously through the owl because many of these kids haven't been to a lot of different places and I hope they aspire to go somewhere and see a lot,” said Melissa.

“We started looking at the performance-based piece—I used the owl as something unifying that they could identity with no matter where they are from,” said Melissa.

News You Can Use

Leap into Learning Teacher: Luanne Phair, Augusta EA Grade: 3 School: Gilbert Elementary School, Augusta

Luanne’s frog theme leaps with the theory that all her students are FROGS—Friendly Responsible Outstanding Growing Scholars.

The frog theme started with a small bulletin board for the student named the best FROG that month and grew from there.

{ Brilliant Bulletin Board

Luanne uses the stuffed frogs to help her students open up about issues they may not feel comfortable telling an adult.

“I’ll pull out Freddy the frog in morning meeting when I find out about their weekend. I ask them to

tell Freddy about their weekend and why they felt a certain way. One time a student said, “my dad was in jail.” I can tell the guidance counselor so we can try and help kids with their issues and behavior before things get worse,” said Luanne.

Oh, the places you can go!

Guidance Counselor: Amy Vacchiano, Tri-County TA School: Sacopee Valley Middle School

“They want to see their poster up on the FROG bulletin board. They know they get a book if they make it on the board; it's a motivator for them,” said Luanne.

Want some more bulletin board ideas? Head over to MEA’s Pinterest page and check out the Bulletin Board pinboard: www.pinterest.com/maineea

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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Tech T@lk

Amazon Kindle Voyage Price: starts at $199 Amazon's latest Kindle is the smallest and lightest Kindle on the market. It’s been called “the best e-book reader that has ever been released.” The Kindle Voyage is the first e-ink reader to have a flush glass front and magnesium back. This model has an integrated light that is brighter than other models and has buttons to turn the pages, in addition to the touch screen page turn function. While reviewers say the Voyage isn’t a huge upgrade over the Paperwhite, the screen is a little sharper, the lighting is better and the device is lighter and sleeker.

Amazon Kindle 2014 Price: $79

The Mega e-reader

e-book readers

This no-frills e-reader gets the job done and this model comes with a touch screen. The Kindle does not come with an integrated light like the more expensive models in the Amazon e-reader line. You can buy a clip on light for $15. The Kindle can only be used via Wi-Fi. As with any Amazon e-reader, if you want to remove the “special offers” from the device and make it ad-free, that costs an extra $20. An important note: If you buy a Kindle now, and then want to switch to a Nook later, none of the books you buy through the Kindle store will work on your new Nook.

Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLightTM Price: $99 If you don’t want to buy into the Amazon system, the Barnes & Noble Nook Glowlight is a good alternative. This secondgeneration Nook has a lighter deign than the Kindle Paperwhite, sharper text and page flashing is corrected in this version. The Nook Glowlight comes with 4GB of internal memory and a rubber guard around the frame to protect the device if it falls.

Good Kindle Alternative 14

Maine Educator • September 2015

Best Bargain e-reader

The MEA and its members know students who are hungry can’t focus on learning. As the MEA continues to focus on eliminating barriers to learning, together with WABI-TV 5 and Stanley Subaru in Ellsworth, a new campaign is in full swing to educate the public on the true needs of our students.

The MEA’s End Student Hunger campaign features a series of public service announcements (PSAs) on WABI-TV. The PSAs explain what a lack of food means to students who are trying to learn and asks the public to help. As part of the campaign, the MEA will support two food drives in the Bangor area. The first food drive took place at the end of the last school year, with MEA members collecting food in their

local schools which was then donated to local food pantries to directly help families in their districts. In addition, the MEA opened its Bangor office doors as a location for the public to drop food off which was then donated to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

The MEA continues to support awareness campaigns in order to educate the general public on both the work of educators and the issues they face in school each day.

The PSAs will air throughout the fall on WABI-TV Channel 5 in the Bangor TV market.

Each commercial that airs will either highlight a program in a school that helps students who are hungry or share critical information about student needs.

To learn more about the campaign or view the public service announcement currently airing on WABI-TV, click on the screenshots to the right.

cac y

o

1 in 4 kids in Maine is food insecure—not knowing if and when they’ll be fed again.

Adv

MEA and WABI-TV Work to End Student Hunger

Watch for MEA’s new PSAs coming to a screen near you soon

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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Advocacy

Under the

DOME 5 bills in Augusta that will impact your job— in a good way Low expectations.

That’s how the MEA entered the last legislative session—understanding Governor LePage would return with his veto pen and the Legislature was politically divided. Reality however set in early and MEA members took center stage as advocates for their students and the profession, the tables quickly turned with members and legislators in both political parties working in a bipartisan way and choosing to do what’s best for students by putting politics aside.

Key Victories • • • •

$25 million more in state aid to schools and more state aid for higher education Improved the pension for current and future retirees Pushed back against the overreliance of standardized testing, eliminated Smarter Balanced assessment Soundly defeated measures designed to silence the voice of educators and union members in Maine

None of the victories for public education would have been possible without the engagement of MEA members. Together, members accomplished great things.

Below are several bills that passed that should help improve or maintain fair working conditions and good public schools.

Issue #1

LD 1019: $25 Million More for Public Schools The final version of the two-year state budget includes more than $25 million in additional funding each year for schools and more money for the University of Maine and the Community Colleges. MEA members played a critical role in advocating for more funding for our schools.

Issue #2

LD 1276: End Smarter Balanced Assessment MEA members from around the state were vocal in their concerns about the Smarter Balanced assessment, and many MEA members appeared before the Education Committee to share those concerns. Legislators in both parties voted to end the state’s contract with the Smarter Balanced Consortium; Governor LePage signed this bill. The Department of Education (DOE) must now find a new statewide assessment. The MEA is following this process closely.

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Maine Educator • September 2015

Issue #3

LD 86: A Pension Increase for Retired Educators The bill guarantees a cost-of-living increase of at least 2.55% for the next two years; the increase is cumulative and helps offset pension cuts passed in 2011.

Issue #4

LD 1235: Fix the Proficiency-Based Diploma Mandate MEA members have expressed concerns over the direction of proficiencybased education in Maine, specifically the mandate that all students must be proficient in all 8 content areas of Maine’s Learning Standards in order to graduate. This bill requires the DOE to convene a stakeholder group to develop answers to the key outstanding questions related to the proficiencybased mandate. The MEA intends to be heavily involved in this process.

Issue #5

LD 404, 489, 1319, and 1010: Defeat of Anti-Union, Anti-Worker Bills This session, legislators and the Governor introduced more anti-union and anti-worker bills, including proposals to make Maine a so-called rightto-work state and a bill to make it illegal for bus drivers, food service workers and custodians to negotiate over subcontracting. Strong bipartisan majorities killed the four proposed anti-union bills in decisive fashion.

Close, But No Cigar

LD 695: Reinforce the Right of Parents to Opt Children Out of Standardized Testing The MEA heard from its members and is very concerned about the overuse and overreliance on standardized testing in our schools and its impact on teaching and learning. The MEA worked with parents to try and pass a bill to reinforce the rights of parents to opt their child(ren) out of standardized testing. Despite strong initial support from legislators, the Governor vetoed the bill and the veto was sustained.

LD 794: Two-Year Delay on Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers Given the state’s desire to drop the Smarter Balanced assessment, the MEA pushed a bill that would prohibit the use of the test to evaluate teachers.

Despite strong support in both chambers, the Governor vetoed this bill and the veto was sustained.

The END to NCLB

By Tim Walker and Giovanna Bechard

Good things are worth waiting for—even if they take 13 years. The U.S. Senate passed the Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA) that takes a major step in closing the door on the disastrous “test, blame and punish” legacy of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), passed in 2002. ECAA or some version of it will replace NCLB when a final bill is approved. MEA and NEA members from across the country advocated for better education policy and the efforts paid off.

What the Every Child Achieves Act Does: • Eliminates the destructive NCLB mandate of Annual Yearly Progress • Requires use of multiple measures in evaluating student success • Provides greater access to early childhood education • Includes a measure to audit and streamline assessment systems • Features a version of NEA’s “Opportunity Dashboard”—a menu of indicators of school quality and student success (i.e. access to advanced coursework, access to school counselors or nurses and access to fine arts and regular physical education) to be part of new, state-designed accountability systems.

• Makes career and technical education a core subject • Protects student data privacy • Requires school districts to inform parents of state or local policies regarding “opting out” of standardized tests • Requires states to set a cap limiting time spent on tests • Establishes a full-service community schools grant program • Provides federal funding to improve and modernize school libraries Members from the Senate and the House have to meet in conference sometime in September to hammer out a final bill that, if approved by both chambers, will then be sent to the White House.

Cover Story

Reading Hits The Road In SAD 75 the books go round and round—on buses throughout the district as part of a program where students read to each other on the way to school and back home again.

Don Sanders, school bus driver and President of the Merrymeeting ESP Association, started the program when he realized some of the students in the back weren’t getting along. “I tried to think of things to try and keep them engaged so they’re behaving. I’ve tried reward programs—you get a sticker—it didn’t work so I came up with this,” said Sanders.

At first, Sanders brought books onto his bus from his own home, ones he read to his granddaughter, but he quickly realized he didn’t have enough to go around. That’s when Sanders turned to the Topsham Public Library.

“I’m thrilled that we are able to be a part of the bus books program! I think it is fabulous in so many ways: kids of different ages are making connections with each other and interacting face-to-face, books of all types are being shared and discussed.

There’s a real emphasis on curiosity and connection, which are qualities that I believe lead to a fulfilling life, and which we try to promote in everything we do here at the library,” said Mariah Sewall, Children’s Librarian at the Topsham Public Library.

In order to make the program a success, Sanders has assigned seating on the bus—the older kids who used to sit in the back are now paired with a younger student and moved to the front.

Sanders keeps the students in the same seats for one week so the children get to know each other and what they like to read. After the week is over, Sanders re-assigns the students’ seats and gets new books.

“They call each other bus buddies, they say ‘Oh you’re my bus buddy today!’” said Sanders. “I’m trying to get the kids to understand that it helps when you are with different age groups and with different kids.”

With the reading program, Sanders says the behavior issues he used to deal with while driving his bus disappeared. “They get excited when they’re reading I can hear them say ‘Look at that animal!’ They get excited, in that sense—it keeps them engaged in a calmer type attitude instead of them really jumping up saying ‘Tag you’re it!”

At first the books on the bus program was just on Sanders’ bus but news of the success quickly spread to other drivers in Topsham. Now, seven of the nine buses in the community have reading programs and there are 90 books shared between the buses at any given time. The program was so successful, Sanders received a WCSH-6 “Schools that Shine” award which came with $1,000 for the Williams-Cone school where he drives and a news story promoting the books on the bus. Sanders also received the 2015 Giraffe Award in the Out of the Box category presented by the Maine Children’s Alliance. The annual Giraffe Awards are a way for the Maine Children’s Alliance to honor individuals, businesses and non-profits that go above and beyond in their efforts to make life better. While the accolades are nice, for Sanders what’s most important is his role in the lives of each student.

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Maine Educator • September 2015

“Now kids are reading at home, on the bus, and at school. That is amazing,” said Sanders.

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Sanders and the students that participate in the Books on the Bus program accept a check from Norway Savings after being selected a winner in WCSH6’s “Schools that Shine” program.

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Students wait to board the bus and dive into books with their “bus buddies.”

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Topsham Public Library Children’s Librarian Mariah Sewall helps pick out books with Sanders for his bus.

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Students happily board the bus and receive their book from Sanders.

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The program is a great way to introduce students to new genres of books from graphic stories to nonfiction.

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A students swaps a book with Sanders to tackle a new story.

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If you are interested in starting a Books on the Bus program in your district contact Don Sanders at dwsanders2@gmail.com

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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so ciation

Your As

Grants and Opportunities Start the new year right! Below are a list of grants, contests, and scholarship opportunities for members and students. For clickable links to the applications, log on to the Maine Educator Online, found on our homepage at www.maineea.org.

Siemens High School Competition Scholarships

WHAT: This science research competition fosters intensive research that improves students' understanding of the value of scientific study and informs their consideration of future careers in these disciplines. The competition is for teams or individual students with a maximum award of $100,000 college scholarship.

WHEN: Application deadline - September 22, 2015 WHO: High school students, grades 9-12 during the 2015-16 school year HOW: For more information: https://siemenscompetition.discoveryeducation.com

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Grants

WHAT: The purpose of this grant is to incorporate middle school classroom materials or lessons that actively engage students in tasks and experiences to deepen and connect their content knowledge. For 2016-17, grants with a maximum of $3,000 each will be awarded to persons currently teaching mathematics in grades 6-8. Materials may be in the form of books, visual displays, slide shows, videotapes, or other appropriate medium.

WHEN: Application deadline postmarked by November 6, 2015 WHO: Middle school teachers in grades 6-8 (other math grants in other categories are also available) HOW: www.nctm.org, click on “Grants and Awards”

Adobe: ConnectED Software Grants

WHAT: As part of the White House's ConnectEd initiative, Adobe is offering creative tools and teacher professional development to schools across the United States. Maximum award: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Presenter, Adobe Captivate, Adobe Echosign, and a range of teacher training resources. Multiple licenses of each software program will be awarded if your school is chosen.

WHEN: Rolling deadline WHO: K-12 public schools that receive Title I funds HOW: FMI and to apply: http://edex.adobe.com/connected/faq

NEA Student Achievement Grants

WHAT: The NEA Foundation provides grants to improve the academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject area(s). The proposed work should engage students in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen their knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students’ habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection.

WHEN: Deadline - October 15, 2015 WHO: K-12 educators and higher education faculty HOW: FMI and to apply: http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/nea-student-achievement-grants/

My Hero Works at School Essay Contest

WHAT: The MEA is pleased to join with the Portland Sea Dogs for its 3rd 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 2016 Sea Dogs game for themselves, their family and their school hero.

WHEN: Application Deadline - March 11, 2016 WHO: All public school elementary and middle school students are encouraged to apply HOW: For more information: www.maineea.org/grants

Maine Educator Cover Contest - What I Love About Maine

WHAT: 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. The artist will want to make sure there is nothing important to the piece at the top as it may be obscured by the title.

WHEN: Application Deadline: December 18, 2015 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 gbechard@maineea.org.

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Maine Educator • September 2015

Your Association

2015 NEA Representative Assembly More than 7,000 educators from all 50 states gathered in Orlando, Florida, from July 3-6 to attend the National Education Association’s 94th Representative Assembly (RA). The RA is the top decisionmaking body for the nearly 3 million-member NEA, and sets Association policy for the coming year.

Among the 124 proposed New Business Items (NBIs), delegates passed two high-profile NBIs, which direct NEA’s work: 1.

2.

Supporting shared responsibility of education, mandating the NEA partner with parent and community groups to support students.

NEA address issues of institutional racism and expand professional development in area of cultural competence, diversity, and social justice.

How the NEA RA Changed Me “My experience as a first time NEA delegate was incredibly inspirational! It's a process like none other, and one that I found to be incredibly moving. The RA presented me with the opportunity to actually take action and effect positive change with respect to the issues that impact public education for both students and educators. I was able to connect with, network, and discuss the most influential topics in my profession, then steer the direction of this incredible organization toward real effectual change with respect to those issues, through the power of my one vote. The process is compelling and extraordinary! I feel very fortunate to have been part of this process in 2015 and eagerly await the opportunity to serve again.” - Beth French, Penobscot Bay Education Association

MEA-Retired member wins big for retirees at NEA RA

Members of Seeds of Peace pictured with MEA delegates at the NEA RA. Seeds of Peace received the NEA Applegate-Dorros Peace Award, the Association's highest civil rights honor.

Crystal Ward, a retired teacher from Lewiston and member of MEA-Retired, proposed a New Business Item (NBI) at the NEA RA on behalf of all active and student members. Ward worked to pass the NBI which asks the NEA to inform all members about retirement issues saying, “their lack of understanding of retirement issues was alarming.” Now, thanks to an MEA-Retired member, the NEA will publish two articles, one in the active member publication and one in the student publication to inform members about things like how your pension works. “I worked with retired members from several delegations and Maine delegates helped and I was able to get NBI #20 passed without opposition!” exclaimed Ward.

September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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Should students check their cell phone at the door?

YES

NO

A few weeks ago I read this piece about Norway’s cell phone hotels. I thought, “Brilliant! Students should be required to put their phones away during classes. We should do this at USM (where I’m a professor).”

At a conference in Alexandria, Virginia there was a teacher next to me who used a foldable Bluetooth enabled keypad synced to his smartphone to take notes. While there, I stopped for lunch and gave my card to the cashier to pay.

She swiped the card and swiveled the iPad around for me to tip and sign. I used that same debit card at the Brewer Farmers’ market with a Square Reader connected to an iPhone, the same system my childcare provider uses. My local CSA farmer uses financial software on her phone to manage her business. Phones are much more than social tools.

Almost immediately I started worrying about lost and stolen cell phones, about Jane picking up Sally’s phone, Peter selling Tom’s, bosses frantically trying to reach student workers to cover suddenly open shifts and students, who desperately need the hours, not receiving the message, and of course there’s Dad urgently texting, “Uncle Bill’s in ER— get to Maine Med now!”

In K-12 schools where central offices have easy and regular access to students’ schedules, classes are in close proximity, and teachers can be asked to relay important messages, the cell phone hotel is a brilliant innovation.

Kudos to Norway! Let’s get them into Maine’s public schools, I’ll help.

But this policy at USM would create more problems than it solves. Consider the characteristics of our roughly 9,000 students: median age 27, many are employed, others are married, and some are parents. Imagine the sheer volume of calls that are “very important.” While I understand at the higher education level it seems impractical to put a cell phone in a hotel, at the K-12 level this is a very realistic choice and should be considered. I know when students have cell phones in my class they can easily be distracted by everything from text messages to social media—if it’s not Facebook, it’s Twitter. The distraction is real and takes their attention away from what they are supposed to learn.

There are undoubtedly times when student cell phone use will enhance class discussions. Prepping for this comment I discovered easy-to-use, very inexpensive apps for everything from taking attendance to in-class quizzes. Cool beans. I’m sure you’ll find a policy that works for you among the millions of online classroom policies for cell phones/ tablets/laptops.

Message me when you’ve found the one that works for you.

Susan Feiner, Ph.D. AFUM

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Maine Educator • September 2015

Increasingly, teachers and professors are using what’s being called a “cell phone hotel” to cut down on classroom distraction. In some schools in China, cell phone hotels are now mandatory.

The question is, does removing the cell phone also remove an important piece of learning technology for students?

I sit on the Cooperative Board for Waldo County Technical Center and strive to ensure students use modern tools and equipment. I see no less importance with students in my own classroom. Since smartphones and tablets are very much a part of the business world, they should be part of our educational world. They are on-ramps to the information superhighway as we develop research and analytical skills; an interface for classroom activities and online polls or formative assessments. We learn to vet online sources and they use their phones to “ring in” for Kahoot.it based quizzes. They love activities that enable them to use their phones, productively.

Sure, cell phones are used for texting, cyberbullying, and other off-task behavior, however so are paper, pencils and pens when students pass notes (some hurtful) during and between class. While, smartphones are not universally available schools can fill in the gaps by having sets of tablets or computers for those without. While it would be difficult to be familiar with every application available, I have a classroom and faculty of confident experimenters who enjoy exploring new technologies and sharing expertise.

Jesse Hargrove Hermon TA

Your Association

Upcoming Events and Deadlines Professional Development Opportunity: November 7, 2015

EdCamp Bangor - Husson University

Take advantage of this free professional development opportunity that is for teachers, by teachers. EdCamp Bangor strives to bring teachers together to talk about the things that matter most to them: their interests, passions, and questions. Teachers who attend EdCamp can choose to lead sessions on those things that matter, with an expectation that the people in the room will work together to build understanding by sharing their own knowledge and questions. FMI and to register: https://sites.google.com/site/edcampbgr/home

Professional Development Opportunity: October 30 - October 31, 2015

MEA Fall Conference - Samoset Resort, Rockport

Save the date for the MEA’s annual Fall Conference. Come learn from each other, reconnect with colleagues and meet new friends while you attend sessions to help guide you in your work and in your association. Those who attend can expect to take away hands-on practical skills that will help them in their careers. There are special sessions for teachers, support staff, higher education and student members. Also, back by popular demand the “unconference,” where members learn from members—you choose the topics to discuss and share ideas with each other—no PowerPoint presentations, no lectures, just member led sessions. Registration will open soon—keep an eye on your email.

Student Artist Opportunity: Application Deadline December 18, 2015

NEW Maine Educator Cover Contest - What I Love About Maine

Calling all student artists—this is your chance to design the cover of an upcoming Maine Educator magazine. All art teachers are encouraged to share this opportunity with students. Art submissions should display the theme “What I Love About Maine.” Submissions must be 8.5” x 11” in dimension to fit the cover or able to be photographed for the cover and may be any form of art, including electronic. Please advise students the title of the magazine will also appear across the cover of the magazine toward the top (approximately 2.5” in height), as it appears on each issue. Three finalists from each of the following categories will be selected: K-4, 5-8, 9-12 and electronic art. One winner will be chosen from the above categories with his or her artwork featured on the magazine cover. Submit artwork to Giovanna Bechard via mail at 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or email at gbechard@maineea.org.

Corwin - Professional Learning Resources MEA Members save 25% on Corwin’s vast library of titles.

Thanks to a new partnership, Corwin and the MEA/NEA can now offer you a powerful portal to resources, ideas, and collaborative networks to support your day-to-day teaching.

As a member of the MEA, you now have full access to Corwin's library of thousands of titles at an ongoing 25% discount.

Whether you're looking for resources on the Common Core or best practices for teaching across subjects and all types of learners, we have the tools you need to deliver on your mission to provide the excellent education every child deserves.

Be sure to use promo code D12BA5 at check-out when you place your order for a print book!

FMI: www.neamb.com/professionalresources then click on “Classroom Resources” to learn more.

Keep control of elections in the hands of the people Vote Yes on 1 in November to: •

Increase fines & penalties for those who break election rules

•

Increase transparency & shine a light on dark money by having outside groups list their top three funders for purchased ads

•

Reform Maine’s campaign finance system to ensure everyone is represented in our democracy and can run for office without needing outside money

YES ON QUESTION 1 www.accountableelections.org September 2015 • www.maineea.org

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You’ve all said strange or funny things to students before— laugh a little with these stories from MEA members.

Third grader pipes up in the middle of listing abstract nouns questions, “What is love?”

“Why is there a salamander on your desk?!”

- Mike Thurston Winslow EA

I reply, “Oh honey, we aren't getting into that right now.”

- Justin Stygles, Oxford Hills EA

Here are a few more strange things that we found at: www.thecornerstoneforteachers.com ipe your “Do NOT w e n the whit boogers o inger S.) board!” (G

“Please don’t lick your tablemate.” (Stacey S.)

“Don’t use your glue stick for lip gloss!” (Kathy D.)

MAINE

“Is that meowing I hear in your backpack?” (Jill R.)

Educator

Selected as Best Magazine

by State Education Editors

In June, state affiliate communications staff gathered in Orlando, Florida for the annual State Education Editors (SEE) and NEA Public Relations Council (PRC) conference. Attendees spent four days discussing everything from membership materials to proper use of social media and NEA’s communications objectives for the 2015-16 year. Maine Education Association’s Communications Department competed against other affiliates with membership sizes between 20,000 and 50,000 members for the SEE and PRC awards. MEA is proud to bring home the following awards:

Best Magazine - Maine Educator Best Photography - “6 Reasons Students Need the Arts” First Place: Online Communications - “Put Learning First” First Place: Advertising Materials - “Inspiring Educators”

Your Roadmap to MEA Membership

Mem

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hip D

Next exit SUCC : ESS

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MEA supports you along the way, each year… and throughout your career Whether you’re a first-year member or veteran educator, balancing life and work is always a challenge. The help you provide children and young adults each day matters but you can’t forget to help yourself and learn what benefits are available to you as a member.

If you think of your career like a roadmap—with so many different stops along the way—changes in education policy, district shifts, new students and new challenges, you will see there are many ups and downs. All along the way, the constant is your MEA membership and how it helps guide you on your journey with useful tips, resources and strategies.

Watch for: When you see the drop pin read about an interesting fact or service that the MEA offers members.

BONUS

Where the Journey Begins While you’re working hard in the classroom, cafeteria, school bus, kitchen or elsewhere in a school district, university or college, you need to remember the ground rules for your work and working conditions are set forth by the terms of your contract, bargained by your local MEA association and your school district or other governing body.

When you are an MEA member you are not “in it” by yourself— there are nearly 24,000 members statewide. Within the union, your local association executive committee and your building representative are your first points of contact. From there MEA staff are always available to assist you, provide resources, or defend your contract. You can rest easy knowing not only are you part of the largest union in the state but the largest in the nation. As a member of the MEA you are also part of a much larger family at the National Education Association, which has more than 3 million members nationwide—1 in every 100 Americans is an NEA member. A fellow association member is never far away!

My association represents me as a professional and helps all educators bargain for better wages and working conditions.

The Association also connects me to a group of intelligent, passionate educators and professionals that are dedicated to improving the craft! My association offers invaluable professional development and consistently provides accurate information about the changes we face in education. This is the group of educators I want to align with and want to work with—MEA members will shape the face of public education for the future!

Samantha Garnett Sias Lewiston EA Access to MEA staff who are always a phone call or click away.

BON

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Advancing Your Career When you’re an MEA member you automatically have access to a variety of professional development opportunities to support your professional work.

The MEA offers its members multiple learning opportunities ranging from two large statewide conferences a year to smaller regional trainings on a variety of hot education topics, including student learning objectives, teacher evaluation, ELL training for educators and implementation of Common Core, to name a few. In addition, for those interested there are multiple leadership opportunities for members to take the lead in the profession at the local, state and national level.

Through membership you are able to apply for teaching and learning grants to help fund school projects and continue your education to better the profession.

As a member you also have access to an online network of free lesson plans and a network of educators to discuss key issues that impact the profession.

Grants to fund education related projects for members and MEA scholarships for students

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Bookmark these sites: betterlesson.com Find more than 16,000 complete Common Corealigned lessons created by Master Teachers nationwide.

Classroom-ready lessons are available for grades K-12 in multiple subjects including ELA, Math and Science.

donorschoose.org Have a school project but don’t have the money to fund it?

Post it on this site and ask the public to chip in.

maineea.org/grants Look for the latest grants and scholarship information on the MEA website. This page is changing constantly with new opportunities for you and your students.

gpsnetwork.org BON

US

NEA’s Great Public Schools network connects educators from around the nation. Any member can create a group and begin a conversation about what interests them or what they have questions about.

BONUS

Help with implementation of work related issues, like evaluations, dealing with administrators or discipline.

Your Voice BONU

The power of a collective voice is far more powerful than a single voice alone. MEA voices recently impacted change to a flawed testing system, revised the rules of restraint in the classroom and charted a new direction for the teacher evaluation system in Maine. Fellow MEA members from your local association may serve on a number of different committees and groups at the local, regional or state level, including representing your interests at the MEA Representative Assembly, the decision-making body of the MEA which sets the course for the beliefs and work of the Association for the year.

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Help maintaining and negotiating your collective bargaining agreement to safeguard working conditions, salaries and benefits.

At its core, MEA has a commitment to protect the rights of its members and improve the power of their voice in their workplace while reaching out to the community to improve the lives of students.

BONU

Advocacy work to make sure state and national policies directly benefit students and educators.

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Social Time You can connect with MEA online through social media.

Check out the latest pins on the Pinterest page, a funny cartoon on Facebook, or discover new colleagues on Twitter.

Facebook.com/maineea @MaineEA Pinterest.com/maineea

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BONUS

Advocates for Children and Education (ACE): MEA member driven program to help students and the profession.

Advocating for the Profession As Seen on TV Click to watch the ads

Inspiring Educators The MEA works to inform the public about the great work of our members. In television ads across the state, the MEA showcased its members as inspiring educators who help our students achieve great things in life. The MEA continues to work to restore and maintain the respect the education profession rightfully deserves through public service campaigns including food drives, book giveaways, and scholarships to students in need.

BONUS

MEA believes in community outreach— as a member you have an opportunity to take part in projects to improve the lives of your students and your community.

There really is no part of your job that is somehow not impacted by local, state or national policy makers.

Everything from how much funding your school receives to how many hours are in a school day to the standardized test used—it’s all decided by someone other than you, the educator.

MEA advocates for its members and students at the state, local and national level to make sure the policies that impact your work are helpful and beneficial to students. Those policies, though, are only as good as the candidates who are elected into office—having a pro-public education school board and Legislature is crucial to the success of our schools, colleges and universities. That’s why the MEA works to make sure your voice is heard in your local communities, in Augusta and in Washington, D.C. The MEA is the strongest and most effective advocate for public education and the profession in the state.

Your Rights Public image campaigns to highlight the success of members.

An important protection only members receive is your right to have a union representative present if you feel you need one in matters legal or otherwise. Know your Weingarten Rights and keep this copy (red box below) close by as a reminder of this important member benefit.

PIT STOP

BON

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Understanding Your Collective Bargaining Agreement

Understanding your CBA (collective bargaining agreement) is a necessary pit stop in your career journey. Your CBA dictates everything from how many hours you are contracted to work each day to any planning periods you may receive to the amount of money you may be eligible for if you opt-out of the health insurance plan. Everything from teacher evaluations and discipline guidelines can be found in your CBA. Your membership, in part, helps fund people who work to ensure members have fair working conditions and employers are upholding their end of the CBA. Without your CBA and the collective influence of MEA members to help shape policies, procedures and legislation your career would be at the whim of administrators, school boards and politicians.

Don’t forget this

Weingarten Rights “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Until my representative arrives, I choose not to participate in this discussion.”

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Award winning magazine, Maine Educator, highlights important education issues and shares member success stories.

BONUS

BONUS

Free death and dismemberment coverage for an eligible member and liability insurance

Your Online Guide - www.maineea.org

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WHAT’S BEHIND THE TAB? 1. News You Can Use - Find the online Maine Educator archive with helpful tips and policy information.

2. Teaching and Learning - Professional Development—learn what’s available now and how to sign up.

3. Member Benefits - Links to discounts on everything from appliances to clothes to restaurants.

4. Advocacy - Learn more about the legislation and policies that will impact your work.

5. Members Only - Find MEA organization documents and bargaining resources.

HAVE QUESTIONS? EMAIL - MEAWEB@MAINEEA.ORG

Exclusive: Your Member Benefits

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PIT STOP

When it comes to your personal life and saving money, the MEA and the NEA have worked to secure great discounts and programs that focus on your health and the well-being of you and your family.

• • • • • • • •

MEA Benefits Trust 24/7 Nurse Line Discounted Home and Car Insurance through Horace Mann NEA Credit Card, with cash back rewards Summer and winter amusement discounts, including Funtown and various ski resorts MEA Benefits Trust Future Moms Program NEA Click & Save (variety of vendors, including national and local stores and restaurants) NEA Magazine Service (magazines for as little as $5/yr) NEA Auto Buying Program (members have saved thousands)

Welcome