MAINE
Educator
September 2017 www.maineea.org @maineea
Tips & tricks to start the year off right!
73 Ways Being an MEA Member is a Lifesaver!
Back-to-School Issue Follow the lifesaver throughout the issue!
Mom
Grandma
Grandpa Daughter
Son
Dad
NEA members are entitled to Complimentary life insurance. Have you named your beneficiary? If you’re an eligible NEA member,* you’re covered. You have NEA Complimentary Life Insurance issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America (Prudential). It’s active right now and you don’t have to take a nickel out of your pocket to keep it active. But you will want to take a minute or so to name your beneficiary. Or reconfirm the choice you already made. Making your choice can speed up benefit payments to loved ones who need them.
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*Visit us online or call for eligibility requirements. NEA Members Insurance Trust is a registered trademark of the NEA Members Insurance Trust. NEA Complimentary Life Insurance coverage is issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ. 0289584-00001-00
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Maine Educator • September 2017
DT220917
Opening Bell School Funding
#WeAreMEA Fall Conference 2017
In July, the state legislature passed a budget which was immediately signed by the Governor, ending the first state shutdown in more than 25 years. The results were not what MEA wanted or hoped for, but have made progress on MEA's major issue of better funding for Maine’s public schools. The final budget completely repealed Question 2 – the Stand Up for Students ballot initiative supported by MEA. The repeal was the first in the state's 100 year history of ballot initiatives in Maine. The initiative received more votes than Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and nearly 100,000 more votes than Governor LePage ever received, and would have increased taxes on the top 2% of Mainers with a 3% surcharge on income above $200K with the funding dedicated to classroom support for students. Many MEA members worked hard to pass and defend Question 2, and MEA and its members should be proud of the effort. Without MEA and the push for Question 2, the legislature would not have even discussed an additional $162 million in more state aid for schools. While this is only half of what Question 2 would have raised, it completely undoes the stagnating state funding for public schools that has become the norm under Governor LePage.
Join other educators at the annual MEA Fall Conference on October 13-14. Come to learn from fellow educators, connect with old friends, make new ones and have fun. Training sessions will include everything from the latest technology tools in teaching to ESP issues to learn better behavior management skills. Plus this year, join us for Flashback Friday during our MEA 80’s Rockin' Rewind Party! More info on page 20.
For more information on this issue and what happens next, contact MEA Government Relations Director, John Kosinski at jkosinski@maineea.org
What time is it?
Use this free and fun interactive guide to telling time. Included are digital tools to help you teach your students in grades 1-3. The kit comes with a full teaching guide and posters/acitivites to print. Visit: http://www.scholastic.com/timextimemachines/
Student Winners
The Maine Education Association, in partnership with the Portland Sea Dogs, the MEA recognized some outstanding students and educators who have been selected as winners in the MEA/Sea Dogs “My Hero Works at School” Essay Contest. Congratulations to student Kallie Urquhart from Hermon High School who wrote about her school hero, the chamber choir and steel pan teacher, John Kollman. And congratulations to Aaliyah from Ellsworth Elementary Middle School who wrote a great essay about her hero, teacher Debra Jordan. The students, seen above walking on to the field with MEA President Lois Kilby-Chesley, were recognized during an on-field ceremony and received tickets to a game, as did their school heroes. Interested in having your students enter for this year’s contest? Head to maineea.org/grants for more information.
Your Association's Got You Covered with No-Cost NEA Life Insurance
Being a member of the National Education Association has many advantages, one your Association provides to eligible NEA members is no-cost life insurance. If you haven’t done so already, take the time now to register or update your beneficiaries! FMI: neamb.com September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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In This Issue - September 2017
Contents
Volume 78 Number 1
Follow the life saver throughout the issue for 73 tips!
>>> 7
Back To School 2017 Issue
News You Can Use 7 8 9 10 12
Free Stuff! Courageous Steps Project Turn Parents Into Partners Reading Tips Learning Through Music - From the anti-bully anthem to the exercise song, one teacher takes his musical skills to another level teaching kids the important lessons in life. 14 Classroom Disruptions 15 Take Care of Yourself 16 Student Perspective: The "Perfect" Teacher
17 ESSA Myths 18 Educator Hacks - Save your fingernails and get the glue out of the tops by soaking it in vegetable oil! 19 Tech Talk - Cloud Storage 20 Top 10 Mistakes 22 Fast Facts
Your Association
MAINE
Educator
Volume 78 Number 1 - Copyright 2017
September 2017 www. Maineea.org @maineea
On the Cover: Olivia Brown Cassie Edwards Andrew Doak Mallory Cook Lauren Roy
Tips & tricks to start the year off right!
73 Ways Being an MEA Member is a Lifesaver!
4
Back-to-School Issue Follow the lifesaver throughout the issue!
Maine Educator • September 2017
Educator Hacks
18 Photo: whattheteacherwantsblog.com
24
24 NEA Representative Assembly - Boston - United for our students, MEA members headed to Boston and set the course for the Association-putting social justice for our students at the top of the list. 26 Salary 27 Union Involvement 28 Member Benefits/Grants/Teaching Overseas 29 Walk-In Clinics/New MEABT Info 30 Calendar 31 Just For Fun - Cross Word
MAINE
12
17
Advocacy
Educator
Learning Through Music
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 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
NEA Representative Assembly - Boston
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MEA Leadership
President - Lois Kilby-Chesley Vice President - Grace Leavitt Treasurer - Denise Simoneau NEA Director - Amanda Cooper
Crossword on Page 31
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Robert Walker, Executive Director Editor - Giovanna Bechard, Communications Director Layout/Ad Manager - Shawn Berry, Graphic Designer
Board of Directors
Bo Zabierek Samantha Garnett Sias Suzen Polk-Hoffses Terry Martin Jesse Hargrove Bob McCully Beth French Janet Howe Kuech Ken Williams Deborah Butler Jill Watson John Messier Aaron Greene Neil Greenberg Jim Thornton Thomas Moore III Gerry French
ACROSS 1 Lancaster. 6 cosy. 9 suffice. 10 trailer. 11 oars. 12 resilience. 14 tribal. 15 sedative. 18 Stirling. 19 pliers. 22 clap eyes on. 24 urge. 26 apostle. 27 screech. 28 ante. 29 singleton. DOWN 1 last out. 2 Nefertiti. 3 akin. 4 teepee. 5 retainer. 6 charitable. 7 salon. 8 Greece. 13 call centre. 16 in earnest. 17 integers. 18 such as. 20 Stephen. 21 cousin. 23 adorn. 25 oral.
Editor's Note
Email questions or story ideas to editor@maineea.org
This is “UGE”
(No, this isn't about President Trump.) My youngest son Louis starts kindergarten this year. This is obviously huge for our family. And, when something is this big, for added emphasis, my Jersey roots have me saying the word huge like I did when I grew up—“UGE”—no “h” sound needed. Louis was very excited to "graduate" preschool and is more than excited to go to school with his big brother. I’m excited for him, to see him grow up, to see him want to go to school and learn, and if I’m being honest, excited to be free of an equally “UGE” daycare payment. But, like all the other moms and dads out there going through this same experience, I’m sad. Our little Louis is most certainly not a baby anymore. He’s a boy that we’re about to put on to a school bus with a bunch of big kids. A boy who will enter a school with hallways he may get lost in. A boy that won’t know anything about what he’s supposed to do and where he’s supposed to go. And, like all the other parents and guardians out there, I’m counting on you, the bus driver, teacher, school secretary, custodian, food service worker, nurse, counselor, ed tech, principal, and frankly any other adult in his school to keep him safe. And, oh yeah, while you’re making sure he’s being safe, respectful and responsible, and flushing the toilet AND washing his hands, please teach him how to read and write too. Make no mistake, the undertaking isn’t lost on most all parents. It’s a “UGE” ask—a massive expectation of an educator.
[
As you kick off another school year, or your first school year, please remember the MEA is here to help you navigate all things education, from your job to your benefits, the MEA is your one-stop-shop to making the “UGE” task of being an educator a little bit easier. Please use this magazine as a resource for your work. This back-to-school issue of the Maine Educator has everything from reading tips from your colleagues to engage students at all grade levels (pg. 10) to information about your salary (pg. 26 ) to cool educator hacks you can use in your classroom (pg. 18). This magazine is an MEA member exclusive resource, use it to your advantage. The MEA and its staff are always here for you. When you have a question about anything related to your work—don’t hesitate— contact the MEA. And, don’t forget about the powerful resource you have in the parents who are entrusting their babies to you. Parents are powerful partners in education. Read more on how to better make that connection (pg. 9). Finally, I feel compelled, as honestly I tear up writing this thinking about my little Lou, to thank you all for what you do. You all spend more waking hours with our children than parents do during the week. I’m not sure how you do it. So, from all the parents out there, thank you in advance for everything you do— it’s “UGE.”
Ready for Kindergarten!
Connect with us on Social Media: /maineea @maineea /maineea @maineeducationassociation
Giovanna Bechard Editor editor@maineea.org September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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MEA President's Message
Email questions or to lkilby-chesley@maineea.org
MEMBERSHIP TAKES US ALL This year, as we start fresh, it is important to consider the importance of educators in all positions to the success of the Maine Education Association, and ultimately our students. What are the opportunities you have to invigorate the MEA? Each year there are two statewide conferences - October 14 at the Samoset in Rockport and April 24 at UMF - to help educators in specific areas. There are numerous sessions to attend as well as the chance to network. Around the state at different times, there are meetings on many topics including Bargaining (aka District Bargaining Councils/DBC) for interested members, negotiations skills, topics of general interest like the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) or Proficiency-Based Diplomas (PBD) at Affiliate Council Trainings (ACT). We provide free or inexpensive guidance in areas of interest because we know well prepared educators benefit our students most. At the same time we are making plans for conferences and trainings, we are all emphasizing the necessity of membership unity. Being sure that our locals and state organizations stay viable and connected takes all of us. Talking to our newest colleagues about MEA's importance and letting everyone know the consequences of unified activism builds our strength and our ability to meet the needs of all our members. Inviting colleagues who are not presently MEA members to join us as we strive to improve our students' education is a top priority for gaining influence and raising educator voices. Communicating the needs for educating our students, and staying current means we need to stay in touch with each other and MEA's media includes a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ maineea/, Twitter, and our magazine, The Maine Educator. Through these outlets you can access classroom resources, best practices, innovative ideas, and the thoughts of other members on everything from healthy living to the pros and cons of homework. Things are moving faster every day and keeping up with changes, as well as sharing your thoughts and ideas, can be enhanced through our media outlets. You can take advantage of NEA Member Benefits and save at least the cost of your dues, and very likely more. The restaurant coupons at NEA Click and Save, the savings on day to day purchases, rental cars, discounts on insurance - all add up. For major appliance 6
Maine Educator • September 2017
purchases or even cars, you can save hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars. NEA Member Benefits is dedicated to making the personal and professional lives of educators better through “best in class” programs and services. MEA Member Benefits goes further with local discounts for skiing, flowers, popular tickets to events, and much more. Maybe our activism at the Maine Legislature is what you hear about most in the news. Yes, MEA encourages our members to stand up, speak out and let legislators know that we know what is best for students. Our legislative agenda is very important to the success of Maine's schools and to providing the best opportunities for our students. We recognize not every member agrees with every decision we make in support or opposition to work in Augusta, but isn't it nice to know you have someone looking out for the best interests of MEA members and our young charges? We sometimes hear the question, "Why is MEA involved in politics?" The answer is because politics is involved in everything you do everyday. When we find legislative friends to work with we make your job more sustainable and more fair. Getting active in yet another organization is hard in these times of unending expectations. Time is precious, but make yourself a promise. This year sign up for a conference, or write letters to your legislators. Look for chances to promote the good work we do with students and share it with all of us. Find a new colleague to take under your wing to mentor. If you are one of the newer colleagues join our Young Education Professionals (YEP) group designed for those 30 and under in their early years of working with kids. College students can join Student MEA, retirees can join MEA Retired, and all of us can activate. Now, before you begin a new year, let me thank you for everything you do for Maine students each and every day. Remember MEA is here for you because you are here for the MEA. In Unity,
Lois Kilby-Chesley MEA President lkilby-chesley@maineea.org
News You Can Use
Free stuff!
1-5
It’s one of the best four letter words out there-FREE-especially when you’re on a tight budget. Maine Educator found a few freebies just for you to help you start the year off right. What Would You Do When You Grow Up Kit Download a free kit for students in grades K-8. Lesson plans and PDF downloads are available and aligned to support Common Core standards. Lesson plans enhance students’ awareness of potential career choices.
Science Resources Everything from study guides for kids to minerals, and education webinars to space programs can all be found free on the National Science Teacher Association website, ntsta.org. Easiest way to look for it—simply type 'free' into the search bar and a wide variety of resources are at your disposal. There are even online forensic science units that have been developed with Court TV has available to download—and are standards-based.
Free 6" Rulers Rent Calculators offers rulers for students. Fill out a quick form online and request a free set of 6" wood rulers. It's that easy!
Pictures, Vectors and Graphics Freepik.com is an online resource with free vector art, illustrations, icons, and photos for you to use in your work. Spruce up your handouts or websites with something from freepik. There are 8,646 school graphics alone to choose from! All you need to do is credit the site when you use it. LINKS TO ALL THE RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND IN THE
Bully Free Toolkit and Shareables
MAINE EDUCATOR ONLINE
As a member, you have access to resources to help understand and prevent bullying. From posters, to social media shareables to pledges you and your students can take to prevent bullying—it’s all available to you for free online. September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use
Courageous Steps 6
Snapshots Pictured below are some OT items received through the Courageous Steps program
Fundraising opportunity!
Dolphin wrap weight Connor Archer presents educators with funding to help their students. Senso-Band Wearable Fidget
With the mission to raise awareness of
developmental challenges for children and young adults, the Courageous Steps Project helps educators fund projects or supplies needed to enhance student success in school and in life. Founded by Connor Archer who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three, Courageous Steps wanted to give back to the educators who helped him along the way. “Many professionals said that I would never talk, but today, I can, and I am continuing to make a difference for those who cannot speak,” said Archer who not only graduated high school but founded Courageous Steps when he was a student.
Seating Therapy Discs
Tactile Sensory Balls 4-pack
Since 2014, the Project has raised more than $30,000 for more than 25 programs in Eastern Maine, doing everything from donating boxes of school supplies to fulfilling wish lists of educators. “I could not be happier with how students are using the items purchased through the kindness of the Courageous Steps Project. Each item, in one way or another, increases a student’s ability to focus more, which is a very good thing. More focus means fewer disruptions and fewer distractions, as well as promote self-regulation,” said Christian Koelbl a teacher in RSU 25 at the G Herbert Jewett School. Projects are funded through donations and fundraisers, which are on-going. For more information about the Courageous Steps Project and how it can help your students, visit: thecourageousstepsproject.org
I incorporate occupational therapy into my classroom and asked if I could have some funding to purchase some more O.T. items. I ended up receiving a $300 grant, which is more than half of my classroom budget, to help my students.
“
Christian Koelbl Teacher, G Herbert Jewett School 8
Maine Educator • September 2017
Forearm "Sleeve Weight"
Autism Pressure Vest - Compression Vest
Visit maineea.org to check out links to the products listed.
News You Can Use
7-15
INTO PARTNERS
Encouraging family involvement in your students’ education is key to success. Share positive news
Be proactive & prompt
While it’s important to be proactive with all communication, be sure it’s not always negative. Send handwritten notes, emails or call (until you reach a parent) to tell a parent when their child has had a great week. Parents won’t complain about hearing too much good news about their child, and it will make sharing difficult information that much easier later on.
We live in a 24/7 world and parents now expect teachers to communicate more quickly than ever. It is vital that if there is an issue with a student’s performance, to let the parent know at the first sign of trouble rather than allow the issue to fester and become a major problem. Let parents know when you typically check your email so they won’t feel like you’re ignoring their messages, instead you’re responding when you can, because you are teaching, after all.
Communicate in various formats Some teachers send out a weekly wrap-up email, others upload lessons and documents via a class website. If you have an online presence, parents can see what you are doing in the classroom rather than just hearing complaints through their children.
Tell parents your preferred method of communication Be open with parents from the very beginning and share with them how and when you are most easily reached. Communicating from the very beginning will benefit you throughout the year.
Article credit: NEA member Benefits. Need more Back-to-school advice? Check out neamb.com!
Ask one question at the beginning of the year During their first in-person meeting, ask parents a simple question: “What do you think I should know about your child?” This question will open the lines of communications between you and your student’s classroom.
Have a demonstration night to get parents invovled Tap into parental expertise Encourage parents to be guest speakers, contest judges and field trip chaperones. If you take advantage of the expertise at your fingertips, parents, in turn will value your knowledge.
Speak their language Parents don’t know the education lingo so leave it at work, and make sure you speak to them in terms they can understand, and in terms of what it means for their kids.
This can range from having students in lower grades spell words, draw or write sentences to having students create something on a 3D-printer. Let students shine, and invite parents to be part of the success! Parents will enjoy the event, and they’ll be more engaged in their child’s learning going forward.
Work around a parent's schedule Find out a parent’s preferred method of communication and use that channel and time of day. If you know the parents are working during the day, call them later in the evening, so you don’t have to play phone tag to share important information. September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use
Teachers Take the Cake Where do kids get advice on what to read?
Reading Report Scholastic and YouGov conducted a survey of 1.043 kids ages 6-17 and their parents to learn about things like reading for pleasure, reading behaviors and family attitudes about reading. Maine Educator reviewed the survey and pulled some key data to help you learn more about this crucial topic.
Grades K-2
51% of Kids Turn to teachers or school librarians to get the best ideas about books to read for fun.
Book Fairs 51% of kids 9-11 and 49% of kids 6-8 say Book Fairs are a powerful source to get the best ideas about books to read for fun.
To help you
start the year right when it comes to reading, take a glance at these great tips from fellow MEA members. Maine Educator broke out the ideas based on grade levels. Pick and choose what works for you!
Top 10 Books Kids Still Love Social Media 26% of kids ages 1517, say social media is the best way to get ideas about reading books at their leisure 10
Maine Educator • September 2017
Harry Potter Diary of a Wimpy Kid Percy Jackson Goosebumps Dork Diaries The Hunger Games Junie B. Jones The Bible Dr. Seuss Magic Tree House
4Begin the school year off by promoting a sense of family/community/love so children will feel comfortable in their learning environment. The tips listed below won't matter if this is not achieved. Ex: Have students cheer for each others' successes, Penny Rees, promote "bucket filling," etc. Glenburn 4Use movement/motion to learn high frequency Elementary words. An example: Act out the word "my" by School Glenburn EA punching out the letters - right hand extended as students say "m," then left hand extended as students say "y," then students clap hands together and shout "my!" Children quickly learn to read and spell the words by using this technique. 4Use visual cues to learn diagraphs. Ex: Picture of a thumb to represent "th." 4Demonstrate reading strategies. Ex: Show how to sound out words by stretching out a rubber band slowly as you say the word. 4Help children to be positive risk takers. Sometimes a child, when first learning how to read, will not attempt a word for fear of being wrong. Ex: Teach the following to students to recite when needed - "Mistakes are good. They help us grow. They teach us what we need to know." 4Use centers for hands-on learning built around a theme. I'm a big believer in integrating subjects. Ex: Using the science theme of dinosaurs, the children go back in time, thanks to our time machine, to Dinosaur Land (part of our classroom is sectioned off and decorated as a prehistoric environment, complete with volcano and life-size baby dinosaur), where there are numerous centers. One of the literacy centers is to read the word family words written on large plastic eggs in a dinosaur nest. When completed, the egg hatches (child opens it) to reveal a baby (toy) dinosaur. 4Have students wear headbands or crowns with the high frequency words on them. Each crown has one word on it that the child must be able to read, when asked what the word is by another student or adult.
8-years-old Average age kids first read Harry Potter
1 in 5 Kids from low income families don't read any books over the summer. On average, kids read eight books.
News You Can Use
16-37
R
S E I G E T A R T S G N I VELS EAD
E L L L A T A E High School TO E N G AG Grades 3-5
4My students loved when we did reader's theater, which helped with their fluency. They loved practicing and making props for it too. I think that the most powerful tool is giving them voice and choice with the books they read and how they show me what they Darcy Pinkham, have learned. Buxton Elementary School 4I also do what I call a file folder for a Saco Valley TA book they’re reading. Students decorate the front with the title of the book and any illustrations they want to add. In the file folder are square pieces of paper that go together like a matchbook. They write a summary on the inside of the paper and on the outside of the “matchbook” they can draw an illustration on it. The books turned out pretty awesome and the children loved them. There was a separate "matchbook" for each assignment they had.
Grades 6-8
4Students are taught how to preview books on the first day of class, so when they choose a book they have made a good choice from the beginning, and this helps them in finishing the book 4I do several Book Passes throughout the Jessica Dow, Caribou year: Middle I put piles of books on desks and students School Eastern Aroostook EA preview them for a period of 3-6 minutes, and then make notes about the books they preview, this book pass papers are kept in their binders, when they are struggling to find a new book to read, I ask them to refer to their book pass. 4Previous year students have completed Book Talk Cards (short summary of the novel, picture, other books similar to this book, and who might enjoy reading the book), these are available to my students to look at and help guide them when choosing a novel. (Students always take advice from peers better than from the teacher).
48% Percentage of parents who have heard about the summer slide.
Kids' Choice 88% of kids agree they are more likely to finish a book that they chose.
Provide high school students with time to read. 4Establish a routine for beginning each class with a 20-minute independent reading time. 4Use consistent language for getting students started and providing them with a two-minute Sherri Gould, warning when it’s time to finish up. When 20 Nokomis minutes is over, use a consistent phrase, such as, Regional High School “Find a good place to finish up now.” RSU 19 EA 4Communicate—and reinforce—clear expectations for reading time, (everyone reads; come with something to read; what to do when you don’t like what you’re reading). Provide choice in what students can read 4Discuss with students how to make the “just right” choice for them (and that’s not just about lexile level!) 4Build—and maintain—a classroom library with a wide variety of choices 4Range of authors, genres, topics, and accessibility Consider including magazines, almanacs, audiobooks, fan fiction Make it as authentic as possible 4When we read a book in the “real world,” we don’t keep a reading log. When we finish a book in the “real world”, we don’t write a paper about it. 4When we read in the “real world,” we talk about what we’re reading with others. Do that in the classroom, too! 4Provide students with a few minutes to talk with peers about what they’re reading. Book recommendations from a friend carry weight! And finally, my students and I have always enjoyed a bulletin board where we could record quotations that we come across in our reading. It’s pretty catchy to use black construction paper and brightly colored chalk markers for this, and it’s a great way to capture author’s language that has ‘spoken’ to us throughout the year.
Read more tips in the Maine Educator Online! Reading Frequency Only 1 in 4 kids read for fun at least five days a week, and the younger they are the more they read. September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use
12
Maine Educator • September 2017
News You Can Use
38
Learning Through Music
C
hasing a dream of being a stand-up comic, Ben Fogg moved to California. While Fogg found some success, he was less than successful in the finance department. “I was poor,” admits Fogg, and when he was hungry he ate peanut butter by the jar full.
“Someone said, ‘man you eat a lot of peanut butter,’” and from there Ben knew something had to change. He gave up trying to be a comedian and used peanut butter as a way to tap into his talents. “Stand-up comedy wasn't for me. I just knew that I could put together fun tunes for kids,” said Fogg, who picked up his guitar and starting making children’s music. For Fogg, performing was more than helping children, it was also a way to help himself overcome the social anxiety he’d faced for 25 years. “I was very anxious around people; I always worried what other people thought of me. I found my own voice through music, and what I would hope is that we can tell kids—listen we all have our own voice and our unique talents,” said Fogg who now teaches social studies and science at the Middle School of the Kennebunks. Through his experiences growing up with anxiety, and now his work in the classroom, Fogg sees his songs as a way to infuse creativity into teaching. “I think certainly my material can be used as a teaching tool for English classes if they're learning to write poetry and to help young children understand how to do things like be a good friend. But even more than that, my ultimate goal is to inspire kids to have respect for themselves and others,” said Fogg. Fogg’s music is geared toward elementary and middle school and is rich with lessons in the lyrics to help children understand key themes through music. “I thought there was a need for an anti-bullying song and music that would get kids to exercise and make healthy food choices,” added Fogg. His Anti-Bully Anthem is among his most popular songs. Fogg performs his songs at various events and in schools and makes his music available online for all to download with the hopes children will learn from it and educators will use it to reach children in an inspiring way. “I get a lot out of making children’s music. I feel we are only here for a short time and I want to have a positive impact on people's lives—I feel very fortunate,” said Fogg. To learn more about Ben and the Peanut Butter Problem, listen to his albums and download the songs, head to the Maine Educator Online. A complete link of resources is available.
Benn Fogg's Kids Songs & Audio Poetry - Lyrics Excerpts: Anti-Bully Anthem
So make a promise to me today And say “I’ll never be a bully not me, no way!” And if I ever see a bully in my school hallway I’m gonna let out a shout And say “Hey, cut that bullying out!” I can use my voice to help my classmates always make a good choice The Exercise Song
Got home from school after such a long day Laced my sneakers up to go outside and play Gonna’ run around and climb a few trees Meet up with friends to burn some calories Exercise, it’s so much fun It clears your mind and keeps you young 10 push-ups in the morning, 20 sit-ups at night You’ll be looking good and feeling alright! Larry Snickers
When I was in second grade I met a guy so cool His name was Larry Snickers And he worked at my school ‘Ol Snickers had a thick moustache That he used to clean the walls And his beard he’d soap up like a mop To scrub the bathroom stalls Larry Snickers, the maintenance man With a smile on his face, a bag of sawdust in his hand, He had battleship tattoos and an earing in his ear He got the balls down off the roof for us a couple times a year! September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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News You Can Use
Classroom Disrupters! 39-43
What to do about out-of-control kids? Your colleagues share their strategies.
You’ve got a fabulous lesson ready to roll out, but that kid in the back is about to throw a chair! It’s the opposite of the teaching moment—that dream opportunity when everybody’s mind is open, paying attention, eager to assimilate a new idea. No, this is your nightmare. Nobody is paying attention to the learning because they’re all focused on one out-of-control student. It’s a rare state of affairs in some schools but amazingly common in others. Repeated incidents lead quickly to teacher burnout. If this describes you, don’t give up! Many educators report dramatic success in dealing with disrupters. Only, they don’t all do it the same way. Students are different. Educators’ personalities are different. And so are their approaches to children and teaching. Here are some strategies we gathered from educators in Maine and across the nation, with help from NEA Member Benefits. Select, adapt, and good luck!
Curb the class clown.
Most kids who disrupt do it because it is better to be known as a behavior problem than to not know the answer! Teach the skills required for the task. Do not assume that students know how. Go to where they are, bring them to where they should be, and the disruption will cease. —Cecelia Smith, Retired teacher and counselor, Greensboro, Georgia
Get to know them.
Be proactive, not reactive. Within a week of opening day, you know who the potentially belligerent students are. Get to know them before they become problems. Finding out what interests tough students is a good place to start, whether it’s dirt bikes, basketball, make-up, or fashion. A few years ago, one eighth-grade girl tore up the classroom everywhere except in my language arts class. I found out she loved a particular show on MTV, so I joked with her about the program and talked about a few characters. I had seen it only once, but that didn’t matter. Our interactions might have seemed trite, but they weren’t— who knows how many other adults took the time to initiate positive interactions with her? —Paul Barnwell, Eighth-grade language arts teacher, Shelbyville, Kentucky 14
Maine Educator • September 2017
Consider your physical position If the situation is minor, I will typically position myself by the student or have them move, and then pull them aside after and have a discussion about their behavior. However, if it is extreme, I will remove them from the classroom and have a brief conversation and make sure they know their behavior is not okay and that they are welcome to come back in the classroom when they are ready to learn and not disrupt the learning of others. -Vanessa Evrard, middle school teacher, Auburn, Maine (Auburn EA)
Deputize them.
Co-opt them. Enlist the [disruptive] student’s aid in helping another student. —L. Carvel Wilson, Syracuse, Utah
Keep your cool.
Don’t take the bait. So often, kids will disrupt in a manner that is made worse by the response of the adult in charge. Kids quickly figure out which staff have “buttons” that can be pushed, and what they are. Don’t overreact. Pick your battles. —Mitchell Steils, K–12 Intensive Service Team social worker, Ida, Michigan
Try Boot Camp.
Several teachers at my school use this strategy: boot camp! Let students know how you expect them to handle a transition or other activity, then practice. Example: You want students to line up in your classroom without talking, facing forward. Let them know what “without talking” and “facing forward” mean by demonstrating with one or two students. Then practice. If they don’t get it right, do it over until they do. Then move on to the next transition. Your initial practice should be during class time. Any additional needed practices should take place during recess or other preferred activity time. Once a few recesses have been lost, you start getting peer pressure directed at those who are depriving the whole class of that time. —Judith Lister , Second-grade teacher, Pahrump, Nevada
News You Can Use
44-47
r Ideas for a Happie Healthier You
Reach out and literally touch someone Research shows that simple things like hugs and holding hands can help reduce stress. The Journal for Complementary Medicine found that a massage can actually boost your immune system and make you happier. The research also shows that it doesn’t matter if you’re the one receiving the hugs or giving—research has revealed that a person giving a massage experiences as great a reduction in stress hormones as the person on the receiving end, and the same is true for hugs. Make Your Workspace Happier You spend a lot of time at work, why not make it look good! Use squares of wallpaper to spruce up the look of some bland office furniture. Never spill your drink again with this portable drink holder that clips on to the edge of a table or desk. Temperature Matters While you can’t control the temperature in your building or bus, there is actual research that shows productivity increases when the temperature is warmer. According to research from Helsinki University of Technology and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, “… performance increases with temperature up to 69.8 to 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest productivity is at a temperature of around 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, since that study other research shows things should actually be warmer-with optimal temperature for office productivity is a surprisingly-balmy 77 degrees. So, never forget that sweater in the winter or the fan in the summer! Make Lunch Easier The plastic baggie is your friend when it comes to making life easier when prepping lunch. Place all cold snacks in baggies for the week and place them in a small tote in the fridge, do the same for dry snacks, and keep it in the pantry. Prep sandwiches too—that way each morning you only have to grab items from the bin and toss them in the lunch box.
September 2017 • www.maineea.org
15
Perspectives
The "Perfect" Teacher: A Student's Conclusion 48 By: Maddie Willis, Grade 12
When entering the workforce, people often question if they
will succeed or have the skills or qualities needed to excel in their respective career. Teachers entering the education field ask themselves the same question, but the answer may not be as clearcut as it is for other professions.What qualities does an educator need in order to be deemed the “Perfect Teacher”? Upon many hours of research in my own school, I learned that preferences for teachers vary greatly, which emphasizes the importance of teacher relationships and collaboration. Many teachers in my school believe the most important qualities of a successful teacher include: high expectations, patience, and a welcoming environment. They report that, setting high expectations for students gives students the drive they need to succeed in high school and beyond. It challenges them enough so they can learn but won’t feel defeated. Because all students learn at different paces, teacher’s believe patience is important to ensure every student is given a chance, and that feeling welcome enables students to participate and to make themselves vulnerable, all while feeling safe. Students had different opinions on what qualities and ways of teaching are the most important. Interestingly, the teaching styles preferred from one student to another were vastly different, but the characteristics of their favorite teachers were very similar. A majority of students stated they preferred a funny, patient, welcoming, and respectful teacher. Some students reported a preferences for “chill” teachers, whereas others like strict teachers. Based on student perceptions, I found a teacher’s presentation of the content is less important than the teacher’s personality and manner with students. Students were asked “If you could have the “perfect teacher” what qualities would he/she have?” The answers were very interesting. One student identified three teachers as her “favorite.” The qualities of each of the teachers are vastly different from one another. The first teacher is notorious for being very strict; the second is very welcoming and understanding, and the third is super funny and nice. Each one is different from the other, which helped me to conclude something very important: It’s impossible for one teacher to embody all of the qualities that will work for every student. A teacher will never have all of the desired qualities a student is looking for, but when teachers work together and collaborate, students will be more successful. Although collaboration won’t completely change a teacher, nor should 16
Maine Educator • September 2017
It’s impossible for one teacher to embody all of the qualities that will work for every student. A teacher will never have all of the desired qualities a student is looking for, but when teachers work together and collaborate, students will be more successful. Maddie Willis Grade 12 Hermon HS
“
it, it can help a strict teacher to learn how to better serve his/her students who are more successful in laid back classrooms. The same goes for the relaxed teacher; he/she can benefit from the collaboration because they can learn different ways of classroom management that may be effective for the strict teacher. This collaboration can also be very beneficial to students. There are millions of students and each one learns in a unique way. For example, I personally need strict guidelines in order to be the most effective student I can be, and others hate guidelines and like classrooms run by self progression. Some students love lecture based courses and note taking, while others hate it, and would rather have a class run by discussion. When teachers work together they can share their strategies and successes. The bridging of teachers can help students with different learning styles to reach their potential. Many students and teachers think differently, so when different styles and personalities combine, it can create a wonderful balance between each faculty member bridging the starkly different educators together in an interesting way. There is no such thing as the perfect teacher, but as teachers work together or collaborate on things together, they make the perfect teaching environment. The collaboration of teachers can help students get used to different ways of teaching, and it also helps teachers to effectively think differently together.
Advocacy
Advocacy
THE EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT (ESSA) MYTHBUSTERS 49 Find out more: GetESSARight.org
Myth: ESSA significantly changes the amount of standardized testing called for under NCLB.
TRUTH: States are still mandated to test annually in math and reading grades 3-8 and once in high school
with grade span testing for science (once in grades 3-5, 6-9, 10-12). However, within ESSA there is less focus on, and a decoupling of, the high stakes associated with standardized tests, so students have more time to learn and teachers have more time to teach.
Myth: Only school personnel, like the superintendent and Board of Education members, have a voice in state and local plans.
TRUTH: Educators and other stakeholders have a guaranteed seat at the table empowering educators
with a greater voice in educational and instructional decisions and incentivizing collaboration of educators, families, and communities to support local schools.
Myth: Accountability is based only on test scores with ESSA. Schools and teachers are rated solely on how many students scored proficient on the standardized tests.
TRUTH: The law requires that state-designed accountability systems be comprised of multiple indicators.
These must include at least one "opportunity" indicator of school success or student support such as: access to advanced coursework; positive and safe school climate; bullying-free environment; fine arts education; regular physical education; and access to counselors and nurses. These opportunity indicators can help ensure that states report on resource inequities and opportunity gaps and take action to close them.
Myth: ESSA only benefits a small percentage of students.
TRUTH: ESSA strives to ensure that all students receive a high-quality and equitable education. It provides
more opportunity for all students and includes—for the first time—indicators of school success or student support (the “Opportunity Indicators”) to help identify and begin closing opportunity gaps.
Myth: State and local report cards are no longer required to report information disaggregated by student subgroup.
TRUTH: States must collect and report on the indicators in its accountability system, disaggregated by
student subgroup, and should quickly remedy any gaps in the resources, supports, and programs. Subgroups of students include: 1) economically disadvantaged students; 2) students from major racial and ethnic groups; 3) children with disabilities; and 4) English learners. Local school districts must annually disseminate a report card that mirrors the state report card. Local report cards may contain additional indicators of school quality or student success to provide a means to identify inequities in resource inputs.
September 2017 • www.maineea.org
17
Advocacy
Classroom Hacks
50-57
Time to work smarter, not harder. Maine Educator scoured through hundreds of classroom and teacher hacks to find the best ones out there to help you start your year off right. 4Don’t waste time passing out papers, use a shoe rack and place assignments in each space for students to retrieve on their own. 4Scissors full of gunk and glue? Throw them in the dishwasher! 4Straws are for more than drinking. Cut one in half or thirds and duct tape it down to a desk for an instant pencil holder. This should help cut down on the “I don’t have a pencil” comments. 4Use a form of sign language with your students to keep disruptions to a minimum. Create crafty cards to let kids in on the signals. Want a free set? Download them on our website, maineea.org 4Save your fingernails and get the glue out of the tops by soaking it in vegetable oil. 4Before streaming, there were DVDs. Get some old DVD cases and use them as individual dry erase lapboards for your students.
4Be ready for parents/guardians and send them a QR code with all your information they can easily scan and save. Have the QR code ready for open house and you’re sure to win over the tech-savvy parents. 4Control classroom noise with an app like Noise Down. The app will automatically sound an alarm when things get too loud. 4Cell Phone Parking—Don’t want your students on their phones while you’re teaching? Take the advice of some of our MEA members in higher education and create a cell phone hotel with an over-thedoor shoe or accessory organizer. Put number cards in each pocket so students can keep track of their phones.
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Maine Educator • September 2017
Tech Talk What is cloud storage?
58
In essence your files “live” on remote servers and are accessed from the internet, or “cloud.” The “cloud” is then maintained and managed by a storage service provider. With cloud storage you don’t have to waste storage space on your computer or on your phone because all your media is in the cloud and sharable across multiple devices.
Cloud Storage How many times has the “cannot take a photo” shown up on your phone because you have no more storage? There is a simple answer to the frustrating pop up that quickly makes you delete a bunch of apps so you don’t miss the “moment” you’re trying to capture. Cloud storage is the solution! With cloud storage you can easily access your photos, videos, music and documents from anywhere and on any device.
Free Plan
Paid Plan (1 Terabyte*)
Collaboration Tools
Supported Operating Systems
$10/month or $100/year
Google Suite
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
2 GB
$10/month or
Dropbox Paper
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, No 10 GB; it iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Unlimited with Kindle Fire Desktop Clienti
5 GB
$7/month or $70/year Office 365 Personal Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Windows Phone
Yes
5 TB
$9.99/ month
No
15 GB
15 GB Google Drive
Dropbox
$100/year
Online Editing
Yes
File Size Limit
5 TB
Microsoft OneDrive
15 GB
None
Mac, iOS, Windows
iCloud September 2017 • www.maineea.org
19
Advocacy
ROCKIN' REWIND PARTY
20
Maine Educator • September 2017
Advocacy Some things are worth repeating and re-reading as friendly reminders-these mistakes are a few of those “things.” When it comes to being an effective educator, you eventually learn the personalities of each child and what works best-the things that motivate them to listen and then learn. But before you get to that point, there are a few things research shows (of course there is a study) on what NOT to do. Richard M. Felder, North Carolina State University and Rebecca Brent, Education Designs, Inc. worked with NEA and have come up with a list to the ten worst mistakes teachers make. They’re listed here in increasing order of biggest no-no’s.
59-68
Don’t make these
10 mistakes
10
When you ask a question, immediately ask for someone to answer.
Doing this makes students avoid eye contact with you and you’ll likely just get the same few students to respond who always participate.
9
Picking out the popsicle stick.
If you regularly call on students cold without giving them time to think, those who are intimidated by the fear of being called on cold won’t follow what you’re saying as much because they’re simply praying you won’t call on them. The second half of that scenario is even worse—those who don’t get called on will breathe a sigh of relief and may stop thinking about the discussion all together.
8
Turn classes into one big PowerPoint.
Slide after slide is a waste of time for all involved. Think about it—you don’t like it either so your students certainly won’t.
6
Group work with no individual accountability.
Group work works when students are cooperatively learning and developing both cognitive and interpersonal skills.
5
Fail to establish the "why".
If you want students to engage at optimal levels you must provide better motivation. Begin your lesson with how the content relates to important technological and social problems. Anytime you can connect your content to whatever you know of the students' experience, interests, and career goals, you’ll stand a better chance of success.
7 Monotony.
4
Good instruction mixes things up: boardwork, multimedia, storytelling, discussion, activities, individual assignments, and group work (being careful to avoid Mistake #6).
It’s better to ask the questions that test students’ mastery of the skills you’re teaching than their problem-solving speed.
Give tests that are too long.
3 Get stuck in a rut.
There are always new ideas and opportunities out there to help reignite the teaching spark. Keep your eyes open and ask for student feedback to help make possible improvements.
2
Teach without clear clearning objectives.
Making your classes fair, with the ability for students to succeed includes having clear learning objectives which should be the basis for how you design your lessons, assignments and tests.
1
Disrespect Students.
Students will sense immediately if you don’t respect them, and the class will suffer. According to the research, “if you clearly convey respect and caring, it will cover a multitude of pedagogical sins you might commit.” September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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FastFacts 69
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 editor@maineea.org
Maine - Who Are We?
T o be the best advocate for your students, it's first important to fully understand where they're coming
from and the obstacles they may face before they arrive in your classrroom, on your bus, in the cafeteria, library or guidence office. Here is the latest data from the 201617 Maine Kids Count Book. While some of the data is less than pleasant to read, knowledge is always power. Maine Educator pulled both the average of each topic, and then highlighted the county with the highest and lowest totals for each category. Of note, while the differences were significant in nearly all the categories, on the topic of food insecurity, where children lived didn't seem to play a factor.
Total Population
1,330,089 Under Age 18
258,977 65 years and older
65+
243,507
Four-year-olds in public preschool: 38.8% 83.4% Aroostook County 11.3% Cumberland County
High school graduation rate: 87.6% 91.1% Piscataquis County 83% Androscoggin County
Median household income: $51,419 $63,191 Cumberland County $35,576 Washington County
Unemployment: 4.4% 6.6% Somerset & Washington Counties 3.4% Cumberland County
Children Under 18 in poverty: 17.5% 28.8% Washington County 11.4% York County
Children 0-18 participating in MaineCare: 47.6%
Children living with food insecurity: 23.3%
68.3% Washington County 33.8% Cumberland County
26.4% Aroostook County 20.4% Cumberland County
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Maine Educator • September 2017
@maineeducationassociation Advocacy
Ma ine Educa tion Soc ia l Me dia
See Wha t Your Associa tion is Doing For YOU!
Interested in earning your Ph.D.? New cohort begins Fall 2018.
Our Ph.D. in Public Policy with a Concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy is designed for working professionals in the field of education who want to develop their leadership skills to influence educational policy and practice. Information sessions are scheduled throughout the fall. For more information or to register for an information session, visit usm.maine.edu/phd September 2017 • www.maineea.org
23
Your Association
At 2017 NEA Representative Assembly, Educators Vow to Hold Strong, Defend Public Education
schools that have a positive effect on public education and those unaccountable, privately managed charter schools that hurt public schools and students. A new policy statement adopted by the assembly states charter schools should meet all of the following criteria: 4Be authorized and held accountable by a local, democratically accountable authorizer, the same local authorizer that also authorizes other alternative school models, such as magnet or community schools. 4Be necessary to meet the unmet needs of students in the district, and to meet those needs in a manner that improves the local public school system.
(Photo: Rick Runion)
BY TIM WALKER & GIOVANNA BECHARD
Vigorous debates and discussions over social justice, the dangers
posed by the Trump-DeVos education agenda, and ending the proliferation of unaccountable charter schools dominated the 96th NEA Representative Assembly (RA) held July 2 – 5 at the Boston Convention Center. While addressing the serious challenges facing students and public education dominated the week, the spirits of delegates were lifted by emotional presentations from student poets that kicked off each day’s activities and a rapturously received appearance by actor and reading advocate LeVar Burton. In her keynote address to the 7,000+ delegates, NEA President Lily Eskelsen García didn’t sugarcoat the dire challenges facing public education in the Trump era. But “we can win. We have the power, and they know it,” she said. “I will not allow the National Education Association to be used by Donald Trump or Betsy DeVos,” Eskelsen García told the delegates to resounding applause. “I do not trust their motives. I do not believe their alternative facts. I see no reason to assume they will do what is best for our students and their families. There will be no photo-op!” The educators of the National Education Association took a stand on charter schools, drawing a sharp new line between charter 24
Maine Educator • September 2017
4Comply with the same basic safeguards as other public schools – namely, open meetings and public records laws, prohibitions against for-profit operations or profiteering, and the same civil rights, employment, health, labor, safety, and staff qualification and certification requirements as other public schools, including collective bargaining protections. Charter schools that don’t have and continue to spurn these basic safeguards, the policy statement states, “are inherently harmful to public education as they create separate and inherently unequal systems of education in this country.” Maine’s Board of Directors and NEA Representative Assembly delegates were way beyond the curve on setting up standards for charter schools. The MEA has had in its resolutions, since 1998 and revised in 2013, a policy that sets limitations on charter schools due to the lack of oversight and proven failure of many across the nation. The delegates from Maine supported the new NEA charter school policy at the NEA RA. Terry Martin from Merrymeeting TA submitted a Resolution promoting safe and inclusive school environments which was then adopted by all the NEA delegates.
What it means to be a delegate at the NEA Representative Assembly In their own words
Rebecca Cole, Windham Primary School, Sebago East Shores EA My biggest "take away" from this experience is the value of our collaborative power. No man-or woman-is an island, and we know that our work, at the end of the day, is impactful most of all for our students. The award-winning youth slam poets who spoke so eloquently at the opening of each NEA-RA meeting reminded us of our purpose, and how meaningful this work is for the youth we serve, not only in hours or days, but for years to come. I met new friends, affirmed old friendships, connected with colleagues in other states, and mentored aspiring and new professionals as we navigated the Order of Business over the course of the NEA RA. John Messier, Professor University of Maine at Farmington, AFUM I had a great time at the NEA RA in Boston. As a higher education faculty member, the RA is an important chance to connect with colleagues across the nation and advance higher education issues. This year we were able to pass six new business items that will make a difference for faculty and staff nationwide. The RA provides wonderful closure to the academic year. Hearing the inspiring stories and listening to the young spoken word poets energized me. I left with new friends and ideas to take on the challenges ahead. Stephen Riitano, Student MEA President and senior at the University of Maine at Farmington Attending the NEA-RA and Student Leadership Conference and meeting NEA President Lily Esklesen Garcia (seen left) was an amazing opportunity. I was involved in the democratic process of voting in favor or against policies and practices that the NEA will adopt, and that shape the MEA’s practice. This was a tremendous opportunity for me to be a part of shaping educational practice for our schools, teachers, and students. I met many wonderful individuals, both retired and practicing, from across the state. I learned a vast amount of the current practice and theory surrounding education that has been adopted throughout school districts in Maine. As an aspiring educator, this information is vital to me.
Your Association Maine Takes Center Stage at NEA RA Maine’s own Gerry French, a bus driver from RSU 71 EA (Belfast) put his hat in the ring, hoping to be elected as an ESP member of the NEA Board of Directors. Gerry stood in front of all the delegates from around the country and represented Maine well! While his bid, this year was unsuccessful, Gerry put Maine on the map! Here are his thoughts from the experience. "I've never been so proud to be a member of any delegation in my life. The outpouring of support, the unity of my colleagues and the dedication of my friends in the Maine delegation made this improbable run possible. When it came down to this campaign, we were all able to put Maine first and work together for the common goal.The most humbling part of the process was how my team of delegates were united and worked together for the cause. We were not victorious at the polls, but we were successful as a team. I learned that I am privileged to work with the greatest educators in the nation-right here in the MEA."-Gerry French, RSU 71 (Belfast). Early Career Educators Sneak Peek at the NEA-RA Due to the ease of the location of this year’s NEA-RA, a group of younger educators had the opportunity to be guests at the NEA-RA to witness the process and experience what it’s like to be around thousands of passionate educators from around the nation. Their time in Boston gave each of them a new perspective on how the association functions, and their role in the work. “This is so exciting! There are so many people here who care about public education. Coming here was a great chance to see how the association really works. I’m glad I had this opportunity.” -Melissa Howard, Camden Hills Regional High School, Megunticook TA Warm Send-Off for Maine Retired Educator
National Education Association officers visited the NEA-Retired meeting to congratulate Tom Curran from Maine on his exemplary six years as NEA-Retired president. Curran was an educator in Maine for 35 years before he retired. Thank you, Tom for your service. September 2017 • www.maineea.org
25
Your Association
Wage Gap Example In 2016-17, the statewide average beginning BA salary for teachers was $33,984. If teacher compensation was equitable to other similarly educated peers, the average salary would be $37,120, including all benefits. Each county in Maine is different with adjustments made by the cost of living index. In Androscoggin County, for example, in order to have the purchasing power of the statewide average without the teacher compensation penalty, a teacher at BA minimum would have to earn $36,131. The current average salary in Androscoggin County is $2,307 less than that, meaning, on average, teachers on the BA minimum in Androscoggin County are $2,307, or 6.4%, behind their peers. Over the course of a career, this disadvantage represents a substantial amount of money. To see a complete list of county-by-county data for Master’s Degree, log on to Maine Educator Online.
Wage Gap
70
Wage G a p
County by County Comparison of Teacher Pay vs. Similar Professional Pay The MEA is continually working to provide members useful information regarding your salary and benefits. In each issue of Maine Educator this year you will find something related to these important topics that you can learn from and hopefully use to better your personal livelihood. In this issue, Maine Educator, with the help of MEA’s Director of Collective Bargaining and Research, CJ Betit, took a closer look at the wage gap of professionals with comparable education in relation to what teachers earn, with similar education. In terms of the teacher wage gap, the comparison to other similarly-situated districts is calculated based upon findings in an Economic Policy Institute report that found, on average, in Maine when comparing public school teacher and non-teacher
college graduates weekly wages, Maine teachers with a BA make 87% of their similarly-situated peers while Maine teachers with a Master's make 75% of their similarly-situated peers. However, the report also finds teachers have a more attractive benefit package than other similar-situated professionals so that measuring just the wages overstates the teachers compensation disadvantage. The report found nationally, nearly 35% of the compensation disadvantage for teachers is eliminated when factoring in the benefit advantage. The table below has been adjusted to reflect this 35% benefit advantage. The salaries in the table reflect what the average salary at each level would be in each county relative to the statewide average when taking into account both the cost of living difference between counties and the teacher penalty.
Cost of Living Example If the average teacher salary is $52,000 statewide, in order to have the same purchasing power as the statewide average, a teacher in Cumberland County would need to earn $54,894 while a teacher in Aroostook County would need to earn $49,136.
Please note: The columns titled Minimum, Step 10 and Maximum are the average for a non-teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in each county adjusted for the cost of living compared to the average statewide salary, and includes an Bachelor's Degree adjustment to be equitable to their similarly education peers. The column titled Teacher Penalty is how much less or more a teacher actually earns in that county compared to their similarly-educated peers. Cost of Living vs. State Avg. Min Actual Step 10 Actual Max Actual Androscoggin 97.3% $36,131 -$2,307 $47,370 -$1,957 $61,313 -$2,833 Aroostook 94.5% $35,076 -$4,266 $45,988 -$4,796 $59,524 -$5,104 Cumberland 105.6% $39,187 -$2,736 $51,377 $462 $66,499 -$449 Franklin 94.7% $35,171 -$1,891 $46,112 -$5,483 $59,685 -$4,665 Hancock 99.1% $36,799 -$2,798 $48,247 -$6,413 $62,448 -$9,610 Kennebec 97.0% $35,994 -$2,155 $47,192 -$3,427 $61,082 -$336 Knox 100.0% $37,120 -$478 $48,667 -$875 $62,992 -$677 Lincoln 98.7% $36,647 -$300 $48,048 -$220 $62,190 $1,632 Oxford 95.1% $35,301 -$1,707 $46,283 -$2,895 $59,906 -$2,658 Penobscot 97.7% $36,277 -$3,197 $47,563 -$4,483 $61,563 -$3,817 Piscataquis 94.9% $35,227 -$765 $46,186 -$2,603 $59,780 -$2,622 Sagadahoc 101.1% $37,524 -$3,121 $49,197 $439 $63,677 $3,995 Somerset 95.7% $35,524 -$687 $46,575 -$2,022 $60,283 -$5,406 Waldo 97.2% $36,088 -$1,095 $47,315 -$1,572 $61,242 -$3,211 Washington 94.5% $35,090 -$3,972 $46,006 -$7,396 $59,547 -$10,652 York 104.4% $38,764 -$2,168 $50,822 $138 $65,781 -$4,084 STATEWIDE 100.0% $37,120 -$3,137 $48,668 -$4,112 $62,993 -$5,323 STATEWIDE $33,984 $44,556 $57,670 TEACHER CURRENT 26
Maine Educator • September 2017
Why Union? New study shows union
71 involvement does more than increase pay
Better pay. Increased teacher quality. Lower teacher turnover. Increased student performance.
New research shows all of the above are a direct result of increased union density—so the more people who are in the union, on all levels, the greater the benefits, both personal and professional.
The research, conducted by Dr. Eunice Han, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Utah, is entitled The Myth of Unions’ Overprotection of Bad Teachers1 and studies what happened in several states where collective bargaining laws have recently been restricted. According to the study, the new laws restricting bargaining rights in Indiana, Idaho, Tennessee and Wisconsin reduced teacher pay by an estimated 9%. The study then detailed the impact of that reduction in pay saying, “lower salaries mean that districts have less incentive to sort out better teachers, lowering the dismissal rate of underperforming teachers, which is what you saw happen in the those four states. Lower salaries also encouraged high-quality teachers to leave the teaching sector, which contributed to a decrease of teacher quality.” There are multiple studies that link high teacher turnover to low pay, and in this particular study, the decrease in pay is also connected to the ability to keep highly qualified teachers on staff. That connection is further examined in so far as it impacts student achievement, using drop-out rates as the prime metric, stating: “Through the dynamics of teacher turnover, unions ultimately raise teacher quality, as unionized districts can better retain good teachers. Two pieces of empirical evidence support this hypothesis: districts with strong unionism have more teachers with stronger qualifications and lower dropout rates than districts with weak unionism. I also find that the recent legal change weakening unionism in four states affects the teacher turnover pattern and teacher quality negatively, confirming unions’ positive role in the US educational system.” So, the next time someone asks you why he or she should be in the union—point to the data, it’s all pretty clear.
1 http://haveyouheardblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Han_ Teacher_dismissal_Feb_16.pdf
5
Your Association
Top Reasons to Join MEA Improved Professional practice
1
Your state association advocates for high-quality professional development and increased collaboration time improve your practice.
Commitment to Social Justice You will be part of an association that is working hard to achieve social justice in education/equity in schools and can provide training to members to develop new strategies.
3
Nation-wide community of educators When you are a member of your local association and the MEA, you are also a member of the NEA. Be a part of a group of likeminded colleagues working to better students' lives.
More Power
Your local and MEA support you and other members to advocate for things like increased school funding at the state and local level.
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MEA Member Benefits MEA's Member Benefits program is an extensive benefits and discounts program that improves your buying power and saves you money.
Weingarten Rights
When your're a member, know your rights. You often have a right to union representation. Remember these words: "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being discipined or terminated, or affect my personal working condition, I respectfully request that my union representative or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions." September 2017 • www.maineea.org 27
Your Association
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NEA Grants
Grants & Opportunities
Teacher at Sea The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Teacher at Sea Program sends K–12 teachers aboard research ships for up to one month. The mission of the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program is to provide teachers hands-on, real-world research experience working at sea with worldrenowned NOAA scientists, thereby giving them unique insight into oceanic and atmospheric research crucial to the nation. The program provides a unique opportunity for kindergarten through college-level teachers to sail aboard NOAA research ships to work under the tutelage of scientists and crew. Applications are available online in the fall. DEADLINE: Rolling
MEA Grants
This Could Be You!
The NEA Foundation Grants
MEA's Human, Civil Rights and Cultural Affairs Grants This MEA grant is to help local association members provide HCR leadership opportunities in their schools and communities. Deadline: September 13, 2017 MEA's Members are Leaders Grants This MEA grant is to help local association members provide professional and educational leadership in their schools and communities. Deadline: September 13, 2017 MEA's Leroy Lambert Political Action Grant This MEA grant is to facilitate the development and implementation of a local association political action program.: Deadline: September 13, 2017
The NEA Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 exclusively to NEA members to enhance teaching and learning: • Student Achievement Grants support initiatives that improve academic achievement. • Learning & Leadership Grants support high-quality professional development. Active NEA members who are practicing K-12 public school teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff at public colleges and universities may apply online. Preference is currently being given to projects that incorporate STEM and/or global learning, as well as projects with leads/partners that are education support professionals. Deadlines are: February 1, June 1, and October 15.
The NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship MEA Grants
Patty Scully, Winslow EA 2016 Global Learning Fellow Pictured in Machu Picchu, Peru 28
Maine Educator • September 2017
The NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship offers educators 12 months of professional development opportunities and a nine-day international field study to support educators as they cultivate global competence skills and build global lesson plans that are shared with educators around the world. Active NEA members who are current K-12 classroom teachers are eligible to apply. Teachers with 5 or more years of classroom experience will be given preference. By participating in the Global Learning Fellowship program, educators have an opportunity to lead the profession by acquiring the necessary skills to integrate global competence into their daily classroom instruction, advance pedagogy in their school and district, and prepare students to thrive. Applications Open: Fall
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Your Association
Health Insurance News Save yourself time and moneyuse a walk-in clinic 73
Get care sooner. The average wait time in a hospital emergency room is three hours – and many times care could have been handled in a walk-in center.
New MEABT Executive Director
Wait times are usually much shorter at a walk-in clinic and you’ll pay less money too—usually just the cost of a specialist copay.
Jennifer Kent comes to MEABT from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, where she has 23 years of experience in the health insurance industry. She has a deep understanding of the mission of the Trust and the Trust’s various plans and programs. Jenn has a vision of how to meet the challenge of providing the members with high quality health care at a competitive cost as the Trust charts it future in the ever-changing health care landscape. Jenn replaces Christine Burke who retired in the summer.
Walk-in centers have the same types of nurses, doctor’s assistants and doctors you’d see in an emergency room or at your doctor’s office. Make the smart choice when you need care quickly, but your life isn’t in danger, head to a walk-in clinic near you. You don’t need an appointment or referral. Your Anthem network includes many local walk-in centers.
Walk-in Locations • • •
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Benefits Trust
Auburn CMMC Urgent Care, 593 Center Street 207-782-2004 St. Mary’s Urgent Care, 791 Turner Street, Unit 2 207-330-3900 Augusta Concentra, 219 Capitol Street, Suite 2 866-944-6046 Maine General Express Care, 15 Enterprise Drive 207-6218880 Bangor Concentra, 34 Gilman Road Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Walk-In Care Center, 915 Union Street, Suite 4 Penobscot Community Health Center, 1012 Union Street, Suite 3 Penobscot Community Health Center, 1068 Union Street 207941-8300 207-973-8030 207-945-5247 207-947-0147 Berwick Berwick Walk-In Care, 4 Dana Drive 207-698-6700 Brewer Penobscot Community Health Center, 735 Wilson Street 207-989-1567 Brunswick Mid Coast Walk-in Clinic, 22 Station Avenue, Suite 102 207-406-7500 East Waterboro SMHC Walk-in Care, 10 Goodall Drive, Suite 900 207-490-7760 Freeport Freeport Medical Center, 23 Durham Road, Suite 201 207-865-3491 Gorham Mercy Express Care, 19 South Gorham Crossing 207839-9101 Houlton Katahdin Valley Health Center, 59 Bangor Street 207521-0022 Jackman Jackman Community Health Center, 376 Main Street 207-668-7755 Kennebunk SMHC Walk-in Care, 2 Livewell Drive 207-4676900
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Kittery MyHealth Walk-in Care, 35 Walker Street 207-4394430 Lewiston Concentra, 59 East Avenue 866-944-6046 Norway Concentra, 176 Main Street 866-944-6046 Old Town Penobscot Community Health Center, 242 Brunswick Street 207-827-6128 Porter Sacopee Valley Health Center, 70 Main Street 207-6258126 Portland Mercy Fore River Express Care, 175 Fore River Pkwy 207-553-6105 Presque Isle The Aroostook Medical Center, 23 North Street, Suite 2 207-760-9278 Saco Southern Maine Health Care, 655 Main Street 207-2945600 Sanford Southern Maine Health Care, 25A June Street 207490-7900 Scarborough ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care, 273 Payne Road 207-618-9355 South Portland Concentra, 85 Western Avenue 866-944-6046 Waterville MGMC Express Care, 211 Main Street 207-8773450 Wells York Hospital Walk-in Care, 114 Sanford Road 207-6465211 Westbrook Mercy Express Care, 40 Park Road 207-857-8174 Windham Mercy Express Care, 409 Roosevelt Trail 207-8930290 Yarmouth Mercy Express Care, 385 Route 1 207-535-1200 York York Hospital Walk-in Care, 343 US RT 1 207-351-2600 September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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Calendar September
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MEA Grants
Educator Travel Grant
NBCT Workshop
MEA offers three unique grants:
The grant application for the Fund for Teachers is available beginning in October. The Fund for Teachers offers grants for educators to develop their own professional development anywhere in the world. An example of one teacher's trip this past summer: Follow the Brothers Grimm Trial through Germany, recording video lessons along the way, to breathe life into a Fairy Tale unit and ignite a newfound student passion for this literary genre.
These workshops are free to MEA members and designed to give you the information and encouragment that you need to complete the National Board Certification process. Learn from current NBCT what's involved in the process, the time commitments required and how to get assistance with fees. Several workshops are held throughout the year in both Augusta and Bangor.
MEA's Human, Civil Rights and Cultural Affairs - provides human and civil rights leadership opportunites in their schools and communities. MEA's Members are Leaders Grants - provides professional and education leadership in their schools and communities MEA's Leroy Lambert Political Action Grant facilitate the development and implementation of a local association political action program. Deadline to apply is September 13.
To learn more about the program and how to apply: fundforteachers.org
FMI on how to register and other dates head to maineea. org
Fall Conference MEA Fall Conference #WeAreMEA WHERE: Samoset Resort, Rockport Learn from your colleagues at MEA's annual fall conference. Specialized training for educators in all disciplines is available to all members. Plus, you'll earn CEU's. Come Friday night and dance the night away at MEA's 80's Rockin' Rewind Party! Registration available soon at maineea.org
FMI on how to apply: maineea.org/grants
Take charge of your future Let us show you how Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, Horace Mann is the largest financial services company focused on providing America’s educators and school employees with affordable auto, home and life insurance, as well as retirement solutions.
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Student Loan Solutions Workshops
DonorsChoose.org Workshops
Financial Success Workshops
State Retirement System Workshops (not available in Utah)
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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Maine Educator • September 2017
P.J. Kinney, Presque Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-764-1283 Tony LaPrino, Rockland . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-941-1212 Dominic Vermette, Waterboro . . . . . . . . 207-467-3650 Troy True, Brunswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-729-1975 Dominic Vermette, East Waterboro . . . . .207-247-0186 Paul Yarnevich, South Portland . . . . . . . .207-510-6600
Just For Fun
ACROSS 1 City of ancestral suffering (9) 6 Evasive about son being comfortable (4) 9 Sue assumes two fellows in charge to be enough (7) 10 Disrupted most of literary film preview (7) 11 Blades appearing when people have a row (4) 12 Note lack of talk about one displaying toughness (10) 14 B in test characteristic of a certain group (6) 15 Calming drug is vet’s idea possibly (8) 18 Reliable-sounding Scottish city (8) 19 They work with a tool (6) 22 Applaud – yes, one goes wild, see (4,4,2) 24 Encourage some of our generation (4) 26 A complex plot’s beginning to engross Peter perhaps (7) 27 Loose rocks by church make an unpleasant sound (7) 28 Advance payment for poet first off (4) 29 Former Blue Peter presenter wearing vest? (9) DOWN 1 Stick it to the end, leaving after the others (4,3) 2 Tent fire destroyed one Egyptian queen (9) 3 A family related by blood (4) 4 Two letters read aloud in tent (6) 5 Crooked Eritrean lawyer may ask for one (8) 6 Generous cleaner’s given one board (10) 7 Ring lost in bar or beauty parlour (5) 8 Country producing oil we hear (6) 13 Middle name put first in place for telephone operators (4,6) 16 I close home – that’s serious (2,7) 17 E.g. insert mobile numbers (8) 18 For example, American backed Charles (4,2) 20 Chap is to walk with female (7) 21 Relative keeps us in money (6) 23 Decorate for a party with sailors (5) 25 Exam offers alternative to a student (4)
September 2017 • www.maineea.org
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