TEACH Jan-Feb 2018 by Chris Watson

Vol. 49, Issue 3

January-February 2018

TEACH

The teaching and learning journal of the Tennessee Education Association

Evaluations: The teacher evaluation system in Tennessee has a lot of room for improvement, and TEA is working to make meaningful changes in the legislature. In the meantime, teachers must understand how to make the most of the current system.

Making the system work for you

“Teachers have never been opposed to evaluation, we just want it to be a meaningful and accurate measure of our work,” said TEA President Barbara Gray. “Teachers are committed to ensuring their students receive the very best education. We want those checks in place to let us know where we are excelling and where we need to improve for our students to succeed.” TEA believes the evaluation of professional educators is one of many means to improve professional practice, and that the ultimate goal of the evaluation process should be the improvement of instruction. Therefore, evaluation should be a collaborative process. A cooperative approach to evaluations involving the educator and the evaluator should result in more effective instructional practices. TEA is prepared to ensure that school districts implement all evaluation policies fairly and objectively. Be sure you understand and are prepared for the evaluation process by reviewing the guidelines and tips contained here. TEA believes an effective evaluation

system will encourage and promote a common vision of effective teaching and collaboration among all educators in support of student achievement.

Report on teacher sexual misconduct could bring changes to licensure, discipline Following a report by the Tennessee Comptroller’s office identifying shortcomings in how students are protected against sexual misconduct by educators, state legislators are expected to take up the issue this session to clean up the language in state law around teacher licensure and discipline. “We appreciate the hard work of the comptroller’s office to research this critical issue, and look forward to working with the General Assembly and others to strengthen the system to remove teachers who pose a danger to students,” said TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder. “We continue to work with our members on how to identify warning signs of misconduct, and how to take action to protect students.” The issue of protecting students

Evaluation, cont. page 7

Licensure and discipline cont. page 8

TEA online professional development launching in March Starting in mid-March, TEA members will be able to access high quality professional development online through the new TEA Professional Development Portal. The portal will offer engaging courses to boost best teaching practices, convenient online training from any device in the comfort of your own home, as well as an education tracker tool that automatically records and monitors learning progress.

TEA online professional development cont. page 8

Celebrate Read Across Tennessee! Ruffy says “dig into reading” with bookmarks and coloring pages available for TEA members. Please contact your UniServ to request materials (page 6).

RUFF Y

Pull-out poster inside! Part of NEA’s Read Across America.

THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TENNESSEE

Set students up for success, inspire them to read!

It’s time to demand more respect for our profession By TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder

By TEA President Barbara Gray Reading is one of the most important skills we learn as children. Strong readers are more likely to succeed, not only in the classroom, but in all facets of life. As we prepare to celebrate Read Across Tennessee in a few weeks, it’s a good time to reflect on if and how we are inspiring our students to read.

As educators, we are most comfortable in our classrooms. We are at home in front of our students following our lesson plan for the day. Unfortunately, as long as elected officials are meddling in public education we must also learn to be comfortable being an advocate for our profession and our students.

Research by the National Education Association shows having kids read a lot is one of the crucial components of becoming a good reader. Young readers need to become proficient at recognizing letters and sounds. The only way to get good at it is to practice, practice, practice.

It is easy to get caught up in the day-today of teaching – there are barely enough hours in the day to keep up with all that is required of an effective teacher. It is critically important though to also keep up with what your state legislators are doing in Nashville.

The U.S. Department of Education found that, generally, the more students read for fun on their own time, the higher their reading scores.

It’s not the politics that matter, it’s our profession.

How do we move [reading] from the list of things they have to do, to the list of things they want to do? their parents when it comes to reading.

I know I am preaching to the choir. Educators understand better than anyone the significance of reading proficiency. I’m not trying to convince you of its importance, but rather challenge you to join me in thinking of new ways to engage students and

How can we as educators help our students of all ages develop a love of reading? How do we move it from the list of things they have to do, to the list of things they want to do? How can we help parents understand the importance of encouraging their child to read, but to also recognize the importance of their child seeing their parents reading? There are many resources available for educators on this topic, including your local and school libraries. Ensuring all students have a registered library card, promoting opportunities for students to visit the local library during the school year through field trips, after school programs, or evenings “meet-ups” can go a long way toward students discovering what they actually enjoy reading. More resources are also available through the TEA and NEA websites. I hope you will join me in looking for ways to encourage the young readers in your classroom and your life to discover their love of reading.

While the legislature is in session, discussions and debates about public education are happening every day, and decisions are being made that will impact all public school educators. There is one legislative issue in particular this year that should have every licensed teacher in the state on their feet and ready to advocate – a TEA proposal to finally establish an independent standards board made up of professional educators to oversee licensing decisions. Did you know that of the State Board of Education’s nine appointed members who oversee licensure decisions for teachers, only one is actually an educator? It is Legislators love to talk about absurd.

how much they respect

The people appointed and appreciate teachers. to make policies on what will help our Supporting this proposal students succeed would be an easy way to and who is an their words into action. effective teacher do not have any professional training or experience as educators.

put

If I were a doctor or a lawyer, or even a cosmetologist, decisions regarding my professional license would be made by a board made up largely of my peers. As proposed by TEA, the new independent standards board would hold the authority to determine the requirements to earn and retain a teaching license. The board would also have the authority to rule on revoking a teacher’s license with cause. This seems like a pretty reasonable ask to me. Legislators love to talk about how much they respect and appreciate teachers. Supporting this proposal would be an easy way to put their words into action. If you agree that the teaching profession deserves the respect of establishing an independent standards board of actual educators, join me in advocating for this important issue. Watch for more on this proposal in the next issue of The Advocate.

Teach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is published in August, October, Jan/Feb, and March/April by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN, and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teach, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099. Periodical postage paid at Nashville, TN, and additional offices. The subscription price of $3.06 is allocated from annual membership dues of $258.00 for active members; $129.00 for associate, education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired members; and $10.00 for student members. Member of State Education Association of Communicators (SEAC). Postmaster: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teach, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099.

MANAGING EDITOR: Amanda Chaney achaney@tnea.org ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim Wrye EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER: Carolyn Crowder

Tennessee Education Association

801 Second Avenue North Nashville, TN 37201-1099 Telephone: (615) 242-8392, Toll Free: (800) 342-8367, (800) 342-8262 Fax: (615) 259-4581 Website: www.teateachers.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (800) 342-8367 VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Brown* (931) 779-8016 SECRETARY-TREASURER: Carolyn Crowder (615) 242-8392 DISTRICT 1 LaDawn Hudgins* (423) 384-3585

DISTRICT 2 Michele Bowman (865) 679-6523 DISTRICT 3 Robert Holder (865) 617-1179 DISTRICT 4 Connie Mitchell (865) 609-1702 DISTRICT 5 Jeanette Omarkhail (423) 413-9114 DISTRICT 6 Jennifer Eilender (931) 704-2487 DISTRICT 7 Jim Gifford (615) 430-6233 DISTRICT 8 Fred Riley (615) 876-0009 DISTRICT 9 Stephen Henry (615) 519-5691 DISTRICT 10 Randall Woodard (615) 594-5632 DISTRICT 11 Brandi Adams (731) 439-3476 DISTRICT 12 Janis Carroll (731) 431-2387 DISTRICT 13 Renee Baum (901) 604-2035 DISTRICT 14 Kenyon Cook (901) 605-7080 DISTRICT 15 Neshellda Johnson (901) 857-6042 ADMINISTRATOR EAST Carrie Clabo (865) 603-3791 ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson (615) 649-1514 ADMINISTRATOR WEST Dennis Kimbrough (901) 494-0105 HIGHER EDUCATION Josephine McQuail (931) 520-0449

BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Diamond Kelley (423) 510-1400 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Brenda Munusamy (931) 433-0918 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Tiffany Reed (901) 412-2759 STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Ginger Henderson (865) 548-4615 NEW TEACHER Hope Shields (901) 239-1232 ESP Sandra McDurmon (901)237-2866 TN NEA DIRECTOR Tanya Coats (865) 308-2787 TN NEA DIRECTOR Karen Anderson (423) 741-9682 STEA MEMBER Celeste Randall (615) 335-0217 TN RETIRED Linda McCrary (615) 888-7026 * Executive Committee AT LARGE RETIRED DIRECTOR ON NEA BOARD JoAnn Smith-Mashburn (423) 914-2818

TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Carolyn Crowder; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Terrance Gibson;

Steve McCloud; Jim Wrye; TECHNOLOGY & BUILDING OPERATIONS MANAGER: Galen Riggs; COMPTROLLER: David Shipley; UNISERV FIELD MANAGERS: Karla Carpenter; Leigh Phillips; STAFF ATTORNEYS: John Allen, Virginia A. McCoy; GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR: Drew Sutton; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Amanda Chaney; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Alexei Smirnov; INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Rhonda Thompson; ADVOCACY HOTLINE COORDINATORS: Forestine Cole, Gera Summerford & Cynthia Wood.

UniServ Staff contact information can be found on page 6.

Members voice opinions, set policy at NEA and TEA Rep Assemblies TEA’s strength and vibrancy comes from members willing to get involved and speak up on issues that matter to our profession. Two of the best opportunities for TEA members to make their voices heard and have an impact on the future of the association is to be a delegate to the TEA and/or NEA representative assemblies. Member delegates to the 2018 TEA RA, May 18-19 in Murfreesboro, will elect a new TEA president, vice president and a number of board members. Delegates will also debate and vote on legislative priorities, association policies and TEA operating budget.

CATEGORY I District 1 Karen Anderson – Elementary teacher Lake Ridge School, Johnson City. NEA: Board of Directors, Uniserv Comm., Ethnic and Special Interest Caucuses; TEA: Board of Directors, Executive Comm., Co-chair ION Comm.; Johnson City EA’s PACE Comm., advisor to local leaders; Previously: NEA Women’s Issues Comm., several TEA committees; taught early childhood education courses at ETSU, MTSU; directed early childhood programs; served on several early childhood boards, committees. “I am dedicated to serving the educators of Tennessee and honored to represent TN at the NEA RA.” Joe Crabtree – 6th grade math teacher, Indian Trail Intermediate School, Johnson City. TEA: Fund for Children Executive Committee, NEA Concerns Committee; Formerly: TEA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Internal Organizational Needs (ION) Committee, Instruction and Professional Development Commission; JCEA: President (9 years), member Collaborative Conferencing team; 10 years as local and state delegate TEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. “I feel extremely honored to serve as a voice for the teachers of Johnson City and Tennessee at the state and national levels!” Regina France – Washington County Education Association VP 2016 – present, President January 3, 2018, AR 2015 to present, TEA-RA Delegate 2 Years, MAC Member 2 years, Teacher 24 years LaDawn Hudgins – TEA District 1 Board Member: July 2017 – Current; WCEA President: 2012 - current, WCEA Vice-President: 20102012, AR: 10+ yrs.,; TEA-RA Delegate: 12+ yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA-RA: 5yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA MLT/WLT 2013-2014 & 2016-2017, ION Co-Chair: Oct. 2017, IPD Committee Member: 2014-2015, Membership Committee: 2016, School Calendar Committee: 8 yrs., MAC Committee Member: 3 yrs., School SLP: 30yrs., MTH: 2009., Member Black Caucus, Member of WCEA PECCA team 2012 - current. Vicky Jones* - WCEA: President (2 terms), Secretary (10+ years), Association Rep (38 years), W-PACE Treasurer (10 years), Negotiations team (20+ years), Collaborative Conferencing team (3 years), Committees: Grievance, Constitution & By-laws, P R & R, Budget; TEA: RA (20+ years), Summer Leadership (10+ years), Bargaining Training (10+ years); NEA RA (15+ years) Rhonda Lankford – Teacher with a Master of Secondary Education at Chuckey Doak High School, currently serving as treasurer and membership chair of Greene County Education Association, served as RA, negotiations team, Special School Committee, Womens Issues, IPD Committee (2016-2017),

two-page section. All candidates will be listed on ballots which local association presidents will receive by March 1. For Category 1, NEA members will vote for two district delegates based on the district in which they teach. Category 1 includes candidates who are classroom teachers, education support professionals or persons who serve in other non-supervisory positions. In Category 2, NEA members may vote for any three of the candidates. This category includes members who are supervisors, administrators or retired NEA life members.

The NEA RA convenes every July for delegates to debate issues that impact American public education, elect NEA officers, and set policy for the 3.2 millionmember association. This is where Tennessee educators can voice their opinions on where our national affiliate should focus its time and resources.

Any NEA-retired life, education support or active member not affiliated with a local association who wishes to vote in the election may receive a ballot by writing or calling TEA, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099, (615) 242-8392 or (800) 342-8367.

Members vote on who represents them at each rep assembly. The first opportunity to vote is for delegates to the NEA RA. Biographical information and photographs submitted by candidates for state delegate positions to the NEA RA in Minneapolis, Minn., June 30 - July 5, 2018, are published in this

TEA members who wish to represent their local association at the TEA RA in May still have time to be nominated. Please contact your local president or TEA UniServ coordinator for more information on how to become a delegate.

delegate for TEA/RA, delegate for NEA/RA (since 2011), State delegate for NEA MLT/WLT (October 2014 & January 2017), ESSA Cadre, and attended civications, organizing summit, and leadership academy. Christus Leeper – 2nd grade teacher at North Side Elementary in Johnson City. Teaching in Johnson City Schools for sixteen years. Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health from East Tennessee State University and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Milligan College in Johnson City. Currently serving as an AR in the Johnson City Education Association. Previously served on the Melvin Stevens Scholarship Fund Committee in the community. “This is a great opportunity and an honor to represent TN.” Rebecca Thornburg*

District 2 Michelle Bowman – Currently serving as District 2 Board member and Executive Committee member, 30 Year member of TEA and NEA, Librarian at Northview Primary, Member of American Library Association, Currently serving as Sevier County EA Secretary and Legislative Chair, Original member of TEA Legislative Contact Team, Corresponding Secretary for the NEA Republican Educators’ Caucus, Presented at 2017 NEA Leadership Summit, Participated in development of Republican Capacity Building Training modules

Run as a delegate to the TEA RA

TEA: NEA Concerns, Former: Board of Director District 4 and East TN Black Classroom Teacher, Administrative Task Force, ION, IPD, Legislative Editing, Minority Affairs and Resolutions; Knox County Coaches’ Network; I also serve as treasurer of several organizations that include: my church, Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church and Top Ladies of Distinction-Knoxville. Anthony Hancock – Special Education Teacher, Comprehensive Development Classroom, Bearden Middle School; KCEA: Executive Board, Middle School Seat and Parliamentarian, Legislative Contact Team, Membership Committee, Minority Affairs Leadership committee, Association Representative; TEA: Board of Directors, Co-Chair 2014 and 2015 TEA Minority Affairs Committee, Resolutions, Southeast Regional Minority Leadership Training Committee, Minority Affairs Leadership Committee, New Teachers Training Committee, State Delegate – RA Assembly; NEA: PAC Captain, NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, Resolutions Committee; “Vote for Anthony Hancock to serve you with Dignity and Worth”

2017 Representative Assembly in Washington, D.C. in 2016. A faculty member at Tennessee Technological University, she is also a member of the NEA Council for Higher Education (NCHE). A passionate advocate for public education, she serves as President of the local TEA at Tennessee Technological University and is President of the Tennessee American Association of University Professors, as well.

District 7 Jim Gifford*

District 8 Brenda Munusamy – special education teacher for children ages 3-5. Teaches at Stone Bridge Academic Learning Center, Fayetteville, TN / Lincoln County school district. 24 years classroom experience. Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education Middle Tennessee, Masters of Arts Counseling and Human Services, University of Colorado and Education Specialist Administration and Supervision Middle Tennessee. TEA active member for 17 years, membership chairperson LCEA, Current Middle Tennessee Black Classroom Teacher TEA Board of Directors.

Paula Hancock – 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Math Intervention Teacher, Karns Middle School; TEA: (2 terms)TUEAC Secretary, Board of Directors, East Tennessee Fred Riley - TEA Board of Black Classroom Teacher; Directors District 8; WCEA Legislative Editing Committee; (Williamson County): Smith Jean-Philippe – Smith Communications Committee; Minority Affairs Representative Jean-Philippe is a 15th year Resolutions Committee; Representative Assembly; Executive Board 2015-2017, educator, 14th of which is PAC Captain, NEA Fund for Children and Public 2017-2019; TEA: NEA-RA with the Maryville City School Education; NEA: Minority Leadership Training, Delegate 2016, 2015; NEA System, Maryville, TN. Born Representative Assembly; KCEA: Secretary, Raise Your Hand RA Delegate in Haiti, raised in Miami, Executive Board, Middle School Representative, 2014; TEA TLO for WCEA 2014-Present Fl., Mr. Jean-Philippe is a Minority-at-Large, Collaborative Conference Rochelle Wright – Mrs. Maryville College, University Team, Membership Committee, Association Wright has been a public of Tennessee, and Lincoln Representative, Minority Affairs Committee. school educator for twenty Memorial University graduate. He is currentlyBrenda Munusamy, special education teacher for children ages 3-5. Teaches at Ston “In times like these you need a voice, vote Paula years. She currently teaches completion his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Hancock to be your voice” 4th grade at Poplar Grove and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee in GingerLearning Henderson* Center, Fayetteville, TN / Lincoln County Elementary in Franklin, TN, school district. 24 year Knoxville, TN. Mr. Jean-Philippe is married toAcademic Dr. where she also taught 3rd Sharon Jean-Philippe and are proud parents of two Connie Mitchell* grade for 17 years. Mrs. Wright sons Sidney and Seth Jean-Philippe. classroom Bachelor of Science, Elementaryserves Education Middle Angelaexperience. Patrick* as the President of her Tennesse District 3 local Education Association, District 5 FSSDEA. Mrs. Wright's teaching philosophy is Robert Holder* of ArtsDiamond Counseling and Human Services, University of Colorado and Education Spec Kelley* that you should set high expectations for students Bryan Massengale – Band and they will reach them, as no one reaches low Jeanette Omarkhail* director Rhea County 1984, expectations. TEA active member for 17 years Administration and Supervision Middle Tennessee. BS/MS - UT Knoxville, EdS District 6 - TN Tech. Rhea-Dayton EA District 9 Beth Brown – EnglishCurrent Middle Tennessee Black Classroom Teach offices: president, newsletter membership chairperson LCEA, Laura Benton* teacher, 17 years, Grundy editor, negotiating team, County High School; GCEA: Stephen Henry* collaborative conferencing, AR. NEA: NEA Today advisory Board of Directors. Association Representative, Erick Huth* President-Elect, President, board, NEA RA delegate many Kenneth Martin* Chief Negotiator, Grievance years. “I want to see the association strive to do Chairperson, Membership the best it can to improve, support and defend Jeannine Renfro* Chairperson, Collaborative public schools. ‘It takes a village,’ and I want our Jerri Simon* Conferencing Chairperson; TEA: TEA Board association’s input to be an important part of that (2009-2012, 2014-Present), TEA Vice President, village.” Theresa Wagner* Board Liaison to IPD Commission, Executive District 4 Committee, Budget Committee, Organizing District 10 Advocacy Committee, Dues Task Force, Derisika (Dee) Beaty Jane Ligon* Credentials Committee, Internal Organizational Tanya Coats – KCEA Needs Committee, Legislative Editing Committee, Benita Townsend* President, Instructional Mission, Vision, and Core Values Committee, Randall Woodard – Special Ed. Interventionist Coach, 20 years; Knox County NEA Concerns Committee, ESSA Implementation - Robertson County Alternative School; & Maryville City Schools; Team, NEA 360 Implementation Team, FCPE KCEA: Executive Board, Council; NEA: RA Delegate, 2009-2017 Collaborative Conferencing NEA RA bios Josephine McQuail – TEA Board since 2015, cont. page 7 Team, Former: Minority representing Higher Education and attended the Affairs Chair, Elections Chair;

TEA Public SchoolTEA Advocate Teach 3

R e k i l e

Read Across

Tennessee

March 2, 2018

Read Across Tennessee, a celebration of TEA in conjunction with NEA’s Read Across America. “Ruffy the Reading Dog.” Copyright, Tennessee Education Association. 4 TEA Teach

. . . d n a y f f u

rea

FOR MORE CLASSR

ading!

ROOM MATERIALS GO TO TEATEACHERS.ORG TEA Teach 5

GIVE YOUR PIGGY BANK

A REST!

Enter to win for your class with a CALIFORNIA CASUALTY ACADEMIC AWARD

MANAGING EDITOR: Amanda Chaney achaney@tnea.org ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim Wrye EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER: Carolyn Crowder

Stop paying out-of-pocket for school supplies and instructional materials. Tennessee Education Association

801 Second Avenue North Nashville, TN 37201-1099 Telephone: (615) 242-8392, Toll Free: (800) 342-8367, (800) 342-8262 Fax: (615) 259-4581 Website: www.teateachers.org

ENTER TODAY:

Postmaster: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teach, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (800) 342-8367 VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Brown* (931) 779-8016 SECRETARY-TREASURER: Carolyn Crowder (615) 242-8392 DISTRICT 1 LaDawn Hudgins* (423) 384-3585

EducatorsAcademicAward.com

TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Carolyn Crowder; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Terrance Gibson;

Contact TEA

Tennessee Education Association 801 Second Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37201-1099 (615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367 FAX (615) 259-4581

UniServ Coordinators

District 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, fax: (866)379-0949; Assns: Bristol, Carter Co., Elizabethton, Johnson Co., Hancock Co., Hawkins Co., Kingsport, Northeast State Community College, Rogersville, Sullivan Co. District 2 — Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; (423)234-0700, fax: (855)299-0723; Assns: Cocke Co., Greene Co., East Tennessee State University, Greeneville, Hamblen Co., Johnson City, Newport, Unicoi Co., Washington Co. District 3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 70288, Knoxville, TN 37938-0288, (865)688-1175, fax: (866)518-3104; Assns: Campbell Co., Claiborne Co., Grainger Co., Jefferson Co., Sevier Co., Union Co., Walters

State Community College. District 4 — Jason White, KCEA, 2411 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Assns: Knox, Pellisippi State Comm. College, UTKnoxville, TSD. District 5— Tom Hopkins, P.O. Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (423)416-7330, fax: (855)301-8366; Assns: Alcoa, Anderson Co., Blount Co., Clinton, Etowah, Maryville, McMinn Co. (except Athens City - see District 7), Monroe Co., Oak Ridge, Polk Co., Sweetwater. District 6 — Shannon Bain, P.O. Box 3452, Lebanon, TN 37088, phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (844)274-0765; Assns: Cannon Co., Cumberland Co., Cumberland University, DeKalb Co., Lebanon, Putnam Co., Van Buren Co., Warren Co., Wilson Co., White Co., TTU. District 7 — Theresa Turner, HCEA 4655 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: Athens City, Bradley Co., Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland, Hamilton Co., UT-Chattanooga. District 8 — Josh Trent, P.O. Box 451, Livingston, TN 38570, (931)279-9530, fax: (855)299-5674; Assns: Fentress Co., Lenior

City, Loudon Co., Meigs Co., Morgan Co., Oneida, Overton Co., Rhea-Dayton Co., Roane Co., Scott Co., York Institute. District 9 — Jackie Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37128;phone: (615)898-1060, fax: (855) 301-8214, Assns: Bedford Co., Bledsoe Co., Coffee Co., Franklin Co., Grundy Co., Manchester, Marion Co., Moore Co., Motlow State Community College, Sequatchie Co., Tullahoma. District 10 — Jeff Garrett, P.O. Box 1326, Lebanon, TN 37088-1326; (615)630-2605, fax (855)320-8755; Assns: Clay Co., Jackson Co., Macon Co., Pickett Co., Robertson Co., Smith Co., Sumner Co., Trousdale Co. District 11/13 — Antoinette Lee, P.O. Box 1412, Antioch, TN 37013; (615)308-5293, fax: (888)519-7331; Assns: FSSD, Williamson, TN Dept. of Ed. District 12 — Sue Ogg; P.O. Box 210486, Nashville, TN 37211-0486; (615)856-0503, fax: (855)427-6660 — Assns: Fayetteville City, Giles Co., Lawrence Co., Lincoln Co., Marshall Co., Maury Co., Wayne Co. District 11/13 — Mary Campbell, Susan Dalton, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN 37211; (615)347-6578 (Campbell),

UniServ Staff contact information can be found on page 6.

AH470118

(615)476-3161 (Dalton), fax: (855)299-4968 (Campbell), (855)299-5837 (Dalton); Assns: Dept. of Higher Ed., Metropolitan Nashville, TN School For The Blind, MTSU, Murfreesboro City, NSCC, Rutherford, TSU. District 14 — Maria Uffelman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone: (931)827-3333, fax: (855)299-4925; Assns: Austin Peay State University, Clarksville-Montgomery Co., Henry Co., Houston Co., Paris, Stewart Co., Weakley Co., UT-Martin. District 15 — Tim Greene, P.O. Box 354, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; phone: (615)864-1984, fax: (888)519-4879; Assns: Benton Co., Central, Cheatham Co., Clarksburg, Decatur Co., Dickson Co., Hickman Co., Humphreys Co., Huntingdon, Lewis Co., McKenzie, Perry Co., West Carroll. District 16 — Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (855)299-4591; Assns: Chester Co., Jackson-Madison Co., Jackson State Community College, Hardin Co., Henderson Co., Lexington, McNairy Co., West Tennessee School for the Deaf. District 17 — Terri Jones, P.O. Box 2140, Cordova, TN 38088; (901)258-3902,

fax: (844)270-8083; Assns: Bradford, Crockett Co., Dyer Co., Dyersburg, Dyersburg State Community College, Gibson Co., Hardeman Co., Haywood Co., Humboldt, Lake Co., Lauderdale Co., Milan, Obion Co., Tipton Co., Trenton, Union City. District 18/19 — Keyth Harrison, Memphis, TN; (901)305-2467, fax: (855)3208737;—Assns: Bartlett, Collierville, Fayette Co., Germantown-Arlington-Lakeland, Millington, Southwest State Community College, University of Memphis. District 18/19 — Karla Carpenter, UniServ Field Manager; UniServ Directors: Reginald Fentress, Tom Marchand, 6520 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134; phone/fax (901)3796939; United Education Association of Shelby County, www.unitedshelby.org.

www.teateachers.org www.nea.org

TEAM evaluation tips and guidelines General Suggestions •

Become familiar with the rubric(s) and form(s) used in your district’s evaluation model.

•

Review other resources that might provide information or assistance (i.e., NIET portal, State Department TEAM-TN site, TNCompass, IPI Portal, EEPASS Portal, etc.)

•

Know when announced observations will occur. Use the TEA Tracking Forms to track all of your observations, related conferences, and professional activities.

•

As per State Board of Education policy, expect written feedback within one week of each observation. Review this policy at www.state. tn.us/sbe/Policies.htm. Email your observer within 24 hours of the observation requesting the date of the postconference and whether you should submit any artifacts prior to that date.

•

Recognize that self-scoring is optional.

•

Complete the portion of the TEA Evaluation Tracking Form for each observation and add documentation to support work done for the Professionalism Rubric.

“Successful evaluation models promote a reflective process, shared involvement, and educator ownership,” President Gray said. “Decide to make the process work for you.”

TEA Instructional Advocacy staff have a deep understanding of the state evaluation model, and have developed an extensive list of guidelines and tips to help TEA members make the most of the current system.

Pre-Conference

Discuss and illustrate what you have done to improve your performance since the last observation.

Vary instructional strategies, assessment tools, grouping and questioning practices, while maintaining consistency with strategies that have been successful in the past.

•

Review the professionalism rubric and bring it with you to all meetings concerning your evaluation.

Post lesson objectives and state standards, and ensure your lesson plans are available for the observer.

•

Inform your observer of any special circumstances which might occur during your scheduled observation.

Be aware of diversity in your classroom and utilize practices that respect and recognize culturally responsive teaching.

•

Display examples of student work.

Bring your lesson plan and be prepared to discuss its relevance to state standards, including specific grade level expectations (GLEs) and course level expectations (CLEs).

•

Observation •

•

After Observation •

Evaluation, from page 1

Document!!!

Post-Conference •

If you are asked to self-score, discuss evidence supporting the scores you assign.

•

Ask the observer/evaluator for specific strategies to improve areas of refinement and document the strategies provided.

•

Do NOT risk insubordination by refusing to sign the observation rating documents. Signing the document does not indicate agreement, only that it has been shared with you. You may also request more time to process the information prior to signing the document. If you are given more time, be sure to get that in writing.

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Create a file to keep all records, notes and forms pertaining to your instructional practice.

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This file could include: Phone logs, correspondence with parents, paperwork completed by you or your evaluator, participation in professional development events, notes about students, documentation from meetings with families, data used to improve your teaching, samples of student work, documentation of students assigned to your class (i.e., district requests, parent requests, inclusion, etc.), and more (see full list online).

Visit www.TEAteachers.org/Evaluation for the full list prepared by TEA Instructional Advocacy. NEA RA bios from page 3

14yrs- Robertson County Schools; RCEA: 2nd Vice President – membership chair, Executive committee, Political Action Chair, Minority Affairs, RCEA – IPD chair, RCEA calendar committee, membership committee, RCEA LCT; TEA: TEA Board member 2016-presently, IPD chair, IPD committee, Board Liaison for IPD committee, Membership Committee, Legislative Contact Team (LCT) and Minority Affairs; NEA: Black Caucus, ESP Caucus, Ed Summit Participant (Charleston, SC) and NEA –RA delegate -2015-2017

District 11 Brandi Adams* Melanie Buchanan – 7th grade math teacher Harpeth Middle School, Kingston Springs, Cheatham Co.; Vice President of the Cheatham County Education Association. Over the years, Melanie has been an advocate for public schools through her service in her local association as president, vice president, treasurer, membership chair, and newsletter editor. Served on the TEA Board of Directors for District 15 and TEA Executive Committee. Elected to the NEA Board of Directors. Serves on the NEA Resolutions Committee and chairs the TEA Resolutions Committee.

District 12 Raeleen Burke*

Janis Carroll*

District 13 Renee Baum – Middle school teacher at Bon Lin Middle in Bartlett, TN. Currently serving at state level on the TEA Board of Directors (District 13), co-chair of TEA Membership Committee. Middle School Director-Bartlett Education Association 2014-present. Currently pursing Ed.D at Arkansas State University. Serves as Beta sponsor, tutors after school, and works on the district calendar and sick bank committees. “It is my honor to serve the educators and students of Tennessee.”

Sandra McDurmon – Proud ESP for 21 years. Currently a Special Education Secretary at Rivercrest Elementary in Bartlett, TN. Currently serving at the local level as ESP @ Large and Membership Chair and a member of the TEA Board of Directors. For the past 5 years has served as a local and state delegate to the TEA Representative Assembly. Also served as a state delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly 2017. “I am honored to represent the ESP’s of Tennessee.” Tammi McCoy* LoMay Richmond – Arlington Community Schools special education teacher, 20+ years as an educator in Tennessee; GALEA: Vice President, Association Representative, committee chair; TEA – Committee chair and member of various committees, Civication, Organizing Summit, Summer Leadership Academy, Political Academy, “I can do it” Cadre, New Teacher Panel participant, Spring Symposium, Minority Affairs Conference and Representative Assemblies; NEA: Leadership Summit, Southeast Minority Leadership Training, Representative Assemblies; She is a dedicated advocate for public educators. Hope Shields – Kindergarten teacher at Rivercrest Elementary in Bartlett, TN. Currently serving on the state level on the TEA Board of Directors (New Teacher Member), chair of the New Teacher Committee. Former Bartlett Education Association area representative and board member. Currently pursing Ed.D. at Freed-Hardeman University. Serves as grade chair, tutors before school, and works on the yearbook and STEAM committees. “It is a privilege and honor to represent and serve the educators of Tennessee.”

District 14/15 Loranzo Andrews – Experienced ESP with a proven record of patience and dedication. Motivated individual with demonstrated proficiency in listening to student’s needs and formulating a tactical action plan to achieve results. Proven ability to encourage children to achieve their potential. UEA: Association Representative, PECCA

committee, Vice-chair PAC; TEA: Organizing Advocacy Committee, Instructional Professional Development Commission, Representative Assembly delegate; NEA: Education Summer, Minority & Women Leadership Training, National Leadership Summit, Education Support Professional Conference, Leaders For Tomorrow Deborah Atkins – Bachelor of Science in Education from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS in 1997. In 2003 I received my Masters of Education from Union University Germantown. In 2009, I received my Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Supervision. I began my teaching career in August 1997 at Crystal Springs Lower Middle School in Crystal Springs, MS. In 2000, I moved to Memphis, Tennessee and began my tenure with Memphis City Schools. I currently teach sixth-grade mathematics at Snowden School. Kenyon Cook* Neshellda Johnson – BS/ MAT, 14 yr educator, Shelby County. TEA Board member 2016-present, UEA board member inception-present, former UEA communications chair, TEA-RA del. 2 yrs, NEA RA del. 2 yrs, TEA membership committee, Board liaison to collaborative conferencing committee, constitution/bylaws committee. Attended NEA leadership summit, NEA pre uniserv fellow, NEA organizing institute. My goal is serve the members of this esteemed association with professionalism, a growth mindset, and collaborative spirit. Vote Neshellda Johnson, Public Education Advocate. Danette Kimball* Tiffany Reed* Tikeila Rucker – Shelby County/Memphis, TN, Educator, President of United Education Association of Shelby County (UEA); TEA: iTEAM Advisory Board, Minority Affairs, New Teacher, and Communication Committee; NEA 2015 Affirmative Action Intern Graduate; MemphisShelby Education Association Elementary Board Member, New Teacher Committee, and PACE Council. Relentless! Persistent! Determined! Ready to serve and represent TEA District 19 at the 2018 NEA RA. LaFonde Tate-Wooden – General Elementary (8 Yrs.), ESL teacher (4 Yrs.), 1st Year SCS ESL Peer Coach, TEA/RA Delegate (10 Yrs.), NEA/RA

Delegate (8 Yrs.), TEA member (13 Yrs.), Committees and/or positions: Constitution & Bylaws, Human Relations (local & state), Local Photographer, Minority Affairs (local & state; chaired), Membership, New Teacher, Professional Rights & Responsibilities (chaired), Status of Women, Conferences: Civication, MAC (state & regional), NCUEA, Organizing Summit, Spring Symposium, TUEAC Andrea Thompson* LaTia Watson – Educator 12+ years, TEA: Member since 2005, FCPE Council member- District 14, NEA Members Concern Committee, Organizing Advocacy Committee, UEA: PECCA Chairperson, Communications Co-Chair, PAC committee, Building Association Representative, NEA: Education Summer Participant 2016, Minority/Women’s Leadership Training 2015, Leadership Summit 2017 Clemmie West* Diane Withers*

CATEGORY 2 Carrie Clabo* Lynn Fitzpatrick* Barbara Gray – TEA president, ESSA Implementation Team, NEA Minority Planning Committee, TEA budget committee, member of Germantown Arlington Lakeland EA, assistant principal on leave from Arlington Middle School; past president, vice-president, administrator – Shelby County EA; served on state and local Board of Directors; chaired various state and local committees; involved in numerous state and local association activities. Proud to have served as your delegate in the past and would love to represent you at 2018 NEA RA. Sherry Hensley* Dennis Kimbrough* Melinda Pruitt* Margaret Thompson* Sydney Upton* * — no photo and/or bio at press time.

TEA Teach

Staying out of trouble

Licensure and discipline from page 1

It is important to avoid even the appearance of misconduct. Here are some tips to keep you out of rough waters. Social media - Keep two things in mind while on social media. First, do not connect with your students or their parents. Second, if you wouldn’t want it on a poster at school, don’t say it on social media. Digital communication - Do not text or email one-on-one with your students. Classroom etiquette - Keep your classroom door open when oneon-one with a student. Physical contact - Younger children love to hug, and that is ok if the child initiates it. Otherwise, it is best to avoid physical contact with students.

If in doubt, just DON’T.

and ensuring educators who violate state law are removed from the profession is straight-forward. TEA will be watching closely as the General Assembly decides what changes need to be made to state law in regards to teacher discipline. “Teachers are placed in a position of public trust, and any sexual contact between a teacher and student is a profound violation of that trust, and condemned by all Tennessee educators,” Crowder said. “Tennessee law is clear: sexual contact with students is impermissible, and violations proven through due process should result in expulsion from the profession along with criminal prosecution.” It is imperative that the General Assembly maintains the due process rights of educators and the authority of local boards of education as it makes changes to state law to avoid unintended consequences. In October, TEA filed a lawsuit against the State Board of Education on behalf of a member as the association continues to object to the board’s proposed massive overreach in teacher licensure rules, expanding the board’s power to overrule local boards and suspend or dismiss teachers. The board proposed the new rules under the guise of protecting students against teacher misconduct. The lawsuit asserts the state board has no statutory authority to create a rule to revoke or suspend a teacher’s license for misconduct. The proposed new rules would grant broad new powers to the board for disciplining teachers and suspending licenses, often using vague definitions and relying on terms that vary between school systems. TEA saw the proposed rules as an attack on local control and acted quickly to halt the board’s actions that aren’t supported by law. Throughout the year, TEA has been in communication with the state board’s general

counsel, pointing out TEA’s concerns with the proposed changes. “We have been trying to point out to the board that what they are proposing has serious flaws and that under Tennessee law the board currently does not have the power to enact and enforce these rules,” said Steve McCloud, TEA assistant executive director for legal services. TEA continues to insist that while the board does have a right to revoke a teaching license of a teacher who has been convicted of certain crimes, and to enact rules to suspend, deny or revoke a license of a teacher in default of a student loan, that is the limit of their authority with regard to licensure discipline. “Now that the legislature is back in session, and this comptroller report has been issued, TEA will be working closely with the General Assembly to ensure any changes to state law protect students while also preserving teacher due process rights,” Crowder said. TEA has talked to members of the Government Operations committee about these proposed rules, and counts most members on this committee as supportive of the teaching profession. Senate committee chair Mike Bell (R-Riceville) was the successful sponsor of 2013 TEA legislation overturning the board’s decision to revoke teacher licenses based on TVAAS scores. That legislation passed overwhelmingly, and was a clear rebuke of the board by the General Assembly. “The General Assembly takes its role seriously as the lawmaking body of our state. It grants powers to state agencies by passing laws, and when a bureaucracy tries to overstep the law I expect lawmakers to step in, and that’s the feedback we’ve gotten from committee members,” said Jim Wrye, TEA’s chief lobbyist. “After this latest rule issue, it is time we rethink the professional regulation of teaching in the interest of what is best for students and teachers.”

TEA online professional development platform coming March 2018 Online professional development from page 1

“Our secure portal will significantly expand TEA’s award-winning professional development program,” said TEA Assistant Executive Director Terrance Gibson. “Aside from the benefit of offering convenient access to the professional development credits necessary to maintain your license, all TEA members will be able to access professional development at their own pace and convenience.” Free to all TEA members, the new

education portal will offer courses on classroom management, collaborating with families, Tennessee teacher code of ethics, and the evaluation process, among others. “Look for an email from TEA in midMarch introducing our new online learning portal with instructions on how to get started,” Gibson said. “We look forward to your feedback and suggestions on new course material as we plan to expand our course offerings to ensure TEA is providing members with the content that is relevant to you and your classroom.”

On an iPad, home computer, or other devices, TEA members will be able to access high-quality, useful professional development anytime, anywhere. Maintaining your teaching licenses will be just a couple of clicks away.

Mark your calendar and register online for TEA’s Spring conferences. Don’t miss out! Johnella Martin / TEA Statewide Minority Aﬀairs Conference

22nd Annual Teaching & Learning Symposium April 13 – 14, 2018

Ethnicity, Race, Culture: Bridges of the Deep Divide

The Park Vista Doubletree Gatlinburg

Save the Date! TEA ESP Conference April 21, 2018 TEA Headquarters Nashville

Registration coming soon: Register now: March 23 – 24, 2018 www.TEAteachers.org/Symposium www.TEAteachers.org/esp-conference Register now: www.TEAteachers.org/MAC 8 TEA Teach