Teach Jan-Feb 2019 by Chris Watson

Vol. 50, Issue 3

January-February 2019

TEACH

The teaching and learning journal of the Tennessee Education Association

Celebrating Black History Month Remarkable men and women leave important lessons for all Tennessee children

Tennessee history is filled with remarkable black men and women whose life stories hold valuable lessons for students, including Tennessee ties to national African American icons. There is a wealth of resources to help teachers integrate Black History Month curriculum into lesson plans, covering a variety of subjects and multiple grade levels.

“Where possible, we encourage teachers to seek out community partners, like museums or historically black colleges and universities, to help bring your lesson plans to life,” said TEA President Beth Brown. “Don’t limit yourself or your students to the month of February, either! We should be sharing these stories all year long.” Examples of higher education

partners in the state include Fisk University, Tennessee State University and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Knoxville College, Lane College in Jackson, and LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis. Another resource for educators are the museums and historical landmarks across the state, including the National Civil Rights Museum (www.civilrightsmuseum. org) at the Lorraine Hotel in

It’s time for Read Across Tennessee! It is time to celebrate Read Across America again! Ruffy the Reading dog is back to encourage Tennessee students of all ages to “Dig into reading.” The annual celebration falls on March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday. The theme for Read Across Tennessee this year ties in the association’s 20/20 Vision campaign and has Ruffy showing he is #RedforEd! TEA has created coloring sheets, bookmarks and other classroom materials

to make the celebration a special one. Read Across Tennessee materials include a poster found in this issue of TEACH (and available online to download), and other materials easily downloaded. Additional posters, bookmarks and classroom supplies can be ordered from TEA, just contact your local UniServ coordinator. Download materials online: www.TEAteachers.org.

Memphis, the place where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was gunned down on April 4, 1968, a week after striking with Memphis sanitation workers. NEA also provides grade-specific lesson plans online at www.nea.org/ tools/lessons/black-history-month. htm.

Black History Month

cont. page 8

Spring offers opportunities for professional development, advocacy and fellowship The calendar stays full year-round, but springtime at TEA seems especially packed with great opportunities for professional growth, advocacy work and fellowship time with educators all across the state. “Some of the best events of the year are stacked up one right after the other in the coming months,” said TEA President

Beth Brown. “If you have not attended one of our spring conferences, this is the year to do so!” TEA Civication and #RedforEd challenge days are coming up first on the TEA calendar. See page 6 for more information on Civication. The next #RedforEd challenge day to bring awareness to the TEA 20/20 Vision campaign will be Monday, March 4, on the day of Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address. The TEA Minority Affairs Conference, Spring Symposium,

Pull-out poster inside!

Member involvement cont. page 8

THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TENNESSEE

Don’t wish for change, work for it

A Valentine’s Day letter to the ones who make a difference By TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder

By TEA President Beth Brown Perhaps you’ve seen the motivational saying “Don’t wish for it; work for it” printed on a poster; maybe you’ve even displayed it in your own professional space. The phrase has become so common that it’s no longer attributed to its original source (my research traces it back to a 1921 classified advertisement in a Buffalo, New York newspaper). Although the expression “Don’t wish for it; work for it” has become rather trite, the saying is no less true than it was nearly one hundred years ago, and it can be applied to all aspects of our lives—including association work. As a classroom teacher, I have had many opportunities to “work for” better public schools in Tennessee—beginning with my own. When I wanted to see improvements in the English department in my school, I became the department chair. When I was concerned about the policies governing my school district, I became an association representative and began attending school board meetings. When I saw improvements were needed in teachers’ working conditions and salaries and benefits, I became the chief negotiator for my local association. My willingness to elevate the voices of others led me to run for a seat on the TEA Board of Directors, even though I was only in my eighth year as an educator. I believed that I had a responsibility to advocate for my students, my colleagues, and my school at the state level. My years of service on the board fueled my desire to run for TEA vice president and, ultimately, president. I found my place to “work for” Tennessee’s public schools.

We’ve got to stop wishing for change and commit to working for change.

Of course, we’re not all on the same path. We won’t all be department chairpersons, association reps, or an officer of the TEA. However, we can all “work for” better public schools in Tennessee. I know that we’re inundated with our family obligations and our professional duties (I’m a high school English teacher…I understand the work load!), but if we don’t go the extra mile, those who are out to destroy public education will be successful. There are multiple ways to support strong public schools in Tennessee, many that require little time or effort but that are important to the cause. Put a 20/20 Vision frame on your Facebook profile pic. Wear #RedforEd on Wednesdays and special challenge days. Participate in a stand out. Take one day of your spring break to visit with your legislators to discuss public education. Attend a school board meeting if a resolution regarding testing or funding is presented. Share the 20/20 Vision with your colleagues and family. Share your story with TEA’s communications department. As the wise Dr. Seuss said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Join TEA’s 20/20 Vision campaign. Tennessee’s public schools need you, and your students are counting on you. We’ve got to stop wishing for change and commit to working for change.

Teach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is published four times (July, October, Jan/Feb, March), by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville, TN, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teach, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099. 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). 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: Beth Brown* (800) 342-8367 VICE PRESIDENT: Tanya Coats* (865) 308-2787 SECRETARY-TREASURER: Carolyn Crowder (615) 242-8392 DISTRICT 1 LaDawn Hudgins* (423) 384-3585 DISTRICT 2 Melinda Reese (423) 327-0114 DISTRICT 3 Robert Holder (865) 617-1179 DISTRICT 4 Connie Mitchell (865) 604-3471 DISTRICT 5 Jeanette Omarkhail (423) 413-9114 DISTRICT 6 Tammy Linder (931) 310-5389 DISTRICT 7 Jim Gifford (615) 430-6233

In honor of Valentine’s Day this week, I have been thinking of the many groups of people who have made me love being an educator and association leader. To students: You are the reason we are all here. You are the calling that brought me into education many years ago. My love for my students and the opportunity to share my love of music with them formed the foundation of my entire professional career. To TEA members: You are my people. You share not only my love for students and public education, but the passion and desire to do more than just show up for work every day. Your willingness to find time in your already toobusy lives to stand up for your students and this profession inspires me. I treasure the opportunity to stand should-to-shoulder with you to fight the good fight for great public schools. To teachers and professors: From Pre-K to higher education, you are the expert in the classroom every day. It is evident in the long hours you put in how much you love your students and are committed to preparing them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed at the next level. To education support professionals: Many of you are the first face a child sees outside of their home each morning. You support students and your fellow educators in often overlooked ways. I see you and I appreciate your dedication to Tennessee students. Your work transporting students safely, maintaining our beautiful schools, keeping our offices running smoothly and working in partnership with teachers creates the ideal learning environment for students. To administrators: Creating and supporting After several years as an executive director, great public schools I have an even deeper requires the love and love for you and the work that you do. It commitment of so many is no easy task to be a leader, and the stress different groups. only multiplies when the stakes are so high. Thank you to those who trust and empower their teachers to do their jobs. Thank you to those of you who serve as the first line of defense between bad policy decisions at the state and local level, and your faculty and students. Your commitment to leading in the best interest of students and educators sets the culture and environment of the entire school building. To parents: Academic success isn’t limited to the classroom. You play a vital role in ensuring students are ready to learn each day and then reinforcing at home what they have learned at school. I know you struggle just as educators do to find enough time in the day. I admire the sacrifices you make to provide for your children and set them up for future success. Creating and supporting great public schools requires the love and commitment of so many different groups. It is tough work. We need to lift each other up and encourage one another to keep going. On Valentine’s Day this week, I challenge you to tell your colleagues, your students’ parents or other public education advocates how much you appreciate their commitment to helping our kids succeed.

DISTRICT 8 Fred Riley (615) 525-9303 DISTRICT 9 Erick Huth* (615) 973-5851 DISTRICT 10 Randall Woodard (615) 594-5632 DISTRICT 11 John Friend (256) 275-7662 DISTRICT 12 Doris Morton (731) 394-3233 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 Janolyn King (615) 203-5920 ADMINISTRATOR WEST Heather Heard-Davis (901) 230-4881 HIGHER EDUCATION Clinton Smith (731) 223-0080 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Diamond Kelley (423) 760-0238 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Brenda Munusamy (931) 433-0918 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Latia Watson (901) 500-1006 STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Ginger Henderson (865) 548-4615

NEW TEACHER Hope Shields (901) 239-1232 ESP Sandra McDurmon (901) 237-2866 TN NEA DIRECTOR Tiffany Reed (901) 416-2530 TN NEA DIRECTOR Karen Anderson* (423) 741-9682 STEA MEMBER Savannah Huff (615) 347-9884 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 COORDINATORS: Amanda Chaney; Alexei Smirnov; INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY

& PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Shante Telfer; ADVOCACY HOTLINE COORDINATORS: Mary Campbell, 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 comes from members willing to get involved and speak up on issues that matter to our students and 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 are to be a delegate to the TEA and/or NEA representative assemblies.

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 Houston, Texas, July 4 - 7, 2019, are published in this two-page section. All candidates will be listed on ballots which local association presidents will receive by March 1.

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 million-member association. This is where Tennessee educators can voice their opinions on where our national affiliate should focus its time and resources.

For Category 1, NEA members will vote for one or two district delegates depending 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.

Run as a delegate to the TEA RA

Members vote on who represents them at

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.” LaDawn Hudgins – TEA District 1 Board Member: 2017 – Current, Executive Cmte. 2018-Present; WCEA President: 2012 - 2018, WCEA VicePresident: 2010-2012, AR: 10+ yrs.,; TEA-RA Delegate: 13+ yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA-RA: 6yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA MLT/WLT 2013-2014 & 2016-2017, Status of Women Co-Chair: 2018, IPD Committee Member: 2014-2015, Membership Committee: 2016, School Calendar Committee: 8 yrs., MAC Committee Member: 3 yrs., School SLP: 32yrs., MTH: 2009., Member Black Caucus, Member of WCEA PECCA team 2012 - current. Rhonda Lankford – Teacher with a Master of Secondary Education at Chuckey Doak High School, currently serving as president of Greene County Education Association, served as treasurer, membership chair, AR, negotiations team, Special School Committee, Womens Issues, IPD Committee (2016-2017), 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, Leadership Academy, and LLI Academy (2018-2019).

District 2 Smith Jean-Philippe – Smith Jean-Philippe is in his 15th year teaching with the Maryville City School System. Born in Haiti, raised in Miami, Fl., Mr. Jean-Philippe is a Maryville College, University of Tennessee, and Lincoln Memorial University graduate. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is currently serving the Fraternity as the Fifth District Scholarship chair. Mr. Jean-Philippe is

In Category 2, NEA members may vote for one of the candidates.

married to Dr. Sharon Jean-Philippe and are proud parents of two sons Sidney and Seth Jean-Philippe. Susan O’Donoghue* Melinda Reese – TEA Board of Directors for District 2 and State Board Contact Team to the Tennessee State Board of Education; HCEA Recording Secretary, PECCA Chief Spokesperson and Executive Board; Served on HCEA committees: Negotiations, Membership, HCPACE, Legislative, and Newsletter; Chairperson of TEA’s 20092010 Professional Negotiations Committee; Participant in many TEA events: Summer Leadership, Bargaining Conferences, Area Cluster Meetings, TUEAC, Spring Symposium, Lobbying days, local delegate to TEA RAs, and various workshops; Previous TEA state delegate to a NEA RA. Ana Wright*

District 3 Beth Green – LibraryMedia Specialist at Glenwood Elementary School in Oak Ridge. 22 years public educator. Bachelor of Arts in Education from Governors State University and Masters of Science MLIS from Chicago State University. Currently serving as the Secretary for Oak Ridge Education Association, ESSA Chair, and The State Board of Education Contact Committee. NEA-RA Delegate 2017, TEARA Local Delegate from 2010-present. Former JCEA President-Elect and Communications Chair. An advocate for students and teachers of Tennessee. Robert Holder* Bryan Massengale – Band director Rhea County 1984, BS/MS - UT Knoxville, EdS - TN Tech. Rhea-Dayton EA offices: president, newsletter editor, negotiating team, collaborative conferencing, AR. NEA: NEA Today advisory board, NEA RA delegate many years. “I want to see the association strive to do the best it can to improve, support and defend public schools. ‘It takes a village,’ and I want our association’s input to be an important part of that village.”

District 4 Tanya Coats – TEA Vice President, KCEA President, Instructional Coach, 20 years; Knox County & Maryville City Schools; KCEA: Executive Board, Collaborative Conferencing Team, Former: Minority Affairs Chair, Elections

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. 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.

Chair; 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 DistinctionKnoxville. Ginger Henderson* Connie Mitchell – Knox County EA. I have been a Special Education teacher for over 30 years. Currently, I teach a wonderful group of CDC-A students. With my experience on the TEA Board of Directors, Knox County Executive Board, Collaboration Team and as a Building Representative, I am quite prepared to represent our members. I would appreciate your vote, as a delegate to the NEA RA. Oliver Parks – Math Teacher at Northwest Middle School in Knox County. KCEA: AR, minority affairs committee member, president’s advisor team; TEA: Professional Negotiations, Communications, Member Benefits, IPD Commission, TEA Resolutions, Minority Affairs and currently on the Organizing Summit Committee. You will find me to be a strong, conscientious voice who will work hard for the education professionals in my district and across the state. I would appreciate your support and vote for TEA State Delegate to the 2019 NEA RA. Antoinette Williams – KCEA Collaborative Conferencing Team. Knox County Schools Teacher Advisory Council. Seventh Grade Social Studies Teacher. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. University of TennesseeKnoxville Black Alumni Council Member. Veteran of the United States Army having served my country 1990-1993. 17th year of teaching and association membership in TN. I am a former building level representative and I would appreciate your vote in electing me as a state representative to the RA in Houston this summer.

District 5 Diamond Kelley – Early Childhood teacher in Hamilton County Schools for 13 years; Math Coach for Hamilton County Schools for 3 years; She is an expert in instructional mathematics support in grades PreK - 5, coaching elementary teachers; Currently an adjunct professor at Lee University; TEA Board member for East

TN - minority classroom teacher, TLI coach, and HCEA PECCA co-chair. Jeanette Omarkhail*

District 6 Beth Brown – English teacher, 18 years, Grundy County High School; GCEA: Association Representative, PresidentElect, President, Chief Negotiator, Grievance Chairperson, Membership Chairperson, Collaborative Conferencing Chairperson; TEA: President, TEA Board (2009-2012, 2014-Present), TEA Vice President (2014-2018), Board Liaison to IPD Commission, Executive Committee, Budget Committee, Organizing Advocacy Committee, Dues Task Force, Credentials Committee, Internal Organizational Needs Committee, Legislative Editing Committee, Mission, Vision, and Core Values Committee, NEA Concerns Committee, ESSA Implementation Team, NEA 360 Implementation Team, FCPE Council; NEA: RA Delegate, 2009-2018 Tammy Linder – Sixth grade teacher of ELA and World History at Allardt Elementary, Fentress Co. FCEA President for 10 years; TEA RA delegate. I have worked very hard to help my fellow members to prosper and be the best we can be while serving the children of our community. I have also attended many TEA conferences, marched on the capitol in Nashville for Public Education, and recently been elected District 6 representative on the TEA Board of Directors.

District 7 Carissa Benton – Tennessee native; REA Building Association Rep; REA Zone Representative; Roy Waldron Elementary School Librarian January 2007-current; Smyrna High School English Teacher 2001- December 2006; graduate, Middle Tennessee State University 2006, Masters; graduate, Middle Tennessee State University 1998, Bachelors; TEA member 2001-present; Tennessee Association of School Librarians member; TEA Representative Assembly Delegate, 2017, 2018. Geneva Cook – REA Membership Chair 2018-19; Blackman High School English IV teacher 2000-present; Histories and Comedies of Shakespeare course,

NEA RA bios

cont. page 7

TEA Public SchoolTEA Advocate Teach 3

Read Across T ennessee

G I D

March 2, 2019

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

TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

FOR MORE CLASSR

Ruff

ROOM MATERIALS GO TO TEATEACHERS.ORG TEA Teach 5

DATE SAVE

the Teach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is published four times (July, October, Jan/Feb, March), by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville, TN, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teach, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099. 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). MANAGING EDITOR: Amanda Chaney achaney@tnea.org ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim Wrye EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER: Carolyn Crowder

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

TEACivication

Tuesday of Spring Break Stand up for public education! Join educators from across the state in participating in TEA’s Civication on the Tuesday of your Spring Break. Hearing directly from educators in their districts can make the difference in how legislators vote on important issues impacting our classrooms and our profession. TEA will pay mileage, and if you live more than 50 miles from Nashville, we’ll take care of your hotel room. Register now:

TEAteachers.org/Civication

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

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 — Vacant, Rhonda Jett, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN 37211; (615)476-3161 (Jett), fax: (855)299-5837

(Jett); 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)8273333, 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 — Vacant; 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., JacksonMadison 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

& PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Shante Telfer; ADVOCACY HOTLINE COORDINATORS: Mary Campbell, Gera Summerford & Cynthia Wood.

UniServ Staff contact information can be found on page 6.

TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF

Co., Lauderdale Co., Milan, Obion Co., Tipton Co., Trenton, Union City. District 18/19 — Keyth Harrison, Memphis, TN; (901)305-2467, fax: (855)320-8737;—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)379-6939; United Education Association of Shelby County, www.unitedshelby.org.

www.teateachers.org www.nea.org

NEA RA bios

from page 3

Tennessee schools; mentoring team; sponsor Friends of Rachel club, Oregon Shakespeare Festival workshop teacher grant 2009; graduate of Middle Tennessee State University 1994; member of NEA/TEA since 1994; Association Representative REA; Zone Representative REA; member 2019 Collaborative Conferencing team Rutherford County Jim Gifford* Laura Schlesinger – REA Vice President; Smyrna West Alternative School teacher; 2014-2015 Rutherford County Middle Level Teacher of Year; twotime Smyrna West Teacher of Year; educational grants recipient; 2019 NEA National Leadership Summit, TEA Representative; Collaborative Conferencing Committee; 2019 Rutherford County Schools Aspiring Administrators’ Academy; proud, decade-long member/ Association Representative.

District 8 Brenda Munusamy – 25 years of teaching experience. She is an early childhood special education teacher in Lincoln County. She has served as a building representative, local membership chairperson, an RA delegate, and NEA delegate. Brenda has her Ed.S. in Administration and supervision. She is currently the Black classroom teacher representative for middle Tennessee on the TEA board of directors. I am interested in the work of the association and look forward to opportunities to serve. Fred Riley*

District 9 Erick Huth – MNEA president, TEA Board of Directors District 9, vice president of TUEAC; MNEA chief bargaining spokesperson for 10+ years; chair of the Metropolitan Professional Employee Insurance Trust; member of the Administrative Retirement Committee overseeing the closed Metropolitan Nashville Teacher Retirement Plan; served six years on the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System Board of Trustees; served on numerous TEA committees and two NEA working groups; served as Central Regional Director and parliamentarian of the National Council of Urban Education Associations. Kenneth Martin* Jeannine Renfro – Metro Nashville teacher for 20 years; Association Representative for Metro Nashville Education Association (MNEA); served as Chair of MNEA’s Scholarship and Communications committees for eight years as well as serving as District 4 Director for six years; attended TEA Bargaining Conference, NCUEA Fall Conference, Quality Schools Summit, TEA-RA and NEA-RA. “I would consider it an honor to serve and represent TEA at the 2019 NEA Representative Assembly and help shape our education agenda.”

Michelle Sheriff – 2nd through 6th grade teacher, Metro Nashville Public Schools, 26 years; MNEA: Association Representative, Board of Directors - Middle School Director, Executive Board, Collaborative Conferencing Team, Compensation Committee, Calendar Committee; TEA: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Implementation Team, Teacher Leadership Institute Middle Tennessee Coach, National Board Candidate Support Provider; National Board Certified Teacher, 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year, 2014-2015 Distinguished Educator Award – Middle Tennessee, 2014 MNEA President’s Award; NEA: Representative Assembly Delegate, 2018 Theresa Wagner – Vice-President of the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association since 2015. She currently works full time as a Physical Education teacher at Apollo Middle School. In addition, she has served in various roles within MNEA/TEA including: MNEA Executive Board Director, President of the Tennessee Urban Education Associations Council, TEA Board of Directors, TEA Executive Committee, and as a delegate to both the TEA and NEA Representative Assemblies since.

District 10 Becky Adames – Speech language pathologist serving an elementary, middle and high school complex; CMCEA: AR, president, currently immediate past president on executive board. TEA: TUEAC treasurer, delegate to several TEA and NEA RAs, TEA, NCUEA and NEA education programs attendee, Member Benefit and Teacher Leader Organizer cadres, selected to attend NEA Organizing Communications training and appointed to the TEA Communications Committee. I feel my experience qualifies me to represent district members at the upcoming NEA Representative Assembly. Mary Banks – Kindergarten teacher in Clarksville; CMCEA Association Rep, TEA delegate to representative assembly. I started my education career as a school counselor in Southaven, Mississippi. I served as the 504 coordinator and the school testing coordinator for four years while working as a school counselor. I taught Kindergarten three years in the Jackson Madison County School District before moving to Clarksville. I currently serve on the leadership team and as the RTI lead for my team. Jacqueline Burton – Para-Professional at Hazelwood Elementary in the IM class. CMCEA AR Rep for 7 years. I am a member on the TEA AD-HOC Committee. I am a foster parent of one 15 year old. I love working with children and teenagers. I would like to go to the State NEA-RA this year in Houston as one of your delegates. I'm trying to learn more and more about all aspects of education pertaining to all educators, staff and students. Darell Crawford – 8th grade school counselor at West Creek Middle School, first year with CMCEA; Rutherford EA: secretary and membership chair; Active with the NEA-RA School Counselors, Black, LGBTQ, Latino, Women’s, and Asian American caucuses; worked to gain support of several new business items related to the school counseling profession from delegates of TEA.

Your vote is very important for me as I will do the work of not only the local association, but the state association as well. Randall Woodard*

District 11 John Friend*

District 12 Raeleen Burke*

Doris Morton – 17year veteran of the Jackson Madison County School System; served as AR, local association Board, and treasurer local PACE committee; attended several TEA representative assemblies, as well as NEA/ RA; first year as a TEA Board member. She would be honored to be your state representative this year at the NEA/RA. She looks forward to learning more about how both TEA and NEA will continue to impact our educational system today and in the future. Clinton Smith*

District 13 Renee Baum – Middle school teacher at Bon Lin Middle in Bartlett. TEA Board of Directors (District 13), Executive Board Member, and cochair of TEA Organizing Committee. Voted the Bartlett Express 2018 “Woman of the Year”. Middle School Director-Bartlett Education Association 2014-2018 and Secretary 2018-2019. Received Ed.S at Arkansas State University 2017. 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 – ESP for 22 years, presently at Rivercrest Elementary (Bartlett) as a SPED Clerical; TEA Board of Directors as ESP at-large 2016-2019; local ESP atLarge 2015-2019; previously served as local Membership Chair, a local and state delegate of the TEA Representative Assembly and have served as state and local delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly. There is no work more important than working to ensure a quality public education for EVERY child. Jessica Minton – VicePresident of GALEA; served in public schools across Tennessee for 10 years in Jefferson Co. Schools, Memphis City Schools, and now Germantown Municipal School District; former GALEA treasurer, association representative and member of various committees on the local and state level; participant: Civication. NEA Representative Assemblies, Organizing Summit, Summer Leadership, Minority Affairs Conference. TEA Representative Assembly; and was a TEA Distinguished Classroom Teacher. She is a dedicated advocate for public educators. LoMay Richmond – President of GALEA; served in public schools for over 20 years in Jackson- Madison County, Shelby County, and now Arlington Community Schools; served as AR, committee chair local and state, and a member of various committees

on the local and state level; participant: Civication, NEA Leadership Summit, NEA Southeast Minority Leadership Training, NEA RAs, TEA Organizing Summit, TEA Summer Leadership, TEA Political Academy, TEA Cadre -"I Can Do It,'' TEA Spring Symposium, TEA Minority Affairs Conference, and TEA RA. 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 FreedHardeman 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 Deborah Atkins* Kenyon Cook* Neshellda Johnson* Lisa Jorgensen* Larita Mitchell* Facishon Moore* Tiffany Reed* Tikeila Rucker* Danette Stokes* LaTia Watson*

CATEGORY 2 Carrie Clabo* Heather Heard-Davis* Janolyn King – Assistant principal at Cascade Middle School in Bedford County. TEA Board of Directors Middle Tennessee Administrator seat; served as chair of TEA IPD Commission; attended numerous TEA conferences and TEA Representative Assembly; membership chair of BCEA, AR, local officer, Bargaining Team member, Sick Leave Bank Representative and other various duties. The two most rewarding events for me locally are the new teacher events and retirement banquets. I would appreciate your vote as state delegate to the NEA RA. Melinda Pruitt – Special Education Supervisor-Greene County Schools, 34 years: 17/teacher, 17/administrator; GCEA: President 2011, 2001, 1995; President-Elect 2000, 1994; Vice President 2013, 1999, 1993; Treasurer 2004-2006; Executive Committee 2016; TEA: Status of Women Committee 2006-2007; Administrator Task Force 2006 and 2009: ION Committee 2004, 2013, 2015, 2016; Membership Committee 2002, Members Benefits Committee 2009-2012; Insurance Committee 2000, Negotiations Committee 1998; TEA/RA (24); NEA/ RA (17); Honors: TEA Distinguished Administrator 2001-2002; Who’s Who in American Education 1989-2015. Margaret Thompson* * — no photo and/or bio at press time.

TEA Teach

Places to visit to celebrate Black History

Black History Month

from page 8

Green McAdoo Cultural Center Clinton Learn the courageous story of the Clinton 12 and the relationship of Anderson County, Tenn., in Brown vs Board of Education.

Beck Cultural Center

Knoxville

Experience the most extensive collection of African American history in state, including everything from cultural to scientific achievements. Built around the site where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassignated, this museum is a must-see.

National Civil Rights Museum Memphis This museum and event center is home to exhibits on civil rights, jazz and local Chattanooga figures.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center Chattanooga

Mark your calendar and register online for TEA’s Spring conferences. Don’t miss out! Member involvement cont. page 8

Administrators’ Conference and ESP Conference all immediately follow Civication on the calendar, featuring inspiring keynote speakers, high-quality professional development and plenty of time for fun. “The vibrancy and strength of our association is rooted in having an active and engaged membership,” Brown said. “To accomplish our 20/20 Vision, we need our tens of thousands of members connected to the association and to one another.” The spring opportunities combined with the TEA Representative Assembly in May and Summer Leadership Academy in June give members flexibility to choose the events that fit their schedule. “I especially want to encourage minority educators and early career educators to consider attending one of TEA’s upcoming events,” Brown said. “The association is growing and it is important that all educator voices be included in shaping the future of TEA. One of the best ways to do this is to run as a delegate to the TEA or NEA representative assemblies.” Members can get more information about how to become a delegate to the 2019 TEA RA or 2020 NEA RA (the deadline has passed for 2019) from their local president or TEA UniServ coordinator. The best way to stay up to date is to connect with TEA on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

8 TEA Teach

Upcoming TEA events March 22-23 April 5-6 April 5-6 April 13 May 17-18 June 13-15

Minority Affairs Conference Nashville - Cool Springs

Spring Symposium Chattanooga

Administrators Conference Chattanooga

ESP Conference Nashville

Representative Assembly Murfreesboro

Summer Leadership Murfreesboro