Vol. 48, Issue 3
January-February 2017
TEACH
The journal of teaching and learning of the Tennessee Education Association
TENURE
Tenure is at its core about basic fairness.
Teaching is often a challenging profession, and having a fair and orderly process for issues that may arise helps teachers be the best professionals they can be. Yet there is great confusion statewide among educators, administrators and local school boards on the status of teacher tenure in Tennessee. “Tenure still very much exists in Tennessee,” said Virginia McCoy, TEA staff attorney.
What it is. How to get it.
Why you need it.
“While the law was amended in 2011 to change the way teachers become eligible for tenure, it was not abolished and remains an important part of the teaching profession.”
questionable claims made by an unreasonable parent. Tenured teachers enjoy continuing employment, and are not at-risk for non-renewal — they can only be dismissed for cause.
What is tenure?
“It is not a ‘guaranteed job for life,’ as some opponents say. It simply provides a process to make sure dedicated veteran teachers are treated fairly and won’t be dismissed for unjust or unfounded reasons, Both tenured and non-tenured teachers can be dismissed for cause,” McCoy said. TENURE
Many teachers, and certainly the general public, are uncertain of what exactly having tenure means. Tenure is designed to ensure due process on discipline or dismissal, protecting a teacher for failing a star athelete or providing a hearing on
cont. page 12
State missing opportunities in draft ESSA plan
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in late 2015. The new federal education law replaces No Child Left Behind and makes changes to accountability and other features of national education policy. One key element of ESSA is the flexibility given to states to develop their own methods of meeting accountability goals. The Tennessee Department of Education has developed a draft plan in response to ESSA and is in the final stages of receiving feedback. Here are some key takeaways.
A-F School Grading One feature of the state’s plan is in direct response to the General Assembly requiring an A-F grade be assigned to each school in the state. The state’s plan includes a number of components in
each school’s letter grade, such as growth scores and student proficiency levels. As the plan has been unveiled to educators, teachers and district leaders have expressed significant concerns. Some legislators are pushing for a delay in the implementation of this plan or even a revision to the approach. TEA does not believe an A-F grading scale for individual schools is helpful and, in fact, could be harmful.
Testing
Ruffy’s back with Read Across Tennessee All your classroom needs and a giant poster inside to celebrate RAA March 2
The state’s draft plan includes a recommendation to reduce testing time in social studies and science, and to modify the math and ELA tests. Additionally, there is discussion of reducing the testing faced by 11th graders who take both EOCs and ACT by allowing the ACT to State ESSA plan cont. page 4
THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TENNESSEE
Mindfulness eases stress, helps students
and teachers focus in classroom
By TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder
By TEA President Barbara Gray Do you know how many thoughts run through our minds every day? Neuroscientists believe the average person has 60 to 80 THOUSAND thoughts per day. When I heard this number recently in a professional development session at TEA’s New Teacher Retreat, it stopped me in my tracks. It is no wonder we often feel overwhelmed and stressed. The session was on practicing mindfulness as a classroom management technique and a tool to reduce stress in your life. The instructor, an educator from New Jersey, emphasized the difference between being mindful and having a full mind. We live in a time where we are bombarded with a constant stream of information and pulled in so many different directions. I know I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed some days. So what exactly is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s High-stakes tests, going on around us. It is the ability to tune homework, extra-curricular out the things we are activities, part-time jobs and worried about and the issues at home make for very many things on our to-do list. It is ignoring your busy and pressure-packed phone and emails and social media in exchange lives for our students. for being focused and present. than I thought it would be!
And it is so much harder
For being such a simple concept, it takes practice and intentionality. I would encourage you to start practicing mindfulness in two ways: in your personal life and with your students in the classroom. We can all benefit from greater focus and reduced stress in our lives, but mindfulness can also be tremendously helpful for our students. High-stakes tests, homework, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs and issues at home make for very busy and pressure-packed lives for our students. As educators, we teach them responsibility and how to keep up with their class assignments, but we rarely teach our students how to cope with stress and anxieties. There is a lot of recent research about the positive impact of mindfulness practices on our brains. According to nueroscientists, “research indicates that brain training involving mindfulness practices can strengthen areas of the brain responsible for attention, emotional control, and problem solving… There is even emerging evidence that mindfulness-based brain training produces permanent structural changes in the brain.” There are many books and resources available on mindfulness, both for personal practice and on how to incorporate it into your classroom. It can take as little as one to two minutes of mindful practice excercises to make a real difference for your students. NEA has already started a mindfulness group on EdCommunities, www.mynea360.org/login, where you can connect with other teachers who are trying this practice in their classrooms all across the country. If you are already practicing mindfulness with your students, or plan to start, I would love to hear about your experience. Please email your feedback to me at bgray@tnea.org.
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.
Support networks are key to success and sanity for educators
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 Joe Crabtree* (423) 794-9357
A student’s ability to succeed is closely tied to the strength of their support network. Their networks include everyone from teachers like you, to parents, neighbors and other family members. As educators, we know how important a support network is - so why aren’t we more intentional about building our own personal support networks? It is comfortable and relatively easy to form relationships with your colleagues in your school and your community, but I want to encourage you to also look outside of that bubble. Some of the most important professional relationships I have were formed at association events with educators who taught in different counties, and even different states. I can remember attending conferences as an association member in Oklahoma and feeling like the best part of the event was lunch – not because of the food, but because of the time spent talking with other educators who were experiencing the same things as me As an active association member, then leader, and now staff member, my support network has grown and become very diverse. I have formed lifelong connections at association events. It has been invaluable to me to have a group of people who understand and relate to where I am at in my professional life. TEA hosts a number of conferences, workshops and other events all across the state that provide the perfect opportunity for you to connect with other educators who share your passion for teaching and for advocating for public education. Just last week we had a group of 40 early career educators in Nashville for a New Teacher Retreat. Many of those attendees As educators, we know are now connected how important a support through NEA’s EdCommunities and network is - so why aren’t other social media we more intentional about platforms.
This weekend many building our own personal TEA members will be support networks? heading to the TEA Organizing Summit. While most of the relationships formed at conferences happen on their own, TEA staff has intentionally planned opportunities for attendees to connect with those who share the same passion. The back page of this publication highlights all of the other events coming up in the next few months. Check out that list and pick one - or more! - to attend this year. You can even earn professional development points while you network and build relationships at the Minority Affairs Conference and Spring Symposium. Be intentional in 2017 about building a network of passionate educators statewide who can share classroom resources, encourage you and, when needed, commiserate with you on the many challenges of this profession we have chosen. I promise it will be worth the time you invest in forming these relationships.
DISTRICT 2 Michele Bowman (865) 679-6523 DISTRICT 3 Michael Carvella (865) 212-9774 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 Kevin King (615) 504-0425 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 VACANT DISTRICT 14 Kenyon Cook (901) 605-7080 DISTRICT 15 Neshellda Johnson (901) 857-6042 ADMINISTRATOR EAST Jessica Holman (865) 689-1450 ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson (615) 643-7837 ADMINISTRATOR WEST Dennis Kimbrough (901) 494-0105 HIGHER EDUCATION Josephine McQuail (931) 520-0449
BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Pam Thompson (615) 948-7378 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE VACANT BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Tiffany Reed (901) 412-2759 STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Debi Ponder (615) 969-4362 NEW TEACHER Carrie Allison (812) 205-7689 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 (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; William O’Donnell; ADVOCACY HOTLINE COORDINATORS: Forestine Cole, Gera Summerford & Cynthia Wood.
UniServ Staff contact information can be found on page 8.
Member Voices
Thoughtful planning, reflection help you finish the school year strong
By Erika Martin, Hamilton Co. EA member
The second semester is well underway, which means your year is halfway through. Time flies when you're making a difference! My favorite thing about the start of the new year and new semester is that it provides a sense of renewal and new opportunities. This is a perfect time to reflect on your first semester - what worked, what didn’t - and make plans to finish the school year strong.
Introduce a new rule or classroom procedure Often teachers feel that if a procedure or classroom rule isn't succeeding there isn't much that can be done. I haven’t found this to be the case in my classroom. Teachers have a lot of power in their classrooms, and one of the greatest powers is the power to CHANGE! If students just can't seem to remember to clean their desks, institute a "Desk Monitor" for the new year. If students always argue about how to line up, have them line up in number order or reverse number order to switch it up.
Reflect on what has been accomplished so far The new year usually brings our focus to new goals and resolutions, but there is value in
reflecting on what has already been accomplished. This is important with adults as well as children. This means that reflecting on your teaching career and goals can be beneficial to you as well. Take a moment and write about what you and your students have accomplished so far. This could be done individually or completed as a class.
Erika Martin, far right, recently attended TEA’s New Teacher Retreat with her colleagues from Orchard Knob Elementary.
Focus on goal setting There are many resources and activities on Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers and more that provide some structure to goal setting, especially tying in the New Year theme. I wanted to start the year in August with student goals but the backto-school commotion got in the way of my plans. Now, instead of waiting for a new school year to start in August, my students spent some time in January setting goals to finish the year strong.
Goal setting tips Don’t just tell your students what the class goals are, involve them in the process of creating the goals. I have found this really motivates my
students to work toward our stated goals. Make sure to display the goals or have them easily accessible to keep them top of mind for you and your students. In my classroom, I like to track progress, not just completion to help encourage my students to keep working hard. Don’t forget to do some reflecting and goal setting for yourself. As teachers we tend to get wrapped up in our students needs and lesson plans, make sure you are giving yourself the opportunity for thoughtful personal goal setting, too.
Deadline this week School districts speak out against to give feedback on state ESSA plan A-F school grading
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) released their draft of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan last month and is now seeking your opinion on the state's version of a federal law that will raise education standards. ESSA replaced the universally despised No Child Left Behind law, giving states an opportunity to shape their own education law. “The state says they will use your comments to shape a Tennessee-specific ESSA plan,” said Bill O’Donnell, TEA Instructional Advocacy coordinator. “The deadline to submit your feedback is Tuesday, Jan. 31. Please make time to share your opinion as we seek to end excessive testing, unfair evaluations, test-based accountability and school takeovers. This is our opportunity to shape the future education law in Tennessee.” Educators are the experts and policy makers need to hear your voices about what has not worked and what does work when it comes to improving public education. Let your voice be heard so that we can impact what new policies should look like under ESSA.
Lincoln County has joined the growing chorus of voices opposed to the A-F school grading system passed by the legislature in 2016 and opposed by TEA. According to the resolution adopted by the Lincoln County School Board, “the letter grading system may be grossly misleading to the public and will oversimplify the link between poverty and low test scores, thus stigmatizing lowperforming schools that receive Fs, as well as the students who attend them.” The Lincoln Co. school board went on to say that “there is more than enough data available about all aspects of schools that any attempt to combine this multitudede of data into one score
April 3: TDOE ESSA final plan deadline School year 2017-18: Federal funding will be distributed to school districts using ESSA funding formulas; Tennessee will use the revised accountability/intervention systems; Tennessee will identify schools for comprehensive support and intervention. Be sure to read the front page story on TEA’s overview of the state plan. Then go online now to give your feedback at http://tn.gov/education/section/essa.
Earlier this month, Collierville’s School Board joined the opposition to the letter grading system, voting to lobby against the new state accountability system. Officials in Germantown and Millington have also expressed concerns.
to e m Co
Key ESSA dates January 31: ESSA draft plan public comment period ends.
through an arbitrary formula will do nothing more than pick winners and losers based on the formula.”
Join the fight to: Mileage, hotel and breakfast provided by TEA!
Reduce high-stakes testing Improve teacher evaluation Increase teacher salaries Defeat privatization attacks
Head to Nashville the Tuesday of your Spring Break! R.S.V.P. to mpoindexter@tnea.org
TEA Public School Advocate 3
A TRUE CHANCE FOR CHANGE
TEA’s analysis of the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act implementation plan
Thorough standards review process
No significant reduction in high-stakes assessments
Thoughtful approach to accountability metrics, but still room for improvement
Emphasis on postsecondary education and career readiness
Continues to heavily rely on struggling ASD Lacks transparency in how stakeholder feedback was incorporated
Increased focus on early literacy State ESSA plan from page 1
serve as the math and ELA EOC. We will monitor proposals that help reduce testing time and encourage alternative approaches (such as the ACT) that reduce the number of tests students take.
promise as school improvement models, there are real concerns about the ASD’s ability to achieve meaningful results. TEA supports proven, districtled initiatives to drive school improvement.
There is limited information in the state plan about assessment audits, innovative assessments and actual testing time. These are three things that need to be addressed.
Improving Low-Performing Schools ESSA grants both states and districts greater flexibility in approaches to improve the lowestperforming schools. The state plan acknowledges the role district-led Innovation Zones have played in improving school performance. The plan also references the state-run Achievement School District (ASD) as a significant lever of change. While Innovation Zones have shown significant
Differentiated Pay The state envisions continuing the use of differentiated pay initiatives to both recruit new teachers and encourage existing teachers to take on new responsibilities. TEA believes the most transparent and effective system for compensating teachers is a single salary schedule. TEA also has concerns about using standardized test data to award performance pay. Rather, TEA supports a model of collaboration between local teachers and their school districts in developing appropriate alternative compensation models.
TVAAS The state’s plan endorses the continued use of
TVAAS for teacher and school accountability and for performance pay initiatives. This is problematic due to the inherent flaws of TVAAS. Using TVAAS in the current environment is simply unacceptable given the failure of TNReady last year. We simply don’t have sufficient data available. TEA will continue to express our concerns about the use of TVAAS as the ESSA plan moves forward. ESSA is a great opportunity for states to take an innovative approach. TEA is encouraged by some of what we’ve seen of the state plan. Where there are concerns, we’ll be communicating directly with the Department of Education to make improvements. This is the first in a series of articles analyzing the state plan and sharing TEA’s assessment of it with members. Watch future issues of TEACH and The Advocate for more on ESSA implementation.
Resources available for Read Across Tennessee The theme for Read Across Tennessee 2017 is “Dig into books!,” featuring Ruffy the Reading Dog. The annual celebration falls on March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday. TEA drew a picture of a Tennessee dog as Seuss would have, complete with a state-shaped dog tag.
Tennessee materials include a poster found in the 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.
TEA has created coloring sheets, bookmarks and other classroom materials to make the celebration a special one. Read Across
Ruffy
see s e n n e T ss o r c A d a Re , 2017
March 2
4 TEA Teach
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© TEA, 2
Printable resources at www.TEAteachers.org/ReadTN.
TEA members seek NEA RA state delegate seats, opportunity to set national priorities The NEA Represenative Assembly is NEA’s highest decision-making body. With more than 9,000 delegates, it is also the world’s largest democratic, deliberative body. The 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 for the coming year. Biographical information and photographs submitted
CATEGORY I District 1
Karen Anderson* Joe Crabtree* LaDawn Hudgins – WCEA President: 2012 - current, WCEA Vice-President: 20102012, AR: 10+ yrs.; TEA-RA Delegate: 12+ yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA-RA: 4 yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA MLT/WLT 2013-2014 & 2016-2017, IPD Committee Member: 2014-2015, Membership Committee: 2016, School Calendar Committee: 7 yrs., MAC Committee Member: 3 yrs., School SLP: 29 yrs., MTH: 2009., Member Black Caucus, Pastoral Staff @ Calvary Church, married 35 yrs. Vicky Jones – Washington Co. EA President - 2 terms, Secretary - 10 + years, Association Rep - 38 years, WCEA Committees: Grievance, Constitution & By-laws, P R & R, Budget, WCEA W-PACE Treasurer - 10 years, WCEA Negotiations team - 20 + years, WCEA Collaborative Conferencing team - 3 years, TEA RA 20 + Conventions, TEA Summer Leadership 10 +years, TEA Bargaining Training 10 + years, NEA RA 15 + Conventions 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, Women’s 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, and leadership Acadamy Rebecca Thornburg*
District 2
Michelle Bowman*
District 3
Michael Carvella* 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
Derisika (Dee) Beatty – Fift h grade teacher, Belle Morris Elementary; Belle Morris BLT; Knox Co. EA: Minority Affairs and Membership committees. Former Teaching Assistant (Austin East Magnet High School), Graduate of Tusculum College, MA in Teaching, Clayton State University, BA Psychology and Human Services and Pellissippi State, Associate of Science. I worked as a child and family therapist prior to pursuing a Master’s in Teaching. I love teaching and being an advocate for our students and profession.
by candidates for state delegate positions to the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly in Boston, Mass., June 30 - July 5, 2017, are published in this two-page section. All candidates will be listed on ballots which local association presidents will receive by March 1.
classroom teachers, education support professionals or persons who serve in other non-supervisory positions.
Members are encouraged to vote in the locally conducted election to determine who will represent them at the NEA RA.
Any NEA-retired life, education support or active member not affi liated 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.
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
Tanya Coats – Knox Co. EA, NEA Senior Director, Farragut IntermediateCurriculum Specialist (Instructional Coach); TEA Executive Board Member, KCEA Executive Board Member, Former TEA Board of Director; committee member of KCEA’s Membership, Minority Affairs, Public Relations, Elections, Human Relations, Farragut Intermediate Leadership Team, Knox County Schools Coaches’ Network. “Serving as your NEA Director is an honor and a privilege, my hopes are to continue to build the capacity of our organization.” Anthony Hancock – Special Education Teacher, Comprehensive Development Classroom, Bearden Middle, Knox Co. EA: Executive Board, Parliamentarian, Legislative Contact Team (LCT), Membership and Minority Affairs Leadership committees, Association Representative; TEA: Board of Directors, District 4, Co-Chair 2014-15 Minority Affairs committees, Resolutions, NEA RA State Delegate, Southeast Regional Minority Leadership Training Committee, Minority Affairs Leadership Committee, New Teachers Training Committee, State Delegate – RA Assembly; NEA: Resolutions Committee, “Vote for Anthony Hancock to serve you with Dignity and Worth.”
In Category 2, NEA members may vote for any three of the candidates. Th is category includes members who are supervisors, administrators or retired NEA life members.
District 6
Beth Brown – English teacher, 15 years, Grundy County High School; GCEA: Association Representative, President-Elect, President, Chief Negotiator, Grievance Chairperson, Membership Chairperson, Collaborative Conferencing Chairperson; TEA: TEA Board (2009-2012, 2014-Present), TEA Vice President, Board Liaison to IPD Commission, Executive Committee, Budget Committee, Educator Advocacy/Organizing Committee, Dues Task Force, Credentials Committee, Legislative Editing Committee, Mission, Vision, and Core Values Committee, ESSA Implementation Team, NEA 360 Implementation Team, FCPE Council; NEA: RA Delegate, 2009-2015 Robin Dunn – 12 years in education, President of Tullahoma City Education Association since 2013 6th year teaching 9th grade Algebra I at Tullahoma High School, EdS in School Counseling from University of Tennessee, “I firmly believe that positive mindset changes the Universe. Allow me to be your instrument of change.”
Connie Mitchell – Knox County EA. I have been a Special Education teacher for almost 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.
Dedrick Messenger*
Jim Gifford*
District 8
Kawanda Braxton* Kevin King* Fred Riley*
District 9
Stephen Henry* Erick Huth* Amanda Kail* Kenneth Martin*
Debi Ponder* Jeannine Renfro* Carrol Trusty* Rosemary Wade*
Jeanette Omarkhail *
Theresa Wagner – A physical education teacher working at Apollo Middle Prep. MNEA: Vice-President (2015-present), Executive Board (October 2007-present); MNEA representative on TEA Board of Directors (2011-13); TEA RA delegate since 2007. TEA: delegate to NEA Annual Meeting since 2008; President of Tennessee Urban Education Associations Council (2010-14); certified trainer TEA IPD training cadre (2015-present). NEA: Female Co-director of NEA-GLBT caucus SE Region (2010-present); certified trainer in NEA HCR Division’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Cadre (2007-present).
Pam Thompson*
Kimberly Williamson*
Joan Washington*
District 5
Carrie Allison – Second grade teacher, Cumberland Heights Elementary, Clarksville. New teacher member on TEA Board of Directors, building representative, iTEAM advisory board member, co-chairs local iTEAM. Served as campus and state officer in NEA student program. Selected by NEA as a 2014 facilitator on the GPS Network. TEA and NEA RA delegate 2014-16. Has attended NEA events including NEA-SP Leadership Conference, NEA National Leadership Summit, and NEA Early Career Educators Conference. Jane Ligon* Benita Townsend* Randall Woodard*
District 11
Brandi Adams * Melanie Buchanan
District 12
Raeleen Burke — Kindergarten teacher for four years, Raeleen has served on the TEA Membership and New Teacher committees
Josephine McQuail*
District 7
Karen Peterman*
District 10
Jennifer Eilender*
Paula Hancock – Knox Co. EA, 6-8th Grade Math Intervention Teacher, Karns Middle; (2 terms)TUEAC, Secretary; TEA: Board of Directors (East Tennessee Black Classroom Teacher), Legislative Editing, Communications and Resolutions committees, Representative Assembly; NEA: PAC Captain of Fund for Children and Public Education, Minority Leadership Training, Representative Assembly; KCEA: Secretary, KCEA Executive Board, Middle School Representative, Minority-at-Large, Collaborative Conference Team, Membership and Minority Affairs committees, Association Representative; “Vote Paula Hancock to be your voice.”
Angela Patrick – 2012 Graduate of Tusculum College, First Grade teacher with Knox County Schools since 2013, Association Representative, Knox County Education Association, Disparities in Educational Outcomes Steering Committee Member, Advocate for Public Education.
Earl Wiman*
Janis Carroll*
District 13
Trish Stephenson* Sandra McDurmon* Tammi McCoy*
District 14/15
Loranzo Andrews* Deborah Atkins* Sonya Boyce* Kenyon Cook* Marlo Harper* Sammy Jobe – Past President-elect MSCEA. Past President Shelby Co. EA. Heath/PE teacher, boys’ basketball coach (19 years) Collierville Middle. SCEA Board of Directors; Capitol Hill lobbying; Building AR; election committee cochairman; liaison SCEA newsletter; Educator Benefits; TEA Board of Directors; 19 TEA RAs; 8 TEA Leadership Academies; TEA membership committee; NEA Veterans Caucus state contact; caucus secretary; 14 NEA RAs; 6 South Regional Leadership conferences; West Tennessee Teachers Representative- TCRS Board of Trustees. District 13 TEA-FCPE representative. Neshellda Johnson* Lisa Jorgenson* Lily Reed* Tiffany Reed*
NEA RA bios cont. page 8
TEA Teach 5
a o t n i Read Across
Tennessee
6 TEA Teach
TENNESSEE EDUCATIO
ON ASSOCIATION
March 2, 2017
For classroom materials go to
teateachers.org
TEA Public SchoolTEA Advocate Teach 7
NEA RA bios from page 5
Tikeila Rucker —Shelby County/ Memphis, TN, Educator, serving as President of United Education Association of Shelby County. (UEA) TEA: iTEAM Advisory Board. A NEA 2015 Affirmative Action Intern Graduate. Former roles TEA Minority Affairs; Memphis-Shelby Education Association Elementary Director, New Teacher Committee, and PACE Council. “Motivated, persistent, and determined to improve the profession for educators. Please allow me to serve and represent TEA District 19 at the 2017 NEA RA.” Vicki Smith* Danette Stokes*
Make lesson plans now for Black History Month As we prepare to observe and honor Black History Month in February, 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.
Cheronda Thompson* Andrea Thompson* LaTia Watson* Clemmie West*
CATEGORY 2 Paula Brown*
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, vicepresident, 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 2016 NEA RA. Sherry Hensley* Jessica Holman* Dennis Kimbrough* Tanna Nicely – I began my career in 1990 at Sunnyview Elementary in Knoxville. Served as assistant principal at Dogwood and Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy. In 2013, I was appointed principal of South Knoxville Elementary. I also teach at South College and will begin teaching at Johnson University and Lincoln Memorial in the coming semesters. I have been a member of TEA since my STEA days at UTK. Melinda Pruitt – Special Education Supervisor-Greene Co., 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.
“There are numerous resources available in Tennessee and beyond to help your students learn about the rich cultural history and contributions of African Americans,” said TEA President Barbara Gray. “If you have a specific need, please contact us at TEA and we’ll help you find what you need for your class.”
Community Partners “Where possible, we encourage teachers to seek out community partners, like museums or historically black colleges and universities, to enhance your lesson plans and enrich the student experience,” Gray said. Fisk University, Tennessee State University and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Knoxville College, Lane College in Jackson, and LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis would be excellent partners in
* — no photo or bio at press time.
“Dr. King's Dream, his nonviolent resistance in the name of equality for all has brought so much positive change, but a lot of work remains to be done,” Gray said. “It’s up to us as teachers to tell Dr. King’s story and the countless stories of selfless citizens who suffered and died for equality.”
Lesson Plans Among lesson plans available at www.nea.org/ tools/lessons/black-history-month.htm, you can find sections on African American scientists and inventors, the African American migration experience and many other topics grouped by grades K-12.
Minority Affairs Conference moves to Cool Springs The Johnella Martin/TEA Statewide Minority Affairs Conference is the higghlight of the year for many members. The conference is designed to provide an opportunity for TEA ethnic minority members to receive pertinent information and training to assist them in their profession and community outreach, will take place in Franklin-Cool Springs March 2425. “Sessions and panels are designed to provide the latest instruction and professional development techniques to enhance your teaching and administrative skills,” said Forestine Cole, TEA Hotline coordinator and MAC staff liaison. “The sessions will focus on bridging student achievement gaps, the need to increase diversity and cultural competence in the teaching workforce, and securing
adequate and equitable resources for public education.” Members will also learn about the benefits of engaging in the local, state and National Education Association. “Historically, educators have been on the frontline battling the challenges facing ethnic minority students in Tennessee, including the need for adequate funding for schools serving minority and disadvantaged students,” Cole said. “There is a lot we can do to push for proper funding, and we hope to move the needle on funding this year.” Members and non-members can register online now at www.TEAteachers.org/MAC.
“WE ARE DIVERGENT”
Margaret Thompson* Syndey Upton*
planning your Black History Month curriculum and commemoration. Another resource is the National Civil Rights Museum (www.civilrightsmuseum.org) at the Lorraine Hotel in 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.
Statewide Johnella Martin / TEA Minority Affairs Conference MARCH 24 – 25, 2017 | EMBASSY SUITES — COOL SPRINGS Register online: www.TEAteachers.org/MAC
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)2628035, 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 — Duran Williams, KCEA, 2411 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Assns: Knox, Pellisippi State Comm. College, UT-Knoxville, TSD. District 5— Jason White, P.O. Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (615)521-1333, fax: (855)301-8366; Assns: Athens, Alcoa, Anderson Co., Blount Co., Clinton, Etowah, Loudon Co., 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 — 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 372110486; (615)856-0503, fax: (855)427-6660 — Assns: Fayetteville City, Giles Co., Lawrence Co., Lincoln Co., Marshall Co., Maury Co., Wayne Co. District 13 — Mary Campbell, Susan Dalton, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN
37211; (615)347-6578 (Campbell), (615)476-3161 (Dalton), fax: (855)299-4968 (Campbell), (855)2995837 (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)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 — Cheryl Richardson, P.O. Box 354, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; phone: (615)630-2601, 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., 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 Co., Lauderdale Co., Milan, Obion Co., Tipton Co., Trenton, Union City. District 18 — Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38128; (901)377-9472, fax: (855)320-8737;—Assns: Bartlett, Collierville, Fayette Co., GermantownArlington-Lakeland, Millington, Southwest State Community College, University of Memphis. District 19 — Karla Carpenter, UniServ Field Manager; UniServ Director: 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
Don’t miss out on educator tax deductions TEA knows every dollar counts in your family budget. That is why when tax time rolls around, it is important that you know the many tax deductions you qualify for as a professional educator.
First, TEA members can deduct 93 percent of your association dues for the 2016 tax year. The nondeductible portion of TEA dues is 7 percent related to certain lobbying and political activities, so you can deduct $250.53 for active full-time teachers and $125.26 for full-time education support professionals as miscellaneous itemized deductions. Teachers may also deduct up to $250 for classroom supplies purchased in 2016. This is a particularly advantageous deduction because it is an above-the-line deduction on line 23 on Form
1040, which means you don’t have to itemize to take it and it reduces your overall adjusted gross income. Other situations faced by educators preparing their taxes include:
Income from outside work
If there is no additional withholding on outside work, you want to be sure to avoid a penalty for under withholding— i.e., when your overall tax liability exceeds the amount of tax you had withheld by certain margins. The outside income should be reported on your federal tax return.
Other unreimbursed employment expenses
You can deduct expenses for classroom supplies beyond the $250 amount as unreimbursed employment expenses, which are defined as expenses that help you conduct your job even if
they are not required. However, these deductions are subject to a 2 percent limit on itemized deductions—this means you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 2 percent of your adjusted gross income on Schedule A line 21.
Lifetime Learning Credits
If you take courses that you pay for yourself, whether or not they are required for certification, you may qualify for the American Opportunities Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit, see Form 8863 for more details. Be sure to work with a tax advisor or reliable tax software that clearly addresses your situation, especially if you are in the higher income brackets. And keeping receipts or a careful log is critical for the classroom supplies deduction and other tax benefits.
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TEA Teach 9
TEA UniServ uniquely qualified to support TN educators
Nearly two CENTURIES of combined experience make TEA field staff an unstoppable force While you may not be familiar with the term “UniServ,” you undoubtedly have seen some of the faces below in your school or have benefited from their knowledge and expertise. TEA UniServ coordinators are the association’s field staff who live and work in your district. As former educators and association members, this group has a deep understanding of what it is like to be a public school educator. These are the people you want in your corner.
10 TEA Teach
District 1 - Harry Farthing hfarthing@tnea.org | 423.262.8035
District 11 - Antoinette Lee alee@tnea.org | 615.308.5293
I taught and coached for nearly 12 years in Elizabethton. I now have almost 12 years of experience serving you as a TEA UniServ.
I am a former educator and association leader. I have worked with TEA for more than 10 years first as a lobbyist and now as your UniServ.
District 2 - Jennifer Gaby jgaby@tnea.org | 423.234.0700
District 12 - Sue Ogg sogg@tnea.org | 615.856.0503
I taught for 15 years in Greene County at Chuckey Doak High School. I was an active association leader before becoming a TEA UniServ in 2010.
I have worked with TEA for more than 10 years. I love my advocacy work with teachers in my district.
District 3 - Tina Parlier tparlier@tnea.org | 865.688.1175
District 13 - Mary Campbell mcampbell@tnea.org | 615.347.6578
I spent 15 years teaching in Elizabethton before joining the TEA staff. I have been working as a UniServ coordinator for six years now.
I taught criminal justice at Ravenwood HS, and worked as a prosecutor. I left teaching to advocate full time for teachers and public education.
District 4 - Duran Williams dwilliams@tnea.org | 865.522.9793
District 13 - Susan Dalton sdalton@tnea.org | 615.476.3161
I served as teacher, assistant principal, principal and coach for 20 years at Cosby School. This is my 10th year with TEA.
I taught middle school in Sumner County before joining the TEA staff 15 years ago.
District 5 - Jason White jwhite@tnea.org | 615.521.1333
District 14 - Maria Uffelman muffelman@tnea.org | 931.827.3333
As a former Georgia teacher and a current public school parent, students and educators are my passion. I have worked for TEA for six years.
As a former English teacher I identify with the fight for this important profession. The best part of my job is helping members.”
District 6 - Shannon Bain sbain@tnea.org | 615.547.7769
District 15 - Cheryl Richardson crichardson@tnea.org | 615.630.2601
Award-winning high school English teacher, organizer, and passionate advocate for public education. Educators: I’ve got your back!
I was an educator in Cheatham County for 23 years, including serving as principal of Cheatham County Central High School.
District 7 - Theresa Turner tturner@tnea.org | 423.485.9535
District 16 - Lorrie Butler lbutler@tnea.org | 731.989.4860
After 12 years in the classroom, I worked with other state affiliates for 19 years before joining the TEA staff in 2010. I grew up in Marshall County.
I believe public education is the bedrock of our democracy. I taught middle school for 10 years before beginning my work with TEA 16 years ago.
District 8 - Josh Trent jtrent@tnea.org | 931.279.9530
District 17 - Terri Jones tjones@tnea.org | 901.258.3902
Before joining staff, I taught for 13 years and have been a local AR, Vice President, and President. I am here to answer any questions or concerns.
I am a Tipton Co. native and taught in Memphis. I have been working with the association as a UniServ coordinator since 2007.
District 9 - Jackie Pope jpope@tnea.org | 615.898.1060
District 18 - Zandra Foster zfoster@tnea.org | 901.377.9472
I have dedicated my entire professional career to public education, as an educator, local and state leader and a union activist.
I come from a family of teachers, and previously taught in the classroom. I love my work as an advocate for educators and public education.
District 10 - Jeff Garrett jgarrett@tnea.org | 615.630.2605
District 19 - Tom Marchand tmarchand@tnea.org | 423.262.8035
I have had the privilege to work as an educator, local association activist and leader, and now as a TEA UniServ coordinator.
I taught for 18 years and served as a local association leader for much of that time. I have worked with the association for almost 18 years.
TEA Teach 11
Tear out this page, fill in the information for your school and hang it in the break room.
Phone:
Email:
Building Rep:
Email:
Phone:
Local President:
TEA UniServ Coordinator:
Field staff uniquely qualiďŹ ed to support TN educators
UniServ Districts
Local associations, TEA staff advocate for members’ rights TENURE
from page 1
State law provides that a district may dismiss any teacher for the following reasons: incompetence, inefficiency, insubordination, neglect of duty or improper conduct.
How do you get tenure? Under the amended law, teachers become eligible for tenure after completing a probationary period of five school years or not less than 45 months within the last sevenyear period; received summative evaluations of 4s and 5s during the last two years of the probationary period; and has been reemployed by the director after the probationary period. Once eligible, state law requires that the director of schools either recommends the teacher for tenure to the local board or non-renew the teacher. If a teacher is recommended for tenure, the board must vote to either grant or deny tenure. It is important to understand that if tenure is not granted, the teacher cannot be continued in employment in that district. “TEA legal and field staff are hearing more and more reports of this process not being followed. Some school districts have stopped recommending teachers for tenure all together, even though they meet all of the criteria,” McCoy said. This is the first year many teachers are becoming eligible for tenure after the law changed in 2011. This transition, coupled with the delay of summative scores from the 2015-16 school year, has created the perfect storm for confusion at all levels. “Our number one priority is that TEA members are treated fairly. In partnership with TEA UniServ staff and our local affiliates, our legal team is working hard to ensure school districts are following state law and moving forward with recommending eligible teachers for tenure status,” McCoy said.
Why do you need tenure? Teachers in Shelby County Schools experienced first-hand the significance of tenure when the district began the process of displacing teachers regardless of tenure status.
Any teacher who meets all of the following requirements, is eligible for tenure: Has a degree from an approved four-year college or any career and technical teacher who has the equivalent amount of training established and licensed by the state board of education
Holds a valid teacher license, issued by the state board of education, based on training covering the subjects or grades taught;
Has completed a probationary period of five (5) school years or not less than forty-five (45) months within the last seven-year period, the last two (2) years being employed in a regular teaching position rather than an interim teaching position;
Has received evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" as provided in the evaluation guidelines adopted by the state board of education pursuant to § 49-1-302, during the last two (2) years of probationary period; provided, however, that a teacher who has met all other requirements for tenure eligibility but has not acquired an official evaluation score during the last one (1) or two (2) years of the probationary period due to an approved extended leave; transfer to another school or position within the school district; or invalidated data due to a successful local level evaluation grievance pursuant to 49-1-302(d)(2)(A) may utilize the most recent two (2) years of available evaluation scores achieved during the probationary period to meet the provisions of this subdivision (4); and
While tenure doesn’t protect an ineffective teacher from losing her job, it is there to protect the good teachers from being unfairly dismissed – or “excessed,” as Shelby County called it. TEA Legal won a recent federal court case against excessing and is continuing to advocate for members statewide. “My advice to our members is to work with your local association leaders and TEA UniServ coordinator to have your district to follow the state tenure law and recommend eligible teachers for tenure,” McCoy said.
Is reemployed by the director of schools for service after the probationary period.
Earn PDPs at Spring Symposium The 21st Annual TEA Spring Teaching & Learning Symposium will focus on new learning opportunities, professional growth and good fellowship March 31 through April 1 in Chattanooga. “By the end of March, everyone needs a little break, which is why our Spring Symposium has been such a success over the years, brining members from all over the state to learn and relax away from their school district,” said Carolyn Crowder, TEA executive director. This year’s keynote speakers Donna Porter and D.J. Batiste will share an inspiring message about the crucial role teachers can play in their students’ lives. Kicked out of Head Start as a child, Batiste was no stranger to juvenile
detention and at one point led a large violent gang in Mississippi. Alternating between suspensions and getting in trouble with the law throughout high school, Batiste was introduced to conscious discipline by Porter, his favorite teacher. Batiste now leads and teaches from a different point of view and, in turn, inspires hundreds around the country with the message of connection instead of correction. Other sessions will include ELL strategies and awareness, writing in mathematics, beginning and elementary literacy, optimizing teacher leadership and performance, easy STEM labs, a session on TCRS, as well as an in-depth look into conscious discipline.
CALENDAR of EVENTS February 2/3-4 - Organizing Summit (Franklin) 2/7 - Webinar: Knowing, Grouping and Motivating Students (6-7 p.m. CST)
March 3/7-4/11 - Civication (Every Tuesday) 3/14 - Webinar: Classroom Management (6-7 p.m. CST) 3/24-25 - Minority Affairs Conference (Franklin) 3/31-4/1 - Spring Symposium (Chattanooga)
April 4/7-8 - Student TEA Convention (Murfreesboro) 4/22 - Education Support Professional Conference
Event information: www.TEAteachers.org 12 8 TEA TEAPublic Teach School Advocate
“Events” tab