WEAC in Print September 2010

In My ClassrooM

September 2010

volume 3 | iSSue 1

weac.org

Lessons in creating, giving Page 4

engaging families in a new school year Back-to-school time brings new opportunities, experiences for educators, students and families

Partnering with the PTA Student performance improves when parents and families are engaged – and with that focus, WEAC Roxanne Starks partnered with the Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association for this year’s back-toschool campaign.

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ducators across the state know that parent engagement is an indicator of student achievement. That’s why WEAC took part in a community outreach campaign based around the back-to-school season.

The campaign included billboard, radio and Internet ads promoting the newest edition of Classroom Connections, your union’s annual publication for families of public school students.

Back-to-school time is the ultimate first impression. There are new students and families to get to know, new colleagues to meet, and new ways to approach instruction.

This time of year it’s crucial to start off on the right foot.

From parent-teacher conference resources to tips on starting your first (or 31st) year in the classroom, WEAC has materials for you to learn from and ways to share your thoughts and experiences of the new school year.

Classroom Connections – which is featured at myclassroomconnections.org and has been distributed via some local newspapers – contains informational resources

Get ready for what’s next help your chIldren dIsco

ver what they love

WEAC member Art Preuss counsels students for their futures at Indian Trail Academy in Kenosha.

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WEAC Classroom Connectio

ns 2010 -2011

from WEAC members on engaging kids in reading, bully prevention, the importance of exercise and healthy eating, and much more.

Your local union president has information about how your local is promoting Classroom Connections and where you can find copies to hand out to parents. ■

Wisconsin PTA President Roxanne Starks offers tips for parents in WEAC’s Classroom Connections publication, where she encourages parents to be their children’s “biggest cheerleader.”

One of Starks’ tips focuses on positive reinforcement. “Look for little successes. And sometimes, it’s okay to reward them when life throws them a curve ball. Let them know that tomorrow will be better,” she writes.

For more on Classroom Connections and WEAC’s work with the PTA, visit myclassroomconnections.org.

insideandonline Barking and books

‘Huge first step’ for funding

Questions from new educators

Lessons from the summer

Reading dog aids Waukesha classes

Proposal takes aim at school funding reform

Veteran teachers share advice for the start of the year

Bob Moeller looks at common financial concerns

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Page 6 weac.org/news

Pages 8-9 weac.org/backtoschool

Page 11 weac.org/dollars

Save the date for WeAC Convention

Member Spotlight

Your union’s premier professional development event, the WEAC Convention, is October 28-29 in Madison.

With guest speakers and specialized training, Convention is a chance to learn about classroom techniques and network with your colleagues across the state.

Helen Burton Special education teacher Waukesha

Check weac.org for more information and to register. ■

WEAC-PAC rebate requests information WEAC members who wish to request a rebate of the portion of WEAC dues designated for political activity must do so between September 1 and October 30, or within 60 days of becoming a member.

The refundable Political Action Committee dues are $19.99 for full-time teachers, $10 for half-time teachers and fulltime education support professionals, and $5 for half-time ESP. Individual requests should be made in writing to WEAC President Mary Bell, P.O. Box 8003, Madison WI 53708. To facilitate processing, please print your name as it appears on your membership form and include your membership ID number that appears on your WEAC Membership Card.

Only individual written request letters will be honored; e-mail is not acceptable.

WEAC will issue rebates around November 30 and send a list of individuals receiving rebates to local presidents. Fair share fee payers automatically get a rebate and need not request it. ■

Mary Bell, President Betsy Kippers, Vice President David Harswick, Secretary-Treasurer Dan Burkhalter, Executive Director Kim Haas, Public Relations Director Bill Hurley, Editor Matthew Call, Assistant Editor Laura DeVries, Graphic Design Specialist Contributing writer: Bob Moeller

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A couple of days a week Waukesha special education teacher Helen Burton brings a helper in during reading and math lessons.

Tabby is extremely patient, loves getting read to and gives the students a boost of confidence. In fact, she loves the attention, and the petting, too.

Tabby, Burton’s part-dachshund rescue dog, visited young students in Waukesha last year and could do so again this year. Licensed as a therapy dog, Tabby sits with students as they go over their reading lessons. She listens attentively to the students during 10-minute reading sessions, offering a reassuring audience.

“The kids really look forward to the reading time,” Burton said.

“They feel confident reading to the dog because the dog’s not going to judge them.”

Thinking of Tabby, Burton wrote a grant proposal on the website DonorsChoose.org for books, shelves and cushions to create a reading nook for students. U.S. Cellular funded the grant, and Tabby soon began making visits to reading time.

“She was so good-natured with my own kids I thought she’d be great with my students,” Burton said.

“Everyone just falls in love with her.”

Burton said her idea has been expanded in Janesville, where she started the program. “Tabby paved the way,” Burton said.

If you’d like to shine a spotlight on one of your colleagues, e-mail us at inprint@weac.org. ■

Burton was at a conference for special education teachers when she saw a presentation on therapy dogs.

For more about Burton, visit weac. org/spotlight. You’ll also find a link to a video about Tabby’s . work with students

WEAC in Print (ISSN#1531-6831)

e-mail: inprint@weac.org

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is published by the Wisconsin Education

reproduced by members for distribution to

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September 2010

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Court’s e-mail ruling is a victory for educators The Wisconsin Supreme Court this summer clarified the state’s public records law when it comes to personal e-mail correspondence drafted in line with employer policies.

The court determined that personal e-mails are not public records simply because they are maintained on a government computer. In order to be a public record under the law, the content must have some connection to government business.

business be released,” WEAC President Mary Bell said.

WEAC’s attorneys handled the case on behalf of members statewide. At issue in this case was a request by a resident for all e-mail sent and received by five public school teachers, including personal notes created in accordance with on weac.org the school district’s computer policy which ”This is an important decision allows them to access the district’s e-mail for all of us ... Please share this system for occasional decision with your fellow union personal use.

What’s the

buzz?

What’s

The personal members so they understand contents of these “The decision why it is important to be a e-mails are not supports the intent subject to release to of Wisconsin’s WEAC and Uniserv member.“ a record requester public records merely because they law, which clearly — Jean K, on weac.org are sent or received states that it does using government not benefit the employers’ e-mail systems and then stored public interest to require that any public and maintained on those systems, the court employee’s miscellaneous personal e-mails stated. ■ that have nothing to do with government

the

buzz?

NEA honors Ellsworth educator Captain Ryan Casper, an Ellsworth educator serving as a captain in the 477th Medical Company of the National Guard currently stationed in Afghanistan, was recognized this summer for his achievements with the NEA’s ApplegateDorros Peace and International Understanding Award.

While stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, Casper organized a school supplies and toys campaign to benefit area school children. ■

Read more about Casper at weac.org/spotlight

O n L i n e e x T r A S | Get more from WEAC in Print on the Web Four educators win Presidential Teaching, Life Sciences awards Weston Glasbrenner, a mathematics and computer science teacher at Fennimore High School, and Melissa Hemling, a science teacher at Oregon High School, received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Additionally, Crystal Retzlaff, an agriculture teacher and FFA adviser at Oconto Falls High School, and Lisa Konkel, an agriscience educator at Big Foot Union High School in Walworth, received Life Sciences Educator Awards from the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. Visit weac.org/news for more on the awards. ■

Thanking your first-grade teacher, 57 years later Taking advantage of WEAC’s myteacherisgreat.org social media site, Betty Wentland, a 62-year-old retired teacher, extended a thank-you to her first-grade teacher from more than 55 years ago, Dorothy Koprek. The heartwarming thank-you included an anecdote about a lunch the two, and others, shared to reminisce about their time together and the inspiration to get into teaching.

WEAC Editor Bill Hurley was so impressed he decided to bring them together again. You can read all about it on the Editor’s Blog at weac.org/editor. ■

What makes a great school? As you prepare for a new school year, what do you think is the most important element in making a great school? Great teachers and ESPs, involved parents, challenging curriculum? Let us know on our poll at weac.org/polls. ■

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in My Classroom

Lessons in creating, giving F

or Manitowoc art teacher Jenny Fisher, lessons are all about giving. From recycling materials donated to the school district into art projects to organizing a lesson aiding Haiti earthquake victims, art lessons for Fisher’s students are more than just paint and construction paper.

During the last school year, fifth-graders in Fisher’s classes made house-shaped refrigerator magnets that they sold for $5 each to the community. The effort raised $2,000 for Haiti earthquake relief. Fisher used the lesson (which she adapted from one she saw online) to expand students’ thinking of the world. “How would you feel if you were in those children’s places?” she asked the students.

Above: Students in Manitowoc art teacher Jenny Fisher’s class participate in an “addon” drawing lesson. Students draw a particular part of a person’s body and pass it to the next student to draw another part. “The drawings are pretty funny,” Fisher said.

Below right: Fifth-graders made refrigerator magnets to sell to the community, raising money for Haiti earthquake relief.

Fisher said she hopes to do more civicminded projects this year.

“I’d love to try a different project each year,” she said. “I think it’s good for the kids to learn to give. Hopefully, they will take lessons learned from this to heart for the rest of their lives.”

The idea of giving also extends to what creations Fisher’s students embark on. With local art budgets being reduced over the years, Fisher makes a point to re-use donated materials that come into the district.

Companies and residents periodically drop off odds and ends, leading to Fisher’s project of having students use the various pieces to make sculptures of people – with each limb using a different material. Old paintbrushes and dried-out markers were used for legs, forks and toothbrushes for arms.

“They were awesome,” Fisher said. “Kids’ imaginations are far better than adults.”

The recycled art projects have a side benefit – they show students that not everyone needs the best paints or the best clays to be a great artist.

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Jenny Fisher Art teacher Manitowoc “Sometimes kids think if they can’t draw, they aren’t an artist,” Fisher said.

“Drawing is only one way or technique to visually create an image. I tell them that anyone who makes art or creatively expresses themselves is an artist, but they don’t need expensive supplies to do it. It’s important for them to know you can be an artist even if you don’t have oil paints and expensive items.”

Fisher, who’s entering her fourth year of full-time teaching, draws on her parents for inspiration. Her mother is an elementary school teacher, her father an architect. After studying interior design and also working as a fitness instructor, Fisher said she found her creative fit. “I love kids and I love art – so this is perfect,” she said. ■

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Share Your Photos

To share photos of activities in your local association or school district, please e-mail photo files to InPrint@weac.org.

WeAC.org/ShArephotoS

Over a four-month period, the students, parents and staff of Northside Elementary School in Middleton organized a Haiti relief project, participating in different activities, challenges and goals to help those in Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

In one component, Northside staff members took up the challenge by serving lunch to the students and bidding for the opportunity to shave the principal’s head. ■

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September 2010

Share your good deeds!

Are members of your local getting together to benefit a charity? Share photos of the event with us by sending them to inprint@weac.org.

Wrightstown teachers Jill Riske, Erica Bowers and Angela Flood joined colleagues and students and school district families for a Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure in Green Bay, raising nearly $2,000 for the cause. Students took an active role in the preparations for the event, designing team shirts, recruiting sponsors and selling shoes to help raise money. ■

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to fund public schools, with emphasis on accountability for results. The plan calls for a minimum level of state aid for every student regardless of where they live. It also proposes using student poverty, not just property values, as a factor in a portion of state aid.

‘This framework takes us a step in the right direction.’

WEAC President Mary Bell

State Superintendent Tony Evers unveils his plan for school funding changes in Madison, joined by WEAC President Mary Bell and other education advocates.

‘Huge first step’ for school funding reform W

EAC stood with State Superintendent Tony Evers this summer to usher in a new proposal to change school funding. Evers’ proposal – which he will include in his first Department of Public Instruction budget – addresses key components of the state’s school funding formula, including providing a minimum level of state aid for every student and using poverty as a factor in determining state aid.

“It’s a first step, but it’s a huge first step,” Evers said.

WEAC President Mary Bell said educators look forward to working with Evers along with parent, business, community and other education groups to advance the school funding reform plan.

“Wisconsin’s current school funding system treats all children as if they cost the same to educate and doesn’t take into account the unique needs of our varied districts,” Bell said.

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r Visit weac.org fo n more informatio

about union ort activities in supp ing of school fund reform.

“This framework takes us a step in the right direction, allowing school boards to accurately budget from year to year and providing a minimum level of support for every child in the state.”

“Currently, our public schools are struggling to make ends meet,” Evers said. “Across our state, school boards are cutting budgets, closing schools, laying off teachers, raising class sizes, and eliminating educational programs. This is too much turmoil for our children. Our funding system is broken, and we must start the process now to fix it.”

A crucial component of the plan allocates the School Levy Tax Credit, valued at $900 million, to general school aid. The School Levy Tax Credit currently is not used to educate children.

The change will not result in a net property tax increase statewide, but will instead direct funds that already are part of the school funding system to support kids and classrooms.

Evers’ plan also calls for predictable growth in state support for schools and expanded sparsity aid and transportation funding to support rural schools.

“We support this framework because it helps decrease the uncertainty of school funding for local schools year to year and allows teachers and education support professionals to put the focus where it needs to be – in the classroom,” Bell said. ■

The “Fair Funding for Our Future” framework creates a fair and sustainable way

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From left, Secretary-Treasurer David Harswick, President Mary Bell, Executive Director Dan Burkhalter a nd Vice President Betsy Kippers.

New leadership team focused on member engagement W

EAC’s newly elected leadership team is focused on moving forward your union’s 2010-2012 priorities.

WEAC President Mary Bell, Vice President Betsy Kippers, and SecretaryTreasurer David Harswick are starting their new terms by rallying around the priorities of supporting and empowering members, funding schools, creating a quality education agenda, and being good stewards of WEAC resources.

Bell, a library media specialist from Wisconsin Rapids who is starting her second three-year term as president, said the top priority of supporting and empowering members is about accomplishing goals through the collective power of our membership.

“Member engagement means that every member – whether a teacher, an education support professional or a faculty member at a higher education institution – understands that this union has something that they care about. It means that members feel that they make a difference in accomplishing the goals of our union,” Bell said.

Kippers, a physical education teacher in the Racine Unified School District, is starting her first term as vice president after www.weac.org

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September 2010

new budget Puts foCus on new PrIorItIes With WEAC’s two-year budget cycle renewing this month, it’s time to refocus your union’s priorities for 2010-2012. The WEAC Board and the WEAC Representative Assembly voted to establish four priorities for 2010-2012: • Support and Empower Members • Fund Schools • Quality Education for All • Stewardship of WEAC Resources Stay tuned to weac.org for more information about and developments with the new priorities.

serving as WEAC’s secretary-treasurer. She said she looks forward in her new role to visiting members in their school to talk about their daily work.

“I can’t wait to visit with our teachers, our students and our community partners, because we have to work together to help

make things better for all students in Wisconsin,” Kippers said.

Harswick is an American history and multicultural studies teacher from Green Bay who is entering his first term as treasurer. He is the former president of the Green Bay Education Association and is bringing his past experience with member engagement to educators across the state.

“Member engagement doesn’t mean just one thing – it means taking the time to find out what people are interested in, what they’re passionate about,” he said. “By listening to individuals, we will be a better organization as a whole.”

WEAC’s priorities focus the organization’s efforts on the things that matter most to members, Executive Director Dan Burkhalter said.

“It’s a challenging time for our members and for public education but it’s also an exciting time because we have the opportunity to deliver on the promise of the union, to come together to address those challenges,” Burkhalter said.

Visit weac.org/leadership to watch a video on the leadership’s thoughts about the priorities and their work in the years ahead. ■

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My First Day of

New, veteran educators share questions, advice on setting up a classroom, “How do I set up my classroom?”

Iris Leske Madison Metropolitan School District (bilingual teacher, Leopold Elementary) Edgewood College graduate

“Debbie Diller’s ‘Spaces and Places’ has good ideas for designing classroom layouts for those teaching PreK-5th. In addition, she has step by step hints for organizing materials for whole group instruction, small group instruction, classroom libraries, and literacy work stations. The book is sprinkled with lots of photos (some before/after).”

Lori Cherf Hillsboro Elementary School

“Are there common things that first-year teachers tend to overlook?”

Tracy Davis School District of Wisconsin Dells (kindergarten teacher) UW-Platteville graduate

“As a middle school teacher, I think the phone call home is a great tool to connect with families. Always be positive about their kid – they are sending you their best.”

Lynda Eicher North Cape School

“The children will create an atmosphere that you will need to adapt to. Depending on your needs and use of electrical outlets, pods and pairs usually are nice to start, unless you have tables.

No. 1, make sure that your expectations and daily objectives are clearly understood. Good luck!”

Angie Serwas Rosendale Intermediate School

“Highly recommend ‘Classroom Spaces That Work’ by Marlynn Clayton published by Responsive Classroom for ideas to set up a classroom that fits your students’ and your needs.”

Mary Kreul Richards Elementary School, Whitefish Bay

“For me this is not a first-day, one-day occurrence. I try to stand in the hallway and greet students by name as they enter the room. The first couple days if I do not know who they are, I introduce myself. I may not get everyone each day but over time it helps me to learn their names. As the year progresses this greeting evolves into short conversations on topics that I pick up from the students. This whole process is intended to show interest in the students and what they are doing outside the classroom, and build a sense of familiarity with them.”

Paul Gilbert St. Croix Falls Middle and High schools

“How do you get parents involved from day one?”

Sara Bradley Viroqua Area School District, UW-La Crosse graduate

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School

Welcome

getting to know parents

“I always begin with a big welcome and a smile. It will break the tension that students feel as they walk into the room. Once everyone is sitting and ready to begin, I start out telling a little about myself, including my interests and hobbies.

“Then I do an activity to help the students get to know one another. I tell the students they will be randomly paired with another student and they will interview each other. They will then be introducing each other to the class. We brainstorm what some good questions might be and I put them on the board. I mix up a deck of cards with pairs and hand the cards out.

Students move around the room until they find their partners and then find a place to sit together with paper and pencil.”

Kim Jordan New London Intermediate School

“I teach high school. Many parents like to be informed although they may never enter my room.

I collect parent e-mails at the beginning of the year.

Throughout the rest of the year I send brief classroom notes, updates, and reminders. When possible I even send A+ test reports. Simple, but I’ve had an overwhelming positive response.”

Stephanie Call Big Foot High School, Walworth

“What is the first thing you say to

students as they enter the room on the first day of school?”

Kim Nordlie Muskego-Norway Schools (Bay Lane Middle School) UW-La Crosse graduate

Want more tips?

More resources for new teachers, and veteran ones as well, can be found online. The NEA has a wealth of classroom management tips, lesson plan guides and other materials on its Back to School Guide page at nea.org/tools/39920.htm. You’ll find guides such as “Classroom Do It Yourself” and “Social Skills Kids Need to Succeed” along with help to prepare for parent-teacher conferences, where to find free materials for your classroom and much more.

You can also watch the WEA Trust Member Benefits video series Words of Wisdom at weabenefits.com for more advice.

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September 2010

JoIn the dIsCussIon Read more questions and answers – and share your own – online at weac.org/backtoschool or facebook.com/myweac.

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the long-term care dilemma A single event can derail even a careful financial plan it won’t happen to me, i hope!

Extended personal care may not be an easy topic to discuss, but the odds of needing longterm care are high: 40% of people receiving extended personal care are younger than age 65, and after age 65 the statistical chances are 1 in 2. Long-term care is the kind of care that’s often needed during recovery from strokes and other serious illnesses, accidents, or surgeries; for chronic conditions such as diabetes and MS; and for cognitive impairment and frailty of aging. The longer we live, the greater the chance we will need assistance with daily living activities that allow us to remain independent and in our own homes for as long as possible. i’m already covered for this, aren’t i?

Many people assume that health insurance or Medicare will pay for the care needed during an extended recovery. And many people find out too late that this is simply not the case. Health insurance was designed to

pay for preventive and acute care, and even the very best policy has limited, short-term coverage for skilled care and does not typically cover more than 90 days of custodial care, if at all. Medicare mirrors health insurance, and MedSupp policies also stop paying after 100 days. Unless you have a long-term care insurance policy, you will pay for care out of your personal savings and assets, and the costs can add up fast. i have enough assets to self-fund, don’t i?

Many people think that long-term care insurance is not a good investment if you have a certain level of assets. But consider these costs – the average annual cost of long-term care in Wisconsin is: • $72,272 for a private nursing home.

• $45,371 for home care by a licensed health aide at $19.18 per hour for 44 hours/week.

• $38,043 for a private one-bedroom assisted living facility.

new Ceo at wea trust

In 10 years, these costs will nearly double.

What’s more, most people would prefer that their hard-earned savings and assets be used for personal, legacy, or philanthropic purposes, and not for extended care.

Most experts agree that the younger you are, the more coverage options and better rates you will find. However, there are products designed specifically for those 65 and older, and individuals with prior health issues or past medical conditions may still be insurable.

So, how will you pay for care if you or your spouse has a serious illness, stroke, or accident?

Long-term care insurance provides you with coverage for extended care, while protecting your family members and your savings. WEA Trust Member Benefits is sponsoring a quality individual long-term care insurance program to protect members from the devastating costs of uncovered custodial care, as well as offering flexible options for the type of care received.

Learn the facts about long-term care so you can make the best possible decision for yourself and your family. For more information, visit weabenefits.com/ltc or call 888-247-5905. Ask to receive a free copy of “A Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance” published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Mark Moody has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the WEA Trust, effective August 13, as part of a company-planned leadership transition.

Source: Annual Cost of Care Survey, Genworth Financial, April 29, 2008.

Moody, who joined the Trust as Vice President of Field Operations in 2006, had most recently been serving as president of the Trust. He will continue as president as well as CEO. Fred Evert, who had been CEO since 2006, retired after serving the Trust in various capacities for 35 years.

Long-term care insurance products are underwritten by multiple LTC insurers.

“I am honored to be directing such a strong and healthy company,” Moody said. “Credit for much of its success must go to my predecessor, Fred Evert. Under Fred’s leadership the company has set the standard for excellence in our industry.” For more information, see the “News” section at weatrust.com. ■

Program administered by LTCi Marketing Administrators, (LiMA) This article is for informational purposes only. ■

O U R PA RT N E R S Essential new coverage

Get a quote.

Call 888-247-5905 weabenefits.com Program administered by LTCi Marketing Administrators, (LiMA) Long-term care insurance products are underwritten by multiple LTC insurers.

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weatrust.com

800.279.4000

Celebrating 40 Years

of serving Wisconsin public school employees!

September 2010

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interest rates. Keep fund fees low. When returns might be low, a 1% mutual fund fee makes a difference. Don’t jump into longer-term Treasury Bonds. Remember, when interest rates go up, bonds go down, and many think (including me) that Treasury bonds are too high in price.

By Bob Moeller – WEAC Member Benefits Take control of your personal finances

Lessons from the summer W

elcome back. Over the summer, I had individual meetings with more than 300 members. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss whatever financial concerns and questions the member has. I always learn a lot about what members are thinking, and I enjoy these meetings immensely. It seemed this summer that…

• Members are quite discouraged regarding the idea of stock market investing. They are avoiding putting more money into stock mutual funds and, rather, choosing investments that they perceive are more safe, like CDs, the 5% guaranteed interest rate in their TSA, and even money funds or savings accounts paying, at best, a little more than 1%.

• I counseled with more members whose positions have been eliminated than any other year. They were trying to see if they could make it financially if they retired. It is quite discouraging when a 58-year-old career professional must make forced retirement decisions.

• A clear but not surprising trend is the advent of more and more districts trying to negotiate much less beneficial health insurance arrangements, and health insurance after retirement is often the biggest concern a member has. I believe health insurance concerns are a deciding factor in members’ retirement decisions just as often as the amount of pension.

What can returning members do so when you retire you will be well situated?

• You can’t make good decisions about your future unless you know where you are now.

Resolve to get a better understanding of your income, outgo, debt, tax bracket, and investments. Start reading your monthly investment and credit card statements.

Think about how you can reduce some of the expenses and save more. Your accumulated wealth could very easily be worth more than $100,000 now, and perhaps returning $3,000 to $4,000 a year to you. It is worth some of your time.

• Retirement investments are readily available.

In addition to your TSAs, make sure you know how a Roth IRA works and make sure you utilize this method of saving taxes.

• Look at your local salary schedule and calculate if it would pay you financially to get some additional college credits. Particularly, look at the bottom of page two of your ETF statement and see if the formula estimate is higher than the money purchase estimate. It might be worth your while to spend some money and time getting credits. Your formula pension is based on your three highest years. It is true that in some districts the cost can outweigh the benefit. Figure it out for yourself.

It will be a difficult financial atmosphere this year. Bank of America just cut its rates on five-year CDs to 1.75% and three-year rates to 1.1%! In the longer term, 10-year Treasury Bond rates are 2.6% and 30-year rates are less than 4%. On the other hand, I just got a quote for a 15-year mortgage at 3.875% with no points, ranking about the lowest in the last 50 years. Time to refinance?

It is being reported that major banks are dreaming up many new rip-off methods to make more in credit card fee income so they can recapture their losses when old rip-off methods were outlawed in the credit card law changes earlier. Be very careful.

I will be constantly investigating reasonable investments in my seminars and articles this year. Some good news is arising out of the fact that more corporations are raising their dividends. For example, Heinz (HNZ) yields 4% today, and for the last 40 years has never had a net loss and has maintained or increased its dividend every year. I’ll mention more good income possibilities throughout the year.

See below for a list of free financial seminars throughout the state.

This article is for informational purposes only. ■

Leave a comment at the Dollars & Sense blog at weac.org/dollars.

• Don’t be afraid to continue investing in your TSAs and Roth IRAs. But perhaps look more toward conservative funds and high guaranteed

Free Financial Seminars With Bob Moeller, WEAC Member Benefits Specialist Pre-registration is required Sept. 30: West Bend, 800-924-1017

Oct. 27: Menomonie, 800-472-6801

Oct. 5: La Crosse, 800-753-0987

Nov. 3: Green Bay, 800-472-5582

Oct. 12: Madison, 608-257-0491

Nov. 4: Burlington, 888-225-7583

Oct. 14: Mosinee, 800-472-0010

Nov. 9: Kenosha, 800-236-2127

Oct. 19: Appleton, 920-731-1369

Nov. 11: Brookfield, 800-354-7816

Oct. 21: Madison, 800-728-2287

Nov. 16: Brookfield, 800-354-7816

Oct. 26: Rice Lake, 800-472-6711

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How health care reform benefits you his fall, many pieces of heath care reform that educators across Wisconsin have been advocating for will become a reality.

The work your colleagues have done to support health care reform has gone a long way to seeing real benefits, such as: Stopping the use of pre-existing conditions to deny coverage. Health insurance companies had been using pre-existing conditions to block people from coverage, or at the very least charge them higher premiums. With the health care reform law taking effect this September, children cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. The same protection will be extended to adults in 2014.

Removing lifetime caps on insurance. One of the first things health insurance reform will do to help you is remove the lifetime caps that insurance providers had put on all of us.

Lifetime limits had been a way for companies to charge us more or drop us from coverage should we come down with an illness or need surgery.

Helping those less fortunate get the coverage they need. Did you know that in four years Medicaid will cover families of four with a household income of less than $29,000? And for those who earn a bit more but are struggling to afford health care premiums, new aid will

benefit them. Families of four earning up to $88,200 are eligible to pay a portion of their income to get coverage.

Expanding dependent coverage. Do you have a son or daughter in college, or pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree? Federal health insurance reform regulations now allow children you claim as dependents to be on your health care plans up to age 26. Wisconsin has gone even further, allowing you to keep dependents on parents’ plans until age 27.

Visit weac.org/healthcare to stay up to date on your union’s work for health care reform. ■

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For more on how health care reform will benefit you and your classroom, visit weac.org/healthcare to watch a video of members describing what’s to come in the next few months and years and what needs to be done in the future to further reform efforts.

Stay informed and get involved Join the discussion online at weac.org, your union’s website and the hub of a vibrant and growing online community that merges social networking with education news, professional development resources and advocacy.

Keeping you informed and engaged is our top priority.

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