ISEA SUPER REP VIA THE INTERNET
In an effort to cut costs and lighten the load on our environment, the ISEA is now sending the SuperRep out via your e-mail. If you would still like to receive the SuperRep via snail mail, please send Cheri Swanson your address and she will place you on a permanent mailing list to receive the publication in the mail. We will still have the same handy PDF flyers available on our Web site. We encourage you to forward this publication to ISEA members in your building and your local or you can continue to print a hard copy of our flyers and post them in your building or put them directly in mailboxes. Either way, we're still getting you the same member information only now we're saving money and helping the environment, too!
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2009 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
ISEA is holding its annual Legislative Conference January 9-10. Don't miss this event which provides an overview of legislative issues and lobbying strategies for the 2009 legislative session. The ISEA fully funds members of the Building Support for Public Education Standing Committee. There is a $65 registration fee per member to help cover the cost of hotel and meals for all others who wish to attend. The registration is halved ($32.50) if no sleeping room is requested. Reservations must be received by Friday, December 19, 2008--after that date, rooms are subject to availability. Go to http://news.isea.org/UM/T.asp?A2914.39555.314.6.39132 to download a registration form.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR LOBBY DAY!
The ISEA will once again host a statewide education Lobby Day, Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at the Jesse M. Parker Building, 510 12th Street, Des Moines. An introduction and orientation will begin at 10 a.m., then at 11:45 we'll proceed to the Capitol for lunch and meetings with legislators.
SIGN UP NOW TO BE A PART OF RAPID RESPONSE
Join the ISEA's Rapid Response Team and be a part of the front lines of communicating our positions to decision makers throughout the year. Once you complete the Rapid Response Team agreement, your contact information will be entered into our special database for timely notifications and quick action. Join this important part of shaping your profession and let your voice be heard!
BE A STATE DELEGATE TO THE NATIONAL RA
ISEA members interested in becoming State Delegates to the 2009 NEA Representative Assembly to be held July 1 - 6 in San Diego, CA, will find nomination forms in the October/November ISEA Communique. Nomination forms can also be downloaded from the Leader Toolkit area of the ISEA Web site. Just go to the members-only area at http://news.isea.org/UM/T.asp?A2914.39555.314.9.39132 and log in. Voting for this year's delegates will take place via our members-only Web site beginning in mid-February, but paper ballots will also be distributed upon request. Watch for more details as they become available. ISEA provides up to $1,300 for each State Delegate. Reimbursement is made within 30 business days of receipt of a voucher following the Assembly. ISEA-funded delegates shall receive payment for actual expenses not to exceed the budgeted amount.
ISEA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW
The ISEA is offering $1,000 scholarships to help sons or daughters of Association members who want to become teachers. The deadline for applications is January 15. To download guidelines and an application form, visit the ISEA Web site.
NATIONAL C.L.E.A.N AWARD FOR CUSTODIANS
Custodians are invited to participate in the inaugural National C.L.E.A.N. Awards Program--recognizing the contributions that custodians make to public health in their schools, communities, and their profession. Completed application packages must be postmarked on or before December 10, 2008. Contact Jennie Young or call 202-822-7481 for more information.
ISEA'S NEWSLETTER RECOGNITION PROGRAM
How does your newsletter measure up with others published in the state? Does it merit special recognition? There's only one way to find out--enter the annual ISEA Newsletter Recognition Program! Click here to download a registration form to enter.
PROGRAM OFFERS TEACHERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH IN TAIWAN
The Iowa Department of Education has an agreement with the Ministry of Education in the Republic of China (Taiwan) that offers experienced and newly licensed Iowa elementary teachers the opportunity to teach in Taiwanese schools for one academic year. Participants work with local Taiwanese teachers to develop curriculum and teach English to elementary students. Recent participants have found the experience extremely fulfilling and worthwhile. The application and a frequently asked questions document are available at the DE Web site. Applications must be postmarked by April 24, 2009. Contact Brianne Munoz at 515-725-2067 or brianne.munoz@iowa.gov for additional information.
SENATOR HARKIN REQUESTS INPUT ON SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
In 2009, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry will write legislation to update and extend federal child nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. In preparation for this effort, Senator Harkin seeks the advice and expertise of those who interact with federal school nutrition programs every day. Please send your ideas to Derek Miller on the staff of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry by e-mail at Derek_Miller@agriculture.senate.gov or by mail in care of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry at 328A Russell Office Building, Washington, DC, 20510.
TEACHER LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM IN IOWA
The Iowa College Aid Commission provides applications and criteria for teacher loan forgiveness. Three of the loan forgiveness programs are listed below. The Web site is http://news.isea.org/UM/T.asp?A2914.39555.314.14.39132. Teacher Shortage: maximum award is $6,420. Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness: maximum award $5,000. Teachers may qualify for up to $17,500 if they meet the criteria for Federal Loan Forgiveness and teach in the area of math or science. Federal Perkins Loan Program: Some teachers may be eligible for Perkins Loan cancellation for full-time teaching at a low-income school or in certain subject areas.
FIVE-STAR LOCAL RECOGNITION PROGRAM
The ISEA is committed to helping local associations be the best they can be, which is why we offer our unique Five Star Local Recognition Program. Local associations submitting a Five Star Local Program application form will be eligible to win a $100 gift certificate to the ISEA Store. Applications are available at http://news.isea.org/UM/T.asp?A2914.39555.314.15.39132
STUDENT MEMBER OF STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION POSTION AVAILABLE
Applications for the student member to the State Board of Education will be available on the Iowa Department of Education's Web site within a few weeks. The term of the student member starts May 1, 2009, and ends April 30, 2010. The Board meets at least nine times during that term, with most meetings taking place in the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines. Besides being a full-time, regularly enrolled, tenth- or eleventh-grade student in a public high school, the student must meet these requirements: has a GPA of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) or 3.75 (5.0 scale); has attended his/her present high school at least the past two consecutive semesters (or the equivalent thereof); demonstrates participation in extracurricular and community activities, as well as an interest in serving on the board. More information is available at http://news.isea.org/UM/T.asp?A2914.39555.314.16.39132
THE NEA MAGAZINE SERVICE--50 GIFT IDEAS FOR $10 OR LESS!
Give a gift that educates, informs, and entertains--at a great price! For a limited time, order a year-long subscription to Instructor, Woman's Day, Parents, Better Homes and Gardens, or more than 45 other titles and pay only $10 or less! Plus save 75 percent on The Economist, 80 percent on Smithsonian, 93 percent on Newsweek, and up to 85 percent on more than 1,000 magazines with your NEA Member discount. Treat yourself, your family members, and friends! Visit neamag.com/take5 or call 1-800-YOUR MAG to place your order!
NEA MB DECEMBER 2008 WEB SITE GIVEAWAY--THREE $100 BEST BUY GIFT CARDS
NEA members can register anytime during the month of December 2008 in the Free Giveaways area of the NEA Member Benefits Web site for a chance to win one of three $100 Best Buy Gift Cards! Extra buying power could come in handy during the post-holiday season! Giveaway entry begins at 12:00 a.m., ET, December 1, 2008, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m., ET, December 31, 2008. No purchase necessary to enter.
A WORLD OF GIFTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Access, the ISEA's discount provider, offers savings at hundreds of online stores for everything from clothing and books to furniture and vacations--all available with the click of a mouse. Avoid crowded malls and long lines and take advantage of easy discount shopping online. (Available to ISEA members only.)
ISEA AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
The ISEA sponsors a number of awards to honor members and others who work to make a difference for public education and applying for our awards is easy! Download an informational flyer and an application form.
