Posted: 12/29/2010 12:22:53 PM MSTUpdated: 12/29/2010 04:30:30 PM MST
Statement on the appointment of the new Director of the Iowa Department of Education Chris Bern President of the Iowa State Education Association
On behalf of the members of the Iowa State Education Association, we hope that Governor Branstad will continue recent, bipartisan efforts to move teachers’ salaries to 25th in the nation and continue to work with us in helping make quality public education a top priority for all of Iowa’s schools and community colleges. We also hope that Governor Branstad and Jason Glass will carry on Iowa’s commitment to excellence in our public schools by ensuring sufficient basic funding over the next four years. We look forward to working with Governor-elect Branstad and Jason Glass.
URBANDALE, Iowa—Gov.-elect Terry Branstad announced Wednesday that an Ohio education consultant will be the next director of the Iowa Department of Education.
Jason Glass, 39, was introduced by Branstad at the incoming Republican governor's campaign office.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Iowa Pre-School Under Attack
Preschool has limited benefits, Republican legislative leaders said Wednesday, and they aren't convinced the state's taxpayer-funded preschool program is the way to use scarce tax money.
"It's very, very questionable whether there is any benefit," Senate Republican leader Paul McKinley said at a legislative forum Wednesday sponsored by IowaPolitics.com. "Frankly, it doesn't do any good. It has been shown not to have any impact on student achievement past third grade."
"It's very, very questionable whether there is any benefit," Senate Republican leader Paul McKinley said at a legislative forum Wednesday sponsored by IowaPolitics.com. "Frankly, it doesn't do any good. It has been shown not to have any impact on student achievement past third grade."
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
NEA MB Holiday Savings
Treat someone special — including yourself — to the best vacation ever in 2011.
We have dozens of fun and unique vacations for you to choose from. For a limited time only, you'll save $200.00 per person on your 2011 trip! Just book your tour by December 17, 2010 and use Promotional Code E580 to claim your savings. CLICK HERE TO SAVE.
HURRY! Offer expires December 17, 2010
*New bookings only. Cannot be combined with any other offers.
Educators under Attack: States Moving to Silence Educator Voices
Anti-public education forces are threatening the rights of educators and seeking to silence organizations that fight for educators’ rights.
· The Alabama State Senate has passed legislation (SB 2) under the guise of “ethics reform” that is really a thinly veiled attempt to undercut public educators.
· The bill would prevent associations like the Alabama Association of Educators from collecting any funds, including membership dues, through payroll deduction.
· The bill contains very restrictive language that essentially renders the Alabama Association of Educators and their members voiceless in debates on issues that impact their schools, their students, and their personal pocketbooks.
· In fact, vague language in the bill appears to prohibit any collection of membership dues or other funds by any means – which would essentially put the AEA out of business.
· Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker has called for rescinding the right of government employees to collectively bargain. The Republican-controlled legislature will likely support this idea.
· Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty published an op-ed in the December 13 Wall Street Journal calling for a large-scale confrontation with public employee unions, including “bring[ing] public employee compensation back in line with the private sector and reduc[ing] the overall size of the federal civilian work force," and “end[ing] defined-benefit retirement plans for government employees. “
These are just the tip of the iceberg. More states are sure to follow with similar anti-education, anti-union initiatives.
We need to fight back! Educators have a right to organize and advocate for policies that affect their jobs and the students they serve.
Help us fight back by signing up to volunteer at http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/! If educators in your state are under attack now, we will connect you with advocates fighting for public education. If not, we will contact you about actions you can take today to stop these attacks from spreading.
· The Alabama State Senate has passed legislation (SB 2) under the guise of “ethics reform” that is really a thinly veiled attempt to undercut public educators.
· The bill would prevent associations like the Alabama Association of Educators from collecting any funds, including membership dues, through payroll deduction.
· The bill contains very restrictive language that essentially renders the Alabama Association of Educators and their members voiceless in debates on issues that impact their schools, their students, and their personal pocketbooks.
· In fact, vague language in the bill appears to prohibit any collection of membership dues or other funds by any means – which would essentially put the AEA out of business.
· Wisconsin Governor-elect Scott Walker has called for rescinding the right of government employees to collectively bargain. The Republican-controlled legislature will likely support this idea.
· Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty published an op-ed in the December 13 Wall Street Journal calling for a large-scale confrontation with public employee unions, including “bring[ing] public employee compensation back in line with the private sector and reduc[ing] the overall size of the federal civilian work force," and “end[ing] defined-benefit retirement plans for government employees. “
These are just the tip of the iceberg. More states are sure to follow with similar anti-education, anti-union initiatives.
We need to fight back! Educators have a right to organize and advocate for policies that affect their jobs and the students they serve.
Help us fight back by signing up to volunteer at http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/! If educators in your state are under attack now, we will connect you with advocates fighting for public education. If not, we will contact you about actions you can take today to stop these attacks from spreading.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
LCEA Honors "First Annual" Friends of Education
November 23, 2010
The Lewis Central Community School District used American Education Week to honor some of its volunteers.
Five volunteers became the Lewis Central Education Association’s first Friend of Education, receiving the awards Thursday afternoon at an informal ceremony at the high school.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A New Take on Waiting for Superman
After months of intense marketing and promotion for “Waiting for ‘Superman,’” and six weeks after it opened to the general public, the initial buzz around the film, in part created by the media, has given way to a more sober and accurate analysis. This is underscored by three recent articles in the New York Review of Books, the Columbia Journalism Review and the New York Times—which are all linked below.
LynNell Hancock, author of the Columbia Journalism Review article, scolds the press for rushing to judgment on the film, and for not having enough background in education issues to know that the film’s solutions are “seductively simple.” Hancock writes that the filmmaker, Davis Guggenheim, does not examine good public schools or public school teachers, and vastly inflates the significance of charter schools by
LynNell Hancock, author of the Columbia Journalism Review article, scolds the press for rushing to judgment on the film, and for not having enough background in education issues to know that the film’s solutions are “seductively simple.” Hancock writes that the filmmaker, Davis Guggenheim, does not examine good public schools or public school teachers, and vastly inflates the significance of charter schools by
Saturday, November 6, 2010
California Casualty Policyholders: Find Out What Happened to Cameron...
Have you or anyone you know ever been the victim of identity theft? Did you know as a policyholder you are automatically enrolled in our ID Defense service?
Watch Cameron's story about what happened and how he took advantage of this service through California Casualty to help restore his name and defend himself in the future.
You can also take advantage of our easy referral tools to help inform your friends and peers who are eligible for our insurance.
Watch Cameron's story about what happened and how he took advantage of this service through California Casualty to help restore his name and defend himself in the future.
You can also take advantage of our easy referral tools to help inform your friends and peers who are eligible for our insurance.
Who remains the powerbroker? Gronstal
KATHIE OBRADOVICH • kobradov@dmreg.com • November 4, 2010
There's been a huge party shift in the Iowa Statehouse, but the power center may not have moved very far at all.
There are still a few races left undecided. But if Democrats still hold the Senate majority after the dust settles, Sen. Mike Gronstal, a Council Bluffs Democrat, will remain the most powerful leader in the Legislature.
There are a lot of reasons why he's often been called the de facto governor over the past four years. That comes to an end with the return of Republican former Gov. Terry Branstad. But Gronstal will still have more juice than the victory-flush Republican House leadership. The reason comes down to one little word: no.
There's been a huge party shift in the Iowa Statehouse, but the power center may not have moved very far at all.
There are still a few races left undecided. But if Democrats still hold the Senate majority after the dust settles, Sen. Mike Gronstal, a Council Bluffs Democrat, will remain the most powerful leader in the Legislature.
There are a lot of reasons why he's often been called the de facto governor over the past four years. That comes to an end with the return of Republican former Gov. Terry Branstad. But Gronstal will still have more juice than the victory-flush Republican House leadership. The reason comes down to one little word: no.
What the Election Results Mean for Public Education
The 2010 elections featured 37 Governors races, 37 U.S. Senate contests, 435 U.S. House races, dozens of ballot measures and initiatives, 6,118 state legislative seats in 46 states and myriad local elections across the country. As of this writing, Republicans have picked up at least 60 seats in the House. Republicans also picked up significant seats in the U.S. Senate, but Democrats still have enough seats to control the chamber. There are several races too close to call/likely recounts in both the House and Senate, thus, the ultimate makeup of the 112th Congress will not be known for several more weeks.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Should Teachers Have Tenure?
“The following was written by Education.com and is posted here with Education.com’s permission.”
Tenure gives teachers job security. But critics say tenure makes it hard to get rid of underperforming teachers. Is it the best way to attract talent to the profession, or something that prevents principals from giving kids their best chance at success? We've got two heavy hitters in the education field weighing in on the pros and cons. Read what they have to say, then join the discussion! Read the point/counter-point and then vote at the bottom of the article.
Tenure gives teachers job security. But critics say tenure makes it hard to get rid of underperforming teachers. Is it the best way to attract talent to the profession, or something that prevents principals from giving kids their best chance at success? We've got two heavy hitters in the education field weighing in on the pros and cons. Read what they have to say, then join the discussion! Read the point/counter-point and then vote at the bottom of the article.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Why aren't our teachers the best and the brightest?
By Paul Kihn and Matt Miller
Sunday, October 10, 2010
WASHINGTON POST
Why aren't our teachers the best and the brightest?Why don't more of our smartest, most accomplished college graduates want to become teachers?
People trying to improve education in this country have been talking a lot lately about boosting "teacher effectiveness." But nearly all such efforts focus on the teachers who are already in the classroom, instead of seeking to change the caliber of the people who enter teaching in the first place.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
WASHINGTON POST
People trying to improve education in this country have been talking a lot lately about boosting "teacher effectiveness." But nearly all such efforts focus on the teachers who are already in the classroom, instead of seeking to change the caliber of the people who enter teaching in the first place.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
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Sunday, October 3, 2010
ESEA Reauthorization & ESEA Update
Promise Neighborhoods placed on the map
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced this week that 21 nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education will receive Promise Neighborhood planning grants of up to $500,000. The one-year grants are designed to help recipients create plans to provide services that support the whole child and support the healthy development of students. The Center for Community Schools, a coalition NEA participates in, applauded the inclusion of seven members of its network that embrace community schools strategies.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Obama's ESEA Plan Short on Research, Authors Allege
Published September 29, 2010
EDUCATION WEEK
By Dakarai I. Aarons
The Obama administration's education plan lacks a solid research basis for its proposals, a new book says.
The Obama Education Blueprint: Researchers Examine the Evidence is the first major effort from the National Education Policy Center, a university-based research organization in Boulder, Colo., that critiques the work of prominent think tanks. ("Think-Tank Critics Plant a Stake in Policy World," this issue.)
EDUCATION WEEK
By Dakarai I. Aarons
The Obama administration's education plan lacks a solid research basis for its proposals, a new book says.
The Obama Education Blueprint: Researchers Examine the Evidence is the first major effort from the National Education Policy Center, a university-based research organization in Boulder, Colo., that critiques the work of prominent think tanks. ("Think-Tank Critics Plant a Stake in Policy World," this issue.)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Media's War on Teachers
By Anthony Cody on September 28, 2010 7:38 PM
EDUCATION WEEK TEACHER
Monday I was the lone teacher at an afternoon forum entitled "Grading the Teachers," hosted by the Graduate School of Education at Berkeley. The focus was on the use of so-called Value Added Measurement (VAM) and the series of articles which ran in the Los Angeles Times this summer. I was on a panel focused on the media, which given the tremendous role the media is playing in driving the agenda for education reform, seemed appropriate. Also on the panel with me were Richard Rothstein of the Economic Policy Institute, Susan Rasky of the UC School of Journalism, and Jason Felch, one of the authors of the LA Times story.
EDUCATION WEEK TEACHER
Monday I was the lone teacher at an afternoon forum entitled "Grading the Teachers," hosted by the Graduate School of Education at Berkeley. The focus was on the use of so-called Value Added Measurement (VAM) and the series of articles which ran in the Los Angeles Times this summer. I was on a panel focused on the media, which given the tremendous role the media is playing in driving the agenda for education reform, seemed appropriate. Also on the panel with me were Richard Rothstein of the Economic Policy Institute, Susan Rasky of the UC School of Journalism, and Jason Felch, one of the authors of the LA Times story.
Adopt a Classroom Program Might be for You
NEA Member Benefits has launched the first social networking website designed specifically with educators and Education Support Professionals (ESPs) in mind. The NEAMB Community is in partnership with TeachAde and can be found at http://www.neamb.com/home/1209_2421.htm.
My personal favorite blog is called “Money Talk” and is written by my colleague Elizabeth Schruefer, who not only works at NEA Member Benefits but is also a Certified Financial Planner. Elizabeth updates her blog every Wednesday with a new posting.
I encourage you to register (it’s EASY!) at http://www.teachade.com/register.do and then check out Elizabeth’s blog (and the others on the site). If you have suggestions for other blogs or communities, go ahead and get them started as it is something you are able to do on TeachAde.
Monday, September 27, 2010
NEA & Your Parent Teacher Conferences
NEA/PTA Brochures to Address Specific Parental Concerns
Practical Information that Parents Can Put to Use for Your Students
Developed through a joint effort between NEA and National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), these guides provide parents and caregivers with fundamental tools to encourage their children's success in school. Please feel free to use these as a resource as you visit with parents about our partnership. Click the READ MORE tab to see all of the brochures that are at your fingertips.
Download Brochures or Order by Phone
Download PDF versions below, or if you prefer, order hard copies of each 4-color brochure at no
charge.
Call toll free 800-717-9790 or visit http://www.neapubs.com/ to order.
Practical Information that Parents Can Put to Use for Your Students
Developed through a joint effort between NEA and National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), these guides provide parents and caregivers with fundamental tools to encourage their children's success in school. Please feel free to use these as a resource as you visit with parents about our partnership. Click the READ MORE tab to see all of the brochures that are at your fingertips.
Download Brochures or Order by Phone
Download PDF versions below, or if you prefer, order hard copies of each 4-color brochure at no
charge.
Call toll free 800-717-9790 or visit http://www.neapubs.com/ to order.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Digital Tools Expand Options for Personalized Learning
Published Online: January 29, 2010
Published in Print: February 3, 2010, as The Personal Approach
Digital tools for defining and targeting students' strengths and weaknesses could help build a kind of individualized education plan for every student.
Teachers have always known that a typical class of two dozen or more students can include vastly different skill levels and learning styles. But meeting those varied academic needs with a defined curriculum, time limitations, and traditional instructional tools can be daunting for even the most skilled instructor.
Published in Print: February 3, 2010, as The Personal Approach
Digital tools for defining and targeting students' strengths and weaknesses could help build a kind of individualized education plan for every student.
Teachers have always known that a typical class of two dozen or more students can include vastly different skill levels and learning styles. But meeting those varied academic needs with a defined curriculum, time limitations, and traditional instructional tools can be daunting for even the most skilled instructor.
The Misuse of Professional Development
Published in Print: September 22, 2010
Commentary
By Hayes Mizell, Education Week
As students throughout the nation settle into another school year, it's time to have a serious discussion about what it takes to develop and sustain great teachers.
Works for Me Starting School Tips by Teachers for Teachers 9/22
Whisper Reading
From Susan L., a retired teacher from Washington Unified School District:
“I have found that kids of all ages love "whisper reading" into a homemade "phone." Take a PVC plastic elbow shape and attach a 6" straight piece of PVC to each end. The lower part is for the student to talk in to. The upper part is either directed toward the student's ear so he can hear only himself reading or outward so others can hear him. This gives them a choice (which most kids love) and a fun way to read without being put on the spot. A whole class set cost me around $10-$15, or less if you have extra PVC from a past home improvement project. I spray mine with Lysol once in a while, or you can put them in the dishwasher.”
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Tell NBC What Real Educators Know
On September 26, NBC will kick-off their weeklong Education Nation program with a Teacher Town Hall to discuss what works in the classroom and the challenges facing educators. We have a unique opportunity to make our voices and issues heard before a national audience, so we encourage all NEA members to register for this event and participate from home via live chat.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Take the LCEA Local Program Survey to Help Us Design Meaningful Program for You
Click here to take survey
Ease Into Back to School with The United States Mint: New America the Beautiful Quarters® Program lesson plans
The America the Beautiful Quarters Program, new in 2010, brings selected national sites to this popular circulating coin. Fifty-six different designs make up this series (one for each state, the District of Columbia, and each of five US territories).
Monday, September 20, 2010
LCEA Mega-Vote 9/20/2010--Iowa 5th
Recent Senate Votes
Confirmation of Jane Branstetter Stranch, of Tennessee, to be US Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit - Vote Confirmed (71-21, 8 Not Voting)
The Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Jane Branstetter Stranch, a Nashville attorney, to the federal bench.
Sen. Charles Grassley voted NO......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Tom Harkin voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
College Board President Says "Waiting For Superman" Could Be Education Reform Catalyst.
College Board President Gaston Caperton wrote in a blog for the Huffington Post (9/7), "I had the opportunity recently to watch Waiting for Superman, a provocative new documentary that offers an incisive look at the dire state of public education in America today. ... Waiting for Superman is so moving because it depicts the profound effect a good school and a great teacher can have on a child's entire life, along with ultimate high-stakes loss for those who don't get a lucky lottery number." According to Caperton, "One of the best parts of my job with the College Board has been the chance to reward great schools through our Inspiration Schools initiative," recognizing public high schools across the US "that defy the odds by opening the doors of higher education to students facing economic, social and cultural barriers."
See the controversial movie trailer.
Pay for Your Dues with LCEA's Featured September NEA MB
Click the "READ MORE" tab right below this and follow these steps:
Analysis Notes Virtual Ed. Priorities in RTT Winners
While public education experts have for weeks debated which priorities weighed most heavily in the second round of the federal Race to the Top grant competition applications, a review by an online education organization shows most of the 10 winning states submitted strong online learning proposals.
Susan D. Patrick, president of the Vienna, Va.-based International Association for K-12 Online Learning, or iNACOL, said a wiki document released by the organization highlighting the virtual learning components in all 19 finalists’ applications shows the winning states were ready to use RTT funds to offer more online opportunities and make needed state policy revisions.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
LCEA Works for Me September 7, 2010
LCEA Teaching Tips for Teachers by Teachers
Teaching Techniques
Take It Apart Party
"I run an after school club for my students. I want to use this valuable time on academics, but also know it's important for students to get to know one another. So, once a month to have an after school gathering; this month we had a 'Take It Apart Party.' We collected broken small appliances and on the appointed day, we took them apart. We found the insides of various hair dryers are similar, toasters have springs all over the place, and gears are a wonder in old telephones and mixers. We had such a great time taking things apart that we got back together the next two days to nail our findings together into free form sculptures."
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Register for NEA MB & Check Out Our August Savings
Thanks to all of you who continue to support the profession with your membership and involvement. Now that some of our opening dash has slowed down a little bit, it's time for us to help you start saving money using your membership.
So, let's get you signed up if you're not already signed up. You'll have to click the "READ MORE" tab right below this and follow these steps:
LCEA Works for Me Tips for Teachers by Teachers August 31, 2010
Content
Smack It!
"Here's a fun way to review vocabulary. Write a variety of vocabulary words all over the board. Divide the class into two teams and choose one representative from each team to come up to the board. Give them a fly swatter with which they are to 'smack' the correct vocabulary word upon the teacher's prompting. Whoever smacks first wins a point for their team. Prompts may be English translations, complete the sentence, opposites, synonyms or any other creative question the teacher can make up. This game gets the kids moving! In the event the 'smackers' don't know the answer, the other students (who have been paying close attention) have an opportunity to answer it for the point!"
Monday, August 30, 2010
Nominate an LCEA Teacher for the Excellence in Education Award!
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Lewis Central Education Association Welcomes Our New Colleagues to Lewis Central
The Lewis Central Education Association is excited to welcome our 15 new colleagues to LC. We know that you will do your best to help them in their transition and know that you will do whatever you can to make their transition to LC a pleasant and uneventful one. We have contacted our new teammates and look forward to them joining "Team LCEA."
- Nicole Baker, Special Education;
- Jim Duggan, Physical Education/Head Football;
- Tressa Cooper, Fifth Grade;
- Jami Devine, Fifth Grade;
- Carrie Arnett, Special Education;
- Natalie Hearn, Vocal Music.
- Tanya Massey, Special Education.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
LCEA Minutes--May 13, 2010
LCEA March Meeting Minutes
Date: 5/13/2010
Place: High School
Time: Meeting 2 for 2010-2011--4:55 PM
Officers: Barb Motes, Jennifer Doorlag, Tom McLaughlin, Angie Tucker
HS Reps: Dave Bergman, Allison Towne, Ruth Kreger (absent) , Kim McLaughlin, Sharon Crawley
MS Reps: Margot Argotsinger, Beth Frank, Al Lorenz, Dot Sillau
TH Reps: Lisa Scieszinski (absent), Joanna Stenlund, Kathy Dorsey, Farah Guetter
Kreft Reps: LoriAnn Brougham, Lee Dwyer
RACE TO THE TOP: The deadline to sign on as “partners” with the LCCS is Friday, May 14, 2010. There was substantial discussion on whether or not our group’s signature would endorse one of the four options for persistently low-achieving schools. That provision is not part of the second phase of Race to the Top. Phase II has vague language that at the end of the phase, those districts that take the money have to report student growth & that their pay is based on those numbers.
Concerns about tying pay to student performance was discussed. If we sign on are we saying ok to pay for performance. Although that’s not what the language says, some feel that that “is” what it says. ISEA state representatives on the different state committees for RTTT represent our members well, and there is confidence in the group in the people that represent us at the state level (T. McLaughlin). We need to send the message that we want to be involved, politically. What message do we send if we “refuse" to sit at the table after punitive measures are gone? We should make it clear that we sign on as “partners” with the board.
Bergman moves that the LCEA sign the Round II Race to the Top application, Sillau seconds. MOTION PASSES.
ISEA NEWS: ISEA argued last Friday in Polk County District Court that TSS/TQC funds that were stripped should be reinstated retroactively. The Polk County District Court Judge is giving ISEA/IASB and others until June 1st to file additional briefs in support of their respective arguments. A ruling is pending.
NEW TEACHER T-SHIRTS: Giving new teachers shirts on opening day was discussed. There was discussion about a “disconnect” with the Booster Club. There was a suggestion that LCEA work with the PTA on this (Stenlund).
Dorsey moves that LCEA give shirts to new teachers, Frank seconds. MOTION PASSES
LCEA SHIRTS: Shirts will be ordered by many of the LCEA Board members for 2010-2011. The plan for shirts is to make white cotton T-Shirts with the ISEA/LCEA logs on the upper left hand breast pocket. We hope to have these by our August AR Training.
2010-2011 LCEA MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM: Mary Grace Lee of NEA MB has been contacted and will assist us in our LCEA Member Benefits program each month. Some materials will be electronic; others will be in “paper” form. The plan starts in August runs through May. Building representatives will be in charge of distributing materials on specific calendar dates.
Bill Haigh, NEA Member Benefits/Valuebuilder/Annuities visited with the Board about assisting us in reaching financial goals. A packet was distributed that addresses different strategies to build a strong and healthy retirement. (pink packet)
LOCAL PROGRAM DIAGNOSIS: A checklist of effective local characteristics was passed out to the LCEA Board to consider as we plan program for next year. As time was late, the Executive Board will look through it on their own time and consider how we might improve program. A survey will be distributed to members and the response of the board and our members will prompt what we do at beginning of next year.
LCEA CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS & POLICIES: Our current Constitution, Bylaws and Policies do not reflect current practices. These must be revised as these documents govern the Association. The Constitution and Bylaws Committee will review these in small sections to that they review our current practices and more. The committee will be made up of T. McLaughlin-Ex-Officio, Brougham & Tucker--Kreft, Guetter—Titan Hill. We would like another representative from the Middle School.
2010/2011 PROGRAM: ISEA & NEA have many resources in unit offices and on the website to direct us in developing local program. There are several “to do” lists and packets of information on the NEA, ISEA website and in the offices to help local leaders make local decisions. ISEA also produces a monthly “Super Rep” packet that is sends out electronically. Several expressed concerns that the list arrives “too late” to use meaningfully. We will work to compile these in advance of next year. We are encouraged to “identify” one or two emerging leaders to assist us in active committee work for the upcoming year. We must begin building our future leaders.
NEW COMMITTEE: Barb Motes and Margie Argotsinger will head up our “Monthly Do-Dads Committee.” The committee will be take on the responsibility of providing members a “monthly” and “visible” LCEA thank you and visibility piece.
SUMMER CONTACT: Please provide Tom with your contact information and check your email.
SUMMER CONFERENCE: Will be held in Storm Lake, Iowa on August 3-5, 2010. Stenlund, T. McLaughlin & K McLaughlin will attend. SWUU Scholarships are still available. Let us know if you’d like to participate.
COMMITTEE & EXECUTIVE BOARD VACA3NCIES: We have two vacancies on the Teacher Quality Committee. Although we appoint members, we will seek self-nominations from the membership. We will use the vacancies to make the Teacher Quality a little more balanced in terms of building and grade level representation. Building Representatives are encouraged to send out email to general members to gauge interest. Questions on criteria to make our appointments was discussed. This was tabeled pending volunteers. We also need a new chair for Teacher Quality Committee.
Jennifer Doorlag’s LCEA Treasurer office is vacant next year as she has taken another position. Bylaws indicate that we need to hold a special election. Beth Frank volunteered to serve as interim LCEA Treasurer.
Mary Bleth has also taken another position. The board will approve an appointed replacement.
BUILDING ISSUES:
Titan Hill: There were several concerns voiced about the process of moving teachers around for next year. Each person needs to fill out a “LCEA Incident” form to share concerns about concerns, professional behavior and to document complaints. If there is no response at the lowest possible level of intervention, we will move forward to next step. LCEA must follow the chain of command if we expect the administration to respect the same process. Teachers need to document specific behaviors.
LoriAnn Brougham will check into our issue about payment for professional development and curriculum writing outside of the contract year.
ISEA SPRING MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVE:
ISEA offers free membership now until August 31st for all people who are not non-members. See sample message on the handout (orange sheet). Please forward to potential members in each building with the sample language or a short note.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: None were submitted.
MATERIALS TO DISTRIBUTE IN EACH BUILDING WASD DISTRIBUTED: ISEA cards, stuff to put on lunch tables, folders…Penalties for Public Service folder.
Motion to Adjourn: Motion—Bergman moved adjournment, Brougham seconded. Motion passed.
Submitted respectfully,
Angie Tucker
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
WE WON FOR KIDS, TEACHERS, SCHOOLS!
Dear Delegates,
You did it! Just moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed $10 billion in education jobs funding that the U.S. Department of Education estimates will save 161,000 jobs in public schools across the country.
This funding, which was approved by the Senate last week, will be signed into law by Pres. Obama, and will help many schools throughout the country decrease class sizes and restore critical programs our students need to be successful.
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