April/may 2013 Volume 91 Number 6 Newsmagazine of the teachers’ society

the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 1 lava ESSENTIALS crater FOR THE WELL

EQUIPPED April/may 2013 Volume 91 Number 6 Newsmagazine of the manitoba teachers’ society CLASSROOM President’s Column Inside MTS Candidates nominated for Provincial Executive P. 4 P. 5 Epson equips 21st century classrooms for P. 17 engagement and collaboration. Standardize on Epson and make an investment in your Check out Epson’s full lineup of products, classrooms with products known for their value request a catalog, or contact your rep. and the service and savings available through

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More teachers� social media fails

DOCUMENT ACCESSORIES: CARTS, MOUNTS, CLASSROOM P. 15 CAMERAS SOUND ENHANCEMENT PROJECTORS Project Overseas in Ghana 100 students in new school CMHR proposal heads to MTS AGM P. 5

P. 6

Teacher named LARGE VENUE PROJECTORS SHORT-THROW PROJECTORS Waiting for fairness INTERACTIVE SOLUTIONS as Aboriginal role model (and Godot) St. John�s High School teacher Brandi Vezina

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Column Ken Pearce, General SecretAry

Paul olson t times during the past few years to learn about their views of the education include television, radio and print. It may Editor the public has met Manitoba their children are getting and their impres- be part of a larger multi-year campaign that teachers represented by Mrs. sions of teachers. could include everything from mail-outs to George Stephenson, Kowalchuk and Mr. Houle. Those ideas are discussed by the Officers bus boards. [email protected] They also got a quick tour of of the Society and brought to the Provincial Our ads may also tie in with other work a classroom by a parent. Executive for approval. Attention is given we do politically on behalf of members. Send contributions to: These were all images in TV advertis- to the overall message or theme and what While MTS is non-partisan, its ads and oth- Editor Lists and Stacks ing that originated with your staff at The the public response might be. With the er efforts may be aimed at persuading the The Manitoba Teacher Manitoba Teachers’ Society. help of an outside agency, scripts are done government of the day to undertake certain ill 18 is a proposed amendment to The Public Schools Act regarding bul- 191 Harcourt Street One desire that has become clear in our with care taken to ensure ads are non-par- initiatives (most recently, class size limits). lying. Among other things, it’s being framed by some as a direct attack Winnipeg, MB R3J 3H2 polling of members is that you want us to tisan, auditions held and TV time booked. Our public polling tells us that teachers by government on the rights of faith-based schools. Phone: (204) 831-3058 promote public school teachers and teach- As well, before production, focus groups are very highly regarded by Manitobans. The discussions I�ve had to date with political leaders, colleagues, and Fax: (204) 831-0877 ing and give the public a better idea of what are often convened to see whether the However, after a long day or a difficult con- media evince a few recurring themes. The definition of bullying is too Published seven times a year (September– it is you do. Our advertising is a part of script’s message will get through to the pub- versation with a parent, teachers may not vague. The bill encroaches upon religious freedoms. It focusses on one type of bul- June) by The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. that. And a lot of work carries those ads to lic in proposed commercials. feel that the public understands the vital lying more than others. It puts people at risk of frivolous, vindictive accusations. Articles and views published herein do not TV screens. Once the process is complete, the cam- role of our dedicated teachers in the success All legislation must stand up to close scrutiny. It�s the duty of the Opposition to necessarily represent the policies nor the When considering what a particular ad- paign is launched. of Manitoba students. question any government initiative, and of broader and interlocking communities views of the Society. vertising campaign should look like, the Timing generally depends upon a num- We feel the ads are a great service to mem- to explore and to understand what impact it may have for them. Government must Public Affairs Facilitator, Judy Edmond, ber of factors but the overall aim is to pro- bers and help the general public better un- The Manitoba Teacher welcomes story ideas continue to consider the questions and concerns of all, up to and including such creates ideas based on current issues fac- duce effective, thought-provoking ideas on derstand the role, experiences and work of and submissions from members. Contact time as the bill is considered formally at the Leg. This is a burden of authority. ing both our schools and our members. the value of public education and the role the average public school teacher. the editor. As citizens, our many responsibilities are not to be viewed as a grocery list. They She also holds focus groups with parents of teachers in our schools. Advertising may are not scattered about the floor like so many spilled peanuts to be picked up one Join other Manitoba teachers who by one, in random order, as time and energy permit. follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Our obligations are not “piled”, in other words. They�re “stacked”. They exist in a hierarchy. It�s the job of teachers, parents, politicians, and even religious leaders to remember this. As parents, my wife and I work to ensure the kids have music les- facebook.com/ sons and sport opportunities. If it came down to it, though, those would disappear manitobateachers CMHR proposal heads to AGM pretty quickly if we were having trouble buying groceries, or paying the mortgage. I have a duty to teach math well, but no one thinks I should prioritize that over a school evacuation in the event of a fire. A proposal to spend $1.5 million on awareness about human rights issues and LBGTTQ people and themes are There will doubtless be much more said and written about Bill 18. In the midst twitter.com/mbteachers the naming rights for a classroom at the and challenges and funding from MTS reflected in all curricula.” of all the noise, however, I will offer a simple reminder: Many of our kids are afraid Canadian Museum for Human Rights would show the Society’s commitment • Changes suggested to rules for nomi- to go to school. highlights resolutions going to the MTS “to the educational purpose and man- nation and election of the president They�re also afraid to check their Facebook or text messages. They�re afraid to Annual General Meeting in May. date of the CMHR.” and Provincial Executive. One resolu- take their boyfriend or girlfriend to grad. They�re even afraid to sign up for choir, Publications Mail Agreement The resolution, passed unanimously The resolution points out that while tion proposes the president be elected drama, or teams, because they�ll end up going home later, probably alone, and thus 40063378 ISSN 002-228X by the Provincial Executive, calls on the the museum is a federal government by delegates at the AGM, rather than Society to pay for the rights over a five- responsibility, “funding for the capital by teachers at large. be more vulnerable to attack. Credible research is telling us that this applies to the Return undeliverable Canadian “cool kids” too, because they�re wondering when their “turn” to be the target will year period. costs of the CMHR comes from private • A series of proposals to cut down the addresses to: come. Not all wounds are visible. Neither are all fears. Under the plan, which must be approved donations as well as from three jurisdic- number of meetings of the Provincial Kids who are afraid don�t sleep well, work well, learn well, or live well. They hide Information Management by AGM delegates, a down payment tions of government.” Executive and to change the Annual when they should step forward. They isolate when they could join in. Fear under- The Manitoba Teachers’ Society of $300,000 would be made with funds MTS, on behalf of Manitoba public General Meeting to one that is held mines their entire lives, not just their report card. 191 Harcourt Street coming from the Operation Stabilization school teachers, has already contributed every two years. If someone has something in their personal values hierarchy that�s more worthy Winnipeg, MB R3J 3H2 Fund. The remaining $1.2 million would $62,000 to the project. • A resolution that the Society pay ex- of our focus than “Our Kids are Scared”, then I�ll look forward to hearing that email: [email protected] be paid over 60 months with a cost per The museum is the first national one penses for association presidents or explained at the Leg. member of $1.52 per month. to be created in Canada since 1967 and vice-presidents to observe Provincial But they�d better speak slowly and use small words, because I�m pretty sure I�ll The impact on the proposed MTS the first located outside the National Executive meetings. have a lot of trouble keeping up. budget for 2013–2014 can be seen on Capital Region. • That MTS do away with its gala din- page 17. Other resolutions delegates will de- ner during AGM and devote the time The resolution says the museum’s ob- bate at the May 23–25 AGM include: to another business session. jective is to increase understanding and • A call for the province to review poli- For more AGM, 2013, material, see cies to “ensure that same-sex families page 17.

4 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 5 Caring to teach Lost Prizes/ICIE Seminars teachingBy george stephenson to care July 10-13, 2013 hen Brandi Vezina to value education. I felt the kids needed “I am extremely proud of my cul- This gathering will focus on the areas of creativity, was a little Métis girl me and I needed them.” ture. Every day I come to school I pass enrichment, and identifying and developing the playing with friends in She pauses and considers that might Louis Riel’s grave and I salute him.” the tiny hamlet of Stony sound somewhat “pompous”. At the school, Vezina has started an talents of marginalized, disengaged populations. Point, she always played the “But it is the way I feel.” Honouring Spirit program for stu- role of the teacher. Indeed, it just sounds matter-of-fact. dents and parents to learn about their And when she wasn’t doing that, she After university, she taught five years at culture from a community cultural » Dr. Taisir Subhi Yamin was berry picking with the family in the Stanley Knowles School in Winnipeg where advisor. The program has attracted Keynote » Dr. Don Ambrose she coached sports, formed an after-school both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal jack pine around the community, now speakers » Dr. John Hoover known as Patricia Beach, or out on the Aboriginal group and another group focused students and there are four parents big lake helping with the fishing. on social justice issues. She now sees the who come every week. It focuses on include: » Dr. Todd Lubart More than 20 years later she’s workload she put on herself did take its toll. love, kindness, the seven teachings » Dr. Steve Van Bockern brought together her two loves—the “I was kind of a bleeding heart and want- (traditional Aboriginal concepts of re- environment and teaching—to St. ed to do a lot of things, but I wasn’t taking spect and sharing) and the idea that and many other international & local speakers! John’s High School, where she was care of myself,” she recalls. the kids are on earth for a purpose. recently recognized with a national Taking care of oneself became a major At first blush much of it seems pretty award as an Aboriginal role model. part of her own life—she doesn’t drink any- heady, complex stuff for 12-year-olds, A feature of the Seminars will be “It was such a great honour,” she more after realizing alcohol was having a but Vezina says they do begin to un- PBDE conference-connected Post-Baccalaureate said after returning from the Indspire negative impact on her life. She carried that derstand the concepts that end up hav- Diploma in Education courses. Interested PBDE Indigenous Educator Awards presen- thinking over to St. John’s, a high school in ing an impact on their everyday lives. Opportunity: students will be able to choose one 3-credit tation in Calgary. “There are so many the heart of Winnipeg’s inner city, which Her ideas have carried from the hour course starting before the Seminars and/ passionate educators out there.” she chose because of its “rapport among classroom into other realms. She has or another immediately following the event. students and staff and how much staff care a website and Facebook page where She’s certainly one. There’s no lack Each of these courses will involve three days of passion as she speaks about the role about the kids.” she posts tips on nutrition, fitness and of formal instruction, and then full conference she plays as a teacher and how she That aspect of her teaching was recog- physical activity and at last count has views her Grade 7 students and school. nized by Indspire, formerly the National some 3,500 people checking in on a participation to complete the PBDE require- “I have a job to do and that is to Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. weekly basis. ments. Students must be admitted to the PBDE make kids’ lives better,” she says. “Vezina demonstrates why eating a bal- She also gives motivational speeches program in order to register for these courses. “Everybody needs somebody who be- anced diet and staying fit complements learn- to Aboriginal and Métis communities lieves in them. I have 87 students and ing,” the group said in announcing the award. and organizations. She is a singer- Application deadline: June 1, 2013 they’re awesome. I genuinely love to “She instructs at-risk youth and adults about songwriter and performer. At her first For further information, please visit: be a teacher.” the importance of self-care and curriculum.” school in Pine Falls she helped with the education.uwinnipeg.ca/graduate_studies/pbde It wasn’t the first step in her current “If I can teach kids to care for themselves, jigging club. As well, she’s been work- journey, though. to care for their own education and to value ing with the province to create a diabe- She first earned an environmen- education, they will care for their communi- tes prevention video, self-esteem proj- tal science degree, which resulted in ty and the earth,” she says. “But you have to ects and an engagement curriculum. For more information: two job offers from oil companies in care to teach them to care about themselves.” And she has yet to turn 31. web - lostprizes.uwinnipeg.ca Alberta. Shocking friends and family, Her classroom is wallpapered with tips Next up, she hopes to get more in- email - Kari McCluskey at [email protected] she rejected both and continued to and ideas on eating better and respecting volved with teachers and parents to ponder the idea of teaching. She had others and taking care of oneself. Much of focus on the themes of self-care and Sponsored by Lost Prizes International and the International Centre for Innovation in Education. worked with Career Trek, a program her efforts are aimed at helping all kids feel to look more at the environment and designed to show young kids the nuts proud of their culture and learn more about sustainability. and bolts of various careers. That ex- their history. It seems a heavy workload and she perience was a first step into educa- “They have to know, to have a sense of does admit that sometimes she can tion, with an eye on helping disad- where they came from. I try to help them lean toward being downbeat. vantaged students. see that they make their ancestors proud “You can go through all sorts of emo- “I really felt that I could help kids; with the decisions they make now. It’s about tions, but through faith I always know to teach them to care for themselves, having honour. that something better is on its way.”

6 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 7 Program lost and found

ost Prizes is a program whose time off in places like England, Germany to has come and gone. name a few, we realized we were on the And come again. cusp of something really good.” Administrators in the Under the Lost Prizes umbrella, sev- University of Winnipeg eral members of the U of W’s Faculty Faculty of Education hope that in its of Education continue to develop prin- Visit a travel health latest incarnation, the program aimed ciples and strategies to guide training, professional at toward helping at-risk kids could be- programming and research locally and come an annual event, attracting del- abroad. They are spearheading projects in Journeys egates from around the world. Thailand, Jordan, India and Mexico with Travel Clinic Lost Prizes was originally run al- training and support provided at “cost”, most 20 years ago by facilitators in covering only essentials such as travel, i am so before you travel. three Manitoba school divisions, Lord accommodations, food and materials. Selkirk, Interlake, and Agassiz (now The joint Lost Prizes / ICIE conference Sunrise). The venture proved highly being held July 10 to 13 arose in part Call 204-982-9489 successful at re-engaging high-ability from the realization that they couldn’t but marginalized students who had give everyone everything they needed. for your consultation dropped out of school. Other related “We want people to be exposed to appointment and projects followed until 1999; Northern other networks and then be able to fol- information about group Lights focused on Aboriginal students, low up with their seminars and events as oooooo appointments for school Second Chance with young inmates well. Lost Prizes was at the outset a nar- from First Nations communities and row-focus program but has now become organized student travel. Prism which focused on self-awareness more of a philosophy and an attitude. By Pat St. Germain and achievement for troubled youth “I think one of the biggest challeng- from various backgrounds. es in education today is that there are eaching the same sub- York University associate profes- “We developed the plans as part of our a lot of very difficult kids and societal ject for 27 years might sor of psychology John Eastwood training in creative problem solving,” says problems in classes as a matter of course be a Sisyphean task, says confronting boredom head- Dean of the Faculty of Education, Ken and people have a tendency not to be but Miro Gawinski has on is the best approach. McCluskey. “Those were projects through prepared to deal with that. There are a learned to roll with it. “I think that the thing to do when bored is to take the 1990s. We talked about revisiting oooooooolot of very good things we don’t want The Crocus Plains Regional the feeling or the experience seriously—to pause and classes, but after 2003 we were finished.” to do away with; skills you want in Secondary School design drafting try to reflect on what this tells you,” he says. Still, word must have travelled about subject areas to teach reading, or math teacher found a way to banish his “If a teacher is bored, it’s pretty likely their students are going the success of the programs because in or science or whatever, but if you can’t own boredom as soon as it reared its ugly head. to be bored, too. Because that would mean the teacher is really 2005, McCluskey and colleague, Alan manage kids it’s almost all for naught. “If I look back on my career, the first year in the not emotionally engaged or invested in what’s happening.” Wiebe , co-ordinator of mentoring There are so many kids out there who classroom was exciting. The second year it was excit- He says teachers who are bored should ask themselves the with the faculty, were invited to speak bite the hands that didn’t feed them and ing, but maybe a little less. By the third year I was in that same questions they’d ask students: Is there something difficult at several international seminars. they’re coming to us from very unfor- state of mind where, ‘Oh my goodness, do I have to do this about their situation that they’re mislabeling as boring? Are they Requests to visit the Manitoba-based tunate and difficult circumstance and again?’ And you begin to make changes for your own san- afraid of failing at it? Do they need to figure out what makes the ooooooootask meaningful and important to them? program centres and receive training backgrounds. Our reality of what con- ity,” Gawinski says. began pouring in. stitutes proper education is not the real- The changes he made actually improved the course ma- “I don’t think boredom is inherently bad or good—it’s more “It was never intended to be a long- ity of their lives.” terial. And in the past 25 years, Gawinski says he hasn’t about how we respond to it or what we do about it,” he says. term program. Initially Lost Prizes was There’s no way of really knowing taught his class the same way twice. “Rather than try to run away from it, use it as a learning op- developed as a pedagogical tool, as an what the conference attendance will “I’ve taught the same concepts and theories and portunity. Curiousity and passionate engagement is the opposite intervention strategy,” says McCluskey. be, though organizers anticipate enroll- ideas, but not through the same exercises—not the of boredom, so get curious about boredom and I think you’ll find “It was a bit of an embarrassment. ment will be about 300, including more same way—and it’s just survival,” he says. your way out the other side.” People wanted to see what we were do- than 25 from Europe and another con- “You don’t necessarily have to use the same exercise to il- Passionate engagement is a given for Gawinski. He thinks of ing here but it didn’t exist so we had to tingent from Africa. oolustrate a principle, so you come up with more creative exercises. his job as a partnership with his students. They motivate him and reactivate things. Alan developed the “We have gone out to speak with the You come up with more creative little projects for them to do to keep him on his toes, and he returns the favour. Transition Program at the Youth Centre superintendents about this and we think learn a particular concept or theory. And those changes are es- “Keeping them interested is part of the game,” he says. “As and picked up the mentoring. We’ve the pick-up is going to be significant.” sential for your own sanity, but as I say, are absolutely terrific in long as I can make it interesting for myself—and challenging for gone back to the divisions Lord Selkirk, Full details of specific times, speakers improving the course material and making education more inter- myself—then I have a better chance of bringing them along on Sunrise, and others and now have pro- and registration fees are available online esting for the students.” that ride.” grams that people can actually see. After at lostprizes.uwinnipeg.ca. a few of these international things took 8 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 Z the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 9 wanting, but unable to engage in a satisfying activity

very day, millions of school “One of the things that we’re starting to In a paper published in Perspectives in Noise isn’t necessarily auditory. A silenced “We’re in an environment where usually perhaps failing,” Eastwood says. “So they kids suffer in slack-jawed si- look at in our lab is this question of the Psychological Science, they define boredom iPhone and an itchy texting finger, stress or our attention is grabbed by very salient, ex- can say, ‘Well I could do it if it wasn’t so lence from the same excru- fact that we can so easily pick up and play a as “wanting, but being unable to engage in a chaotic domestic situation can all be low- citing, demanding information, like loud boring, but it’s so boring so I’m not going bociating affliction—boredom. game on our phone—and that we often do a satisfying activity.” relevel distractions. And urban environments music or engaging video gamesd and that to try.’ ” We’ve all been there, but that. Does that actually make us more ripe Eastwood says all episodes of boredom are hotbeds of noise. kind of thing,” he says. Eastwood says students also find it diffi- boredom isn’t always a trivial complaint. for boredom, not only less capable of cop- involve a failure of our attention systems. “There’s this whole body of research—it’s “And I think we’re losing the capacity cult to focus attention on subjects they don’t Academic studies have associated it with ing with it when it occurs?” When we can’t focus our attention, we’re relatively small, but fairly well developed— to… reach out and connect with the world see as meaningful or relevant to their lives. stress, increased dropout rates and delin- Eastwood developed an interest in bore- likely to be bored—and we tend to blame showing the positive effects of being in a nat- in ways that require more effort—more A study of German Grade 11 students quency. At minimum it speaks to a lack of dom through his work as a clinical and cog- the subject or activity at hand. ural environment on our attention system.” sustained attention—on our part.” found they were bored during math class attention that’s not conducive to learning. nitive psychologist. He found that chroni- He cites a scenario in which three people Nature engages our attention in a gentle Researchers say students are more likely 52% of the time, but their boredom was Two out of three students who took part cally depressed people often struggled with are given the same book to read in three way, while artificial environments over- to claim they’re bored in classes that require alleviated when they confronted it and ex- in a 2007 Indiana University survey of high boredom, and some even cited it as personal separate rooms. One reader is left in per- whelm us with stimulation. We’re constantly mental exertion. Math and science tend to amined the cause. And teachers can use a schools in 26 states said they were bored a risk factor. fect silence, one is bombarded by noise, and plugged in, which can leave us fatigued and be more snooze-inducing than shop class discussion of boredom to explore ways to every day. And it’s possible that our mod- “When they felt bored they became anxious one is subjected to faint subliminal noise. desensitize us to subtle forms of stimulation. and students say they’re bored in classes promote a deeper level of engagement. ern, plugged-in society is making kids and and worried that a depressive episode might be Afterward, the first reader says the book was Eastwood speculates unplugging and put- that are heavy on lecturing and light on For example, a student who understands adults more vulnerable to boredom. coming down the road,” he says. “I thought, interesting, the second says he was too dis- ting more focus on nurturing imagination hands-on activity and discussion. that she has to pass a math class to achieve her York University associate professor of psy- ‘Well, is boredom different from depression, tracted to pay attention to it, and the reader and engaging in unstructured play would But boredom may be a convenient label. goal of going to university to become a librar- chology John Eastwood says responding to or are they overlapping or are they the same subjected to subliminal noise says the book be helpful for kids. They can play with a In some cases, students may just need reas- ian may be more motivated to apply herself. boredom is important, but it’s too easy to sim- thing or how would we distinguish them?’ ” was boring. stick or a ball in any number of ways, but surance that they’re up to a difficult task. “You work backwards and fit it into a ply avoid it when we have so many electron- Considering boredom is such a common “They don’t attribute their failure to engage a computer game requires less imagination “It could be that they’re just trying to broader, meaningful context,” Eastwood ic options for instant stimulation at hand. condition, academic research was relatively the text with the noise—they attribute it to because it can only be played one way. come up with a way of not confronting the says. “That can sometimes help people en- scarce, but Eastwood and his colleagues are something inherent in the text,” he says. fact that they’re struggling with this and gage with whatever it is they’re doing.” making headway.

10 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 11 Waiting for fairness (and Godot)

By george stephenson

ow that Bill C-377, one of receivable, statements of loans over $250, It was no doubt an oversight on behalf clear how much the organization gets every The legislation has been loudly cheered by While the exact amount Quebecor has the Harper government’s statements of disbursements, including of the government that the law singled out year, but it is somewhere around $11 million. those on the right, especially by people like been stuffing into its bank accounts appears premier flowers in its anti- salaries and benefits, to individuals over unions to be enveloped with Harper’s un- It doesn’t have to pay business taxes. It the writers for Sun Media, owners of the to be in dispute it should be clear soon; union garden, is about to $100,000, statements of time spent on “po- ending concern about transparency. keeps 10 per cent of the amusement tax Sun chain of newspapers and TV network. once its media properties voice strong sup- bloom, it’s time to get to litical” or “lobbying” activities and on and Now it will just have to fill in a few of the charged on tickets, pays a fraction of its Good for them. We can hardly wait to port for transparency among all organiza- work on expanding that law. on and on. cracks that have been opened by the legislation. property tax bill and will rake in millions see how much money and time Sun Media, tions that get tax breaks. It’s apparent that the Conservatives over- This is all being done by amending the No doubt the public should be able to see from the new gambling joint the province and its owner Quebecor, spends on political Now that the union part of the legisla- looked some obvious areas in which to ap- Income Tax Act because unions are constitu- what Law Societies and Bar Associations has approved next door to the arena. activities and lobbying. tion is in place, Sun Media columnists will ply the deep thinking that went into draft- tionally regulated by the provinces. In other and doctors’ organizations do with their Well, how much does everybody at True Quebecor has never been shy about tak- most likely be calling on corporations and ing this legislation. Like the cliché goes, it’s a words, the tax act is the only place the fed- membership fees. Members of all those or- North get in compensation? What do they ing taxpayers’ money. Its magazines have law societies and chambers of commerce good start, but more work needs to be done. eral government can put down its boot heel. ganizations pay dues that are tax deductible. spend more than $5,000 on every year benefited from the Canadian Periodical and conservative think tanks and employ- As it stands, Bill C-377 amends the At least that’s the uncharitable view. Actually, pretty well any business should and who gets the money? How much of Fund. Benefited, as in being subsidized by ers’ organizations to be included in the law. Income Tax Act to make it mandatory for The sponsor of the bill, Vancouver Tory have to file the same statements since all their time goes into “political” activities. more than $3 million. An analysis by CBC Actually, they shouldn’t stop there. unions and labour organizations to publicly MP Russ Hiebert, says it is all aimed at mak- businesses have tax deductions of some Inquiring minds, like Russ Hiebert’s, no (in response to attacks from Sun Media Everyone who gets a tax break from any disclose a wide swath of their expenditures. ing unions more transparent and account- sort or the other and more tax breaks were doubt want to know. on the public corporation) has shown that government should have to tell everybody They would have to publicly disclose such able. And the connection with the Income added in last month’s federal budget. We And what about the other deadbeats that Quebecor has received about $500 million else what they spend their money on. things as salaries, expenditures on lobbying Tax Act? Well, union dues are tax deduct- need that kind of transparency since their get taxpayers’ cash, like the oil industry? in various tax breaks and subsidies for all of You took a tax deduction for your kid’s and, well, pretty much everything. Apparently ible, therefore what they spend every dime tax deductions, like union dues, are indi- According to the David Suzuki its media properties. hockey registration or dance fees? Let me union members are not smart enough to actu- on should be publicly available to everyone. rectly taking money away from taxpayers. Foundation the federal government alone Quebecor has disputed those figures, see all your financial statements. ally ask how their money is spent. That is an excellent point. And since Close to home, shouldn’t everyone in gives out more than $1.4 billion in tax sub- while at the same time admitting it has You deducted a charitable donation? Tell But, really, it has nothing to do with this is now the apparent belief of the Manitoba know how True North, owner of sidies to the oil, coal and gas companies. soaked up a couple of tax dollars here and us how much you paid for your car. members of unions. Conservative government, then it should the Winnipeg Jets, spends every dime? Again, it must have been an inadvertent there, such as $21 million from a federal You took a tax deduction for donating It orders unions to make public: state- begin to immediately expand the law to in- More than any union, it actually gets direct oversight that they were not included in television fund. So, there, it was only a little to MP Russ Hiebert’s election campaign? ments on any expenditure over $5,000 clude everyone and every organization that funnel from the public trough. It’s not even Bill C-377. bit pregnant. Show us your last IQ test. and who got paid, statements of accounts falls within that description.

12 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 13 Students outside the nearly finished Benefit plans up in service, down in cost early-years school in November 2012

ore and more local as- Disability Benefits Plan • Decreasing premiums for the past three sociations are joining With an expected decrease in premi- years while increasing coverage in the MTS benefits programs, ums for next year (yet to be approved past two years. helping to reduce costs by the MTS Annual General Meeting in • Coverage increased on the dispensing and increase services. May), the yearly cost to members will be fee cap to $7 per prescription and an Those are the findings of a review of approaching the lowest in the plan’s his- increase to $850 per person per year on programs over the past several years, pre- tory. The fee being proposed is 1.33 per all paramedical services. ceding another expected reduction in cent of salary, down from 1.62 per cent. • Hearing aids increased to $1,000 once Disability Benefits Plan premiums and a Other enhancements over the past few every three years. proposal for the Society to create its own years have included: • Increase in eye exams to $75 once every short-term disability plan. • Automatic waiver of premiums for two years. Glen Anderson, MTS staff officer re- members on disability. Short Term Disability sponsible for group benefits, says collec- • Increased focus on claims prevention The short-term disability plan has tive growth in the plans the past three and rehabilitation. grown from involvement of nine associa- years has helped to decrease premiums Extended Health tions to 15 in the past four years and now paid by members. The biggest change for the extended MTS is proposing to create its own pro- Since the 1970s, MTS has entered health program in 2013 will mean a ma- gram. The plan has been operated through into a number of insurance programs jor savings for members, says Anderson. a private insurer. The new plan, which and now is involved in five—Group life, All members of associations in the plan needs approval at the May AGM, would long-term disability, short-term disabil- will see about a 40-per-cent saving as be administered by the Society’s Disability ity, extended health and dental—that lo- the plan moves to a pre-tax premium in Benefits Plan. The proposed plan will have cal associations can join. September. Other changes seen include: enhanced benefits, pay no taxes, and be Pencils and paper become walls and roof All five have shown a wide-range of available at no additional cost. By mireille theriault positive changes over the years. Dental In the past two years most associations n July of 2010 Deborah Barry went to Bit by bit, from September to June, ac- On February 26, 2013 the school was of- reached a mature plan status, resulting in Ghana with Project Overseas through tivities brought in $700 or $300 at a time. ficially opened and a plaque unveiled that a surplus that has been used to either de- the Canadian Teachers’ Federation for Larger amounts like a $1,000 social justice recognizes the work of Barry, her teachers’ crease premiums or institute coverage in- the first time. grant came from the Manitoba Association organizations and her students. creases. One increase was the addition last With $600 she had raised through of Computing Educators, $1,000 from the The early childhood education centre now year of dental implants to covered services. donations from the Louis Riel Teachers’ St. Mary’s Road United Church and anoth- has about 100 students, both boys and girls, Group Life Association and the division school board er $1,200 from the LRTA brought the final and serves as a hub for neighboring villages. A major change was the increase in she bought supplies for three schools, but total to $6,500. Aside from increasing the number of days 2010 of available coverage to seven times soon realized the village of Bokorvikofe “This was a big thing for the CTF. This was children could attend school with proper needed more than what goes in the school. their first school building project and so to shelter, Barry points out it was instrumental 2013 salary from five times salary, while main- Summer Session is a great time taining premiums at 10 cents per thousand It needed a whole new school. make sure it was successful and could happen in attracting and retaining qualified teach- to take courses toward your PBDE since the 1990s. Other changes included The K-to-Grade 3 school was a crude again in the future, they ensured all money ers. In 2009, there were three teachers in

SUMMER SESSION automatic waivers for members on disabil- shelter with a thatched roof. With no walls was going where it needed to go and was Bokorvikofe, and no proper schools. Now Choose from over 40 Education courses, including these or floor, there was no real protection from accounted for, “says Barry. But when every- there are 15 (all but four are trained) for Summer Institutes in Education: ity and allowing members to increase insur- ance 90 days before the birth of a first child. the elements for the children. thing was accounted for, it was clear it would students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. • Fostering School Leadership Capacity to Support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students Anderson and Ralph Ramore, the “When I came back to Hastings School, actually cost $10,500 to build the school. Barry was transferred to Darwin School af- • Education for Sustainability I really wanted it to be something that was Her contact at the CTF was a member of ter her second trip to Ghana, but returned • Storytelling for Peace Education and Human Rights Disability Benefits Plan administrator, • Portrayals of Teachers in Popular Media say there are a couple of major reasons sustainable,” says Barry. “I contacted the the Ottawa South Rotary Club, a group that to Hastings to make a presentation about the • Alternative Education in a Changing World: the plans overall have seen both increases CTF and asked what it would cost to build had raised $4,000 towards the same goal. opening ceremony of the school in Bokorvikofe. Human Rights and Social Justice in Action in services and reductions in benefits. a school.” The exact figure kept changing “They didn’t have enough either but by pool- “I had bracelets with each students’ name • Inquiry into New Frontiers: The Future of Inclusive Education One is that as more associations join, but it was in the range of $5,000. With that ing the money we were able to move forward.” made for them in thanks. I also brought • Inclusive Special Education - Universal Design for Learning: number in mind, fundraising began. Teaching Diverse Learners in the Inclusive Classroom numbers of members grow and services On her second journey with CTF in back a wooden relief called ‘A Helping can be enhanced. “We did quite a few different types of 2011, she was lucky enough to be part of a Hand�. It’s of a boy climbing a palm tree, For information on Summer Session 2013 courses and Institutes, visit: “It’s the benefit of being a union and fundraising but we also tried to make it rel- ground-breaking ceremony for the project. trying to reach a coconut and someone umanitoba.ca/summer or call: (204) 474-6963/8008 being part of a collective,” says Ramore. evant and beneficial for our own kids and Work began on the school in March of 2012. pushing him from behind. It’s in the office For information on admission to the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Education, visit: MAY community. The students had a real appre- “The villagers hired a foreman and a few at Hastings School along with the picture of umanitoba.ca/education or call: (204) 474-7886 Anderson adds that “the focus is on mem- JUNE ber service as opposed to boards of insur- ciation for what they had and what life was experts but they made all their own bricks the opening ceremonies as a reminder that JULY ance companies focusing on creating a divi- like somewhere else. They jumped in whole and literally built the school themselves,” all people need to do is give a hand and any- This is a joint program between heartedly. We discussed what sustainable says Barry. thing is possible.” Extended Education and The Faculty of Education. AUGUST dend to the shareholder or policy holder.” development meant and they learned that they could do something.”

14 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 15 AIDS in Africa Solidarity Tour comes to MTS Six candidates nominated for MTS Provincial Executive

he Stephen Lewis • Netty Musanhu, Executive Director of The Stephen Lewis Foundation works Foundation Solidarity Musasa in Zimbabwe. Musasa is a commu- with grassroots organizations turning the So far, only six candidates have been nominated for six Tour, raising awareness of AIDS nity-based organization that implements tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Since 2003 openings on the MTS Provincial Executive. in Africa, comes to Manitoba gender-based anti-violence programs. it has funded over 700 initiatives, part- And one candidate came forward for the vice-president in May, sponsored by The • Nathan Nhlane, National Coordinator nering with over 300 community-based position during the first nomination period. The candidate for one two-year Manitoba Teachers’ Society. of the Zambia National Anti­retroviral organizations in 15 countries. Any further candidates will have to be nominated from term as vice-president is: The MTS provincial executive con- Support Programme (ZNARVS). Stephen Lewis’ work with the United the floor of the Annual General Meeting in May. Norm Gould tributed $2,500 to the tour and another ZNARVS works to promote access to Nations has spanned more than two St. James-Assiniboia $2,000 to help hold the Manitoba event psychosocial, treatment, human rights decades. He was the UN Secretary- at the Society building on May 4. and nutrition support for people living General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS Candidates for the six two-year positions on provincial executive are: MTS is inviting members and the gen- with HIV/AIDS. in Africa from June 2001 until the end of eral public interested in hearing activists The Solidarity Tour is being organized 2006. From 1995 to 1999, he was depu- from Africa. Those interested should con- with the aid of various unions. ty executive director of UNICEF. From tact Manto Caldis at mcaldis@mbteach. Canadian unions have long supported 1984 through 1988, he was Canada’s org or 204-888-7961. Seating is limited. the Stephen Lewis Foundation with a Ambassador to the United Nations. The Solidarity Tour features three speakers: shared commitment to social justice, wom- For more information, visit the tour • Wairimu Mungai, Director, WEM en’s equality, and international solidarity. website at www.solidaritytour.ca or the Integrated Health Services in Kenya. In recognition of those shared values, foundation website, www.stephenlewis WEM implements community-based the Foundation organized the Solidarity foundation.org. programs that improve the capacity of vul- Tour for union members from Winnipeg The event in Winnipeg will be held Mary Chalmers Suzanne Jolicoeur Bob Kriski Mike Mann Bea Walker Harry Wiebe nerable community groups to better cope to Windsor—a 15-day trip to raise at the MTS main building (McMaster Border Land AEFM Portage la Prairie Seven Oaks Flin Flon Turtle River with the impacts of disease and poverty. awareness and understanding about the House), 191 Harcourt Street, from 2 pm AIDS pandemic in Africa. to 4:30 pm, Saturday, May 4. The candidates� biographies and election statements can be found on the MTS website, www.mbteach.org

WHAT IS THE Budget proposes MTS TREATY EDUCATION INITIATIVE? 5% fee hike Discounts The Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, in partnership with the Assembly The 2013–2014 proposed budget of Manitoba Chiefs, Aboriginal Affairs and for MTS recommends a fee increase Northern Development Canada, Manitoba of five per cent. Education, and the Manitoba First Nations If approved at the May Annual Education Resource Centre, are developing General Meeting, the membership K-12 teacher resource packages and related fee would increase to $877 from teaching materials to: $835, or $42 a year.  Increase the knowledge and Even if adopted, the fee would still understanding of the Treaties and the be less than it was three years ago Treaty Relationship among all students; when it topped $900. MASTER OF  Ensure students understand the impact of Among the largest expenditures EDUCATIONAL the Treaties and the Treaty Relationship are an annual payment for a dona- TECHNOLOGY on the creation of Manitoba; tion and classroom naming rights at  Build bridges between all peoples in the Canadian Museum for Human LEARNING order to strengthen our society and our Rights, more money for a communi- Visit mbteach.org INNOVATION Discover more: met.ubc.ca prosperity. cations program to profile teaching ONLINE @UBCMET and teachers and annualized cost of for exclusive new For training opportunities visit a new membership database. You know where www.trcm.ca/treaty-education- Expenditures and revenues in the savings, updates you’re going. initiative/ final budget could go up or down and offers for The online MET depending on decisions made at graduate program Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba 400-175 Hargrave Street • Winnipeg, Mantitoba AGM on a number of resolutions meets you there. MTS members. Phone: (204) 777-1871 • Fax: (204) 777-1874 that include other cost implications. Toll-Free: 1-866-296-3228

16 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 17 Union leader recalls Art Food drive Grade 9 teacher PD for brings in Teachers 11,871 kg By JUDY OWEN There were smiles all around ichelle Gawronsky Through the Eyes of WAG Artists March 19 as the non-perishable knows what it’s like Tour the WAG’s annual children’s exhibition Through the Eyes of a Child, harvest from 69 Manitoba schools to be the new kid in th class—and it’s not fun. followed by a hands-on workshop with WAG Studio artists. that participated in the 14 Annual When her fam- Thurs, April 11, 4:30-9pm. Call 204.789.1290. Operation Donation School Food Drive was revealed—26,173.2 lbs. ily moved to Alberta from Thompson, Meet the Masters Digital Classroom Kits (11,871 kg). Manitoba, after Grade 5 for employment Educational lesson plans and PowerPoints on a great selection of Cameron Tramley, who took to the reasons, she lived in a number of differ- internationally celebrated artists and artworks represented in the podium with Kateesha Wai, a fellow ent towns before returning to Manitoba exhibition 100 Masters: Only in Canada. student at École Varennes, said, ‘I and Roseau River, where her dad fol- feel good about helping the people lowed his dream of mixed farming. FREE Exhibition Sneak Peek for Teachers It was near the end of Grade 9 when Fri, May 24, 4:30-5:30pm • 100 Masters: Only in Canada who don’t have as much as we do— most of all the kids.” she first stepped inside the Shevchenko Teacher’s E-newsletter The schools’ haul, combined with School in Vita and began the difficult task Send your email to [email protected] to receive our bi-monthly e-newsletters. 13,103 lbs. (5,943 kg) of food gath- of settling in and making new friends. Lucky for her, teacher William Siwak Siwak’s wife, Shirley, who was a sec- Visit wag.ca/learn/schools for a listing of all School Programs ered from Manitoba Public Insurance offices, made a total of 39,276.15 made that transition a lot easier. retary, and they became good friends. lbs. (17,815 kg). “Needless to say, when you move from She remembers going to the Siwak But it didn’t end there. school to school to school it was really hard home for the first time as an adult. Winnipeg Art Gallery 300 Memorial Blvd • 204.789.1766 • wag.ca With Peak of the Market and to make friends,” said Gawronsky, the new She was nervous, but her former Canada Safeway matching the school president of the Manitoba Government teacher—he also taught her two sons and MPI donations, the total collected and General Employees’ Union. and two daughters before retiring— A 6-day workshop MTS Annual was 117,828.45 pounds (53,446 kg). “I came into school with a chip on my was welcoming. on Assessment and shoulder and I remember (Siwak) say- “He said, ‘You’ve done well, you Math Recovery Teaching Strategies “Students and teachers are the heart Golf Tournament for Early Years of today’s success,” said Paul Olson, ing, ‘You know what St. Godard (her should be proud of yourself,’ ” she said, Saturday, June 15, 2013 maiden name), I’m here to teach you, noting she still lives in Vita and they president of The Manitoba Teachers’ (1 p.m. Shotgun Start) Society, a sponsor of the drive. “We you’re here to decide whether you want talk to each other about once a month. at the Meadows at East St. August 19–21 and October 7–9, 2013 celebrate every individual—and ev- to learn or not…’ She also recalled now-retired teach- 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ery school community—that fought “You were accepted when you came er Mary-Ann Derewianchuk, who Paul Golf Course, Manitoba Norwood Hotel, 112 Marion St. against hunger and hopelessness with into his class. He never treated us like helped her youngest son. love and action. children when we were in senior high. “I could never, ever, ever repay her Presented by the River East Jim Martland is the co-author of several “He said, ‘I’m getting paid today. “Having enough to eat should for what she gave to my son,” she said. Transcona Teachers’ Association books on early numeracy and the director be the most basic of human rights. Whether you learn or not, that’s up to That’s why the former 4-H leader of the Mathematics Recovery Program in Sadly, it’s not. We are grateful to every you, but I am going to teach and I am a and school volunteer has the “utmost • $85/golfer – includes 18 England, Scotland and Wales. He is Senior school that participated in Operation good teacher.’ And he was, he was a phe- respect” for teachers. holes, ½ golf cart, dinner or Fellow in the Department of Education at the Donation. You made it possible for nomenal teacher.” “I could never do it myself,” • $65/golfer – includes 18 holes University of Liverpool. thousands of kids and their parents Siwak taught her typing and account- Gawronsky said. “I don’t know where and dinner (no power cart) Gay Sul is a math consultant in Frontier School to get the food they need.” ing through Grade 11 and then she quit they get their patience from. They Entry deadline is May 30, 2013 school because she thought she didn’t must be saints. Division and the only accredited Math Recovery trainer in From February 25 to March 1, Mail entries to: Canada. In 2009 she was voted Math Teacher of the Year K–12 schools from across Manitoba need it, missed some friends in Alberta “I had four children and there were RETTA c/o Frank Reeves by the Manitoba Association of Math Teachers. helped Winnipeg Harvest by col- and “of course, there was a guy in the days when I thought I was going to 206-1100 Concordia Avenue lecting non-perishable food items, picture” she wanted to go back and see. lose my mind. Imagine sitting in a Math Recovery helps struggling learners as well as average and able learners. including, baby food, tuna, soup, However, she first worked for a year in classroom with 30 children? Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2K 4B8 Come prepared to learn how to conduct, code, and analyze a diagnostic canned vegetables, fruit and pasta, Vita and happened to meet her late hus- “I find it sad that we’re actually Make cheques payable to: interview, use a research-based continuum, create a teaching plan for individuals and much more. band, Roman. She ended up staying in sitting in classrooms that are that RETTA or small groups, and use easily made teaching resources. the town as they raised four children and large. My hat’s off to any teacher in The annual campaign always fills For more information contact: a gap at just the right time—after Roman was a farm manager. Manitoba who puts that time and ef- For further information, e-mail [email protected] Frank Reeves Christmas and before spring plant- While working as a health-care aide at fort in. And I don’t’ know any teachers or phone 772-9222. 204-661-1823 ing, when food stocks are low. a Vita nursing home, Gawronsky met that don’t put the extra time in.” [email protected]

18 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 19 Let all bitterness and wrath… be put away Ephesians 4:31-32 PORT By george stephenson Who would have thought? rom some of the screeching zations meeting in their school will not be gays as abnormal; certainly not as men- History 101 U.S. teen birth rates have dropped to a record being heard across Manitoba, contradictory to their faith principles.” tally ill anymore (thanks, kid), just socially low in the past 20 years as use of contraceptives A school in the York region of one might think that the prov- And this from a student opposed to the unacceptable. Kind of like lepers of old, Ontario has put an end to a trend by among teens has increased. ince’s Bill 18 forces people to law: “Sixty years ago, being gay was a deserving of equal measures of compas- According to new data from the National students sporting depictions of the flag FOL toss puppies and kittens from high mental disease. We’ve come a long way sion and disdain. of the U.S. confederacy. Center for Health Statistics teen birth rates have bridges—or Christians to the lions. from calling them mentally unstable but It appears to be anyone’s guess what The Confederate flag became popular dropped 50 percent since 1991. There was only Not quite. Bill 18 contains the rage-mak- at the same time it’s not what the faith beliefs these schools harbour that are so at Sutton District High School in the a slight decline in the number of teens having ing, but far from radical, new measures base of this school is.” egregiously contradicted by protecting last two years, principal Dawn Laliberté sex, suggesting that that school boards must adopt to ensure And this from a website calling on peo- minority students. One spokesperson for told the Toronto Star, emblazoned on more adolescents are students in their care are not bullied. ple to send form letters of opposition to religious schooling said on CBC that it’s bandanas, lighters, belt buckles, back- IO preventing pregnancy The whirling Dervishes kicking up a the government: “Bill 18 requires schools not the students themselves (which he packs and pickup truck windows. by practicing safer sex. dust storm are some faith-based schools to accommodate and promote student conceded are “human beings”), but the which claim that the law will infringe on groups that have values and beliefs in “behaviour” that’s the issue. “Our first step is always to educate. We their religious freedom and contradict direct contradiction to many faith-based For those in the slower class, he means sex. are only dealing with a handful of stu- their beliefs and values. independent schools and in contradiction So that’s the big issue? Sex between dents who view it as a white pride kind There has been a lot of tap dancing to the communities many public schools members of the same gender? Good grief, of thing, so we thought now is the time around what that is supposed to mean, are located.” they’re teenagers and pre-teens. Their to get the message out,” Laliberté said. but what’s left after all the steam and The website is especially laughable sexual orientation is not a behaviour any “It’s more about the country values, heat is cleared is that these schools don’t in that it contains no examples of how more than being straight is a behaviour; we don’t think of it as racist,” said a actually want to acknowledge that gay this law contradicts anything. It just lists it is part of their identity. Maybe some Grade 10 student, who has T-shirts, students exist. generalities it declares as facts and has are having sex, maybe they will someday, belt buckles and hats with the symbol, The new law would force them to. links where people can send form letters maybe never. But they will always be gay. and plans to keep wearing them de- A New York school has apolo- OK, anyone have It says that school boards “must accom- of protest. The provincial Conservatives And other kids will always be straight. spite the ban. gized after discovery of a math any better ideas? modate pupils who want to establish and are loving it, claiming more than 5,500 And as such, they do need protection, “I didn’t even know it was racist,” quiz involving slavery. lead activities and organizations that: emails have been sent in opposition. along with every other student, from bullying. said a Grade 12 student. “Then I The worksheet entitled “Slavery a) promote So what? And all schools, whether they like it or Googled it.” Word Problems Homework”, in- The school board in Windsor is also sorry i) gender equity, Given the fact-free nature of the op- not, have to do some things that they may The president of the Ontario Black cluded questions such as: after some teachers thought it a great prank ii) antiracism, position, they might as well say Bill 18 is not agree with because society at large History Society told The Starthe fact “In a slave ship, there can be to tell their eighth graders they would be iii) the awareness and understanding also a danger to puppies and kittens. pays the freight and sets certain standards. people are embracing the symbol “shows 3,799 slaves. One day, the slaves taking a end-of-year trip to Disney World. of, and respect for, people who are But, who’s kidding who? The opposition Certain schools may not believe in evo- that not only is there a lack of black his- took over the ship. 1,897 are The teachers went so far as to make up disabled by barriers, or is clearly among those who would rather lution, but it is taught alongside creation- tory awareness, but there is also a dead. How many slaves are alive?” fake permission slips and a PowerPoint iv) the awareness and understand- see gay students keep themselves, with ism, whether it seems contradictory or not. lack of regular history awareness.” And: show on the bogus journey. ing of, and respect for, people of the help of the school, locked in the clos- It has not led to the collapse of civili- “One slave got whipped five Eventually came the punch line: They all sexual orientations and gender et. They would rather gay students went zation or anyone’s core beliefs and basic Students in North Dakota times a day. How many times did would actually be going to a bowling alley identities; and unacknowledged, ignored, marginalized. protections for gay students won’t either. he get whipped in a month (31 in Windsor. were disciplined after wearing b) use the name "gay-straight alliance" Ironically, that in itself could be seen as Ku Klux Klan-style white days)? Another slave got whipped Ha, ha, ha. or any other name that is consis- bullying or at least tacit approval to treat robes and hoods to a school nine times a day. How many “We were all angry,” Grade 8 student tent with the promotion of a positive hockey game. times did he get whipped in a Mona Makai told CTV Windsor, adding school environment that is inclusive There was an uproar on month? How many times did the that the she feels the students were made and accepting of all pupils.” Twitter after a picture of the trio two slaves get whipped together to feel foolish to the rest of the school. A There have been peripheral complaints was posted by a 19-year-old in one month?” board spokesperson called it about other parts of the Bill, but (iv) and It turned out the poor judgment. (b) are really the flint and striker that student who was at the game. questions had been The teachers themselves sparked the firestorm. “I thought, ‘Are those written by yet anoth- have not spoken to the Those opposed don’t like the idea that KKK hoods?’ I couldn’t be- er Grade 4 class media about the fake out, students are given the right to establish lieve it,” the student said. as part of a his- but one of them has ap- gay-straight alliances. They quiver at the “I was shocked.” tory lesson. parently taken responsi- sight of the words sexual orientation. Yet, The school principal bility and apologized to in media coverage they never come right said an investigation de- the student. out and say what the problem is. termined the students An excellent CBC report on the issue got wore the Klan outfits only this from the principal of a faith-based for about 30 seconds to school: “Independent schools should have a minute. The teens removed the out- the right to direct and ensure any organi- fits after students in the section told them it was offensive, he said.

20 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 21 Fort Garry Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre MAY 1 & 2 Winnipeg, Manitoba Learning not to be stupid 101 By mireille theriault Canadian Conference on Topics include: espite the growing number Cranston works with social media Administration Act, the Criminal Code Developmental Disabilities of articles warning would-be guidelines from other institutions and section 153, as well as the Code of 2013••••• teachers to watch their digi- those already developed at the U of M. Professional Practice of The Manitoba and Autism tal steps, many are not get- “Everybody in the professional facul- Teachers’ Society. ting the message that their ties here are reacting to this new real- “There’s still a lot of discussion over Don’t miss the latest, most innovative information on teaching careers could be over before they start. ity and trying to catch up. There is not privacy and the perceived ‘right’ to post University authorities have been han- one who’s ahead of the curve. One of the whatever they wish. We sometimes have and supporting students with developmental disabilities and autism. dling numerous complaints about the mis- things we are looking at is working with a hard time getting them to appreci- • Joanne Gerenser: Play, Recreation & Leisure use of social media by teacher candidates. the education students’ council to devel- ate that up to a point, yes, that is true, Since 2009, the University of Manitoba op social media guidelines.” but because of their special status, their • Julie Walsh: The Sibling Experience has had a system whereby people can While problems exist in other faculties, whole life will change as a teacher and • Mary Jane Weiss: Strategies for Successful Inclusion bring complaints about the professional they are magnified for teacher candidates. this is only one of the most public ways.” • Technology for teaching and learning: Apps, SmartBoards, eBooks etc. conduct of education students. “It’s the nature of teaching, by its very de Wiele says some students have shut In the past seven months 12 allegations special status, that is so fraught with po- down their pages and those that don’t are • Dr. Brokenleg: Circle of Courage, Mobilizing Communities, Culture & Healing of misconduct have been brought to the at- tential pitfalls. warned to engage strict privacy settings • Nora Young: Technology and the Future tention of Dr. Jerome Cranston, Associate “In real life there is no ‘undo’ or ‘erase’ to keep what they write from students. Dean of Undergraduate Programs. Just button in the classroom, but on these “Some students are very tech savvy and And much more! over half were addressed without pro- sites there is, so why haven’t they done will cause you nothing but grief. In other ceeding to the Professional Unsuitability it? In the cases where I’ve looked at pro- cases it’s the parents who do the digging.” To register and sign up for updates: www.ccdda.ca Committee, but of the five that did, four fessional unsuitability specifically with Michael Nantais, assistant professor of were for misuse of social media. relation to social media, it really is an education at Brandon University, says so- “They posted personal criticisms and uncomfortable familiarity with express- cial media has become a big part of his negative, disparaging comments about ing themselves however they see fit with- internet-based media course. professors, and in some cases about school out realizing that what we say and write “I look at it from the perspective of the division policy and enforcement of those comes with consequences.” student teacher and the future teacher. policies,” he says. “We are sensitive to the And Cranston doesn’t have much sym- One of the first things I get them to do is fact that Canadian courts have been quite pathy for those invoking their freedom ‘Google yourself’ and see what shows up. generous with students, allowing them to of expression. I don’t make it as a scary thing because I critique the quality of a professor’s instruc- “I’m pretty quick to remind them that think there’s already too much fear about tion. What isn’t allowable is potty-mouth as teachers we are held to a higher stan- using social media. I look at it from the name calling. It’s extremely childish and dard. We just don’t have the level of free- point of view that whatever you put out immature behavior and that’s why we dom of expression allowed or enjoyed by there is permanent and it can be seen by call into question their suitability. the general public.” many people you never intended. We look “In all cases it’s behavior falling outside This realization, especially in the con- at various way of maintaining control.” of the professional code of conduct of text of social media, seems to be par- “Just recently, we looked at the social The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. We say ticularly difficult for teacher candidates media mishaps in the last issue of The to them, ‘You want to be a teacher? These to grasp and is the centre of sometimes Manitoba Teacher. With rare exception are the standards in place for practicing spirited debate in the faculty of educa- their reactions were ‘What? How could teachers and we’re going to start holding tion of other Manitoba universities. they have been so stupid?’ But there were you to them as of now. It has to do with Corrine Barrett de Wiele is a professor others that brought up more of a ‘really?’ how you’re going to engage with your at the University of St. Boniface, Faculty reaction. ‘A person got fired for that?’ colleagues, your school principal or your of Education whose course “The Role of “What is comes down to is that as a divisional superintendents. It’s the kind School in Society” parallels that taught at teacher you have to sometimes live by of conversations through social media the University of Manitoba. standards that may not be your own. that are not professional.” “In the course, we talk about the role “That last thing I would say to them “We see teaching candidates who, and responsibility of teachers so we start is ‘Don’t use it.� It’s to the point where, if when it comes to social media, don’t with the premise that you are a teacher you aren’t using it, people might start to seem to be able to distinguish between 24/7,” she says. question it. So I say, you should have a their personal connectivity and what it Students debate the role of social digital footprint, but you have to manage means to represent an entire profession.” media as it pertains to The Education it and you need to keep it positive.”

22 the manitoba teacher april/may 2013 Celebrating Teachers Excellence in our Classrooms

Greg Jim Stan Ron Clarence Selinger Rondeau Struthers Lemieux Pettersen MLA for St. Boniface MLA for Assiniboia MLA for Dauphin MLA for Dawson Trail MLA for Flin Flon 204-888-7722 204-622-7630 204-878-4644 204-687-3367 204-237-9247 JimRondeau.mb.ca StanStruthers.ca Ron-Lemieux.ca ClarencePettersen.ca GregSelinger.ca

Peter Eric Dave Kevin Christine Bjornson Robinson Chomiak Chief Melnick MLA for Gimli MLA for Kewatinook MLA for Kildonan MLA for MLA for Riel 204-642-4977 204-943-2274 204-334-5060 204-421-9126 204-253-5162 PeterBjornson.ca Eric-Robinson.ca DaveChomiak.ca KevinChief.ca ChristineMelnick.ca

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