The Voice The State Education Association  March 2014

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 1 Planning Period Upcoming Consider an Application Assignments Primary Election for Teacher of the Year May 10 n What: Just a week from the Department of Ed involvement, philosophy of teaching and Primary Election, many races are learning, and the teaching profession tight and every vote is going to Taking Applications from the viewpoint of the applicant. count. NSEA has made recommen- Finalists will be interviewed in October. An awards luncheon and reception will be dations, based on education issues, for 2017 Process held at NSEA headquarters in November. in two dozen races. So if you haven’t You may be Nebraska’s next Teacher SMART Technologies provides the voted early, check the recommenda- of the Year. tions Starting on Page 22, and then If you are open to challenges – and the recipient a package of hardware and soft- vote on May 10. rewards that come with those challenges ware for classroom use. Cash and other n Details: Polls are open from – consider applying to become Ne- assorted gifts add to the value of the ti- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 10. Be a braska’s next Teacher of the Year. tle. The program receives financial good example, and take time to The recipient will become support from The Sherwood vote. a spokesperson for education Foundation, Union Bank and the teaching profession, & Trust Co., the Nebraska $150k 4 Kids will travel the state and coun- Academy of Sciences and Through October 2017 try, and be continually recog- ConAgra Foods Foundation. n What: At Delegate Assembly nized for excellence. The program will accept in April, NSEA officially and formally Since 1972, the Nebraska applications through mid- opened a drive to raise $150,000 for Teacher of the Year program night on Aug. 7. The ap- the NSEA Children’s Fund. has recognized outstanding Nebras- plication is on the Department of n Details: The Children’s Fund ka certified teachers working in a pre- Education website, and can be completed has helped thousands of needy kindergarten through grade 12 classroom electronically. Copies will be mailed to PAGE NUmber here -- children get the basic necessities setting, and who plan to continue in an individuals who request them. required to be able to learn. Find active teacher status in a state-approved For details, call Lora Sypal at the Ne- out more about this fund drive on or accredited school. braska Department of Education, 402- Page xx. Questions on the application form 471-5059. The application can also be seek details on educational background found at: Leadership Institute and personal development, community www.education.ne.gov/ July 11-14 n What: This is the 30th session of this gathering, which promotes leadership skills for emerging Asso- Have Your Contact Details Changed? ciation leaders. There is still time for Have you moved? Have you changed your name by marriage? If so, you can update your registration. NSEA membership information online. n Details: Four expense-paid Log on to the NSEA website and click on the ‘Member Info’ button on the left side of the days at NSEA Headquarters. Contact screen. Then click on the ‘For Members’ link and look for the ‘Member Update’ icon, and fol- NSEA’s Rebecca Smith for details at low directions. Keep your issue of The Voice near, as the mailing label includes your 10-digit 1-800-742-0047. membership number, used to access your information. The NSEA website is at: www.nsea.org

Without a teaching certificate in hand, Parker Schoen could not lead his classroom alone Cover for the first two days of his teaching career. His mother, Lesa Christiancy, has long known Page Story: the value and importance of maintaining a valid teaching certificate. For details, turn to 6

Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen tober, November, February, April and August. Published Assoc. Executive Director Neal Clayburn online in December, January, March and May. Director of Public Affairs Karen Kilgarin Assistant Comm. Director Al Koontz Payment of annual NSEA dues entitles Nebraska educa- the tors to receive The Voice. Cost of producing 10 issues of NSEA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Voice each year is $3.41 per member. President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-Clatonia VOICE Vice President Jenni Benson, Lincoln Nebraska State Education Association Advertising rates available on request. Appearance of an NEA Director John Heineman, Omaha advertisement in The Voice does not imply NSEA endorse- 605 S. 14th Street NEA Director Deb Gnuse, Grand Island Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org ment of the product advertised or views expressed. (402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047 Official publication of the Nebraska State Education As- Volume 69, No. 9 sociation, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Cited for excellence each year by ISSN Number: 1085-0783 Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional the State Education Editors, including USPS Number: 000-369 mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to The these past awards: Best Magazine, Voice, NSEA, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Best News Story, Best Feature Story, Best Photograpy and Best Editorial Design. Great Public Schools For Every Child Published and mailed 6 times yearly in September, Oc-

PAGE 2 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 The President The ‘What I Will Do List’ At the start of each election year, we at the NSEA likely voters in Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District. Headquarters watch with great interest as the reports of A day after the Journal Star report, the Buffett Early candidate filings begin to pop up in the news. Childhood Institute at the of Nebraska We pay particular attention to candidates for the released the findings of a poll that surveyed 7,100 Nebraska Legislature because, frankly, our 49 senators Nebraskans. The poll, conducted by Gallup, found that play an oversized role in the success of public education 67 percent of Nebraskans “strongly agree” that the state at all levels. Senators wield tight control over a school “should make early care and education a higher priority district’s ability to collect revenue; they tinker with than it is today.” The poll said 58 percent feel the state is state aid each year; they make decisions that affect class investing too little in early childhood care and education. size, counseling and student mental health issues; they Only 6 percent think the state invests too much. proscribe standardized testing measures; and they make Further, when asked “how important is it for the decisions on other aspects of the job you do every day. state of Nebraska to invest in public K-12 education” 77 Time and again, as these candidates file, they percent of Nebraskans said “very important.” Another 15 put forth their personal versions of the ever-popular percent said “somewhat important.” That’s a 92 percent “What I Will Do if Elected List.” For instance, one favorable rating for K-12 public education. Community NSEA President candidate announced earlier this year he would, if earned an 80 percent favorable rating, and Nancy Fulton elected, “…protect the Second Amendment, oppose four-year colleges and earned a 71 percent illegal immigration, support the death penalty, oppose favorable rating. tax increases, support veteran’s issues and eliminate Those are powerful numbers. wasteful spending.” “ Whew. ‘Thou Shalt Vote’ ...education That is certainly a lengthy list of hot-button issues. Policymakers and policymakers-to-be would be wise That’s not to demean or belittle that candidate’s good to heed those numbers. is the most intentions or any of those subjects; each has importance Otherwise, Nebraskans can force education to the and relevancy to the state of our democracy and the forefront of the political discussion. Citizens can use important issue current overall political climate. Yet over the past few these poll numbers to buttonhole candidates about their affecting our election cycles, every candidate for any office has support for public education, and then elect those who submitted a strikingly similar “I will do” list for review pledge to make public education a priority. nation’s health, by potential constituents. To that end, bipartisan panels of your colleagues Sadly, most candidates skim over or completely in every corner of the state have interviewed nearly well-being, ignore what most Nebraskans consider a very important all of the 63 candidates for 25 legislative seats (not all economic future issue: education. candidates consent to the interview process), as well as candidates for four State Board of Education openings. and political Powerful Numbers The recommendation process does not consider I submit, and can make well-founded arguments, a candidate’s stance on issues like the death penalty security. that education is the most important issue affecting or medical marijuana – those issues are for other our nation’s health, well-being, economic future and organizations to review and recommend. NSEA seeks to political security. understand each candidate’s stand on public education Yet political candidates – and political officer issues. ” holders, for that matter – continue to march forward Once those stances are clear, the NSEA panels under the banner of these hot-button issues, often pushed recommend a candidate or candidates. And let me be by well-heeled special interests. If candidates would clear on this point: NSEA’s recommendation is only a pay attention to the electorate majority, however, their recommendation. It is not a command that “thou shalt messages would be different. vote for this candidate.” I trust that those of you who take In late March, the Lincoln Journal Star reported on the time to investigate will read and learn, and then make a survey of likely Nebraska voters by Optimus, a GOP- a personal decision, whether or not that candidate earns connected public opinion firm. The Journal Star said the the NSEA recommendation. Optimus poll found that “the economy and jobs, health To that end, you’ll find in this edition NSEA’s care and education are all more important to Nebraskans recommended candidates for Legislature and the than taxes or government spending…” State Board of Education. Please consider casting a And, we might add, education ranked higher than ballot for an education candidate. Together, we can each of the aforementioned issues. join other Nebraskans and push policymakers to In addition, the newspaper reported that education move education to the top of the “What I Will Do” was a close second to the economy in importance among list in Nebraska.

Finding Nebraska’s Great Public Schools (GPS) NSEA locals from around Bellevue...... Page 9 Lincoln...... Page 6, 10, 11 Ralston...... Page 10 the state appear or are Brady...... Page 5 Millard...... Page 9, 10 South Sioux City...... Page 11 mentioned in this issue. Look for: ESU No. 16, Ogallala...... Page 5, 10 Norfolk...... Page 11 Syracuse...... Page 13 Alliance...... Page 10 Imperial...... Page 10 Omaha...... Page 9, 15, 17 Umonhon Nation...... Page 15 Arlington...... Page 10 Kearney...... Page 10 OR-1 (Palmyra)...... Page 13 University of Nebraska-Lincoln...... Page 20 Battle Creek...... Page 10 Lewiston...... Page 13 Peru State ...... Page 13, 20 Wallace...... Page 5

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 3 PAGE 4 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 Opening Bell Teacher Pay About to Rise in South Dakota South Dakota teachers are about to get a raise. A big raise. For years — perhaps decades — South Dakota teachers have ranked near or at the bottom of the salary rankings in the U.S. The most recent NEA Rankings and Estimates puts South Dakota teacher Dinner and a Plan: Talking about leadership and communication plans are, salaries at 51st in the U.S. (including from left Angela Johnson, Brady; ML Lehman, Educational Service Unit No. 16, Washington, D.C.), with an average of Ogallala; and Rachel Hanson, Krystal Sauser and Liz Hock, Wallace. $40,023. By comparison, Nebraska was 32nd in that ranking at $49,539. But an education candidate — South Training Meetings Provide Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard — real- ized that his state’s teachers were under- Leadership, Planning Tips paid, and that his state’s schools faced NSEA leaders in south central and south- about how to build capacity for their local severe shortage of qualified teachers. west Nebraska have been meeting for lead- association members and develop a plan Daugaard proposed the first increase ership training and to talk about education based on their specific priorities and that un- in the state’s sales tax in decades, which issues and plans for 2016-18. dersscore the value of membership. will raise nearly $70 million for the The dinner meeting formats allowed Local associations represented were South Dakota education budget. The past, current and future leaders to talk to- Wallace, Brady, ESU No. 16 at Ogallala, goal is to raise the average teacher’s an- gether about individual leadership roles and Perkins County, Ogallala, Sidney, Banner nual pay up to $48,500. responsibilities, current issues and trends County, Leyton, Wauneta-Palisade, Hayes Daugaard signed three bills in April and upcoming events and opportunities. Center, Imperial, Hitchcock County, Lex- to put the plan into place. NSEA staff also worked with the leaders ington, Overton, Wilcox-Hildreth, Gothen- “Watching the governor sign the bills to discuss and develop a communications burg, McCook, Arapahoe, Arnold, Litch- was pretty amazing,” said Mary Mc- plan for reaching out to members, non- field, Broken Bow, Callaway and Sargent. Corkle, president of the South Dakota members, administrators and NSEA. NSEA Organizational Specialists Randy Education Association. Within the discussion, the leaders talked Gordon and Cindy Copich led the trainings. McCorkle said her state has seen teachers leave for Wyoming, Minnesota Diagnosis: Nebraska 18th in College Affordability and North Dakota to make $10,000 A study released in April indicates the rising cost of public college, coupled with minimal more each year. Nebraska was not men- state financial aid, will make it a challenge for Nebraska to meet workforce needs in the future. tioned as an exodus state. Nebraska was 18th in the College Affordability Diagnosis, a state-by-state comparison of South Dakota is the second state ad- the policies that affect families’ abilities to pay for college. The study — published by the Uni- jacent to Nebraska in the past 10 years versity of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education — analyzes college costs in relation to to commit to raising teacher salaries. family income level. The study reveals how higher education has gone from expensive to un- Wyoming ranks 16th in the coun- affordable for most low-and middle-income families. The report contends Nebraska provides try, with an average teacher salary of well below the national average in need-based financial aid. Read the full report at: $56,583. gse.upenn.edu/pdf/irhe/affordability_diagnosis/Nebraska Feds Plan to Forgive Student Loans for the Disabled The Obama administration has announced plans to forgive need to make it easier, not harder, for them to receive the $7.7 billion in federal student loans held by nearly 400,000 benefits they are due.” permanently disabled Americans. Letters are already being mailed to identified borrowers According to news reports, about half of those, or about explaining the loan forgiveness process. Those who believe they 179,000, are in default. are eligible but who are not contacted should follow steps on The administration found that few eligible disabled loan- the Federal Student Aid website at: holders took advantage of a streamlined process to forgive https://disabilitydischarge.com debt when it was opened four years ago. The new process will For those who may have fallen behind on debt payment, but allow the U.S. Department of Education to identify, and then are not eligible for forgiveness, there are options. The Credit. contact, those eligible for loan forgiveness. com website advises to consider combining eligible loans with Through the 2012 process, too many eligible loan holders a federal Direct Consolidation Loan, or working through the fell through the cracks, said federal officials. government’s default rehabilitation program. Learn more about “Americans with disabilities have a right to student loan that program at: relief,” said U.S. Education Undersecretary Ted Mitchell. “We http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov/

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 5 Certificate Pros: Lincoln Education Association members Parker Schoen, left, and Lesa Christiancy, right, have clear understanding of the value of a teaching certificate. A Certificate with Meaning Teaching Certificate Represents the ‘Important Responsibility’ of Trust The first two days of Parker Schoen’s teaching career were 30-year career. Both the Nebraska Department of Education and the spent working under the watchful eye of a substitute teacher. Lincoln Public Schools have notified her that her current certificate His teaching skills were not in doubt. His depth of knowledge expires in August, and she has taken steps to renew her certificate was never questioned. Yet he had to have another adult in the for another five years. room as he began his career. When it is mentioned that teaching is a profession, Christiancy What Schoen didn’t have – and what every Nebraska teacher quickly adds “and an art” to the conversation. She clearly knows and needs in order to teach in a pre-K-12 classroom – was a printed values her craft. copy of his initial Nebraska teaching certificate. She also values her certificate as a representation of her So while Schoen served as the nominal head of his classroom, profession, and is concerned that a proposal introduced to the a substitute sat in as the certificated, licensed authority in the room. Nebraska Legislature would have allowed the state’s Commissioner Schoen was a December 2014 graduate of of Education to waive the requirement that Nebraska Wesleyan University and was quickly hired private and parochial school administrators hold to teach English at Culler Middle School in Lincoln. ‘...it is a very a Nebraska certificate. Even though the Nebraska Department of Education LB1062 would have been the proverbial works diligently to process certificate applications, important camel’s nose under the edge of the teacher background checks and processing take time. certification tent, say opponents, including Schoen’s certificate had not yet arrived when he first responsibility NSEA. Lessening the integrity of walked into the classroom as a teacher. That meant Nebraska’s teaching certificate Schoen had to have the extra adult in his classroom to be trusted standards in any way doesn’t sit for two days at the start of second semester in January well with Christiancy or Schoen. 2015. It was a relief when his first teaching certificate to work with kids.’ “Administrators need the finally arrived and he could finally teach on his own. education background, they need “You don’t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes to have been in teaching to understand what their teachers are going in the certification process,” said Schoen. “It took a couple of through,” said Christiancy. weeks, and they were rushing it.” Added Schoen: “We tend to do things really well in Nebraska. Now teaching at Lincoln’s Scott Middle School, Schoen has a Not all states do. Putting teachers through the rigors of the teaching deep appreciation for the certification procedure. certificate is a good thing,” he said. “That experience showed me that it is a very, very important LB1062 failed to advance from committee and died at the end of responsibility to be trusted to work with kids,” he said. the legislative session (see sidebar, Page 7). Similar legislation could His understanding of the value of a teaching certificate can be be introduced at any time in the future. traced to a classroom down the hall from his own room. That’s where Schoen’s mother, Lesa Christiancy, teaches social studies Steadfast Demands and serves as an instructional technology coach. Just how tough are those “rigors” Schoen mentions? Dr. Kevin Peters is the director of Teacher Certification for the Teaching as an Art Nebraska Department of Education. Christiancy has worked through five teaching certificates in her Peters said teacher shortages in other states have led to

PAGE 6 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 widespread loosening of processes about 14,000 teacher certification restrictions. Effort to Water Down Certification certificates each year. Peters said Oklahoma, for instance, opened Fails in Legislature the goal on a simple renewal is the current school year with NSEA has a long-standing resolution that addresses the a two or three day turnaround. 1,500 teaching vacancies, even importance of teacher certification, and the Association The goal on a regular teaching though state officials loosened turned to that document when it came time to testify in certificate – like Schoen’s initial certificate requirements and have opposition to LB1062 earlier this year. teaching certificate – is about two offered emergency certificates for LB1062 would have allowed private schools to hire weeks. For educators coming into several years. News reports from administrators who do not hold a Nebraska teaching cer- Nebraska to teach, the goal is four Oklahoma indicate that the state tificate. to six weeks. issued 506 emergency certificates NSEA Resolution G-2 says “The NSEA supports the in 2014-15, and 950 more for the legal requirement that all Nebraska professional educators Cannot Be Paid 2015-16 school year by the end of shall be certificated by the State of Nebraska in order to In the worst-case scenario, November. practice the profession of teaching within the state, and said Peters, if an educator forgets So, while Peters says that “in that such certification be granted only after successful or neglects to renew before a some states it has come to be ‘if completion of a prescribed course of study in an educator teaching certificate expires, the you have a BA, you can teach,’” preparation program accredited by the State Board of Edu- process provides a safety net. Nebraska remains steadfast in cation and the National Council for the Accreditation of School districts report staff to the demanding quality. Teacher Education (NCATE).” NDE by Sept. 15 each year, and if “Nebraska,” said Peters, That language has been in NSEA’s resolutions for more a staffer has an expired certificate “has one of the strictest teaching than 30 years. Peters’ office will call. certificate programs in the NSEA’s Director of Public Policy and Legislative re- “If it’s a simple reminder, country.” search, Jason Hayes, told the Legislature’s Education Com- the teacher can get online and Requiring a high level of mittee that without licensure, there is no leverage for ac- in 5 or 10 minutes, the process expertise is important, said NSEA countability. is done,” he said. “The teacher Director of Advocacy Trish “Professional Educator certification in Nebraska is the can go back to the classroom and Guinan. The issue is teacher ‘licensure’ for educators to practice their profession, much continue teaching.” In the “worst quality, not politics or “union like the licensure of medical personnel, attorneys, plumbers, of the worst” scenario, Peters bosses protecting turf,” she said. beauticians, and day care providers,” said Hayes, remind- said the educator might not have “Nebraska’s certification ing senators that teachers in private and parochial schools, applied because of an issue that rules preserve the integrity of like their public school counterparts, are required to have would raise questions. He cited the profession by insuring that teaching certificates. one Kansas educator hired by all teachers in a classroom have “If a private or parochial school hires a person to fill the a Nebraska school district who a certain level of expertise that a role of superintendent without certification from the state, was quickly found to have active high-quality teacher should have,” where is the accountability?” said Hayes. arrest warrants. The teacher was said Guinan. LB1062 did not advance from committee and died with removed from the classroom the close of the legislative session. immediately – and took off on the 14,000 Each Year run. Here are some facts about n According to state statute, Nebraska’s teaching certificates: school districts cannot legally pay a teacher who does not possess a n Any teacher education graduate seeking an initial Nebraska valid Nebraska teaching certificate. teaching or administrative certificate must “demonstrate basic n The No. 1 question received by the NDE’s Teacher skills competency” by passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Certification Division is this: What happens if I break my contract Educators test. The test covers reading, writing and mathematics. with my school district? Knowing that life events force changes (a n Effective this past September, Nebraska became one of the spouse is transferred, for instance), Peters said “I never advise them last states to require teaching candidates seeking certification to take to break their contract, as it could come back and kill their career.” and pass a required content test for their area of expertise. Peters said n Each Nebraska teacher education program has a the U.S. Department of Education is pushing such tests to make sure teacher certification officer, and Peters and staff meet with those teachers are better prepared. Nebraska requires a minimum passing representatives six times a year. “They are a great resource when grade on the Praxis Subject Assessment and School Leadership someone needs a program set up to meet certification,” he said. Series Content Test in order to earn an endorsement on an initial n The fee for a teaching certificate – $55 – essentially pays Nebraska teaching certificate. Those who don’t pass the content for the operation of the NDE Teacher Certification Division. Of that, test can receive a two-year provisional teaching permit. Those $40 pays for Peters and his staff of five analysts, and operations of candidates can take the test again. his office. The remaining $15 covers the cost of the Professional n All Nebraska teaching certificates expire on Aug. 31 – the Practices Commission and associated legal fees and investigations. certificate holder should be aware of the year of expiration. As n Teaching is a profession and was defined as such by the NSEA Organizational Specialist Jay Sears advises, “it is wise to Legislature in 1967. Following that declaration, the Nebraska State remember on WHICH Aug. 31 your certificate expires.” Board of Education adopted five ethical principles and standards of n The Nebraska Department of Education, and in many professional conduct and competency for educators. Failure to abide cases the employing school district, reminds the certificate holder by those standards may be cause for discipline. When such failure in of the approaching expiration. Peters said the NDE sent out 4,700 conduct is alleged, or if a formal complaint is filed, an investigation yellow “reminder to renew” postcards in late February. However, into the charge begins in the teacher certification division. An those educators who move frequently can be tough to contact, said investigation can result in dismissal of charges, a formal reprimand, Peters, which makes it important for educators to know when their temporary suspension of a teaching certificate, or in the case of the certificates expire. Meanwhile, an updated list of 2016 renewals most serious charges, revocation of a certificate. will be sent to most school administrators on May 1. Larger school Regardless of the issue, if you have a question about your districts, said Peters, keep their own list of where educators stand on teaching certificate, contact your NSEA organizational specialist the certificate renewal timeline. at 1-800-742-0047, or the Nebraska Department of Education’s n The five analysts in the NDE’s Teacher Certification Division Teacher Certification Division at 1-402-471-0739.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 7 PAGE 8 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 Time to Vote: Picking up ballots during the Saturday morning session of the NSEA Delegate Assembly were, from left, Terry Hall, Bellevue; Paul Schulte, Millard; and Julie Adams, Bellevue. Delegates cast ballots on four bylaw amend- ments and a seat on the NEA Board of Directors. Nearly 150! NSEA Celebration Opens at Delegate Assembly; Members Elect NEA Director, Alter Bylaws As Delegate Assemblies go, NSEA’s tant in our classrooms, in our local school 155th edition had just about everything an districts and at the state and national lev- Association junkie might enjoy. el,” she said. The more than 300 NSEA Executive Direc- registered delegates tor Craig R. Christian- enjoyed eloquent and sen affirmed Fulton’s sometimes lightheart- remarks. Whether Friends to Teachers: Earning ed keynote addresses; considering member- NSEA’s highest honor, the Friend of razor-thin vote margins; ship numbers, finances Education, were Sen. Galen and Dr. a well-contested election that or politics, the Association is Marilyn Hadley, Kearney. took two ballots to finalize; strong, he said, “despite ef- and a New Business Item forts to whittle away at the that can be given at least rights, professionalism, and some measure of credit in the more” of public education override of a gubernatorial veto. employees. Add in substantial changes to portions “Associations like ours do not last for of the NSEA Resolutions document that 150 years unless they are doing things was heartily debated, and delegates put in right, and are doing the right things,” he plenty of work. said. They also participated in the kickoff of the Association’s sesquicentennial cel- ‘Perceived Mismatch’ ebration. NSEA will formally mark 150 Those “right things” are also going on years at Delegate Assembly 2017. Most in Nebraska public schools every day, and importantly, delegates learned that the As- National Education Association President sociation remains strong at the 149-year Lily Eskelsen García urged delegates to mark. spread the word about those stories to In her annual report to delegates, friends, family and associates (see story, NEA-Bound: Omaha Education NSEA President Nancy Fulton thanked Page 10). Association member Tracy Hart- delegates for standing as the voice of “Funny motivational speaker” Kay man-Bradley, left, was elected to the teaching professionalism. Frances – the daughter of educators – re- NEA Board of Directors. Sasha Cer- “Our greatest strength is our passion to ceived high marks for her advice about vantes, right, also of Omaha, aided stand for what is right and what is impor- stress relief. She defined stress as “the Hartman-Bradley’s campaign.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 9 Smiling with Lily: These Delegate Assembly attendees took a moment to pose with NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia, From left are Connie Martin, Millard; Amy Burns, Kearney; Eskelsen Garcia; Nebraska Loves Public Schools representative Brittany Mascio; Dene Oglesby, Ralston; and Carrie Sheppard, Battle Creek. Eskelsen García: Teachers are Fabulous! National Education Association President Lily Es- more children are graduating from high school with col- kelsen García reminded NSEA members that public lege credit than ever before, and that 85 percent of school teachers “are incredible. We are fabulous. We America’s wealthiest families send their children to should be full of ourselves.” public schools. But teachers forget to brag about how good they Those who tell mistruths, however, cannot com- are, and about the good things going on in America’s pete with the power of the Association’s numbers. public schools. Teachers must tell their stories, she said, “Our power is built on the truth of three million indi- “because the public is being told a lie, that public schools vidual educators who walk into public school buildings – a monopoly – are failing and that we need charter and look into the eyes of students every day,” she said. schools and vouchers and to incentivize the teaching pro- That’s three million members who can pick up the phone fession.” Those lies are being told by those who want to priva- and call policymakers on any given day and talk about the good tize, incorporate and profit from public schools. news of public education. “They are being told this by corporate CEOs – there could be a Teachers must tell friends, family and neighbors about the good connection…,” said Eskelsen García. news of public schools. Much is at stake, she said. Eskelsen García was the keynote speaker during the Friday night “We are the source of every other profession. We are the source session of NSEA’s 2016 Delegate Assembly, with more than 300 of the future. If the public doesn’t understand how important we are, NSEA members present. if we don’t understand how important we are, then we are going to The good news of public schools is highlighted by the fact that mess it up,” she said perceived mismatch between what is happening and what I want this year’s effort failed by one vote – 179-90. to happen.” Generous changes were also made to the Association’s set Said Frances: “We have to take life seriously, but we have to of resolutions, which act as the conscience of the Association. laugh.” NSEA’s resolution expressing support for Education Support Pro- Serious business was also on the agenda, and delegates took fessionals was amended to express that ESPs should “not be used two ballots to elect a new Nebraska representative to the NEA in place of certified teachers.” Board of Directors. A three-way race between Grand Island’s Deb Using paraprofessionals in place of teachers, said South Sioux Gnuse, Omaha’s Tracy Hartman-Bradley and South Sioux City’s City’s Tracia Blom, “puts ESPs in situations they are not trained Tracia Blom took two ballots, after no candidate earned a majority. for.” Delegates agreed. Hartman-Bradley edged Gnuse on Also passed: new resolu- the second ballot and will begin a tions calling for elimination three-year term on the NEA board of discrimination and stereo- on Sept. 1. typing, and four resolutions outlining the Association’s Narrow Margin approach to the educational Delegates gave overwhelming needs of minority students. approval to three minor chang- Speaking of generous: es to Association bylaws, but a through various fundrais- fourth failed by the narrowest of ers, delegates gave more margins. than $1,500 to the Children’s For each of the past several Fund, which kicked of a years, NSEA’s Ethnic and Mi- $150k for Kids campaign that nority Affairs Committee has will close in October 2017 proposed a change to bylaws (see story, Page 15). that would allow election of an On Duty: Five orange-vested election marshals supervised Finally, delegates gave at-large ethnic minority represen- voting during the Saturday morning session of Delegate overwhelming support to the tative on the Association Board Assembly. From left are Jason Wiese, Arlington; Roberta dues proposal, which was for of Directors. A change to bylaws Rudden, Alliance; Dennis Batterman, Imperial; Chris Martin, a $12 increase in the 2016-17 requires a two-thirds majority, and Lincoln; and ML Lehman, ESU No. 16, Ogalalla. Association year.

PAGE 10 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 Delegate Action Pushes Override to Success On Heels of Assembly, Letter, Senators Override Veto Acting at Delegate Assembly, more than 300 NSEA members from across the state approved three New Busi- ness Items – including one that has already borne fruit. Without dissent, on Delegates Handle a voice vote, delegates asked that NSEA urge Husker Crowds state senators to over- Norfolk Trifecta! Three award recipients hailed from Norfolk. From left are NSEA Rookie of the Year Curt Guenther; Teaching Members attending NSEA’s ride the governor’s Excellence Award recipient Kimberly Erickson; and Angie Stenger, 155th Delegate Assembly veto of LB947, which representing Flood Communications, which earned the Champion coped well with the added will allow recipients of of Education Award. stress of 72,000 red-clad the Deferred Action for Husker fans attending the Childhood Arrivals to University of Nebraska spring “obtain professional li- football game on April 16. censes to practice their The spring game date was profession.” revealed in January, more than Those licenses are two years after NSEA sealed required by a profes- the date with the Embassy sion, such as teaching, Suites. NSEA works that far in cosmetology, nursing advance to assure hotel avail- and 170 other profes- ability. Here are dates of com- sional categories. ing Delegate Assemblies, all A news release scheduled at the Cornhusker from NSEA detailing Hotel in Lincoln: the action by delegates 2017: April 21-22 was delivered to Ne- 2018: April 27-28 braska media outlets 2019: April 26-27 not long after delegate action, and a letter from NSEA President Nancy Fulton was hand-delivered to the offices of all 49 Member Honorees: Lincoln Education Association’s Chris Martin, state senators the following Monday. Local association left, earned the NSEA Community Service Award, while South presidents were alerted via email of the Delegate Assem- Sioux City Education Association member Dayla Brown, right, was bly vote and were urged to spread the word and contact named NSEA’s Education Support Professional of the Year. state senators. On Wednesday, April 20, senators voted 31-13 to override the veto. In her letter, Fulton said educators know Nebraska’s future is brighter when all hard-working young adults are encouraged and allowed to follow their career dreams. “We believe we must do everything we can to keep talented students in our state,” said Fulton. “It makes no sense to force these educated youth to other states to practice their professions. Instead, we should encourage them to stay in Nebraska and help to grow our economy.” Delegates renewed the Governance Review Task Force, which is studying the Association’s governance structure. The task force will make any recommenda- tions for change at the 2017 Delegate Assembly. Delegates also approved, without dissent, a request that NSEA urge the Nebraska School Activities Asso- ciation to amend its bylaws regarding unsportsmanlike conduct to include “a racially hostile environment.” Public Education Advocate: Lincoln radio station KFOR 1240 Omaha Education Association member Sasha Cervantes earned the NSEA Public Education Advocate Award and was cited proposed the New Business Item, and said recent reports for general support of public education and for specifically devoting of racially hostile incidents require such change. “As an substantial air time to the Lincoln Education Association’s Harvest elected body, we must set the expectation that racial ha- of Books drive. From left are announcers Dave Hilligoss and Carol rassment is unacceptable in school activities,” she said. Turner; Sales Director Joy Patten; and General Manager Julie Gade.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 11 PAGE 12 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 A Success for Public Schools Senators Increase State Aid, Act on Mental Health Task Force All in all, the 2016 session of the Nebraska Legislature was a success for public schools in Nebraska. Public education avoided the major spending lids and revenue growth caps proposed in early versions of LB958 and LB959, and despite forecasts of revenue shortfalls in the near future, state aid for 2016-17 received a decent boost. Senators authorized an increase in state aid to education funding of more than $31.5 million. That 3.33 percent increase came through passage of LB959 and LB1067. Originally, the state aid forecast was for $5.6 million in growth, or a miniscule 0.59 percent increase. However, lawmakers included an Know Where They Stand: NSEA members of all political stripes are involved additional $8.6 million in LB959 to in vetting candidates for the Nebraska Legislature and other offices, as shown enlarge the number of rural schools under here in an interview with Sen. Dan Watermeier of Syracuse, left. Watermeier equalization, and an additional $17.3 earned the recommendation of the team, which included Ruth Neeman, million in LB1067 to cover poverty and Syracuse; Pamela Riffle and Amanda Volksen, ; Burke Brown, transitional issues as portions of the District OR-1 (Palmyra); and Devin Garcia, Lewiston. Peru State College’s Bill Omaha learning community are dissolved. Clemente, also on the team, provided the photograph. Both LB958 and LB959 went through major changes in order to advance and job applicant’s social networking Legislature’s Health and Human Services from committee. While in committee, website from access or adverse action by Committee or his or her designee; the amendments eliminated the harmful an employer. chair of the Judiciary Committee or provisions in favor of minimal Also on the plus side of the his or her designee; the chair of the structural changes to the state ledger: a pair of anti-NSEA bills Appropriations Committee or his or her aid formula in LB959, and a $20 from Crete Sen. Laura Ebke designee; and four additional members million property tax rebate for died in committee. LB1044 of the Legislature to be appointed by the agricultural land in LB958. proposed to eliminate the Court Executive Board. The entire session was of Industrial Relations, which has hampered by an early revenue a decades-long record of success Retirement Focus forecast shortfall of $120 million. in resolving labor disputes. A The teacher retirement system had Much of the shortfall was covered second proposal from Ebke, plenty of attention in this session. by intergovernmental fund LB288, would have prohibited Senators approved changes to the transfers and money from the the deduction of union dues from Omaha Schools Employee Retirement state’s reserve fund. an employee’s paycheck. System (OSERS) that will transfer Unfortunately, the shortfall “By and large, the Legislative investment decisions from the Board of also sidelined many educational Session was successful in that Trustees to the State Investment Council. funding proposals such as the the ability for public schools to Changes will also come to the process that Mentor Teacher Program in fund and provide quality public selects members of the OSERS Board of LB274; the Nebraska Department education in Nebraska was Directors. of Education’s behavioral health unimpeded in 2016,” said NSEA In addition, pension benefits for new specialist in LB838; the Whole President Nancy Fulton. OPS hires after July 1, 2016, will mirror Child Project in LB1052; and ‘16 Nebraska benefits of Tier 2 members in the State additional funding for school Legislature Mental Health Task Force School Retirement Plan. mental health programs in LB443. An NSEA-supported proposal Provisions of two other proposals were If the fiscal situation improves in the near from Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier that amended into the OSERS legislation. A future, there will be movement on these will create the Task Force on Behavioral periodic study of retirement plans – at initiatives in 2017. and Mental Health was adopted by the least once every four years – will now be Legislature. required of political subdivisions. Minor Employment Rights Success Legislative Resolution 413 creates the changes to the terms of members of the Senators did approve two important task force, which comes about as a result state’s Public Employees Retirement bills on employment rights. of a Legislative Performance Audit report Board were also made, to ensure better LB83, proposed by Omaha Sen. Tonya that found there needs to be an additional continuity between incoming and Cook, will allow employees to disclose study of ways and methods to reduce outgoing members of the board. their wages to co-workers without threat behavioral and mental health care service Another amendment will require an of reprisals from their employers. gaps. “experience study” of the state retirement On the social media front, Sen. Tyson The task force would consist of seven system every four years. Current law Larson’s LB821 protects an employee members, including the chair of the provides for one every five years. MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 13 PAGE 14 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 Delegates Launch Children’s Fund Campaign: Goal is $150,000 18-Month Drive to Assist Children’s Fund NSEA President Nancy Ful- ton was optimistic that the goal Kicks Off at Delegate Assembly would be met, if not surpassed Fund Now Taking Donations Via PayPal in the course of the campaign. “I know that members understand the importance and value For more than 20 years, the NSEA Children’s Fund has been of the Children’s Fund,” said Fulton. “I also know that members assisting children in need. will do all they can to encour- Now, the presidents of age every member and every NSEA’s six governance dis- local to consider making it a tricts believe the Children’s reality and a success.” Fund itself needs a bit of as- Local associations are en- sistance. At NSEA Delegate couraged to brainstorm fun- Assembly they announced draising ideas; to challenge the formal launch of a drive to other local associations; to raise $150,000 for the Chil- collect change; host a jeans dren’s Fund by October 2017, day fundraiser; or consider which marks the 150th anni- other ideas to contribute to- versary of NSEA’s founding. ward the fund. Every penny raised be- Watch The Voice and the tween now and October 2017 NSEA website for the logo, will count toward the drive. above, to find updates on the That’s an ambitious goal over drive, and for ideas about how the next 18 months, since the to raise funds for the cam- fund typically collects from paign. $45,000 to $50,000 in dona- To make donations easier, tions in any given year. the Children’s Fund is now There is a need, however, set up to accept donations as expenses can reach beyond through PayPal. Find the Pay- $70,000 in a year. As an ex- Pal link at: ample, the Children’s Fund www.nsea.org/childrens- took in $24,834 in donations Certificated Generosity:Honored at NSEA’s Delegate As- fund from Sept. 1, 2015, through sembly for their generosity were members of the UmonHon Questions? Call Sally March 31, 2016. During the Nation Education Association and the Omaha Education As- Bodtke at NSEA at 1-800- same time period, expenses sociation. Marguerite Cortez, left, accepted for the UNEA 742-0047 or at: were at $34,327 — an oper- as the local that raised the most cash per member. OEA [email protected] ating deficit of $9,493. President Chris Proulx accepted on behalf of the local that raised the most cash for the Children’s Fund in the past year.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 15 Ag Sack Lunch Program Serves Lunch Gifted Association Makes Two Requests to Another 5,000 Fourth-Graders The leadership team at the Nebraska Assocation for the Gifted has two requests: Meals Provided as Part of Visit to State Capitol n Hold the dates of Feb. 23-24, 2017, for the Association’s annual clonference; The annual Ag Sack Lunch Program, sors budget for 5,000 free lunches a year, n which provides free sack lunches to Ne- with reservations on a first-come, first- And consider answering the Associa- braska fourth-graders while teaching served basis. The lunches consist of Ne- tion’s call for Best Practice Collaborators. them about where their food comes from, braska-produced foods to emphasize the The Association is seeking school dis- wraps up its sixth year in May. By the end message to students that their food comes tricts or schools to collaborate for summer, of the school year, 5,000 students from from farms in Nebraska. fall and spring professional development. more than 90 schools will The presentations last For details, call 1-402-880-9103, or send have participated in the about 20 minutes and teach questions about that request to: 2015-16 program. students how important [email protected] Since its inception in agriculture is to the state’s 2010, nearly 30,000 stu- economy. Presentation Doctoral Student Asks dents have enjoyed and leaders, or “Ag Ambas- for Survey Respondents participated in the lunch- sadors,” are students from A child language doctoral student at the and-learn program. The the University of Nebras- University of Kansas is seeking educators to Ag Sack Lunch Program is ka-Lincoln trained specifi- respond to a survey for her studies. sponsored by the Nebraska cally to conduct these ses- Through the university’s Child Language Soybean Board (NSB), the Nebraska Pork sions. All of the students have farming Doctoral Program, former public school Producers Association (NPPA), the Ne- backgrounds and are enthusiastic about teacher Teresa Girolamo’s survey seeks to braska Corn Board (NCB), and the Ne- agriculture. better understand school services avail- braska Beef Council (NBC). Students also receive a card game able to children, and services available to Each year, more than 20,000 students called “Crazy Soybean” to take home and students with language needs. The survey visit the State Capitol in Lincoln as part play with their families. Each card has takes 10 to 15 minutes, and responses are of their fourth-grade curriculum. The Ag an ag fact on it which effectively broad- completely anonymous. Participants may Sack Lunch Program ties into these vis- ens the impact of the program's message. stop the survey at any time. The survey is at: its by inviting teachers to schedule their Many teachers use the game in classroom http://kuclas.qualtrics.com/ classes for the free sack lunches and to settings as well. SE/?SID=SV_9uxhUQz6l0C1PsV hear presentations about how their food is For details, call Karen Brokaw at 402- grown and produced. The program spon- 432-2299.

PAGE 16 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 Praxis Review Aids Students Teachers-to-Be Get an Assist A dozen Metro area college students seeking formal en- try into teacher education programs received a helping hand in April via a pilot project from NSEA and marketed through the Student Education Association of Nebraska affiliate and NSEA’s Ethnic and Minority Affairs Committee. The project utilized four NSEA member-teachers to give the students a review and better understanding of the needed skills and understanding of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Edu- cators test. The Nebraska Department of Education requires passing scores on the test for admission into any Nebraska teacher education program. The Praxis is designed to determine whether candidates for education programs can demonstrate “basic skills competen- cy” in reading, writing and mathematics. The math portion of the test is most often cited as a stumbling block for those seek- Review Masters: Assisting future educators with a Praxis test re- ing entry into teacher ed programs and, later, for certification. view in April were these Omaha Education Association members, “When students in Nebraska sit down to take the Praxis, we from left: Cassandra DeStefano, Jennifer Olsen, Nicole Benson and want them to be successful,” said Carol Hicks, an NSEA orga- Dawn McKain. nizational specialist who helped to organize the pilot. “This is a step toward that success.” pus in Omaha. In attendance were students from , Also assisting were organizational specialists Mike Wiesen and College of St. Mary, Peru State College, the University of Nebraska- Andrea Longoria. Lincoln and Northeast Community College. NSEA members who presented were Cassandra DeStefano, on Several of the students expressed interest in further assistance reading; Nicole Benson, writing; and Jennifer Olsen and Dawn through tutoring, which will be available to small groups. NSEA lead- McKain on math. All are Omaha Education Association members. ership is in hopes that more such sessions will be available across the The no-cost session was held at the cam- state in the near future.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 17 PAGE 18 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 NEA Member Benefits Save With Dave Moms, Dads and Grads are important Six Things to Know over the next six weeks — more important than ever! Celebrate Mom, Dad, or your beaming graduate About Unpaid Bills with a floral arrangement or gourmet gift basket If Debt Collectors Hound You Over Forgotten Bill, from 1800Flowers.com or Here is Advice on What to Do About it 1800Baskets.com. NEA members get 20 percent By Kaitlin Pitsker the notice to dispute the debt. That buys you off their purchase. For de- 1. Uh oh. You forgot. time. If it’s a company you’ve done busi- tails, or to place an order, It can happen to the best of us: A bill gets ness with, start by checking your own ac- go to the NEA Member buried in a pile of papers and, before you count transactions, or ask the company to Benefits website and look know it, you’ve missed a payment. If you check its files to see if there’s a record of a for 1800Flowers.com un- Glenn have a solid history of paying your bills on payment. der the Discounts tab. The time, you’ll likely be given a longer leash “You may have forgotten that you co- website is at: than customers with a history of late pay- signed for a credit card or for an apartment, www.neamb.com ments, but you may still be subject to late but, most of the time, you really do owe the fees or an increase in your interest rate. You debt,” says Ulzheimer. G Adventure River Cruise Discount! will usually be contacted before the debt is 4. You have recourse. Save up to 35 percent off on your 2016 turned over to a collection agency or debt The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is Small Ship River Cruising Adventure collector. You cannot be reported to the designed to shield you from debt collectors’ through G Adventures, which is currently credit bureaus, most egregious tac- offering two separate deals through July 31. which will ding tics. For example, The first offers gives a 30 percent- dis your credit score, they may not con- count on select river cruises using code until your payment tact you before 8 16GA030MAR01. is 30 days past due. a.m. or after 9 p.m., The second discount, customers only, An unpaid medical and they may not provides a 35 percent discount on select riv- debt cannot be add- use obscene lan- er cruises plus flights. That offer uses code ed to your credit re- guage or threaten 16GA035MAR01. port for 180 days to you with violence. To find these specials offers and other allow time for in- If a collection exciting G Adventures travel deals, visit: surance payments agency violates the www.neamb.com/gadventures to be applied. rules, you can re- 2. You may re- port the problem to You’ve Earned a Discount quest forgiveness. the Federal Trade Thanks for all you do! Because it is time If you have a Commission, the to show some member appreciation, NEA good history with Consumer Finan- Member Benefits wants to celebrate by of- the creditor, call cial Protection Bu- fering you a $5 discount on more than 80 and ask for the late reau or your state magazine titles. Take advantage of these fee to be waived, attorney general’s special savings and visit: says credit expert office. www.NEAMag.com/celebrate- John Ulzheimer. 5. When it’s magazines Some credit card issuers extend an olive time to settle up. branch for late payments as a cardholder Banks and credit card issuers will be Travel Plans? Save with Hertz benefit. For example, the Citi Simplicity looking to collect the debt in full, but they Hertz values the hard work and dedica- card doesn’t charge late fees, and the Dis- will usually work with you to schedule pay- tion of our educators and education profes- cover It card lets first-time offenders off the ments. If your debt has gone to a collection sionals! As a very special offer, NEA mem- hook. But such flexibility ends when the agency, always make a settlement offer bers save up to 25 percent off car rentals all debt has been reported to the credit bureaus; rather than pay in full, says Ulzheimer. year from Hertz and can enjoy a new com- it will remain on your record for seven years “Even if you pay them 20 percent of binable offer for extra savings! from the date that the account went into what they’re trying to collect, they’re still Save up to $30 off weekly or week- default. A medical debt, however, must be going to make a mint off of you.” Keep a end rentals by booking one day or more removed from your credit report as soon as record of the payments you make. for weekend rentals and five days or more it has been paid. 6. The tax man calleth? 3. If a debt collector calls. The IRS is preparing to use private debt for weekly rentals with a Saturday night Debt collectors typically charge the orig- collectors to go after people who owe back keep. Book now for travel between April inal creditor about 40 percent of what they taxes, according to the Association of Credit 1 and June 15 and use NEA discount codes collect as a fee, or they buy debts outright and Collection Professionals. Details will be CDP#50655 and PC#107505 when booking and keep everything they collect. Debt col- announced soon. in advance. lectors are required to send a written vali- To reserve a Hertz rental, call 800-654- dation notice within five days of contacting © 2016 The Kiplinger Washington Editors Brought to you by NEA Member Benefits. 3131 and using your CDP# 50655, or at: you. If you don’t think you owe the money, Content provided by: www.neamb.com/hertz or you believe that there has been a mistake, David Glenn is Nebraska’s you have 30 days from the time you receive NEA Member Benefits representative

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 19 NSEA-Retired Corner Poverty Takes Center Stage at Spring Meet Conference Crowd: NSEA-Retired Spring Conference attendees review the Koch Johns Keynotes various contents of their conference folders as they plan out how they will spend Conference with Clips their busy day at the St. Benedict Center near Schuyler. quality public education. from Film Series As an NSEA-Retired member, you are kept abreast of new de- The Nebraska Loves Public Schools team recently began work on velopments on important retirement issues. You are able to continue a project that challenged them to look at the issue of poverty in educa- your NEA Member Benefit Programs, as a retired member of this tion from a new angle, using performance as a force for social change. organization. Your membership also supports public education and The result was Poverty: Not a Choice, a Nebraska’s children. short film series that has had more than 75,000 Active NSEA members may join this organization as a Pre-Re- online views. tired Lifetime member, while still teaching. Retired educators may Directed by retired Lincoln High School join as Lifetime members or Annual members if they are at least 50 speech and theatre teacher Patsy Koch Johns years old, and were an active member in the Association the year they – an NSEA-recommended candidate for State retired. Board of Education – and inspired by the sto- NSEA-Retired works with the Educator’s Health Alliance (EHA) ries of real Nebraska students, the project shares advocating for improvements in the BC/BS retiree health plan. day-to-day realities faced by public school kids NSEA-Retired works to improve retirement benefits and provide living in poverty throughout our state. affordable health care protection. NSEA-Retired and NEA-Retired Koch Johns shared clips from the segments lobbyists monitor and act on legislation that affects retired educators. and spoke to more than 100 NSEA-Retired Various newsletters, publications, and emails help keep members of members at the Association’s Spring Confer- the organization up to date on the issues concerning them. NSEA- Koch Johns ence in Schuyler in mid-April. Retired sponsors a fall and spring conference featuring workshops Individual segments from the series have and speakers of interest to retirees. We also host a Lobby Day in early been used by school districts statewide for pro- February where retirees get to visit with their senators on issues that fessional development, teacher prep programs with aspiring teachers, affect retirees and education. churches, and afterschool and As an NSEA-Retired member, you are eligible for the NSEA mentoring programs for train- Blue Senior Classic Medigap ing. coverage (with dental option) About 42 percent of Ne- if you are age 65 or older. braska students live in low Members aged 50-64 are eli- income situations. No one gible to continue Educator’s chooses to live in poverty, Health Alliance (EHA) health least of all, children. Help insurance after retirement, spread the word about how provided they are enrolled poverty impacts education as an NSEA Special Services and how each of us can do our member. part to help. Schools can’t do Please consider enrolling it alone! Consider donating for the 2016-17 school year resources to an area school in after June 1, at: need. https://www.nsea.org/ Members are urged to ex- nsea-retired-join-now plore other ways to help at: nelovesps.org/take-action/ Save the Date! The NSEA-Retired fall Why Join NSEA Retired? conference will be held at Aurora on Tuesday, Oct. 18. As the NSEA-Retired Scholarship Recipients: NSEA-Retired Vice President Tom Black, mantra says, “Now More Than Planning for the conference center, recently presented certificates of achievement to recipients is now under way. Check the Ever, the Commitment Con- of the Association’s 2017 scholarships. The University of Nebraska’s tinues.” NSEA-Retired website after Haley Montgomery, left, and Peru State College’s Mariah Bigelow, June 1 for more details – but NSEA-Retired is a state- right, received $1,000 scholarships for their student teaching se- wide association of educators in the meantime, reserve that mesters next year, as did Caitlin Cassell of Peru State College, who date! committed to protecting cur- was unable to attend. rent pension and Social Secu- — Renae Kelly, rity benefits. It continues to be Editor a strong advocate on retirement issues, and also the advancement of [email protected]

PAGE 20 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 Benchmarks Dates Set for Two California Casualty Awards EHA Retiree Athletic Grants to Schools Benefits Sessions Grants Assist Programs; place some of the older instruments with Two meeting dates have been set for newer ones and purchase a few elementary newly declared retiree members of the Kilgarin Honored; Wausa, instruments for programs and instructional Educators Health Alliance. Stapleton, Others Feted use. This is such a huge honor and surprise EHA Field Representative Greg Long for us since we are a small Class D school and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ne- Five Nebraska high school athletic in the Midwest,” said music teacher and braska representative Kent Trelford- programs are the richer because NSEA NSEA member Daniel Gibbs. Thompson will lead the meetings. The members applied for grants through a meetings will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will California Casualty grant program. NSEA member Kristie Hayes of the last about an hour. The sites and dates: The awards will: Ponca Education Association has re- n Wednesday, May 11, Holiday Inn, n Purchase new starting blocks for ceived the Community Outstanding Ser- 110 S. Second Ave., Kearney. the Aurora High School track and field vice Award from the Nebraska State Ath- n Thursday, May 12, Educational team. letic Administrators Association. Service Unit No. 3, 6949 S. 110th St., n Buy balls and bats for the Cones- Hayes has kept official score books for LaVista. toga High School girls’ softball team. basketball for more than 30 years, runs EHA members may also view a pre- n Procure uniforms for the Hershey the scoreboard at home football games, viously recorded webinar of the 2016/17 High School cross country team. scores home golf and track meets Retiree Direct Bill informational session n Provide warm-ups for the and is secretary for the 17-school for health care benefits. The webinar can Omaha North Magnet High Lewis and Clark Conference. now be viewed at your convenience from track team. She is also active in conference the EHA website at: n Aid the Wauneta-Palisade and district tournaments. She is www.ehaplan.org/retiree-info High School track team in pur- the school technology teacher at For more details, contact Long at 402- chasing poles and safety equip- Ponca. 440-9633, or via email at: ment for pole vaulting. [email protected] Grants range from $1-$3,000. Four Nebraska high school Applications are being taken for personal finance programs – all the next round, with a deadline of led by NSEA members – have Jan. 15, 2017. Apply at: been recognized for excellence Mid Level Meet www.calcasathleticsgrant.com by the Working in Support of Kilgarin Education (W!SE), a non-profit Planned at Elm Creek NSEA Director of Commu- that promotes financial literacy The annual Nebraska Mid Level Acad- nications and Public Affairs and readiness for college and the emy Conference has a theme, a keynote, Karen Kilgarin has been recognized by workforce. a date and a site – so now is the time to the University of Nebraska Kearney as Wausa High School’s personal finance register and get it on your calendar. this year’s Distinguished Political Science class was ranked 19th best in the country, The theme for the 2016 confer- Alumna. and is helmed by Dawn Friedrich. Lin- ence “The Good, the Bad, the Ugly” and Kilgarin was recognized at a banquet coln Southwest High’s college personal the event will unfold at Elm Creek on in Kearney in April, where she gave the finance class, led by Josh Hinrichs, was Wednesday and Thursday, June 1-2. annual George Norris Lecture. eighth in the large school division. The conference is open to all teachers Kilgarin is a 1979 graduate of Kearney Also in the Top 100 schools nationwide and administrators grades four through State College, where she majored in po- was Tri County High School’s personal nine. The Academy is an organization litical science. She was elected to the Ne- finance class, taught by Dennis Krejci; where successful teachers, administrators braska Legislature from her South Omaha and Fillmore Central High School’s per- and state department educators share district in 1980, and served one term. Af- sonal finance class, led byCindy Talley. their successes with their peers. ter working as the Lincoln Bureau Chief Keynoting the event will be Kay Glid- for KMTV Channel 7, she joined the staff Three Nebraska schools have been den, assistant administrator at Region 3 of Gov. Ben Nelson in 1992 as communi- named U.S. Department of Education Behavioral Health Services in Kearney. cations director, a position she held until Green Ribbon Schools. Glidden will present useful information joining NSEA in 1995. She returned to The honorees are Lincoln’s Prescott about “Calmer Classrooms,” as teachers state government to manage the Depart- Elementary School and Irving Middle from around the state have become aware ment of Administrative Services in 1998, School, and the Alfonza W. Davis Mid- of the difficulties teaching children with and returned to NSEA in 1999. dle School in Omaha. behavioral and learning challenges. They were among just 47 U.S. schools, Register by reaching Kay Stricker at: The Stapleton Public Schools re- 15 school districts and 11 post-secondary [email protected] ceived a $2,500 grant from the Give a institutions honored. They were cited Cost is: $50 per person before May 5 Note Foundation and Radio Disney, with for innovative efforts to reduce environ- and $75 after that date. Administrators proceeds to be used by the school district’s mental impact and utility costs, improve are free with two paid staff. Check reg- music program. Only six U.S. schools to health and wellness, and ensure effective istration details about the food that will receive a grant. sustainability education. Fifty-one per- be provided. A social is in the works for “Most of our instruments are very old cent of the 2016 honorees serve a disad- Thursday evening. and need to be replaced. I am hoping to re- vantaged student body.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 21 Your Primary Primer The Candidates: Your Decision There is much rancor and much anger flowing out of elec- who read the answers and then interviewed the candidates who tion campaigns this year. Much of it originates at the na- availed themselves of the interview process. Recommen- tional level, but state races are not immune. dations are based solely on education issues. Serious voters also need to be wary of misinfor- Remember that the officials you elect will be mation and outright lies spread by political opera- asked to make decisions that affect all you do in tives. One robocall this spring on behalf of an op- your classroom and school building. They will ponent of one of the candidates on these pages decide whether to provide your school with claimed that two of four candidates in the Pri- more money for counseling and mental health mary Election had dropped out of the race! issues, more state aid, more or less testing, and So know that the facts here are based on each scores of other issues that affect you and your candidates written answers to questions about public 0 students. 1 education. The recommendations themselves — and AY There was no recommendation in District 11 or M they are only recommendations — come from the ma- TUE Y  District 49. To find your Legislative District, go to: jority vote by bi-partisan committees of your colleagues SDA legislature.gov/about/leg_map Nebraska Legislature Legislative Dist. 1: Dan Watermeier at the north, 72nd and 96th streets to the west, the Mis- Where: Otoe, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee souri River to the east and various streets to the south. and Richardson counties. A member of the Omaha Board of Education, Wayne has knowl- Watermeier has become a leader in Legislature, and, with a family edge of education issues, and, according to the interview team, “is of teachers, understands the needs of public education. He is an advo- ready to hit the ground running.” He has existing relationships with cate for local control and defends stability of financing public schools. many senators and has worked in the Legislative arena. Legislative Dist. 3: Carol Blood Legislative Dist. 15: Lynne Walz Where: Bellevue and parts of Papillion, bounded roughly Where: Dodge County. by 25th St. on the east, the Douglas/Sarpy county line on Enthusiastic, open-minded, willing to learn and “stupendous” sup- the north and S. 60th and S. 84th to the west. port for public education. That was the interview team’s assessment Blood is a “farm girl” who comes from an education family and is of Walz, who opposes vouchers. Her opponent opposes due process. highly supportive of public education. The interview team called her “honest, passionate, organized, research-based and relatable.” Legislative Dist. 17: Ardel Bengtson Where: Dakota, Thurston and Wayne counties. Legislative Dist. 5: Mike McDonnell As a former educator, and a participant in the teacher retirement Where: Omaha, bounded roughly by I-480 and Highway 75 plan, Bengtson understands well the needs of teachers and public on the east, 72nd St. on the west, the Douglas county line schools. She is also quite active in her community. to the south, and Grover and Martha streets to the north. A former high-profile Omaha city employee and union member, Legislative Dist. 19: Sen. Jim Scheer the interview team recognized McDonnell as a “very strong ally” Where: Madison County and northeast Stanton County. with educators in the Legislature. A former member of the State Board of Education, Scheer now has four years in the Legislature behind him. He is a relationship Legislative Dist. 7: John Synowiecki builder and has been a solid supporter of public schools. Where: Southeast Omaha bounded by the Missouri River on the east; I-480 and Highway 75 on the west, Harrison Legislative Dist. 21: Larry Scherer St. on the south and I-480 on the north. Where: Northwest Lancaster County A former senator, Synowiecki has a proven record of support for and the City of Lincoln, north of Oak Creek. public education and public unions. He has a family of teachers work- Former legal counsel to the Legislature’s Education Committee, ing for OPS, and said he opposes charter schools. Scherer helped craft the state’s school aid formula. He is a proven friend of education, as his work as director of research for NSEA has Legislative Dist. 9: Sen. Sara Howard proven over the past dozen years. Where: East central Omaha bounded by Grover and Mar- tha streets to the south; 72nd street on the west, Highway Legislative Dist. 23: Sen. Jerry Johnson 6 and Leavenworth on the north and I-480 to the east. Where: Saunders, Butler counties, most of Colfax County “Warm, approachable” and a strong vote for children and public Johnson has been a leader in the Legislature, where he serves as education for the past four years, Howard is counted on to support chair of the Agriculture Committee. He is unopposed. teachers and students in the Legislature. She is committted to rep- resenting her district and is a strong backer of collective bargaining. Legislative Dist. 25: Jim Gordon, Les Spry Where: Northeast Lancaster Co., and the City of Lincoln Legislative Dist. 13: Justin Wayne roughly east of 56th St. and north of Pine Lake Road. Where: Northeast Douglas Co., bounded by the county line Gordon is a family law attorney and chairs the Board of Directors

PAGE 22 | THE VOICE | MAY 2016 for The Mediation Center, is past chair of the Child Advocacy Center including Kearney, Gibbon and Shelton. and the Make-A-Wish of America board. Supports class size reduc- Lammers is both connected to education — his wife is a retired tion and less mandated testing. Spry, is a practicing nephrologist and teacher — and puts a priority on education. He was judged as the best past president of the Nebraska Medical Association. He is a strong of all candidates on education issues. supporter of public education. Legislative Dist. 39: Bill Armbrust Legislative Dist. 27: Anna Wishart Where: The western third of Douglas County, bounded on Where: Southeast Lincoln, bounded by Oak Creek to the the east by 180th St and Highway 31. north, with a sliver stretching to Rokeby Road. Armbrust has deep ties to ag and is a strong advocate for public A former legislative staffer, Wishart has a great understanding schools. He understands the importance of all roles in education: par- and institutional knowledge of the Legislature. A product of Lincoln ents, teachers, administrators, students. Opposes vouchers. Public Schools, she is a known advocate for public schools. Legislative Dist. 41: Tom Briese Legislative Dist.29: Sen. Kate Bolz Where: Pierce, Antelope, Boone, Wheeler, Garfield, Valley, Where: South central Lincoln bounded by South St. Greeley, Sherman and Howard counties. to the north, 27th St. to the west, 56th St. to the East The interview committee was impressed that Briese is working to and Rokeby Road to the south. educate himself on issues and took extensive notes during the inter- Serves on the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, and sev- view. Viewed as an “independent thinker,” Briese is unopposed. eral special committees, including the Children’s Commission. Sixth generation Nebraskan who grew up on farm just outside Lincoln. Legislative Dist. 43: Sen. Al Davis Legislative Dist. 31: Sen. Rick Kolowski Where: Dawes, Sheridan, Cherry, Keya Paha, Brown, Loup, Blaine, Thomas, Logan, McPherson, Hooker, Grant counties. Where: Western Douglas County, largely within a one- to After his election in 2012, Davis quickly became a leader in the two-mile radius of Zorinsky Lake. Legislature. He carried legislation that increased funding for loan for- Kolowski was the founding principal of Millard West High and is giveness for teachers seeking to improve skills and knowledge, and a proven supporter of public schools in the Unicameral. He is articu- has been a consistent vote for public schools. late about education and values the profession and craft of teaching. Legislative Dist. 45: Sen. Sue Crawford Legislative Dist. 33: Sen. Les Seiler Where: The eastern third of Sarpy County. Where: Adams County and the west half of Hall County. Davis was recommended four years ago, and has been a strong A former teacher, Seiler has been a reliable vote on the Legisla- vote for children and public schools. A Creighton University profes- ture’s Education Committee. He understands the value of public edu- sor, she is active in public policy issues with many community groups. cation and opposes vouchers and private charters. Legislative Dist. 47: Legislative Dist. 35: Dan Quick Wendell Gaston, Karl Elmshauser Where: The city of Grand Island. Where: Sioux, Box Buttem, Morrill, Banner, Kimball, Quick has been active in politics and is very much pro-Associ- Cheyenne, Garden, Deuel, Keith and Arthur counties. ation. The interview committee called him “genuine, very honest, Both men are well-spoken and well-connected. The interview down-to-earth” and appealing to the working class. team felt both are very knowledgeable about education, and would work to find equitable outcomes to education needs in Nebraska. Legislative Dist. 37: Bob Lammers Where: The southeast section of Buffalo County, State Board of Education District 1: Patricia Koch Johns County bounded by 180th St to the west, Blondo St. and Bob Rauner to the north and I-680 to the east. Where: Eastern half and southern third A retired teacher and longtime Association member, Fricke has of Lancaster County, including the City of Lincoln. been a tireless advocate for public education and is well-versed in the Koch Johns is a former Lincoln High teacher and Nebraska Teach- needs of public schools and the students who attend those schools. er of the Year and is said to “always be right for kids.” She is a pas- sionate, experienced communicator. Rauner is data-driven, well-read District 3: Rachel Wise and goal-driven, and wants education to work hand-in-hand with the Where: 15 counties in northeast Nebraska, health community. north of the Platte River. Wise, a former educator, has served as the president of the state District 2: Lisa Fricke board of education since 2015. She has been a leader in setting educa- Where: Most of Sarpy County and a sliver of Douglas tion policy that assists teachers and students. Second Congressional District Congress, Dist 2: Rep. Brad Ashford He supported bipartisan legislation that replaced the failed No Where: Douglas County, south into Sarpy County including Child Left Behind Act with the Every Student Achieves Act, and also Omaha, Ralston, Papillion, Gretna, Waterloo and Valley. supported a bill that would give school districts greater flexibility in Ashford has been a solid voter for public education and has often meal preparation. reached across the aisle to support legislation that is right and correct. As proof of his bipartisanship, Congressional Quarterly Roll Call recently named him the sixth most bipartisan member of the House.

MAY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 23 0 1 AY T M Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association UESDAY  605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 NSEA Recommended Candidates US CONGRESS CD 2 Brad Ashford NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE Dist. 01 Sen. Dan Watermeier Dist. 03 Carol Blood Dist. 05 Mike McDonnell Dist. 07 John Synowiecki Dist. 09 Sen. Sara Howard Dist. 13 Justin Wayne Dist. 15 Lynne Walz Dist. 17 Ardel Bengtson Dist. 19 Sen. Jim Scheer Dist. 21 Larry Scherer Dist. 23 Sen. Jerry Johnson Dist. 25 Jim Gordon & Les Spry Dist. 27 Anna Wishart Dist. 29 Sen. Kate Bolz Dist. 31 Sen. Rick Kolowski Dist. 33 Sen. Les Seiler Dist. 35 Dan Quick Dist. 37 Bob Lammers Dist. 39 Bill Armbrust Dist. 41 Tom Briese Dist. 43 Sen. Al Davis Dist. 45 Sen. Sue Crawford Dist. 47 Wendall Gaston & Karl Elmshaeuser NEBRASKA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Dist. 1 Patsy Koch Johns & Bob Rauner Dist. 2 Lisa Fricke Dist. 3 Rachel Wise

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