TexasAdvocate State Teachers Association/National Education Association Fall 2012

4 NEA ASSEMBLY A CALL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE PATRIOTISM

8 NOVEMBER ELECTIONS WHICH CANDIDATES SUPPORT YOU?

12 ADVOCACY IN ACTION IDEAS YOU CAN USE TO ADVOCATE AND RECRUIT

20 LEAD THE PROFESSION USING IPADS AND PAINT BRUSHES TO HELP KIDS

24 OUR CONVENTIONS HOW TO BE A DELEGATE Editorial Table of Contents Think you don’t have time for politics? Advocate Vol. 32, No. 1 Fall 2012

As leaders in our classrooms and on our campuses, we educators have a direct impact on our TSTA Advocate is an official quarterly publication of the State Teachers students’ lives and our professions. But our leadership does not end when the school bell rings. Association, affiliate of the National Educa- We are all painfully aware that the decisions made by the governor, legislators, and school board tion Association. How to contact us: Call 877-ASK-TSTA, members also have a direct impact on our students, and that requires our involvement in visit www.tsta.org, or write us at TSTA, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. community affairs and politics. By Rita Haecker, TSTA President Please send address changes to the attention of Membership Records or [email protected]. list of candidates whom TSTA is supporting local are registered to vote, and help regis- Advertising: If you would like to advertise, for state offices in the Nov. 6 general elec- ter those who aren’t. The voter registration contact us at 512-476-5355, ext. 1257 or tion and an article reminding us why this deadline is Oct. 9. You can obtain voter email [email protected]. election is the most crucial in many years registration forms from local registrars’ of- TSTA makes no representations regarding for Texas public schools and educators. fices, libraries, most post offices, and high advertised products or services that are not endorsed. schools, or you can download one online Please read the article and check the list for at www.votetexas.gov. Postmaster: Send address changes to the endorsed candidates in your area…and, TSTA Membership Records, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. please, get to work to help them get elected! • Plan a public event for your members And please remember, we’re not just work- with endorsed legislative, State Board of NEA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: John Stocks listens to members during round table discussions at the Emerging PRESIDENT Leaders Conference this summer. More photos on pages 12-14 and on www.flickr.com/photos/tstapublicaffairs/sets. ing for a candidate, we’re working to reverse Education, or local school board candi- Rita Haecker the damage to public education inflicted by dates in your area. Promote media cover- VICE PRESIDENT the governor and the legislative majority. age. Remind your community how impor- WHAT’S INSIDE Noel Candelaria We’re working to restore respect to our pro- tant it is to elect candidates who really will fession, and we have to be a force to be 4 Upfront EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR support the public schools. Richard Kouri reckoned with during this election cycle. As Texas stands out at the NEA Representative Assembly; now you can join TSTA online; liability insur- ance vs. legal defense funds; awards TSTA and NEA offer. leaders, we have to make a difference by • Volunteer to work in our endorsed candi- DIRECTOR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS I know that many of you feel there is neither getting our colleagues and fellow members dates’ campaigns, and urge your members 8 Had Enough? Why You Must Vote in November Ed Martin the time nor a reason to get involved in pol- actively involved. to join you. This is a great way to help win If there is one lesson that educators should have taken to heart from the political events in Texas over EDITOR itics, but politics is already involved in what elections and build important, long-last- the past two years, it is this: Elections have consequences, and those consequences are particularly Debbie Mohondro If we fail to act, the 2013 legislative session you do every day — in everything from cur- ing relationships. critical for public school employees. will dish out more of what we saw during PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST riculum to all the time you have to spend 10 Candidates Who Support Public Education last year’s session — deeper cuts to educa- • Organize a get-out-the-vote effort — and Clay Robison on testing, paperwork, and dealing with A list of candidates endorsed by the political action committees of TSTA and NEA in the Nov. 6 tion, more school employees out of work, carry through. Provide members of your larger classes. Educators are the real educa- elections. PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN and thousands of overcrowded classrooms. local with information about polling Susan Martin tion experts, and if we want a better class- And our respect as education professionals places and dates and times for voting, 12 Advocacy in Action room and working environment, we have to ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER will suffer even more. both early and on Election Day. Urge your Emerging Leaders learn leadership skills; Donna education support professional joins national panel; elect people to the school board and the leg- Leann Kloesel members to take other voters to the polls Port Arthur and Spring Branch protest contract changes; Del Valle association rep offers recruiting islature who will work with us to improve Political involvement is as American as tips; Laredo president is honored; Deer Park names friend of education; Brownsville recruits young with them. Every vote counts. The victory ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY our schools. apple pie, and it is essential for teachers and members; news for retired members; plus ESP flyers for your use. Claire Moore other school employees, whose livelihoods margin for one school-friendly legislator When you get involved, people in your 20 Leading the Profession SECRETARY/ADVERTISING are so strongly affected by the decisions of in Austin two years ago was only four community will look to you for guidance With the help of an NEA Foundation grant, an Austin member introduces her social behavioral skills Sheryl Fisher elected officeholders. votes. and advice on what works best in the class- students to the benefits of technology; a Round Rock member is recognized at the White House for room. When you get involved, parents and Much needs to be done before early voting The importance of your efforts this fall will excellence in teaching science; and student members lead a team to restore a Maryland middle co-workers will know which candidates for begins Oct. 22. Some local leaders already resonate beyond this election. Your involve- school. legislative and school board seats will best are busy. But here are some things that all ment will enhance your influence as a 22 In the Classroom serve the interests of your students and your our leaders can start doing now. Please, leader in the community, and you will win The “four C’s” of successful parent-teacher partnerships, plus 10 ways parents can help teachers. school. When you get involved and com- don’t hesitate to contact our Public Affairs more respect for our profession and your 24 National Delegate Elections municate that information to voters in your fellow professionals. Center in Austin if you need assistance or If you plan to attend the NEA Representative Assembly in , this article has information about Copyright 2012 by community, your leadership has an even want to get professional guidance on an idea And the greater the public respect for our delegate elections and hotel arrangements. greater impact on your students and your or event. We are ready to help, and here are TEXAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION profession, the greater our community and NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION classroom. a few ideas to get you started. 28 TSTA State Convention Delegate Elections political influence — and the stronger our Information for members who may want to run for local, retired at-large, or cluster delegate to the 316 West 12th St., Austin, Texas 78701 In this issue of the Advocate, you will find a • Find out how many members of your public schools. TSTA House of Delegates in . www.tsta.org • 877-ASK-TSTA

2 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 3 Upfront

NEA CONVENTION: TSTA President Rita Haecker introduces NEA Executive Director John Stocks and meets Vice President Joe Biden; TSTA Vice President Noel Candelaria on the conven- tion floor; and Texas delegates Patty Candelaria, Torsha Winrow, and Evelina Loya give doughnuts and handwritten notes of support to Wisconsin delegates, who have been under political attack.

“Educators have played a LEGAL SERVICES AND TSTA provides an unlimited cap on the amount of legal critical role in fostering so- ADVOCACY: PUTTING legal defense fund for all funding a member can re- cial justice patriotism YOUR DUES TO WORK employment defense cases ceive. In those associations, throughout U.S. history, WHERE IT MATTERS approved for legal funding. once the member hits a cer- That means if TSTA is assist- tain amount in legal fees, the from seeking funds for the TSTA provides comprehen- ing you with a termination, member is responsible for education of free slaves after sive legal coverage. When nonrenewal, grievance, or the remainder of the fees — the Civil War to speaking people ask TSTA members other employment-related even if the case isn’t over out against the internment why they should join TSTA, of Japanese-American chil- one of the reasons they issue, you will never be sent yet. A complex contract ter- dren during World War II to might hear is “protection.” a bill for those services. mination case can easily opposing the segregation of But what does that mean? Other associations place a exceed $20,000 in attorneys’ Black children in schools What kinds of legal services that were inherently un- does TSTA provide? equal,” Stocks said. “But with • TSTA provides an unlim- the emergence of voter sup- ited legal defense fund for pression laws, growing in- NEA delegates pledge to step up for kids employment defense, and come inequality, and insidi- • TSTA provides liability Ken Burns: If public education is to remain a basic right for every child rather than a privilege for only the wealthy, educators ous new forms of racial insurance. discrimination, it is impera- The Dust Bowl chronicles the must lead their profession — not just in their schools but in their communities and in political campaigns as tive that NEA members Both employment defense worst man-made well. That was the recurring message from President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, national Teacher everywhere become com- and liability insurance are im- ecological disaster portant, but they are different. in American history. mitted activists for social Vivid interviews with of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki, and the more than 8,000 educators at the NEA Representative Assembly in July. justice and equal opportunity.” twenty-six survivors, Unlimited employment de- combined with fense: Employment defense dramatic photographs Delegates also heard from The Representative Assembly is the largest democratic perfect, enthusiastic, hard-working, and committed example refers to situations in which and seldom seen President Barack Obama, movie footage, decision-making body in the world; almost 8,000 educators of the millions more just like me.” a member must take action who called in from the cam- bring to life stories gathered this year at the Walter E. Convention to protect her job, or the ofo incredible human paign trail in Ohio, and Vice Center in Washington, D.C., to determine education policy Judy Near, a health technician from , was named rights afforded to her under sufferings and equally NEA’s Education Support Professional of the Year. She urged President Joe Biden, who at- COMING incrediblei human for the nation’s largest union, hear from leaders in politics and state and federal laws. For perseverance.p tended the convention. “The THIS education, and honor their colleagues. It was the 150th her colleagues to take control of their profession through example, employment de- FALL! Annual Meeting and 91st Representative Assembly. leadership roles. “To lead, you just need a vision, hope, and power of public education is fense would involve a situa- inner strength to believe you can change things,” Near said. its potential for personal tion in which a school dis- Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwocki spoke of the power growth and collective trict attempts to terminate NEA Executive Director John Stocks delivered his first ad- teachers have to shape and transform the lives of their progress,” President Obama an employee from his or her To purchase this and other educational resources, students. A middle school English teacher in California, dress as executive director, and he was introduced by our said. “You can’t help the job, or a supervisor violates visit shopPBS.org/teachershop Mieliwocki said she is proud to represent teachers. “Here I own TSTA President Rita Haecker. He challenged delegates to American people without an employee’s rights under or other authorized distributor sites. © 2012 PBS stand, one teacher symbolizing millions,” she said. “One im- become “social justice patriots.” helping education.” the Texas Education Code.

4 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 5 fees, which is the cap for some associa- rights violated by your employer. If an ance policy, an appeal to the Texas Edu- NOW YOU CAN JOIN • Frank J. Tejeda Award for Public Ser- tions. TSTA attorneys don’t have to make educator is sued for acts that occurred cation Agency, and finally to district TSTA ONLINE vice recognizes an individual for ser- strategy decisions based on how much a vice at the state or national as a result of the educator’s employ- court. After three years and more than TSTA launched its new online mem- particular strategy will cost. With TSTA, political/legislative level on behalf of ment, the educator will need a lawyer $23,000 in legal fees, the member pre- bership enrollment application in Sep- you will never have to worry about the public school children or educational to defend against those legal claims. If vailed. The court ordered the district to tember! We are very excited about this cost of defending your job or protecting employees of Texas. the claims are valid, the educator might reinstate the aide and pay her three years new tool, which allows members to see your employment rights. also need insurance to cover any dam- of back pay. The member did not have to their specific dues based on a few sim- • NEA Human and Civil Rights Award ages that are awarded to the injured pay TSTA anything beyond her dues. ple questions and to pay by credit card, Liability insurance: Liability insur- honors an individual, organization, party. In these very rare situations, lia- More than once, TSTA has funded a bank draft, or payroll deduction. ance comes into play when an em- bility insurance is important. teacher’s case all the way to the Texas and/or region or local affiliate. ployee is sued — a situation that is Supreme Court at no cost to the member. No more printing out a membership much less likely to happen than having • Professional, Human, and Civil As a member of TSTA, you are covered form, filling it out by hand, mailing or your employment threatened or your Rights Awards recognize Texas edu- by a liability insurance policy that pro- In the past five years, TSTA has repre- faxing it in. Simply submit your mem- cators, TSTA local and regional asso- tects members against most legal sented over 20 members whose cases bership form online and it goes directly ciations, and other individuals or as- claims regarding actions within the exceeded $20,000 in legal fees and ex- to the TSTA Membership Department. scope of your employment. TSTA penses, many of them double that sociations who are friends of education for distinguished service members who are sued or being inves- amount. One case exceeded $100,000 Access the online application form from and contributions in promoting tigated for a crime related to their em- in legal fees. None of those members the “Join TSTA” box on www.tsta.org and/or encouraging professional and ployment should contact TSTA imme- had to pay for legal services that ex- or go directly to www.mytsta.org. If human rights activities. diately so that we may assist them in ceeded a pre-determined cap. you have questions, please call us at filing an insurance claim. 877-ASK-TSTA. Based on these figures and the likelihood • Ermalee Boice Instructional Advo- cacy Award recognizes and promotes What’s more important? Although lia- that very few, if any, TSTA members will TSTA AWARDS: teaching excellence. bility insurance is important, ask your- ever be sued, much less found liable, for acts related to their employment, HOW TO NOMINATE self how many school employees you • NEA Foundation Learning & Leader- TSTA made a decision to reexamine the TSTA offers several awards to honor personally know who have been sued ship Grants allow individuals to par- WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! amounts of liability coverage provided teachers, education support profes- for things that happened in the course ticipate in high-quality professional to members. TSTA came to the conclu- sionals, and individuals outside the Just as we were going to press, of their job. Odds are the number is development experiences and groups sion that your dues dollars are much field of education who support public Lubbock Educators Association very low, if not zero. In fact, in the past to participate in collegial study. year, out of over 68,000 members, better spent on other TSTA efforts to education. surpassed 1,000 members! TSTA received only one liability insur- protect your employment rights and • NEA Foundation Student Achieve- Members number 1,000 and • Instructional Awards recognize local ance claim for a civil claim. While peo- job security instead of paying for ex- ment Grants improve the academic associations for activities and accom- 1,001 are Tania Russell and ple threaten to sue every day, in reality, cess liability insurance that you will achievement of students in U.S. pub- plishments that incorporate the NEA Rachel Meriam, both teachers at it is difficult to sue school employees probably never need. Currently, all lic schools and public higher educa- TSTA members are covered up to Priority Schools Initiative. Hodges Elementary, shown here because of the protections afforded by tion institutions. $1,000,000 for most civil legal claims, state law. • School Bell Awards recognize out- with TSTA part-timer and former an amount that no TSTA claim has ever Find out how you can nominate some- standing media coverage of education LEA president Cherie Jenkins. In contrast, ask yourself how many come close to reaching. (All coverage is one for an award at www.tsta.org/ issues and events. Fifty-one new members — 31 people you know whose job has been subject to the terms and conditions set news-center/awards-grants or call threatened or who have had difficul- forth by Nautilus Insurance Company. 877-ASK-TSTA for more information. teachers and 20 education sup- • Pride in Communications Awards ties with their supervisor. The number Please contact TSTA for details.) recognize outstanding local/regional port professionals — signed up is probably pretty high, and in fact, association newsletters and websites. CHECK OUR WEBSITE during four days of building vis- you might be one of those people. By TSTA understands the importance of Please bookmark tsta.org and check it far, the majority of TSTA Legal Ser- providing you with effective legal sup- its, for a total of 155 new mem- • Ronnie Ray ESP Advocate of the Year frequently for updates. It’s always a vices matters are related to employ- port when you might encounter prob- bers this fall and 86 in the Award recognizes an educational sup- good idea, but it’s crucial as the legisla- ment defense. TSTA spends over a mil- lems when working in public schools. port professional who demonstrates spring. Lubbock is just one of tive session approaches. lion dollars a year helping members We are prepared to provide that sup- outstanding accomplishments and our many growing locals. Photos defend their jobs and their employ- port, and we are focused on the issues contributions to public education. While you’re on the website, you can of TSTA local membership activi- ment rights. most likely to impact you. You may sign up to receive the Briefing electronic only need to consult with someone re- • Friend of Education Award recog- ties can be found on our Flickr newsletter. Recently, TSTA secured a victory for a garding your rights over the phone, or nizes an individual, organization, or page at www.flickr.com/photos/ teacher’s aide who was illegally termi- you may need an attorney to represent company outside of the field of edu- Link to facebook at www.facebook.com/ tstapublicaffairs/sets. nated. TSTA pursued the member’s com- you in a termination hearing. Either cation who made a significant contri- texasstateteachersassociation, and twitter plaint through the district’s local griev- way, TSTA is here to assist you. bution to public education. at www.twitter.com/txstateteachers.

6 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 7 November Elections

MEETING WITH CANDIDATES: (facing page) , candidate for state representative, with Southwest TSTA/NEA leaders Beverly Botti, Jessica Aragon, and Diana Rodriguez; (this page) Sarah Scoggins Spurrier, Arlington TSTA president, with TSTA President Rita Haecker and Sen. ; TSTA staff member Steve Sianez with El Paso Teachers Association leaders Delia Camacho, Dora Martinez, and Norma De La Rosa and , can- didate for Texas House; and Haecker with congressional candidate Rep. Joaquin Castro of at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Gala.

some educators who shared Perry’s con- are running at least $5 billion more ers, and Gov. Perry recently appointed servative viewpoint — soon learned, than what the comptroller projected a long-time voucher proponent, you cannot shrink state government when the budget was written. But in- Michael Williams, as the new state ed- without taking a wrecking ball to pub- stead of taking steps to boost funding ucation commissioner. lic schools, because public education is for public schools and cure a chronic one of the largest state expenditures. deficit in the education budget, the “These so-called ‘choice’ programs offer governor and the legislative majority no real choice for the overwhelming The governor and the legislative ma- want to promote privatization schemes majority of students,” TSTA President jority slashed $5.4 billion from the to enrich education profiteers. Rita Haecker pointed out in a state- public education budget. The conse- ment to the news media. “Voucher quences are real. In community after Despite growing opposition from par- plans benefit only a few students while community, Texas public schools are ents and educators, state leaders will enriching profiteers at the expense of still reeling. continue to defend the high-stakes public schools that have been short- STAAR testing program, for which they changed by the same politicians who So far, 25,000 school jobs have been already have paid private test develop- want to divert tax dollars to private lost and thousands of students have ers and consultants hundreds of mil- schools. been crammed into overcrowded class- lions of dollars. This year, STAAR tests rooms. More losses are feared as the “All these voucher schemes to the con- Had enough? Vote! will be even more stressful for students final budget reductions kick in for the trary, the vast majority of Texas chil- because the results will begin to count If there is one lesson that educators should have taken to heart from the political events in Texas new school year. Districts continue to dren will continue to be educated in toward student grades. And there may make cuts, and some are even closing traditional public schools, and that is be an effort to link test results to over the past two years, it is this: Elections have consequences, and those consequences are neighborhood schools. where our tax dollars need to be in- teacher compensation, even though the particularly critical for public school employees. By Clay Robison vested,” Haecker added. Perry and his allies are preparing to state leadership has refused to give continue their assault on public teachers and students the resources TSTA and other public school advo- Even so, a number of teachers and conditions, and, ultimately, whether cators’ jobs on the line, but this election schools when the Legislature convenes they need to assure success. cates will keep working to restore other school staff may not be planning they stay employed. also will go a long way toward deter- in January. Last year, they left billions school funding while fighting against Some key legislators have also an- mining the very future of public educa- of taxpayer dollars unspent in the vouchers, an overemphasis on high- to vote this year because they think nounced a major push to divert tax Early voting for the Nov. 6 general elec- tion in Texas — whether it will remain state’s Rainy Day Fund. That fund will stakes standardized tests, and efforts to their votes won’t matter or they don’t dollars to a private school voucher pro- tion starts Oct. 22, and every vote cast a vibrant force in the state economy or grow to at least $8.1 billion by the end privatize public schools and weaken want to be involved in politics. But gram, which they falsely call a “choice” this year will be crucial for Texas edu- be weakened by privatization. of the current budget period, but for educators’ employment rights. But our votes do matter. And, every public edu- cators, students, and public schools. months the governor has refused program for students and parents. State success will be determined in large part cation employee already is involved in The consequences of this election will In 2010, Texas voters reelected Gov. TSTA’s demand to call the Legislature Sen. , a Republican from by the Nov. 6 election results. politics — whether they vote or not — either begin to reverse the assault on over more mainstream op- into special session to restore educa- Houston and chair of the Legislature’s because elected officials make decisions public education that intensified after ponents and elected a legislative super- tion funding. Tea Party Caucus, already has identi- It is extremely important that educa- that affect their schools, their profes- the 2010 election, or they will worsen majority intent on “shrinking” state fied vouchers as a priority. Lt. Gov. tors and other supporters of the public sion, their compensation, their working the attack. Not only are additional edu- government. As everyone — including Other state tax collections, meanwhile, also endorsed vouch- schools turn out in force to vote for

8 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 9 candidates who will give public educa- be the deciding vote in the Senate for dorsed several congressional candi- tion more than lip service in Austin. If or against private school vouchers and dates in Texas, and TSTA locals are we do, we can begin reversing the con- other school profiteering plans. Davis’ supporting candidates in local school sequences of 2010 and the political re-election became even more critical board races that also will be decided and financial damage to public schools. following moderate Republican state Nov. 6. Local school boards have be- If we don’t, the attack on public educa- Sen. Jeff Wentworth’s defeat by tea come increasingly important to educa- tion will worsen, and Texas children party right-winger in tors in the wake of the state budget and educators will pay the price for our the GOP runoff in District 25. cuts and the Legislature’s deferral of apathy while school profiteers prosper. more power over employee rights and TSTA also is supporting candidates in working conditions to school districts. Gov. Perry won’t be on the ballot this some very competitive Texas House year because he is in the middle of a races and a number of candidates, both Yes, elections have consequences. And four-year term, but his legislative allies Democrats and Republicans, for State yes, your vote counts. But it counts will be. TSTA, through its political ac- Board of Education seats. NEA has en- only if you cast it. tion committee, TSTA-PAC, supported a number of pro-education legislative GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS 2012 candidates in both the Republican and General election HD10 Eric Johnson HD100 Democratic primaries and runoffs. Barack Obama President Allan Ritter HD21 Chris Turner HD101 Some of the candidates we supported Paul Sadler US Senate HD22 Rich Hancock HD102 won, and others lost. Nick Lampson CD14 HD23 HD103 Ruben Hinojosa CD15 Ron Reynolds HD27 A list of our endorsed candidates in the Roberto Alonzo HD104 Joaquin Castro CD20 HD31 general election accompanies this arti- Rosemary Robbins HD105 Pete Gallego CD23 Todd Hunter HD32 Robert Miklos HD107 cle. TSTA urges you to consult the list Henry Cuellar CD28 HD34 Helen Giddings HD109 and vote for the endorsed candidates Eddie Bernice Johnson CD30 HD35 for the offices on your ballot. Ask your Marc Veasey CD33 Sergio Munoz HD36 HD110 families, friends, and co-workers to Lloyd Doggett CD35 Rene Olivera HD37 HD111 join you. TSTA also urges you to con- Eddie Lucio III HD38 Carol Kent HD114 tribute to TSTA-PAC or increase your State Board of Education Mando Martinez HD39 Bennett Ratliff HD115 Ruben Cortez SBOE2 contribution, because special interests HD40 HD116 Lawrence Allen Jr. SBOE4 that would undermine public schools Bobby Guerra HD41 Phil Cortez HD117 Rebecca Bell-Metereau SBOE5 are contributing large amounts of Richard Raymond HD42 Joe Farias HD118 Thomas Ratliff SBOE9 Yvonne Gonzalez-Toureilles HD43 money in many of these races. Roland Gutierrez HD119 Judy Jennings SBOE10 John Adams HD45 Mavis Best Knight SBOE13 Ruth Jones McClendon HD120 Several races involving TSTA-endorsed Dawnna Dukes HD46 Sue Melton SBOE14 Mike Villarreal HD123 candidates are expected to be close and HD48 HD124 could go either way, depending on Elliott Naishtat HD49 Justin Rodriguez HD125 Mark Strama HD50 which candidates most effectively turn Mario Gallegos SD6 Eddie Rodriguez HD51 HD131 out their voters. Wendy Davis SD10 J.D. Sheffield HD59 HD134 SD13 Larry Phillips HD62 Matt Stillwell HD136 Topping the list for TSTA and public Kirk Watson SD14 Susan King HD71 HD137 schools is state Sen. Wendy Davis of SD15 HD72 District 10 in Tarrant County (Fort Carlos Uresti SD19 Sylvester Turner HD139 Poncho Nevarez HD74 Worth). Davis, a Democrat, has a tough Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa SD20 HD140 Mary Gonzalez HD75 race in a “swing” district. She has SD21 HD141 Naomi Gonzalez HD76 fought hard for public schools and ed- SD23 Harold Dutton HD142 Marisa Marquez HD77 ucators. Her Republican challenger, John Courage SD25 Ana Hernández Luna HD143 Joe Moody HD78 Mark Shelton, voted for the $5.4 bil- Leticia Van de Putte SD26 HD144 Eddie Lucio Jr. SD27 Joe Pickett HD79 lion in education cuts, including more HD145 Jose Rodríguez SD29 HD80 than $68 million from Tarrant County HD146 SD31 Lon Burnam HD90 school districts alone, according to Diane Patrick HD94 HD147 Texas Education Agency estimates. Texas House HD95 Jessica Farrar HD148 Lance Gooden HD4 HD99 HD149 Whoever wins the District 10 race may

10 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 11 Advocacy in Action

12 TSTA Advocate DONNA TSTA/NEA: Linda Estrada talks about her local at the NEA Joint Conference on Minorities and Women June 29 in Washington, D.C. Emerging Leaders: the next generation steps up Morale among students and staff is low. Donna TSTA/NEA is the largest profes- TSTA and NEA leaders urged partici- unions, and privatize education, he said. sional education association in the dis- EMERGING LEADERS 2012 pants in this summer’s Emerging Lead- trict, representing 889 members. Adrian Flores ers Conference to redouble their fight Stocks warned that democracy was Bridget Y. Smith for a strong public education system in “truly at risk” in the United States in “We recognized that our association Carly Epstein the face of economic and political chal- the face of a growing concentration of and the school district had a common David Yeatts lenges that threaten the public school wealth in the top one or two percent of problem with morale,” local president Edith Gonzalez Americans, a growing number of voter Linda Estrada, who also serves on the foundation and very democracy of our Frenchell McKenzie identification and other voter-suppres- TSTA Board of Directors, said, “so we state and our country. Iris Zepeda sion laws, and increased attacks on decided to work together to turn our Jay Aguilera “This is not a fight that we are going to the public schools and public school schools around. We believe building Jessica Goddard lose,” TSTA President Rita Haecker said employees. employee morale will also boost stu- Joe Fuentes during the three-day leadership train- dent morale.” Linda A. Sanchez “Public education is the connection to ing in Austin. Lynda Flores assuring we have democratic rights in The local association has provided Monica B. Jimenez this country,” and collective action by She challenged the new leaders — and training for worksite teams on commu- Montserrat Garibay organized educators is essential to sav- nication, problem solving, and team the more-experienced TSTA leaders at- Petra Rodriguez ing public education, he said. building; after they were trained, the tending the overlapping Organizing In- Ricquia Moore worksite teams trained their colleagues. stitute — to continue the fight to “save Robert Moreno WORKING TOGETHER TO Although the training is temporarily on PORT ARTHUR TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: Teachers protest contract changes at the board meeting. Roman Hernandez, Jr. public education in Texas.” BUILD MORALE IN DONNA hold, the local plans to continue in the Valdez provided by Port Arthur Teachers Asso- PATA lobbied the board in the weeks NEA Executive Director John Stocks near future. Shannon Walton Fourteen miles east of McAllen near ciation (PATA). leading up to the meeting, and five of Shea Smith said more is at stake than improving the Texas-Mexico border is Donna, its members spoke at the meeting. PORT ARTHUR COMMUNITY Talia Wynne education and the salaries and working “The City with a Heart in the Heart of The teachers were concerned about STANDS BEHIND TEACHERS Veronica Y. Arispe conditions of educators. the Rio Grande Valley.” According to language in their new contract, recom- “When the speeches were given, there Veronica Y. Borrego the latest statistics available from the More than 100 Port Arthur teachers mended by the Texas Association of was thunderous applause,” PATA leader Victoria Williams “We also have a critical role to protect Texas Education Agency, 97 percent of faced the school board on May 24 School Boards, that could require em- Juana Collida said. “A couple of pastors Yena Malik democracy” against political forces that Donna’s 15,023 students are economi- wearing “We Are One” T-shirts and ployees to work extra hours or days from the city were there, one of them a want to shrink government, destroy cally disadvantaged. holding “Change the Contract” signs with no additional compensation. former board member, and they said

14 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 15 they were concerned the language rescind contract language that she said a range of issues important to employees. three” (local, state, national associa- would create even more work for over- could require teachers to work the en- tions) flyer to any member who burdened teachers.” tire 310 days of their contract,” the Great association representatives like joined, with two TSTA pencils at- Memorial Examiner reported. Lauren Ivey-Muniz are the reason for tached. “Retired board president Dr. Kenneth their success. Marks admonished the board for allow- “She said teachers are conscientious • To make an impact, I put those ing things to spiral downward. He told and know that they have duties outside “I LOVE this organization and whole- sheets in staff boxes of our members them, ‘We will all be held accountable, the classroom. ‘We love what we do ... heartedly believe in what it represents at the start of the following week, so so let’s do the right thing for the teach- but we want to make sure administra- and HOW it represents members,” she that all employees would see how ers,’” TSTA Organizational Development tors don’t take advantage (of the con- said. “The biggest thing that I did was many people had joined. Specialist Randy Johnston said. tract language),’ Boukhlif said. ‘If it’s go to the teachers and talk with them; the district’s intent not to exploit this, all the rest was just details.” • I had a new member packet ready to The superintendent notified employees then why include it?’” give to anyone who signed even She offers these tips for building your that the contract language in question though they would get the official local association: would be removed. The campaign continues this fall. one in the mail later.

• I read all the new member info and • I held a raffle for gift cards and in- CONTRACT CONCERNS: SAME compared it to the other organiza- cluded everyone who joined before ISSUE, DIFFERENT DISTRICT tions’ new member packets. I even the drawing. Another school district in the Houston had an honest, open conversation ASSOCIATION OF BROWNSVILLE EDUCATORS: Recruiting members at new employee orientation. area, Spring Branch, is fighting the with another organization’s rep, LAREDO-UNITED LEADER and, as a result, “Our Deer Park ISD that prepares many of the district’s same issue, the contract addition rec- which was hard but very informative. HONORED TWICE superintendent personally extended an new teachers. ommended by the Texas Association of • I put up a “Going Places” themed Rene De La Vina’s commitment to edu- invitation for him to be recognized at School Boards. On Aug. 15, AOBE provided a program bulletin board with quick facts about cation and his community was recog- the school board meeting,” DPEA Pres- TSTA/NEA and its benefits, taken and breakfast for 42 new student Spring Branch Education Association ad- nized twice recently, through an award ident Jocelyn Jones said. from their websites and my new teachers and two university supervisors dressed the school board about its con- and an election. member info packet. An employee of Lubrizol, Thompson at the University of Texas at cerns at the beginning of summer, mak- The Laredo Bar Association presented has worked with the local association Brownsville. Thirty-seven of the stu- ing headlines in the • I gave out a few flyers that were eye the Laredo-United TSTA/NEA presi- and the district’s transportation schol- dent teachers joined the TSTA-Student and Memorial Examiner newspapers. catching and informative one week dent with its first-ever Defender of Jus- arship committee for four years; in that Program, TSTA’s affiliate for college and before talking with groups and again university students. “Spring Branch ISD teachers are tice Award at a luncheon for local attor- time, more than 25 $500 scholarships one day before I “walked the halls.” I bristling at a clause in their contracts neys and judges. have been awarded. used a theme — a particular font and Presenters for the AOBE program were that they say could endanger quality in- TIPS FROM A TOP GUN graphic — so that the pieces were “This award is an honor and tribute to In addition to financial donations, Lucy Reza-Morales, TSTA staff, on struction time with students. Spring Del Valle Education Association grew identifiable as ours and hopefully the hard work Rene does for teachers, Thompson, whose ribs won grand “What is AOBE/TSTA/NEA?” and Branch Education Association President from 45 members to 250 members in 18 triggered a “brand recall.” I used the school employees, and TSTA,” Ernest champion status at the Houston Rodeo, “Member Benefits”; Joe Fuentes, in- Rebecca Boukhlif asked Spring Branch months and successfully lobbied the dis- same theme for everything this fall. Davila, one of the TSTA staff members brings out his barbeque pit and cooks terim consultation chair, on “Student trustees at the June 18 board meeting to trict administration and school board on who works with the local president, said. for the local group. Teacher Experiences”; and Tom Pun- • I spent one day per two grade levels tureri, AOBE staff, on “Bullying” and “He has stayed up all night cooking MATERIALS YOU or department, walking from teacher In August, De La Vina was reelected to “Behaviors That Help Effectiveness.” to teacher to tell them about what briskets for us. He is a very good friend CAN USE: RESPECT a six-year term on the Laredo Commu- our organization offered and key fig- to education,” transportation employee At the Aug. 16-17 new employee ori- CAMPAIGN nity College Board of Trustees. “I ran ures who were members, and I made because I want your children and their Cheryl Smith said. “He loves doing entation, AOBE provided breakfast and This flyer, originally developed for sure to talk about issues they had children — and generations to come — what he does, and he loves kids.” contributed $500 toward the luncheon. use in the Valley, urges educa- talked about earlier. I did this once in to have the best education,” De La The local also held giveaways during tion support professionals to the spring and once in the fall so that Vina, who has served on the board each break and at lunch time, ending join TSTA and “work together HOW DO YOU RECRUIT I wasn’t pushing a lot but I was al- since 2006, told voters. with the biggest prize, a $100 gift card. to get the respect we deserve.” YOUNG MEMBERS? ways available to talk about the orga- The flyers are available for your nization. I always talked about the We asked the Association of Brownsville AOBE recruited 81 new members, and use on the TSTA website in DEER PARK NAMES LOCAL local accomplishments of DVEA, too, Educators, a local association that has seven of them signed up as TSTA-Politi- Spanish and English; download them at: FRIEND OF EDUCATION so they’d see the active state, na- been particularly successful at it. cal Action Committee continuing con- • http://tsta.org/sites/default/files/2012valleyESPflyer-Spanish.pdf and tional, and local representation. At its May meeting, Deer Park Educa- The short answer: visibility at the tributors. An additional 44 new members tion Association named Scott Thomp- school district’s new employee ori- were recruited during the spring drive • http://tsta.org/sites/default/files/2012valleyESPflyer-3.pdf. • I gave a “Welcome to the power of son its 2011-12 Friend of Education, entation and at the local university and summer school recruitment visits.

16 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 17 the annual Outreach to Teach in which NEA members make over a needy school, both the inside and the school grounds. (See page 21 for related story.)

Elections were conducted for NEA Re- tired secretary and NEA Board of Di- rectors; our own Bobbie Duncan was a candidate in a field of 14.

Elections were also held for NEA Re- tired Executive Council, Resolutions Committee representatives, and Alter- nate NEA Board of Directors member.

TSTA Retired members attending were Letha Grace McCoy; Johnetta Williams; Frank Colbert Jr., ; Louise Watkins, Aledo; Ricardo Casiano, San Antonio; Bobbie Duncan, Odessa; and Betty Jo Brown, Houston.

NEWS FOR TSTA RETIRED only, we encourage you to join From June 30-July 5, the NEA Rep- resentative Assembly met. Frank Quilt: If you missed the opportunity to NEA Retired and become a unified Colbert Jr. and Johnetta Williams bid on the historic “T-Shirt Quilt” last member. served as TSTA Retired delegates. school year, another quilt has been made • Members of only NEA Retired should Retired member Bobbie Duncan with a different set of historic T-shirts join TSTA Retired and become uni- served as an at-large delegate and (pictured above). Contact the TSTA fied members. sang in the NEA Choir during the Retired officers, call 877-ASK-TSTA, or Fourth of July celebration. email [email protected] for information • For more information on mem- on buying tickets; the drawing will be bership, call 512-476-5355, Nominations: Nominations are cur- held during the TSTA House of 800-324-5355 or 877-ASK-TSTA. rently in order for the following posi- Delegates in Houston on Saturday, tions in TSTA Retired: president, vice April 13. • TSTA Member Benefits and NEA president, retired at-large delegates to Member Benefits can help you save and 2013 TSTA House of Delegates in Things you might not know about recover the cost of your membership. membership in TSTA Retired: Houston, and TSTA Retired delegates to the 2013 NEA Representative As- Officers: TSTA Retired officers for sembly in Atlanta, Georgia. • Active members can continue their 2012-13 are Johnetta Williams, Dallas, membership and support of TSTA by president; Jay-Ann Rucker, El Paso, joining as Pre-Retired Subscribers. All elections will take place in February vice president; Ann Price Ouzts, Irving, with ballots due March 7. Members secretary; Paul Haupt, El Paso, trea- • Pre-Retired Subscribers must contact may self nominate. A candidate for TSTA to change their membership surer; and Letha Grace McCoy, office must be (1) a TSTA Retired/NEA status from Pre-Retired to Active Burleson, immediate past president. Retired active member, and (2) a mem- Retired. ber in the category in which he or she Meetings: The NEA Retired Annual is nominated. All forms must be com- Meeting was at the Hyatt Regency • If you were employed by a school pleted and returned by Jan. 16, 2013. Washington on Capitol Hill June 27- district for at least five years and are The forms are in this issue of the 29, including a workshop for state eligible to receive a pension, you can Advocate and will be on the TSTA-R presidents, a variety of speakers, busi- join TSTA Retired/NEA Retired. page of the TSTA website. ness sessions, and elections. Retired • If you are a member of TSTA Retired and student members participated in — TSTA-R President Johnetta Williams

18 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 19 Leading the Profession

FOR THE KIDS: Joy Killough receives a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Sci- ence Teaching, and TSTA Student Program (below) participates in NEA’s Outreach to Teach.

thought to how I would teach these stu- stand science was recognized this dents. Now I have that opportunity.” summer in a ceremony at the White House for winners of the Presidential She said it is exciting to see her students Award for Excellence in Mathematics embrace technology: “Traditionally stu- and Science Teaching, the nation’s dents in our behavioral program are very highest recognition for math and sci- limited in their access to current tech- ence teachers. nologies. Their low socio-economic sta- tus deepens the digital divide. The award recognizes teachers who are innovative and bring teaching to life; “We tell our students that we are like winners are determined by a panel of pioneers in the field of bringing these scientists, mathematicians, and educa- new technologies into the classroom. tors. Killough, a biology teacher at They take this responsibility very seri- Westwood High School in Round Rock ously and eagerly teach each other Bridging the digital divide ISD, was one of two Texans to receive what they have learned about each the award. members — gave a Maryland middle app,” Newcomb added. Using iPads equipped with reading, writing, and behavior documentation applications, school a makeover this summer. “The impact to these students is enor- “Students in Joy’s classroom find Kristene Newcomb and her colleagues at Akins High School in Austin hope to improve The NEA Student Program’s Outreach to mous. In general, students in social be- innovative lessons and activities de- Teach corps repaired, landscaped, achievement, behavioral choices, and social skills of social behavioral skills students. havioral skills programs are at risk and signed to make memorable connec- painted, cleaned, and decorated Johnson have the highest dropout rates,” she said. tions through inquiry,” PAEMST said in Middle School in Lanham. It was the six- “Giving them access to this technology announcing the award. “Her favorite “We are barely into the second week of school and our stu- Newcomb bought the iPads with a student achievement grant teenth year that a school in the host city connects them to the academic process. remarks from students start with why, dents have used diagramming apps to develop Venn dia- from the NEA Foundation. After seeing another teacher’s be- of the NEA Annual Meeting was refur- It sends the right message, giving them a how, and what if.” havior tracking apps last fall, Newcomb wanted the same op- bished by hundreds of NEA volunteers. grams; note making apps to develop ideas; journaling apps; sense of value and purpose to learning.” stress management apps; and goal setting apps. Teachers and portunity for her students. She researched grants over winter See www.paemst.org for more on the break, and she and her colleagues spent evenings and week- “Ensuring every child’s basic right to a staff are documenting student behaviors on the iPads as well,” What are you waiting for? Find out awards. great public school starts with pro- ends in January writing the application, which they submit- how you can apply for a grant at she said. viding children with an environment ted in February. www.neafoundation.org. BECAUSE EVERYONE that is safe, healthy, and conducive to Behavioral apps help teachers document, collect, and inter- “The grant was funded just in time for the start of this school DESERVES A GREAT SCHOOL learning,” NEA President Dennis Van pret data that will be used to make individual educational year,” said Newcomb, who was a teaching assistant last year WHITE HOUSE RECOGNIZES More than 400 college students, teach- Roekel said. “We are here because stu- plan (IEP) decisions. The tablets also allow the staff to collab- when she applied. “I received the grant and am using the tech- LOVE OF TEACHING ers, retired educators, higher education dents and school employees deserve to orate with parents to address truancy, poor study habits, so- nology in my first year teaching. In my 11 years as a teaching as- Joy Killough’s love for helping high faculty, and education support pro- learn and work in clean and cheerful cial skills, and other chronic behavior problems. sistant in a social behavioral skills classroom, I gave a lot of school students to value and under- fessionals — including several TSTA surroundings.”

20 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 21 In the Classroom

person conferences are among the best means to follow up with one an- teacher who has control of the class- ways to communicate with parents. other to keep tabs on progress. room. The success of any student rises This will make it easier to discuss and falls on many factors; chief among A word of advice: Avoid giving par- the issue if it comes up again. them is the teacher. Through ongoing ents personal contact information. It’s Share “10 ways parents can help communication and collaborative usually best to keep your professional teachers” (see sidebar). problem-solving, the teacher can and personal lives separate. Also be f. Make sure they leave smiling by achieve positive outcomes for the stu- very careful with work email; it belongs closing with a positive. When you dent, and the parents share ownership to the district — it’s not private — engage parents in a problem-solv- in the education of the child. and when you send an email, you ing process, you both will feel never know who else may read it. confident that positive changes A good relationship with parents will take place. builds support for students, adds to 3. Collaborate. If problems arise, collab- the richness of your classroom, and oration is essential to solving them. 4. Control. Ultimately, the intent of effec- establishes partnerships that have a The test of the teacher-parent relation- tive teacher-parent relationships is to far-reaching impact on your students. ship rests in how effectively the parties bring about achievement in the class- Over the course of your career, you will work together when there are prob- room. The teacher must maintain con- have many things to juggle. Don’t let a lems. Through this collaboration, trol of the relationship because it is the hostile parent be one of them. parents become partners in the solu- tion rather than obstacles in the process. 10 ways parents can help teachers 1. Create a smooth takeoff each day by hugging your child. Let him/her know how When structured properly, parent proud you are, as your child’s self-confidence and security encourages success in conferences are an effective way to school and in life. maintain collaboration. Here are 2. Prepare for a happy landing at the end of the day. Set aside a time to listen to your some tips: child talk about the school day — before you check phone messages, read the mail, a. Be prepared to begin the confer- or complete your own work. This gives your child a touchstone he can count on be- ence when parents arrive. Value tween school and home. Take an interest in what the child is doing at school. Don’t their time. accept “nothing” in response to “What did you do in school today?” Successful parent-teacher partnerships b. Say something positive about 3. Fill your child’s lunchbox with healthy snacks and lunches. Have dinner at a reason- their child. You may have to take able hour and a healthy breakfast. A well-balanced diet maximizes your child’s learn- One of the most significant relationships in a school is between teachers and parents, who partner a negative and turn it into a posi- ing potential. for the support and success of the child. As the teacher, your actions help determine whether that tive; for instance, if the child is 4. Include calm, peaceful times in your children’s afternoons and evenings. Maintain a hyperactive, you could say, “He schedule that allows them to go to school rested, and if they are sick, have a system relationship is open or hostile. By Bryan Weatherford brings a lot of energy to the class- in place so they are able to stay home and not get behind. room.” A positive comment pulls 5. Remember it’s your children’s homework, not yours. Create a specific homework Teachers need the support of parents to reinforce learning that is laborative problem-solving and continued support is the parents into the conference. space that’s clutter-free and quiet. Homework helps children learn responsibility for taking place at school; to help influence student behavior; and greatly improved. c. Identify the problem you want to the quality of their work. to make certain the student comes to school ready to learn. address. Tell them why it is of 6. Fill your child’s life with a love for learning by demonstrating your own curiosity, re- Take time to “meet-and-greet” parents at back-to-school concern and ask the parents if specting questions, and encouraging efforts. Parents need the support of teachers; after all, teachers may night; visit with them rather than rushing them; respond they have seen similar behavior at 7. Fill your home with books. The public or school library is an excellent resource. spend as much or more time with their children as they do. The to their questions and let them share information about home. Explain how it impacts 8. Be a partner with your child’s teacher. When you need to speak to the teacher in ref- teacher may be the first to notice if a child is struggling with their child. Once school has begun, make sure your first their child’s learning. erence to a specific issue with your child, do it privately and not in front of your child. learning, behavior, or other issues that impact his or her success. contact with parents is positive. It can be as simple as a d. Brainstorm possible solutions to Make a point never to criticize your child’s teacher in front of your child. note saying their child had a good day. the problem. Give the parents an 9. Set up a system where routine items are easily located — such as backpacks, shoes, Successful parent-teacher partnerships have four primary at- opportunity to share any solu- and signed notices. Create a central calendar for upcoming events to avoid the tributes that I call the “Four C’s”: 2. Communicate. All relationships are maintained through tions they have; it gives them unexpected. communication — verbal, written, and non-verbal. Com- ownership and a responsibility to 10. Tuck a “love note” in your child’s lunch bag. Knowing they are loved makes it easier 1. Connect. Teachers and parents must connect with one an- munication keeps the channel of information open and address the problem at home. for children to be kind to others. other to establish trust and build a solid relationship. If the keeps parents engaged as full partners in their children’s e. Develop a plan to implement at — Mimi Doe, EdM, www.SpiritualParenting.com teacher-parent relationship is solid, the likelihood of col- education. Daily notes, a weekly newsletter, phone and in- school and home, including a

22 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 23 NEA Convention

on the TSTA website. If you would like of that cluster. TSTA removes locals pose of electing local delegates. TSTA to run for a state delegate position, from this cluster only if inclusion coordinates these cluster elections, so please complete the form and return it would cost the local a non-supervisory any member interested in seeking elec- to TSTA. delegate. Locals will be notified in Feb- tion as a cluster delegate must notify ruary if they have been removed from the TSTA Center for Executive and Each candidate on the ballot for state the cluster. delegate is entitled to have his or her Governance. To request a cluster elec- name and ethnic status published in Supervisory members seeking election tion, return the request form at the end the Advocate, along with a short state- as a delegate should complete and re- of this article or contact Anezka Car- ment (25 words or less). In order for turn the nomination form at the end of mona in the TSTA office. your name to appear on the printed this article (marking the box desig- ballot, TSTA must receive the nomi- nated for Category 2 delegates), along RETIRED DELEGATES nation form in the Center for Execu- with their 25-word maximum state- NEA allocates one delegate for the tive and Governance no later than ment. Supervisory members who re- Jan. 4, 2013. turn the form and who are eligible to first 50 TSTA-R/NEA-R members, and run in the Supervisory Cluster will au- one (1) additional delegate for each Members should receive the Advocate tomatically be included on the ballot 1,000 TSTA-R/NEA-R members there- containing ballots for election of state for that election as well. after. To seek election as a retired delegates by late March 2013. The delegate, return the Retired Delegate deadline for return receipt of ballots at LOCAL DELEGATES Nomination Form to TSTA by Jan. TSTA is April 19, 2013, by 5:00 p.m. NEA will notify locals by early Febru- 16, 2013. The form is available at the Although we cannot know the exact ary of the number of delegates allo- end of this article and online at number of delegates to be elected until cated for each local. NEA will send offi- www.tsta.org. after Jan. 15, typically we elect one cial forms to each local in order for the state delegate on a statewide ballot and local to report who their elected dele- A member who was an NEA Active Life the remaining state delegates are as- gates and alternates (“successor dele- member while teaching, but is now signed to individual regions, clusters of gates”) will be. In order to insure dele- retired, has the option of seeking National delegate elections regions or, possibly, statewide in a gates have proper credentials at the nomination as a Category 2 state at- manner consistent with NEA rules on NEA RA, the forms are due to TSTA large delegate rather than a retired We’re headed to Atlanta for the 2013 National Education Association one-person, one-vote, and in accor- by April 10, 2013. delegate. However, anyone eligible to dance with TSTA policy. run in both elections must choose; he Representative Assembly and Annual Meeting on July 1-6. Locals must conduct an election that provides for open nominations and se- or she may only file in one election. To CATEGORY 2 DELEGATES/ run as a retired delegate, complete the The number of Texas delegates is determined by our TSTA/NEA regions and locals provide partial funding for state or local SUPERVISORY MEMBERS cret ballots. This can be accomplished membership on Jan. 15, 2013. TSTA is allocated one (1) state delegates, but most do not fund delegate expenses. Candi- either by (1) delivering a nomination Retired Delegate Nomination Form. To NEA also requires proportional repre- delegate for every 1,000 Active members, as defined in NEA dates for NEA delegate should verify whether or not there is form to each member (using a local run as a Category 2 delegate, complete sentation for supervisory and non- Bylaws, and locals are allocated one (1) local delegate for funding available with the state or their specific local when newsletter is permissible), then insur- the State Delegate Nomination Form supervisory members. In order to in- every 150 Active members, or major fraction thereof. seeking nomination. ing each member receives a ballot with and check the Category 2 box. Remem- sure this is not violated, supervisory the names of those who returned the ber, retired delegate nominations are members are not eligible to run for MINORITY REPRESENTATION Delegates can plan ahead for certain expenses. The Texas nomination form, or (2) by holding an due Jan. 16. State delegate nominations state delegate as outlined above. In- NEA policy encourages ethnic-minority representation reflec- delegation hotel is the Hilton Atlanta Hotel downtown. The all-member meeting, with proper no- stead, all supervisory members are eli- are due Jan. 4. tive of the ethnic make-up of the state’s population. TSTA’s nightly room rate is $163 single/double, $173/triple, and tice of the meeting sent to each mem- gible to run in a separate election for goal is to elect at least 55 percent of our total delegation from $183/quad, plus taxes. Self parking is $21/day and valet ber, and accepting nominations at the Category 2 state at-large delegate QUESTIONS among our ethnic-minority members. We rely on all of our parking is $28/day. meeting, then voting by secret ballot. (which also includes NEA Active Life Anyone with questions about the leaders and caucuses to help recruit ethnic-minority candidates Retired members). to run for delegate positions at both the state and local levels. STATE DELEGATES LOCAL CLUSTER DELEGATES elections, or needing other information NEA requires open nominations and secret ballots for all elec- Supervisory members who also are A local must have at least 76 members about the process, should contact FUNDING & COSTS tions for state and local delegates. At the end of this article members of a local additionally may (Active and Life) to qualify for a dele- Anezka Carmona at TSTA, 877-ASK- TSTA does not fund state delegates to the NEA-RA, though you will find a nomination form to seek election as a state run in the statewide supervisory cluster gate. Locals with fewer than 76 mem- TSTA, ext. 1510 or email they may receive a small stipend, budget permitting. A few delegate to the 2013 NEA RA. An online form is also available election, unless their local is not a part bers may cluster together for the pur- [email protected].

24 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 25 LOCAL CLUSTER ELECTION REQUEST FORM

2013 NEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY LOCAL CLUSTER ELECTION REQUEST FORM For use by TSTA/NEA members in a local with fewer than 76 members. Please return this form to TSTA Headquarters by April 10, 2013. When you’re ready to (Circle One: Mr. Ms.) Name ______make a greater impact School District ______Address______City______State______Zip______When you’re ready to Home Phone______Day Phone ______Email______Last 4 Digits Soc. Sec. No. ______advance your career Signature of Nominee ______

Send to: Anezka Carmona, TSTA Organizing Center for Executive and Governance, by mail: 316 W. 12th St., Austin TX 78701; email: [email protected]; or fax: 512-486-7053. You are ready for American Public University RETIRED DELEGATE NOMINATION FORM 2013 NEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY TSTA/NEA-RETIRED DELEGATE POSITIONS Deadline for receipt at TSTA Headquarters is Jan. 16, 2013, 5:00 p.m. (This form is also available online at www.tsta.org) American Public University is ready to help you move your career forward. We offer respected degrees in Online (Circle One: Mr. Ms.) Name ______Teaching and Learning, Instructional Leadership, Address______City______State______Zip______Administration & Supervision, and more — completely Home Phone______Day Phone ______online. And people are taking notice. We’ve been nationally Email______Last 4 Digits Soc. Sec. No. ______recognized by the Sloan Consortium for effective practices in online education, and 99% of employers surveyed would ETHNIC GROUP: (Check all that apply)  American Indian/Alaska Native  Asian  Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander  Multi-ethnic hire one of our graduates again.*  Black  Hispanic  Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin)  Other______ Check here if you do not want your ethnicity printed  Enclosed is my biographical sketch of 25 words or less which will be sent with the ballot. (Note: If your statement exceeds 25 words, it will be cut at 25 words.) When you’re ready,  Check here if you will be a first-time delegate visit StudyatAPU.com/tx-advocate Send by U.S. Mail or FAX (512-486-7043) to: TSTA-Retired, 316 W. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701 Signature of Nominee ______

STATE DELEGATE NOMINATION FORM

2013 NEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY STATE DELEGATES Deadline for receipt at TSTA Headquarters is Jan. 4, 2013. (This form is also available online at www.tsta.org) NOMINEE FOR: (Check one)  State At-Large Delegate: Category 1—Teacher, ESP or other Non-Supervisor  State At-Large Delegate: Category 2—Supervisor or NEA Active Life Retired*  Statewide Supervisory Cluster—Supervisors who are members of a local association** *NEA Active Life Retired—NEA Active Life member while teaching and now retired **Supervisory members whose local chooses not to participate in the cluster are not eligible to run in this election. (Circle One: Mr. Ms.) Name ______Address______City______State______Zip______Home Phone______Work Phone ______Cell Phone______Email ______Last 4 Digits Soc. Sec. No.______Local Association______TSTA Region______Work Site ______

Position (Teacher, Principal, ESP, etc.)______ Supervisory  Non-Supervisory ETHNIC GROUP: (Check all that apply)  American Indian/Alaska Native  Asian  Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander  Multi-ethnic  Black  Hispanic  Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin)  Other______ Check here if you do not want your ethnicity printed  Enclosed is my biographical sketch of 25 words or less which will be published in the spring Advocate. (Note: If your statement exceeds 25 words, it will be cut at 25 words.)  Check here if you will be a first-time delegate Send to: Anezka Carmona, TSTA, Organizing Center for Executive and Governance, 316 W. 12th St., Austin, TX 78701; or email to [email protected] or fax to 512-486-7053 *APUS Alumni Employer Survey, January 2011-December 2011 We want you to make an informed decision about the university that’s right for you. Signature of Nominee ______For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed each program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure.

26 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 27 TSTA Convention

the TSTA House of Delegates through a may want to start planning now for QUESTIONS cluster election. The member must no- travel expenses to the state convention. Contact Anezka Carmona in the Orga- tify the TSTA Center for Executive and The hotel’s nightly room rate for nizing Center for Executive and Gover- Governance of his or her interest in members in the TSTA convention nance at 877-ASK-TSTA, extension seeking election as a cluster delegate no room block is a flat $155, plus taxes 1510, or [email protected] if you have later than Feb. 13, 2013. (currently 17%). questions regarding the elections.

RETIRED DELEGATES CLUSTER ELECTION REQUEST FORM

Retired at-large delegates are allocated TSTA HOUSE OF DELEGATES—APRIL 12-13, 2013 to TSTA-Retired members in a ratio of The deadline for receipt of this nomination form at TSTA’s Headquarters is Feb. 13, 2013. one (1) delegate for each seventy-five (This form is also available online at www.tsta.org.) (75) members, or major fraction (Circle One: Mr. Ms.) Name______thereof, on Jan. 15, 2013. In order to run for a TSTA-R at-large dele- School District______gate position, the candidate must Address ______be a member of both TSTA-R and NEA-R. City______State______Zip ______

Nomination forms are due to TSTA Email ______Last 4 Digits Soc. Sec. No. ______no later than Jan. 16, 2013. Ballots for Check the appropriate box: the election will be sent to members There is no TSTA local in my area. in early February. The deadline for re-  turning ballots to TSTA is March 7,  My local has fewer than 50 people and is not eligible to elect a delegate. 2013. Signature of Nominee ______

BUDGET PLANNING Send to: Anezka Carmona, TSTA Organizing Center for Executive and Governance, by mail: 316 W. 12th St., Austin, TX 78701; email: [email protected]; or fax: 512-486-7053. Locals and/or individual delegates TSTA state convention delegate elections RETIRED DELEGATE NOMINATION FORM RETIRED AT-LARGE DELEGATE POSITIONS—TSTA HOUSE OF DELEGATES—APRIL 12-13, 2013 TSTA members who have no opportunity to join a local association or who belong to a local that is not The deadline for receipt of this nomination form at TSTA’s Headquarters is Jan. 16, 2013. (This form is also available online at www.tsta.org.) eligible to elect a delegate are still eligible to seek election as a delegate through a cluster election. (Circle One: Mr. Ms.) Name ______

Contact TSTA’s Center for Executive and Governance to participate in a cluster election. Address ______

City______State______Zip ______This year’s state convention is April 12-13, 2013, at the Hyatt may conduct its election for delegates prior to Jan. 15 by Home Phone______Day Phone ______Regency Houston in downtown Houston. State delegate allo- keeping a list of delegates in the order of votes received, then cations for local associations (including the Texas Faculty As- reporting the top vote getters as delegates and listing Email ______Last 4 Digits Soc. Sec. No. ______sociation) to attend the TSTA House of Delegates are sent to the remaining vote getters as alternates. The forms for re- ETHNIC GROUP: (Check all that apply) local presidents the end of January. Delegate allocations are porting local delegate elections, available online and sent to  American Indian/Alaska Native  Asian  Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander  Multi-ethnic also posted on the TSTA website. local presidents with the allocations, are due to TSTA by  Black  Hispanic  Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin)  Other ______March 15, 2013.  Check here if you do not want your ethnicity printed LOCAL DELEGATES  Enclosed is my biographical sketch of 25 words or less which will be sent with the ballot. (Note: If your statement exceeds 25 words, it will be cut at 25 words.) Check here if you will be a first-time delegate Delegates are allocated to locals in a ratio of one (1) dele- CLUSTER DELEGATES  gate for each fifty (50) members, or major fraction thereof, TSTA members who have no opportunity to join a local as- Send by fax to 512-486-7043 or mail to: TSTA-Retired, 316 W. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701 based on the local’s Active Professional, Active ESP, and TSTA sociation or who belong to a local that is not eligible to elect Signature of Nominee ______Life membership on Jan. 15, 2013. However, a local a delegate are still eligible to seek election as a delegate to

28 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 29 TSTA/NEA TEXAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION/NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 877-ASK-TSTA • www.tsta.org 2012-13 ENROLLMENT FORM Please return this completed form to your Association Representative or mail to TSTA Membership Department, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-1892. If you have questions, call 877-ASK-TSTA.

NAME SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DATE OF BIRTH (M/D/Y)

ADDRESS LOCAL ASSOCIATION HIRE DATE (M/D/Y)

CITY STATE ZIP NAME OF ISD

EMAIL AT HOME CAMPUS/WORKSITE

EMAIL AT WORK POSITION (I.E. CLASSROOM TEACHER, LIBRARIAN, BUS DRIVER, ETC.)

a child has many feelings... ETHNICITY/GENDER  American Indian/Alaska Native  Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander AREA CODE HOME PHONE AREA CODE CELL PHONE  Black  Unknown  Hispanic  Multi-ethnic  Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin)  Other ✔ ANNUAL DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS AMOUNT  Asian Gender:  Male  Female 1. Professional Dues—TSTA/NEA (Active) $470.00 This information is optional and failure to provide it will in no way affect your membership status, Professional Dues—New to the profession $325.00 rights or benefits in NEA, TSTA or any of their affiliates.This information will be kept confidential. 2. Educational Support Dues—Full-time $252.50 Educational Support Dues—Part-time $136.50 METHOD OF PAYMENT/PAYROLL DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION (BELOW) 3. NEA Fund for Children and Public Education I hereby authorize the______School (suggested amount $15.00) District to deduct the total amount of the annual obligation as set by the appropri- ate Association governance bodies in ______equal payments in order to pay my dues to the professional associations and organizations listed and for political 4. TSTA-PAC (see disclaimer below) $ 9.00 action contributions indicated. The authorization will continue in effect for this school year and future years, including any increase that may occur, until I give written notice to the local by September 15 to revoke. I further authorize any un- 5. Region Dues paid annual balance to be deducted from my final check. The Local Association or TSTA/NEA will notify School District officials of the annual dues amounts for 6. Local Association Dues all levels of the Association each year.

FOR STAFF/LOCAL USE ONLY TOTAL DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS ISSUE CAMPAIGNS CAMPAIGN ISSUE ______ACTION REQUESTED ______NOTE: Membership must include local and region dues if eligible.

The TSTA Political Action Committee (TSTA-PAC) and the National Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education collect voluntary contributions from Association members and use these contributions for politi- cal purposes, including, but not limited to, making contributions to and expenditures on behalf of friends of public education who are candidates for federal office. Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may contribute to the NEA Fund. Contributions to the NEA Fund are voluntary; making a contribution is neither a condition of employment nor membership in the Association, and members have the right to refuse to contribute without suffer- ing any reprisal. Although The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education requests an annual contribution of $15, this is only a suggestion. A member may contribute more or less than the suggested amount, or may con- tribute nothing at all, without it affecting his or her membership status, rights, or benefits in NEA or any of its affiliates. Contributions or gifts to The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, TSTA-PAC and local PACs are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year. Federal law prohibits The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education from receiving donations from persons other than members of NEA and its affiliates, and their immediate families. All donations from persons other than members of NEA and its affiliates, and their immediate families, will be returned forthwith. Former student member? “I decline to contribute to TSTA-PAC and I understand this will not in any way affect my membership status or rights.” ______INITIAL YES NO

Membership is open only to those who agree to subscribe to the goals and objectives of the Association and to abide by its constitution and bylaws.

Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Dues payments (or a portion) may be deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction.

Legal Liability Coverage: Professional liability insurance is underwritten by the AIG Companies or successor provider selected by Nautilus Insurance Company, a subsidiary of W.R. Berkley Corporation hunger shouldn’t be one of them. (Berkley), or successor provider selected by NEA. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies which are available to members upon request by calling the TSTA Help Center at 877-ASK-TSTA. These insurers may not be subject to all the laws and regulations of Texas. The insurance solvency guarantee fund may not be available to you or to TSTA.

Employment Defense: To be considered for legal services for job protection, membership is required for at least 30 days before the member knew or should have known of the events or occurrences leading up to the action complained about. Pre-existing conditions will not be pursued, except by discretion of TSTA. the Whether it’s expanding School Breakfast, After School Snacks or Summer Feeding Programs, Dairy MAX has solutions. just got Find out how Dairy MAX can help with grants and expertise Healthier MEMBER SIGNATURE DATE LOCAL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE United States Department of Agriculture at www.dairymax.org/tools-for-schools. 30 TSTA Advocate Fall 2012 31 www.tsta.org Nonprofit Org. http://twitter.com/txstateteachers U.S. Postage www.facebook.com/texasstateteachersassociation PAID Texas State Teachers Association Texas State Teachers Assoc. 316 West 12th Street Austin, Texas 78701

Going To The Principal’s Office Can Be A Good Thing. Be a Leader of Leaders. Next year’s action plan: Build your leadership team. The Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educators for leadership positions in pre-K through grade-12 public, charter, private secular and religious schools. Through study and research in the areas of organizational leadership, academic leadership and teacher effectiveness, graduates of the program are well prepared to lead 21st century schools. 214.768.1715 smu.edu/edleader [email protected]

Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

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