J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 , I S S U E 1 The Educator THE ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS E-NEWSLETTER

FROM HEADQUARTERS

Erica Jones | MAE President

Wow! Who would have imagined a start to the school year like the one we just experienced? Many of you started back and things just didn't feel right as we began to navigate districts' back to school plans. At MAE, we realized this and took NEWS INSIDE THIS action to address the concerns we heard directly from you, our members. Thanks ISSUE to MAE members using their educator voice, we led the charge in advocating for a safer return to schools for students and educators. With your help, we contacted Teaching in the Time of legislators, school board members, and district personnel to voice our concerns COVID-19: Reflecting on over restart plans, adequate amounts of PPE, and other safety-related issues. Fall 2020 and looking to As strange as this year has been, my heart has melted over countless stories of the future educators taking the lead in their communities and doing everything possible to ensure our students were provided with meaningful educational opportunities this 2021 Legislative session semester. Mississippi has, once again, witnessed the resilience of our educators preview and here at headquarters we simply could not be more proud. Make no mistake: There are still significant challenges in front of us, but I have never been more confident that we will overcome them together and make this a great school year. Unit Updates We're so grateful for your passion, your hard work, and your dedication. MAE is proud to stand with you and will continue to support you every step of the way.

We are stronger together! A 2021 resolution for MAE and her members Cecil Cahoon | Interim Executive Director

A child born in the last year of the past century is now old enough to have finished college and become our newest colleague. We hope you’ve made a point of introducing yourselves to him or her by now, and welcoming them into the profession. If you haven’t, there’s no better new year’s resolution than that.

That child, born between the tragedy of Columbine High School and the terrorist attacks on New York City and , D.C., has never lived in a nation at peace. While she was still a toddler, we hardened ourselves and our domestic infrastructure in the name of “homeland security,” and we entered into armed conflict abroad that led to the longest-lasting military intervention in the nation’s history. While she was in middle grades, we suffered the worst economic recession since the Great Depression.

During her lifetime, the education community has battled a different kind of war on two fronts. On one hand, we’ve faced a generation-long assault by corporate entities and their political allies who weaponize the ideas of standards and accountability, and who use those tools to dismantle the system of public education that promised a great public school for every child. On the other hand, we’ve held our breath and prayed too many times at the news of another kind of tragedy at one more school.

In the past year, those two terrible conditions — threats from without and threats from within — were displaced by the insidious, invisible COVID-19 virus and its myriad impacts on our lives and livelihoods. Seen through the lenses of these facts, the lives of our newest, youngest colleagues have already been tumultuous ones, even in the best of circumstances.

However, as devastating as these facts and factors are, each one of us has the freedom and the power to change course and to create a better life, career, community, and world for ourselves, for those who count on us, and for those brand-new colleagues of ours. 2021 offers a chance to turn a page and write a whole new book together.

Consider the first 20 years of the 20th century as our example. Those years were colored by internal economic strife, the first world war, and the first pandemic of the modern world: the influenza outbreak of 1918-19.But when we recall the 1920s, we hear a completely new world, thanks to blues from the , and to jazz from New Orleans and St. Louis and Chicago. We think of Louis Armstrong and Josephine Baker. We see a new nation, thanks to the arts and artists of the Harlem Renaissance, and a new generation of post-war poets and authors: Langston Hughes, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Likewise, when future historians consider the fearful and divisive days of the past twenty years, they will be equally able to draw bright-line distinctions between that age and the 2020s, if we choose today to begin drawing those bright-line distinctions for ourselves.

The new year, which is the first year of a promising new decade, offers us a blank canvas and an invitation. An excellent first step in accepting the offer is to reach out, whenever and however it becomes safe to do so, to build relationships with a generation of new and aspiring educators, and to help them find their places in the only organization that was ever designed to promote their interests, and the interests of public education, in our state.

What their energy and ideas may combine to create with us is limitless. What will be the 21st century’s version of “the Jazz Age”? Which of the new, young educators who join our ranks this year will rise up to define and lead this new age? Throughout it, what will we choose to do? The era we’ve survived together tested us and our professions, and there is healing yet ahead of us, but a new year ushers in a new world.

And a child born in this first year of the new decade is counting on us to adapt to this new world, to step up and meet its challenges, to grow our own skills and alliances, to transform our system of public education, and to welcome them into a stronger, more powerful education profession.

Happy new year! From the Board Darein C. Spann, Ed.D. | MAE Vice President

In a time of uncertainty, I want to share three things that have helped me to stay steadfast. My name is Darein Spann, and I proudly serve as vice president of the Mississippi Association of Educators. I currently serve as principal of the Technology, Engineering, and Construction Academic House at Starkville High School.

As an instructional leader, my task is to ensure faculty, staff, and students are safe while teaching and learning continue. Three things that have helped me to remain positive and focused are the endurance of teachers, the determination of students, and the support of the community.

What excites me and motivates me to get up each day is knowing that in spite of it all, teachers across this state continue to make it happen. It has been said how quickly they transformed their instructional delivery to meet the "What excites me and motivates me to get up needs of all students. Teachers across this state have each day is knowing that in spite of it all, endured it all and have continued to do so to ensure their teachers across this state continue to make it students continue to learn. It is one of my daily joys to happen." - Darein Spann, MAE Vice President walk into a classroom and see all the different learning options happening at once.

West Unit update What also excites me is that students are determined to Lester Dempsey, M. Ed | MAE Board Member learn. Students across this state come to school either traditionally or virtually and are also making it happen. This year, as the Christmas season approached, it was This is challenging for many of us — students and especially important to me that the spirit of giving live on. teachers alike — but I know is this population of students This time of year we tend to share meals, gifts, money, and teachers will also be stronger for it. Our students and time. And, even though the world we leave in today must know we are supporting them and that support comes through supporting their teachers. I have seen has changed due to COVID-19, the spirit of giving has not students master these complex concepts while changed — in fact, it's only gotten stronger. maintaining jobs or other family duties, and I know with encouragement, students will continue to teach us on Veterans take giving to the next level, by giving their time how to make this virtual world right. and, in some cases their lives, to defend and protect our great nation. My name is Lester Dempsey and I serve as Every school community has been hit hard by this the Delta Region Board Member and Greenville pandemic. But, it is good to know that these communities Association of Educators executive member. This holiday across this state have also shown tremendous strength season, I led a team comprised of the teamed up with during this time to ensure students are able to learn. I Greenville Association of Educators, VFW, Greenville have read or seen where Chromebooks and other devices Fire Department, Greenville Police Department, Delta or educational services have been giving to students so Heath Alliance, Technology Student Association, and the they can continue to excel academically. We must realize Veterans Administration to salute these brave men and that we cannot do this alone. At this time, it truly takes a women on December 12, 2020 by giving them free flu village. shots during this Veterans Stand Down drive at the Washington County Convention Center. We also Let's stay safe! provided these outstanding people with COVID testing, housing information, groceries, clothing, and other items. It was a honor to serve those who first serve us. NEA MEMBER BENEFITS Chasiti Paige | Member Benefits Liaison

My name is Chasiti Paige, and in addition to serving as the uniserv director for the Capitol/Southwest unit, I am also the state liaison for member benefits. I post monthly deals and resources for classroom and personal usage and share ways to get personal guidance, support, and easy-to-use tools and resources for financial and retirement planning, health and wellness, leisure, travel, family life, and more.

On January 14, 2020, we will host a statewide member benefits Zoom meeting at 5:00 p.m. Join us The President's Pen to hear how you can access all your benefits. Vera Watson | MAE Retired President Information will be shared with you via email and posted to MAE's social media channels. It is my pleasure to continue to serve as your MAE Retired President. This year, those that will assist me are: For more information, please visit neamb.org Vice President Ruth Ball of Oxford and Secretary Beatrice P. Ford of Tupelo.

As we say here at MAE, “Once an educator, always an educator.” That’s why we look forward to your help with legislative activities, recruiting and mentoring new members, attending local board meetings, helping us raise our collective voices, and the myriad other activities led by MAE that need member participation — both of active educators and retired educators — to help ensure that all Mississippi students have access to excellent public schools.

While you may have left the classroom behind, you are still an invaluable member of the MAE family, and we look forward to being in touch with you so you can keep up the good work for the Association. We especially welcome your involvement on our social media pages —Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Because of COVID-19, we are not meeting face to face, but our spirit remains the same. We have all lost loved ones, suffered anxiety, and experienced real fear. Keep the faith. We're looking forward when things return to some semblance of normal and hope that time is just around the corner.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a belated Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hannukah, or Happy Kwanza; and blessings for a happy new year!

MISSISSIPPI TLI CLASS OF 2020 Teri Rounsaville

The Mississippi Association of Educators and the National Education Association are proud to announce the Class of 2020 TLI Fellows. The Teacher Leadership Institute is a yearlong learning experience for members including competency-based curriculum; self-selected capstone project; local and national collaboration; extensive coaching and support; with a portfolio documenting growth. Some of the capstone projects included advocating change in Mississippi laws, school board policies and parent involvement and support.

This year's TLI coaches were Louise Smith, Pascagoula- Gautier ; Erica Avent, Holly Springs School District; Adriane Dorrington, NEA Staff Liaison; and Suzanne Smith, Grenada School District. Teri McClay Rounsaville is the MAE TLI staff person.

Congratulations to the TLI Class of 2020!

Yoby Allen, Jackson Jackie Brown, Okolona Angela Bonner Pascagoula-Gautier Courtney Caples-Tate, Pascagoula-Gautier Lerenda Dixon, McComb Andrea Dixon, Hinds County Louis Henderson II, Gulfport Lakeisha Ivy, Okolona Marcie Ivy, Okolona Sky Kong, Poplarville Pam Marshall, Okolona Sophia Marshall Chapman, Jackson Lashana Middleton, North Panola Emma Stanford, Pascagoula-Gautier George Stewart II, Jackson Ann McGraw, Ocean Springs Wanda Moses, Jackson South Unit update Capital/Southwest Louise Smith| MAE Board Member Unit update I remember January, 2020 and how blissfully unaware I was as to what was coming in just a few short months. Like most Chasiti Paige | UniServ Director teachers, I anticipated an incredibly productive spring semester where my students would acquire the bulk of their Greetings from the Capital/Southwest Region! First, I would learning for the school year. I expected to celebrate like to say HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are happy to have you as a growth, achievements, and promotions. I hoped to witness part of the MAE family. As the first semester has ended, I the rebirth I see in my students each spring semester. would like to report some of the regions' successes.

However, I did not anticipate losing nine weeks worth of Claiborne County Association took a united front on instruction or be deprived of end of the year hugs and well behalf of members in the district after their school board wishes for a successful following year. I did not foresee the member spoke ill educators. The local's letter was read at overwhelming feelings of grief, fear, and inadequacy the school board meeting, and they are currently waiting because I would not be able to meet the needs of my for their request to be enforced. students. If only I could have had a sliver of foreshadowing as to what 2020 would bring, I would have been able to Hinds County Association united to support each other mentally prepare for the death of my professional dreams. and comfort the district as a whole. This process has Nevertheless, educators are proving their ability to be allowed the Association to gain more activity and phoenixes. We have risen from the ashes to transform progression within their local. They are currently updating education into something different than what we were their constitution and bylaws and planning for this spring. accustomed to. Educators presently rock Zoom meetings, Google Classroom, Canvas assignments, and whatever Congratulations to Ms. Bonnie Brown from the Clinton other technological tool we have been instructed to Association. She won the vacant Capital Board Member implement. We juggle “in-person learning” and “digital seat. learners.” Educators teach children how to wear their masks during class, how to sanitize the classroom, and how to Southwest has a current opening for a board member. approximate six feet of distance between their peers. School Please feel free to reach out to Ms. Lerenda Dixon, a definitely looks different this year, but teachers have current board member for Southwest, if you are allowed their preconceived notions of education to die and interested in this position. have risen to meet the needs of their students.

A special thank you to all of our new member organizers Educators have burned to emerge better than who participated in the incentive recruitment. Those before the pandemic. participants were Chinara Jennings, Latonja Lenard, However, one of the worst tragedies we can engage as Lerenda Dixon, Londra Hunter, Lynnzy Higgins, Stacy educators is to forget what we learned this past year. Butler, Stacy Royal, and Terry Blake. Because of these Teachers possess an incredible opportunity to reflect on the members' great work, we recruited 14 new members in a growth we have made as individuals and as a profession. few weeks. Thank you for your time and commitment! Take account of all the new tools in your proverbial “tool box.” What tool has transformed how you approach your We currently have eight locals in compliance. Those locals classroom? How did quarantine or digital learning force you are Clinton, Hinds County, Jackson, Jefferson County, to try something new? Imagine innovative and creative ways McComb, South Pike, Vicksburg Warren, and Yazoo City. you can use your new skills to better educate your students. Thank you all for submitting the necessary information to Contemplate the resilience you developed through the trials ensure that your local stays in compliance with the state's you endured during quarantine. Where did your patience requirements. grow? What priorities became more important? Did you find prior concerns that no longer warranted your energy? 2020 was a difficult time, but I am so grateful for the work you Extend yourself grace and find peace that your best really is have taken to see the Association flourish. sufficient. Please continue to thrive and do not hesitate to reach out to As we push towards 2021 and the revitalization of a new your building rep, local president, or myself if you need any year, we need to remember that hindsight really is 2020. assistance! If you are not sure who your building rep and the president are, feel free to contact me:

Chasiti Paige // (601) 529-2342 // [email protected]. East Unit update North Unit update Lisa Wilson | UniServ Director Teri Rounsaville | UniServ Director

Throughout the summer, school districts across the Our members have been challenged this year with some nation were facing how to safely reopen schools so districts going all virtual, some hybrid, some in-person. students could continue to receive the quality education Every educator has had to learn new software and they deserve. To solve this dilemma, each strand within teaching platforms. Our administrators and some ESPs the education community had to be woven tightly have had to learn different jobs. Some of our bus drivers together to ensure success. The strands considered were and coaches completely lost supplements due to their questions around learning models, properly training district's COVID Plans. teachers, ensuring buildings were safe for children to enter, establishing COVID-19 protocols, and making sure I asked our North members how they are feeling five students and teachers had the resources they needed to months into the year and these are their responses: be successful. “Frustrated." "Detached from my students." "Futile." Schools are complex ecosystems and involve "Surviving not thriving." "Wavering mental capacity." many essential support staffers. "Inadequate approaches to reaching ALL students." "Lack One of the basic questions facing districts this summer of student engagement and parental involvement." "Last involved the logistics of safely transporting students from minute changes. I feel like I am working alone with one home to classroom and back. Transportation of students hand on my back." "Teachers, parents and students are is a very important strand in the educational mentally exhausted." "Difficult to address student needs, infrastructure. academic and socio-economic needs." "Anxious, stressed. Who is going to address the teachers' needs?" "We are Through all weather conditions or a pandemic, school bus increasing the achievement gap." "I think even though drivers famously rise to the occasion. MAE member they are frustrated, parents can do better." "Teachers are Kelvin Gibson is the director of transportation for the concerned about students falling behind." "Enduring and Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School district. Safely anxious." "Technology issues, maybe because parents and transporting the students of the district and keeping bus grandparents can’t guide the students." "Physically, drivers safe are his top priority. In speaking with Gibson, emotionally, and mentally deprived and disconnected he discussed the many challenges he, his maintenance from reality." "There is a digital divide. I need better staff, and drivers were faced with this semester. technology." "Students and teachers have no social engagement and get no exercise." "I am frustrated. We Gibson stated that as usual, the outstanding bus drivers have no planning time because administration taking of the district rose to the occasion. MAE member Evelyn every PLC." "My students at home for quarantine for six Collins, who is also a bus driver and a teacher assistant in weeks haven’t even logged on even once." "Tired." "There the district is just one of those working tirelessly to is a lack of effort from students who feel they are going to ensure that students are transported safely to and from pass no matter if they do the work or not." "It’s stressful school on a daily basis. to gauge and track student work." "I teach three lessons each period. In classroom, hybrid and virtual learners." Following the completion of each bus route, drivers are "An overwhelming workload has made me off track for responsible for sanitizing the buses to make sure they are my doctorate completion." "My national board safe. It is also the driver’s responsibility to make sure that certification has been delayed three times." "Teaching the students maintain social distancing on the bus. Gibson with a mask causes so many upper respiratory problems. stated that this was an area of great concern because My face stays inflamed." "An overpowering, draining, normally buses transport approximately 50-60 students rollercoaster.” per route. Students opting for virtual learning allowed for fewer students being on the buses, helping drivers Thank you, educators, for all you are doing. We'll properly space passengers. continue to ensure your voices are heard as we move through these unprecedented times. Because of the tremendous efforts of MAE members such as Kelvin Gibson and Evelyn Collins, the students of the Starkville-Oktibbeha School district have been kept safe and COVID free on school buses. Thank you for being the strands that help to bind public education and MAE. In your corner: MAE Member Advocacy

Kenneth Grigsby | Member Rights Advocate

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the foremost concerns is the rights and accommodations available to educators to preserve the health and safety of the individual worker and their families. Although the has largely abdicated its responsibility in addressing critical needs for school districts and educators across this state, one legislative bright spot has been Congress’ enactment of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and its application to educators. The FFCRA avails expansive, paid leave protections for educators who have contracted the virus or who have family members suffering from COVID-19. However, while the FFCRA currently provides relatively generous paid leave safeguards, there is one glaring issue – Congress promulgated a December Yet, even without an extension of the FFCRA, 31, 2020 expiration date. While Congress certainly has there are several measures educators can take to the discretion to reauthorize the FFCRA beyond the end better secure themselves and loved ones. One of the year, to date, no such extensions have been given. avenue for relief lies with exercising rights

which may be available under the American with Yet, even without an extension of the FFCRA, there are several measures educators can take to better secure Disabilities Act (ADA). themselves and loved ones. One avenue for relief lies However, even without the ability to telework full or with exercising rights which may be available under the part-time, there are other measures districts can and American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a should provide. Additional accommodations include person with a disability as an individual who “(i) has a reassigning positions or modifying work responsibilities physical or mental impairment that substantially limits for the most vulnerable instructors and staff persons. For one or more major life activities, (ii) has a history or instance, while an employee could be physically present record of such an impairment, or (iii) is perceived by in the building, that person could be given different or others as having such an impairment.” modified tasks that would effectively limit their contact with others and, ostensibly, reduce interfacing with For educators and staff persons suffering from conditions others who potentially carry the virus. In some instances, educators may be able to ask for additional Personal typically qualifying as disabilities under the ADA, Protective Equipment (PPE) or the erection of physical ailments which might be exacerbated by the contraction barriers in the classroom to shield them from close of COVID-19, these persons should request to perform contact with students and other persons entering the their work responsibilities remotely. Such a setting would room. provide the most effective prophylactic measure to protect the health of the educator. As has been The list of accommodations delineated in this article does demonstrated during this school year, some districts, not represent an exhaustive list. The ADA strictly either because of staffing concerns, political provides that employee work modifications be predilections, or a combination of both, have been individually tailored. While school districts are not reticent to allow staff members to teach remotely. Even if required to accept the accommodation suggested or districts are hesitant to permit employees to perform sought by the employee, they must engage in a good faith their tasks remotely full-time, flexible and/or alternating effort to assist the employee that would allow that work schedules could be developed to allow employees to person to successfully carry out their work rotate having to be physically working in the building. responsibilities. JOIN NOW Like what you see? Join us!

For over 100 years, the Mississippi Association of Educators has provided support, protection, and strength to those who spend their careers nurturing Mississippi's children. Today, we continue to build upon that legacy: providing benefits, protection, and leveraging our collective voice to advocate for our members and for all public educators across Mississippi.

Today, we continue to build upon that legacy: providing benefits, protection, and leveraging our collective voice to advocate for our members and for all public educators across Mississippi.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | We are proud to offer our members the opportunity to continue their education throughout their entire career. Comprised of educators in all seasons of their careers, ESPs, and retired educators, our Professional Development Advisory Committee identifies each year's professional development priorities in order to provide a full slate of continuing education Teachers of workshops.

Tomorrow PROTECTION | MAE knows that being an educator is a Teri Rounsaville noble profession, and one that carries with it a certain amount of legal risk. No one is immune, and that's why we provide a comprehensive legal safety net for our The University of Mississippi Teachers of Tomorrow members. Aspiring Educator Chapters have jumped right into their activities this year, and aren't letting COVID stop their POWER | Being an MAE member means that your voice plans. Like many an adaptable educator before them, will join thousands of others rallying in support of public they're just slightly altering their plans and going with education. We have helped school districts avoid state the flow! takeover, and kept control of public schools in the hands of the communities that support and attend them. These serviced based Chapters on U of M Campuses in Incremental pay raises and health insurance for Booneville, Grenada, Oxford, Tupelo and Desoto choose educators? MAE's advocacy work has led to those projects that are student-centered and serve their victories and more. We're proud of those legislative communities. They also participate in tutoring, achievements, but know that the fight for Mississippi workshops, and panels to help make them stronger educators isn’t over, and that’s why we need you. educators.

Last year our Aspiring Educators served 1,173 service hours and earned graduation cords. Even though everyone was on lockdown, these aspiring educators kept working creating online instructional resources and sharing via social media, tutoring online, homeschooling brothers and sisters, developing you tube instructional Scan this QR videos and read alouds. code to join now! We're so proud of these future Mississippi teachers and can't wait to see what they do next! 2021 Legislative Session Preview Hannah Orlansky | Director of Public Affairs

The 2021 legislative session is officially underway, with legislators already returning to Jackson after a very short break thanks to the extra-long 2020 session — another unfortunate byproduct of this year's pandemic.

This week saw the Senate education committee hear from MDE regarding their continued COVID response plans while our team began meeting with state leaders and lawmakers to ensure that public education remains a priority for policymaker. We're got a lot on our agenda and we've hit the ground running.

Along with advocating for a significant teacher pay raise, compulsory kindergarten, fully-funding MAEP, and other perennial policy priorities, we'll continue to push two recent agenda additions: legislation that standardizes trauma-informed practices across the state and paves the ways for community schools to take root in Mississippi. The profound disparities in our public school system exposed by the pandemic aren’t going Neither piece of legislation requires additional funding — anywhere. MAE will continue to fight for they are both innovative, strategic ways to rethink what legislation like community schools and trauma- we do with the tools we currently have at our disposal. These bills were important prior to the COVID-19 informed practices until a whole-child approach pandemic, and in its wake they are more essential than is a priority for all lawmakers. ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented Standardized trauma-informed practices will be a critical challenges into every facet of our lives. It exacerbated part of addressing student mental health as we work to pre-existing inequities in our public school system and return to normalcy. This bill seeks to equip educators and created serious, complicated problems for our students, districts with the tools they need to identify trauma and educators, and communities to navigate. The policies Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as they manage we're supporting this session are reflective of a key students impacted by trauma in the classroom and lesson from the pandemic: None of the problems we've beyond. Being trauma-informed in schools means being encountered since March 2020 are new challenges. informed about and sensitive to trauma, and providing a They're the same systemic issues that have long plagued safe, stable, and understanding environment for students public education in Mississippi and in communities across and staff. the country. Access to resources, dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, underpaid and overworked Community schools have proven themselves to be teachers -- we know these problems well, and we're instrumental in helping schools improve a wide range of working to address them in earnest, and with a renewed outcomes. A community school is at the center of the sense of urgency. community — open all day, every day, to everyone — and brings together academics, health and social services, The profound disparities in our public school system youth and community development and community exposed by the pandemic aren’t going anywhere. MAE engagement under one roof, leading to improved will continue to fight for legislation like community learning, stronger families, and healthier communities. schools and trauma-informed practices until a whole- Using strategic, results-focused partnerships, the child approach is a priority for all lawmakers. community schools model also allows schools to respond to challenges more nimbly — whether you're Our full agenda is included in this month's newsletter, and experiencing the effects of a pandemic or a hurricane. you can find it on our website, www.maetoday.org, as well.