AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020

local unions bring educator voices Into fall planning

PD offerings now online, free to members Support for students, educators Education ’s website has been updated all summer, and will continue to be updated with resources for educators regarding educating during COVID.

Information includes: f FAQs on educators with health f Checklists and guidance around concerns, distance learning privacy and reopening of school buildings. contractual rights, special education, f Resources on educator rights paid leaves, unemployment and and safety concerns regarding student loan debt relief. reopening of school buildings. f Contract bargaining resources f Lesson planning links. including Q Comp guidance, reopening resources, managing workload, ESP- Go to www.educationminnesota.org/ specific considerations and leave resources/in-the-classroom/Coronavirus provisions. to find all of the resources, and watch f A summary of the state guidance for updates as the school year begins. and executive orders. Table of contents August/September 2020 – Volume 23, No. 1 The Minnesota Educator publishes every other month. It is PRESIDENT’S COLUMN. We one of the union’s print and digital publications to educate, don’t just need to go back to inform and organize the community of members. The normal, we need to lead our Educator is reported, edited and designed by union staff members. The paper is printed in LSC Communications’ state toward fully funded schools union shop in Menasha, Wisconsin. Find copies of the that work for all our students. Educator online at www.educationminnesota.org. Go to the News menu, then Minnesota Educator. page 2 To reach the publication for queries, story or commentary ideas: Educators and local unions Email: [email protected] have been involved in Mail: Minnesota Educator district plans for fall. 41 Sherburne Ave. St. Paul, MN 55103 pages 4-5 To report a change of address or end duplicate mailings, contact the Education Education Minnesota’s survey Minnesota membership department: of more than 20,000 members Email: [email protected] showed educators are hesitant By web: www.educationminnesota.org and choose the Contact Us link to send a change of address. to return to buildings. To inquire about advertising in the pages 6-7 Educator or on the website: Email: [email protected] Education Minnesota puts resources Phone: 651-292-4829 behind racial equity work. For general inquiries and business at the state headquarters: page 8 Phone: 800-652-9073 or 651-227-9541 For information about union activities, work and A Q&A about licensure resources, go to www.educationminnesota.org. changes due to COVID-19. Follow Education Minnesota page 9 Facebook: www.facebook.com/EducationMinnesota Twitter: www.twitter.com/EducationMN School and child care fund to Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/EducationMN Instagram: www.instagram.com/educationminnesota provide financial support to ESPs. Minnesota Educator page 11 (ISSN 1521-9062) is a bimonthly publication. Periodicals are postage-paid at St. Paul, Unity Table members and staff Minnesota, and additional offices. Postmaster: guide work of campaign. Send address changes to Minnesota Educator, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103-2196. pages 12-16 Minnesota Educator. All rights reserved, but readers are welcome to reproduce any article in whole or in part on the Education Minnesota’s endorsed condition that they give credit to Education Minnesota. candidates, as of Aug. 3. The Minnesota Educator is published for members to share news about education issues and training pages 17-18 opportunities for educators as well as union and political news that affects public education in Minnesota. Foundation grants available this fall. President: Denise Specht page 20 Vice President: Bernie Burnham Secretary-Treasurer: Rodney Rowe COVER PHOTO: Cars lined up to rally for a safe Executive Director: Sara Gjerdrum and equitable reopening of school buildings Director of Policy and Public Affairs: Carrie Lucking at the end of July. The rally had educators Communications Director: Kathi Micheletti sharing what they and their students need to feel safe going back to buildings on signs Editor: Kieren Steinhoff and on printed cards given to union leaders. Contributing Authors: Megan Boldt, Sara Ford Cars drove around Education Minnesota Art Director: Eric Widi headquarters and the State Capitol complex.

Photo by Doug Dooher, Education Minnesota Public Affairs Specialist.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 1 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Getting ‘back to normal’ isn’t good enough The pandemic has thrown us into rampant in the neighborhoods paying their fair share. a tailspin and tossed our routines our students went home to. If certain politicians for back to school like a garden The systemic racism in policing don’t go along, we salad. More than one educator and health care we’ve seen on can join together and I know has said, sounding the front pages this summer elect new leaders scared and tired, they just want existed long before everyone who reflect the Denise Specht life to go “back to normal.” knew the name of George very best of every Floyd. Full-service community kind of Minnesotan Who can blame them? Some schools were changing and who will deliver the educators know how their lives, but comparatively few policies our families need. districts will start the year; some students had access to them. don’t. Many educators will start So, let’s use this fall to create with distance learning; some And even before most of us had a new normal, where public won’t. Will there be enough ever heard of a coronavirus, there education is a top priority. PPE? How will the buses work? were politicians and powerful There are some people who There’s question after question. corporate interests trying to will say the continued push And no one knows what schools blame and shame communities for full funding is crazy during will look like in November. of color for all the obstacles put a pandemic, but I say it would in their way by an economy that We’re so turned around we’re on be foolish to give up. The new had been rigged for the wealthy. the edge of forgetting something coronavirus is magnifying the important: Normal didn’t work. No, going back to normal issues we’ve seen in our schools isn’t good enough. We can for years so that more people Our districts were under-funded do better, much better. can see them. The polls say and many of us worked in they’re ready for something new. dilapidated buildings. Parents When we get past this crisis, expected us to educate their if we’re serious about making Although many of us may feel children so they could grow up sure every child can pursue like leaves in the wind right and soar, but our profession their dreams regardless of now, we’re not powerless. We was losing too many good what they look like or where can come together for change. people to budget cuts and they’re from, let’s get serious Organized educators have the exhaustion. Students who about doing what works. numbers, the smarts, and the passion to lead Minnesota desperately needed support We all know real learning can’t through the next year - not just services weren’t getting them. happen when kids arrive hungry back to the status quo but into a Our schools were unwelcoming or stressed out about issues at future that’s better for everyone, to many Black, brown and home; so, let’s make sure those both inside and outside our Indigenous students. Too many who need it have healthy meals, schools, with no exceptions. students who needed us the support and trusted counselors. Together, most were falling through Educators can’t give individual the cracks. Many places were attention in packed classrooms; making progress on cutting so, let’s fund schools so the school-to-prison pipeline, small class sizes foster but it wasn’t enough. stronger relationships. Twitter: @DeniseSpecht Our communities weren’t Our schools can’t do any of this thriving equally. Inequities unless the richest 1 percent and by race and ZIP code were the biggest corporations start

2 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR COLLECTIVE VOICE

MEA conference will be virtual Where are you reading your Education Minnesota will hold our annual Minnesota Educator? MEA conference virtually this October Congratulations, Jillian Kruger from Waconia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. for being this issue’s winning submission! The 2020 MEA conference will feature live We love seeing sessions via webinar on Thursday, Oct. 15. all of the places There will also be new relicensure course where you are offerings on Education Minnesota’s online reading your learning platform LearnUpon for members Minnesota to complete at their own pace. Educator! . Details about session offerings are still in Email a photo the works, but educators can look for the to educator@ schedule and registration information on www. edmn.org educationminnesota.org in the coming weeks. or share it Education Minnesota launched LearnUpon this on social summer. Members can access professional media using development to improve their professional #mneducator practice, earn CEU credits for relicensure and of where you are reading your Minnesota build union understanding and power. Educator to be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Target gift card! Courses at MEA and on LearnUpon are always free to active Education Minnesota members. Submissions are due Sept. 11. Happy reading!

Getting social! Educators in the news! Educators use social media as a way to connect Education Minnesota members are often with their communities, colleagues and the world. interviewed in their local newspapers or TV We will feature posts from Education Minnesota station. We will feature a quote each issue! members and locals each issue! Make sure to follow Education Minnesota on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and Pinterest! There were miles of cars holding food, wrapped around our city blocks.

—Mara Bernick, family liaison for Sanford Middle School in , in a Washington Post article from June 2. The school organized a food drive for families in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, after the uprising caused stores to be closed. The school asked for donations to make 85 food kits. By the end of the day, an estimated 30,000 food kits were delivered, and more than 500 families and individuals were able to stock their pantries and fridges.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 3 ISSUES AND IMPACT

Plans for fall bring importance of educator voices to forefront With the state’s official guidance for what education will look like this fall out, educators are now continuing to advocate for themselves and students. Education Minnesota’s officers and governing Education Minnesota will continue to fight for the board released the following statement after funding needed to not only safely reopen schools the governor’s announcement July 30: and campuses, but to rebuild our public education system so all students, no matter what they look like Education Minnesota believes in the or where they come from, have access to welcoming highest standards for returning to in-person schools where they can pursue their dreams. We learning. That means looking at both don’t just want to “get back” to school. We want to county and school building metrics. make the schools our students return to better. Education Minnesota and our locals will work to ensure that any school, district or campus Local unions partner with districts in Minnesota that is providing in-person Many local unions have been able to have a seat instruction during this pandemic is prepared at the table in their district’s plans for possible in- and able to abide by the safety standards person, hybrid or full distance learning. outlined by the state, federal government and In Windom, local presidents Laura Alvstad and medical professionals. If those standards are Kristi Maricle said they were lucky to be invited not met, we will do everything we can to protect into the district discussions from the start. students and all the education professionals who care for and instruct those students. “We don’t start school until Sept. 14, since we have a building project, so we have time to continue to Nothing is off the table when it comes to the address these concerns and brainstorm solutions,” safety and health of those we represent and those said Alvstad. “We need to remember to be flexible we serve. Education Minnesota will continue to and adaptable because this is new to all of us.” bring all necessary resources to bear, including providing bargaining information, support and In Windom, hybrid learning means using all of tools, staff assistance in developing organizing their physical space and hiring more staff. plans, supporting affiliates and individuals in legal “We would use all physical spaces to spread out matters, filing necessary grievances and reports to students and reduce class sizes,” said Alvstad. OSHA and DOLI, and working with and educating “Our school board has been supportive and other stakeholders in advocacy for safe reopening approved hiring additional teaching staff.” plans – from the bargaining table to the Legislature But even after Gov. Tim Walz released his and the courtroom – with the goal of securing guidance, Alvstad and Maricle know there safe conditions for all students, staff and faculty. are still more details to be worked out. Education Minnesota believes we must invest “We still need to work out how do we in the recovery and redesign of our schools. support mental health needs of students There must be an investment in public health and staff, and how will we support teachers and in our schools, universities, hospitals and who get sick and need to be out of the local and state governments. We must upend building for extended time,” Alvstad said. the policies and processes that have benefited some students while not prioritizing others, In Edina, union president Tom Connell specifically low-income students, Black and said the district has brought educators brown students and students with disabilities. in at every level of decision-making.

4 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR ISSUES AND IMPACT

“The district created an operational task force and roles will continue, especially if her district does an instructional design task force. They invited us hybrid or continues distance learning this fall. in and asked who should be on the task forces,” “Additionally, we support staff, students and families said Connell. “We brought our negotiators in. on public health interventions as they relate to We’ve been negotiating the whole summer.” COVID-19. We continued to connect with our Connell said he has made sure to medically fragile students virtually,” Gosh said. make communication a central In Lakeville, Ellen Parker, a licensed school piece of his work as a leader. nurse, has spent the summer developing an “I’ve been trying to send out as much operations manual with district leaders. She has information in weekly emails to hopefully helped take inventory of each building’s nurse’s ease their nerves,” he said. office supplies and develop screening tools and protocols if any in-person learning takes place. In Hibbing, local president Susan Nelson said not only is the district working with the union, but “I will be doing training for building nurses on neighboring districts are all working together. symptom screenings. How are you going to monitor staff and students? How are you doing “The area superintendents are all talking with each isolation?” said Parker. “We need to make sure other, so we don’t do this and have kids move we are monitoring attendance and making around,” she said. “We all want to keep our numbers sure to keep students in academics if they are stable. We want to keep all of our plans similar.” positive or needing to be quarantined.” Nelson said she asked the district if Parker will remain the district’s the local could be at the table, and the COVID coordinator this fall. administration quickly agreed. “I will be connecting with SNOM and pooling “Our superintendent wants to work within resources,” she said. “We have been in constant the contract and create MOUs and make contact to find out what’s working and what’s not.” sure everyone is happy and things meet the contract,” she said. “We’re been working hard “Whatever the model we do, we just want to make and we’ve been getting paid during this time.” sure the kids are taken care of. They need a bridge between their health, the community and their School nurses play key role in plans education. Each kid needs to get what they need School nurses will have a large role to play in how and the playing field is equal for all of them.” districts will be implementing learning this fall. The School Nurses of Minnesota organization has been working all summer with its members Education Minnesota staff have been working to develop toolkits and guidance. to develop legal guidance, memorandums of “School nurses are the public health experts understanding for contracts and lesson planning for all districts and can provide leadership to resources for educators and local unions after coordinate the effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 hearing the governor’s Safe Learning Plan. transmission,” said Deb Landin, a licensed school nurse in Warroad. “It is going to take a All of those resources are available on community-wide effort to reduce this risk and www.educationminnesota.org/resources/ staff need to have an active role in doing so.” in-the-classroom/Coronavirus. During the building closures this spring, Gretchen If you have questions or concerns that aren’t Gosh, an Edina licensed school nurse, said she met as part of her student support teams every addressed in any of the provided resources, week to discuss students who were at risk for please reach out to your local union president attendance, mental health, behavior, poor grades or Education Minnesota field staff. or teacher-reported concerns. She expects those

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 5 ISSUES AND IMPACT

Members worry about reopening buildings, survey says

Education Minnesota surveyed its members via email July 16-20 about their feelings and thoughts about the best way to resume public education during the COVID-19 crisis. More than 20,500 members responded. The most frequently chosen option was to continue distance learning with 49 percent of respondents, while 29 percent of educators preferred a hybrid of distance and in-person learning. Seventeen percent of educators supported full-time, in-person classes this fall. The survey makes clear the racial inequalities that run through public education are present in this decision, too. Educators of color are even more reluctant to return to in-person learning than educators as a whole, likely because of the extra risk the virus poses to Black, brown and Indigenous communities. Nearly every educator who took the survey agreed that any return to our school buildings must include big changes to how we teach, interact with our students, keep our buildings clean and arrange our workspaces. Education Minnesota shared the survey results with Gov. Tim Walz and Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker to help guide their decisions for fall. A selection of questions and answers are shown below. For full results, go to www.educationminnesota.org/news/Survey/Survey-results. How should education take place in the fall?

Reopen schools 17% on normal basis

Hybrid model 29% (in-person and distance)

Continue with 49% distance learning

Other 5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

How comfortable are you in returning to school if all reopening safety standards are met?

21% 21% Comfort level 31% 27%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very comfortable Somewhat comfortable Somewhat uncomfortable Very uncomfortable

6 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR ISSUES AND IMPACT

If you are very comfortable or somewhat comfortable about returning to school, why do you feel that way? Check all that apply. (Skip if you answered somewhat uncomfortable or very uncomfortable)

I am not worried about 23% catching COVID-19

I trust that the school will be able to maintain 42% safety protocols I am worried about the academic progress 66% of my at-risk students Getting the economy back on track means 25% schools must open

Other 25%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

If you are somewhat uncomfortable or very uncomfortable about returning to a school, what are your concerns? Check all that apply. (Skip if you answered very comfortable or somewhat comfortable)

Student health 80%

Personal health 87%

My family's health 85%

The health of my 75% students' families

Lead to larger outbreak 84% of COVID-19

Do not trust that the school will be able to 73% maintain safety protocols

Other 14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Full results are available at www.educationminnesota.org/ news/Survey/Survey-results.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 7 VALUE OF BELONGING

Education Minnesota continues fight for racial equity

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd adjourned its second special session of the summer, in Minneapolis, Education Minnesota has after passing police accountability legislation led by recommitted to its work of being a part of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) caucus. fighting back racism in our communities and in While we are very disappointed that a number systems, like public education and labor unions. of proposals authored by the POCI caucus “This is a horrifying, senseless death that shows are not in the final legislation, this represents once again the racism that Black, brown and just a start in addressing the systemic racism Indigenous Minnesotans live with every day,” in policing that has harmed Black and brown President Denise Specht said the day after the Minnesotans. Education Minnesota is committed murder. “We anticipate our students of color will to pushing for those necessary systems experience trauma from this killing as they did changes in future legislative sessions. with Philando Castile, Jamar Clark and too many During the July special session, the Minnesota other Black men who died in police custody. House also passed a resolution declaring racism Educators will once again do our best to help our a public health crisis. Education Minnesota was students through, but this must stop. We grieve proud to sign on in support of this resolution, for the family of Mr. Floyd today, but tomorrow calling it an important first step that rightly focuses it will be time to join together and rewrite the the work of the Legislature around this crisis. As rules so everyone, with no exceptions, can thrive a union, we take our role in helping dismantle without fear, care for their families, have their systemic racism in our public schools seriously. voices heard, and their rights respected.” Cultural competency Education Minnesota’s four-part Anti-racism resources for educators: Cultural Competency training is now Education Minnesota’s Cultural Competency training: available to all members for free on https://edmn.me/learnupon the digital platform, LearnUpon. Education Minnesota’s MEA FIRE program: In the training, participants are asked to look at https://edmn.me/MEAFire equity work through the concentric circles of self, others and systems. The eight-hour training 5 anti-racism resources for teachers: stresses the need for equity in society, the power of https://edmn.me/36EHUvs language to hurt and heal, and guided introspection More anti-racism resources: https://edmn.me/2AlbDxa about implicit biases. Participants leave with 5 ways to address bias in your school: an action plan for improving their practice with https://edmn.me/36FaE7u students and their relationships with peers. Share My Lesson racism collection: Becoming a more supportive and welcoming https://edmn.me/3ccMjqs colleague and educator is not a cure-all for Minnesota’s teacher retention problem, racial equity Ibram X. Kendi blog: https://www.ibramxkendi.com issues or opportunity gap — but we believe it will Racial Justice in Education resource guide: help. As a union, we’re committed to real solutions. https://edmn.me/2zDzSa5 Legislative action Teaching Tolerance: www.tolerance.org Education Minnesota also signed on to legislation Colorín Colorado resources: https://edmn.me/3hCC9U3 focusing on police reform and racial equity. Teaching While White: https://edmn.me/2Bxl0dT At the end of July, the Talking about race in the classroom: https://edmn.me/3det6pY Equity & social justice websites: https://edmn.me/2TO5bWC 8 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR VALUE OF BELONGING licensure extensions, changes due to pandemic The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing Q: My position in the fall requires a new and Standards Board and the Legislature made license or a permission, such as an out- changes to some timelines around teacher of-field permission. When should those licensure and renewal due to the COVID-19 materials be submitted to PELSB? pandemic. Education Minnesota staff have A: If your position depends on a new license been monitoring those changes and want to or a permission, please submit or have your keep you updated. PELSB is continuing to meet district submit the relevant application materials and more updates may be possible this fall. to PELSB as soon as possible. We expect a Education Minnesota anticipates a backlog in the backlog of applications at PELSB, and getting renewal process with the 2020 extensions, so materials in early will mitigate that problem if you are needing to apply for a new license or and increase your chances of being ready to renew your license by December or next July, we go on day one of the new school year. encourage you to allow for extra processing time. Q: My license expires in 2020, and I was ready If you have specific questions about your to renew months ago, but I could not finish the license or renewal, please contact your process either because cultural competency was Education Minnesota field staff. not yet available to me or because my continuing education committee was unable to process Go to www.educationminnesota.org/resources/ renewals. Can I use the CEUs I am accumulating credentials-licensure for other information now for my next round of renewal in 2025? around the tiered licensure system and more. A: No. The date on which you can start to accrue Q: My license expires in 2020. Did the CEUs to be applied to your 2025 renewal is the Legislature pass an extension? date in 2020 upon which you renew. There is no A: Yes. The Legislature adopted a statute that way to “bank” CEUs ahead of your renewal date. extends all educator licenses set to expire in 2020 Q: I am an ESP who is doing more because of the (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4) by six months. changes to learning my district made, including Those licenses are now set to expire Dec. 31, 2020. doing lesson plans or other work my licensed Q: I have been unable to renew my license teacher counterparts typically do. What can I do? because I have not had the opportunity A: Contact your field staff. There are certain to take the new cultural competency requirements in state statute and rule that outline trainings, and none are scheduled in the what duties the teacher of record must perform. near future. What are my options? A: Education Minnesota’s own Cultural Competency training is now available to members online for free. The training is made up of four different modules, and members can work through the modules at their own pace. The trainings can be found on our new online platform, LearnUpon. To learn more or to get started, go to edmn.me/learnupon.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 9 VALUE OF BELONGING

free Pd offerings move online Education Minnesota’s professional development offerings are now Members must use the login information that was becoming available on the sent by the LearnUpon system on July 1. Often these platform, LearnUpon. messages can go into spam or junk folders. Education Minnesota members Courses currently available on LearnUpon, with will be able to access free new courses being added each week: professional development to improve their professional f Certified Negotiator Program for Teachers practice and earn CEU credits f for relicensure as well as build Certified Negotiator Program for Education Support union understanding and power. Professionals Parts 1-4 The majority of courses will f Cultural Competency Training Parts 1-4 (relicensure) be pre-recorded. Some will be f offered live via webinar and some Culturally Responsive Teaching Through a Racial Justice Lens will be a combination of both. f Degrees, Not Debt Having the trainings online f English Learners (relicensure) allows members from around the state to access professional f MRA (Member Rights Advocacy) Part 1 development, created by educators, on their own time and f Reading (relicensure) at any location. The platform also f Worksite Unity Leader Training Part 1 allows members to be able to come and go from a course, with More information, including a video on using the the platform saving your place. platform, is available at edmn.me/learnupon. To access the platform, members must use the login information that was sent by Board before the full launch. up with my equity action plan.” the LearnUpon system on July 1. Often these messages can Heather Bakke, a teacher Being able to move go into spam or junk folders, so in Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Education Minnesota’s please check all folders to find and National Education professional development the email from notifications@ Association Director, said she online is an important step, learnupon.com. If you still enjoyed the online training. and a big benefit of union membership, said Bakke. can’t find your email invite or “The first three trainings had have any questions, please been in a group where there “Being able to meet state email [email protected]. was a lot of conversation so guidelines with courses Education Minnesota staff and I was worried that it would developed by our union with the members are launching new be difficult doing the course specific needs of our members courses each week. The first without other people but I was in mind is so empowering,” she courses offered were the four pleasantly surprised how the said. “It is an amazing way to sections of Cultural Competency. same rigor and intent went into get the most out of your dues the online course,” she said. “It and now with the online learning The courses were tested by gave me many opportunities for system you can do PD from the Education Minnesota’s Governing reflection and helped me come comfort of your own home.”

10 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS fund to provide support for school, child care workers The COVID-19 crisis has disproportionately loss of hours, being laid off or furloughed. impacted Black and brown workers and The partnership of these organizations has come families. Additionally, Black and brown workers from a year-long work group of educators looking at make up an inordinate percentage of our the early childhood education system in Minnesota. schools’ hourly school employees which includes child care workers, paraprofessionals, “We’ve been looking at inequities both in access educators and school support staff. to child care and early childhood programming for parents and students, but also that the The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence teachers aren’t treated as teachers,” said in Teaching and Learning, Education Minnesota, Rachel Johnson, a kindergarten teacher in New SEIU Local 284 and ISAIAH’s Kids Count On Us Prague. “Birth to age 5 is the most important Coalition created a fund to help school workers, for setting the foundation for learning.” child care workers and educators who have been laid off by their districts, under the threat Johnson and other members of the team from of being laid off or have had to close their child Education Minnesota and ISAIAH’s Kids Count care centers due to the current COVID-19 crisis. on Us Coalition were set to travel to other states to see their early childhood education systems Donations are still being accepted at operated, but the pandemic has halted that travel. https://edmn.me/ReliefFund. The funds that had been set aside to pay for “These educators and caregivers don’t get those trips became the basis for the relief fund. the respect or wages they deserve during The group is still working on their research paper good times, and they are the first to lose pay which will be shared in the coming year. or face layoffs during a crisis,” said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht when “We knew we could be lifting up those workers,” the fund was launched. “Unfortunately, the said Johnson. “They care so much for children COVID-19 pandemic and the school closures and they do so much for our communities. that have come along with it have threatened They give up so much and are committed to the economic security of tens of thousands of education and our communities. There’s so much school employees and child care workers.” uncertainty with everyone’s financial situations. We want to provide a safety net if they need it.” “My friends, neighbors and colleagues are dealing with two pandemics,” said Kiarra Zackery, an Applications and more information on the fund educator and care advocate with ISAIAH’s Kids is available at https://edmn.me/ReliefFund. Count on Us Coalition. “One is centuries old and one is new – COVID-19 and systemic racism. My community is pulling together like they never have before. You can’t drive down the street without seeing pop-up food shelves and free essential Education support professionals from Education supplies. But even if your pantry is full, that’s not Minnesota may apply for the School and Child going to pay the rent or keep the lights on.” Care Worker Relief Fund if they have been Now the fund is creating an application financially impacted by COVID-19, such as for school and child care workers from loss of hours, being laid off or furloughed. the three partner organizations. To donate or find the application and more Education support professionals from Education information, go to https://edmn.me/ReliefFund. Minnesota may apply if they have been financially impacted by COVID-19, such as

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 11 ISSUES AND IMPACT

Member voices driving work of Unity Campaign Education Minnesota’s Unity Campaign is focusing on electing pro-public education candidates this fall and fighting for what our schools and all of our students, no matter what they look like or where they come from, need to achieve their dreams. This year has proven that our world can change multiple times within a short period of time. This year has also shown the immense importance of public schools and public educators on our society and in making the systemic change we need. This fall, while the world is still changing, we have an opportunity to fight for what we need as public educators and what our students need to succeed. Our families and neighborhoods are stronger, safer and healthier when we come together in moments of joy and celebration, and of illness for investment in our public schools that co- and crisis. Our public schools are more than a creates with students, families and community place where kids take tests, they are part of what partners a student-centered public education ties our communities together and, during a system that is anti-racist, culturally sustaining normal year, a place where childhood happens. and meets the needs of every student. For too long in Minnesota, we short-changed our In 2018, we saw that educators have power at the public schools by letting the richest 1 percent and ballot box. We need to do that again, electing pro- the big corporations pay less than their fair share. public education candidates this November to local, Some of our kids were forced to learn in packed state and national offices. And then we need to use classrooms, with outdated textbooks, in buildings our collective voice again to hold them accountable that need repair, and it was usually kids in Black and to provide us the resources our schools need. brown neighborhoods. We spend less today on Educators in districts across the state are being funding for public schools than we did in 2003. And trained as worksite unity team leaders, who will the ripple effect from this crisis threatens to make guide the work in their local unions. If you are things worse. We can’t repeat the same mistakes interested in joining the campaign and connecting of the past. When this crisis ends, Minnesota must with your colleagues, parents and community ensure all our children have equitable, high-quality members around this work, contact your local schools that enable them to realize their potential. union president or Education Minnesota field staff. Education Minnesota’s Unity Campaign is The campaign and its goals are being led by a fighting for unbreakable solidarity within our group of educators from across the state, as well as statewide membership by March 1, 2021, Education Minnesota staff, called the Unity Table. On the next few pages, you will be introduced to these team members and hear about why they are committed to this work Learn more about the Unity Campaign and and being a part of the Unity Table. how to get involved at www.edmnvotes.org.

12 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR ISSUES AND IMPACT

MEMBERS “A student’s opportunity to succeed shouldn’t be determined by their ZIP “I want to make sure our members code, but that’s exactly what has have the information needed in order happened due to our state’s outdated to move forward with bold actions. It and complicated funding formula. It’s is easy to get wrapped up in your own not right and I’m looking forward to classrooms or locals, and let someone collaborating with educational leaders from around else do the work of advocating for our the state to make sure equity for all our learners students and colleagues. I believe we will need to becomes a reality. I also think I bring a unique inform our members and to get them engaged in perspective as a teacher from a highly successful local activities, and then we will be able to get school district that is also annually one of the them engaged in statewide actions.” lowest (if not THE lowest) funded schools in the Kelly Wilson, teacher, Education Minnesota – OSSEO entire state.”

“The time has come to fully fund Jared Simpson, teacher, Education public education, and we have the Minnesota–St. Michael-Albertville collective power to win it for “As Minnesotans, we make a unique Minnesota’s students, families promise to our kids that we will work and communities.” to give them the best opportunities Carl Soderberg, teacher, Duluth Federation of Teachers possible, no matter what they look like or where they come from. The Unity “I have been an educator for over Table holds us accountable to that 25 years starting as a para, continuing promise, saying, ‘What next steps will we take to as a classroom teacher and currently support that work?’ Although we might not see it serving as a local president. Over the right away, many of the same struggles rural course of my career there is one thing Minnesotans face are deeply shared by others that has been consistent, and that is across our communities. The work at the Unity the inconsistency of our public education priorities Table is important to me because any successful and funding at the state level. We have gained plan for our future will rely on grounding our funding, we have lost funding, we have shifted understanding in how poverty, race and class funding and the impact of that cycle over time has intersect statewide.” taken a toll on classrooms all over the state. The ability for educators and support professionals to Paul Peltier, teacher, Fosston Education Association meet the needs of their students where they are “I believe in working together to get at, and provide for them what they need to things done. I believe there is value in succeed, is a constant stress with lack of funding. numbers and that together our voices Electing effective and courageous pro-public are heard. As a union, we all need to education advocates into public office is essential remain committed, become more to guarantee the success of fully funding schools. involved and work together to expand Together we will do this!” our values. Knowledge is power. My number one Stacey Vanderport, teacher, Mounds goal is to get more people involved. We have a View Education Association voice in numbers! Our schools need to be fully funded, including special education, which is a rising cost in rural schools. We need to elect officials that support education.”

Tracy Detloff, teacher, Education Minnesota New London-Spicer

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 13 ISSUES AND IMPACT

“I want to be a part of finding the “I believe a reawakened labor solution to helping educational movement, standing alongside the assistants be treated with respect. I communities we are a part of, is the feel we need to be given a livable only way out of the widespread wage and afforded the opportunity to immiseration and rampant inequality choose our own health care company that define our current moment in that fits our budget rather than be forced to accept history. This reawakening has to be nurtured and what the district is making us enroll in. I feel ESPs nudged as we all relearn how to use the tools our of Color need to have higher leadership roles in our predecessors in the labor movement throughout local/state/national unions. I feel we need history have handed down to us. I’m proud to be a advancement opportunities in our district without part of this committed group of educators and losing our union status or our job. I feel we need to community partners who believe a better world be afforded a voice and not be penalized for it.” is possible.”

Annette Davis, ESP, Robbinsdale Federation of Teachers Matt Williams, instructor, Minnesota State College Faculty

“I joined the Unity Table Steering “We must stand up to protect our Committee to be a part of the work to students, public education and our get our union walkout ready. The profession! I am ready to stand beside actions required to fully fund our my brothers and sisters to stand up schools and create a just and for statewide (and nationwide) equitable school system for all of our change! I have been working hard in students means educators need to use our unions my local to build a relationship of collaboration and in different ways than we have in the past 15 years. partnership. I believe the Unity Table needs to take The good news is where educators are doing this, the same stance with our partners in other they are winning real improvements for their education advocacy groups and work together to students and families.” demand change from our Legislature.”

Shaun Laden, ESP, Minneapolis Federation of Kate Schmidt, teacher, Dakota County United Educators Teachers and Education Support Professionals “We want each member of Education “I am excited to work with my peers Minnesota to be engaged in what we through the Unity Table project so do for each other and recognize how that we can build collective awareness together we can all be agents of and power in creating learning change for our children. Building on environments in Minnesota that truly our union and advocating for equity engage each and every student. I am are the biggest ways in which I am invested in this hopeful that our work will create a network of work. As educators, we’re instrumental in other connections and competence as we synthesize people’s stories every day. I want to be a part of multiple experiences.” Minnesota’s story by opening new opportunities in Julia Berry, teacher, Education Minnesota our collective bargaining and bringing hope to Local 2209 – Intermediate District 287 everyone we impact, regardless of where they live.” Diana Ortiz-Hedges, teacher, Minnetonka Teachers Association

14 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR ISSUES AND IMPACT

STAFF “Unity Table work is important to me “I am a strong believer in organized because I have a nephew in labor as a vehicle through which elementary school and a niece who workers (and yes, educators are will be soon. I want their teachers to workers) are humanized and able to be the best and the brightest. Right obtain the respect they deserve. As a now, the rate of attrition in the person of color, I view the union teaching profession is increasing. More educators structure, if implemented using an anti-racist lens, are leaving because the lack of funding is taking its to be an essential way we can create a workplace toll personally and professionally. We need to do that attends to intersectional issues of labor everything we can to attract and retain the best practices and racial and gender equity to the and the brightest to the profession; students and benefit of all students. This work, of holding table educators both deserve better.” together, of co-creating a campaign that can

Donna Leff, Mankato office field support staff change the face of public education for the students of Minnesota, is the most important work “I believe unions and public schools of this time and place. As an educator who are two of the last places where a committed many years of my life to union truly-held value of collective good is leadership, I could not imagine not being part of it. I lived out each day in this country. We am grateful to be here.”

desperately need tangible examples Kimberly Colbert, racial equity organizer of all that is possible when we do more and do it together right now. In a moment “I believe schools have been where fully funding schools is also about food and underfunded for years. I believe housing security and community health, the work public schools are the foundation we do in this campaign and at the Unity Table is, to of a democracy. I cannot pass up an me, a true and real effort to work toward a different opportunity to help every student future where we put us before I. I am so excited receive the education they deserves.”

about making that real.” Aaron VanMoorlehem, Apple Valley office field staff Andrea Cecconi, negotiations specialist “The Unity Table will provide an “Every person working in education, opportunity to learn and understand whether that work is done is a what full funding of schools means to classroom, a lunchroom or in a union every educator around the state, office, has had a unique experience. taking that understanding and moving Because of this, it is important that forward with empathy and unity Education Minnesota bring together a toward a goal that education is a necessity for variety of perspectives when embarking on the purposeful and prosperous students. I’m excited ambitious fight for full funding. All of our members’ for the chance to hear and learn from educators and students’ voices need to be heard and who face difficult challenges with basic rights like considered throughout this campaign. I am hopeful equity, mental health and safety in the classroom. that the Unity Table will help discover and share As a parent of young children, I know advocating those voices.” for the basic needs of educators is a necessity. I’m

Vanessa Pulkrabek, Bemidji office field staff excited to start this work and make full funding of schools in Minnesota a reality.”

“It is important to have a diversity Ilissa Morrow, field services executive assistant of voices in the room. While it is easier to make decisions in isolation, what is best for the organization at large is to have thoughtful discussion with multiple perspectives.”

Bridget Moore, organizing specialist

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 15 ISSUES AND IMPACT

EDUCATION MINNESOTA LEADERSHIP “We are in the middle of a health “The work of the Unity Table brings crisis, a racial crisis and an economic together all the voices of our crisis. Public education is at the center organization to focus on making of all three. I cannot think of a more needed changes to public education. critical time for uniting around fully The collective thoughts and funding for just schools than now. I discussions with everyone serving on could not be more proud of the commitment of the Unity Table energizes me to see even more the leaders on the Unity Table and the efforts of all clearly the needs of our current students and the our worksite unity leaders across this state!” reasons we need to advocate for the changes that

Denise Specht, president, Education Minnesota will provide them with the best education possible. I look forward to the work and sharing it with our “In being a part of the Unity Table, members to build the power necessary to bring I am most excited about first, the about real changes to public education.”

people who I am fortunate to sit with. Rodney Rowe, secretary-treasurer, Education Minnesota A mix of members, staff and leadership, these are the people who “Learning and leading is what the are working together, building a Unity Table is all about—and that’s visionary path around the very important work what I find exciting! Bring together Education Minnesota must do around social justice, smart and strong leaders from around equity and school funding. These are the the state. Connect them with skilled requirements we need to focus the conversation and motivated staff from a variety of for what public education must be moving forward departments. Then ask them to guide the in Minnesota. I am proud of our purpose and the campaign and bring others along with us. It’s a conversations we have had in virtual spaces!” simple idea with the potential for great power.”

Bernie Burnham, vice president, Education Minnesota Sara Gjerdrum, executive director, Education Minnesota ISSUES AND IMPACT

Education Minnesota endorsed candidates Education Minnesota screening teams have recommended the following candidates for election, as of July 30. More endorsements will be available at www.educationminnesota.org before Election Day, which also includes information on our endorsement and local screening processes.

* indicates current or former Education Minnesota member

+ indicates other union member

President 9B: Laura Wright 26A: 42A: Joe Biden 10A: Dale Menk 26B: Randy Brock 42B: Jamie Becker-Finn 43B: U.S. Senate 10B: Gaylene Spolarich 27A: Thomas Martinez 11A: + 27B: Jeanne Poppe * 44A: Tina Smith 11B: Jack Frechette 28A: 45A: U.S. House of 12A: Murray Smart * 28B: 45B: Representatives 13B: Benjamin Carollo 29A: Renee Cardarelle + 46A: CD1: Dan Feehan 14A: Tamara Calhoun + 29B: Joe Rosh * 46B: * CD2: Angie Craig 14B: 30A: Chad Hobot 47A: Arlan Brinkmeier CD3: Dean Phillips 15A: Calvin Schmock 30B: Brad Kovach 47B: Daniel Kessler CD4: Betty McCollum 15B: Ron Thiessen 32A: Renae Berg 48A: CD5: Ilhan Omar 16A: Doria Drost 32B: Katie Malchow 48B: Carlie Kotyza- CD7: Collin Peterson Witthuhn 16B: Mindy Kimmel 33A: Caitlin Cahill 49A: Minnesota House 17A: Ben Dolan + 33B: 49B: Steve Elkins 1A: Connie Lindstrom 17B: Logan Kortgard 34A: Brian Raines 50A: Michael Howard 2A: Jeremiah Liend 18A: * 34B: 50B: Andrew Carlson 2B: David Suby 18B: Heather Bakke * 35A: Mike Erickson 51A: 3A: 19A: 35B: Jason Ruffalo 51B: Liz Reyer 4A: Chuck Hendrickson 19B: Luke Frederick 36A: 52A: Rick Hanson 5A: 20A: Erina Prom 36B: 53B: 5B: Joe Abeyta 20B: 37A: 54A: 6B: 21A: Matt Bruns * 37B: Amir Malik 54B: Kelsey Waits 7A: * 21B: Elise Diesslin 38B: 55A: 7B: 23A: Patricia Fahey Bacon 39B: 55B: Andrea Nelsen 8A: Brittney Johnson 23B: Leroy McClelland 40A: Michael Nelson 56A: Jessica Hanson 8B: Carol Wenner 25A: Kim Hicks + 41A: 56B: Kaela Berg 9A: Alex Hering 25B: Liz Boldon 41B:

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 17 ISSUES AND IMPACT

57A: Robert Bierman + 10: Steve Samuelson 27: 45: 57B: 11: Michelle Lee 28: Sarah Kruger 46: 58A: Erin Preese * 12: Jill Abahsain 29: Chris Brazelton 47: Addie Miller 58B: Sara Wolf + 14: 30: Diane Nguyen 48: * 66A: 15: Brent Krist 32: Joshua Fike 49: Melisa López Franzen 17: Fernando Alvarado 34: Bonnie Westlin 50: 1: Reed Perkins 18: Chad Tschimperle 36: John Hoffman 51: Jim Carlson 2: Alan Roy 19: 37: Jerry Newton 52: 4: 20: Jon Olson 38: Justin Stofferahn 53: 5: Rita Albrecht 21: Ralph Kaehler 39: Josiah Hill * 54: 6: 22: Shawna Marshall 40: 55: Sahra Odowa 7: Jen McEwen 24: Roger Steinkamp + 41: Mary Kunesh- 56: Podein * 8: Michele Anderson 25: Sara Flick 57: Gregory Clausen 42: * 9: A. John Peters 26: Aleta Borrud 58: Matt Little 43: Charles Wiger + ISSUES AND IMPACT

Political Action Committee Education Minnesota Refund Request Foundation for Excellence Thousands of members of Education Minnesota in Teaching and Learning decide to contribute to the union’s political action Refund Request committee. The PAC is one of our main tools to bring the educator voice to the policy debate by Contributions to this foundation will provide electing people who will listen. Those PAC dollars fi nancial support for innovative programs initiated are used to win local levies and to back candidates by Education Minnesota members, locals and and organizations that support lower class sizes, affi liates that promote educational access for high standards and professional educators. learners and excellence in teaching. Grants also support professional development for education In accordance with Education Minnesota support professionals and higher education faculty. Bylaw Article 2, Section 3, Subd. b, I hereby request the following: In accordance with Education Minnesota Bylaw Article 2, Section 3, Subd. c, I Please refund to me $25 of my hereby request the following: contribution to Education Minnesota’s dues that will be contributed to the general account Please refund to me $ (maximum $5) of Education Minnesota Political Action of my Education Minnesota foundation assessment Committee for the 2020-21 academic year. that will be contributed to the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching ALL OF THE FOLLOWING FIELDS ARE and Learning for the 2020-21 academic year. REQUIRED. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING FIELDS ARE Name: REQUIRED. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. Last 4 digits of SS#: Name: Address: Last 4 digits of SS#: City, State, ZIP: Address: Local/Affi liate: City, State, ZIP: Signature: Local/Affi liate: Date: Signature: A request for refund of the Education Date: Minnesota Political Action Committee contribution will not affect membership A request for refund of the Education Minnesota rights or benefi ts. Retired members are not Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and assessed, thus do not qualify for the refund. Learning assessment will not affect Education Minnesota membership rights or benefi ts but DEADLINE FOR REFUNDS: will make you ineligible to receive a grant from Refund requests MUST be received by the this foundation. Retired members are not Education Minnesota Political Action fund: assessed, thus do not qualify for the refund. 1) By Oct. 31 for continuing members; or DEADLINE FOR REFUNDS: 2) Within 30 days of signing a membership Refund requests must be received by application for new members. the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning: CECS I NT E MAIED UNTI 1) By Oct. 31 for continuing members; or TE END NEME ATE A MS AE EEN PCESSED 2) Within 30 days of signing a membership application for new members. ORIGINAL SIGNATURE NEEDED. CECS I NT E MAIED UNTI Return this form to: TE END NEME ATE A Education Minnesota Accounting Department Attn: Refund Request MS AE EEN PCESSED 41 Sherburne Ave. ORIGINAL SIGNATURE NEEDED. St. Paul, MN 55103-2196 Return this form to: Education Minnesota Accounting Department Attn: Refund Request 41 Sherburne Ave. St. Paul, MN 55103-2196

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 19 OPPORTUNITIES

2020-21 Education Minnesota Foundation grant deadlines The Education Minnesota National Board Second-Year Classroom Foundation for Excellence in Certified Teachers Grants Teaching and Learning has Scholarship Applicants may request up to multiple grants with a deadline Members can receive $500 $3,000. Deadline: April 2 approaching. For details about per component, up to $1,000 the grants and how to apply, go total. Deadline: Nov. 6 IMPACT Grant to www.edmnfoundation.org. IMPACT Grant projects There’s a grant waiting for you! Classroom-Focused must be coordinated by an Professional Grants active member of Education Development Grants Applicants may request up Minnesota who has teamed up for teachers, ESPs to $3,000. Deadline: Dec. 4 with a nonprofit organization and higher education or their local union/school Bruce Vento Science faculty district. Approximately $15,000 Educator Grant is available for one year. The Awarded twice a year, ESPs budget should reflect a one- For educators who teach and teachers may request year project. Deadline: Jan. 8 science as part of their day and up to $1,500, and higher want to acquire and share new education faculty may IMPACT Grant, skills and knowledge; this grant request up to $3,000. second year may also fund equipment or A Professional Development materials needed in science Funding is available for Grant can also be used for classrooms. Deadline: Dec. 4 IMPACT projects wanting groups to either attend to continue into a second professional development or year. Deadline: April 2 be trained at their worksite. Deadlines: Nov. 6 and April 2 Local races can have major impacts on schools this fall Education Minnesota can Education Minnesota can FINANCIAL RESOURCES help your local union create help your local with: Education Minnesota’s Political Action Committee a campaign plan to win your • Working with other makes funds available to levy or school board election organizations, like the AFL-CIO locals for use in campaigns. this fall and in the future. Area Labor Councils and other To be eligible, a percentage Of the November 2019 levies unions. of a local’s members must that the union helped support, • Data, such as targeted voter be contributing to the PAC. 92 percent passed at least one lists and phone banking lists. question, and all of the locals Need help? Contact Jim Meyer, that received assistance from • Equipment, like laptops, [email protected] for levies Education Minnesota elected cellphones and calling minutes. and referendums or Anna a majority of their endorsed • Design and printing of Brelje, anna.brelje@edmn. school board candidates. materials. org, for school board races.

20 MINNESOTA EDUCATOR

Education Minnesota 41 Sherburne Ave. St. Paul, MN 55103

Nominations open for the 2020-21 ESP of the Year Nominations are open until Sept. 27 for the next Education Minnesota Education Support Professional of the Year.

The program honors exemplary professional and union work by an Education Minnesota member in any ESP job category, including paraprofessional/education assistant, secretarial/ clerical, custodial, food service, maintenance and trades, transportation, grounds keeping, security, technology services, health services and others.

All Education Minnesota ESP members who have been members for at least three years as of Aug. 31, 2020 are eligible. Individuals can be nominated by anyone associated with Minnesota schools.

The ESP of the Year represents peers throughout the profession and connects to communities as an ambassador, and is Minnesota’s nominee for the National Education Association’s ESP of the Year award.

The ESP of the Year receives a $1,200 honorarium, their choice of an iPad, Chromebook or tablet, plus an expense paid trip to the NEA’s Education Support Professional National Conference

To nominate a candidate for 2020-21 Education Minnesota ESP of the Year, go to www.educationminnesota.org/ resources/esps/esp-of-the-year-nomination-form.