LOCAL WINS EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK • POSTER INSIDE • ENGAGING YOUR STUDENTS

AdvocateTexas State Teachers Association/National Education Association Summer 2010

Inadequate and inequitable The poor economy has worsened a longstanding problem: a school finance system that has been neglected MILKEN SOCIAL STUDIES WARS Another attempt to impose political dogma by the State Board of Education

Convention highlights Featuring Bill White and NEA’s Dennis Van Roekel Editorial Table of Contents Making the most of membership Advocate Vol. 29, No. 4 Summer 2010

More than 20 years ago, I joined TSTA, an organization that not only listened TSTA Advocate is an official quarterly publication of the Texas State Teachers to my issues but did something about them. By Rita Haecker, TSTA President Association, affiliate of the National Educa- tion Association.

How to Contact Us: Call (877) ASK-TSTA, visit www.tsta.org, or write to TSTA, 316 TSTA is the only organiza- unmatched by any other or- office. The value that we each year. With their parents, West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. tion that can take its mem- ganization. I knew that I had bring to our members is that we are among the greatest in- Please send address changes to the attention of Membership Records or bers on a journey that will made the right choice. we understand that fluences on these young peo- 22 6 8 [email protected]. teach them how to grow in members and leaders need ple’s lives and are key deter- Advertising: If you would like to advertise, their profession and become I also was given opportuni- ongoing professional devel- minants of their future contact us at (512) 476-5355, ext. 1257. great leaders. ties to develop my own lead- opment. We are committed success. FEATURES TSTA makes no representations regarding ership capabilities. The core to investing in the future of advertised products or services that are not endorsed. More than twenty years ago, belief of our association is the association by growing Congratulations on the suc- 6 State Board of Education Makes a Mockery of the Educational Process A strong conservative spin has been added to the Texas social studies curriculum. Postmaster: Send address changes to I embarked on the greatest cessful completion of an- TSTA Membership Records, 316 West journey that anyone could other school year. I hope all 8 We Can’t Afford to Stand Still 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. make. I became a classroom of you enjoy a well-deserved Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and state PRESIDENT teacher. Little did I know break from the classroom, a Sen. John Whitmire all vowed strong political support for educators at the state TSTA Convention. Rita Haecker Awards presented included the Ronnie Ray ESP of the Year, Friend of Education, Ermalee then that every student that time to relax, reflect and VICE PRESIDENT I taught would influence prepare for next year’s chal- Boice Instructional Advocacy and School Bells. Jason Hillman where I would go next for lenges and opportunities. 12 Inadequate and Inequitable EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR professional development. The poor economy has only served to worsen the basic, longstanding problem — a school E.C. Walker As any new teacher can do, I Then, let us all anticipate finance law that falls woefully short of meeting the needs of most schools and teachers. ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE asked a million and one that very first day of school DIRECTOR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS 16 Teachers Spend Their Days Looking into the Future questions about how to im- next fall — the excitement Richard Kouri A pull-out poster for your classroom or worksite. prove our profession and in- of a new group of students EDITOR crease the support that our who will challenge us to be 22 Gotta Keep Reading Debbie Mohondro NEA's annual award-winning literacy program gets a new theme song, plus some of the Read students need in the class- the best educators that we PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST room. My questions were can be. We also will have Across America events that were held this March in Texas schools. Clay Robison recognized, but they were the opportunity to introduce PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN not always answered. This the new educators on our Susan Martin COLUMNS led me to TSTA, an organi- campuses to a professional ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER zation that not only listened organization that will con- 4 Upfront Leann Kloesel to my issues but did some- tinue to invest the energy Texas attorney general nixes political action committee deductions, another school finance law- suit looms, deadlines for running for TSTA or NEA office, how to nominate a support profes- ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY thing about them. I joined and time to improve the Claire Moore and saw first-hand the level lives of thousands of public sional for an award and more. SECRETARY/ADVERTISING of support that local leaders school employees. Let’s en- 18 Acting Locally Vacant can give a new teacher. gage in the critical conver- News from North East, Alief, Lubbock, Kingwood, Dallas, Mercedes, Cypress-Fairbanks, Ector sations that will increase our County and Harlandale. Copyright 2010 by What impressed me the that we must continue to the best leaders to take on capacity to build the leader- 24 Student and Retired News most were their knowledge grow and cultivate new lead- the challenges that lie ahead. ship teams in all our locals TSTA-Student Program elects officers and gives awards to local chapters and members; TSTA- and skills in dealing with ers to further our goal of and assure TSTA’s strong Retired members elect officers, attend meetings and set their calendar. difficult issues. The leader- supporting great public As teachers, we also must impact for many more years ship of the local was edu- schools for all our students. recognize the influence that to come. 26 In the Classroom cated and well-versed in all we have on our students and Ideas to increase student engagement include asking for feedback, teamwork and creating a aspects of the school dis- My responsibilities in TSTA our state’s future. We spend Have fun this summer and safe classroom. TEXAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION trict’s politics and programs. increased, and soon I was hundreds of hours with our be successful next school 28 Ask Legal 316 West 12th St., Austin, Texas 78701 Their level of expertise was prepared to take an elected students and their parents year! Get to know your TSTA Legal Services team. www.tsta.org • (877) ASK-TSTA

2 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 3 Upfront

TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS NO TEXAS POLITICS: TO PAC DEDUCTIONS GET A DEEPER 10 things you should know 4It is illegal for school districts to deduct contributions 6PERSPECTIVE to TSTA’s political action committee from employees’ pay- Clay Robison, former checks, the Texas attorney general says. TSTA believes his Capitol bureau chief for May ruling violates a teacher’s constitutional right to political the Houston Chronicle, is participation and is considering legal options. on the TSTA staff now, Deductions for TSTA membership dues aren’t affected by the and he blogs at least twice opinion. www.tsta.org/news/current#Attorney a week on current news. Check out Grading Texas WE TWEET AND WE'LL FRIEND YOU, TOO at www.tstaweb.net/ mtstatic. Our teaching and Get updates on news and events by following us on learning specialist, Dr. 5Twitter (twitter.com/txstateteachers) and friending us Paul Henley, also offers thought provoking blogs on Think- on Facebook (www.facebook.com/texasstateteachersassocia- ing Again at www.tstaweb.net/sblog. tion). We currently have 545 followers and 391 friends.

CONVENTION ELECTION RESULTS: FRANCES SMITH, J.L. MARTINEZ WIN OFFICE Frances Smith of Cypress-Fairbanks TSTA/NEA will serve a three-year term as NEA director for Texas, place 1, beginning 7Sept. 1, and J.L. Martinez of the Association of Brownsville Educators will serve a two-year term on the TSTA Board of Direc- tors as a supervisory at large member beginning July 15. Both Smith and Martinez were unopposed and were declared winners in their respective races at the 2010 House of Delegates. Delegates also voted on several amendments to the TSTA Bylaws.

FILE NOW FOR TSTA OFFICER, NEA DIRECTOR NOMINATE AN ESP FOR RECOGNITION TSTA officers: Nominations are open for TSTA presi- TSTA is accepting nominations for the Ronnie Ray Ed- 8dent and vice president, for a three-year term begin- 9ucation Support Professional Advocate of the Year HAECKER TAKES ON THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION ning July 15, 2011. File for either office and you are automat- award until 4:45 p.m. Sept. 30. Nominees should demonstrate Frustrated by the State Board of Education’s role in “rewriting not only the social studies portion of the Texas Essential ically filed for alternate NEA director for Texas. outstanding accomplishments in one or more of the following areas: (1) support of the day-to-day educational process, (2) 1Knowledge and Skills standards, but in rewriting history itself,” TSTA President Rita Haecker was blunt when she testified NEA director: Nominations are also open for NEA director professional achievements in his/her classification, (3) promo- at a public hearing called by the Mexican American Legislative Caucus in April. for Texas, place 3, and for three alternate NEA directors. The tion of public education in the community, (4) involvement in NEA director for Texas, place 3, will serve a three-year term “The ultra-conservative members of the State Board of Education have a narrow, ideological view that not only ignores history the local, state or national association and (5) enhancement of but also ignores the changing world we call America. They are constantly painting Hispanics in negative terms as foreigners and on the NEA Board of Directors beginning Sept.1, 2011, and the ESP image within the association, work site or community. illegal immigrants, and they are discounting the roles of African Americans as well,” Haecker said. Read more on page 6. will sit as a voting member of the TSTA Board of Directors for www.tsta.org/news/current#Haecker a three-year term beginning July 15, 2011. The nominee must have been a TSTA ESP member for at least All the elections referenced above will be held at the April three years as of Jan. 15, 2010, and nominations must be sub- FLORIDA TEACHER FIRES BACK ANOTHER TSTA convention in El Paso. Filing forms are on www.tsta.org mitted by a TSTA regional or local affiliate. Nomination forms SCHOOL FINANCE When people were attacking her and her fellow public (see“TSTA Elections” in the Members Only area) or call the are available online or by calling 800-324-5355, ext. 1510. 2LAWSUIT? 3school teachers, Florida fourth-grade teacher Jamee number below. The filing deadline is Sept.15. For more infor- Send completed forms to the ESP Award Committee c/o TSTA David Thompson, an attor- Miller got mad. And then she got to typing. “I was just getting mation contact TSTA's Center for Executive and Governance President, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. ney for the Texas Associa- so enraged because there was such ignorance from the people at 877-ASK-TSTA, ext. 1514 or 1510. www.tsta.org/news/current/awards.shtml tion of School Administra- attacking teachers, especially these misconceptions about what tors, told a legislative it is we can actually control as educators,” Miller said. Among JUST CLICK AND SAVE committee in May that another lawsuit challenging the other things, Florida legislators were trying to mandate that NEA Click & Save is an exclusive shopping service for NEA members and their families. It offers savings state’s school finance system could be filed within the next standardized testing be the primary basis for teachers’ em- two months or so. The committee is charged with coming 10 on brand name merchandise from hundreds of top retailers, online stores and local mer- ployment, certification and salary. Miller’s essay, “I Am a chants, including Target, Hewlett Packard, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Philips, Restaurant.com and up with recommendations on how to improve the school Teacher,” has attracted nationwide attention on Facebook and funding system. Read more about Texas’ school finance many more. You just sign up and start shopping. You can request email reminders from your favorite merchants about up- blogs. www.educationvotes.nea.org/2010/04/22/florida-teachers- system on page 12. coming sales and discounts, as well. www.neamb.com/clickandsave essay-becomes-rallying-cry-for-educators-seeking-respect

4 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 5 session, it also is unclear works of Thomas Hobbes, Former U.S. Education Sec- dards. Earlier, the proposed Curriculum Wars how soon new history text- Voltaire, John Calvin, retary (and former Houston standards had referred only books will be issued. The Thomas Aquinas, William ISD Superintendent) Rod to the election of the first Legislature already has given Blackstone and others. Paige personally testified black president without list- schools authority to replace before the board to urge a ing his name. TSTA Presi- or supplement old textbooks Encouraged by state Educa- postponement of final adop- dent Rita Haecker first called with online materials. tion Commissioner Robert tion because he believes the public attention to that Scott to adopt the standards, standards don’t adequately omission in a hearing hosted With several new members the SBOE ignored the pleas address the roles of slavery by the Mexican American joining the board in January, of thousands of parents, ed- and civil rights in American Legislative Caucus April 28. a revamped board may try to ucators and concerned citi- and Texas history. Several legislators then reopen the social studies de- zens to delay final adoption picked up Obama’s cause. bate, but it is too early to or pay more heed to experts. According to the standards, know for sure. slavery is the third reason Dr. Paul Henley, TSTA’s Critics included two U.S. edu- for the Civil War, after sec- teaching and learning spe- Two of the board’s conserva- cation secretaries — one an tionalism and states’ rights. cialist, testified before the tive leaders, whose influence appointee of President Obama A late amendment also SBOE on May 19 about its over the history rewrite was and the other an appointee of added the names of more preliminary decision in substantial, will be leaving March to replace Santa the board at the end of this “We do a disservice to children Barazza, the famous His- year. Don McLeroy of Col- panic border painter, with lege Station was unseated by when we shield them from the cartoonist “Tex” Avery. Avery a more moderate candidate, is famous for Bugs Bunny, lobbyist Thomas Ratliff, in truth, just because some people but Henley pointed out he the Republican primary, and also is infamous for racist Cynthia Dunbar of Rich- depictions of blacks and State Board of Education makes a mond didn’t seek reelection. think it is painful or doesn’t fit Hispanics, including the with their particular views.” cartoon character Speedy mockery of the educational process The SBOE continued to Gonzales. The board then amend the standards right voted to delete Avery, but —Education Secretary Arne Duncan A strong conservative spin has been added to the Texas social studies curriculum. By Clay Robison up until its final vote. One conservatives refused to in- of the more significant, late clude a minority painter in changes involved the right- former President George W. Confederate generals to the his place. Surely you still can recall out scholarship in favor In short, as more than 1,200 materials and tests beginning wing’s effort to deny the sep- Bush — who warned that the curriculum. Another amend- how badly the State Board of of their own right-wing college historians noted in in the 2011-12 school year, aration of church and state board was off track. ment will require students to Perhaps the best summary of Education mishandled the philosophy and historical a letter, the SBOE has dis- but the Legislature will have principle. High school gov- compare and contrast Presi- the SBOE’s work was offered English and language arts viewpoints. torted history. a chance to be heard first. It ernment students will be re- “Curricula should be written dent Lincoln’s Gettysburg by Lawrence Allen, a Demo- and science curricula stan- remains to be seen what, if quired to “compare and con- by educators who know the Address to the inaugural ad- cratic member from Hous- dards a few years ago, to the They finished the job on Fri- The new social studies stan- anything, lawmakers will try trast” the First Amendment subject matter, know the stan- dress of Confederate Presi- ton who voted against the dismay and embarrassment day, May 21, congratulating dards for high school, mid- to do about the SBOE’s con- guarantee of religious free- dards and know what it takes dent Jefferson Davis. social studies standards. themselves for putting a of Texas educators and the dle school and elementary troversial work during next dom with the phrase, “sepa- to prepare our children for strong conservative spin on delight of TV comedy hosts. grades were approved on year’s legislative session. But ration of church and state.” college and careers in the Black and Hispanic leaders “We need to admit that we how we got where we are identical 9-5 party-line several legislators, mainly global economy,” current Ed- say the standards also ignore don’t know how to write Unfortunately, however, today. Along the way, though, votes, with the board’s five Democrats, had urged the Yielding to enormous na- ucation Secretary Arne Dun- or underplay the historical curriculum,” Allen said. “We those were merely warm-up they considered more than Democrats in the minority. board to delay a final vote, tional ridicule, the board re- can said in a statement quoted roles of minorities. pass curriculum.” drills. We didn’t witness the 400 amendments to what Winning unanimous ap- and some lawmakers already stored Thomas Jefferson’s in the Austin American- full ability of the SBOE’s their own “writing groups” proval were new economics are promising to sponsor leg- name to high school world Statesman. “We do a disser- Thanks to issues raised by To keep up with future de- arch conservatives to make a had recommended in January, standards for high school. islation to rein in or even history standards. The writ- vice to children when we TSTA, however, two im- velopments involving the mockery of the educational repeatedly ignored recom- abolish the SBOE. ings of Jefferson, an early shield them from the truth, provements were made in SBOE, its curriculum rewrite process until they started mendations from educators According to the state’s cur- advocate of the separation just because some people late amendments. The board and elections, check out ravaging the social studies and historical experts, and in- rent schedule, the standards With the Legislature facing a of church and state, are to think it is painful or doesn’t fit added President Barack TSTA’s “Grading Texas” blog curriculum, willfully tossing vited legislative outrage. will be applied to classroom huge revenue shortfall next be taught alongside the with their particular views.” Obama’s name to the stan- at www.tstaweb.net/mtstatic.

6 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 7 TSTA Convention

From left to right: Gubernatorial candidate Bill White with TSTA-Student Program members, and TSTA President Rita Haecker with NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and Senator John Whitmire.

later, Perry’s math doesn’t said, relies too much on high- education system was essen- over-reliance on standard- add up,” White said. stakes standardized testing tial to Texas’ future. ized testing. and competitive grants. The Democratic nominee “You either pay now or you Growing local leadership also rapped Perry for ap- “We (educators) need a good pay later,” he said, noting teams should be a “top pri- pointing a right-wing leader law that we can support,” he that many school dropouts ority” for TSTA, and an im- to chair the State Board of added, urging TSTA dele- end up in prison, which cost portant part of that effort is Education, which has gates to be actively involved much more than public developing student leaders, brought national ridicule to in this year’s election cam- schools to build and operate. Haecker said. Texas for rewriting history paigns. curriculum to reflect a con- Haecker said TSTA “will con- The TSTA flag is “firmly ‘We can’t afford to stand still’ servative political bias. “It’s all about power,” Van tinue to concentrate our at- planted” throughout Texas, Roekel said. “I want power, tention and efforts on build- the president added. But she Addressing the TSTA annual meeting, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill White, NEA President Dennis “Wouldn’t it be great to have the ability to act….I want to ing our local teams so they cautioned that TSTA’s work a governor who appoints make a difference.” Van Roekel and state Sen. John Whitmire all vowed strong political support for educators. White promised, can move forward toward a is not yet done, particularly somebody chair of the State common goal. That goal is in the face of school district if elected, to give teachers the support they need to prepare Texas’ next workforce for a strong future. Board of Education who un- Whitmire, D-Houston, said he worked the state Senate strengthening their ability to budget cutbacks and an un- derstands you need to leave have a strong impact on is- certain outlook in Austin, the curriculum to profes- last year to assure that a TSTA President Rita Haecker praised convention delegates for “We can’t afford to stand still (on education), and even more sues that matter to their including projections of a sionals?” he said. mandatory pay raise for their impressive recruitment efforts and challenged them to importantly we can’t afford to go backwards,” he said. teachers became law. He said members — pay, benefits, revenue shortfall as high as continue to build on their success. Van Roekel said the National he remains convinced he did due process and instructional $18 billion when the Legis- “My mission as governor will be to help you and support you Education Association was the right thing, especially concerns — as well as (secur- lature convenes in January. About 600 delegates and guests attended the convention to make sure all Texans have the skills, the technology, the fighting to save education every time he reads a news- ing) an education friendly “We have many more stops April 16-17 in San Marcos. education to compete for good jobs with a real future.” jobs nationwide and to as- paper account of a school political climate in Austin.” to make, more places to sure that the Obama admin- superintendent complaining Haecker and the delegates grow and cultivate, and we “Nothing is more important for education than great teachers White also charged Gov. Rick Perry with misrepresenting one istration and Congress listen about the pay increase. gave the current political aim to do that,” she said. who are respected,” said White, the former mayor of Houston of the more critical problems facing the public schools — a to teachers in reauthorizing leadership in Austin failing “Let’s roll TSTA together to and the son of two public school teachers in San Antonio. He high dropout rate, which the governor’s office has claimed is the Elementary and Sec- Whitmire, who chairs the grades on several education the next mountain top, the has been endorsed by TSTA in the Nov. 4 governor’s race. as low as 10 percent but which experts believe is much higher. ondary Education Act. Senate Criminal Justice Committee, received TSTA’s issues, including teacher next challenge for the good White said educators need more support — and less dicta- “When 3.2 million kids enter the public high schools as The ESEA blueprint laid out Frank Tejeda Award for Pub- pay, instructional spending, of the many people who are tion — from Austin. freshmen and only 2.1 million graduate on time four years by the administration, he lic Service. He said a strong a high dropout rate and an counting on us.”

8 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 9 growing and the momentum is build- areas, inflated 100 balls and prepared outstanding coverage of education is- ing,” Ballard said. student materials at Stuchbery sues and events. To find out how to Elementary. nominate your local media, go to President Haecker said he is part of the www.tsta.org/news/current/awards.shtml. reason for TSTA’s growth. “Galen has a “In organizing and personally con- true passion for advocacy and he is al- tributing to this huge effort, Holloman Newspapers: outstanding continuous ways willing to give his time to assist and his volunteers proved they are coverage of education news his fellow ESPs,” she said. true friends of education and truly • Terrence Stutz, Dallas Morning News deserving of this honor,” President Austin Bureau He served on his local association’s by- Haecker said. laws committee, was elected vice presi- • Gary Scharrer, Houston Chronicle/San dent for ESPs in 2009 and now serves Antonio Express-News Austin Bureau BOICE AWARD TEACHER as vice president for Region 2C. He is CAPTURES THE IMAGINATION • Tawnell D. Hobbs, The Dallas in his second year on the state TSTA “It is clear from reading the nomination Morning News Legislative and Political Action Com- letters submitted on David’s behalf that mittee, as an appointee of the TSTA • Eva-Marie Ayala, Fort Worth Star- he brings a passion to teaching that president. Telegram truly captures the imagination of his • Emily Peters, Abilene Reporter-News “I have earned the reputation for being students,” TSTA President Rita Haecker • Nick Georgiou, Laredo Morning Times The annual School Bell Award Luncheon honors members of the media for outstanding coverage of education issues the spokesperson of ESPs in Ector said in presenting the Ermalee Boice and events. Attending the luncheon were Terrence Stutz, Joshua Smith (Joe Smith’s son and partner in TexasISD.com), County,” Ballard said. “In addition to Instructional Advocacy Award to David • Joe Gulick, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Megan Middleton, Nick Georgiou, Emily Peters, TSTA President Rita Haecker, Jenny LaCoste-Caputo, Carla Coleman and Roxan DeRosier (Lamar ISD webmaster). my duties for the school district, I rec- Bolster. “One of his former students, ognize my duty as an advocate for the who is now applying to college as a Newspapers: outstanding news or ESP OF THE YEAR: ‘THERE IS Chuck Isner asked Ballard to be the people who need the support and in- chemistry major, wrote, ‘my life direc- feature story POWER IN NUMBERS’ Ector County TSTA/NEA representative formation available through TSTA.” tion was changed because of a sixth • Holly K. Hacker, The Dallas Morning “I believe that if you identify the right for the maintenance department. “It grade class and a teacher passionate News FRIEND OF EDUCATION person with the right attitude, and give was in the ensuing meetings that I truly and engaged in his subject matter.’” • Moises Mendoza, Houston Chronicle that person proper training and men- began to understand the need for in- BRINGS DREAMS TO LIFE For leading 550 volunteers to complete • Brian Thevenot, The Texas Tribune toring, the leadership of the local asso- volvement and advocacy,” Ballard said. Bolster is a science teacher at Harris 30 “dream” projects at four elementary ciation will remain vibrant and essen- Middle School in North East ISD; the • Emily Peters, Abilene Reporter-News When he attended a salary presenta- schools in Pasadena ISD, Rev. Wes Hol- award he received rewards and pro- tial to its members,” TSTA President loman, associate pastor of Sagemont • Megan Middleton, Tyler Morning tion for all district education support motes teaching excellence. Rita Haecker said in introducing this Church in Houston, received the TSTA professionals, he realized he might be Telegraph year’s TSTA Ronnie Ray Education Sup- Friend of Education Award. “Mr. Bolster’s relationship with stu- port Professional Advocate of the Year able to help with input that went be- yond statistics and trends. dents exemplifies the professional rela- Newspapers: outstanding collection at the convention. “Galen Ballard is the The schools did not have the resources, of news or feature stories based on a living representation of this model.” manpower or time to complete the tionship that is needed in the class- “I have many coworkers that have single subject or theme projects, so Holloman’s team: room to help students be successful,” shared their experiences with me. I • Jenny LaCoste-Caputo, San Antonio Ballard — whose background includes his principal, Peggy Clemons, said. “He knew that I could perhaps make an im- • created an outdoor classroom with Express-News military service, studying welding and has an innate ability to create interest pact on the local school board,” he eight picnic tables and a flower gar- machine technology and a bachelor’s in science and hook all students into said. He did the salary portion of the Newspapers: outstanding editorial den at Meador Elementary; the content every day of the week.” degree in computer science — is a 2008 presentation, which resulted in a • Robert Rivard, editor, San Antonio medium maintenance/yard technician much-needed raise for education sup- • built a greenhouse, nine park In addition to teaching, Bolster is the Express-News at Bonham Junior High in Ector County port professionals. benches and 1,200 square feet of gar- science club sponsor, a scoutmaster for ISD (Odessa). dens, repaired skirting on portables, the Boy Scouts of America, a YMCA Electronic media: outstanding Ballard was sent to the TSTA Ambas- and painted and cleaned several education website “During the spring recruiting drive of coach and a biologist at a nearby na- sador Academy and elected to attend rooms at Frazier Elementary; • Joe Smith, TexasISD.com 2005, I was approached and convinced the NEA ESP National Conference in ture center. “No matter what David of the importance and value of joining 2009 in Orlando, Florida, where he • provided a garden, bench and five Bolster is involved in, you can be sure • Carla Coleman, North Lamar ISD TSTA, and I became a member,” he said. gained insight into the challenges faced trees, pressure washed the gym and that he is enthusiastic and he makes a “This decision has played an important by ESPs throughout the country and painted the front office at Moore Ele- difference,” Haecker said. Electronic media: outstanding role in my continuing growth and recognized for the first time the power mentary; and education blog Top: Galen Ballard, TSTA Ronnie Ray Education Sup- advancement.” of being part of a national association. SCHOOL BELL AWARDS • Tawnell D. Hobbs and Diane Rado, HONOR THE MEDIA port Professional Advocate of the Year; Rev. Wes Hol- • made a new playground, painted Dallas ISD Blog, The Dallas Morning loman, TSTA Friend of Education Award; and David In 2007, TSTA Region 2C President “There is power in numbers; TSTA is offices, pressure washed outside TSTA honors members of the media for News Bolster, Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy Award

10 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 11 School Finance

very core of public proposition, especially in a deep budgetary cuts in 2009 “By failing to raise enough education and, in some struggling economy. and even approved a money to replace the lost Inadequate and inequitable cases, the future viability of mandatory $800 pay raise property tax revenues, the public schools,” wrote Lawmakers approved new for teachers. But they didn’t Legislature dug such a deep The problems are so deep and widespread that two Houston-area superintendents, in a Stafford Municipal School state revenue sources — increase state funding for hole that it can’t keep up District Superintendent H.D. mainly an expanded busi- other educational costs — with the need for growing ness tax, a $1-per-pack in- recent newspaper op-ed article, warned of an approaching ‘train wreck.’ By Clay Robison Chambers and Alief ISD Su- such as transportation, investment in our students crease in the state cigarette perintendent Louis Stoerner utilities or supplies — for a and teachers,” he added. tax and improved collection in the article published in public school population Financially, it was a rough school year for many Texas dis- Hundreds of teachers and other education professionals are of sales taxes on used cars — the Houston Chronicle. that is growing by about Instead of fixing education tricts, and painful budgetary cuts will spill over into 2010-11. losing their jobs, and important programs in districts large but the new revenue sources 75,000 students a year, a funding next year, the leg- The recession certainly hasn’t helped. But the poor economy and small are being reduced or eliminated. Here is a small But facing a projected rev- didn’t fully cover the recur- number roughly equivalent islative leadership already has only served to worsen the basic, longstanding problem — sampling of recent, bad-news headlines: enue shortfall of as much as ring costs of the property tax to adding a school district has signaled that it will a school finance law that falls woefully short of meeting the $18 billion when it con- cuts. And, the Legislature the size of a Fort Worth focus on cutting spending, needs of most schools and teachers. • Facing a $7 million budget shortfall, Houston ISD, the venes in January, the Legisla- state’s largest district, laid off 414 employees, including potentially putting impor- ture isn’t likely to provide about 90 teachers, reorganized some other positions and Facing a projected revenue tant education programs in significant relief for educa- raised the price of school lunches. jeopardy and deepening the tion budgets. Educators, in- shortfall of as much as $18 billion budgetary problems for • Fort Bend ISD eliminated 463 staff positions, then transferred stead, likely will have their many school districts. hands full fighting off fur- to other positions 216 employees whose jobs were cut. when it convenes in January, the Speaker Joe Straus recently ther cuts. told the House Appropria- • Nearby, the Pearland ISD announced plans to gradually tions Committee that it was The governor and the Legis- replace registered school nurses with health care assistants, Legislature isn’t likely to provide “imperative” that lawmakers lature missed a big opportu- and La Marque ISD trimmed 58 jobs, including 40 teaching cover the state’s revenue positions. nity in 2006, when the significant relief for education Texas Supreme Court — rul- shortfall without an increase • In San Antonio, North East ISD planned to cut about ing on the latest lawsuit budgets. Educators, instead, in state taxes. 100 jobs, a combination of classroom, administrative brought by school districts — The state’s budgetary hole and support positions. ordered lawmakers to fix the will make it more difficult school finance system. But likely will have their hands full for the Legislature to meet Other districts throughout Texas have delayed in a special session that year, demands under the current opening new schools, increased class sizes, re- state leaders made property fighting off further cuts. school finance law to in- duced bus routes, increased health insurance tax cuts — not improved ed- crease state aid to school premiums for employees, dipped into reserve ucation funding — the focus worsened the problem or Austin ISD each fall. districts that are suffering re- funds or asked local voters for property tax of their attention. And during the 2009 session by cessionary declines in local increases. schools and their students granting additional ex- To make matters even property tax revenue. and teachers are still suffer- emptions to the new busi- worse, those stimulus dol- The problems are so deep and widespread ing the consequences. lars won’t be available to ness tax. Some legislators — includ- that two Houston-area superintendents, in a lawmakers next year. ing Sen. Florence Shapiro, recent newspaper op-ed article, warned of an At that time, the Legislature Consequently, each year the R-Plano, and Rep. Rob approaching “train wreck.” And, they didn’t ordered local school operat- state is about $4.6 billion “The state has walked away Eissler, R-The Woodlands, blame the economy. They blamed something ing (M&O) taxes reduced by short of paying for the prop- from its responsibility to the Legislature’s education more basic — an under-funded and inequitably about one-third and set a erty tax cuts, a problem that public education,” said Dick chairs — also are consider- funded school finance system that has been new M&O tax cap at $1.04 will be compounded by the Lavine, a researcher for the neglected for far too long in Austin. per $100 valuation. School huge revenue shortfall when Center for Public Policy Pri- ing lifting the 22-pupil limit districts can raise that cap lawmakers meet in January. orities, a nonprofit that ad- on kindergarten through “A long-term fix must be found since by another 13 cents per vocates for policies impor- fourth grade classes, an im- school districts throughout the state are $100, but only with voter Thanks to federal stimulus tant to low- and portant part of education re- facing financial challenges that threaten the approval, often a difficult funds, legislators avoided middle-income people. forms enacted in 1984.

12 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 13 Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Hous- lieves it is important that the districts, for example, have a website operated by Joe ton, the vice chairman of the 22:1 ratio be preserved. taxable values of $100,000 Smith, a former school su- Senate Education Commit- Current law already allows or less per student, while perintendent, about 300 tee, also is a strong advocate school districts to seek more than 60 districts have school districts had tax rate It pays to be an NEA member. of replacing that cap with an waivers from the Texas Edu- taxable values of $1 million elections between 2006 and average class size that would cation Agency if they find or more per student. 2009, and about 70 percent leave specific class sizes up the cap too expensive for of the proposed tax increases Specif ically, $20. As school finance expert and to the discretion of local ad- their budgets. were approved by voters. former legislator Paul ministrators. Patrick con- The approval rates, however, Not only is the Texas school Colbert pointed out in an ar- tends the 22:1 student- fell from 93 percent in 2006 finance system inadequate, ticle in the Equity Center’s teacher ratio is too costly to 62 percent in 2009, re- it also is inequitable — more February News & Notes, a and hasn’t produced any evi- flecting, perhaps, the wors- than 20 years after the Texas district with taxable value of dence that it improves stu- Supreme Court first ordered $100,000 per student can ening economy. dent achievement, despite the Legislature to close the set its M&O tax rate at the The vast majority of the dis- widespread research that funding gaps between prop- maximum $1.17 per $100 smaller class sizes do im- erty poor and property rich valuation (if local voters tricts holding elections were prove student performance. districts. The so-called approve) and still raise only districts of below average Robin Hood school funding about 15 percent of the property wealth. About 70 Some superintendents and redistribution plan, first en- money that a district with a were districts with taxable school board members are acted in 1993, has helped, $1 million per student base values of less than $100,000 expected to support Patrick’s but inequities persist. can raise with a tax rate of per student. proposal — they have advo- only 80 cents. cated for similar changes in More than 100 of the state’s Clay Robison is TSTA’s Public the past — but TSTA be- approximately 1,040 school According to TexasISD.com, Affairs Specialist.

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14 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 15 Some people spend their days staring at their desks.

Teachers spend their days looking into the future.

Texas State Teachers Association NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Call 877-ASK-TSTA or visit www.tsta.org to join today. Acting Locally

ular education classroom they began to tell their sto- teachers. ries. One by one, regular ed- Congratulations! ucation co-teachers, special After consultation with education co-teachers, ALE • Ovidia Molina, president of Alief TSTA/NEA, was TSTA legal counsel, North teachers, department chairs, awarded a Horace Mann-Abraham Lincoln Fellowship, East Teachers Association teacher aides — all types of based on her answers to the following questions: Why (NETA) decided the best employees — told their sto- is Lincoln relevant in today’s classroom? How will you way to resolve the issue was ries, and each asked for the translate the benefits you receive from this Fellowship to bring it to the attention of same resolution: equal pay Program to your students? She will attend a five-day the school board. The local for equal work. teacher program at the Lincoln Presidential Library and organized affected members to attend the February board The board moved to have ad- Museum in Springfield, Illinois this summer. The meeting and explain how ministrators report back on program brings together exceptional educators from they were misled when they DATE eligibility requirements across the country to study the life of Abraham Lincoln voted on a document that at their next meeting. NEISD and to develop strategies for applying historical con- was not final. They were en- Superintendent Dr. Richard tent in the classroom and across the curriculum. couraged to tell their stories Middleton asked NETA to https://www.horacemann.com/resources/fellowships verbally or in writing. give him a list of all teachers and specialists who were not • Two Lubbock Educators Association members were NETA also circulated two pe- equally compensated. selected for the Beaumont Foundation’s 2010 Newton titions. One said, “I am an Excellence in Education Awards, which include a cash employee with the North East In March, Middleton met prize of $10,000. Sue Boyce teaches at Iles Elementary with NETA President Cindy Independent School District School in Lubbock ISD and Kristina Janeway teaches at Marthes and other members and my school participated in Terra Vista Middle School in the Frenship ISD. They are who attended the February the DATE Grant Award Pro- among the first six teachers to receive the honor, which Michelle Marquez, TSTA association representative at West Avenue Elementary in North East ISD, holds petitions bearing 280 signatures. meeting. He assured them he gram. I support all the teach- will now become an annual award for six Lubbock had taken a personal interest ers that are asking for an eq- in resolving their concerns County teachers. The Newton Awards were created to uitable monetary resolution and had frozen unused celebrate and recognize superior contributions of North East wins equal pay for equal work to this situation.” The other DATE money so that it might teachers whose leadership and dedication inspire a said, “I am an employee with be used to compensate em- spirit of learning in students. Schools and individuals On December 18, teachers at eligible North East ISD schools in San Antonio expected NEISD and my school partic- ployees who had equal re- nominate teachers for the Newton Award, which is to receive a nice check through the District Awards for Teacher Excellence (DATE) program. ipated in the DATE Grant sponsibility for achieving named after Frank and Nancy Newton. Frank Newton Award Program. All regular successful TAKS scores. was dean of the Texas Tech School of Law. What they didn’t expect was that some would be awarded whether they wanted to be included in the grant program. education, intervention teach- thousands of dollars, some only $980 — and some would The overview document explained how the grant would be ers, specialists and special ed- Middleton praised NETA’s ef- • Erika Landaverde, president of the Lone Star College- ucation teachers equally receive nothing at all. awarded in different circumstances based on TAKS scores, di- forts, saying that, “…because North Harris chapter of TSTA-Student Program, was worked with the students to vided employees into different tiers, and listed monetary of NETA’s work in bringing named Volunteer of the Year at Black Elementary ensure the highest possible DATE was created by the 79th Legislature as part of House Bill amounts to be awarded. In good faith, the employees voted forth anecdotal information School in Aldine ISD. She logged 740 hours of service 1 “to allow districts to create or continue a system of awards for TAKS score. When I voted on on the explanation given in the document. and the masses (of members while taking college courses. “Being a volunteer not educators who demonstrate success in improving student participation with the DATE to speak to the North East only helps you as a future teacher, but it allows you to achievement,” as described by Texas Education Agency. Grant, I was lead to believe Board), we were given a clear After the vote, the grant application was sent to Texas Educa- communicate with students of all ages and experience that regular education, inter- picture that there was a tion Agency where certain placement of employees into the dif- first hand the ins and outs of teaching,” Landaverde Earlier in the year when the teachers were told they were eli- vention teachers, specialists breakdown in the DATE ferent tiers was denied. The document was returned to the dis- said. She volunteered every day of summer school and gible for DATE grant money, all of them — including special and special education teach- Grant process.” He thanked trict for correction, but the board was not fully aware of the helped during the school year by reading to students in education, Alternative Learning Environment, English as a ers would be compensated the local association for effects of the changes, and employees were not informed of the Second Language and other elective teachers — were led to equally based on test scores.” bringing attention to the the library, organizing a Read Across America event, changes nor given an opportunity to vote on the final product. believe they would be eligible for the same amount of grant issue in a “very positive way.” and assisting with almost every event the school held. money as core or regular education classroom teachers. On February 8, members “Being in charge of so many students helped me real- It wasn’t until disbursement of the grant money in December wearing NETA/TSTA stickers The resolution: equal pay for ize that I do have the potential to be a successful Based on the information given in a draft overview document that special education and other “specialty teachers” real- filled the board room. In a equal work. Checks were is- teacher,” she said. and in meetings held by North East ISD, campuses voted on ized they weren’t going to be paid the same amount as reg- calm, respectful manner, sued in May.

18 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 19 Clockwise from above: Mercedes Education Association honored teachers of the year Celia Zavala and Rebecca Martell, among others; Cy-Fair honored as- Shown at the election night party of Dr. Lew Blackburn, who was reelected to the Dallas ISD school board, are NEA-Dallas President Dale Kaiser, Grand Prairie Ed- sociation representatives and retirees at a banquet; and Harlandale support ucation Association President Doris Hill, Blackburn, former trustee Dr. Lois Parrott, current trustee Bruce Parrott and former trustee Hollis Brashear. professionals had a victory on a paycheck scheduling issue.

NEA-DALLAS WINS BUSY SPRING IN Association Representative district fine arts auditorium AN ESP VICTORY IN BOARD ELECTIONS MERCEDES of the Year Awards went to with a local reporter as the HARLANDALE NEA-Dallas-backed candi- Mercedes Education Associ- Terry Huckaby, a teacher at moderator. Incumbent Harlandale Education dates won in two of three ation was busy this spring Langham Creek High Donna Smith and Richard Association (HEA) education contested elections for with a successful member- School, and Sharon Smith, Herrera ran for one position support professionals Dallas ISD board of trustees ship drive. The local associa- an education support pro- and incumbent Carol Gregg jumped into action when this spring. tion also held an end-of-year fessional at Falcon Trans- and Luis Galvan for the they learned the school dis- social in recognition of re- portation Center. Plaques other; Smith and Galvan trict planned to switch from Dr. Lew Blackburn was re- cent retirees and local teach- were given to retiring mem- won the May 8 election. 26 paychecks to 24 in the elected and political new- ers of the year in May. bers Margaret Brown of Cy middle of the school year. comer Eric Cowan was Creek High School, Yvonne IS YOUR LOCAL ON The move would have elected. CY-FAIR HOSTS Sparks of Cy Ridge High FACEBOOK? caused a hardship for em- ANNUAL BANQUET School and Ida Southwell of The list of local associations ployees because they would “Hope is now alive because In spite of wind and pouring Bane Elementary School. on Facebook is growing. not have time to make bud- employees and students rain, Cypress-Fairbanks Laredo TSTA/NEA, geting arrangements. have a friendly board of TSTA/NEA hosted 95 mem- ECTOR COUNTY Pflugerville Educators Asso- trustees for the first time in bers and a few guests at its HOSTS CANDIDATE ciation, San Angelo TSTA, HEA members expressed six years,” NEA-Dallas Presi- fourth annual end-of-the- FORUM San Marcos Educators their concerns at hearings dent Dale Kaiser said. “This year banquet at a local Sex education, teen preg- TSTA/NEA, Socorro Educa- the district held to explain dramatic change began in restaurant May 14. nancy and pre-kindergarten tion Association and AOT 4 the change, and they circu- December with our candi- were the main topics dis- all have their own pages. If lated petitions. The result: dates, Bruce Parrott and School board member Bob cussed at an April forum for your local association has a the superintendent called Bernadette Nuttal, winning Covey was the guest Ector County ISD school page, let us know by email- HEA to say the district had election. Now we have six speaker. He answered mem- board candidates, according ing [email protected] and listened to employees and trustees who have been bers’ questions about school to the Odessa American. The we’ll link to it from the would not be implementing elected with the support of district issues and business forum was sponsored by TSTA website, www.tsta.org/ a change in the paycheck Mercedes Education Association’s Maria Perez (right) signs up a new education support professional member. educators.” for almost an hour. Ector County TSTA in the inside/locals/locals.shtml. schedule this year.

20 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 21 Read Across America

New theme song: Gotta keep reading!

NEA’s Read Across America, the award- Target and The Heart of America to • President Linda Estrada of Donna winning literacy program, focuses the give Ocoee a new library. Watch it at TSTA/NEA recruited Irene Muñ of nation’s attention on how important it www.schooltube.com/user/ the local city council to read. is to motivate children and teens to NEAreadacrossamerica. • In addition to the aforementioned pa- read in addition to helping them mas- rade, Laredo held a news conference. ter basic skills. The program began in Shown on these pages, clockwise from 1997, and its signature event, NEA’s above, are some Read Across America • Deer Park ISD board member Ken Read Across America Day, takes place events that took place in Texas: Donnell read to Jocelyn Jones’ home- on or near March 2, the birthday of room class on March 2. • Laredo schoolchildren, teachers and beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, • Celebrating with Read Across Amer- community members grabbed their who epitomizes a love of learning. ica ties at Frankford Middle School in hats and marched with the Cat in the Plano ISD were Karl Gscheidle, Tom If you haven’t yet seen it, check out Hat to celebrate NEA’s Read Across Demetrion and Patrick Davis. the music video students and staff at America Day. Ocoee Middle School in Florida • Region 3D TSTA-Retired members Jo • Pflugerville’s reading event was orga- created, based on “I Gotta Feeling” by Ann Peschel, Linda Foley (shown), the Black Eyed Peas. “Gotta Keep Read- nized by local vice president Cindy Barb Rogers and Firmine Stoerkel read ing” has become NEA’s Read Across Perkins, a teacher at Windermere Pri- at Cooper Elementary in Spring ISD. America theme song, and it’s been mary; the team traveled to four watched by almost 200,000 people on schools where the Cat in the Hat (aka Find resources, activity ideas and in- SchoolTube. It even at-tracted the at- TSTA Organizational Development structions on how to create your own tention of Oprah Winfrey, who filmed a Specialist Kristi Taylor) read to classes reading event, whenever it fits your show at the school and joined with and participated in a literary parade. schedule, at www.nea.org/readacross.

22 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 23 Student & Retired

Left page: TSTA-Student Program officers President Chris Padron, Secretary Sandy Huddleston and Vice President Danielle Thorp. Right page, from top left: award winners Ana Silva, Noel Bezette, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Katy Staff, Lamar University, Valerie Munz and Texas A&M University.

TSTA-RETIRED NEWS ship, operated by the NEA winners. Retired delegates Upcoming events: In the March election, Foundation, which is given participated in interregional June 10-11: The TSTA-R Richard Wilgoren of Round annually to a student in the activities by acting as men- Board of Directors meeting Rock, Bobbie Duncan of NEA Student Program. If you tors to TSTA-Student Pro- for this date has been can- Odessa and Paul Haupt of El would like to contribute, gram delegates and as advi- celled. Paso were candidates for make your check payable to sors to Texas Faculty secretary. Jo Ann Peschel of the NEA Foundation and Association delegates. June 27-29: NEA-Retired Houston was the only candi- mail it to TSTA-Retired, at- Annual Meeting, Sheraton TSTA-Student Program honors members Six Texans attended NEA- date for treasurer; according tention Bianca Espinoza, 316 New Orleans Hotel, New Retired’s East Regional Con- TSTA-SP members from Beaumont to El Paso and Brownsville to Lubbock took care of association to the bylaws, if only one W. 12th, Austin, Texas 78701. Orleans. The meeting is ference in Asheville, North candidate files for a position, Donations will be presented open to all NEA-Retired business; participated in professional development on topics ranging from response to intervention to Carolina April 20-22, be- no election is necessary and at the NEA-Retired Annual elected delegates, members teacher rights; elected officers for the 2010-11 schoolyear; and recognized excellence among their own. cause the dates of the West the candidate is automati- Meeting in June. and guests. Regional Conference con- cally elected. In March, 127 college students and their chapter sponsors • Glenn Kidd Award for Local Excellence: small chapter, Lone At the TSTA House of Dele- flicted with the TSTA Con- June 30-July 6: NEA Repre- were in Austin for the 54th annual TSTA-Student Program Star College, Kingwood; large chapter, Texas A&M Univer- Officers for 2010-11, begin- gates, TSTA-R was repre- vention. (Two members from sentative Assembly, New Or- state convention. The following were elected to serve on the sity, College Station ning July 15, are President sented by 22 elected dele- Houston Region 3C Retired leans Convention Center. TSTA-SP Executive Committee: Johnetta Elston Williams, gates. Our board of directors did attend the West Confer- The Texas delegation will • Outstanding CLASS project: Lamar University, Beaumont Vice President Jay-Ann presented an amendment to ence, held in Minneapolis.) • President Chris Padron, University of Houston, Clear Lake stay at the Doubletree Hotel • Outstanding local student leader: Katy Staff, Texas A&M Rucker, Secretary Paul Haupt the TSTA Bylaws to include on Canal Street. The TSTA-R president and • Vice-President Danielle Thorp, Lone Star College, King- University and Treasurer JoAnn Peschel. a TSTA-R member on the wood TSTA Legislative Committee. TSTA staff person attended September 9-10: TSTA-R • Outstanding underclassman: small local, Ana Silva, Lone The TSTA-R Annual Meeting Our board also offered an training on Tuesday; other at- Board of Directors meeting, • Secretary Sandy Huddleston, Texas A&M University, Col- Star College, Kingwood; large local, Valerie Munz, Texas was at the San Marcos Con- amendment to the Legisla- tendees joined the confer- lege Station TSTA Headquarters, Austin. A&M University, College Station vention Center April 14-15, tive Program to work to pro- ence for the next two days. • District 1 Alyssa Cruz, University of Texas-Pan American and we had five first-time at- vide retired school employ- There were sessions for per- You can help form a unit in • Outstanding local advisor: Noel C. Bezette, Lone Star Col- tendees. The highlights were ees with health insurance sonal growth and fun as well your region. Help is just a • District 2 Serena Cheng, Texas A&M University, College lege, Kingwood greetings from the San Mar- and benefits comparable to as association building. A phone call away. Contact Station • Outstanding website: Texas A&M University, College Station cos Chamber of Commerce, or better than what retired highlight was the keynote ad- Bianca Espinoza at • District 3 Patricia Fonseca, San Jacinto College-Central the business session, dinner state and higher education dress by NEA President Den- (800)324-5355 or bian- • Outstanding scrapbook: small local, San Jacinto College- and entertainment by the employees receive. Both nis Van Roekel. [email protected] or email Presi- • District 5 Rosemary Bohaty, Texas Tech University, Lubbock Central; mid-size local, University of Houston, Clear Lake; Wheels and Deals Square passed without opposition. dent Williams at town- large local, Texas A&M University, College Station Linda Scurlock of Houston, • District 6 Melissa Clark, University of Texas, El Paso Dancers, and workshops. [email protected]. Retired delegates collected one of five newly involved • Outstanding newsletter: University of Houston, Clear Lake TSTA President Rita Haecker was the keynote speaker at the Attendees donated money to pre-retired memberships members, won a free room —Johnetta Williams, president awards banquet where the following received awards: • Outstanding T-shirt: San Jacinto College-Central the Jack Kinnaman Scholar- and gave prizes to two lucky from NEA-Retired. of TSTA-Retired

24 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 25 In the Classroom

and motivations are as show, on a scale of 1 to 5, in documenting your unique as your students. how well they understand students as people. After Here, though, are some ideas what you’re teaching. Set a some time, you can begin to that may be new to you and timer to ring three times more accurately predict to those around you. during class, reminding you your students’ individual re- to check after 20 minutes, actions. After some more Create an emotionally 40 minutes and at the end of time, you can create pro- and academically safe the class. Also, remember to active strategies to increase classroom circulate throughout the engagement throughout Teachers should have rules room. That way, you can see the year. that discourage mean be- indirect feedback from your havior. Students who have students more closely. The first few weeks will be been put down by other crucial in making sure you students (or the teacher) Tristan de Frondeville is an know the behaviors each will be reluctant to engage education consultant with student exhibits when en- in any content. Emotion PBL Associates. He told gaged or disengaged. You Observable behaviors will always trump acade- Edutopia magazine that need to make a focused, mics. Begin every activity learning builds on prior concerted effort for that to of student engagement with a task that 95 percent knowledge — increasing in happen. You will know how of the class can do without complexity over time. Effec- well you did by the number include note-taking, eye your help. Success breeds tive learning requires that of surprises you get more success. Also, try cre- skills and knowledge are throughout the year. contact, posture and the ating a classroom that fo- available for quick recall. He cuses on processes more states, “Many students let Change it up amount of time on task. than the right answer. What too much of their knowl- It’s true: students have rela- methods should we use to edge float in a sea of confu- tively short attention spans. Engaged students ask Engaging your students get this answer? Is there sion and develop a habit of K-2 students can only focus another way? Let students guessing, sometimes without for 5-7 minutes. In grades 3- questions, stay involved While it may seem that students are engaged, they may not be. The student may be test their higher order think- even knowing that they are 8, students can focus for 8- looking at you…or through you. Taking notes…or drawing cats. By Dr. Paul Henley ing skills. guessing.” He uses this chart 12 minutes. High school throughout a lesson, to give students the oppor- students (and adults) are Act as a team take initiative and For decades, the education community has wrestled with how can be learned in a fairly straightforward way, and you may tunity to show teachers their able to focus for 15 minutes. Group work is an effective to differentiate between good teachers and struggling teachers. have had extensive practice in this. understanding of a topic. Kids need breaks. Try lesson way for students to keep each show persistence in Lately, the push has been to judge teachers solely on test plans with three different other engaged, but teamwork Confused Maybe For Sure scores. It’s a plan that’s quick, simple and wrong. It doesn’t an- The third characteristic is not as easy to quantify, nor is it as types of activities in a one- and collaboration are not nec- their learning. swer the true question: “What does good teaching look like?” easy to improve. Yet, the Professional Development Appraisal hour period. That way, vari- System (PDAS) mentions engagement over 250 times in the essarily instinctive. Teach col- ety’s power comes into play. Researchers often look to teachers who are regarded as master teacher’s manual. Engagement is a key to learning. laboration skills. Then, when teachers by their students and peers. When observing these projects get started, things You will never get all stu- Observable behaviors of student engagement include note-tak- teachers, they find typical patterns of behavior from them. should move more smoothly. dents engaged all of the ing, eye contact, posture and the amount of time on task. En- For a list of possible team- Document student time. People don’t work that motivation and engagement There are three key qualities of good teaching: gaged students ask questions, stay involved throughout a lesson, work activities, go to the way, but working for in- take initiative and show persistence in their learning. Teachers Teaching and Learning page Yes, this one is obvious, but creased engagement is an 1. A thorough grounding in a subject matter monitor the effort, attention, focus and involvement to make at www.tsta.org. look at it again. Have you important goal. Student en- sure students are engaged. While it may seem that students are written anything down gagement leads to student 2. Thoughtful planning that frames instruction engaged, they may not be. The student may be looking at you… Let them tell you about this girl’s motivations? learning, and learning is the 3. Strong evidence of student engagement or through you. She may be taking notes…or drawing cats. You have to ask for feed- Do you know what that most important activity in back. A show of hands lets boy’s favorite video games any classroom. The first two are easier to quantify. You went to college. You IDEAS TO INCREASE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT you know immediately if are? Teachers document graduated. You probably know your subject — science, early There will never be an exhaustive collection that addresses all students understand a topic. attendance, daily grades and Dr. Paul Henley is TSTA’s Teach- childhood development, music. Planning is something that possibilities. Student engagement involves student motivation, Consider using fingers to test scores. There is power ing and Learning Specialist.

26 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 27 Ask Legal

The Help Center can also as- the TSTA Legal Services divi- certified hearing examiners Services provides training sist members with specific sion, represents TSTA mem- and school boards. The staff and workshops for members issues, such as responding bers and provides training to attorneys also represent and local associations to criticism and harassment, local associations. members in grievances with throughout the state. These dealing with appraisal is- TSTA staff attorneys Eliza- supervisors and before sessions range from presen- sues, providing guidance if beth Poole and Russell school boards. In some cir- tations on employees’ essen- termination or nonrenewal Ramirez represent TSTA cumstances, those grievances tial rights to assisting local is threatened and answering members in a wide variety of may also be appealed to the associations in developing questions about certification. situations. Teacher and ad- Commissioner of Education. and implementing their own Member Advocacy Teams. The Help Center is staffed If you have any questions or concerns by Julie Chen Allen, Charles The Legal Services division Axe, Mike Harper, Amanda about your employment situation, is kept running smoothly by Moore and Chip Waldron. please do not hesitate to contact TSTA. an outstanding administra- Also included in the TSTA We are here to help you! tive staff. Yolanda King is the Legal Services division are administrative manager. the General Counsel and staff ministrator members who are When certification issues Karen Denton is the parale- attorneys. General Counsel proposed for termination and arise, the TSTA staff attorneys gal who assists the staff at- Joey Moore advises the TSTA nonrenewal receive hearings represent members in negoti- torneys. Anita Wells is the Board of Directors and TSTA before the final decisions are ations and hearings with secretary for the Help Cen- staff on legal issues that affect made. Poole and Ramirez fre- Texas Education Agency. ter. Legal Services would not the Association and its mem- quently represent members be able to assist TSTA mem- bers. Moore also supervises in these situations before Additionally, TSTA Legal bers without them.

IT’S ELEMENTARY. TSTA’s Legal Services team includes, left to right, Mike Harper, Amanda Moore, Julie Chen Allen, Anita Wells, General Counsel Joey Moore, Karen Denton, Chip Waldron, Yolanda King, Charles Axe, Elizabeth Poole and Russell Ramirez. SAVE UP TO 25% Getting to know TSTA Legal Services AND CHOOSE AN OFFER BELOW TO SAVE EVEN MORE. Members of TSTA have the added benefit of access to highly-skilled attorneys and professionals to assist them with employment-related issues and concerns.

The TSTA Help Center is the first point of contact for any ment-related concerns. The Help Center provides members YOU CAN COMBINE YOUR NEA MEMBER DISCOUNT WITH EITHER OF THESE TWO OFFERS member who has an employment-related concern. When with general information about public school employees’ members call the Help Center at (877) ASK-TSTA, they are rights and responsibilities. Assistance from the Help Center $20 OFF ONE FREE DAY given the opportunity to speak to a TSTA Member Advocacy may come in various forms, including, but not limited to: ‡5HVHUYHDFRPSDFWWRIXOOVL]H ‡GD\PLQLPXPUHQWDO ‡5HVHUYHDFRPSDFWWRIXOOVL]H ‡$6DWXUGD\QLJKWLVDPXVW FDUPLQLYDQRU689LQWKH ‡$6DWXUGD\QLJKWLVDPXVW -OR- FDULQWKH86&DQDGDWKH ‡:KHQPDNLQJUHVHUYDWLRQVXVH Specialist if one is available, or leave a message to be returned • Providing members with information regarding their legal 86&DQDGD/DWLQ$PHULFDRU ‡:KHQPDNLQJUHVHUYDWLRQVXVH &DULEEHDQRU/DWLQ$PHULFD Contract ID 7014425 &DULEEHDQ Contract ID 7014425 ‡GD\PLQLPXPUHQWDO Coupon Code AF4007JDQ at a time convenient for the member if all specialists are busy rights and responsibilities; Coupon Code AD6875JDR assisting other members. Members may also email their ques- Terms and Conditions: In the US check your insurance and/or credit card for rental vehicle coverage. Renter must meet standard age, driver and credit requirements. Offers are subject to standard rental conditions. Availability is limited. Subject to change without notice. Blackout dates may apply. 24-Hour advance reservation required. Void where prohibited. $20 Off: Discount applies to base rate, which does not include taxes (including GST/VAT), other • Reviewing and editing rebuttals for members; governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license recoupment/air tax recovery and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, additional driver fee, one-way rental charge, or optional items. Not valid tions to the Help Center using the link at www.tsta.org. Typi- with any other discount or promotional rate, except your member discount. Subject to availability and valid only at participating US, Canada, Latin America or Caribbean Alamo locations. Some countries may convert coupon value into local currency. Free Day: Free days are prorated against base rate for entire rental period, which does not include taxes, other governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license recoupment/air tax recovery and concession cally, members receive a response within one business day, if • Assisting members in making Public Information Act requests; recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, additional driver fee, one-way rental charge, or optional items. Not valid with any other discount or promotional rate, except your member discount. Subject to availability and valid only at participating US, Canada, the Caribbean or Latin America Alamo locations. Offer not valid in Manhattan NY. Member Discount: Discount applies to base rate only. Up to 25% discount applies to participating Alamo locations. Taxes, other governmentally-authorized or imposed surcharges, license and concession recoupment fees, airport and airport facility fees, fuel, additional driver fee, one-way rental charge and optional items (such as LDW up to US $30 not sooner. per day) are extra. In the US check your insurance and/or credit card for rental vehicle coverage. May not be combined with other discounts. Alamo and Drive Happy are trademarks of Vanguard Trademark Holdings USA LLC. • Contacting administrators and supervisors on behalf of All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2009 Vanguard Car Rental USA. All rights reserved. 911049.v5 06/09 MJ/AM members; 2IIHUVH[SLUHRQ Member Advocacy Specialists are on duty from 7:00 a.m. to _DODPRFRP AL480510 7:00 p.m. to assist members and leaders with their employ- • In some cases, filing grievances on behalf of members.

28 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 29 TSTA/NEA TEXAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION/NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teachers, are you ready for 877-ASK-TSTA • www.tsta.org 2010-11 ENROLLMENT FORM the next level in your career? Please return this completed form to your Association Representative or mail to TSTA Membership Department, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-1892. If you have questions, call 877-ASK-TSTA.

NAME SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DATE OF BIRTH

ADDRESS LOCAL ASSOCIATION HIRE DATE

CITY STATE ZIP NAME OF ISD

EMAIL AT HOME CAMPUS/WORKSITE

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

ETHNICITY/GENDER † American Indian/Alaska Native † Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander AREA CODE HOME PHONE AREA CODE WORK PHONE † Black † Unknown † Hispanic † Multi-ethnic † Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin) † Other ✔ ANNUAL DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS AMOUNT † Asian Gender: † Male † Female 1. Professional Dues—TSTA/NEA (Active) $456.00 This information is optional and failure to provide it will in no way affect your membership status, Professional Dues—New to the profession $311.00 rights or benefits in NEA, TSTA or any of their affiliates.This information will be kept confidential. 2. Educational Support Dues—Full-time $241.50 Educational Support Dues—Part-time $126.00 METHOD OF PAYMENT/PAYROLL DEDUCTION AUTHORIZATION (BELOW) 3. NEA Fund for Children and Public Education I hereby authorize the______School (suggested amount $15.00) District to deduct the total amount of the annual obligation as set by the appropri- ate Association governance bodies in ______equal payments in order to pay my dues to the professional associations and organizations listed and for political 4. TSTA-PAC (see disclaimer below) $ 9.00 action contributions indicated. The authorization will continue in effect for this school year and future years, including any increase that may occur, until I give written notice to the local by September 15 to revoke. I further authorize any un- 5. Region Dues paid annual balance to be deducted from my final check. The Local Association or TSTA/NEA will notify School District officials of the annual dues amounts for 6. Local Association Dues all levels of the Association each year.

TOTAL _____ Please check if you would like to receive TSTA’s electronic newsletter, the If you are a certifi ed teacher and would TSTA Briefing, which is distributed by email at least once a week. Send to: † home email address † work email address like to become a principal or central offi ce NOTE: Membership must include local and region dues if eligible. The TSTA Political Action Committee (TSTA-PAC) and the National Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education collect voluntary contributions from Association members and use these contributions for politi- cal purposes, including, but not limited to, making contributions to and expenditures on behalf of friends of public education who are candidates for federal office. Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may contribute to the NEA Fund. Contributions to the NEA Fund are voluntary; making a contribution is neither a condition of employment nor membership in the Association, and members have the right to refuse to contribute without suffer- administrator, go with the leader in Texas: ing any reprisal. Although The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education requests an annual contribution of $15, this is only a suggestion. A member may contribute more or less than the suggested amount, or may con- tribute nothing at all, without it affecting his or her membership status, rights, or benefits in NEA or any of its affiliates. Contributions or gifts to The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, TSTA-PAC and local PACs are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Region 4 Principal Certifi cation Online. Visit Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year. Federal law prohibits The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education from receiving donations from persons other than members of NEA and its affiliates, and their immediate families. All donations from persons other than members of NEA and its affiliates, and their immediate families, will be returned forthwith. Former student member? “I decline to contribute to TSTA-PAC and I understand this will not in any way affect my membership status or rights.” ______www.Region4ACP.net to fi nd out more. INITIAL YES NO

Annual membership dues to NEA include $5.65 for NEA Today, $3.40 for NEA-Retired, $3.40 for Tomorrow's Teacher and/or $5.60 for the Higher Education publications. The NEA publication(s) received by members are based on membership category. Annual membership dues to TSTA include subscription to the TSTA Advocate. Membership is open only to those who agree to subscribe to the goals and objec- tives of the Association and to abide by its constitution and bylaws. Dues payments are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Dues payments (or a portion) may be deductible as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. Commit to the future of Texas. Teach. Lead. Legal Liability Coverage: Members of TSTA/NEA are automatically covered by $6 million for most legal claims ($300,000 for civil rights claims) while acting in the scope of employment. $1 million is un- derwritten by the AIG Companies or successor provider selected by NEA. $5 million excess is underwritten by United National Ins. Co., an A.M. Best Rated A+ (superior) carrier or successor provider se- lected by TSTA. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies which are available to members upon request by calling the TSTA Help Center at 877-ASK-TSTA. Notice required by Art. 21.54 of the Texas Insurance Code: These insurers may not be subject to all the laws and regulations of Texas. The insurance solvency guarantee fund may not be available to you or to TSTA. Internships must be conducted in Texas. Employment Defense: To be considered for legal services for job protection, membership is required for at least 30 days before the member knew or should have known of the events or occurrences leading up to the action complained about. Pre-existing conditions will not be pursued, except by discretion of TSTA.

© 2010 Region 4 Education Service Center MEMBER SIGNATURE DATE LOCAL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

30 TSTA Advocate Summer 2010 31 For the latest news, go to www.tsta.org. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Texas State Teachers Association PAID 316 West 12th Street Texas State Austin, Texas 78701 Teachers Assoc.

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