The Voice The Nebraska State Education Association  March 2014

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 1 Planning Period Upcoming Assignments Celebrate! Take a Leadership Position Feb. 5 n What: Association members Read on March 2! will vote beginning in March to fill celebrate. For instance: nearly three dozen vacancies on Read Across America n six NSEA district boards and on Get the latest info: Go to the the NSEA Board of Directors. An Will be Observed Read Across America website to find a emphasis again this year encourges wide variety of information, including minority members to seek office. Nationwide March 2 how to create a reading event, activ- It takes time, but the rewards are It has been 19 years now, and the ity ideas, downloadable information many. WIll you file? NEA-founded Read Across America for parents, as well as the pledge to n Details: The filing period clos- program is stronger than ever! participate this year! Items and mate- es o Feb. 5. Go to the NSEA website Another edition of the event, which rials are updated frequently, so please to see a list of vacancies and to file. celebrates Dr. Seuss creator Theodor check back often. That site is at: n Celebration day items: The NEA nsea.org Geisel’s birthday, will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 2. Read Across America website pro- Start now to Plan for RAA Will you celebrate? Are your plans vides the Read Across America song, March 2 under way? Could you use some help oath and poem, as well as NEA’s Dec- n What: Celebrate the birthday and some ideas? laration of Reading Independence. of Dr. Seuss on NEA’s Read Across Fortunately, the National Educa- n Find the poster! Download and America Day, Wednesday, March 2. tion Association has ideas and materi- print the 2016 Read Across Ameri- Start now for a well-planned event. als you can use to build a celebration ca Day Poster from the NEA Read n Details: NEA provides plenty in your classroom or school. Across America website. of materials to make your event a Here’s how it works: Read Across n Invite the media: Why not let the success. See the story on this page America asks every child in every world know about your celebration – or to learn more go to this site: and the importance of literacy? The nea.org/grants/plan-a-reading-event community to celebrate the love of reading. The program also supports NEA Read Across America website The Celebration Begins! NEA members, parents, caregivers, has a series of tips, ideas and sample April 15-16 and children with the resources and news releases and letters to the editor n What: NSEA Delegate As- activities they need to keep reading you can use to get your project noticed sembly 2016 will kick off the Asso- fun throughout the year. by local newspaper, radio stations and ciation’s 150th anniversary celebra- The Seussian event frequently television station reporters. Your stu- tion. NSEA was founded in 1867 in opens a full week of reading events dents will get some coverage and your Brownville. and activities! In order to help your school district will shine! n Details: Delegate Assembly event be a grand and wonderful suc- For more details, visit the Read will be held in Lincoln on April 15- Across America website at: 16. Learn how you can become a cess, NEA has put together a package delegate on Page 13. of items and ideas online to help you nea.org/readacross

Ashland-Greenwood Education Association’s Diane Starns exercises on a regular Cover basis at a local gym, and has found that the Educators Health Alliance wellness Page Story: program is a great supplement to her regular workout regimen. For details, turn to 11

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

PAGE 2 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 The President Kids, Roads and Budgets Three weeks into this session of the Nebraska public schools and higher ed institutions. Legislature, and one thing is clear: unless educators across the state – all of us at all What Does it Take? levels of the education family – raise our voices Meanwhile, the governor has announced a collectively, K-12 public schools, public colleges plan to raid the state’s rainy day fund of $150 and universities are going to take a beating. million to create a transportation infrastructure To his credit, York Superintendent Dr. Mike bank. Those dollars would go into a lock box, Lucas has jumped to the front of the fray with a if you will, and be used only for roads projects. commentary that has already appeared in a half- Roads, like schools, are an important core dozen or more newspapers across the state. Read function of government. However, roads get other it on Page 7. funding love from the state. First, the Highway Lucas is on the mark. But we must all step Trust Fund receives cash from the sales and use up to turn back the assault on publicly funded taxes on automobiles, trailers and semitrailers. NSEA President education. Three years ago, senators shaved off a quarter Nancy Fulton As Lucas points out, property tax – the main cent of the General Fund’s sales tax revenue source of revenue for Nebraska public schools – and dedicated the resulting $100 or so million is under attack. K-12 public schools are cast by per year to roads. Last year, senators added to some as the villain in the property tax debate. the roads coffers again by approving a phased in “ What those critics fail time and again to 6-cent per gallon gasoline tax hike, which will What exactly acknowledge – and what Lucas points out – is that eventually put the tax at 32 cents per gallon. despite an ever-increasing number of students The $150 million-in-a-lock-box plan is does it take for requiring more teachers, books, buildings and frustrating for this reason: Educators have been public schools cost, state aid to K-12 schools as a share of the asking policymakers for a dedicated source of state’s budget has been cut drastically in the past revenue – funding in a lock box – for public to become 15 years. Current calculations indicate state aid schools for nearly a decade. Last year, Lincoln a state for 2016-17 will increase by about $11 million Sen. Adam Morfeld introduced LB438, which from the current $973 million, a pittance when would dedicate online sales tax revenues to an funding spread among the 120 or so districts that receive education trust fund. LB438 did not advance state aid. Meanwhile, the initial budget plan put from committee last year. priority? forth by Gov. Ricketts would cut state aid by $8 It is curious that as some policymakers decry million, to about $965 million. the “underperformance” of public schools they have no inclination to give school funding ” Chipping Away a priority status. Instead, they rally around That is just the start of efforts to chip away at a “school choice” banner that would siphon funding public schools. funding from our public schools. Many proposals by policymakers – in their What exactly does it take for public schools haste to appease corporate profiteers and other to become a state funding priority? masters – would mercilessly cut away at the state’s General Fund. Proposed are a multitude of Solid Investment Needed schemes to fund private, parochial and corporate Again, roads deserve our attention. But Page schools through tax credits, vouchers and other so do our children. Today’s second grader is options. Dollars for those proposals would come tomorrow’s engineer, designing and planning 11 from the General Fund, which is the source of lifesaving and efficient roads for the future. That the aforementioned state aid to K-12 schools, as second-grader needs a solid investment in her well as the source of considerable funding for education to achieve that status. the state’s public colleges and universities. Every I’ll ask the question again: What exactly does it dollar taken from the General Fund for corporate take for public schools to be a state funding priority? charter schools and other private schemes is a Perhaps if we follow the lead of Dr. Mike Lucas, dollar not available for our already underfunded and make ourselves heard, we’ll get an answer.

Finding Nebraska’s Great Public Schools (GPS) NSEA locals from around Auburn...... Page 24 Loup County...... Page 18 Waverly...... Page 9 the state appear or are Douglas County West...... Page 18 Omaha...... Page 18 Westside...... Page 23 mentioned in this issue. Look for: Gretna...... Page 24 Palmyra...... Page 9 Ashland-Greenwood...... Page 9 Lincoln...... Page 9 Papillion-LaVista...... Page 24

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 3 Nebraskans Favor Public School Choice Law, Oppose Tax Dollars for Charters, Vouchers

PAGE 4 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 Opening Bell NSEA Poll: Thumbs Down to Charters Nebraskans Favor Public School Choice Law, Oppose Tax Dollars for Charters, Vouchers Vast Majority Want in and it is clear that Nebras- kans overwhelmingly sup- Education Tax Dollars port their public schools and Managed Publicly teachers – and the majority In new statewide survey, Nebraskans of Nebraskans do not want said they do not need, nor do they want, their tax dollars used for pri- their tax dollars used to support either vate school vouchers or for charter schools or school vouchers. private charter schools.” An overwhelming majority said they A whopping 75 percent want their education tax dollars to be bud- of respondents graded their geted and spent by elected school boards, local public school teachers not by private individuals or corporations. with an A or B, while 63 per- The findings are from the January 2016 cent gave their local public edition of The Nebraska Poll in which 900 schools a grade of an A or B. Nebraska registered voters were surveyed “Nebraska public schools to measure their views on education. The have been consistently ap- study has a maximum error range of plus plauded by national experts, or minus 3.3 percent for the statewide including, most recently, sample and plus or minus 5.7 percent for Diane Ravitch who wrote the congressional district samples, both at ‘Nebraska: Say No to Char- a 95 percent confidence level. ter Schools,’” said Dr. Mike The survey was commissioned by the Dulaney, Executive Direc- Nebraska State Education Association tor of the Nebraska Council (NSEA) and conducted by Research As- of School Administrators. sociates, a Nebraska polling firm found- “Public schools are work- ed in 1975. The results were released at ing well in Nebraska for a January news conference at the State both regular education and Capitol. The news conference was held in special education students. front of the Nebraska Hall of Fame bust It would be irresponsible for of Gov. Robert Furnas, one of NSEA’s our state to head down a path founders in 1867. that would ultimately di- said school patrons already have choice in Joining NSEA President Nancy Ful- minish resources dedicated to our public school selection. A child in Nebraska can ton, at the news conference were Lincoln schools.” essentially attend the public school of his State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, Omaha Nebraska Association of School or her parent’s choosing.. Sen. Tanya Cook, and representatives of Boards Executive Director John Spatz “The flexibility that is allowed in Ne- the Nebraska As- braska in our pub- sociation of School lic school system Boards, the Ne- is unique, and it braska Council of provides great op- School Administra- portunities for in- tors, and Nebras- novation that may ka Loves Public be more difficult to Schools. do in other states,” said Spatz. Clear Results “There has been Public much talk, both na- Management tionally and here Nebraskans also in Nebraska, about overwhelmingly public schools,” want elected school said Fulton. “We boards to be in thought it impor- charge of watching tant to ask Nebras- over education tax kans how they felt dollars. More than about Nebraska’s 80 percent of those public schools and surveyed said they teachers, and about Camera Time: Following a news conference, NSEA President Nancy Fulton want their public charter schools and completed an interview with reporter Veronica Ortega of KLKN Television News. school budgets and vouchers. The news conference was held at the state capitol near the bust of Gov. Robert spending to be de- “The results are Furnas, in the background. Furnas was a founder and first president of NSEA. cided by local elect-

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 5 ed officials rather than by private “The flexibility that is allowed in Nebraska port Nebraska’s public school individuals or corporate boards. choice law. “The fact that Nebraskans in our public school system is unique, and it “The majority of Nebras- put their trust in locally-elected provides great opportunities for innovation that kans do not want or believe officials is right in keeping with may be more difficult to do in other states.” we need charter schools,” said traditional American ideology, — John Spatz, Executive Director Fulton. “Quality education which has always spurned dis- and innovation is already tak- tant governance in favor of de- Nebraska Assn of School Boards ing place in our neighborhood cision-making power closer to public schools, including pub- home,” said Jon Anderjaska, president of the lic focus and magnet schools. Nebraska Association of School Boards, and Survey respondents ranked the quality a member of the Wauneta-Palisade Board of of teachers as the most important factor in Education for the past 19 years. deciding where their children should at- “Because local boards are more acces- tend school. Ninety-four percent said the sible, they are inherently held much more quality of teachers was “very important” in accountable, and have a better pulse on their deciding where their children would attend communities’ wants and needs. Further- school. Curriculum and class size were also more, local boards know better than anyone ranked high in importance. that Nebraska’s educational successes are “We need to support our teachers due to our outstanding teachers and adminis- through professional development oppor- trators. Not only do we have the ever-present tunities, through mentoring and other pro- goal of attracting and retaining these profes- grams that promote teacher quality so that sionals, but also to protect against outside all students have access to high quality in- influences that discourage local initiative or struction. squelch creativity,” he said. “Investing in our public schools and pub- lic school teachers means we are investing in Support for Teachers our children, their future and our future. We Fulton said the survey showed Nebras- all benefit when every child has access to a kans know about, and strongly support, the great public school,” said Fulton. state’s public school choice law. Finally, nearly two-thirds of respondents Three-fourths of respondents were aware (63 percent) gave their public school dis- that Nebraska allows children to attend any trict an A or B, while a supermajority (75 public school in the state that they and their percent) gave their public school teachers parents choose. Well over two-thirds sup- an A or B. Contract or Benefits Question? Contact NSEA an assigned organizational specialist who written rebuttal if I would like, and I would Organizational Specialists knows the school district and is familiar like some help on figuring out the best way Give You an Edge with district contracts and policies. to proceed and handle the situation in the This question came through the NSEA best manner.” The best advice you ‘Contact Us’ website recently: NSEA gets many such questions each can remember when you “I need help with legal rep- week, via e-mail through the website, join NSEA: Know how to resentation for securing my job phone calls to one of the 18 organization- contact your professional with the consolidation of my al specialists, and via personal visits with association. school district. I have been with NSEA staff. That’s because your my school for five years and Whatever your question, you can con- NSEA organizational want to continue as a fulltime tact your NSEA organizational specialist in specialist — there are 18 teacher.” complete confidentiality. statewide — has the skill and knowledge And then there was this question that Call your NSEA organizational special- to get answers to your questions, whether came through the website: ist at 1-800-742-0047, or send your ques- they be about job threats, retirement ben- “I received an evaluation from my prin- tion through the ‘Contact Us’ feature of the efits, contract issues, classroom discipline cipal that was quite unfair and rude. My NSEA website at: or more. Each Nebraska school district has principal informed me that I could submit a www.nsea.org Teachers Have Opportunity to Prepare for Sesquicentennial This June, Peru State College will offer the ninth rendition of ister are eligible for $300 grants available through funds provided Trails and Tales, an award-winning teacher institute and statewide by Humanities Nebraska. The same 30 teachers are also eligible tour. for $100 in tuition remission, provided by the Peru State College Titled “Anticipating Nebraska’s Sesquicentennial,” the program Foundation, to offset the cost of one or both courses. features a week of on-campus courses (June 13-20) and a statewide For more information, please visit the Peru State website and tour (June 20-25), both of which give participants the opportunity search for Trails and Tales, or contact one of the co-directors: Dr. to concurrently study Nebraska history and literature, particularly Sara Crook, professor of social science/history, or Dr. Dan Holtz, as they illustrate Nebraska’s first 150 years. professor of English. They can be reached via e-mail at: The all-inclusive cost of the six-day tour is $690 for double oc- [email protected] The Honoree: Juan Guzman of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Kearney had a host cupancy, but the first 30 in-service or pre-service teachers who reg- [email protected] of friends congratulate him after his office was honored with NSEA’s Great Plains Milestone Award at NSEA’s Delegate Assembly. From left are Karla Andazola, Lexington; Guzman; Manny Andazola, Lexington; Jose Hernandez, Norfolk; Edward Ventura Jr., Tracy Hartman-Bradley and Susan Loney, Omaha. PAGE 6 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 port Nebraska’s public school choice law. “The majority of Nebras- When Did Public Education kans do not want or believe we need charter schools,” said Fulton. “Quality education Become the Enemy? and innovation is already tak- ing place in our neighborhood Editor’s Note: This commentary has received in 2016-17, when we will receive just $560,000 in public schools, including pub- good reviews after appearing in nearly a dozen state aid. All the while, our total revenue, which lic focus and magnet schools. Nebraska newspapers since early January. includes state aid, federal monies, special education Survey respondents ranked the quality reimbursement, etc., has increased by an annual of teachers as the most important factor in Mike Lucas, Superintendent average of just over 2 percent. That is hardly “out- deciding where their children should at- York Public Schools of-control spending,” but we HAVE to increase tend school. Ninety-four percent said the Over the last two years or so I have watched and local property taxes just to make up for the huge quality of teachers was “very important” in listened as public education has taken a beating losses in state aid. deciding where their children would attend from folks around our great state. I can’t take it Local school districts are very wary of their school. Curriculum and class size were also anymore. spending. They have public board meetings every ranked high in importance. I’ve seen and heard organizations like the Platte month where bills are discussed, analyzed and “We need to support our teachers Institute, Farm Bureau, and even the State Chamber approved. Here in York, our spending is so “out of through professional development oppor- of Commerce take cheap shots at public schools control” that it has grown by an average of 1.8 percent tunities, through mentoring and other pro- for “over-spending” and “under-delivering.” Heck, each of the last six years. What other organization, grams that promote teacher quality so that even some of our elected officials in the Capitol business or institute can make that claim? Further, all students have access to high quality in- struction. Dr. Mike Lucas, view public education as a burden rather than an 33 percent of that spending increase has been for “Investing in our public schools and pub- York Public essential benefit. grant-funded programming that we’ve added over lic school teachers means we are investing in Schools As a career educator who didn’t grow up in the past six years for preschool, children living in our children, their future and our future. We Nebraska but has lived here since 2000, I have poverty, and before/after school programming. If all benefit when every child has access to a come to love and appreciate what our great public we didn’t have these student needs, we wouldn’t great public school,” said Fulton. school system offers. have increased our spending at all! Finally, nearly two-thirds of respondents “ Did you know that more than 86 percent of (63 percent) gave their public school dis- If K-12 Nebraska public high school students took the ACT We Love It! trict an A or B, while a supermajority (75 in 2014? Their average composite score of 21.7 is We have lots of room for improvement in every percent) gave their public school teachers state aid made the HIGHEST IN THE NATION for states that public school district in this state. Public schools an A or B. up the same had 80 percent or more of their students take the will always be a “work in progress.” It just sickens ACT! me that people who have never walked a step in the percentage Did you know that Nebraska has one of the best shoes of our dedicated teachers, support staff, and high school graduation rates in the nation, with administrators continually put us down. of the budget nearly 90 percent of our seniors graduating? Come visit a high needs special education room today as it did We hear that school spending is “out of control” and help care for severely disabled students who and that schools are the culprit for obscenely high can’t go to the bathroom on their own. Come in 1999, the property taxes, even though school boards live visit a preschool or kindergarten room and help state’s general within strict, state-mandated spending and tax levy provide meaningful instruction for youngsters lids. Yes, many of our districts absolutely do have who haven’t eaten since they left the classroom fund support an overreliance on local property taxes, but a close at 3:15 p.m. yesterday. Come deal with the mental analysis clearly shows that one reason for that over- health issues we have in our middle and high would be $187 reliance is Nebraska’s 49th in-the-nation ranking schools. Come deal with more and more unfunded million more for state aid to K-12 public education. mandates and school accountability. Come spend a day with your local school administrator and than it is today. Falling Behind deal with the chaos that often begins before 7 a.m. In 1998-99, right at 32 percent of the state’s and ends around 10 p.m. general fund was spent on K-12 education aid. We perform those tasks and many, many more During this 2015-16 fiscal year, that percentage every day. We love it and we can’t wait to do it ” has plummeted to 27.6 percent. It is projected to again tomorrow! be even lower in 2016-17. If K-12 aid made up the same percentage of the budget today as it did What Should be Cut? in 1999, the state’s general fund support would be Yet the attacks on our schools continue. What Teachers Have Opportunity to Prepare for Sesquicentennial $187 million more than it is today. services do they want us to cut? What are we Most states provide significantly more state aid providing for our students that is so out of line? ister are eligible for $300 grants available through funds provided by Humanities Nebraska. The same 30 teachers are also eligible to K-12 schools. In fact, Nebraska would have to We’ll hear an awful lot this legislative session for $100 in tuition remission, provided by the Peru State College increase state aid to K-12 education by more than about Nebraska’s under-performing, over-spending Foundation, to offset the cost of one or both courses. $700 million just to reach the national average. public schools. For more information, please visit the Peru State website and Special interests will push charter schools, search for Trails and Tales, or contact one of the co-directors: Dr. State Aid Cuts vouchers, spending lids and other measures that Sara Crook, professor of social science/history, or Dr. Dan Holtz, Here at York, we’ve seen our state aid go from paint public education as the enemy. We’re not. professor of English. They can be reached via e-mail at: $3.7 million just a few years ago to $1.56 million Nebraska public schools are among the best in the [email protected] this year. York is projected to lose another $1 million country. Come visit us and see for yourselves! [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 7 ‘16 Nebraska Legislature

PAGE 8 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 Rough Road Ahead Legislative Bills Put Public Ed in Defensive Mode “Fast and furious” doesn’t just describe a movie franchise. It also denotes how state lawmakers will have to work in order to accomplish anything of substance during this session of the Nebraska Legislature. Nearly 500 new bills and seven constitutional amendments were introduced, including 50 bills that deal with education. Many of the new bills lead down a rough road. There are pro- posals to cut school revenue sources; put fur- ther clamps on school spending; and to elimi- nate the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations (see sidebar). Yet another proposal would weaken teacher certification parameters. There are bright spots, including a proposal to increase state funding for special education, two offerings to support student mental health, Meet Matt: These NSEA members had dinner with Lincoln and a bill to provide mentor teacher programs. Sen. Matt Hansen during a recent NSEA Capitol District dinner for senators. Standing, from left, are Kim Anthony, Ann Allyn and The Shadow Above Megan Simsic, all of Lincoln. Seated, from left, are Jenna Satterly, One shadow hangs over the entire legisla- Lincoln; Burke Brown, OR-District 1, Palmyra; Hansen; Mike Cobe- tive proceeding: The state’s Economic Fore- lens, Waverly; Pat Etherton, Lincoln; and Angie Cobelens, Waverly. casting Advisory Board has forecast a revenue be decimated. LB918 would skim some of the funds from motor ve- shortfall of about $110 million for the next budget hicle taxes that go to schools and send them to other programs. NSEA cycle. The board meets again in February, and indi- opposes each of these bills. cations are that the forecast could worsen. Of more concern are two bills introduced on Teacher Certification behalf of the governor in a misdirected effort to re- LB1062 provides waivers for administrative certificates, which ‘16 Nebraska duce property taxes. LB958 would limit agricultural would water down certification standards. NSEA opposes LB1062. Legislature land value growth for tax purposes to three percent in most years. One early analysis indicates that had Mental Health LB958 been in effect this year, Nebraska schools LB443 and LB838 would assist students with mental health is- would have lost $144 million in property tax revenue. LB959, would sues. LB443 would provide that support services could include access lock down ESU and K-12 school budgets by eliminating several ex- to mental health services offered either at school or elsewhere. LB838 isting lid exceptions. would appropriate monies for an educational specialist with the Ne- Both bills ignore that schools operate efficiently; that consolida- braska Department of Education to provide technical assistance on tion has taken the number of school districts in Nebraska from about behavioral and mental health needs. NSEA supports both bills. 783 in 1991-92 to 245 this year; and that, most importantly, state aid to K-12 schools is an ever-shrinking part of the state budget. As cited Special Education by York Superintendent Mike Lucas on Page 7, during the past 15 LB826 would increase reimbursement to each school district from years state aid to K-12 schools has fallen from 32 percent to 27 per- the current 50 percent to at least 80 percent of the total excess allow- cent of the state budget. This year alone, that translated an extra $187 able costs for all special education programs. NSEA supports LB826. million burden on property taxpayers. Here is a rundown on key bills: Mentor Teachers School Revenues LB274, by Lincoln Sen. Matt Hansen, would allocate $2.5 million LB717, LB940, LB958 and LB959 alter ag land valuations to a in each of the next two years for mentor teacher programs in local point that property tax revenue for K-12 schools, in some cases, could school districts. NSEA supports LB274. LB1044 is a ‘Very Serious Threat’ to the Nebraska CIR Fulton: ‘Nobody Wins in a Strike’ LB1044 “a very serious threat to the collective bargaining pro- On the next-to-last day of bill introduction, Crete Sen. Laura cess and the CIR.” Ebke introduced a bill that would summarily eliminate Nebras- NSEA President Nancy Fulton pointed out that the CIR ka’s long-standing Commission of Industrial Relations. works for taxpayers, teachers, firefighters, law enforcement -of The Commission, or CIR as it has come to be known, has ficers and other public employees. for years been an effective and even-handed tool for resolving “Nobody wins in a strike — not our communities, not our contract disputes when school boards and local education as- schools, not our teachers. Certainly not our kids,” she said. sociations reach an impasse in negotiations. NSEA opposes advancement of Ebke’s bill. Ebke’s proposal is to eliminate the CIR, and instead allow In 2015 Ebke offered LB288, which would prohibit public school teachers to walk picket lines and strike when contract union dues deduction from an employee’s wages. It remains in talks reach impasse. State statute prohibits public employees committee. Ebke serves Legislative District 32, which covers from conducting strikes. Saline, Jefferson, Thayer and Fillmore counties, and a slice of NSEA Director of Government Relations Jason Hayes called Lancaster County.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 9 PAGE 10 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 Working it out: Ashland-Greenwood Education Association member Diane Starns does some word work with her kindergarten students. Starns is just as serious about her health and has utilized the EHA Wellness program with good results. EHA Wellness: It Works for You years of the wellness plan,” said NSEA Associate Executive Director Ashland-Greenwood’s Starns and EHA Chair Neal Clayburn. “You would be hard-pressed to find health care plans with a similar record.” Finds Program Useful, Easy to Use The prior five years saw an average annual increase of 6.7 percent. On a regular basis, Diane Starns joins some of her Ashland-Green- wood Public School colleagues at a local health club for a workout. Little Daily Notices Her exercise routine might in- Launched in 2011 following clude a brisk walk outside, or mile- “We had a 2.7 percent average increase a short and quite successful pilot age on the treadmill. On other days in EHA rates over the first five years of the project, the EHA wellness program she engages in strength training pro- pushes out a new challenge every scribed by the health club experts. wellness plan. You would be hard-pressed to six weeks. The challenges encourage That has been Starns’ routine find health care plans with a similar record.” participants to adopt healthy habits. since she joined the health club six — Neal Clayburn, Past challenges like the “Snack years ago. In recent years she added EHA Board of Directors Chair Attack” urged members to “protect the no-cost, easy-to-use benefits of yourself against empty calories.” The the Educators Health Alliance well- “Perfect Beverage” challenge en- ness program to her regime. “I would highly recommend the wellness couraged educators to “make water your first choice.” program,” said Starns. “It offers lots of opportunity to make lifestyle Starns has never been a great fan of soup, but enjoyed a recent chal- changes to benefit your health.” lenge that encouraged members to make and eat healthy soups. “The That is just what the EHA wellness program is designed to do. The wellnes plan offered several soup recipes for us to try,” she said. one-of-a-kind-in-the-U.S. wellness plan is available to all lives covered Starns appreciates the wellness program’s easy-to-use method of by the EHA through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. By en- logging individual progress on each challenge. Keeping tabs on prog- couraging the educators covered by the ress, she said, keeps participants ac- EHA to make positive lifestyle changes countable. that benefit themselves personally, they Eight Months, 72 School Districts “I like the fact that the wellness pro- benefit the plan as a whole. Here is another benefit to the EHA plan used by gram offers the tracking feature, and I With healthier bodies in the plan risk most Nebraska school districts: Greg Long. A former like the little daily notices,” she said. pool, expenses moderate and rates are teacher and congressional aid, Long is the EHA Advo- more manageable. It is not out of line to cate hired by the EHA Board of Directors to assist Tailored for Teachers say the wellness plan has saved NSEA members with questions about the EHA plan. Those “little daily notices” have members and school districts money. Long has had a busy year: in the past 8 months, he caught on, according to the feedback “We had a 2.7 percent average in- has made presentations to NSEA members in 72 dif- received from program evaluations and crease in EHA rates over the first five ferent school districts! To reach Long, go to the EHA the 250 individuals who serve as EHA website at ehaplan.org and click on the ‘Contact’ link. FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 11 Wellness representatives in school districts across the state. EHA Plan is Sound, Worth Preserving More than 18,000 EHA plan members joined in the fall soup challenge. The De- Two School Districts Seek Reinstatement by EHA cember “Perfect Beverage” challenge was There is no doubt about it: your school district’s more successful, with 19,500 participants. enrollment in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ne- That’s not bad for a program that kicked off braska health care plan through the Educators Health Rather Than a Speeding Ticket, with 9,000 participants just five years ago. Alliance is worth preserving. One reason for the wellness plan’s It is good for the 240-plus Nebraska school dis- Trooper Credits His Teachers growth is that it keeps a focus on educators. tricts that participate in the plan; good for those cov- Support of Educators, Public Schools “The passion we have has always been ered under the EHA plan; and it is good for Nebraska for education,” said Wellness Plan Coordi- taxpayers. Starts with Delegate Assembly nator Howie Halperin. “The program is tai- Founded by NSEA leaders in the late 1960s, the statewide, one-of-a-kind-in-the-nation plan A brief anecdote captures perfectly the purpose of NSEA’s lored to educators.” managed by the EHA Board of Directors keeps costs low, offers long-term stability, and gives Delegate Assembly. Thus, he said, it was vital that the well- educators bargaining power with the insurance provider. In his keynote address last year, Earl Wiman urged NSEA ness program be simple, easy to use, and Those features are the result of a high rate of school district membership. All but four Nebras- members to become part of what founding father Samuel Ad- not demanding of a teacher’s time. Folks ka school districts are enrolled in the EHA, and two of those are petitioning to return to the fold. ams called the “irate, tireless minority.” Wiman said it will in the corporate world can get away dur- A dozen years ago the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Nebraska Council of take such an attitude to prevail over those who would defund ing the day for wellness and workouts, but School Administrators joined NSEA in management of the plan. As the founding organization, and shutter public education. teachers don’t have that flexibility. NSEA holds six seats on the EHA board. The NASB and NCSA each hold three seats. Wiman explained the value of public “You really have to take into account The EHA Board of Directors negotiates plan specifics with Blue Cross and Blue Shield; seeks school education by relating his exchange that teachers often don’t even have time to bids on the statewide plan on a regular basis; and – importantly – monitors the plan to ensure that with a Tennessee state trooper who had eat lunch, much less take care of their own it stays healthy. NSEA Associate Executive Director Neal Clayburn chairs the board. pulled him over for speeding. Rather than wellness,” he said. “The health care plan that serves the Nebraska education family is unique in the nation,” ticket Wiman, the trooper thanked him as said Clayburn. “We work very hard to keep rates low, to be responsive to member needs, and to he recalled his poverty-ridden childhood. ‘Great Package’ provide the best possible coverage for the plan members.” “I knew that I could count on that bus The EHA wellness program entices With nearly 80,000 lives covered statewide, the EHA plan is the largest plan in Nebraska driver to come every day to get me to take participation with perks like t-shirts, water hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. That large pool of lives makes a difference. me to school,” said the trooper. “I know bottles, “perfect portion” plates, and more. According to a 2009 report on risk pooling by the American Academy of Actuaries, “The that those teachers up there at that school “All those little incentives are great. Who pooling of risk is fundamental to insurance. Large pools of similar risks exhibit stable and mea- were so much better to me than doesn’t like perks like that?” said Starns. surable characteristics that enable actuaries to estimate future costs with an acceptable degree I was to them. If it hadn’t The most important perk may be the been for those cafete- of accuracy. This, in turn, enables actuaries to determine premium levels that will be stable over Garcia $25 gift card given to EHA plan members time, relative to overall trends.” ria workers putting who complete an annual health assessment. extra food in my Plan members receive their health review, backpack on and the EHA receives an aggregate report Friday, I’d have gone hungry over that helps them plan for future challenges. the weekend. “The aggregate report tells the EHA “So I’m not giving you a ticket. Be- what the program challenges should focus cause if it wasn’t for all of those people on, and it is usually physical activity, nutri- up there at that school, I’d be in the back of the tion and stress,” said Halperin. State Police car instead of driving it,” said the That information, as well as ongoing trooper. feedback from participants, helps the EHA As he told NSEA members “that’s what meet the goal of the wellness program: you do every day,” Wiman said educators changing the culture of an organization. must be vocal in their defense of the public That is a challenge for the EHA group. school system. “The EHA wellness program has 250 “We’ve got to make sure that the very schoolhouse school districts, or groups, and within those that the crazy and stupid want to replace, tear down or privatize re- groups there are multiple buildings, each mains, so that all of our students can be educated,” Wiman said. with a different culture,” Halperin said. With five years’ data, however, the EHA The 150th Kicks Off! can measure participation rates, program Wiman’s advocacy for kids began in the classroom and carried satisfaction and the aggregate health assess- through to his presidency of the Tennessee Education Association and ment numbers. That gives them the ability to then the Executive Committee of the National Education Association. meet the needs of members more precisely. He understands that Delegate Assembly is the foundation for NSEA’s The data guides the risk reduction efforts work, for the defense of public schools and students. that need to be taken, and allows the pro- On April 15-16, as many as 300 NSEA members will gather in gram to be tailored accordingly. Lincoln to renew that work once again. You can be a part of that work. All those factors make a great package. Held every year since 1867 – twice in some years – Delegate “Because it is such a great part of the ben- Assembly is the tried and true podium for member voices. The efit package that EHA offers, when school 2016 event will be notable: the Association will formally kick off districts consider looking at other health a sesquicentennial celebration care plans, they have to consider the well- that culminates with an October ness program as part of the benefit package 2017 marking of NSEA’s found- they will lose if they leave the EHA,” said ing in Brownville. NEA Presi- Clayburn. dent Lily Eskelsen Garcia will The bottom line is that the wellness pro- keynote the 2016 event to assist gram changes lives and helps NSEA mem- the kickoff. bers improve their health and well-being. Garcia started her education

PAGE 12 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 EHA Plan is Sound, Worth Preserving 2016 Delegate Assembly: History in the Making Two School Districts Seek Reinstatement by EHA The time you invest in your NSEA is time well spent. It benefits There is no doubt about it: your school district’s A Trooper’s Tale you, your colleagues and your students. One way to invest in NSEA enrollment in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ne- is to serve as a delegate to NSEA’s 155th Delegate Assembly Fri- braska health care plan through the Educators Health Rather Than a Speeding Ticket, day and Saturday, April 15-16, in Lincoln. Alliance is worth preserving. Any member in good standing may apply for election or It is good for the 240-plus Nebraska school dis- Trooper Credits His Teachers Who: tricts that participate in the plan; good for those cov- Support of Educators, Public Schools appointment as a delegate. Talk to your building rep or local presi- ered under the EHA plan; and it is good for Nebraska dent for details, or call your NSEA field staff member at 1-800- taxpayers. Starts with Delegate Assembly 742-0047. Founded by NSEA leaders in the late 1960s, the statewide, one-of-a-kind-in-the-nation plan A brief anecdote captures perfectly the purpose of NSEA’s What: DA is where members are heard in a democratically-run managed by the EHA Board of Directors keeps costs low, offers long-term stability, and gives Delegate Assembly. forum. Delegates set Association goals, dues and update Bylaws educators bargaining power with the insurance provider. In his keynote address last year, Earl Wiman urged NSEA and Resolutions (NSEA’s guiding principles). Those features are the result of a high rate of school district membership. All but four Nebras- members to become part of what founding father Samuel Ad- Where: Embassy Suites, Lincoln. ams called the “irate, tireless minority.” Wiman said it will ka school districts are enrolled in the EHA, and two of those are petitioning to return to the fold. Other Details: Each local association is entitled to representa- A dozen years ago the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Nebraska Council of take such an attitude to prevail over those who would defund and shutter public education. tion by one delegate per 50 members, or greater fraction thereof. School Administrators joined NSEA in management of the plan. As the founding organization, Thus, any local with 26 members is eligible to select one or more NSEA holds six seats on the EHA board. The NASB and NCSA each hold three seats. Wiman explained the value of public The EHA Board of Directors negotiates plan specifics with Blue Cross and Blue Shield; seeks school education by relating his exchange delegates, based on membership. Smaller locals band together in bids on the statewide plan on a regular basis; and – importantly – monitors the plan to ensure that with a Tennessee state trooper who had ‘clusters’ to select delegates. it stays healthy. NSEA Associate Executive Director Neal Clayburn chairs the board. pulled him over for speeding. Rather than Cost: NSEA covers half a Friday night shared hotel room for “The health care plan that serves the Nebraska education family is unique in the nation,” ticket Wiman, the trooper thanked him as each delegate, a Saturday box lunch, and mileage. Breakfast is pro- said Clayburn. “We work very hard to keep rates low, to be responsive to member needs, and to he recalled his poverty-ridden childhood. vided for hotel guests. Delegates who stay elsewhere and are inter- provide the best possible coverage for the plan members.” “I knew that I could count on that bus ested in breakfast should call NSEA’s Joan Sparks at 1-800-742-0047. With nearly 80,000 lives covered statewide, the EHA plan is the largest plan in Nebraska driver to come every day to get me to take me to school,” said the trooper. “I know hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. That large pool of lives makes a difference. career as a school lunch line lady, became a Utah state Teacher of the According to a 2009 report on risk pooling by the American Academy of Actuaries, “The that those teachers up there at that school were so much better to me than Year, and is the first Hispanic woman to lead a major labor pooling of risk is fundamental to insurance. Large pools of similar risks exhibit stable and mea- organization in the U.S. surable characteristics that enable actuaries to estimate future costs with an acceptable degree I was to them. If it hadn’t been for those cafete- Those interested in serving as delegates of accuracy. This, in turn, enables actuaries to determine premium levels that will be stable over Garcia should register that intent quickly, as NSEA time, relative to overall trends.” ria workers putting extra food in my will not be able to expand the block of re- backpack on served rooms. Saturday’s session of Del- Friday, I’d have gone hungry over egate Assembly will coincide with the the weekend. University of Nebraska’s spring football “So I’m not giving you a ticket. Be- game, and rooms will be in short supply. cause if it wasn’t for all of those people In formal business, delegates will debate up there at that school, I’d be in the back of the and vote on Association Bylaws amendments; up- State Police car instead of driving it,” said the dates to the Resolutions, which are NSEA’s guid- trooper. ing principles; and proposed New Business Items. As he told NSEA members “that’s what you do every day,” Wiman said educators Bylaws, Resolutions must be vocal in their defense of the public Those three items, and Delegate Assembly school system. Standing and Procedural Rules, have strict mean- “We’ve got to make sure that the very schoolhouse ing and deadlines: that the crazy and stupid want to replace, tear down or privatize re- n A New Business Item calls for action. For exam- mains, so that all of our students can be educated,” Wiman said. ple, “The NSEA shall ask the Legislature to address mental health funding for schools.” Due date to be included in delegate packets: The 150th Kicks Off! Friday, April 1. Wiman’s advocacy for kids began in the classroom and carried n A Bylaw amendment alters NSEA governing documents. For through to his presidency of the Tennessee Education Association and example, an amendment might assign duties to the president. Due then the Executive Committee of the National Education Association. date: midnight Tuesday, March 15. He understands that Delegate Assembly is the foundation for NSEA’s n A Resolution is a belief statement. For example, “NSEA be- work, for the defense of public schools and students. lieves all students should have a safe learning environment.” Due date On April 15-16, as many as 300 NSEA members will gather in to be included in delegate packets: Friday, April 1. Lincoln to renew that work once again. You can be a part of that work. n A Standing or Procedural Rule governs the Delegate Assembly Held every year since 1867 – twice in some years – Delegate process. Rules call for proposed changes to be submitted 30 days in Assembly is the tried and true podium for member voices. The advance. Due date: Tuesday, March 15. 2016 event will be notable: the Association will formally kick off Associations and/or individual delegates may submit New Business a sesquicentennial celebration Items or Resolutions during the that culminates with an October first or second Delegate -Assem 2017 marking of NSEA’s found- “I found it interesting how the process bly business session. Standing and ing in Brownville. NEA Presi- works. I also found the debate between Procedural Rule changes may be dent Lily Eskelsen Garcia will different views on some amendments submitted during the first session. keynote the 2016 event to assist Forms for submitting these the kickoff. inspiring!” business items can be found at: Garcia started her education — NSEA Member Comment on 2015 www.nsea.org

Delegate Assembly Evaluation FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 13 Educators Rising: Your School Needs a Chapter! For Those Nearing Retirement, Attendance is a Good Plan student organization advisor, business manager and community If you are nearing retirement age, it makes High School Program Encourages leader in Arizona good sense to start considering your retirement Students to Consider Teaching Encouraged by family and friends, Kitchen left the teaching benefit options. profession to pursue his speaking and consulting dream. He has To learn about those options, it would be wise Statewide Conference a Chance shared his Fresh and Creative Knowledge on Life and Leadership to attend one of the more than two dozen pre-re- to Learn About Organization with major corporations, schools, colleges, universities, profes- tirement planning seminars for educators hosted sional associations, conventions, conferences and civic organiza- by the state each year (see box). More than 200 high school students will attend the 2016 state tions around the world. Staff from the Nebraska Public Employees conference of Educators Rising Nebraska, formerly Future Educa- Also on the agenda: Millard’s Tim Royers, Nebraska’s 2016 Retirement Systems office have hosted such tors, in Lincoln on Thursday, Feb. 25. Teacher of the Year. seminars each year for nearly 30 years, and those The conference will be a great opportunity Competitive events will include an ‘Edu- seminars will once again take place at convenient for educators interested in building a chapter cators Rising Moment’ in which students ex- locations across the state. at their school to learn more about Educators plain the moment they decided to become a The seminars are for school plan members and Rising. State Advisor Nancy Burkhart said teacher; lesson planning; impromptu speak- their spouses, age 50 and over. Each eligible em- the conference will offer students a great ex- ing; impromptu teaching; job interview; re- ployee is entitled to receive leave with pay to at- perience. cruitment and marketing; a creative lecture tend up to two pre-retirement planning programs. “Students will hear an amazing speaker, (TED talk); and a chapter banner. will be involved in several competitive events, have several pro- The agenda will also include election of officers, a vendor fair fessional development opportunities and will learn more about the and an awards program at the end of the day. A community service teaching profession,” said Burkhart. will involve each chapter collecting t-shirts for area shelters, with NSEA President Nancy Fulton noted that NSEA supports Edu- the winning chapter receiving a traveling trophy. From the newsletter of the Nebraska Public cators Rising philosophically and financially. Cost to attend is $50, which includes lunch, a t-shirt and con- Employees Retirement System. “The most fertile ground for finding tomorrow’s Nebraska ference materials. The program opens at Lincoln’s Downtown Do you know who you currently have listed teachers is right in our own backyard,” said Fulton, a 34-year edu- Holiday Inn at 8 a.m. and Burkhart expects activities to conclude for your retirement plan beneficiaries? What cator. “If we can show these kids at an early age the magic that is at about 4 p.m. are the chances someone needs to be added or teaching, they might be more inclined to engage in the profession To attend, or to learn more, contact Burkhart at 402-740-1343, removed from the current form on file? Keep- and stay in Nebraska.” or at: ing your beneficiary designation at NPERS up- Scheduled as keynote speaker is Frank Kitchen, a motivation- [email protected] to-date will ensure benefits are paid promptly al speaker and award-winning college instructor, life-changing and properly upon your death. Maintaining accurate beneficiary information for current and retired School plan members is an ongoing task for NPERS staff. Our Data Services department issues correspondence when we need additional beneficiary information from our plan members. We appreciate your cooperation to help us ensure your beneficiaries are up to date! Be aware that beneficiaries you have des- Letters of Intent: The Date is March 15

PAGE 14 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 School NPERS Pre-Retirement Seminars Set Pre-Retirement For Those Nearing Retirement, Attendance is a Good Plan Seminar Schedule If you are nearing retirement age, it makes NPERS officials indicate that according to Here is the schedule for good sense to start considering your retirement state law “…leave with pay shall mean a day off school retirement seminars: benefit options. paid by the employer and shall not mean vaca- March 1: ...... Lincoln To learn about those options, it would be wise tion, sick, personal or compensatory time.” March 2: ...... Lincoln to attend one of the more than two dozen pre-re- School retirement plan members may choose March 3: ...... Lincoln tirement planning seminars for educators hosted to attend a pre-retirement seminar more than March 9: ...... Kearney by the state each year (see box). twice, but such leave beyond the second seminar March 10: ...... Grand Island Staff from the Nebraska Public Employees will be at the employee’s expense and at the dis- March 15: ...... LaVista Retirement Systems office have hosted such cretion of the administrator. March 16: ...... LaVista seminars each year for nearly 30 years, and those Members must enroll in advance in order to March 17: ...... Lavista seminars will once again take place at convenient attend the seminar. To do so, click on the ‘Re- March 30: ...... LaVista locations across the state. tirement Seminars’ link on the left side of the March 31: ...... Lincoln The seminars are for school plan members and NPERS home page, and then look for the ‘School April 6: ...... Valentine their spouses, age 50 and over. Each eligible em- Schedules’ link, and then the ‘Online Enrollment/ April 7: ...... North Platte ployee is entitled to receive leave with pay to at- Registration Form.’ The NPERS website is at: April 13: ...... Scottsbluff tend up to two pre-retirement planning programs. npers.ne.gov April 14: ...... Scottsbluff April 20: ...... Norfolk April 27: ...... Columbus May 4: ...... Lincoln Who is Your Retirement Plan Beneficiary? May 5: ...... LaVista From the newsletter of the Nebraska Public ignated for other work-related benefits such May 25: ...... Kearney Employees Retirement System. as life insurance will not apply to your retire- May 26: ...... North Platte Do you know who you currently have listed ment plan. You must complete and submit an June 1: ...... LaVista for your retirement plan beneficiaries? What NPERS Beneficiary Designation form in order June 2: ...... Lincoln are the chances someone needs to be added or to update retirement plan beneficiaries. June 7: ...... Grand Island removed from the current form on file? Keep- If you are unsure who you have listed, you June 8: ...... Lincoln ing your beneficiary designation at NPERS up- can review named beneficiaries by creating an June 15: ...... Norfolk to-date will ensure benefits are paid promptly NPERS online account. Be aware beneficiary June 22: ...... LaVista and properly upon your death. information may not display for members who June 23: ...... Lincoln Maintaining accurate beneficiary information have beneficiary forms on file that are more for current and retired School plan members is an than ten years old. Submitting a new form to ongoing task for NPERS staff. Our Data Services our office will enable online review. erly completed and notarized form department issues correspondence when we need Due to confidentiality issues, beneficiaries to our office. All new forms will additional beneficiary information from our plan cannot be identified over the phone. Our call supersede prior designations. Ben- members. We appreciate your cooperation to help center staff can advise you the date of the cur- eficiary forms are available for us ensure your beneficiaries are up to date! rent form on file. You may request beneficiary download on the “Forms” page of Be aware that beneficiaries you have des- information in writing, or simply submit a prop- the NPERS website. Letters of Intent: The Date is March 15 Employment Intentions March 15, or later, is a serious threat to your “...the statute is clear: a school employment. Deadline Has Not Changed district cannot require teachers Nebraska State Statute 79-829 addresses Letters of intent distributed by school to make a commitment before permanent certificated employees and con- districts at this time of year are a serious March 15.” tracts, and says, in part, “the certificated em- matter and PK-12 educators need to be ployee shall not be required to signify such aware of their rights, says NSEA Director of — Trish Guinan, acceptance prior to March 15 of each year.” Advocacy Trish Guinan. NSEA Director of Advocacy Guinan suggests that if administrators On or after March 15 each year, Nebras- distribute such a letter or contract prior to ka school districts are allowed to require to return as early as January; some school March 15, and ask for its return prior to that certificated employees – teachers, counsel- districts have already issued the letters this date, that a local association representative ors, speech pathologists, psychologists and year. Those requests typically ask for re- fax a copy to the attention of their assigned others – to sign binding letters of intent and/ sponses by the middle of January, a full two NSEA organizational specialist at (1-402- or individual contracts. Those letters, in es- months before the statutory deadline. In past 475-2630). sence, signify whether the teacher intends to years, some NSEA members have received In the meantime, an appropriate response return for employment with that district for the letters as early as Dec. 1, with a response to the letter by teachers is “I don’t know yet” the following school year. requested within 10 days. or “I’m not sure.” They are serious business, and PK-12 “These early requests happen a couple of If members receive such a letter on or af- educators need to be aware of their rights times or more each year,” Guinan said. “But ter March 15, or asks for a return after that regarding the letters, according to NSEA the statute is clear: a school district cannot date, it is important to sign the letter and turn Director of Advocacy Trish Guinan. require teachers to make a commitment be- it in by the due date. A trend in recent years has seen arrival of fore March 15.” Questions? Call your NSEA organiza- the letters earlier and earlier, in some cases On the other hand, failure to sign and re- tional specialist, toll-free, at 1-800-742- requesting educators to declare their intent turn the letter by stated deadlines that fall on 0047.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 15 Commissioner of Education AQuESST Works, Generates Conversations! the state level, among policymakers and, received a classification of great, good, Discussion Focused most importantly, the conversation among needs improvement or the highest classi- on Statewide, Continuous teachers who are the heart of student learn- fication of excellent, we all can always get ing ― teachers who better, find new and better ways to connect School Improvement have an educated eye to with students, expand learning opportuni- By Dr. Matt Blomstedt, recognize what works ties for children, build stronger relation- Nebraska Commissioner of Education well in the classroom ships with parents and the community, The AQuESTT results are out. You know and how to build on it. better help students transition between how your school and district were classified. As an engaged teach- grades, use test results more effectively Now the real work begins. er, you already know to inform instruction and help all students I want to weigh in on the conversa- how your school build- set goals at all grade levels so they gradu- tions that are taking place statewide in ing was classified, your ate college and are career ready. our schools about AQuESTT, discus- district’s classification Finally, AQuESTT recognizes that sions about what the classifications really and what those classifi- teachers are key to continuous school im- mean and how this new, next-generation cations mean in terms of provement. accountability system ― Accountability the strengths and breadth Teachers are key to improving classroom for a Quality Education System, Today Blomstedt of the initiatives your instruction, key to building those critical and Tomorrow ― informs continuous im- school has in place. connections and relationships with students provement. You also are talking now about how to and their families, key to also building com- The overarching goal is this: Support build on those initiatives and identifying munity support for their schools. and rewards for every student, school and new ones to improve learning of every stu- As commissioner, I applaud your dedi- educator. dent every day. cation and your work on behalf of all Ne- AQuESTT has given all of us ― edu- Your school and district profiles, which braska students. cators statewide ― a framework for our were based on data from the final classifica- Thank you. I encourage you to call Ne- conversations about continuous school im- tion and the Evidence-Based Analysis, were braska Department of Education staff or me provement. designed to be diagnostic and to support if you need assistance or guidance as you One of AQuESTT’s strengths is the con- your continuous improvement work. move forward in your key role in continu- versation that has begun in our schools, at But, whether your school or district ous school improvement.

PAGE 16 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 Latino Police Officers Nominated Consider ‘Tribute to the Rescuers’ AQuESST Works, Generates Conversations! for NEA Civil Rights Recognition Essay Contest It’s once again time to get your EMAC Nomination Sent to NEA for Consideration students thinking and writing about By Eddie Ventura, Jr., Chair, moral courage! Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee Through an easy-to-follow process The NSEA Ethnic and Minority Affairs Committee has nominated the Omaha Latino Peace aligned with Nebraska state standards, Officers (LPOA) for a top Human and Civil Rights Award from the National Education As- the annual ‘Tribute to the Rescuers’ sociation. essay contest allows high school stu- The LPOA has been nominated for the Mar- dents to: — Book Review — tin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Award for the or- n Explore historic and modern- Frederick’s Journey: The Life ganization’s work in emulating Dr. King in lead- day examples of moral courage; of Frederick Douglass ership and philosophy. The award is one of 12 n Make meaningful connections given by NEA’s Human and Civil Rights (HCR) to the Holocaust; Written by Doreen Rappaport, committee. n Be inspired to make the world a expansive illustrations and direct The LPOA has been instrumental in provid- better place; quotes intermixed with tight text ing opportunities n Practice academic writing and are the hallmarks of this fine addi- for youth in the proper citation; tion to the wealth of biographies Omaha commu- n Earn generous cash prizes of up about Frederick Douglass. The nity for 15 years. to $800; chronology of his story makes it With a racially The deadline for submission of highly accessible to primary stu- diverse member- essays is Wednesday, Feb. 24. The dents. ship, LPOA works with 1,500 soccer players and contest is sponsored by Omaha’s In- The book includes author’s 200 baseball players; hosts an Easter egg hunt and stitute for Holocaust Education and notes, illustrator’s notes, a timeline the Anti-Defamation League, and sup- and additional resources. Especially Christmas party for youth each year. Young people of all ethnicities are exposed to leadership and ex- ported by The Carl Frohm Memorial useful for emphasizing the impor- Foundation. For details, look under tant of giving credit to the proper amples that urge them to choose lifestyles that may otherwise be closed to them. Thousands of Omaha the ‘Programs’ tab at: sources. ihene.org/ Reviewed by Linda Staenberg, youth have experienced life changes thanks to Lincoln Education Association LPOA’s influence. The awards committee from NEA will learn how the Omaha LPOA: n Initiates and engage in activities that positively affect the educational, social, economic, or political life of the commu- nity. n Contributes to the achievement of self-determination by individuals or groups. n Displays creativity, determination and perseverance in achieving human and civil rights goals. n Established an ongoing program for the improvement of human relations and civil rights. n Exemplifies the nonviolent philosophy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and other nonviolent activists in the quest for im- proved human relations and civil rights. LPOA received the NSEA Great Plains Milestone Award in 2014. Like the NEA awards, the Great Plains Milestone Award – initiated by EMAC – honors individuals and groups for hu- man and civil rights contributions while celebrating NEA’s multicultural roots. Past winners are the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Nebraska-Kearney; the Dreams of Eagles orga- nization, Omaha; and John Langan, a teacher at the Umonhon Nation Public Schools. We continue to seek individuals, including colleagues and groups, who have advanced the cause of civil rights. We honor civil rights heroes because the cause endures, the struggle goes on and hope still lives. We are seeking nomi- nations for the 2016 Great Plains Milestone Award. Who do you know? Special thanks to NSEA Organizational Specialist Duane Obermier and his wife Bonnie for taking the time to work with Omaha LPOA members and finish the nomina- tions packet.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 17 A Good Talk: NSEA’s Leadership Institute offers plenty of opportunity for members and leaders from across the state to discuss issues of common inter- est. From left, Monica Wynne, Omaha Education Association; Amy Sabatka, Loup County Education Association; and Rosey Krauel, Douglas County West Education Association, engage in discussion. Grow, Lead with NSEA vides expertise and information to mem- Association Institute bers who are new to leadership positions, Readies Members or who are considering seeking leadership positions in their Association. for Leadership The 2016 event will be held at NSEA After a long school year, there is noth- Headquarters in Lincoln over the days of ing better for a teacher’s rejuvenation and July 11-14. recovery than well-designed professional “The Institute training is useful, in- development. And for nearly 30 years, formal and fun,” said Kristen Sedlacek, that is exactly what has been delivered an NSEA organizational specialist and at NSEA’s summer Leadership the Institute’s director. “Par- Institute. ticipants will not only sharpen “Participating in the Leader- their leadership skills, they ship Institute re-energized me will become much more fa- for the upcoming school year,” miliar with their Association said Loup County Education and how to access Association Association’s Amy Sabatka fol- benefits and services.” lowing completion of the 2015 Institute. The program will also provide train- “I’m excited to go back to school and help ing on member rights, organizing, mem- strengthen the bonds between our mem- bership and other aspects of the Associa- bers and welcome new members to our tion. Participants will also network with school and organization.” other local leaders. Oakland-Craig’s Gerald Brand held a Any K-12, Higher Education or Edu- similar view. cational Support Professional member “I can’t list everything I learned, but who is a local leader or has interest in be- the realization of how much I can do to coming a local leader may attend. make my school a better place for teach- Those interested should call NSEA ers, as well as students, really stuck with Associate Staff member Jan Anderson at me,” he said. 1-800-742-0047, or e-mail: The NSEA Leadership Institute is a [email protected] four-day, expense paid program that pro- Class size is limited. Apply soon! Have Your Contact Details Changed? Have you moved? Have you changed on the ‘For Members’ link and look for your name by marriage? Are you planning the ‘Member Update’ icon in the center to move? of the next screen, and follow directions. If so, you can update your NSEA Keep your issue of The Voice near, as the membership information online. mailing label includes your membership How? Log on to the NSEA website number, used to access your information. and click on the ‘Member Info’ button The NSEA website is at: on the left side of the screen. Then click www.nsea.org

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If you’re in the market for a used car, the NEA Auto Buying Program provides great Content provided by: savings and a no-hassle car buying experience! neamb.com carrying a heavy load of debt, the result- ing increase in your minimum monthly Get member pricing year-round, and save even MORE with used car discounts of up to David Glenn is Nebraska’s payment will likely be limited to a few $1,000 off the list price on select vehicles. Search through dealer inventory on any make NEA Member Benefits representative or model to get pricing, price rankings and additional discounts on the car you want before FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 19 you even leave home. Just bring in your Price Certificate to your personal contact at a Certified Dealer. And, as an added Buyers Bonus, get up to $2,000+ in additional coverage that includes Repair and Deductible expense reimbursements at no cost. You’ve got an advantage—now take it! To learn more, visit: www.neamb.com/buyacar Experience Ford’s Theatre, More, at No Cost Learn About Lincoln, Conspirators, and Reconstruction Ford’s Theatre will host two summer teacher programs on the City of Washing- ton during the Civil War and Reconstruc- Roger Rea, tion. Both week-long programs are free for NSEA-Retired qualifying teachers with airfare and hotel President included. The first program, The Lincoln Assassi- nation and its Legacy in the Nation’s Capi- tal, allows up to 25 participants to explore “ the Lincoln assassination, the conspirator’s Kahn found trial, primary sources detailing personal responses to the event, Reconstruction and that the higher Lincoln’s legacy where these important the number events took place. Participants will: n Learn how Washington’s trans- of negative formation during the Civil War lay the pension plan groundwork for Reconstruction in our na- tion’s capital. changes a n Explore the Lincoln assassination, the trial of the conspirators and their last- state makes, ing implications for our military and civil the higher the justice systems. n Examine how the Civil War has been increase in remembered across time through the study of monuments and memorials. income equality The program opens on Sunday, July 24, within the state. and concludes Friday, July 29. The second program, the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Civil War Washing- ton Teacher Fellows will accept up to 25 ” teachers to learn about Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Washington dur- ing the Civil War. As part of the July 10-15 program, you will: n Walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre. n Experience the home of a southern sympathizer at Tudor Place Historic House and Garden. n Immerse yourself in Lincoln’s ideas at President Lincoln’s Cottage. n Walk the halls of Cedar Hill, home of the famed abolitionist Frederick Doug- lass. In both programs, participants are eli- gible to obtain three graduate credit hours through Trinity University for $375. Both programs are free, including shared hotel room and air travel, for qualifying teach- ers. Applications are due by April 4. For details, contact: [email protected]

PAGE 20 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 The Unintended Consequences of Reforming (Your) Pension Increased Income Inequality is the Result of Pension Cuts Editor’s Note: The retirement plan for Nebraska public that for each one-unit increase in income inequality, the school employees is a defined benefit plan. rate of economic growth decreased by about 18 percent. His study took into account other factors that affect eco- By NSEA-Retired President Roger Rea nomic growth, such as productivity, and the results were When you push down on one side of a teeter-totter, the the same. Roger Rea, other side goes up. This behavior is predictable and makes NSEA-Retired common sense. The Result of a Single Change President Most things in nature behave in ways that are predict- Many factors contribute to income inequality. But it able. The study of nature is often a quest to find ways to is just common sense to conclude that when incomes of accurately predict that behavior. But at times, actions pro- some Americans are reduced through cuts in compensa- duce results that are not predictable. That kind of anomaly tion and pensions (or by requiring higher employee con- “ is the stuff that makes researchers’ hearts race faster – they tributions to their fringe benefit packages), and incomes of cannot wait to try to explain the unexplainable. others are increased through cuts in the top, marginal tax Kahn found “ Pension reforms, while not part of the “natural world,” rates, that income inequality is bound to increase! The politics that the higher often are intended to produce some simple result – such The increase in income inequality is an unintended con- as lowering the overall cost of the pension. But there are sequence of pension cuts, and it has a negative effect on of taxation the number often “unintended consequences” that accompany those economic growth. A recent study by Standard and Poor’s reforms. (S&P) that focused on income inequality and economic and resource of negative I recently attended a forum on pension plan funding at growth contained this interesting quote: “A rising tide lifts allocation pension plan which Michael Kahn, a researcher for the National Confer- all boats … but a lifeboat carrying a few, surrounded by ence on Public Employee Retirement Systems, presented many treading water, risks capsizing.” are concrete changes a the results of his most recent study, entitled: “Income In- S&P researchers underscored the negative link be- equality: Hidden Economic Cost of Prevailing Approach- tween income inequality and economic growth, and in examples of state makes, es to Pension Reforms.” Kahn’s research revealed that the 2014 revised their 10-year forecast of U.S. economic prevailing approaches to pension reform have aggravated growth down from 2.8 percent to 2.5 percent the opportunity the higher the income inequality among wage earners, and are closely Kahn extended his research to see if there was a corre- for substantive increase in correlated with lower economic growth for the nation. lation to negative changes in defined benefit pension plans, That “hidden cost” was not intended and is not desirable. income inequality, and economic growth. He considered justice for our income equality “negative changes in a pension plan” to include: increased Doubled in 30 Years member contributions; reduction or elimination of a cost children. within the state. Allow me to summarize his research. of living increase; increasing the number of years used You hear a lot about “income inequality” these days. to determine “final average compensation”; lowering the While there are many ways to define and calculate income formula percent used to calculate the retirement benefit; inequality, Kahn chose a simple, straightforward approach. or changing from a defined benefit pension plan to a -de ” ” He took the total household income for all Americans and fined contribution, cash-balance or hybrid plan, to name a placed the amounts in rank order from highest to lowest. few possible negative changes. His study included all state He then divided the income ranges into five groups, with pension plans in the time frame of 2000 to 2010. an equal number of households in each group, and calcu- Kahn found that the higher the number of negative pen- lated the average income for each of the five groups (each sion plan changes a state makes, the higher the increase in group is called a quintile). He then compared the average income inequality within the state. His data suggest that a income of the top quintile to the average income of the single negative change in a pension plan increases income bottom quintile to get a ratio of how much the highest-paid inequality in the state by about 15 percent. quintile of Americans earned compared to the lowest-paid quintile. In 1982, the first year in the study, the highest- A Missed Connection paid quintile of Americans earned 10.6 times as much as It is not likely that policymakers or the general pub- the lowest-paid quintile. By 2011, the ratio was 20.7 – lic have made the connection between the diminishing of the highest-paid quintile of Americans earned more than pensions and income inequality. twenty times as much as the lowest-paid quintile in 2011, And it is even less likely that they make the connec- a ratio that is double what it was in 1982! tion between rising income inequality and lower economic Next, Kahn compared income inequality to the per- growth. Policymakers who suggest “holding the line” on centage of increase in economic growth for that same employee compensation and lowering their pension bene- time frame. As income inequality increased, economic fits to “control costs” do not intend to also further increase growth correspondingly decreased. Kahn also compared income inequality and lower future economic growth. But the income inequality in each state to the economic growth that is what is happening. in that state. He found that states with rising income in- The latter are “unintended consequences” of the for- equality had slower growth than states where the income mer’s action. inequality was not rising so rapidly. His analysis showed It is time to enlighten policymakers.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 21 NSEA-Retired Corner Legislature in Full Swing! There is Hope for More Action on Social Security Front Senator Brett Lindstrom met with coalition members in August to discuss ideas for providing additional tax relief for Nebraska seniors. He indicated that he plans to introduce a bill that will increase the threshold income before Social Security benefits are taxed, and will phase the tax in over a range of incomes. These are the proposed state income tax levels proposed in the Lindstrom bill: n For those with single income of less than $60,000, or joint income of less than $75,000, all Social Security income would be excluded from state income tax. n For those earning between $60-65,000 as a single, and $75-80,000 in joint income, 80 percent of Social Security dollars would be excluded from state tax. n For those earning between $65-70,000 as a single, and between $80-$85,000 as joint income, 60 percent of Social Security dollars would be excluded from state income tax. n For those earning between $70-75,000 as a single, and $85-90,000 as joint income, 40 percent of Social Security dollars would be excluded from state tax. n For those earning between $75-80,000 as a single, and between $90-95,000 in joint income, 20 percent of Take a chance! NSEA-Retired is selling chances to win a Social Security would be excluded from state tax. hand-made afghan shown above, donated by NSEA-Retired n For those earning more than $80,000 as a single, member Joyce Huggans. Also to be given away will be a hand- and more than $95,000 jointly, there would be no Social embroidered baby blanket donated by Gloria Boham, sister of NSEA-Retired board member Walta Sue Dodd. Proceeds from Security exclusion from state income taxes. the July drawing will benefit the NSEA Children’s Fund. Chances Lindstrom’s bill is one of more than 300 new bills are $1 each, or six for $5, and can be purchased at NSEA-Retired introduced in this session. The NSEA lobby team reviews events, or at Delegate Assembly, until the drawing. all bills introduced and, with guidance from our NSEA Resolutions, takes positions on bills affecting educators. For a detailed list of introduced bills and resolutions, go Assembly (to be held in Washington, D.C., July 2-9). Delegates to: to NSEA-DA and NEA-RA are elected for one-year terms. nebraskalegislature.gov Please watch your mailbox for the postcard voting ballot that will need to be returned in early February, in order for your Become a Cyberlobbyist! vote to be counted in the election results. As a member of the NSEA cyberlobbyists, you’ll receive Legislative Updates via email. You’ll also receive alerts during NSEA-Retired Offers SEAN Scholarship session and calls to action when it is necessary for you to By Tom Black, Selection Committee Chair contact your senator. Call the NSEA at 1-800-742-0047, and Each year, NSEA-Retired awards three $1,000 scholarships ask for Cathy Schapmann. to qualified SEAN (Student Education Association of Nebraska) members. The award’s intent is to permit the Elections Coming in March; Watch Your Mail recipients to devote maximum time to their students during the NSEA-Retired members will elect two general officers, student teaching semester without having to work a second job secretary and treasurer of the Association, next spring. to pay the bills. NSEA-Retired Secretary Jan Barnason, and NSEA-Retired SEAN members can read the qualifications and download Treasurer Art Tanderup, will seek re-election. Three of the six the application form from the NSEA website. Click on “Awards district director positions are also open. District directors will and Applications” and then “SEAN-NSEA Retired Scholarship be elected for Metro Region No. 1, Panhandle, and Tri-Valley. Information” at this site: Current Metro Region No. 1 Director John Jensen; Panhandle nsea.org/sean Director Jim McDermott; and Tri-Valley Director Guy Download the application, complete the requirements and Roggenkamp; will also seek re-election. All of these openings mail it on or before March 1 to Tamra Mick, c/o NSEA, 605 are for three-year terms that begin Aug. 15, 2016. South 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. Questions? Call Mick at Delegates will also be elected to represent NSEA-Retired 1-800-742-0047. members at NSEA Delegate Assembly (to be held in Lincoln — Renae Kelly, Editor on April 15-16) as well as delegates to NEA Representative [email protected] PAGE 22 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016 Benchmarks Legislature in Full Swing! Lincoln, Hyannis, Sidney Cited; GIEA Members Recognized Arts Honors to Lincoln, Hyannis Hyannis Area Schools and Lincoln award was established and named in honor High School have won the 2015 Nebras- of Grand Island civic leader and philan- kARTS Award. The schools were selected thropist Kim Dinsdale by the West Foun- by a committee of arts educators from dation. The endowment fund is under the across the state. The award is sponsored umbrella of the Grand Island Community by Nebraskans for Foundation. the Arts, and recog- Both men re- nizes schools and/or ceived the awards in school districts that Carla Jo Maltas surprise ceremonies make a notable and in front of students worthwhile contribu- Carla Jo Maltas, Ph.D., 53, a Uni- and staff at their re- tion to the arts and versity of Central Missouri music spective schools. arts education in Ne- education professor, died on Dec. 24, Off to D.C.: Westside Education Association member Judy Stucky will braska. 2014 winners 2015, in Wichita. Students in the were Westside High Sidney Public be honored for teaching excellence in Maltas taught at Columbus for Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12. School and York Pub- many years, and was a longtime ac- Schools will benefit lic Schools. tive NSEA member. She was a past from a National Ed- Lincoln High negotiator and chief negotiator for ucation Foundation Westside’s Stucky School was selected the Columbus Education Association, grant focused on the for the diversity of and also represented the CEA at nu- sciences and core Represents NSEA opportunities for stu- merous NSEA Delegate Assemblies. subjects. The grant, dents to showcase Maltas left Columbus to further for a third year, will at NEA Gala what they create and her education. She earned bachelor’s benefit as many as perform at the com- and master’s degrees in music educa- 500 students in the Nebraska Excellence STEM+ Academy at munity, regional and tion; a master’s degree in Orff-Schul- national level. The Sidney. Winner to be Honored werk; and a Ph.D. in Kodaly Music school’s International The grant will al- Westside Education Association mem- Baccalaureate cur- Education. She was a nationally-certi- low Sidney students fied Kodaly educator. She served on ber and physics teacher Judith Stucky is riculum in the areas to participate in the among three dozen public school educators of music, theatre state committees and boards for the NEF’s Total System American Choral Directors Associa- who will be honored at the NEA Founda- and visual art allows Solution program, to tion’s Salute to Excellence in Education students to develop tion, the National Association of Mu- receive personalized Assembly (to be held in Washington, D.C., July 2-9). Delegates Gala in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 13. meaningful experi- sic Educators and for NSEA. learning and moti- The awards are given each year to honor to NSEA-DA and NEA-RA are elected for one-year terms. ences in creating, She taught at Ball State University vational rewards, and promote excellence in education and Please watch your mailbox for the postcard voting ballot composing, refining in Indiana, and was teaching at Cen- and to earn certifi- to elevate the profession. Unique to these that will need to be returned in early February, in order for your and presenting their tral Missouri State University in War- cates from the State awards, each educator will be invited to vote to be counted in the election results. work. rensburg at the time of her death. University of New participate in the Global Learning Fellow- NSEA at the Durham... The energy and She is survived by a brother and York, NEF’s acad- ship, an extensive, year-long professional NSEA’s outreach effort this year included a booth at the dedication of Hyan- his wife; a sister and her husband; and emy partner. NSEA-Retired Offers SEAN Scholarship development opportunity to cultivate global Durham Museum’s Teacher Night last month. Bellevue’s nis Area Schools’ nieces and nephews. “I love how the By Tom Black, Selection Committee Chair competence skills educators use to improve LaShanna Bernstein, center, manned the booth for NSEA. teachers in making incentives motivate their practice and to prepare their students From left are NSEA members Stephanie Bender, Omaha; Each year, NSEA-Retired awards three $1,000 scholarships the arts an integral the kids and re- to qualified SEAN (Student Education Association of to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Fel- Bernstein; Dacie Hagglund; and XXX. learning experience ward them for great lows contribute to the advancement of the Nebraska) members. The award’s intent is to permit the was highlighted in the number of opportu- work,” said Rick Meyer, Sidney’s Acad- profession by creating global lesson plans recipients to devote maximum time to their students during the nities given by a school that must share its emy director, and president of the Sidney that are shared with educators on open student teaching semester without having to work a second job students with other programs due to their Education Association. “Seeing them rush source platforms. to pay the bills. size. to the leader boards to see the progress is A highlight will be presentation of the SEAN members can read the qualifications and download very satisfying.” First National Bank of Omaha Award for the application form from the NSEA website. Click on “Awards Two Grand Island Education Associ- NEF CyberLearning STEM+ Acad- Outstanding Service to Public Education. and Applications” and then “SEAN-NSEA Retired Scholarship ation members have been honored by a lo- emy’s vision is to help Sidney Central The educators were nominated by Information” at this site: cal foundation for excellence in their work. students meet and exceed Nebraska’s state their NEA state affiliates. Stucky received Barr Middle School counselor Kirk standards, and to prepare them better for NSEA’s Teaching Excellence Award in nsea.org/sean Ramsey and Grand Island Senior High art college and the 21st century workforce. 2014. Each educator’s school will receive Download the application, complete the requirements and teacher Jerome Dubas each received the NEF, a national nonprofit that provides a $650 award. mail it on or before March 1 to Tamra Mick, c/o NSEA, 605 Award for Excellence in Teaching from STEM education solutions, hopes to ex- Five finalists will receive $10,000 cash South 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. Questions? Call Mick at the Grand Island Community Foundation. pand its STEM+ initiative significantly in awards. One will be named the nation’s top 1-800-742-0047. Both recipients said they would use the Nebraska and other states in coming years. educator and receive an additional $25,000. — Renae Kelly, Editor $5,000 cash award to benefit their students. For more details, go to: The NEA Foundation and the NEA jointly [email protected] The endowment fund that finances the www.cyberlearning.org present the awards.

FEBRUARY 2016 | THE VOICE | PAGE 23 ...and with Music Educators! NSEA Organizational Specialist Judy Roach, right, met these Elkhorn Education Association members at the Ne- braska Music Educators Association conference in Lincoln in November. From left are Angela Frey, Nancy Riley, Julie Patchen and Roach. Family of Teachers

Speaking of Teaching “Charles V said that a man who knew four languages was worth four men; and Alexander the Great so val- ued learning, that he used to say he was more indebted to Aristotle for giving him knowledge than his father Philip for giving him life.” — Lord Macauly British Historian, Politician Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association 1800-1859 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 USDOE Weekly Newsletter Keeps Educators Up-to-Date The Teachers Edition is a weekly innovation, Common Core, graduation rates, The newsletter also features work from a e-newsletter from the U.S. Department of achievement gaps, classroom discipline and number of education bloggers, many worth Education that features the latest news on more and more. checking on a regular basis. education. The newsletter updates readers on To subscribe, search for Teachers edition Sent every Thursday, The Teachers pedagogy, current trends, education, politics at the USDE website at: Edition features updates on Teach to Lead, and more. www.ed.gov

Comp Study Crews Another wave of local associations sent members to NSEA late last year to work on comparability studies used in negotiations. The number-crunching took place under the tutelage of NSEA Associate Michelle Raphael. Above, were NSEA Organizational Specialist Judy Roach and Gretna Education Association Sears; and Raphael. Above at right are Papillion-LaVista negotiator Sarah Benzel; Auburn Education Association Education Association negotiator Dave Herbener, President Kandi Rohrs and NSEA Organizational Specialist Jay PLEA President Andy Isaacson, and Raphael. group. Welcoming New Students Mid-Year I am also mindful not to overwhelm the new student with assess- Submitted by Lynn Chashell, Springfield, PA. ments in the first few days. We generally have enough information from the parents and the former school to get us started and allow the “I keep a file box and binder with all of my begin- student time to get acclimated. ning of the year activities and information. I access Of course, so much depends upon the person- anything that I feel is relevant for the new student ality of the new student. I had a student join my and his/her parents to give to them. class in January and after a few days, you would One very effective strategy is to assign a “men- never know she had not been there all year. This tor” for the student. Usually the “new kid” is inundat- is not always the case, so I try to monitor inter- ed by the other kids in the class. Assigning a specific actions and encourage students who may have buddy gives the new student some breathing room something in common with the new student to while getting to know everyone. The student mentor also shares the be a buddy. That is usually a win-win.” routines and expectations from his/her own perspective. Plus he/she Sign up for Works4Me at: introduces the new student to his/her friends, expanding their social nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html

PAGE 24 | THE VOICE | FEBRUARY 2016