TexasAdvocateAdvocate State Teachers Association/National Education Association WINTER 2004

Gearing up for the 79th Legislative Session Legislature Convenes January 11 he countdown to the 79th an anti-tax activist who is The legislature should ad- TLegislative Session began a fond of calling the NEA a dress these working condi-

notes few months ago and the pre- bunch of Bolsheviks! It is also tions that are burning out al- quel may be a predictor of the agenda of the Pub- most all school professionals. ominous days ahead. Pre-filing lic Policy Foundation, a right Let’s not forget, also, that of bills so far has given us wing think tank, and the education support profes- reason for concern. The first agenda for the voucher pro- sionals are still fighting just voucher bill has reared its ugly ponents who had the Gover- for due process rights and a head and other repeat bills nor’s ear while sailing in the living wage. from last session will follow Bahamas with him last year. Now, you all know that I without doubt. Last session I We stopped most of their am no political neophyte. nicknamed my notebook of agenda last year with an ag- Having been around the

president’s president’s bill summaries, “The Little gressive grassroots campaign block a few times, I know this Shop of Horrors,” and this because thousands of phone will not be the easiest time to upcoming session may prove calls were sent by our mem- try to advance a pro-public to be even more daunting. bers who were energized and education agenda. Even In October, the Commis- got mobilized. Vouchers, though we won 93% of the sioner of Education made an home rule, attacks on due races of our endorsed candi- end run on the K-4 class size process, certification, and dates last November 2, it will mandate of 22:1 by sending a class size were all defeated. still be an uphill battle. I also letter to superintendents sug- School finance will finally know that we in TSTA have gesting they could expedite be discussed and, hopefully, never been about doing the the waiver request process by fixed to provide our schools easy things. I also know we not requiring a public hear- the funding they need. And can’t do it alone. We need a ing. After a press conference TSTA will be working hard to larger army if we are to make protesting the letter and a restore the unfair cuts in health improvements in salaries and meeting of most education insurance that were made last working conditions of school groups with the Commis- session and to focus on the employees. sioner herself, TSTA and problem of the pathetic pay So, I need you to start talk- Texas Federation of Teachers for Texas educators! With ing it up. Tell your colleagues filed a lawsuit on October 25. teacher salaries $6000 below that we are on the move. That Consequently, the Commis- the national average, it is time we CAN create the kind of sioner rescinded her letter for us to be on the offensive public education system our four days later and we and say “It is TIME we caught kids deserve. Remind them We must rise up to dropped the suit. up!” The paperwork require- that the struggle for decent meet the challenges This was a decisive victory ments most education em- salaries and working condi- regarding one of our sacrosanct, ployees have to deal with are tions has always been hard of this 79th Legislative “die on the sword” issues! totally out of control. It seems and certainly never for the Session because if we And, remember last session, like every time there is a prin- fainthearted! when we fought a four-month cipal’s meeting, new forms get We must rise up to meet do not, education battle against instant certifica- created that we have to find the challenges of this 79th employees will pay tion but it passed anyway? time to fill out! That is, be- Legislative Session because if we do not, education em- the price. The rules we helped write im- tween faculty meetings, team proved it somewhat but we meetings, grade level meetings, ployees will pay the price. We expect those rules to be department meetings, ARDs, must stand together to beat rewritten by a less-than- parent conferences, etc. Some- back bad bills and advance friendly State Board for Edu- where along the way there are our agenda of advocacy for cator Certification Board. lesson plans to write, materi- our schools and schoolchild- These constant barrages on als to prepare, benchmark ren. If not now, when? If not education are part of a larger and practice TAKS tests to us, then who? pattern—a bigger agenda by give, papers to grade, and— the likes of Grover Norquist, oh, yeah—teach our classes. UPFRONT inside 4 Big Win for Kids: No Class Size Change In response to a lawsuit by TSTA and TFT, Commissioner Advocate Neeley pulled her letter that would have made it easier to Vol. 24, No. 2 Winter 2004 get class size waivers; Texas Educational Issues Confer- TSTA Advocate is an official ence; 90% of recommended candidates win; candidates quarterly publication of the Texas announce for TSTA office and Evans is elected NEA Direc- State Teachers Association/ National Education Association. tor; student groups plan meetings; Stilwell needs your support; national higher education group to meet in San How to Contact Us: Call 877-ASK-TSTA, visit Antonio; a survey on school start dates. 4 www.tsta.org, or write to TSTA, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX FEATURES 78701. Please send address 8 changes to the attention of Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year Membership Records or Gloria Voutos teaches Richardson teachers how to help [email protected]. students improve their English language skills: “We need Advertising: If you would like to to help them assimilate our culture and teach us theirs.” advertise, contact Nichole Lowery at 512-476-5355, ext. 1292. 8 12 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year TSTA makes no representations Wichita Falls teacher Sherry Lindemann says she is a regarding advertised products or spokesperson not just for teachers but for the Interna- services that are not endorsed. tional Baccalaureate program: “It's hard teaching but it's Postmaster: Send address good teaching.” changes to TSTA Membership Records, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701. 15 Celebrate Reading With Us! Pull out the centerspread and use it! The front makes a PRESIDENT 12 nice poster, with photos of our two Texas Teachers of the Donna New Haschke Year promoting reading; the back tells how to set up your VICE PRESIDENT own Read Across America celebration in March. Ann Heuberger EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR E.C. Walker 20 Trouble Ahead: The 79th Legislature Sign up for our electronic newsletter and update your con- DIRECTOR Jay Levin tact information. This session is going to be a tough one. EDITOR Debbie Mohondro COMING UP 22 PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST New? Retired? Be a Leader! Richard Kouri If you're just starting your career, sign up for our Ambas- 15 sador Academy; if you've retired, how about being a PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN Susan Martin TSTA-Retired officer? ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Leann Kloesel GOVERNANCE ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY 24 TSTA Convention and Board of Directors Adriana Montoya The Renaissance Austin Hotel will host the state conven- SECRETARY/ADVERTISING tion April 14-17, and nominations are now in order for Nichole Lowery TSTA at-large Board of Directors members. 20 Copyright 2004 by AWARDS 30 Take a Reporter to Lunch! The TSTA School Bell Awards Luncheon, that is. Once a year, TSTA members honor outstanding coverage of edu- cation by newspaper, radio and television reporters. The Texas State Teachers Association luncheon takes place during the state convention. National Education Association 316 West 12th St., Austin, TX 78701 24 PHOTO CREDIT: Cover photo and photo on page 24 courtesy www.tsta.org • 877-ASK-TSTA of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.

WINTER 2004 3 upfront

Teams from local school districts work with Dr. Schlechty at a pre-conference professional development event. Texas: A State to Watch California, Florida, and will be in private education,” Schlechty spent Friday Texas are the states to watch, Schlechty warned. “People working with teams from Dr. Phillip Schlechty told par- are estranged from their com- school districts at a pre-con- ticipants at the Texas Educa- munity schools. We need to ference professional develop- tional Issues Conference, Oc- get senior citizens and others ment event. He also was the tober 29-31 in San Antonio. involved in their schools. keynote speaker for TEIC. “That’s where the future of “If we lose public schools, The weekend was filled education in America is being we’ll lose democracy,” he con- with workshops, more than designed,” he said. “You have cluded. “The time is getting 30 of them for continuing to create the 21st century short and it’s going to take professional development schools. Our system was not courage to lead.” credit. designed to do what we are now asking it to do.” Schlechty, who is the founder and CEO of the Center for Leadership in School Reform and author of many books, said America has moved from a society where the majority are par- “You have to create ents to a society where the majority are non-parents and the 21st century grandparents. schools. Our system “Twenty years from now, if was not designed to we keep going as we’re going, the only kids in public do what we are now schools will be the poor or re- TSTA President Donna New Haschke with Dr. Phillip Schlechty at the asking it to do.” cent immigrants. The affluent Texas Educational Issues Conference.

4 TSTA ADVOCATE Association and ing outside the scope of her the Texas Federa- delegated authority; 2) The tion of Teachers, Commissioner's policy and have sued the practice on class size waiver commissioner in applications violates the an effort to reverse Texas Education Code Sec- the decision. We tion 7.056(b) because they are not in the habit permit the submission of of endorsing law- waiver applications which do suits, but there are not include written com- times when court ments from the campus or intervention is district-level committees. The warranted,” the suit was dropped when Nee- American States- ley withdrew her letter. man said. “The court should step Candidates Announce in to protect the for TSTA President and Vice President TSTA President Donna New Haschke speaks on the class size issue at an October press quality of education conference in front of the Texas Education Agency building in Austin. for students and Nominees for TSTA Presi- preserve parents' rights.” dent are Bayardo Arellano, When the commissioner NEA , and Donna New TSTA Files Suit, Neeley first sent the new provisions Haschke, Clear Creek Educa- October 5, TSTA and several tors Association. Pulls Class Size Letter other groups met with her Nominees for TSTA Vice but it was obvious that there President are Mike Buckner, In response to a lawsuit by cant pieces of education re- was no way the dispute could Clear Creek Educators Asso- TSTA and Texas Federation of form legislation ever passed. be resolved through negotia- ciation; Ann Heuberger, Col- Teachers, Commissioner Nee- Giving kids small classes and tions. Left with no other way lege Station Education Asso- ley on October 29 pulled her more individualized instruc- to stop the new provisions ciation; and J. B. Richeson, letter of October 5 which tion has been one of the key from going into effect, the San Antonio Alliance. tried to establish new proce- factors in the improvement two organizations filed for a The filing deadline for both dures for school districts to that our schools have shown temporary injunction to stop positions was September 15 obtain a class size waiver. over the last two decades. A any waivers from being with the elections to be Her October 5 action process that keeps parents, granted until the case was conducted at the State House would have made it easier for teachers and elected school resolved. of Delegates in Austin in school districts to apply for board members out of the Several issues were in- April. Candidate statements class size waivers without any discussion of class size volved in the lawsuit but two and biographical information discussion or review by the waivers would be the first of the key points cited were: will appear in the spring school board or input from step to rolling back this stan- 1) The Commissioner is act- 2005 Advocate. parents and teachers. dard. TSTA will not sit idly “Two generations of school by and watch as the Commis- children have graduated since sioner attempts to undo by the law limiting class size was rule what the legislature has IMPORTANT NOTICE! adopted, and we still haven’t mandated by law,” she said. fully implemented it,” TSTA At one point, after several Watch closely for the next issue of your Advocate. President Donna New days of bad press, the com- Ballots for electing TSTA state delegates to the Haschke said. “If school dis- missioner sent a guest editor- NEA Representative Assembly will be printed in tricts are going to ask for an ial to the media trying to jus- exemption, then the public tify her position. It didn’t that issue. You should receive your next issue in and school personnel should help. The Austin American late March, and the deadline for the marked ballot have the opportunity to par- Statesman ran an editorial en- ticipate in the conversation. dorsing the lawsuit. to be received at TSTA Headquarters is 5 p.m., “The 22-1 class size limit “Two teacher organizations, CDT, Friday, April 29. law is one of the most signifi- the Texas State Teachers

WINTER 2004 5 may be waived, and the can- member who unlocks the force will explore alternatives didate declared elected.” school door every morning to to early school-start dates, lay There will be no election held the one who turns out the out a plan that preserves nec- for this position. lights in the evening, the edu- essary instructional school This is Evans’ first term. Her cation of our children is every- days, examine the start-date term of three years begins on one’s priority.” waiver loophole process in September 1, 2005. As NEA existing law and look at the Director, she will serve as a Input Needed on impact that earlier start dates member of the NEA and TSTA School Start Date are having on migrant fami- Boards of Directors and as a In September 2004, Carole lies. You can access the survey delegate to the TSTA State Keeton Strayhorn, the Texas at: www.window.state.tx.us/ House of Delegates and the Comptroller of Public Ac- survey/schoolstart. Evans Elected NEA NEA Representative Assembly. counts, issued a special report Student Groups Set Director for Texas “My vision for TSTA and on school-start dates, “Saving Congratulations to Ginny NEA is to increase our mem- Summer: Lessons Learned.” Spring Meetings Lee Evans of Lewisville Edu- bership by securing better She asked TSTA President The TSTA Student Program cation Association, who is working conditions for all Donna New Haschke to serve Annual State Convention is running unopposed for elec- public school employees,” on a task force that is now April 8-9 at the Radisson tion to NEA Director for Evans said in her campaign working independently to Hotel and Suites in Austin. Texas Place 3. According to statement. “This includes not further explore start date is- Registration on Friday is from NEA Bylaws 5-1a, Board of just moving toward collective sues and to make recommen- 3:00-5:30 p.m. with late reg- Directors, Election, “In an bargaining for public school dations to the Legislature. istration Saturday morning election for NEA director, if employees but also ensuring Between now and the be- from 8- 8:30 a.m. The regis- there is only one candidate the highest quality of profes- ginning of the legislative ses- tration fee is $40 for member for the position, the election sional development. From the sion in January 2005, the task registration, $45 for non- member registration. The Texas Future Teach- Amazing Members ers of America (TFTA) State Convention will be held at Joe Atkins Receives Honorary Doctorate the Radisson Hotel and Suites Former TSTA member and staffer Joe Atkins, who on February 4-5. Registration worked in the Dallas area, has received an hon- is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the orary Doctorate degree from the University of North registration fee is $12.95 per Texas. He was honored for the work he did in inte- person. Meals are not pro- grating the university when he was a student. vided by TFTA but there will be a snack bar for the conve- Atkins applied to the school in 1955, when it was nience of the students. known as North Texas State College, and was de- At the same time and place nied admittance; as a result of his lawsuit, the col- as the TFTA Convention, the lege was ordered to admit black students. TSTA Student Program will hold its Fall Meeting. Hay’s Shelton Named Coach of the Year Stilwell Seeks Support Bob Shelton, Hays High School’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, has been from Active Educators named a National Federation of State High School Associations State Coach of the Year. Shelton was nominated by the University Interscholastic League’s staff based on TSTA’s support for the Stil- well Residence for retired ed- his “hard work, dedication and loyalty to the student athletes of Texas.” In a letter an- ucators in Waco goes back to nouncing his selection, Rachel Harrison, UIL Athletic Coordinator said, “Your commit- its founding in 1964. ment to excellence is to be commended.” The TSTA Board of Directors Coach Shelton last year celebrated 40 years—his entire coaching career—with Hays has voted to continue that sup- CISD. In 2002, he was named to the Hall of Honor of the Texas High School Football port by adopting a resolution Coaches Association. In 1997, Shelton was selected to receive the Tom Landry Award to endorse and promote the and was chosen as AAAA Coach of the Year by the Texas Sportswriters’ Association. “Ten for Texas” campaign to encourage every current and

6 TSTA ADVOCATE former educator to contribute ter for Executive and Gover- body, workforce, what the work terials. Just fill out the regis- $10 to Stilwell for the im- nance, 316 West 12th Street, is, who provides it and how; tration form and check the provement of the facility and Austin, TX 78701. and the impact of recent fed- special box for Texas resi- to honor those who dedicated eral and state policy changes. dents. You may register, re- their lives to education. NEA Higher Education NEA is offering a $95 con- serve a hotel room, and find The Residence is named for to Meet in San Antonio ference registration rate for up-to-date information about Henry Stilwell, who was pres- NEA's 23rd Annual Higher Texas Faculty Association the conference at www.nea.org/ ident of TSTA from 1932 to Education Conference will (TFA) members—a substan- he/conf.html. 1933 and the longtime chair meet in San Antonio March 4-6 tial savings off the $150 early TFA will hold its 2005 Rep- of the association’s legislative at the historic Sheraton Gunter bird rate and the $185 regu- resentative Assembly (business committee. Hotel on the Riverwalk. lar rate. The fee covers two meeting only) in conjunction Please mail contributions, Explore the topic of diver- lunches, a reception/dinner, a with the NEA Higher Edu- with checks made out to Stil- sity in academia from a vari- continental breakfast and a cation Conference. See well Residence, to TSTA Cen- ety of perspectives: student brunch, plus conference ma- www.tfaonline.net for details.

How Did They Fare? TSTA/NEA’s Recommended Candidates

RD 043...... Juan Escobar RD 111...... Candidates recommended by TSTA/NEA RD 044...... Edmund Kuempel RD 116...... Trey Martinez-Fischer did well in November; 90 of 97 candi- RD 045...... Patrick Rose RD 117...... David Leibowitz dates for state office won. (See our web RD 046...... Dawnna Dukes RD 118...... Carlos Uresti site, www.tsta.org, for national candi- RD 047...... Terry Keel RD 119...... Robert Puente dates.) For more on the upcoming leg- RD 048...... Kelly White (Lost) RD 120 ...... Ruth Jones McClendon islative session, turn to page 20. RD 049...... Elliott Naishtat RD 123...... Mike Villarreal RD 050...... Mark Strama RD 124...... Jose Menedez TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RD 051...... Eddie Rodriguez RD 125...... Joaquin Castro RD 001...... Stephen Frost RD 056...... John Mabry, Jr. (Lost) RD 128...... Wayne Smith RD 003...... Mark Homer RD 057...... Jim Dunnam RD 131...... RD 007...... Tommy Merritt RD 059...... Sid Miller RD 137...... Scott Hochberg RD 009...... Robin Moore (Lost) RD 069...... David Farabee RD 139...... Sylvester Turner RD 010...... Jim Pitts RD 071...... Bob Hunter RD 140...... Kevin Bailey RD 011...... Chuck Hopson RD 072...... Jeri Slone (Lost) RD 141...... RD 012...... Jim McReynolds RD 073...... Carter Casteel RD 142...... Harold Dutton, Jr. RD 014...... Fred Brown RD 074...... RD 143...... Joe Moreno RD 016...... Ruben Hope RD 075...... Chente Quintanilla RD 145...... Rick Noriega RD 017...... Robby Cook RD 076...... Norma Chavez RD 146...... Al Edwards RD 018...... Dan Ellis (Lost) RD 077...... Paul Moreno RD 147...... RD 019...... Tuffy Hamilton RD 078...... Patrick Haggerty RD 148...... Jessica Farrar RD 021...... Allan Ritter RD 079...... Joe Pickett RD 022...... RD 080...... RD 023...... Craig Eiland RD 081...... Buddy West SD 06 ...... Mario Gallegos RD 025...... Dennis Bonnen RD 083...... Delwin Jones SD 16 ...... John Carona RD 027...... Dora Olivo RD 085...... SD 20 ...... Chuy Hinojosa RD 031...... RD 090...... Lon Burnam RD 033...... Vilma Luna RD 094...... Ruby Woolridge (Lost) SD 21 ...... Judith Zaffirini RD 034...... RD 095...... Marc Veasey SD 23 ...... Royce West RD 035...... Yvonne Toureilles RD 099...... SD 26 ...... RD 036...... Kino Flores RD 100...... Terri Hodge SD 27 ...... Eddie Lucio RD 037...... Rene Oliveira RD 102...... Tony Goolsby SD 31 ...... Kel Seliger RD 038...... Jim Solis RD 103...... RD 039...... Armando Martinez RD 104...... Roberto Alonzo STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION RD 040...... Aaron Pena RD 106...... Katy Hubener (Lost) SBOE 02...... Mary Helen Berlanga RD 041...... Veronica Gonzales RD 109...... Helen Giddings SBOE 11...... Pat Hardy RD 042...... Richard Raymond RD 110...... Jesse Jones SBOE 13...... Mavis Knight

WINTER 2004 7 Gloria Voutos Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year

We need to get ready to teach the new generation had: my mother. She taught going further in the limited 33 years in the poorest schools curriculum that was available. of Texans. They bring an amazing wealth of in Puerto Rico. Schools in- From buying cribs for new- experiences, and all these children want to do is fested with drugs, gangs, borns to going to the grocery learn, like any other children. We need to get pregnant teens (her sixth store to buy food for another graders), unemployment, and family in need, she delivered ready to help them assimilate our culture and lack of skills yet full of minds more than knowledge, she teach us theirs. They can enrich our lives. that wanted to learn the sim- delivered love. My mother plest lessons, draw the pretti- was the spark that illumi- GLORIA’S STORY, IN est pictures, and smile the nated the path—curved as it HER OWN WORDS most candid smiles. was at the time—that finally Abraham Lincoln once Before it became popular to led me into teaching. She said: “And in the end it’s not study Maslow’s hierarchy of died at 66 years old, just a lit- the years in your life that needs and ask questions using tle under 10 years into retire- count. It’s the life in your the Bloom’s Taxonomy, she was ment, but her presence in this years.” Those brief words re- using her common sense to world did not go unnoticed. mind me of the greatest influ- make sure her students were I remember telling my ence in teaching that I ever well fed, felt safe and were mother that I wanted to fol-

8 TSTA ADVOCATE low in her footsteps. She was my Spanish language skills, I Services, but shortly after saw so alarmed. “Gloria, it be- was assigned to relieve the an ad in the paper looking for comes your life. You must be soldiers that were stationed in a teacher in Dallas Indepen- ready to give yourself. There Honduras but had to be de- dent School District. I sent is so much need.” I heeded ployed to Saudi Arabia. There my resume on Labor Day and her advice and, at the cross- I worked with the Joint Task received an appointment for roads, I chose to work in an- Force Bravo — Army, that same week. After the other career field. Marines and Air Force—in initial interview, they asked After getting married, my their fight against the spread me if I could begin on Mon- wonderful daughter came to of drug cartels in Central day—it was Friday. my life. It was then I realized America. In my off-duty time, I went to the first day of that I was not going to be I teamed up with the local class with an open mind to a able to give her the wonderful Christian mission and went group of 36 students in sixth legacy that I had received into the mountains of La grade, at a new school, with- from my mother. Ceiba to establish contact out being certified I’ve always held the bar really I came to the second cross- with local school houses and by the State Board road in my life at 27 years help them build fences, bath- of Education, but high and I’ve never had a old. I decided to move to the rooms, windows, and provide with all the love I problem with the kids meeting in pursuit of a basic hygiene education for could muster for college degree. In the words both adults and children. those children. that bar. The minute you start of Robert Crawford, off I The experiences gained This was 10 years saying, “You cannot learn,” it went into the “wild blue yon- during those days were the ago almost, when will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. der.” I joined the U.S. Air second influence in my deci- the state allowed a Force to search for college sion to become a teacher. I teacher to teach with a provi- money, learn English, and spent countless days build- sionary certificate. (I was give my daughter more op- ing, hauling supplies, and teaching in Dallas with a pro- portunities to succeed. On contributing, for the first time visionary certificate while I November 11, 1989, I arrived as an adult, to education by took classes at SMU, so my at Plattsburgh Air Force Base teaching the parents basic hy- student teaching was on-the- in the North County of the giene for themselves and their job training.) State of New York. I had gone children. Some of the classes It had taken me the better from a warm island in the that I taught dealt with the part of my twenties and thir- Caribbean to the northern- prevention of marasmus, ties to get there, but I made most part in the United malaria, food sanitation, as it! I immediately was drawn States, only 15 miles from the well as letters, sounds and to the apartments to prepare Canadian border. There I basic reading skills. The local a class for the parents, talked served the country that gave teacher and I created small to the local church about giv- me the opportunity to study reading groups, a simple syl- ing adult education classes, and learn the meaning of labus for her multilevel class- and moved those kids for- teamwork, leadership and pa- room, and doing read-aloud ward at an exhilarating pace. triotism. Working as a law for the community at large. From the essential elements, enforcement officer and The words of my mother to trips to the Ball Park in Ar- studying part time, I finished resounded in my ears: lington, to learning to ride a Bachelor’s degree in Litera- “…there is so much need.” As the DART bus, we became a ture and shortly after, a Mas- soon as I returned stateside, I family—year after year. I ter’s degree in Literature and spoke to my husband and served six years in Dallas ISD Counseling. I did not finish a told him that I felt the need and touched more than 600 degree in Pedagogy because to join the teaching profes- lives, the “life in [my] years.” my mother still insisted I do sion. I wanted to help. The last crossroad that something else. In the summer of 1995, we helped reaffirm my decision While assigned to my unit moved to the Carswell AFB of being an educator hap- in Plattsburgh AFB, the first area in Ft. Worth. I began pened last year. On December Gulf War began. Because of working for ATT in Language 29, my brother-in-law took

WINTER 2004 9 the life of my sister and my seven-year-old niece, Vannia. My sister and her husband were going through a bitter Q & A with Gloria Voutos divorce battle and she was the main issue. Vannia was in What is your job? was no better training ground. I don’t whine a lot, I just get it done. This is the life we second grade. She spoke to I’m an instructional specialist at Spring Val- chose. It’s more of a calling. me daily during those tumul- ley Elementary in Richardson. I model best practices. This area is more than 70% His- tuous weeks prior to her death What do you do to reach your students? panic. I mainly teach the teachers how to and I felt the anxiety in that I visit the homes of every single child in help students improve their English lan- young life about a situation order to learn their customs and learn more guage skills but I’m helping children di- that she could not control. about their families. The parents easily rectly, too. During our conversations, I open up their doors, because I too was an told her that children de- I do a lot of mentoring. Everybody that gets immigrant that brought my family to the served to be happy and that, into teaching says the same thing: I did it United States seeking a better life. I did not hopefully, the adults would because I love the kids. The reality is we speak English when I came to the United fix their problems soon. have to do lesson plans and look for re- States and neither did my three-year-old Vannia spoke about the sources and do paperwork and check their daughter; we are both still learning even refuge she encountered at reading level and that’s not that easy. It’s after 15 years in the country. As I connect school. Her teacher loved her, easy to read a book to a child or pull out a my own experience with their own, we cre- her classmates accepted her, textbook but those are not good practices. ate effective partnerships that lend a help- and the counselor was help- In mentoring I show the teachers how to in- ing hand to their children both socially and ing her. In the final analysis, dividualize instruction and pull the re- academically. Hardships can be overcome sources to help the children. Those are not it was Vannia’s teacher who by respecting one another. hard concepts; it just takes practice. made the difference during Has teaching changed in the last decade? the last days of her life. That Did you always know you’d be a teacher? Just in 10 years, teaching has changed and cold morning, as they laid her My mother was an English as a Second I have to say it’s changed for the better. I to rest and sadness filled my Language teacher in Puerto Rico for 35 think the kids have a better opportunity to soul, I did not feel defeated. years. Most of the best practices I learned get a fair education now. I think the ac- God had a new angel and I from her. As a child, I saw what a reading countability has a lot to do with it. (Ten had chosen the right path group looked like and how to do a parent- years ago) I still saw teachers doing things after all. More students teacher conference. I lived that life. very different from each other. Back then if needed a caring teacher’s lov- Some of the parents never came to the you were lucky, your kid had a good ing hand. school in Puerto Rico, so I learned to do teacher. If you were not lucky, your kid had After having served eight home visits. My mom did parent-teacher a bitter teacher. What the accountability has years as an educator, I have conferences with 700-800 homes in 10 done is everybody has to teach at least the not only developed curricu- years. She would say, “While I talk to the same skills. Even the resources are non- lum, given parent education parents, go do a reading group with the negotiable. classes and worked with my kids.” My mom was an excellent educator Do you think children rise to meet our colleagues. I have loved my and an amazing social worker. children, used the facilities expectations? for parent-teacher confer- Did you consider a career in the military? I’ve always held the bar really high and I’ve ences in the apartments, The main reason I went into the military was never had a problem with the kids meeting pulled lice from the hair of for school. I had not been a diligent student that bar. The minute you start saying, “You my children and continue to myself so I did not qualify for a scholarship. cannot learn,” it will be a self-fulfilling buy groceries to deliver with I served and the military in turn paid for my prophecy. I told my kids, “We’re going to my daughter, Vera. I guess I school. I completed a bachelors and a mas- pass this test and we’re going to do it the first time.” You don’t get second or third am beginning to pass the ters while I was in the military in upstate chances in life; there are very few things we torch as Vera enrolls in the New York. get to do over. I told them, “This is a third fall at Texas Christian Univer- How did your Air Force experience grade test; are you in third grade? No one’s sity and, with my blessing, influence your teaching? asking you to take a sixth grade test.” No will complete a teaching and The discipline and the teamwork. There whining at all. They all passed. a music degree.

10 TSTA ADVOCATE - - to attend

1. Hear Keynoter Ron Clark, Oprah’s favorite teacher & author of “The Essential 55.” 2. Visit the TCEA Exhibit Hall & see the latest technology & software for schools. 3. Be part of the “glitz & glam” of our FREE Hollywood Nights Social. 4. Talk shop as you meet & greet other educators from all over. 5. Get an “Extreme Technology Makeover” at a TCEA workshop. 6. You could be the big Door Prize Winner of a cruise or a computer! 7. Update your knowledge and skills base in our Free Sessions. 8. Enjoy the Ambience of Austin, “Live Music Capital of the World.” 9. Earn CPE Hours — the best in professional development. 10. Learn to use those Computers in your Classroom.

Texas Computer Education Association

25th Annual Convention & Exposition February 7-11, 2005 Austin Convention Center

Early Registration Deadline: Jan. 7, 2005 Learn all about TCEA 2005 and register online at

WINTER 2004 11 Sherry Lindemann Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year

If you can’t, as a history teacher, show students What made you decide to be parents did. I wanted to be a a teacher? lawyer. how it all connects, you don’t know your dis- My mother taught special I ended up with a double cipline. If you just teach the date and what education 30 years and my major in political science and father has 36 years in educa- history; but I decided after happened, history is boring, dull, and ludicrous. tion; he’s still teaching sci- working for a lawyer for two ence and coaching part time. years that maybe I didn’t As I was growing up, I was want to go into law after all. pretty stubborn. I didn’t want While I was deciding on a to do anything like what my new path in life, I became a

12 TSTA ADVOCATE substitute teacher and began to there, but you don’t un- vantage, especially Boston. to take education classes as a cover anything. There’s a lot We have two students at “back up” plan. The “back up” of information in AP but you Boston University and two at plan soon became my new don’t get into the “whys.” MIT right now that, without career choice. I felt that I was Who is to blame? Was this the IB diploma, probably finally headed in the direction an imperialistic war? Who wouldn’t even have been con- that I was supposed to go. was right? We let the kids sidered. It’s that competitive. My parents let me go on my make some of those evalua- The universities see that IB own path and it led back to tions based on what they students have chosen a much teaching. I’m the chair of the know, what they’ve learned, more rigorous path in their history department at Hirschi what they’ve read. education and are well High School in Wichita Falls, I think, “What is important rounded. All assessments in Interna- both the regular program and about this that I want these AP has been the stan- tional Baccalaureate are International Baccalaureate. kids to remember 20 years dard here in Texas; from now?” In my discipline, when Hirschi started IB based on what they know, Why history? if they can’t apply what six years ago, we were not what they don’t know. History is one of the great- they’re learning to current one of 13 schools in the est subjects to teach because events, what was the use of state to offer it. Now You’re looking not at the it is ongoing. Seeing what is going through all of it? the list has grown to minutia but the big picture. happening all around us and All of my IB kids, by the well over 100. The learning that there are more time they graduate, will have more it grows, the more the things that connect us than written three research papers accolades and scholarships divide us. Starting to think a in my area alone, which follow. little bit, forming your own forces them to be indepen- opinion, questioning, ques- dent learners. They’ll go to Is it only for the gifted student? tioning, questioning. Why are college with the knowledge of We’re one of the few IB they doing this? Are there any where to go to get the infor- schools that doesn’t require other motives? Those people mation, how to analyze some- an entrance level exam. We’ve who are pushing up daisies— thing and convey it in a writ- blown the idea that IB has to how do they relate to me? ten format. be an elitist program. IB is for How does it all connect? the kid who really wants to If you can’t, as a history You can take one class or learn and takes ownership in teacher, show students how it earn a diploma? her own education. They’re all connects, you don’t know The students can get a cer- going to get out of it what your discipline. Love and tificate—which is like taking they put into it. power—the things that moti- an AP course—or a diploma vate us today—are the same for taking the whole program, How did International things that motivated people which includes 150 hours of Baccalaureate begin? in ancient times. If you just community service, taking a IB is housed in Geneva, teach the date and what hap- philosophy of learning Switzerland. It was originally pened, history is boring, dull, course, and completing an in- designed for the kids of and ludicrous. dependent research project. diplomats. They designed this I have taught 15 years in the In a way I’m a spokesper- curriculum to flow, so kids public schools, not one year son not just for teachers in could move from Beijing to 15 times. You’ve got to con- Texas but for the IB curricu- America and continue their stantly change the way that lum. We’re getting the word education. Wherever there’s instruction is delivered and out about IB. We believe in it. an IB school, they can con- build on the experiences that It’s hard teaching but it’s tinue it. The curriculum is are gained from year to year. good teaching. It’s a great designed to be international. program. Everyone should be Is International doing it. How are they graded? Baccalaureate similar to The diploma itself—if you A kid who is taking this Advanced Placement? go on the East coast, you’re curriculum in England will In AP, you cover from here going to find more of an ad- be judged on the same crite-

WINTER 2004 13 ria as a kid who’s in my class- Are we overtesting our kids we now have six magnets: dents—whose mother doesn’t room in Wichita Falls. in America? Aviation, Medical, Engineer- speak any English at all, very At the end of their senior Yes. Tell us what you want ing, Multimedia, IB, and MYP. economically depressed fam- year, the students take an the kids to know, make it All of our magnets are ily—this kid gets a full ride, exam that requires them to meaningful and we’ll get amazing. A kid can be an IB $160,000, to go to MIT. He is write six essays, and they them tested but we don’t student and major in Aviation absolutely the most unbeliev- have to write a research paper need to test, test, test. From as well. They can double dip. able kid and has the most that’s graded by me but also the beginning of April on, They actually teach them to positive attitude; you’d never moderated outside. Each every day is a test. fly in that program. They go know what he had to over- question will be sent to a dif- I think we can have fewer through ground school and come to get a chance to go to ferent place to be graded. It tests and still accomplish our do their solo flights and by that university. could be China or Thailand goal of accountability. It’s just the time they graduate they Those are the things you or Canada. They mark them going to take professionals to can be winged; they will have look at and think, “See, this is according to a rubric. Three figure out a better way of doing completed enough successful what can happen.” You tell different graders will look at it and agree on what we want hours in flight. the other kids, “Hey, Roberto it and a moderator will look kids to know. We can do bet- We’re tying our magnet did this and you can, too.” at the exam scores. ter and I think we have to. schools together. It starts at That’s part of the reason I put I have to send examples of Adding another test doesn’t Washington Jackson Elemen- these up here (gesturing to a what I’m doing and how I’m mean you improve excellence tary with the 6th grade pro- string of university T-shirts, marking it and how I’m using in any way, shape, or form, it gram, continues at Kirby in sent in by former students, the rubric. IB moderates me just means another test. 7th and 8th grade, and fin- that hang from the ceiling), to ishes at Hirschi. K-12 is what to make sure I’m doing it cor- If we’re going to be held ac- let them know who came be- we’re ultimately trying to do. rectly. We’re being held ac- countable for a test we’re fore them and where they are countable every step of the way. going to make sure the kids now. They can go anywhere do well on that test, but is Do you keep track of former All assessments are based on they want to as well. that really all you want them students? what they know, not what they The equal opportunity op- to know? Surely we want kids Yes. I had one call me on don’t know. Testing kids on pressor in this country is to have music appreciation. her cell phone on election what they do know is a won- poverty. Our school is a title Surely we want them to be night. She was in Boston and derful model to study. We’ve school. Everything around well rounded. she actually made it into all talked about portfolio as- Kerry’s party. She said, “I just them is telling them they’re sessments and rubric assess- What are the other magnets wanted to let you know not going to make it. We have ments. Why is it that we have at Hirschi? where I am and what I’m to keep reminding them of to have a multiple choice test We just got $8.2 million doing.” Here she was in a his- how they go about achieving to test what kids know? This this fall from the federal gov- tory-making situation and success through education. model is just good assess- ernment to reinvigorate our who does she think to share it ment, good teaching. You’re magnet program. It allows us with? That crazy teacher she Sherry Lindemann is also looking not at the minutia to extend the IB into the Mid- had back in Wichita Falls. Texas’ nominee for National but at the big picture. dle Years Program or MYP, so Last year one of my stu- Teacher of the Year. Message to new educators There are so many battles that one can fight in education. Fight for what is in the best interest of children. Do not let anyone force you to compromise on that issue.

Be willing to lead the charge. It can be frightening, but do not fear to take a stand on what is right for children. You will be surprised to find that there are many others out there who are willing to stand with you, including the students.

Know that when you are tired and you feel like nobody is listening, there are people who need you to keep striving to attain the goals that seem unattainable. Search your heart for the issues that you truly believe. Become the leader in the class, school and community. Find the role models who can reinvigorate you when you need a boost. However when you feel like giving in, “hang in there!” There are many people, including myself, who would love to help you.

14 TSTA ADVOCATE What is NEA’s Read Across America?

ow approaching its children of all ages. Governors, tion sponsors and spearheads Are Resources seventh year, NEA’s mayors, and other elected of- the program with support Available? Read Across America ficials recognize the role read- from 40 national nonprofit N The 2004-05 Resource Kit is focuses the country’s atten- ing plays in their communi- and association partners. newly designed, featuring re- tion on how important it is to ties with proclamations and Anyone—from schools to li- producible items from logos motivate children to read, in floor statements. Athletes and braries to community centers and certificates to reading ac- addition to helping them actors issue reading chal- to churches to hospitals to tivities and bookmarks. You master basic skills. lenges to young readers. And bookstores—is invited to host can even order a Cat-in-the- Motivating children to read teachers and principals seem local events to celebrate and Hat outfit. There’s a poster for is an important factor in stu- to be more than happy to dye promote children’s reading. teens, and a CD-ROM for their hair green or be duct- dent achievement and creat- NEA members. To request a taped to a wall if it boosts ing lifelong, successful read- When Should I kit, fill out a format ers. Research has shown that their students’ reading. Begin Planning? www.nea.org/readacross and children who are motivated Start planning now! The check the web site for up- and spend more time reading How and When Did Read Across America web dates. And don’t forget, as a do better in school. NEA’s Read Across site, www.nea.org/readacross, year-round program, NEA’s Our nationwide reading America Begin? is chock full of ideas, infor- Read Across America offers celebration takes place each In May 1997, a small read- mation and inspiration. resources for all ages, all year year on or around March 2, ing task force at NEA came Everything you need to plan long. Explore the web site the birthday of beloved chil- a reading event, from simple up with a big idea. “Let’s cre- thoroughly for a myriad of dren’s author Dr. Seuss, who to elaborate, is there. Start at ideas and information! While ate a day to celebrate read- epitomizes a love of learning. the main page and go explor- you’re at the web site, sign up ing,” the group decided. “We Dr. Seuss’s use of rhyme ing. Have fun! for the monthly e-newsletter! hold pep rallies to get kids makes his books an effective excited about football. We as- tool for teaching young chil- semble to remember that dren the basic skills they Tap Our Reading Lists for Character Counts. Why don’t need to be successful. we do something to get kids a Book-Filled Year! NEA’s Read Across America a Book-Filled Year! excited about reading? We’ll also provides NEA members, Need some reading ideas for kids? Check out the following call it ‘NEA’s Read Across book lists at www.nea.org/readacross. parents, caregivers, and America’ and we’ll celebrate it ➤ children the resources and Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.” And ➤ activities they need to keep Kids’ Top 100 Books so was born, on March 2, reading on the calendar 365 ➤Asian-American Booklist 1998, the largest celebration days a year. ➤Spanish/English Bilingual Booklist of reading this country has In cities and towns across ➤50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know ever seen. the nation, teachers, ➤Celebrity Book Picks teenagers, librarians, politi- ➤50 State Booklist cians, actors, athletes, par- Who Sponsors ➤ NEA’s Read Across Youth Leaders for Literacy Booklist ents, grandparents, and oth- ➤Native American Booklist ers develop NEA’s Read America? ➤African American Booklist Across America activities to At the national level, the ➤Authors’ Favorites Booklist bring reading excitement to National Education Associa-

WINTER 2004 15 TEXAS SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR: TSTA member Sherry Lindemann uses Dr. Seuss’ The Butter Battle Book to teach about war. CelebrateCelebrate ReRe its seventh ➤Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White ➤Where the Red Fern Grows by year, NEA’s (9-12 years) Wilson Rawls (Young Adult) Read Across ➤The Polar Express by Chris Van ➤The Mitten by Jan Brett (4-8 years) America Allsburg (4-8 years) ➤ focuses the ➤Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Seuss (4-8 years) Wise Brown (Baby-Preschool) country’s at- ➤ ➤Hatchet by Gary Paulsen tention on how The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (4-8 years) (9-12 years) important it is to ➤ ➤Where the Wild Things Are by The Lion, the Witch and the TM & (c) 1997 Dr. Suess motivate chil- Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis Enterprises, L.P. Cat in the Maurice Sendak (4-8 years) the Hat image; TM & (c) 1997 Dr. dren to read, (9-12 years) Suess Enterprises, L.P. All rights reserved ➤Love You Forever by Robert N. ➤Where the Sidewalk Ends: the in addition Munsch (4-8 years) Get ready for March 2, to helping them master Poems and Drawing of Shel ➤The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein by Shel Silverstein 2005 and the nation’s basic skills. Here is a list Silverstein (All ages) (All ages) biggest reading celebra- of teachers’ favorite ➤The Very Hungry Caterpillar by ➤Bridge to Terabithia by Kather- tion! Now approaching books for kids. Eric Carle (Baby-Preschool) ine Paterson (9-12 years) TEXAS ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR: TSTA member Gloria Voutos reads to her bilingual pupils in the school library. eadingeading withwith Us!Us! ➤Stellaluna by Janell Cannon ➤A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine ➤The Boxcar Children by Gertrude ➤James and the Giant Peach: A (4-8 years) L’Engle (9-12 years) Chandler Warner (9-12 years) Children’s Story by Roald Dahl (9-12 years) ➤Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. ➤Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Nay- ➤Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Seuss (4-8 years) lor (9-12 years) MacLachlan (9-12 years) ➤Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder ➤Strega Nona by Tomie De Paola ➤How the Grinch Stole Christ- ➤Indian in the Cupboard by (9-12 years) (4-8 years) mas by Dr. Seuss (4-8 years) Lynne Reid Banks (9-12 years) ➤Roll of Thunder, Hear My ➤Alexander and the Terrible, ➤The True Story of the Three Little ➤Island of the Blue Dolphins by Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Horrible, No Good, Very Pigs by Jon Scieszka (4-8 years) Scott O’Dell (9-12 years) (9-12 years) Bad Day by Judith Viorst ➤Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by ➤Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli (4-8 years) John Archambault (4-8 years) (9-12 years) ➤The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (Young Adult) ➤Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What ➤Little House on the Prairie by ➤The BFG by Roald Dahl Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. Laura Ingalls Wilder (9-12 years) (9-12 years) ➤The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Baby-Preschool) (4-8 years) ➤The Secret Garden by Frances ➤The Giver by Lois Lowry ➤Charlie and the Chocolate Fac- Hodgson Burnett (9-12 years) (9-12 years) ➤Stone Fox by John Reynolds tory by Roald Dahl (9-12 years) Gardiner (9-12 years) ➤The Complete Tales of Winnie ➤If You Give a Mouse a Cookie ➤The Velveteen Rabbit by the Pooh by A. A. Milne by Laura Joffe Numeroff ➤Number the Stars by Lois Margery Williams (4-8 years) (4-8 years) (4-8 years) Lowry (9-12 years) How to Create a Reading Event Your NEA’s Read Across right and licensing arrange- the words, “Happy Birth- from our Resource Kit. Some America celebration can be as ments with Dr. Seuss En- day Dr. Seuss.” If funds are may offer to help out, and a simple or elaborate as time terprises on the web site. in short supply, find out if few parents may even volun- and inclination allow. It’s important that we any of your parents are en- teer to be guest readers. Keep in mind the basic honor these agreements in thusiastic bakers. Easy al- ➤Let the world know about premise and your event is al- order to maintain our very ternatives are cupcakes or your plans by pledging to most certain to be a success: special relationship. cookies. Add fruit punch or participate. We’ll post your On March 2, the National Ed- ➤Consult with your school juice for a beverage. pledge on the page for your ucation Association is calling librarian. It is likely that he ➤Everybody wants to wear particular state. for every child to be reading or she is familiar with the famous Cat in the Hat ➤If you are an NEA member, in the company of a caring NEA’s Read Across America striped hat. You can buy let your local association adult. The following is a sim- and may have ideas and re- hats from our Cat-alog on- know about your plans. ple scenario for elementary or sources to offer. If possible, line, or you can make your They may be able to offer middle school teachers who reserve copies of books in own from red and white ideas and support. want to conduct an event in construction paper. A 39 advance; as March 2 draws ➤There is a lot of informa- their classroom. This is by far oz. coffee can is a good di- near there may be a run on tion on the Read Across the most typical celebration ameter to serve as a pattern Dr. Seuss books! web site. If you want to and can easily be adapted to for the crown, and you can ➤Find out if other teachers at expand on the “basics,” other situations. trace around a large dinner your school are making you’ll find a ton of ideas plate for the brim. This ➤Consult your principal and plans. Perhaps you can co- and resources. Read about makes a fun class project. obtain any required ordinate your efforts for a “100 Great Read Across approvals. In our experi- school-wide event. ➤Make a certificate of partic- America Events” that were ence, principals love NEA’s ipation for every student. held last year; check out ➤Invite “guest readers” to Read Across America, and Children appreciate tangi- the games and activities at come to your class on the majority will not only ble acknowledgements for www.seussville.com. March 2 (or the date you support your efforts, they their efforts. Visit our on- ➤ have chosen) and read to On the Big Day: put on your will become actively in- line Resources area to your students. This is the hats. Enjoy your guest read- volved. In the event your download a pre-designed most popular of all activi- ers. (Did you make hats for principal has not heard of certificate and see a list of ties. There is something them, too?) Eat birthday the program, refer him or available items. powerful about a local po- cake, drink punch, and her to the web site, ➤ liceman, firefighter, mayor, Send information home to don’t forget to sing “Happy www.nea.org/readacross. radio personality, pastor, parents ahead of time, along Birthday” to Dr. Seuss. Read, ➤Look at your school’s high school quarterback, or with parent reading tips read, read. Have FUN! monthly calendar and de- grandmother sitting down cide on a date to celebrate. and sharing their love for The official day in 2005 is reading with your students. CD Features Celebrities Reading Wednesday, March 2. If this Be sure to ask your guests NEA’s Health Information Network is one of three charities that conflicts with an already to talk about why reading will benefit from sales of a recently released Arthur CD. Cele- scheduled event, feel free is important in their per- brity readers, including Clay Aiken, Kevin Bacon, and Daisy to choose a different day. sonal and professional Fuentes, deliver lively and amusing performances as they Some schools celebrate in lives, and about their fa- read nine Arthur stories. In addition to the stories you can the week before or after the vorite books when they hear on your audio CD player, this enhanced CD also includes actual date. Some schools were kids. After your event games, activities and educational materials you can access by expand it to a week-long is over, you might have inserting the CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive. celebration! Talk to your your students write thank- A majority of the proceeds from this first installment in a series— principal and check your you letters. Stories for Heroes—will benefit three charities: the National school calendar as early as ➤ Education Association’s Health Information Network (NEA If resources allow, make HIN), the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and possible to avoid any last- arrangements for a birth- minute problems. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. Visit www.storiesforheroes.com day cake. You might want for more information and to find out how to get your copy. ➤Please read about our copy- to have it decorated with

18 TSTA ADVOCATE Visit the redesigned neamb.com for exclusive benefits and services.

(Plus, enter to win our FREE giveaway to boot.) Check out the redesigned www.neamb.com Web Site today. Now it’s easier to find out about all of the great products and services, giveaways, and information available to NEA members. Log on to the Site today for: • Faster and easier navigation with better access to information • Tools & Tips section with many different financial calculators and a wealth of consumer information developed exclusively for members • Enhanced pages for Insurance, Financial Services and Member Discount Programs • Expanded Free for Members section featuring the popular monthly giveaway and other free member-only offers • Online account access, online quotes and more Visit www.neamb.com and register to win our monthly giveaway.

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WS481204

WINTER 2004 19 The 79th Session of the Legislature— Trouble Ahead?

ver the last decade, the life in the 21st century. disadvantaged students. Texas public schools The Texas Education Now is not the time to re- Legislators should continue Ohave made tremendous Agency (TEA) reports a treat from the gains that have progress. We have recodified steady improvement in student been made. Even in light of to support the educational the education code, restruc- test scores on increasingly rig- the financial constraints that needs of the children who tured Texas schools and re- orous standardized tests. Test the Legislature will face this represent the future of our vamped educational programs scores are up, and the most year, TSTA and the public state and the people who to better prepare students for dramatic gains have been for agree that legislators should teach them. college, the job market, and minority and economically continue to support the edu-

20 TSTA ADVOCATE cational needs of the children who represent the future of our state and the people who Get ready to rumble teach them. TSTA will be filing legislation and working with legislators to advance a pro-public As we move into the era of Texas Assessment of Knowl- education agenda in January, but we won’t be successful without your help. If edge and Skills (TAKS), the you haven’t signed up for the Briefing, please go to www.tsta.org and do so. We state budget crisis could have will be sending legislative alerts during the session when key issues are coming a dramatic effect on the three up for a vote. major areas that must be ad- dressed to continue such We also need your correct phone number and address. You can update that in- progress. The new TAKS test formation on our website. Most of all, we need you to take the time to stay in- is much harder than its pre- formed and call your elected officials at critical times during the session. decessor, the Texas Assess- ment of Academic Skills (TAAS); students will be for the legislature this year less than 40% of the cost for districts. Prior to the adop- tested on more subjects and should be to take the neces- current education programs, tion of those two landmark in greater depth than before sary steps to end the teacher an all-time low. With more pieces of legislation, local and there will be a more rig- shortage. than half of the school dis- school districts were allowed orous graduation standard. The average teacher salary tricts in the state at the maxi- flexibility in what they did or We must have the best pre- in Texas is more than $6,000 mum tax rate, the legislature did not provide to students pared teaching force in the below the national average. must act immediately to put and educational employees. history of the state if our We must have a significant more money into public edu- The dramatic increase in schools—and students—are across-the-board pass- cation. Otherwise, school dis- our test scores highlights the going to succeed. through pay raise. Attempts tricts across the state will success of those reforms. How- We enter this period of cri- to pit teachers against each have to drastically cut ser- ever, school boards and super- sis with a devastating short- other through merit or incen- vices and programs for stu- intendents immediately began age of certified teachers in tive pay schemes must be de- dents in order to balance a crusade to rid themselves of Texas. According to the latest feated. We can’t go another their budgets. minimum state standards by data from the State Board for two years without an across- We must have a stable, eq- declaring them unfunded Educator Certification, there the-board state pay raise. uitable, adequate funding sys- mandates and demanding a are 56,551 classrooms in the We must restore the $500 tem that can grow as our stu- return to the “good old days” state staffed by teachers who that we lost from the health dent population increases. of local control. In Texas’ are not certified to teach the insurance stipend in the last Funding based on incen- shared state/local-funding classes they have been as- session and move toward tives for performance will not system, it is impossible to de- signed to teach. For the first health insurance benefits for address the fact that we are fine an unfunded mandate. time in history, more new all educational employees not adequately funding our We cannot afford to grant teachers are coming from that are at least comparable to schools. We need a substan- local school districts addi- alternative certification pro- those provided to state tial increase in state funding tional flexibility in a way that grams than from traditional employees. for all schools. diminishes standards. certification programs. We Teachers need to have a Any new funding plan The legislature has a consti- witnessed an unprecedented meaningful voice in the im- must provide equitable fund- tutional responsibility to pro- 45% increase in retirements portant decisions that are ing for all students. vide a quality public educa- at the end of the 2003-2004 made at the campus and dis- Programs designed to di- tion system for all Texas schoolyear primarily due to trict level. Legislation that vert public tax dollars to pri- schoolchildren — a responsi- a change in the Social Secu- strengthens the site-based de- vate religious schools must be bility that can’t be different in rity law. Too many minority cision making process at the defeated. each of the 1,100 school dis- and economically disadvan- campus level and mandates With the reforms of HB 72 tricts. We must defeat any at- taged children have inappro- consultation at the district in 1984 and SB1 in 1995, the tempt by the legislature to priately certified teachers level is essential to giving state legislature adopted min- roll back the current stan- teaching them for a majority teachers a professional role in imum standards that guaran- dards that protect teachers’ of the day. the decision making process. teed certain programs would working conditions and stu- The first order of business This year, the state will pay be in place in all local school dents’ learning conditions.

WINTER 2004 21 up coming

Twenty-eight enthusiastic TSTA members who are ready to be more involved in the Association met in Austin last summer for the third annual TSTA/NEA Ambassador Academy. You can be part of the fourth graduating class! Ambassador Academy: the fourth class is forming!

f you want to gain knowledge NEA and TSTA trainers will implement the goals you Iof the Association, discover provide the weeklong train- develop during the Academy. more about yourself as an in- ing. NEA will provide train- You can download an ap- dividual, learn problem-solving ing in Personal Assessment plication at www.tsta.org skills, then utilize those skills Leadership Skills (PALS). Par- in the Upcoming Events in your local, apply to go to ticipants will focus on com- section or, if you would like the fourth annual TSTA/NEA munication, decision-making the application mailed to Ambassador Academy! and Association structure. your home, call TSTA and The Ambassador Academy, TSTA will give the partici- ask for Rosie Castillo. Please which is tentatively set for pants an opportunity to expe- email ([email protected]), fax June 6-10 this year, is in- rience the inner workings of (512-486-7043), or mail tended to attract members the state Association and a (Ambassador Academy, into active Association leader- chance to meet the staff at TSTA, 316 West 12th ship roles. You must have TSTA Headquarters. Street, Austin, TX 78701) worked in the public school You will develop a plan of the application, commit- system less than 10 years and action, which will enable you ment contract and letters of be willing to become an ac- tive leader. The Academy is to use your skills in your recommendation to TSTA intended for up-and-coming local association and employ- by April 25, 2005. new leaders. ment. This academy will give The Ambassador Com- you an opportunity to build mittee will review all appli- relationships as a Ambassador cations, and notification Ambassador Academy Reunion by networking with Ambassa- letters will be sent on May February 4-5, 2005 in Austin dors from across the state. Ul- 4, 2005. If you have any timately, you will be expected questions, please contact Call 877-ASK-TSTA to become an active leader in Mel Stubblefield or Rosie your local association and Castillo at 877-275-8782.

22 TSTA ADVOCATE Upcoming TSTA/NEA Events JANUARY 7-8 ...... “I Can Do It” training, Austin 8 ...... Legislative & Political Advocacy Committee, TSTA Headquarters 13-14 ...... NEA Western Region Minority Leadership Train- ing Seminar, Denver, CO 14-16 ...... NEA Western Regional Leadership Conference, Denver, CO 22 ...... Constitution, Bylaws and Elections Committee, TSTA Headquarters 28-30 ...... TSTA Board of Directors, TSTA Headquarters 31 ...... TSTA School Bell Award Nominations Deadline

FEBRUARY 1 ...... Deadline for Professional, Human and Civil Rights Awards 1 ...... Deadline for Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy/NEA Teaching Excellence Award 4-5 ...... Texas Future Teachers of America Convention, Radisson Hotel, Austin 4-5 ...... TSTA-Student Program Fall Meeting, Radisson Hotel, Austin 4-5 ...... Ambassador Academy Reunion

MARCH 2 ...... NEA’s Read Across America 4-6 ...... NEA Higher Education Conference, San Antonio 10-11 ...... TSTA-Retired State Convention, La Quinta Airport, Austin 11-13 ...... NEA ESP Conference, San Diego, CA

TSTA-RETIRED HOLDS TSTA-R NOMINATION FORM OFFICER ELECTIONS The positions of president Check box beside office this nomination is for: TSTA-Retired President TSTA-Retired Vice President and vice president of TSTA- QUALIFICATIONS: Must be an active member of TSTA-Retired and NEA-Retired Retired are open for nomina- Nominee’s name______tions. This is for a two-year pe- Address ______riod, beginning with the City ______State______Zip______2005-06 term. Home phone ______Work phone______Members may nominate themselves or other members I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the above information is true and correct. by filling out the nomination Nominee’s Signature ______form at right and returning it to TSTA-Retired, 316 West 12th Nominator’s name ______Street, Austin 78701. Com- Address ______pleted forms must be received City ______State______Zip______by 5 p.m., January 14, 2005. Home phone ______Work phone______Feel free to make additional copies of the form to nominate I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the above information is true and correct. for more than one office. Please Nominator’s Signature______remember that you must ob- Completed forms must be received by 5:00 p.m., January 14, 2005, at TSTA-Retired, tain written permission from 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701. your nominee (see form).

WINTER 2004 23 governance

126th Annual TSTA Convention April 14-17, 2005 • Renaissance Austin Hotel • Austin

he 2005 TSTA Annual about the House of Dele- the end of this article to make TConvention will be held at gates/Convention and/or your reservation. the Renaissance Austin Hotel items in this article. Infor- Housing (Arboretum area—Northwest mation about TSTA’s State A room block is being held Austin) on April 14-17, 2005. Convention meeting will be at the Renaissance Austin The TSTA Board of Directors located in the Upcoming Hotel. Reservations are to be will meet on April 14. All Events section of TSTA’s web made directly with the hotel. events will take place at the site at www.tsta.org. Please complete the lodging hotel with the House of Dele- We will be sending detailed form found at the end of this gates meeting being held in the information about the sched- article. March 25 is the dead- Grand Ballroom (Atrium level ule, transportation, and lodg- line for hotel reservations. of the hotel) on April 15-16. ing at a later date, but some After that date, rooms not re- If you are interested in be- items need to be touched on served in the TSTA block will ing a delegate, please contact in this article, even though be released and reservations your local president to get de- the convention is still months will be processed upon avail- tails on when and how away. One important item is ability. Please note: The hotel delegates are elected in the housing form. While we Regional and DOES NOT have to honor your local. Regional can mail a packet to folks the convention rate after presidents may cluster after they are elected covering Caucus Meetings March 25, 2005. members without a most information, the only Regions and Caucuses that local or in small locals way we have to get the Hotel Registration choose to use the hotel that choose not to Reservation Form to dele- Registration and certifica- meeting space to conduct elect a delegate. gates in time for them to meet tion of delegates will occur on business/meetings need to Call the Center for the deadline is to include it in the Atrium level of the hotel Executive and Gover- this article. If you are plan- on April 15-16. Exact times make arrangements through nance (800-324-5355 ning on being a delegate (or for registration will be posted the Organizing Center for or 877-ASK-TSTA, ex- think you might be), please on the TSTA web site closer Executive and Governance. tension 1510 or 1514) read the following paragraph to the Convention and will be if you have questions carefully and use the form at mailed to delegates. While

24 TSTA ADVOCATE any member is welcome to at- must be signed by your local be offered on Friday, April 15. from the hotel. Ground trans- tend the HoD and Conven- president. portation is available via Open Hearings tion, only those delegates SuperShuttle van service or Open hearings will be con- with proper badges are al- Professional Development via taxicab. Detailed informa- ducted Friday, April 15, on: lowed in the designated Workshops tion will be provided to the Proposed 2005-06 TSTA Bud- delegate section and voting Several workshops, includ- delegates, along with infor- get; Proposed Bylaws Amend- area. If you are an alternate ing professional development mation on discounted car ments; Proposed Legislative delegate moving to delegate workshops with continuing rentals available through Program; and Proposed NEA status, you will need to get education credits, are being TSTA/NEA Member Benefits. Resolutions. Other topics the card mailed to the dele- planned and will be offered The Renaissance Austin Hotel may be scheduled as well. gate you are replacing and during the convention on ed- provides complimentary self- bring it with you to the ucational and association is- Ground Transportation parking. Valet parking is avail- registration desk. The card sues. These workshops will The airport is 17.1 miles able at the cost of $12 a day. Make plans to attend the Summit for Local Presidents on Sunday, April 17, 9:00 a.m.

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM TSTA 126th Annual State Convention April 14-17, 2005 • Renaissance Austin Hotel • Austin

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION AND RETURN TO THE HOTEL BY MARCH 25, 2005. Check-in time for the hotel is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 1:00 p.m.

RENAISSANCE AUSTIN HOTEL Room Rate (TSTA Headquarters Hotel) ____Single room (1 person—1 bed)...... $129.00 9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, TX 78759 ____Double room (2 people—___1 bed, ___2 beds) ...... $129.00 Telephone: 512-343-2626 or 800-228-9290 ____Triple room (3 people—2 beds) ...... $149.00 FAX: 512-343-6364 ____Quad room (4 people—2 beds)...... $149.00

Cut-off date for ALL rooms and room rates is March 25, 2005. All rooms are subject to a 15% room tax.

I will arrive April ______, 2005 at ______(a.m./p.m.) and will depart April ______, 2005. Name: ______Mailing address: ______City: ______State:______Zip:______Day phone: ______Evening phone:______Email:______Fax:______

LIST ALL INDIVIDUALS PER ROOM (ONE NAME PER LINE) AND ACCOMMODATIONS DESIRED: Circle Circle Room TypeRoom No. 1 Room Type Room No. 2 Single 1. ______Single 1.______Double 2. ______Double 2.______Triple 3. ______Triple 3.______Quad 4. ______Quad 4.______

A deposit equal to the first night’s room rate per room is due three (3) weeks prior to arrival. Room deposit can be made by major credit cards or check and is refundable up to 48 hours prior to arrival. This will assure your reservation. Should cancellation be necessary, you must advise the hotel 48 hours prior to your arrival date. If the hotel is not advised, you will be responsible to pay for space held. Approved major credit card:______Credit card #: ______Exp. date:______Name in which credit card is issued: ______

WINTER 2004 25 Election of TSTA At-Large Board of Directors Members One of the “core values” for minorities to be elected as re- returned with the nomination education profession within TSTA is that certain groups gional presidents. Candidates form, but must be signed and the state at the time of election (minorities and ESPs) should will be notified prior to the returned before ballots are dis- ➤Have held Active, TSTA-R, be insured an appropriate voice State House of Delegates of the tributed and within the time- ESP, TFA, or any combination in the organization, while other at-large positions to be filled. line as stated in this article. of Active, ESP, TSTA-R and groups (administrators) should The TSTA Board of Directors Please make sure that the TFA or life membership in not be allowed to have influ- Policy EP-6 stipulates that all NOMINATION FORM with this TSTA for at least three (3) con- ence beyond their numbers. nomination forms must be Article is COMPLETELY filled secutive years preceding election TSTA has adopted Bylaws and mailed to TSTA by CERTI- out and SIGNED by the nomi- ➤Be actively employed as a policies to insure that the orga- FIED MAIL WITH RETURN nee. In order to comply with non-supervisory member and, nization operates in a way that RECEIPT REQUESTED, the approved election timeline, for the ESP position, be a reflects this value. FAXED, OR DELIVERED IN candidates will need to comply member in the ESP category Under the policies, we do a PERSON WITH A RECEIPT with the following timeline: ➤Maintain membership status calculation each year to deter- ISSUED BY TSTA BY THE ➤March 29 (Tuesday)—Nom- and educational position in mine what proportion of our DEADLINE ESTABLISHED ination Form postmark dead- TSTA during term of office membership is in each of those EACH YEAR IN THE ELEC- line if mailed by certified mail ➤Sign and return the form ac- three (3) categories, based on TION TIMELINE ADOPTED with return receipt requested cepting the responsibilities of a the May 31 membership num- BY THE BOARD OF DIREC- ➤March 31 (Thursday)— Board member bers. TSTA membership shows TORS as stated below. Nomi- Nomination Form receipt If mailing a nomination form, 23.09% of our members as eth- nation forms that are received deadline of 4:45 p.m. CST for send by certified mail with re- nic minorities, 14.3% as ESPs through the regular mail will filing by fax or in person turn receipt to TSTA's Center for ➤ and 3.49% as supervisory. With not be accepted and will be re- April 6 (Wednesday)— Executive and Governance, 316 a Board of 25 (President, Vice turned to the sender. Deadline for receipt of flyers to West 12th Street, Austin, Texas President, Regional Presidents, Based on TSTA’s Bylaws, be included in delegate packets 78701 or fax to 512-486-7053. ➤ NEA Directors from Texas), that TSTA will mail a packet detail- April 8 (Friday)—4:45 p.m. Hand delivered nomination means TSTA must have at least ing the responsibilities of a CDT deadline for receipt of forms must be received by the six (6) minorities and four (4) Board member to each person signed statement by candidate Center for Executive and Gov- ➤ ESPs, and one (1) supervisor. who files a nomination form. April 16 (Saturday)—Elec- ernance with a hand written re- TSTA will not know until The packet also will contain a tion to be held at the TSTA ceipt being issued. Questions after the regions complete their form the candidate must sign State House of Delegates regarding the election are to be ➤ elections at the regional houses and return stating the candi- April 16 (Saturday)—Runoff directed to the Center for Exec- of delegates whether or not date has read the packet and Election (if necessary) at the utive and Governance by call- TSTA will need to have at-large will accept the responsibilities TSTA State House of Delegates ing 877-ASK-TSTA, ext. 1514 elections for minority and/or if elected. The candidate state- Qualifications: or 1510, or emailing sandras@ ESP Board members. However, ment form does not have to be ➤Be actively engaged in the tsta.org or [email protected]. in order to be prepared, TSTA must seek nominations now. NOMINATION FORM The elections (if necessary) will be held at the 2005 House of TSTA Board of Directors Ethnic Minority or Educational Support At-Large Position Delegates on April 16. The per- † I am applying for an ethnic minority position and certify that I am a non-supervisory member of TSTA. sons elected will serve July 15, † I am applying for an educational support position and certify that I am a non-supervisory member of TSTA. 2005 through July 14, 2007. (Circle One: Mr. Ms.) Name ______TSTA currently has two (2) Address______ESP at-large Board members and City ______State______Zip______one (1) ESP serving as a regional Home Phone______Day Phone ______president; all three (3) of those Email ______Social Security No.______terms expire. If no ESP is Local Association______TSTA Region______Work Site ______elected as a regional president, Position ______School District______then TSTA would have to elect four (4) at-large ESP members. ETHNIC GROUP: (Please Check) If four (4) or more ESPs are † American Indian/Alaska Native † Black † Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander † Multiple Ethnic † Asian † Hispanic † Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin) Minority Groups elected as regional presidents, † Other Ethnic Minority Group (please specify) ______then there would be no need When mailing by certified mail, the nomination form must be postmarked on or before March 29 with return receipt requested. Mail to: TSTA, Center for for an ESP at-large election. At Executive and Governance, 316 West 12th Street, Suite 510, Austin, Texas 78701 this point, there are four (4) If faxing or delivering in person, the nomination form must be received on March 31 by 4:45 p.m. CST by TSTA’s Center for Executive and Governance with a minority Board members whose return receipt being issued. Fax to 512-486-7053 or hand deliver to Suite 510 at TSTA Headquarters, 316 West 12th Street in Austin. terms continue for another Signature of Nominee ______year; so we would need two (2)

26 TSTA ADVOCATE If Learning is a Lifelong Process, then Traveling with Collette Vacations is your Ticket to New Discoveries

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To Save the Most Money ($$$) Shop with TSTA’s Preferred Dealer Network AMARILLO Toyota of Irving 713-686-7777 [email protected] Street Toyota 972-258-1200 Kerry Marsh [email protected] 806-355-9846 Bill Vaughn, Mike Barnhart [email protected] Mike Goode [email protected] SAN ANTONIO Davis Chevrolet Cavender Toyota AUSTIN Volvo of Dallas 713-291-3678 210-681-6601 Charles Maund Toyota 972-428-1200 Larry Davis, Al Flores Jim Dames, Gary Holdgraf, Mike Buffbarger 512-458-2222 Ned Fardeecey [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bill Kipfer Enterprise Car Sales [email protected] DAYTON Fincher’s Texas Best Auto & Truck Sales 210-646-0673 David McDavid Acura of Austin Liberty Dayton-Chrysler 281-931-3900 Ernesto Cantu, Milan Hulek, Jaime McCord 888- 4 My Acura 936-336-8841, 1-800-833-8841 Brad Walters [email protected] Doug Abrams David Leonard [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Fred Haas Toyota Country [email protected] EL PASO 281-357-4000 Koepp Chevrolet ARLINGTON Buddy Hadley Binder’s Motorplex Crawford Imports: Suzuki, Subaru 830-252-8000 915-595-1777 832-282-9976 Cell Tim Hicks 817-277-7707 [email protected] Tom Binder Randy Smith [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Goodson Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Jeep The Dodge Superstore Crawford Auto Plaza: Buick, GMC, 832-601-4000 Hiley Mazda VW 210-253-3030 Pontiac David Froeschl 817-575-6000 Scot Carl, Alan Gwin 915-778-7781 [email protected] Brad Nutt (VW), Hurdie Burk (M) [email protected] Agustin Vasquez [email protected] JASPER [email protected] SAN MARCOS [email protected] Allison Chevrolet 409-384-4693 Cecil Atkission GMC, Pontiac FORT WORTH 512-392-4300 BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION Five Star Ford Russell Duplantis Tom Light Chevrolet [email protected] Kevin Lutz 817-498-8838 [email protected] 979-776-7000 David Deger, Reid Harmon Jasper Ford Lincoln Mercury Bubba Dickson [email protected] 409-384-3411 SHERMAN/DENISON [email protected] [email protected] Joe Griggs Holiday Chevrolet 903-564-3551 CORPUS CHRISTI Frank Kent: Cadillac, GMC, Honda, [email protected] Ronny Gregory EH Green Motors: Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac KILLEEN [email protected] 361-368-3511 817-696-4000 Patriot: Pontiac, Buick, GMC Ed Green Bill Barnes, Joe Snelus, Roger Doyle 254-690-7000 SULPHUR SPRINGS [email protected] Rodney Truett, Andrea Womack Gober Merrell: Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, DALLAS [email protected] Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Autoflex Leasing Park Place: Lexus - Grapevine [email protected] 903-885-9521 972-234-1234 817-416-3100 Terry Blount Hubert Little (Dallas) Dorian Jimenez, Tripp Steele LAKE JACKSON [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Gulf Coast Nissan-Toyota John Housel (Tarrant) [email protected] 713-422-7200 SWEETWATER [email protected] Thornhill Nissan Corry Peacock Toliver Auto: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, [email protected] Crest Cadillac, Infiniti, Isuzu, Oldsmobile 817-560-9000 GMC, Pontiac 972-578-7511 Gary Harrell LEWISVILLE 915-235-4384 Rob Laughon [email protected] Ford Country of Lewisville George Walker [email protected] Vandergriff Honda 972-221-2900 [email protected] 817-275-3371 Friendly Chevrolet Bill Letts TERRELL-KAUFMAN John Shumaker, Mike Allen 214-920-1900 [email protected] Randall Noe: Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, [email protected] Bud Heldendrand Lewisville VW Plymouth, Mercury Rodney Alexander HARLINGEN 972-538-0700 972-524-3775 [email protected] Bert Ogden Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth Kevin Bedford Craig Baker [email protected] [email protected] North Texas Motorcars Sales 956-423-5555 214-398-1902 Ray Crum LUBBOCK Randall Noe: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile Greg Parks [email protected] Gene Messer Toyota 972-932-2195 [email protected] HILLSBORO 806-748-4800 Faron Young Johnny Romero Hillsboro Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Charlie Hopkins [email protected] [email protected] Dodge, Jeep [email protected] Wylie Musser: Buick, Pontiac, GMC Trucks Park Place: Mercedes, Porsche 254-582-2525 MCALLEN 972-524-7827 888-837-6089 Bruce Glascock Bert Ogden: BMW, Nissan Perry Stovall Steve Lagerstrom [email protected] 956-631-6666 [email protected] David Flores Direct 214-443-8223 HOUSTON VICTORIA [email protected] Chastang’s Bayou City Ford [email protected] Atzenhoffer: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Mazda, Subaru of Dallas 713-678-5045 PLANO Mitsubishi 214-526-5555 Patrick Chastang Park Place: Lexus 361-578-0181 Dave Thomas [email protected] 972-407-7000 Leesa Brown [email protected] Courtesy Chevrolet Troy Tucker, Tim Tolson [email protected] Nominate your media for a School Bell Award! Community interpretation of issues af- receive forms and instruc- at the TSTA Organizing Cen- understanding fecting public schools in tions to submit entries in the ter for Communications and and sup- our state. various classifications and Public Relations, 316 West port for TSTA takes pride in categories listed below. 12th Street, Austin, Texas public edu- sponsoring the annual Texas Entries must have been 78701. First place winners in cation have been significantly School Bell Awards compe- aired or published Jan. 1 each category will receive advanced by Texas newspa- tition to recognize these through Dec. 31, 2004 and prestigious School Bell tro- pers and local radio and tele- outstanding contributions. must be received no later phies to be awarded at the vision stations through their Local associations will than midnight, Jan. 31, 2005 2005 TSTA convention.

CLASSIFICATIONS

NEWSPAPERS D. Magazine A. Dailies † 1. Monthly † 1.Circulation...... over 100,000 † 2. Weekly † 2.Circulation ...... 99,999-50,000 † 3.Circulation ...... 49,999-25,000 RADIO † 4.Circulation ...... under 25,000 † A. County population ...... over 100,000 __ Metro or Suburban Market __ Medium or Small Market † B. County population ...... 99,999-25,000 † 5.Political Cartoon † C. County population ...... 24,999-10,000 B. Semiweekly † D. County population ...... under 10,000 † 1.Metropolitan or Suburban Market † 2.Medium or Small Market TELEVISION C. Weekly † A. Metropolitan Market † 1.Metropolitan or Suburban Market † B. Other: ______† 2.Medium or Small Market † C. Special Consideration

NOTE: Television Metropolitan Market includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Austin and Corpus Christi. All other stations will compete in the second classification.

CATEGORIES

PRINT MEDIA † 10. Outstanding magazine article featuring stories interpreting † 1. Outstanding continuous coverage of education news, school programs and education issues increasing public understanding of school achievements, † 11. Outstanding political cartoon problems and programs † 12. Special consideration † 2. Outstanding feature story interpreting school programs and Description:______education issues † 3. Outstanding collection of feature stories or a single topic † RADIO † TELEVISION interpreting school programs and education issues † 4. Outstanding feature series interpreting school programs and † 1. Outstanding continuous coverage of education issues and education issues events † 5. Outstanding editorial interpreting school achievements, † 2. Outstanding locally produced single program interpreting issues, and needs school programs or education issues † 6. Outstanding collection of editorials interpreting school † 3. Outstanding locally produced program series interpreting achievements, issues, and needs school programs or education issues † 7. Outstanding continuing column interpreting school pro- † 4. Outstanding station editorial interpreting school achieve- grams and education issues ments, issues and needs † 8. Outstanding special supplement featuring special events † 5. Outstanding collection of station editorials interpreting and educational programs school achievements, issues and needs † 9. Outstanding regular supplement featuring special events † 6. Special consideration and educational programs Description______

30 TSTA ADVOCATE TSTA/NEA Texas State Teachers Association/National Education Association 877-ASK-TSTA • www.tsta.org

2004-05 ENROLLMENT FORM

Please return this completed form to your Association Representative or mail to TSTA Membership Department, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-9516. If you have questions, call 877-ASK-TSTA or email asktsta.org.

NAME SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER DATE OF BIRTH

ADDRESS LOCAL ASSOCIATION HIRE DATE

CITY STATE ZIP NAME OF ISD

EMAIL AT HOME CAMPUS/WORKSITE

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

ETHNICITY † American Indian/Alaska Native † Hispanic AREA CODE HOME PHONE AREA CODE WORK PHONE † Asian † Caucasian (not of Spanish Origin) † Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander † Unknown † Black ✔ ANNUAL DUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS AMOUNT Ethnicity information is optional and failure to provide it will in no way affect your membership status, rights or benefits in NEA, TSTA or any of their affiliates.This information will be kept confidential. 1. Professional Dues—TSTA/NEA (Active) $377.00 Professional Dues—New to the profession $257.00 METHOD OF PAYMENT 2. Substitute Dues—Full-time $278.25 _____1 Cash/Check _____ 2 Payroll Deduction Authorization (below) Substitute Dues—Part-time $135.00 I hereby authorize the______School 3. Educational Support Dues—Full-time $196.50 District to deduct the total amount of the annual obligation as set by the appropri- ate Association governance bodies in ______equal payments in order to pay Educational Support Dues—Part-time $101.00 my dues to the professional associations and organizations listed and for political action contributions indicated. The authorization will continue in effect for this 4. NEA Fund for Children and Public Education school year and future years, including any increase that may occur, until I give (suggested amount $15.00) written notice to the local by September 15 to revoke. I further authorize any un- paid annual balance to be deducted from my final check. The Local Association 5. TSTA-PAC (see disclaimer below) $ 9.00 will notify School District officials of the annual dues amounts for all levels of the Association each year. 6. Region Dues

7. Local Association Dues _____ Please check if you would like to receive TSTA’s electronic newsletter, the TSTA Briefing, which is distributed by email at least once a week. TOTAL Send to: † home email address † work email address

DISCLAIMER: The TSTA Political Action Committee (TSTA-PAC) and National Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education collect voluntary contributions from Association members and use these contributions for political purposes, including, but not limited to, making contributions to and expenditures on behalf of friends of public education who are candidates for federal office. Contribu- tions to TSTA-PAC and The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education are voluntary; making a contribution is neither a condition of employment nor membership in the Association, and members have the right to refuse to contribute without suffering any reprisal. Although the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education requests an annual contribution of $15, this is only a suggestion. A member may contribute more or less than the suggested amount, or may contribute nothing at all, without it affecting his or her membership status, rights, or benefits in NEA or any of its affiliates. Contributions or gifts to The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, TSTA-PAC and local PACs are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year. Federal law prohibits The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education from receiving donations from persons other than members of NEA and its affiliates, and their immediate families. All donations from persons other than members of NEA and its affiliates, and their immediate families, will be returned forthwith. “I decline to contribute to TSTA-PAC and I understand this will not in any way affect my membership status or rights.” ______INITIAL

Annual membership dues to NEA include $4.55 for NEA Today, $2.50 for NEA-Retired and/or $17.00 for the Higher Education publications. The NEA publication(s) received Former student member? by members are based on membership category. Annual membership dues to TSTA include subscription to the TSTA Advocate. Membership is open only to those who agree to subscribe to the goals and objectives of the Association and to abide by its constitution and bylaws. ______YES ______NO

MEMBER SIGNATURE DATE LOCAL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

WINTER 2004 31 Congratulations!

TSTA Member Gloria Voutos TSTA Member Sherry Lindemann

Please share this copy of the Advocate with others Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Texas State Teachers Association PAID 316 West 12th Street Texas State Austin, Texas 78701 Teachers Assoc.