Edventurists Attack! A Look at Efforts to Privatize Public Schools Since 1997 page 3

Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION October 2012  Vol. 44, No. 3  www.teateachers.org

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“I Survived Saddam” page 4 Edventurists on Track to Privatize Public Schools teach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is pub- Speaking out with you lished in August, September, October, Nov/Dec, Schools follow private prisons, hospitals in profit-seeking schemes Jan/Feb, March/April, and May by the Tennessee By Gene Bryant Michael Podgursky, an economist with the Gera Summerford, President Al Mance, Executive Director Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodical postage Just over 15 years ago as an editor for TEA, I University of Missouri, addressed investors’ concerns. paid at Nashville, TN. The subscription price of $3.65 is allocated from annual membership dues of $258.00 for monitored a conference in Nashville— “ED-ventures He said if entrepreneurs can gain control of public active members; $129.00 for associate, education We Know What’s Best for Students. Let’s Vote! Our Votes Determine Our Freedoms, support and staff members; $16.00 for retired mem- ‘97” —where strategists outlined an ambitious plan schools, they will be able to wring profits from them bers; and $10.00 for student members. Member of to “break up the public school monopoly” and turn by reducing personnel (increasing class sizes) and On a recent Saturday, I joined my fellow TEA members to Quality of Life. Vote for Education in 2012. State Education Editors (SEE). education into a profit-making industry. The brashness phasing out career teachers with younger, cheaper, “canvas” some neighborhoods on behalf of a Tennessee state Whatever successes the public schools of Tennessee experience Postmaster: Send address changes to teach, I observed stunned me. non-certified instructors with reduced benefits. senator’s re-election campaign. We carried a list of registered are due largely to what happens in classrooms between teachers and 801 Second Avenue North, Someone had sent me a brochure announcing ‘There is no question in my mind that the private voters and knocked only on doors of residents likely to vote. Nashville, TN 37201-1099. students every day. Teachers are the largest educated group in every MANAGING EDITOR: Alexei Smirnov this conference. I mailed in a $170 personal check sector can do it cheaper,” Podgursky said. “In private The people we met in the neighborhood were generally friendly voting district in the state, and the moral leaders of the drive for a [email protected] for registration and received, much to my surprise, a schools, teachers don’t stay around long, and that ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Carol K. Schmoock and receptive as we encouraged them to vote and to support the quality education for all. We have an ethical and moral responsibility PUBLISHER: Alphonso C. Mance nametag that allowed my admission to the conference. keeps costs down.” incumbent senator. Where no one answered to help elect people to office who respect I was not an active participant, but I took notes and He added: “Let teachers prove themselves in the Tennessee Education Association prepared a report for TEA News. marketplace and stop hiding behind credentials. the door, we simply left a brochure to share teachers and are dedicated to a quality public 801 Second Avenue North Nashville, TN 37201-1099 As I look back at the last 15 years and review Certification is not protecting the public from some candidate information. Since that day education for all boys and girls. Telephone: (615)242-8392, that report, I am astounded with how much of the incompetent teachers. Let school managers decide who I’ve also made phone calls for two other The Constitution of the State of Tennessee, Toll Free: (800)342-8367, (800)342-8262 Fax: (615)259-4581 privatizing agenda has been achieved. The profiteers can and cannot teach.” Article XI, Section 12, declares: “The state Website: www.teateachers.org campaigns. Although there were many “no may not have fulfilled their goal of creating a Mike Ronan, chief operating officer of the of Tennessee recognizes the inherent value answer” calls, the ones who did answer the BOARD OF DIRECTORS lucrative industry, but they finally have in Tennessee a Alternative Public Schools, an EMO founded by a group phone were congenial and responsive. For one of education and encourages its support. PRESIDENT: Gera Summerford* (800)342-8367 legislature and administration siding with them. of Nashville businessmen and operating at that time VICE PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (901)353-8590 local campaign, the people called are known The General Assembly shall provide for the SECRETARY-TREASURER: Alphonso C. Mance (615)242-8392 At this 1997 gathering of about 200, education in a few school districts outside Tennessee, said his maintenance, support and eligibility standards of DISTRICT 1 Leisa Lusk* (423)928-6819 entrepreneurs attempted to convince potential company had been able to cut back considerably on Also present was Mary Turner, managing director of supporters of the candidate. I was simply DISTRICT 2 Lauren McCarty (865)385-5220 reminding them of voting dates and asking if a system of free public school.” DISTRICT 3 Karen Starr (423)628-2701 investors that market-driven education has the the cost of teachers because it was able to set salaries the now-defunct Wall Street investment firm Lehman Two movements that undermine the state’s capacity to carry out DISTRICT 4 Tanya Coats* (865)637-7494 potential of producing hefty returns. “With sufficient independent of collective bargaining. Brothers that raised start-up capital for the Nashville- they’re willing to place a sign in their yard. DISTRICT 5 Michael Plumley (423)749-8228 DISTRICT 6 Scott Price (931)455-7198 capital,” declared Denis Doyle, a senior fellow with the Joe Murphy, an education professor at Peabody based Hospital Corporation of America. Turner said In each case, I committed only about two hours of my time, its constitutional mandate are receiving favorable attention in state DISTRICT 7 Allen Nichols* (615)653-6501 pro-privatization Hudson Institute, skilled business College at Vanderbilt University and author of the many of her clients viewed Tennessee as privatization- and the phone calls could be made from the privacy of my home. government: charter schools and education vouchers. One allows DISTRICT 8 Kawanda Braxton (615)554-6286 groups of citizens to write a proposal or “charter” to establish and DISTRICT 9 Theresa L. Wagner (270)776-1467 leaders will be able “to bring down the Berlin wall of book Privatization of Education, said public school friendly and were ready to invest in EMOs if the state I figure it’s the least I can do to help elect candidates who truly DISTRICT 10 Guy Stanley (615)384-2983 monopoly.” teachers with their union legislature ever cleared the way for them. operate a tax-funded school for specific groups of students. The DISTRICT 11 Wendy R. Bowers (731)645-8595 support public education. DISTRICT 12 Suzie May (731)779-9329 The businesses leverage make money Lisa Keegan, Arizona’s superintendent of second, education vouchers, gives tax-paid vouchers to parents to While most candidates for public office claim to support DISTRICT 13 Ernestine King (901)590-8188 represented included “They’re in it to make money. They off government schools. instruction, said school vouchers are the best vehicle send their sons and daughters to a parochial or private school of their DISTRICT 14 Sarah Kennedy-Harper (901)416-4582 children’s education, we know that some of them have ideas for DISTRICT 15 Tom Emens (901)277-0578 education management “Teachers make a lot for breaking up “the monopoly.” But Turner of Lehman choice. The funds for these initiatives come from state aid and local ADMINISTRATOR EAST Johnny Henry (865)509-4829 want to multiply dollars. They want reforming schools that don’t agree with what educators know is organizations (EMOs), of money selling their Brothers said vouchers had become politically toxic, funding for students in the public schools where the students live. ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Julie Hopkins best. (615)569-5742 charter school operators, to become zillionaires.” services,” he declared. especially with Democrats. “We try not to use the The vouchers will not cover the tuition for any of the more reputable ADMINISTRATOR WEST Charles Green (901)624-6186 management consultants Under a privatized v-word on Wall Street,” she said. When we look back at the 107th General Assembly’s actions HIGHER EDUCATION Clinton Smith (731)881-7167 private schools. In fact, parents will be fortunate if it covers half the BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Paula Hancock (including “union busters”) system, Murphy pointed There was general agreement that “school choice” for reforming public education, we can’t ignore the importance of Todd Parchman, Vaughn Co. tuition. The reality is that both movements are destructive. (865)694-1691 and testing and data out, a different set of is the appealing phrase to ride to privatization and electing new representatives this year. We can’t forget that some BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Kenneth Martin during 1997 ED-Ventures Conference Who will use vouchers and what will the resulting schools be like? (615)876-1948 processing firms. The people would be reaping that charter schools should be branded as “public” legislators apparently believe that ending negotiations, reducing BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST LaVerne Dickerson These schools will be attended by students whose families can afford big push was for charter benefits. Under the current schools, even though they are privately operated, educators’ due process rights, and removing TEA representatives (901)416-7122 them and who already receive a quality education in public schools. STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Vacancy schools—both for-profit charters and “nonprofit” system, professional educators are making the money, increasingly for profit. “The concept of choice—of from the retirement Board of Trustees can actually improve ESP Christine Denton (931)647-8962 charters that allow for-profit management. They said Murphy, who predicted that situation will change choosing a school—is becoming an American Some will be students already attending private schools. Students TN NEA DIRECTOR Melanie Buchanan (615)305-2214 teaching. We can’t deny the need for extraordinary effort to elect TN NEA DIRECTOR Diccie Smith (901)482-0627 from families for whom education is a priority, and who believe they viewed the emerging charter school movement as an as public school management shifts from school boards platform,” said John McLaughlin, publisher of a school people in 2012 who will actually listen to teachers. TN NEA DIRECTOR Diane Lillard* (423)478-8827 exploitable bonanza. (Tennessee had not instituted to EMOs and as more schooling shifts from government privatization newsletter. cannot get the desired education in their current situation, may STEA MEMBER Marilauren Anderson (731)478-5106 TN RETIRED Gerald Lillard (423)478-8827 charters at that time.) to the free market. “Government imperfection is seen The sentiment also seemed to be, from a strategic When the new Legislature convenes in January, what can we attend such schools. Others for whom certain elitism and social NEW TEACHER Candra Clariette (615)506-3493 There was, however, ample skepticism that a as greater than market imperfection,” he said. “There standpoint, that the privatization push should begin expect for public education in our state? Will they try to increase philosophies are priorities are also likely to attend. * Executive Committee class size? Change our fiscally solid retirement system? Institute taxpayer-supported industry can deliver significant is a rampant discontent with government.” in vulnerable urban areas, where public schools are Most Tennesseans will continue to attend true public schools and TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF private gain. Mike Sandler, founder of Education Repeatedly, speakers criticized the National perceived as failing. Turner said these embattled public merit pay for teachers or tie teacher pay to student test scores? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Alphonso C. Mance; ASST. EXECUTIVE will have a better chance of receiving a quality education than similar DIRECTOR, Terrance Gibson ; Mitchell Johnson; Carol K. Ventures in Boston, acknowledged that many venture Education Association and its state and local affiliates schools were “ripe” for takeover. Plans are underway to legalize vouchers so taxpayer funds can students in charter and private schools. Several reputable research Schmoock; TEA GENERAL COUNSEL; Rick Colbert; MANAGER capitalists are not convinced that privatizers “will ever as staunch defenders of “government schools” and a The conference ended with a session led by OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS: Stephanie Faulkner; INFORMATION be used to support private schools. How would that improve studies support this conclusion. TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS MANAGER, Galen Riggs; MANAGER OF be able to pull it off.” huge stumbling block to privatization. David Kilpatrick of the “Coalition of Independent opportunities for all children? Can we expect more charter schools LEGAL SERVICES: Steve McCourt; STAFF ATTORNEYS: Katherine Sandler said he, personally, was more optimistic Joy N’Daou of SABIS International, an EMO and Education Associations.” He introduced edventurists Equally as important as public taxes being redirected to fund Curlee, Virginia A. McCoy; MANAGER OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: and parent triggers? How does that align with local decision- private education, these students will miss the experience of being Jerry Winters; GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR: than many of his clients. “I see a lot of growth consulting firm, said teacher unions are a major to acquiescing “professional” educator groups, Antoinette Lee; WEB MASTER & COMMUNICATIONS opportunity,” he said. “This is a very exciting industry. impediment to market-driven schools. “Teacher unions with cheaper dues, that serve to weaken NEA and its making for public schools? a part of the institution that, more than any other, Americanizes COORDINATOR: Amanda Chaney; MANAGING EDITOR & If you believe as I do, that those closest to children know citizens and advances national unity, understanding and equality. COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Alexei Smirnov; RESEARCH We’re right in the middle of it.” hate us,” she said. affiliates by siphoning off members. & INFORMATION COORDINATOR: Melissa Brown; INSTRUCTION Todd Parchman of the Vaughn Company, an Although the conference was held in Nashville, Doug Rogers, executive director of the Association what’s best for them, that local educators working with Neither charter nor private schools are run by local Boards of & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Susan Dalton, Vacancy; COORDINATOR OF MEMBERSHIP & AFFILIATE RELATIONS: investment firm in Baltimore, said he was finding a participants acknowledged that Tennessee was not of Texas Professional Educators, accompanied by a few community leaders will make the best decisions for students, Education elected by the citizens. Schools receiving vouchers will Duran Williams. limited number of big investors who were willing to risk politically ready for privatization, primarily because Professional Educators of Tennessee (PET) members, and that public funding should support only our local public be neither free nor approved by local school boards. The teachers capital on this type of speculative enterprise but the of TEA’s influence with the state legislature. They said his organization supports both public schools and schools, I hope you’ll join me in a commitment to change the state employed to teach in these schools are not public employees and UniServ Staff contact information can be found on page 12 or by scannig number was growing. cited many impediments—collective bargaining, union private alternatives. He said he believes competition legislature this year. No one can do everything, but everyone can resign at an average rate of nearly 34 percent per year. the Quick Response code below. Parchman said his clients were accustomed to “big, contracts, teacher tenure, seniority rights, teacher will be good for public education in the same way UPS do something, and every effort makes a difference. If you believe in a high quality public education for every blockbuster returns” on their investments. “Most want certification, class-size limits, etc. —that would need and other private carriers have been good for the U.S. On November 7, let’s all be able to say we did our best to elect Tennessee student—if you believe it matters who gets to propose to quadruple their money in three years. They’re in it to to be relaxed or repealed through legislation. On the Postal Service. education-friendly representatives in Tennessee. and vote on the laws, rules and regulations that limit your living make money. They want to multiply dollars. They want other hand, they noted, privatization of prisons and This conference was hosted by APS, the EMO I’m working on it! conditions—then you must go to the polls and elect those who believe to become zillionaires.” hospitals began in Tennessee. founded by Nashville investors Bill DeLoache and in supporting public education and who respect teachers. Continued on page 11 For Tennessee’s future, you count. 2 October 2012 3 www.teateachers.org Springfield“I’m LuckyMiddle School teacher to preparesBe Alive”to cast her first vote as U.S. citizen “The newcomers are the most challenging, because some of them can barely speak, but I love working with them,” she says. “I get to use the total physical response method and other techniques.” While teaching English, Sadik always tries to encourage her students to keep their native language as a foundation for all future learning. This is a field where Sadik would like to pursue a PhD. She is constantly thinking of the next step, having accomplished much

by the time she turned 30. Scan to watch Obama vs. Romney comparison video “My passion is learning languages and learning about Election 2012 people from different cultures because we are all people in the end,” Sadik says. “Conflicts stem from differences, but our human characteristics are the same.” To realize that, one has to look no further than Sadik’s classroom, where in a span of one hour she manages to work with students from Guatemala, Mexico and Yemen. You Decide: Barack Obama & Joe Biden or Mitt Romney & Paul Ryan? When she says she’s lucky to be alive, Sadik is reminded of • President Obama believes a good education is an economic necessity • Obama prevented more than 400,000 teacher layoffs that would’ve the buzzing sound that was imprinted in her memory as a mine for everyone and a key part of creating an economy built to last. The Obama increased class sizes. He’s urging Congress to prevent 325,000 more, which exploded when she and her friends played in a field. One of her Administration fought to save the jobs of educators and support professionals would accelerate the recovery and keep classrooms from getting even more friends was wounded, another one died. This sound is always across the country, protecting over 450,000 jobs in total from layoffs and crowded. Rozhan Sadik (third from left), Robertson Co. EA member, with her ELL students at with her. keeping class sizes small. Springfield Middle School in Ashland City. On the cover: Sadik explains conjunctions and • President Obama doubled our investment in scholarships and In Massachusetts, Governor Romney made cuts that led to teacher layoffs interjections to Merlin Morales in September. Even when she describes the atrocities and hardships that no child or parent deserves to experience, Sadik exudes financial aid so middle-class and working-class families can achieve the dream and higher college costs while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest. He’ll do Rozhan Sadik calls her father a hero because he disobeyed such optimism and vitality that could be the envy of fellow of a college education. He’s spurring reform across the country and helping that again if he’s elected President. Rozhan’s Kurdish Rice Kubeh the law by reading to her and her brother in Kurdish as they hid Tennesseans with peaceful and bucolic upbringings. millions of students pay for college. • Romney forced Massachusetts schools to take the second-largest Ingredients • Romney and Ryan would cut teachers’ jobs and college scholarships percentage cuts in the country, which led to teacher layoffs. That was during Dough in mud huts of northern Iraq, on the run from Saddam Hussein’s This November, Sadik and her husband Murad will vote 2 cups rice bombing raids. When she was four, Sadik remembers being in the general election for the first time since becoming U.S. so they can give tax breaks to millionaires like Romney, just like Romney did in his first year in office. ½ cup flour awakened by her parents and prompted to pack up and run for Massachusetts. • Romney also made deep budget cuts to higher education and slashed ½ tsp turmeric citizens last year. 3 cups water another village, almost every night for two years. “We didn’t have the right to vote back home during Saddam President Obama believes better education is critical to creating an financial aid that could’ve helped lower-income students cover the higher Filling It was freezing cold, but sometimes there wasn’t a tent in Hussein’s regime,” she says. “It’s an amazing opportunity. economy built to last, keeping America competitive and growing our economy costs. ½ lb ground beef sight, so she had to sleep in oversized trash bags. When the People should vote. After the regime collapsed in Iraq, I could from the middle class out. • By the time Romney left office, college costs had skyrocketed. Fees 2 chopped onions • He’s offering relief from No Child Left Behind’s top-down mandates at state colleges and universities had gone up 63 percent while tuition at ½ tsp paprika refugees were lucky to hide in houses made of mud, families dug vote. But this is my first time voting in the United States.” ½ tsp black pepper holes in the ground for more protection from helicopters that Sadik is just as elated when she describes her citizenship so states can use local solutions to improve schools and prepare students for Massachusetts’ public colleges and community colleges had risen above the 4 tbsp canola oil searched for their targets. ceremony at the U.S. Middle District Court in Nashville. success. national average. Some parsley • His college tax credit has helped more than 9 million students and Romney wants to cut taxes for millionaires but says we don’t need more Frying oil Twenty-four years later, Sadik is raising her own “It was an amazing feeling. If you live and work here, it’s an Directions daughter, Karez, and teaching English to immigrant children honor to become a U.S. citizen. It was a very smooth process. families pay for college. He took on big banks and cut out the middlemen to teachers. The top-down Romney-Ryan plan cuts critical investments and Dough at Springfield Middle School in Ashland City. She studied We drove to interviews in Memphis. They gave us the study reform student loans, using the savings to double our investment in Pell Grant reforms when students need them most to help pay for budget-busting tax Soak the rice for two hours and drain. to become an English teacher in Kurdistan after the fall of scholarships. That’s helping millions of students pay for college and repay breaks to millionaires and billionaires. Mix the rice, the turmeric and the guide with 100 questions about the history, geography and water, bring to boil. Saddam’s regime, and came to the United States in 2006 at government of the United States.” their student loans. Lower heat to medium and cook for the invitation of her sister-in-law who had won a Green Card “My principal, Dr. Morris, was there even before us, with 15 minutes until rice is soft and lottery. water is absorbed. his camera,” Sadik says. “I cried because he reminded me of my Using Our Voice to Elect Friends of Public Education Sprinkle flour over the rice and set At the invitation of her principal, Sadik speaks to dad. A person from a different culture who loves you for who through their locally affiliated FCPE unit—to give input into the aside to cool down. Springfield Middle students and faculty about her childhood. you are. It was wonderful to have him there. It was amazing to How Do Candidates Receive the TEA and Association’s candidate recommendation process at every level. Filling “It was hard for me to talk about these things at first, but Fry the onion to golden color. take the Pledge of Allegiance. I saw the greatness of America. NEA Fund Recommendations? Recommendations are based on candidate support for, and Add the beef, paprika and black I realized that I can influence my students in a positive way,” It’s a unique country and it has an open heart. Everybody can fit The federal and state candidates presented in this special section are commitment to, education issues supported by the Association. Our pepper, mix and fry for 10-15 she says, sitting in her beautifully decorated classroom at the in, if you’re willing and accepting.” minutes, turn off heat and set aside true friends of public education. They are recommended by both the TEA inclusive, transparent, bi-partisan recommendation process starts with end of September. Nearby, Diana Diaz, one of Sadik’s English Sadik saw the importance of joining Robertson County EA to cool down. and NEA Funds for Children and Public Education (TEA-FCPE and NEA-FCPE). our members at the grassroots, not from the top. The determining factor Language Learners, works through a Rosetta Stone course as soon as she began teaching three years ago. She wishes she Knead the dough until smooth. The candidate recommendation process for national office includes always is the candidate’s support for education, not his or her party label. Make dough balls about the size of a on the computer. “I try to encourage them to just go for their could attend more meetings, but she’s always ready to share several steps that involve local, state and national political action units The candidates listed in this report have committed themselves to tennis ball. dreams and goals. I see a lot of teenagers – they are lost, don’t recipes and bring tasty treats to her colleagues. Poke the ball with a finger to make a (local PACE, TEA-FCPE, NEA-FCPE), as well as concurrence by TEA and NEA key Association issues. They need your support to make that commitment see a purpose in life.” From her parents to her current principal, Dr. Bell, to kind of a bowl. governing bodies. No dues dollars are used to support candidates. count. What happens to you and your students in 2013 and beyond Fill about 2 tbsp of filling and close Sadik’s passion has always been in languages. With her colleagues and her growing family in Nashville, Sadik is Before they receive our endorsement, candidates for state and depends on your choices on Nov. 6. the top. degree from Tennessee State University, she considers herself grateful for so much in her life. Igniting a similar passion for Press carefully on top to flatten the national office are interviewed on education issues and usually asked to Additional information is available in the Member Center at filled ball. lucky to have a career of connecting young minds to the learning and discovery in her students, she leaves no doubt that complete written questionnaires. Every TEA member has the opportunity— www.teateachers.org. Heat oil in a pan and fry the kubeh opportunities they have in life, through text and the constantly America’s current and future citizens will remain grateful to Ms. on both sides until golden. evolving technological tools at her disposal. Sadik for the rest of their lives. 4 October 2012 5 www.teateachers.org Election 2012 Vote for These Friends of Public Education U.S. House of Representatives Tennessee House of Representatives,

“I’m running because good teachers can no longer sit quietly and watch bad politicians destroy our schools and TEA Member shortchange our children’s future.” Kent Williams Michael Harrison Gloria Johnson District 4 District 9 District 13 Gloria Johnson (teach, May 2012) Carter & Unicoi Hancock & Knox Counties Hawkins Counties County

Eric Stewart Jim Cooper Steve Cohen Congressional District 4 Congressional District 5 Congressional District 9 Bedford, Bledsoe, Bradley, Franklin, Grundy, Lincoln, Marion, Marshall, Maury, Cheatham, Davidson & Shelby County Meigs, Moore, Rhea, Rutherford, Se- Dickson Counties quatchie, Van Buren & Warren Counties

Tennessee State Senate TEA Member TEA Member Joe Armstrong Anthony Hancock Joanne Favors Jim Hackworth Luke Dickerson Doug Clark District 15 District 17 District 18 District 20 District 28 District 33 District 34 District 39 Knox County Jefferson & Sevier Knox County Blount County Hamilton County Anderson County Rutherford County Franklin, Marion & “Coming out of a classroom, with the Counties Moore Counties education I have, I could help direct the policy instead of some of what this current Legislature has put on the table for Tennessee.” “Educators deserve dignity and respect, TEA Member Evelyn Gill (Metro Pulse, October 3, 2012) and children deserve access to high-quality Doug Overbey Evelyn Gill Maria Brewer District 2 District 6 District 18 instruction guided by the curriculum.” Blount & Sevier Knox County Davidson, Sumner & TEA Member Counties Trousdale Counties Anthony Hancock (teach, September 2012) Sarah Marie Smith John Mark Charles Curtiss Steve Glaser Scott Price District 40 Windle District 43 District 44 District 47 DeKalb, Smith, District 41 Grundy, Warren & Sumner County Coffee & Warren Sumner & Fentress, Jackson, White Counties Counties Trousdale Counties Morgan & Overton Counties “My campaign is about bringing the community and parents back into the classroom.” Phillip North Tim Barnes Brad Thompson Meryl Rice Ty Cobb Jim Kyle Luke Dickerson District 20 District 22 District 24 District 26 District 28 District 30 (teach, May 2012) Davidson County Houston, Montgomery & Benton, Carroll, Gibson, Chester, Decatur, Fayette, Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Shelby County Mike Williams Mike Turner Mike Stewart Jason Powerll Brenda Gilmore Stewart Counties Henry, Obion & Weakley Hardeman, Hardin, Maury, Perry & Wayne District 49 District 50 District 51 District 52 District 53 District 54 Counties Haywood, Henderson & Counties Rutherford County Davidson County Davidson County Davidson County Davidson County Davidson County McNairy Counties

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6 October 2012 7 November 2010 January 2011 March 9, 2011 April 6, 2011 May 4, 2011 May 25, 2011 January 10, 2012 February 9, 2012 February 15, 2012 March 14, 2012 www.teateachers.orgNovember 6, 2012 Election 2012 Vote for These Friends of Public Education

Tennessee House of Representatives, Part 2 “After the 2011-12 legislative sessions, I didn’t feel that our elected officials represented the interests of teachers in our area... I would like to take a real teacher’s perspective on education reform to the state House.” Gary Odom Harold Love, Jr. District 55 District 58 District 59 District 60 Scott Price (teach, May 2012) Davidson County Davidson County Davidson County Davidson County

TEA Member

Brian Brewer Joe Pitts David Shepard Calvin Moore John Tidwell Steve Wright Mark Maddox Mark Oakes District 64 District 67 District 69 District 70 District 74 District 75 District 76 District 77 Maury County Montgomery Dickson, Hickman Giles & Lawrence Houston, Humphreys Benton, Henry & Carroll, Obion & Dyer, Lake & Obion County & Maury Counties Counties & Montgomery Stewart Counties Weakley Counties Counties Counties

“I believe that a locally controlled, quality education is the strength of thriving communities. That kind of education is basic to a workforce that will attract high-wage jobs.” Tommy Hill Craig Fitzhugh , Jr. ( , October 2012) District 80 District 81 District 82 District 84 Mark Maddox repmarkmaddox.com Hardeman & Tipton County Crockett, Haywood Shelby County Madison Counties & Lauderdale Counties

TEA Member Barbara Cooper Larry Miller John DeBerry, Jr. Lois DeBerry G.A. Hardaway District 85 District 86 District 87 District 88 District 90 District 91 District 93 District 97 Shelby County Shelby County Shelby County Shelby County Shelby County Shelby County Shelby County Shelby County

“We need to give struggling students more after-school support. This is where I want to see our state spend more money, not on evaluation and testing. We have enough of that already.” Luke Dickerson (teach, May 2012) Ron Lollar District 98 District 99 8 October 2012 Shelby County Shelby County 9 www.teateachers.org Edventurists Attack, continued from page 3 'Won’t Back Down’ Doesn’t Stand Up to Criticism John Eason. While I’ve been retired for more than a decade Fictional account picks up where “Waiting for Superman” left off and haven’t kept up with APS, a quick online search indicates that APS evolved into Beacon Education Chances are, by the end of October you have heard plenty about “Won’t Back Down,” a full-length feature film Management and has managed charter schools in a financed by the school privatization movement whose goal this time is to promote so-called parent-trigger laws. half-dozen states, plus the District of Columbia. In order to spare you the disappointment, we’ve compiled some reviews of the film below. I notice that DeLoache and Eason are back The Hollywood Reporter: “Pedestrian & insultingly tendentious... condescending... dumbed-down agenda film… in local news. With new friends in high places, Given the disingenuous way in which this lumbering movie pushes obvious buttons and manipulates the audience’s they have organized a pro-charter political emotional investment while conveniently skimming the issues, it’s a mystery how some of these names got roped action committee named “Great Public Schools.” It is attracting both in-state and out-of-state in.” contributions. Associated Press: “’Won’t Back Down’ fails to make the grade… Theaters should install glow-in-the-dark versions DeLoache—a cousin of Anne Davis, wife of of those old clunking classroom clocks so viewers can count the agonizing minutes ticking by as they watch the Nashville Mayor Karl Dean—serves as an education movie.” adviser to the mayor. DeLoache is a trustee of a NPR: “Something less honorable...propaganda piece with blame on its mind.” Davis family foundation, a source of funding for Salon: “ …the movie is unbelievable crap and the whole project was financed by conservative Christian Mayor Dean’s charter “incubator,” which aims to hatch new charter schools. billionaire Phil Anschutz, also the moneybags behind the documentary “Waiting for ‘Superman,’” …“simpering, DeLoache is also a resource for Tennessee pseudo-inspirational pap, constructed with painful awkwardness and disconnected from any narrative plausibility Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman, or social reality... script that has that disconnected, amateurish quality distinctive to conservative-oriented according to The (Nashville) City Paper. Through the entertainment and plays written by fourth-graders…. a set of right-wing anti-union talking points disguised (with state public records act, the newspaper obtained very limited success) as a mainstream motion-picture-type product. Someone needs to launch an investigation into an exchange of emails between DeLoache and what combination of crimes, dares, alcoholic binges and lapses in judgment got Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal Huffman. These emails indicate that DeLoach is urging Huffman to convince Gov. Bill Haslam into this movie…” to support legislation that would give the state Variety: “Disingenuous pot-stirrer... taking public for dummies... cardboard characterizations.” full reins in authorizing charter schools, thereby New York Observer: “This is Norma Rae with chalk and erasers in place of a sewing machine, except for one major bypassing local school boards. difference—this time it’s the unions that stand in the way of progress. With that in mind, it’s little surprise that Eason, who served as president of Beacon, is political conservatives at the press screening I attended booed loudly... For the most part, the direction by Daniel a board member of the Tennessee Charter Schools Barnz is clear and substantial, and the screenplay, by the director and Brin Hill, is meticulously researched and Association (TCSA), a lobbying group with immense clout with legislative leaders. stumble-free. As a message picture, its heart is in the right place. Too bad it doesn’t always manage to rise above a TCSA successfully lobbied two major bills swirl of predictable Hollywood clichés.” through the last legislative session. One gives the Edutopia: “The bottom line is that, while any filmmaker has the absolute right to present his or her point of State Board of Education the authority to override view, this emotionally manipulative and dramatically effective film is a piece of propaganda that further polarizes local school boards that reject charter applications. parents and educators, distorts educational issues, and presents simplistic, misguided solutions. It doesn’t help The other—known as “the parent trigger law,” a solve our educational problems; it magnifies them. “ product of the right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council—allows a charter operator to take over a public school if 60 percent of the parents can be persuaded to sign a petition urging such a takeover. TCSA and Mayor Dean recently hosted an invitation-only audience in Nashville for the showing of a fictionalized, highly propagandized movie, “Won’t Back Down,” promoting “the parent trigger law.” Billionaire capitalist Philip Anschutz financed the movie’s production. With tentacles springing from the 1997 conference, edventurists new and old continue with their master plan of taking over public schools and privatizing the teaching profession. In the meantime, teachers and education support professionals have precious little time to focus on the big picture because they are so burdened with high-stakes testing, evaluations and the absence of collective bargaining. Unless we can begin to turn the tide by electing pro-public education politicians in November, the privatization train will continue gaining momentum. And if massive dropout rates at America’s for-profit universities (coupled with egregiously excessive compensation packages of their CEOs) are any indication, you won’t need a complex formula to predict what will happen with Tennessee’s students. 10 October 2012 11 Gene Bryant is a former editor of TEA News. www.teateachers.org Need information, services? Tennessee Education Association 801 Second Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37201-1099 (615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367, FAX (615) 259-4581 UniServ Coordinators District 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, fax: (423)262-8053; Assns: Carter, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan. District 2 — Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; (423)234-0700, fax: (423)234-0708; Assns: Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, Washington, Johnson City. District 3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 74, Corryton, TN 37721; (865)688-1175, fax: (865)688-5188; Assns: Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, Union. District “We Monitor and Adjust” 4 — Jon White, Knox County Education Association, 2411 Magnolia Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917-8289; (865)522- Running a campaign is not much different from teaching 9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Assns: Knox, TSD. District 5— Jason White, P.O. Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; Kim Smith Taylor (left) of Clarksville-Montgomery Co. EA EA Co. Clarksville-Montgomery of (left) Taylor Smith Kim supporters to talk left) from (second Barnes Tim Sen. and October. early in volunteers campaign and (615)521-1333, fax: (865)200-5254; Assns: Anderson, For a full-time teacher, managing a state senator’s re-election “When you are a politically active person, it’s hard to Campbell, Blount, Morgan, Scott. District 6 — Jim Jordan, P.O. Box 4878, Cleveland, TN 37320; phone/fax: campaign is just another project she has to monitor and adjust. understand why people aren’t keeping up with politics, which is (423)472-3315; Assns: Rhea, Roane, Meigs, McMinn, Kim Smith Taylor, member of Clarksville-Montgomery County why going door-to-door is important,” Smith Taylor says. “That Monroe, Loudon, Bradley, Polk. District 7 — Theresa EA and ELL teacher at Northeast Middle School, never saw herself face-to-face contact, if you get that person to commit, they Turner, 4655 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37411; as a campaign manager until her dissatisfaction with the political are likely to go and vote. Talking to your friends and neighbors (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: Hamilton status quo caused her to reconsider. — that’s what turns out the vote more than mailers and phone County. District 8 — Jeff Garrett, P.O. Box 1202, Lebanon, TN 37088; (615)630-2605, fax: (855)320-8755; It was 2008, and Tim Barnes was weighing a run against an banking, even though they are important.” Assns: Coffee, Cannon, Bledsoe, Franklin, Grundy, incumbent candidate who had considerable name recognition. In her 14th year of teaching, Smith Taylor is willing to stay up Manchester City, Marion, Sequatchie, Tullahoma City, “I saw Tim as a viable candidate, and we wanted somebody we late and do what needs to be done for her profession—and she’s Van Buren, White, Warren. District 9 — Shannon Bain, could trust,” Smith Taylor says. “I wanted a senator who would quick to encourage her colleagues to do the same. 1001 Rhett Place, Lebanon, TN 37087; phone: (615)547- 7769, fax: (855)715-0824; be honest, someone who would tell you the truth even if it’s “If we’re not willing to stand up for the students in our Assns: Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, something you wouldn’t want to hear.” classroom and ourselves, who is going to stand Putnam, Smith, Trousdale. District 10 — Jackie Pope, That’s when Smith Taylor approached “It’s no longer Republican up for us?” she says. “It’s in our best interest 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37128; (615) Barnes and encouraged him to run. “If you do,” to make sure that our vote counts and we 898-1060, fax: (615) 898-1099; Assns: Bedford, Marshall, she told him, “I’ll be your campaign manager.” vs. Democrat. It’s whether have to make sure it’s counted in November. If Moore, Williamson. District 11 — Susan Young, P.O. your candidate is friendly Box 422, Madison, TN 37116-0422; phone: (615)865- During the 2008 race, Smith Taylor and her we stick together, if we’re united, that’s a lot of 9700, fax: (615)865-9701; Assns: Rutherford, Sumner. team spent plenty of time on name recognition, to our profession.” votes. We will make a difference.” District 12 — Cheryl Richardson-Bradley, 801 Second so now they have more time to promote and Smith Taylor is convinced that politics is Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)630-2601, fax: educate the electorate about Barnes’ pro- not about parties anymore. “We have to think (888)519-4879; Assns: Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, teacher voting record. about what happened to the education profession after the Wilson. District 13 — Forestine Cole, Ralph Smith, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN As someone who supported teachers and voted in the best 2010 election,” she says. “If we want to protect the students in 37211; (615)726-1499, fax: (615)726-2501; Assns: interest of public education in Tennessee, Barnes is eager to our classroom, we are going to have to focus on the candidates Metro Nashville. District 14 — Rhonda Thompson, show teachers that he will continue to fight for them in the next who are public-education friendly. In my opinion, if your home 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201; phone: General Assembly. economic situation is good, everything else will fall into place.” (615)242-8392, ext. 321, fax: (615)259-4581; Assns: Smith Taylor is convinced that politics play a vital role in Clarksville-Montgomery, Robertson. District 15 — That’s why Smith Taylor and her team of interns and volunteers Miley Durham, P.O. Box 10, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464; are focused on going door-to-door, sharing with people what’s at attaining personal and professional success. phone: (931)766-7874, fax: (913)762-9391; Assns: Giles, stake in the upcoming election. “We have to move beyond party affiliation,” she says. “It’s no Lawrence, Lincoln, Hardin, Lewis, Maury, Wayne. One day in early October, some 25 labor supporters and CMCEA longer Republican vs. Democrat. It’s whether your candidate is District 16 — Maria Uffelman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland members came out to canvas neighborhoods in support of Sen. friendly to our profession and understands what’s at stake when it City, TN 37050; phone: (931)827-3333, fax: (931)827- 3330; Assns: Benton, Carroll (West Carroll) Central, Barnes, knocking on 1,750 doors. comes to the future of our state.” Henry, Stewart, Weakley, FTA, S.S.D. Decatur, Houston, Humphreys, Perry. District 17 — Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (731)989-9254; Assns: Chester, Hardeman, Henderson, Jackson-Madison, McNairy. District 18 — Karla Carpenter, P.O. Box 177, Brunswick, TN 38014; (901)590- 2543, fax: (901)382-1433; Assns: Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Tipton. District 19 — Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38128; (901)377-9472, fax: (855)320-8737; Assns: Fayette, Shelby. District 20 — Memphis Education Association — Ken Foster, Executive Director; MEA UniServ Directors: Marilyn Baker, Susanne Jackson, Terri Jones, Tom Marchand, Herman Sawyer, MEA, 126 South Flicker Street, Memphis, TN 38104; (901)454-0966, fax: (901)454-9979; Assn: Memphis.

www.teateachers.org www.nea.org Scan this Quick Response code for UniServ contact information Download the MyTEA app @ App store or Android market 12 October 2012