Winter 2003-04 Advocate

TexasAdvocate State Teachers Association/National Education Association WINTER 2003 Oscars of teaching Austin teacher brings lessons to life

Lubbock team is in Oprah’s magazine

Teacher quality: the game

Directing Cagney and Lacey

What’s an instant teacher?

Winning the paperwork battle A sad day for our profession

The State Board for Educator Cer- and poor working conditions.” School Personnel Administrators. tification (SBEC) has created “in- This action by SBEC troubles me This recent decision further stant certification” by passing a

notes greatly and makes me feel as if shines the light on SBEC as a rule, modeled after former HB my teaching certificate is practi- board that should be made up of 318, on a 5-4-1 vote. Only a veto cally worthless. That those 25 a majority of teachers. It is our by the State Board of Education years in the classroom, where I board, but we are NOT in control, in February can keep this from worked so hard to help my stu- because the governor appoints happening. dents achieve and become pro- its members and they have no HB 318 was killed in the Senate ductive future citizens, are not so responsibility to the 300,000 last spring after being authored important anymore. After all, al- Texas teachers they supposedly and filed by Rep. Grusendorf, the most anyone can now step into a represent. The passage of this chair of the House Public Educa- classroom and do my job without rule is proof that SBEC does not tion Committee, ostensibly to ad- the level of preparation that was truly have the interests of the dress the teacher shortage in expected of me and all current teachers and public school chil-

president’s president’s Texas. practitioners. A sad day, indeed. dren of Texas at heart.

What does it do? It allows an indi- Thanks to all who wrote letters to Gordon Gauthier, the chair of vidual with any degree to become SBEC to protest the rule. The TSTA’s Legislative Committee and certified to teach in grades 8-12 president of the Deer Park Edu- vice chair of the TSTA Republi- if he/she can pass a content area cation Association, Candace Fla- can Caucus, wrote, “It’s a slap in test. No minimum standards and nary, wrote in her email to SBEC the face of every person who training are required nor experi- that lowering certification stan- worked hours, weeks, months ence in a classroom setting. dards “is a slippery slope that, and years to understand what it once descended, we may not be means to teach and to learn how able to climb up again.” to positively relate to all children – the wealthy and the economi- SBEC board member and teacher ACTION ALERT: cally disadvantaged, the gifted Adele Quintana, who voted and talented and the education- We have one more against the rule, said, “When I ally challenged, the quiet over- volunteered to be on this board, chance to stop the achiever and the loud under- it was because we had a mission. achiever, those who come to our “instant teacher” That mission is to insure the classrooms nurtured by loving highest level of preparation. This rule at the State parents and those who come flies in the face of every teacher abused and neglected. Whether Board of Education’s in the state and flies in the face you are a teacher, an administra- of the mission of this board.” tor or an educational support February meeting. We agree wholeheartedly with professional, I hope you feel a Turn to page 4. Adele and the board members sense of loss today. Channel your who did not vote for the rule, in- disappointment into positive ac- cluding the other teacher mem- tion when the forces of ‘the per- bers. Cynthia Saenz, an Austin fect storm’ descend upon us As I stated in a press release on teacher, was the only teacher again. Be ready. You have re- November 5, “This rule is not in board member who voted for ceived your first storm warning.” the best interests of the children the rule. of Texas, it is in the best interests Amen, Gordon. We must batten of school boards, superinten- TSTA testified against the rule down the hatches for what will dents, and those politicians who along with about 40 more, includ- come in the special session on think that the way to solve the ing the other teacher organiza- school finance and school re- teacher shortage is by creating tions, in five hours of testimony. form. If November 7 is any indi- instant teachers rather than ad- Supporting it were Texas Associa- cation, we are in for a huge dressing the real causes of the tion of School Boards, Texas As- storm, indeed. teacher shortage, such as low sociation of School Administra- salaries, inadequate benefits, tors, and Texas Association of

2 TSTA ADVOCATE UPFRONT inside 4 Instant Teacher Rule Goes to SBOE SBEC votes to lower teacher standards; Texas Educational Is- Advocate sues Conference is a big success; time to plan for Read Vol. 23, No. 2 Winter 2003 Across America; TSTA-Retired calls for officer nominees; TSTA Advocate is an official rules for TRSCare change; more. quarterly publication of the Texas State Teachers Association/ National Education Association. FEATURE 8 Austin Teacher Brings Lessons to Life How to Contact Us: Call 877- ASK-TSTA, visit www.tsta.org, or High school science teacher Jonathan Harris wins a Milken write to TSTA, 316 West 12th National Educator of the Year Award and $25,000. The Street, Austin, TX 78701. Please awards have been called the “Oscars of Teaching.” send address changes to the at- tention of Membership Records FEATURE or [email protected]. 11 Teaming Up With Oprah Advertising: If you would like to advertise, contact Nichole Four Lubbock teachers band together to improve their lives. Lowery at 512-476-5355, ext. They’re featured in O, The Oprah Magazine and on an up- 1292. 4 coming episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”! TSTA makes no representations regarding advertised products or AROUND TEXAS/ESP CORNER services that are not endorsed. 14 Too Much Paperwork! Postmaster: Send address TSTA wins a grievance in Skidmore-Tynan that clamps down changes to TSTA Membership on excessive paperwork; National ESP Conference will be in Records, 316 West 12th Street, North Carolina; Representative Rose visits with Dripping Austin, TX 78701.

Springs; Dallas presents Red Cross with a check. PRESIDENT Donna New Haschke

FEATURE VICE PRESIDENT 8 16 Teacher Quality: the Board Game Ann Heuberger A tongue-in-cheek look at the new No Child Left Behind re- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR quirements for achieving “highly qualified” status. E.C. Walker DIRECTOR IN THE CLASSROOM Jay Levin 18 Come Explore the University of Texas! EDITOR UT puts on a huge open house; Sherri Steward-Ganz shares Debbie Mohondro an idea for Veterans’ Day; teaching the alphabet and num- PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST bers with butterfly wings and Texas symbols; and programs Richard Kouri 11 that give students access to experts. PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN Susan Martin

AMAZING MEMBERS ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Leann Kloesel 20 From Hollywood to Texas Joel Rosenzweig goes from directing television shows and ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY doing theatre to teaching high school in Richardson; honors Adriana Roque and awards to Shirley Knox-Benton, Linda Krause, Mona SECRETARY/ADVERTISING Fannon, and Bonnie-Beth Newman. Nichole Lowery

GOVERNANCE Texas State Teachers Association National Education Association 24 125th Annual TSTA Convention 316 West 12th St., Austin, TX 78701 The 2004 TSTA House of Delegates will be at the Renais- www.tsta.org • 877-ASK-TSTA 22 sance Austin Hotel April 22-24.

WINTER 2003 3 upfront Instant teacher rule goes to SBOE Let’s make some calls!

e have one more February, which would have the best interest of Texas’ stu- chance: the State been outside of the 90 days dents to maintain the highest WBoard for Educator had the rule been forwarded standards for teacher quality. Certification’s interim direc- to the SBOE immediately. By Of SBEC’s action in ap- tor, Ron Kettler, has said he holding the rule, Kettler is en- proving the rule, the Austin will delay sending the pro- abling the SBOE to act on it. American Statesman said, posed “instant teacher” rule It’s time for us to start talk- “Perhaps they’ve been af- to the State Board of Educa- ing to SBOE members. flicted with selective amnesia tion (SBOE). The “instant teacher” rule is regarding the findings of a Here’s the significance: The similar to legislation that was State Board for Educator Cer- SBOE has 90 days to approve defeated in the last two ses- tification study that showed the rule; if they do not act sions of the legislature. It students benefited from certi- within 90 days, SBEC can would essentially allow an in- fied teachers. The study give it final approval in dividual with any degree to found that students in middle March. The next regularly become certified to teach in school assigned to a class scheduled meeting of the grades 8-12 if he/she can pass with a certified teacher are SBOE is in a content area test. The rule likely to gain more than a full does not set out any mini- grade level on state math mum standards in training or achievement tests, while stu- require any previous ex- dents assigned to a class with perience in a class- an uncertified teacher are room setting. likely to lag significantly be- Here’s how hind. And it noted another you can get troubling aspect that has gone involved: unaddressed in this debate: Contact your that schools with predomi- SBOE member nantly minority students have and urge the greatest percentage of un- him/her to certified teachers.” vote against Here are the links: To find the rule. Tak- individual contact informa- ing this action tion on your SBOE member, would address only the go to this site and scroll symptoms, not the root down: www.tea.state.tx.us/ causes of the teacher short- sboe/board/index.html. If you age—including low salaries, don’t know who your SBOE lack of benefits, and poor member is, go to www.capi- working conditions. It is in tol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htm.

4 TSTA ADVOCATE It’s the Seussentennial! By now, local presidents should have received their 2003-04 resource kit for NEA’s Read Across America March 2. Included are event ideas, a Reading Rockets activity sheet, Arthur’s Dealing with Feelings activity, reproducible resources (book- marks, certificates of participation, etc.), the cat-a-log of hats, costumes, and other paraphernalia, and even some new recipes.

This is the 100th anniversary of Ted Geisel/Dr. Seuss’s birthday, so there is a special section on his life. These materials can be used as part of a year-long writing project or a special writing unit, or you can select from activities to enhance your language arts program. www.nea.org/readacross

WINTER 2003 5 TRSCare changes pass HB 7, which contained most of the changes in TRSCare eligibility rules TSTA was seeking, passed the third called special session.

It also expanded the list of employees who will get the $500 health care stipend. Although TRS adopted a rule in September to add counselors, librarians, nurses, educational diag- nosticians, and other non- management personnel to the stipend list, TSTA con- tinued to pursue this legislative remedy so it would be solidified in statute. “I am learning a lot of information I can bring “This is a first-class conference. I have loved back to my school. A lot of questions are it. Just incredible information. And of course TSTA had issues with a being answered. I’m very impressed by the the camaraderie, the chance to visit with number of provisions in presentations!” teachers in similar situations, is great.” the bill but it became the only vehicle to make the —Terina Aguirre, Bexar County Federation of Teachers —Ken Davis, Pasadena Educators Association changes in TRSCare eligibility rules.

The improvements: you If you weren’t there, you should have been! can buy insurance until lthough the enthusiasm doing what they’re doing just Teacher Union Reform Net- you qualify (before, you and energy at the Joint to tick you off. Sam Walton work, which includes NEA would not have had access A Texas Educational put in $10 million of his own and AFT local associations at all until you qualified), Issues Conference told the money because he believes that are committed to educa- and you can count time story, the evaluation forms competition will make tion reform. purchased before August put it in writing. The lowest schools better.” “We really don’t have a 31, 2003, if you will retire rating—from three of the 400 We have a choice, he said. choice” about whether there before August 31, 2009. participants who attended the “Collective power does not will be school reform, he With previous language, Dallas conference—was come from millions of people said. “The question is how to this time would be lost. “good.” The rest said it was joining the same organiza- be involved. Do we want to After the 78th regular and nothing short of excellent. tion. It comes from millions lead or to react to what others special sessions, there are NEA Vice President of people moving in the same bring to the table?” now two “rules of 80,” one Dennis Van Roekel talked direction. What are we will- He detailed a variety of for retirement eligibility about change, power, and ing to do, individually and reforms locals are trying, and the other for TRSCare, vision. “Right now in Amer- collectively? Vision without based on their individual the retiree insurance pro- ica, we have two very differ- action is a dream. Action circumstances. gram. The changes in re- ent ideas of where we ought without vision will pass the “Wherever possible, take quirements for TRSCare to go. They’re not right or time. Vision with action can the initiative” with well- passed as outlined on wrong, just different,” he change the world.” thought-out reform, he ad- page 7 of the fall 2003 said. For example, “vouchers Tom Mooney, president of vised. “By standing by the issue of the Advocate. are part of that different vi- the Ohio Federation of Teach- right things educationally, we sion. Don’t assume they’re ers, is a board member of the will gain more.”

6 TSTA ADVOCATE TSTA-Retired holds officer elections The positions of secretary Retired, 316 West 12th and treasurer of TSTA- Street, Austin 78701. Retired are open for nomi- Completed forms must be nations. This is for a two- received by 5 p.m., January year period, beginning with 23, 2004. Feel free to the 2004-05 term. make additional copies of the form to nominate for Members may nominate more than one office. themselves or other mem- Please remember that you bers by filling out the nomi- must obtain written permis- nation form below and sion from your nominee returning it to TSTA- (see form).

TSTA-R NOMINATION FORM

Check box beside office this nomination is for: Secretary of TSTA-Retired Treasurer of TSTA-Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be an active member of TSTA-Retired and NEA-Retired

Nominee’s name ______

Address ______

City ______

State______Zip ______

Home phone ______

Work phone______

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the above information is true and correct.

NOMINEE’S SIGNATURE

Nominator’s name ______

Address ______

Tom Mooney, flanked by TFT City ______President John Cole and State______Zip ______TSTA President Donna New Haschke, talks about the Home phone ______Teacher Union Reform Net- Work phone______work; NEA Vice President Dennis Van Roekel talks I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the above information is true and correct. about vision with action; breakout sessions cover NOMINATOR’S SIGNATURE topics from No Child Left Behind and Comprehensive Completed forms must be received by 5:00 p.m., January 23, 2004, at TSTA-Retired, School Reform to paper 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701. folding for kindergartners.

WINTER 2003 7 PHOTO BY LARRY KOLVOORD, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN KOLVOORD, PHOTO BY LARRY

Austin teacher brings lessons to life Nationally recognized Anderson High School teacher almost wound up a doctor

By Michelle M. Martinez onathan Harris’ students tention of his principal, wasn’t surprised,” said his fa- are laid out on the floor David Kernwein, who sub- ther, Bernard Harris, a physi- Jof his classroom, bodies mitted Harris’ name to the cist who works in Massachu- contorted Twister-style. Texas Education Agency as setts. “Whatever he does, he Harris, an Anderson High part of a statewide pool of tal- always tries to be the best.” School science teacher, has ented teachers. The Milken Jonathan Harris, 33, is in tweaked the popular party Family Foundation chose his eighth year at the North- floor game. Students aren’t Harris and three other Texas west Austin placing their left feet or right teachers from that pool, nam- high school. The Milken Family Foundation hands on colored dots. In- ing them winners of the Na- He holds Na- stead, they identify muscles tional Educator Award. tional Board gave the annual award, dubbed they are studying and place They’ll each get $25,000 in Certification, that body part on blue or or- May during an all-expenses- the highest the “Oscars of Teaching” by ange circles. The room erupts paid trip to Washington for a credential a with laughter when the stu- professional development teacher can Teacher magazine, to 100 dents get to orbicularis oris: conference. have, is head the kissing muscle. This year, the foundation of the science educators nationwide. “It’s just a better way of gave the annual award, department retaining information,” Harris dubbed the “Oscars of Teach- and teaches biology, physics, said of his bring-it-alive ing” by Teacher magazine, to and anatomy and physiology. anatomy and physiology 100 educators nationwide. He was the school’s Teacher lesson. Harris is among 20 Texas of the Year for 2001-02. Harris’ students and col- winners to receive the award “He’s very enthusiastic, and leagues say creative classroom in the four years the state has his enthusiasm is conta- ideas, a sincere interest in participated in the program. gious,” says Cassidy San- students and a reservoir of The foundation made the taguida, a biology teacher knowledge about all things announcement during a who considers Harris a men- science make Harris an out- surprise school assembly on tor. “He’s always showing his standing teacher. Oct. 10. enthusiasm, even to students His work grabbed the at- “I was surprised, but I who aren’t his.” Nearly a doctor Harris was born in Boston in 1970 to Bernard and Ellen program that places college graduates in low-income urban Harris, the third of four children. and rural schools. Harris taught at Milby High School in He grew up in the suburb of Chelmsford, Mass., playing Lit- Houston, where he developed a physical science curriculum tle League baseball and was a Cub Scout. in Spanish for students who spoke limited English. His parents, who divorced when he was in college, describe After his two years with Teach for America were up, he went a son who always sought top honors. When he was in the to Texas A&M University, where he was a graduate student Cub Scouts, he had to win the Pinewood Derby, a competi- and a co-instructor in a biochemistry class. Harris had tion that required Scouts to build their own cars. planned to go on to medical school after his graduate studies but stalled. “He had to have the fastest car,” said his mother, Ellen Tatarka, a benefits specialist for the Internal Revenue Ser- He thought he would try teaching instead and started at An- vice, who remarried. “He would agonize over doing this. He derson in 1996, after earning a master’s degree in biochem- always strived to do the best, no matter what he did.” istry and biophysics.

Bernard Harris said his son wanted to be a doctor when he “I was somewhat disappointed when he put it off,” Bernard was a child. Harris set off on that path. He received a bach- Harris said. “I said, ‘Jonathan, is this what you want to do?’ elor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at the He said ‘Well, I’ll give it a shot, and I’ll eventually go to med- University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1992. ical school.’ The medical school thing kept getting pushed He enrolled in the Teach for America program, a teaching back and back and back.”

WINTER 2003 9 Bringing lessons alive Harris is known as the “Socks should go on one Another Harris rule is: “Whiz Kid” around school. way,” he said. “When you flip “Never embarrass the Associate Principal Beverly it, they feel kind of funny. student.” Stringer tried to explain one Chromosomes should be a Students reciprocate by day this week how he earned certain way. When they get participating and by bringing the nickname. flipped, they look kind of Harris gifts, some of which he Harris, an earshot away, funny also.” uses in class to show that he piped in: “Because I Later that day, during values them. “I think I owe it to the went to the bathroom physics class, Harris took stu- “When you do that with a lot.” dents to the football field to your students, it makes them students to be prepared,” “Keep your anatomic throw balls for a lesson about feel special,” he said. jokes to yourself,” projectile motion. The students make him feel he said. “In order to get Stringer joked back. “He keeps it lively and en- special, too. Remnants of a “Because it became tertaining,” student Kristin Milken award celebration respect back, I think you apparent he could Cameron said. “Most physics dangled from the ceiling in teach anything to any class kids probably fall Room 100 last week. Stu- need to respect them.” level student in the sci- asleep.” dents decorated the room ences,” Stringer said. Harris gets to school at with pink, green and blue Harris said much of his about 7 a.m., two hours be- balloons and big round smi- success comes from using fore the first bell, and leaves ley faces clad in party hats. everyday examples to explain at about 5 p.m. — 45 min- A metallic balloon tied to a difficult science concepts. utes after school ends. He skeleton’s toe read, “You’re Take a recent lesson about posts daily homework assign- the Greatest,” and two class- chromosomes, the genetic ments and materials reviewed made banners debated which material that determines a in class on a Web page he group of students loved Har- baby’s gender, among other built that features his dog ris more. characteristics. Harris ex- Hercules. plained to his biology class “I think I owe it to the stu- Reprinted with permission of the that genetic disorders can dents to be prepared,” he Austin American-Statesman; occur when a chromosome said. “In order to get respect the article and photo originally mutates during a process back, I think you need to re- appeared in the newspaper’s called inversion. spect them.” October 25 edition.

Looking ahead Since 1996, Harris has worked to master Being in charge of a whole school will allow teaching. Becoming the only Texas teacher him to improve teaching on a greater level, to earn National Board Certification in high he said. school science has moved him closer to He credits a list of people, including his prin- that goal. cipal and fellow teachers at Anderson, for Now, he’s preparing for his next step: be- helping him get where he is today. coming a principal. The transition, when it comes, won’t be easy He is enrolled in a program at Texas State for a teacher who says, “I love my job.” University-San Marcos that trains teachers to “I look forward to going to my job every day, become principals. He will be eligible by the and I leave my job every day content with end of this fall to apply for a principal’s cer- what I’ve accomplished,” Harris said. “Very tificate but doesn’t plan to make the switch rarely do people get that out of a job. I’m in until next fall. no rush to leave my classroom by any means.

10 TSTA ADVOCATE PRIMARY GOALS Teaming up with Oprah at Parkway Primary Academy t all started with Oprah. send them to her. Details of that committed and we Penny said. (See “Our Goals” One day about a year ago, the plan she used to drop 33 weren’t getting the results we sidebar.) IKaren Aton, a physical pounds were outlined in the wanted.” “Linda got the idea to send education teacher in Lubbock, January 2003 issue of O, The One wanted to lose weight; our contract to Oprah,” Kim got home in time to see part Oprah Magazine (see another wanted to be health- said. “We all laughed and told of Oprah Winfrey’s television www.oprah.com), she said. ier. One wanted to work out her to do it.” No one imagined show. Karen listened as Oprah, “The show was very inspir- to increase her strength; an- anything would come of it. who looked wonderful, de- ing. I figured if Oprah can do other wanted to build muscle The team took “before” pic- scribed the contract she had it, so can I,” Karen said. “I to ease back pain. tures and recorded their signed, committing to six got her magazine, read it and They took the plunge. “We weight, body fat percentages, weeks of exercising one hour took it to school and showed met after school and put the and measurements. For a day and eating to “satisfy my Linda Moore, Penny Casner, specifics in our contract. It awhile, it worked. nutritional needs as opposed and Kim Oldfield. We were was tough to make it fit “At first, we were at mach to my emotional needs.” She pretty much all working everyone’s needs but we re- speed and overachieving on encouraged her viewers to out—all members of the ally did get the important all levels,” Penny said. “We sign similar contracts and same club—but we weren’t things down on paper,” worked out religiously,

Watch for an article on the Lubbock team in the January O, The Oprah Magazine and on an upcoming episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”!

WINTER 2003 11 “We encourage you to show They all raised their shirttails They were in the photo to check their pedometers and shoot from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., patience and persistence and to call out the figures. Linda won. including the time the Oprah have a positive attitude—and we “I want them to achieve lit- team spent doing their tle goals and hopefully they’ll makeup, hair, and clothes. promise that if you do so, your life get hooked,” Dan said. He “The people were all great. It will change.” gives them tips, such as: took forever but they never ➤Don’t stay on the same complained,” Penny said. “It —postcard from Oprah Winfrey and Bob Greene machine; use two or three was fun!” tracked everything we ate and sending our contract to machines for each cardio They all agree they’re in it drank, and were a positive in- Oprah until the day we got workout. for life. fluence for each other. The our postcards in the mail,” ➤Try adding a morning “We’ve all made the com- four of us met weekly to Kim recalled. “Oh my, we workout; you’ll get in shape a mitment. It’s not about the share our successes, failures, jumped and screamed! Okay, lot faster. The team has magazine,” Kim said. “Be- and frustrations; share new I jumped and screamed. We started to do cardio five sides, exercise is a good stress information; and swap the were so excited. It was the mornings a week now, in ad- reliever. It makes us feel latest fitness magazines. We jumpstart that we needed. dition to cardio and weights good. It has been so reward- actually did lunges and Knowing that I am account- three days a week after ing to look back and see how crunches three times a week able to Oprah and Bob Greene school. far we have come. I think we on our lengthy 30-minute has made a big difference.” ➤Readjust your program all do things now that we lunch breaks.” In June, they started to every six weeks as you never thought we could do. Eventually, the program work out with a personal progress. Doing heavier weights, more went the way of most resolu- trainer at the gym, Dan “Having a trainer makes us reps, or longer cardio sessions tions. “I was not pushing my- Doggett, who has a minor in more efficient. We’re really that we would never have self anymore,” Linda admit- nutrition. seeing results. He teaches us thought we could do is so ted. “I had a car accident in Scales are not the focus. how to use the machines cool. When I feel like a March and within a month Dan measures their body fat right and keeps us moti- wimp, I do another set even gained 5% of my body fat every eight to 12 weeks, and vated,” Linda said. “Working when I want to give up. That back. I felt so depressed.” they use pedometers, which out without a trainer is like is a great confidence booster.” The others had similar their principal had given the expecting a kid to read with- “We have a fun, realistic lapses. They had agreed to staff for the school’s Focus on out a teacher.” plan that really works,” put a quarter in a jug for each Fitness program, to track There’s no set diet. Their Penny agreed. bad eating habit; they soon daily progress. goal is simply to eat healthful “There is no finish line,” had collected $30 for the “The goal in Oprah’s pro- foods in reasonable portions. Linda nodded. American Heart Association’s gram is 10,000 steps a day In September, the photo Watch for their story in Jump Rope for Heart program. five or six days a week but editor for O, The Oprah Maga- the January 2004 issue of O, In May, the boost they that’s not nearly enough for zine called them at school. The Oprah Magazine, which needed came in the mail: a me,” Penny said. “I need Penny took the call. “She said should be out by mid- postcard from Oprah and her more like 20,000 to make a they’d be flying us to New December, and on an upcom- personal trainer, Bob Greene. difference. It’s gotten to be a York City. My brain went ing episode of “The Oprah “We had forgotten about competition between us.” dead—‘WHAT did she say?’” Winfrey Show.”

OUR GOALS ➤Keep food/workout journal at least one week per month. ➤Participate in aerobic activity for at least ➤Say at least one positive thing per day to 30 minutes at least 3 times per week. accountability partners. ➤ Participate in strength/weight training at ➤Do crunches and lunges in school gym at least 3 times per week. lunch time 3 days per week. ➤Eat healthful foods in reasonable portions. ➤No eating for the last three hours before ➤Eat primarily to satisfy our nutritional bed. needs rather than our emotional needs. ➤Drink 64 ounces of water per day.

12 TSTA ADVOCATE KIM OLDFIELD, 42, PENNY CASNER, 40, LINDA MOORE, 33, KAREN ATON, 35, FIRST GRADE TEACHER: KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: PE TEACHER: I have struggled with my Eating right is a constant I have hidden behind food for I used to work out all the time weight since I was 13, maybe struggle for me. Every morn- such a long time. I have fo- when I attended Texas Tech. even before that, but not for ing I slurp down about four cused for so long on becom- Once I started teaching I con- the reason you think. I have cups of coffee. I don’t eat ing a size; I measured my tinued to work out but not as tried to maintain a slim figure, breakfast and most of the value and worth by magazine much. Seems like the longer I even to the extent of taking time I don’t eat lunch. ads. I like that I am learning taught, the less I began to diet pills and becoming to love my own skin. I am work out. I was pretty much a I really am able to watch my anorexic, all because I strong, healthy and changing. hit-and-miss work out person. portions; it is my beverage wanted to look a certain way. My body is not all that is When I worked out I felt great consumption that is a big— Not accepting who you are is changing; my self-percep- but getting to the gym no, huge—obstacle. I like the most agonizing place to tions are doing a 180. seemed to be a big problem. beer and am hopelessly ad- be. I hated it but seemed un- Finally, I quit working out dicted to chocolate shakes. You really have to make some able to do anything about it. because my back was bother- serious—worthwhile, but still In the back of my mind I I can’t say I’ve lost that much ing me. hard—sacrifices. I am not in- knew that something had to weight but I’ve lost dress terested in size as much as I It’s been the best thing for me change. I could not keep sizes. After a very demoraliz- am in being fit and healthy. I to have someone to work out treating my body this way. ing measurement session, have two precious daughters with and having Dan as our our heads were hanging and Being partners with Linda, who look up to me and watch trainer. Dan makes me work we were ready to throw in the Karen and Penny has taught me. They are learning their hard on the days I don’t want towel. Dan asked what was me so much. They are in- eating habits from me. I can to. He is very encouraging. wrong and we whined about credible women. Whenever I be ashamed of what they Having this contract has how hard it was and we was unmotivated or just giv- have learned and seen from made me reach some goals, weren’t seeing the progress ing up because it was so me or I can use it as a tool. I and I don’t have as many we wanted. Dan just smiled hard, all I would have to do am educating myself so that problems with my back. and said, “Come on, ladies, was look at them and know they can learn from my mis- have some patience. Remem- It’s been fun to see how far how hard they were working takes. ber it even took God six days we’ve come. Pushing our and know if they could do it, I to build the world. Give it Each day is a new beginning bodies and thinking we can’t could, too. time.” for a fresh fitness day. A new go any farther…and then I am still on this journey, I still day to learn to love myself the doing it anyway. So in closing, I will be patient have goals I want to obtain, way I am for who I am. and persistent and try to keep and I still struggle with food a positive outlook because, and the relationship I have darn it, I am worth it! with it. Getting older is not so scary anymore because I have a better respect for me.

WINTER 2003 13 texas Too much paper!

xcessive paperwork mation in every lesson plan, may volunteer to write was the issue in a class excessive paperwork, and them in the summer at Eaction grievance in many unnecessary forms. their daily rate of pay. Skidmore-Tynan ISD that TSTA claimed the district was 3. Teachers will no longer TSTA won in October. The in violation of a new law, be required to complete district required teachers to 11.164 of the Texas Educa-

around nine “forms” that were not include detailed TAKS infor- tion Code. Here is a sum- required under 11.164 (a) mary of the settle- 1-10. ment reached: 4. The Board of Trustees will 1. Teachers no conduct a semi-annual re- longer are view of the paperwork re- required to quired by the school dis- put detailed trict and issue a written TAKS/TEKS in- report to all staff as re- formation in quired under 11.164 (b). their lesson plans. 5. The teachers can decline to give their consent on any 2. Teachers will forms/paperwork 11.164 no longer be (c) not required under required to 11.164(a) 1-10. write Curri- culum Guides If you feel that your district is and turn them requiring excessive paperwork, in every two give the TSTA Help Center a weeks. They call at 877-ASK-TSTA.

Here’s what the new paperwork law says

§ 11.164. RESTRICTING examination; (7) an attendance report; ers and shall transfer to existing WRITTEN INFORMATION noninstructional staff a report- (3) a report of a student’s (8) any report required for ac- ing task that can reasonably be (a) The board of trustees of academic progress in a creditation review; accomplished by that staff. each school district shall limit class or course; (9) any information required redundant requests for infor- (c) This section does not pre- (4) a report of a student’s by a school district that re- mation and the number and clude a school district from col- grades at the end of each lates to a complaint, griev- length of written reports that a lecting essential information, in grade reporting period; ance, or actual or poten- classroom teacher is required addition to information speci- tial litigation, and that to prepare. A classroom (5) a textbook report; fied under Subsection (a), from teacher may not be required to requires the classroom (6) a unit or weekly lesson plan a classroom teacher on agree- prepare any written information teacher’s involvement; or that outlines, in a brief and ment between the classroom other than: (10) any information specifi- general manner, the infor- teacher and the district. cally required by law, rule, (1) any report concerning the mation to be presented Added by Acts 1997, 75th or regulation. health, safety, or welfare of during each period at the Leg., ch. 1320, § 1, eff. Sept. a student; secondary level or in each (b) The board of trustees shall 1, 1997. Amended by Acts (2) a report of a student’s subject or topic at the ele- review paperwork requirements 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 201, § 6, grade on an assignment or mentary level; imposed on classroom teach- eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

14 TSTA ADVOCATE ESP CORNER The 2004 NEA Educa- tion Support Profession- als Conference is March 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Education support professionals will gain skills that can be used to build strong locals, positively impact student achievement and professional development, build strong internal and external relation- ships, and organize.

Representative briefs Dripping Springs: District 45 State Representative Patrick Rose addressed A one-and-one-half day teachers and administrators of Dripping Springs ISD in October. Rose, who attended grades K-12 in workshop for local presi- Dripping Springs, came to update Dripping Springs Education Association members about recent dents and leaders will be legislative issues involving education in the State of Texas. Also on the program was TSTA lobbyist held on March 10-11. Jack Kelly. Photo credit: Wayland D. Clark Enrollment is limited.

Hotel reservations should be made directly with The Westin Charlotte by calling 704-375-2600 by February 4; reference the NEA ESP National Conference to receive the special conference rate of $146 for a single and $157 for a double, including tax.

The conference registration fee of $120 includes several meals. The deadline for registering is January 15. If you have questions or need a registration form, call 202-822-7131, go to www.nea.org/esphome, Dallas presents Red Cross with check: Classroom Teachers of Dallas President Dale D. Kaiser pre- or write to ESP Quality sented a check for $2,210 to Cheryl Jones, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross’ Dallas Program, NEA, 1201 Chapter. As part of a local program, each TSTA member in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who took a 16th St., NW, Suite 410, Saturn test drive received a $50 Staples gift certificate; for each test drive, Saturn also made a $10 Washington, D.C. 20036. contribution to the Red Cross.

WINTER 2003 15 Veteran Teacher began Career Decision ADVANCE College ALTERN prior to 1986 1 space for college CERTIFI Begin 4-year 2 spaces for Enter Alt GO I want to be a teacher! Alternative Certification college program Certificatio 3 spaces for American Advance to TECAT Advance 1 space Board Certification Advance 3 spaces Advance

You are "Highly Qualified"

advance to GO; begin collecting Merit Pay!

Take college classes; engage in professional Teacher Quality: It’s M development; get master's degree

Total of 24 points o many people, becoming a teacher is like playing a game: Advance 1 space! a roll of the dice, you win; draw a low card and you lose; Tand, in the end, it’s all about money. The “highly qualified” CORE provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Teacher (ESEA) of 2002 make certain that teacher quality and profession- Advance 1 space…NOT alism are not only games but also three-ring circuses.

Advance to GO A “highly qualified” teacher under ESEA may not necessarily be the person that is the most qualified to impart knowledge unto Stay In Teaching! our students. For instance, if the State Board for Educator Certification has its way, a person can pass a test and teach in Good for you! grade 8-12 and, technically, be “highly qualified.” These “instan- t teachers” do not have the background in child psychology, Advance 1 space learning theory, pedagogy, etc., that current educators have, but Career Decision that doesn’t matter—if you pass a content-area test, then, by golly, you oughta be in pictures—school yearbook pictures, that is. Want out— Go back 7 spaces If your path to teaching was well-thought-out and involved more Want in— than just showing up to take a test, how then do you become Advance 1 space “highly qualified”? The easiest way is to (1) have a bachelor’s Non-Core Teacher degree; (2) have full state certification; (3) demonstrate subject area competency by passing the ExCET or TeXES; and (4) teach

You don't have to be in your area of certification. Okay, so you meet parts 1, 2, and 4; ‘Highly Qualified’ what then? Or, you meet parts 1, 2, and 3; how do you become “highly qualified”? In these instances, you have to meet Advance to Go! HOUSE—a Highly Objective Uniform Standard of Evaluation. 24 points In other words, you have to be able to count to 24! Advance to GO; collect Merit Pay • • • Less than 24 points Advance 2 spaces

You are not "Highly Begin trying to figure if “Highly Q Qualified;" go to work at you're "Highly Qualified" the Perfume Counter based on points. Calculate Points Tired of administrative Do not pass go and be TEA POINTS hassles; escape public NO sure to pull out all of your education and go work retirement money! Advance 2 spaces Advance 1 space Advance 1 space the Perfume Counter Advance School Day Begins NATIVE American Board TEST-TIME TEST-TIME ICATION Certification ternative Pay $$$ to Your first day of Pay $$$ to n Program take the TASP Test teaching take the ABCTE Test 3 spaces Advance 3 spaces Advance 5 spaces Advance 4 spaces Advance 2 spaces The Perfume Counter

Passed the ABCTE you are now a teacher & you're "Highly Qualified"

advance to GO and collect your merit pay!

More Than Just a Game! TEST-TIME

Pay $$$ to take Test Preparation Classes Elementary teachers must have at least one creditable year College advance 2 spaces of teaching experience AND have 24 points from: years of teach- AC advance 3 spaces ing experience (1 year = 1 point); college coursework in English, Celebration Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies (1 college Graduation Day! hour = 1 point); professional development that meets the standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit established by SBEC rules (15 CPE hours = 1 point); AND each of the Advance 2 spaces subjects must be represented in the 24 points. TECAT Secondary teachers must have at least one creditable year of teaching experience in the subject to be taught or in a closely related field; AND have 24 points from: experience teaching at the secondary level in the subject to be taught or a closely relat- Advance 3 spaces ed field (1 year = 1 point); college coursework in the subject to be taught or a closely related field (1 college hour = 1 point); TEST-TIME and/or professional development that meets the standards for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit established by Pay $$$ to take certification exam SBEC rules (15 CPE hours = 1 point). Advance 1 space The problem is that “highly qualified” status is fleeting; you may be “highly qualified” this year but a simple change in teaching PASSING SCORE assignment can strip you of that designation. Of course, if you do on Certification Exam! not teach a CORE subject, then it’s all moot anyway because you don’t have to be “highly qualified.” Maybe it is a game. See www.tea.state.tx.us/nclb/bulletins/Bulletin1-2HOUSE.pdf. Advance 4 spaces

—Bryan Weatherford, TSTA Teaching and Learning staff Passed the TECAT Just as you knew you would!

Advance 7 spaces Qualified” "Highly Qualified" School-Day CORE Land a Teaching Begins Subject Teacher Position Won Begin collecting merit pay Advance 1 space OT Teaching in area of NOT the Lotto certification, advance 1 Advance 1 space then who cares if you're 2 spaces Advance to GO space; if not, advance 2 advance 10 spaces Advance 1 space "Highly Qualified" 317 of the 1196 crew mem- Idea exchange bers survived. HOW TO PUT A One survivor told the students FACE ON HISTORY of taking his bugle with him At the heart of Grapevine High when he abandoned ship. After School’s outdoor ecology center several days, he had to let go of is an area dedicated to veter- it but he kept the mouthpiece. ans; a brick walkway bearing He brought out that mouth- the names of area Texans who piece, attached to a new bugle, classroom died in war, names found and played “Taps” for the through the students’ internet students. research, leads to the wooden stage and benches. Teacher Sherri Steward-Ganz said watching the connection Each year, veterans are invited

in the between the generations is to a Veterans’ Day program. amazing. With their own One year, survivors of the money, the kids rented a lim- Baatan Death March came; an- ousine for the veterans and other year, it was a soldier from literally rolled out a red carpet the Battle of Palalu. for them. “Tears were stream- Last year, survivors of the USS ing down the veterans’ faces,” Indianapolis visited. On July she said. “There were 1,000 30,1945, after delivering com- kids out there, reaching out to ponents of the atomic bomb, touch them like they were rock the Indianapolis was torpedoed stars, shaking their hands and and sank. After five days of ex- thanking them for what they’ve posure and shark attacks, only done for us.” Come explore! The University of Texas hosts the biggest open house ever in March

each higher, explore and teachers, but it’s open to ➤ design a simple highway events/exploreut; activities for further, and discover “explorers of all ages.” using CAD (computer-aided 2004 will be posted in January. Rnew interests on a day It’s too early to say exactly design) software “Explore UT” requires no of creative adventure at The what will be going on but it’s ➤ make a Texas-size art print registration. Information University of Texas at Austin a safe bet it will equal last with a steamroller booths around campus will Saturday, March 6, 2004. year’s event, where you ➤ observe the sun safely supply explorers with maps, “Explore UT,” an annual could: through the UT solar tele- schedules, and passports. event, is billed as “The ➤ pilot a virtual plane using a scope Stamps collected in the pass- Biggest Open House in flight simulator ➤ sing German folk songs port after each activity can be Texas.” The campus will host ➤ go backstage to see how ➤ read the nightly news as traded in for a free T-shirt at more than 300 free, fun-filled opera scenery is built anchor in a TV studio the University Co-op, the activities, demonstrations, ➤ check out a solar-powered ➤ buy and sell stocks in a event’s major sponsor. For and exhibitions from 11 a.m. mini-car virtual Wall Street market more information, call the to 5 p.m. The target audience ➤ bang the gavel as presiding ➤ design a city using boxes Office of Relationship Man- is kindergarten through high judge in a courtroom and blocks. agement and University school students, their parents, ➤ learn about fossils Bookmark www.utexas.edu/ Events at 512-471-7753.

18 TSTA ADVOCATE Ask the experts A SNEAK PREVIEW OF MED SCHOOL Do you have a student who’s thinking about going to medical school? Or do you just want to help your class understand how the body works and how to take an active role in their own health? University of Texas Medical Branch’s eMini Medical School is a free, Teaching the ABC’s and 123’s online public education BUTTERFLY ALPHABET as the nine numerals and a buried Cadillacs are utilized. program where you learn at One day, while ruffling variety of whimsical animal Author Carol Crane's clever your own pace from leading physicians and researchers through the attic of the shapes and faces, and created poems and informative text on the faculty. Current Smithsonian’s Museum of three posters and a book. See celebrate the traditions, loca- courses include aging and Natural History, naturalist www.butterflyalphabet.com. tions, natural resources, and the end of life; state-of- Kjell Sandved found a cigar singular wildlife of Texas. Alan the-art approaches to the box full of butterflies. In the TEXAS NUMBER BOOK Stacy's rich images make it fun. diagnosis, treatment and first butterfly’s wing, he spot- From eight hovering hum- The book hits the book prevention of coronary ted the letter “F.” mingbirds to 50 precocious stores December 1. While heart disease; bioterrorism; and alternative medicine. For the next 24 years, he prairie dogs, Round Up: A you're there, take a look at www.utmb.edu/minimed spent his spare time traveling Texas Number Book teaches L is for Lone Star: A Texas through the fields, rain forests children about Texas' treasures Alphabet and books based DISNEY WORLD IS ONLY and deserts of the world in while they learn their numbers. on the other states by the THE BEGINNING search of butterflies. He Tumbleweeds, mustangs, same creative team. The Christopher Columbus found all the letters, as well javelinas, and even half- www.sleepingbearpress.com Academy lets students and coaches work alongside sci- entists, engineers and tech- nical experts while exploring the science and technology behind Walt Disney World. It’s a weeklong, expense- paid trip for eight finalist teams, who also learn tech- niques for communicating their ideas to the media and the public. But for one team, Disney is only the beginning. The team that best demon- strates its enterprising spirit and resourcefulness will receive a $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant to help turn a great concept into a feasible solution to its community problem. En- tries must be postmarked by February 17. www.christophercolumbus awards.com

WINTER 2003 19 From Hollywood to Texas

members Joel Rosenzweig goes from directing “Cagney and Lacey” to teaching in Richardson

What’s the story behind for CBS was done. me an episode. I directed a “Cagney and Lacey”? Everybody loved it and show called “Ahead of the

amazing It started as a challenge. My wanted a series. ABC, how- Game.” John Karlin, who brother Barney challenged his ever, had a “next series com- played Harvey Lacey, got an then-girlfriend Barbara Cor- mitment” with the CBS star Emmy nomination as best day, a rabid feminist: if and wouldn’t let Loretta Swit supporting actor for it. I did women work so well to- out of her contract, so Meg four more episodes, including gether, why aren’t there any Foster was brought in. The “You’ve Come a Long Way, female buddy movies? She show was cancelled after six Baby,” which is the hooker and writer Barbara Avedon episodes. They recast the role episode—the most requested came up with a script for with Sharon Gless for five episode in syndication—and “Cagney and Lacey” which episodes as a summer re- one of the early alcohol re- they took to Tyne Daley and placement. Paul Harvey covery episodes. Loretta Swit, and the movie talked about it on his radio Tyne and Sharon had a rep- program, and it was picked utation for being difficult on up for another 120 episodes. set, but for me, even the My brother Barney was the problems were joys. Sharon executive producer. Gless is maybe the best reac- tive actor ever. It’s more inter- When did you get involved esting watching her watch in the show? someone talk than it is watch- I was kicking around doing ing the person who’s talking. theatre and other things, and When I was teaching at Co- I wound up with a DGA lumbia College, I would (directors’ guild) card, doing bring outtakes to class to sitcoms for Paramount and show. It wouldn’t matter what Columbia. I apprenticed on angle you were shooting, you “The New Odd Couple,” could cut on a syllable and “Joanie Loves Chachi,” get a match with Tyne Daly. “Cheers,” “Brothers,” “Reggie,” She is textbook perfect, and and “What’s Happening Now.” it’s not artificial. When she During the sixth season of picks something up off the “Cagney and Lacey,” Tyne, table in a scene, it’s because who was always wanting di- that’s when the character rectors who had theatre back- needs to pick it up. grounds to do the show, “Cagney and Lacey” won talked my brother into giving more Emmys than any other

20 TSTA ADVOCATE drama CBS presented. It had las where her father had sud- medical insurance in Texas. They go out of their way a greater audience share than denly become ill. I said, In California, the average here to make teaching unde- any other drama. We made “Let’s go to Texas. There’s a teacher who is the head of sirable. This state is more LA look like downtown New film industry there and teach- household will pay nothing than archaic, it’s hostile to- York. It was fun. Do I miss it? ing can finance the move.” and have a better policy. In ward education. No more than once or twice We moved only to realize California, if you retire at age a day. teaching here is not what it is 60, you’re fully vested and Your father was a teacher? My brother is now married in California…and there is an your school district will pay My father was a public to Sharon Gless. We were all active film community but no your insurance for five years school music teacher and a together last March for industry. until Medicare begins—and founding member of the mu- Sharon’s birthday in Vegas. I teach drama and social they’ll pay for supplemental sicians union. Tyne came; they’re good bud- studies at Lake Highlands insurance for the rest of your In point of fact, my father dies. And a good time was High School in Richardson. life. California’s pension pays was the first Jewish secondary had by all. Sharon currently I’m not qualified to teach 80% of your last take-home music teacher in the LA Uni- is in the Showtime series radio-television in Texas. I’ve check. fied School System and was “Queer as Folk” as Debbie made movies for a living, but On a teacher’s salary, my fa- always active in the union Novotny, the mother of one they won’t let me show a kid ther sent two sons to the Uni- there, as well. of the main characters. It’s how to hold a camera. versity of Southern California My father taught me that if going into its fourth season. I am very angry at the way to get master’s degrees. He you’re going to be an artist, Tyne is starring in “Judging teachers are treated here. Life could have sent us to any of there’s a time in your life Amy” on CBS. is much better for teachers in the University of California when you have to teach the After “Cagney and Lacey,” I collective bargaining states. schools for free because he next generation of artists. I did some work on “The Trials The average teacher who is was a public school teacher. enjoy teaching, and I’m of Rosie O’Neill” on the the head of household pays The only hope my son has is proud of my students’ episodes “A Conflict of Inter- $400 to $700 a month for a scholarship. achievements. est,” “An Act of Love” (which is in the Center for Disease Control’s permanent library honors and awards as a resource on AIDS), and National Black College Hall of Fame: Shirley teaching in Crosby since 1990, teaches at “Dr. Psychedelic.” I also Knox-Benton, principal of Paul Laurence Dun- Newport Elementary and is a member of worked on the series bar High School, has been inducted into the Crosby Educators TSTA/NEA. She holds an as- “Christy,” on the Emmy-win- National Black College Hall of Fame. She was sociate’s degree from Purdue University and ning episode “A Babe in the also named Texas State Principal of the Year bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Woods.” for 2001-02, and her campus was named a Houston-Clear Lake. And here I am now in Texas Education Agency Gold Performance Texas, teaching school. Campus for 2001-02. How did you end up Outstanding Social Studies Teacher: Linda teaching in Texas? Krause, a fifth grade social studies and lan- I was in Tennessee, shoot- guage arts teacher at Wellington Elementary in ing “Christy,” when my Lewisville ISD, was named the Texas Out- mother became ill and was standing Social Studies Teacher of the Year by diagnosed with brain cancer. the Texas Council for the Social Studies in Soon after, my father suffered October. a massive heart attack. I de- Business and Technology Vice President: cided I didn’t want to travel Mona Fannon was installed as vice president anymore so I started teaching for the Texas Business and Technology Educa- in Southern California, stay- tors Association of Texas this year. Fannon is ing close to my family and the coordinator and division chair of busi- caring for my father. Three ness/technology at Borger High School. years later, he died. And Regional Teacher of the Year: Bonnie-Beth while we were cleaning up Bonnie-Beth Newman models the tiara her col- Newman was named Region IV Elementary leagues gave her when she was named regional my father’s affairs, my wife Teacher of the Year. Newman, who has been Teacher of the Year. Joan was commuting to Dal-

WINTER 2003 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 second annual TSTA/NEA Ambassador Academy. You can be part of the third graduating class! Ambassador Academy: the third class is forming! f you want to gain knowl- Leadership Skills (PALS). Par- develop during the Academy. edge of the Association, ticipants will focus on com- The Ambassador Commit- Idiscover more about munication, decision-making tee will review all applica- yourself as an individual, and Association structure. tions, and notification letters learn problem-solving skills, TSTA will give the partici- will be sent on May 10, 2004. then utilize those skills in pants an opportunity to expe- If you have any questions, your local, apply to go to the rience the inner workings of please contact Susan Salinas third annual TSTA/NEA Am- the state Association and a or Nina Armstrong at 877- bassador Academy! chance to meet the staff at ASK-TSTA. The Ambassador Academy, TSTA Headquarters. You can download an ap- which is set for June 7-11 this You will develop a plan of plication at www.tsta.org/ year, is intended to attract action, which will enable you amacad/application.shtml or, members into active Associa- to use your skills in your if you would like the application leadership roles. You local association. This acad- tion mailed to your home, must have worked in the emy will give you an op- call TSTA and ask for Nina public school system less portunity to build relation- Armstrong. Please email than 10 years and be willing ships as a TSTA/NEA ([email protected]), fax (512- to become an active leader. Ambassador by networking 486-7043), or mail (Ambas- The Academy is intended for with Ambassadors from sador Academy, TSTA, 316 Watch for TSTA up-and-coming new leaders. across the state. Ultimately, West 12th Street, Austin, TX State Officers filing NEA and TSTA trainers will you will be expected to 78701) the application, com- deadline in the next provide the weeklong train- become an active leader in mitment contract and letters Advocate! ing. NEA will provide train- your local association and of recommendation to TSTA ing in Personal Assessment implement the goals you by May 3, 2004.

22 TSTA ADVOCATE Elections and conventions Upcoming TSTA/NEA Events TWO CANDIDATES JANUARY ANNOUNCE FOR NEA 15-16 ...... NEA Western Regional Minority Leadership Training Seminar, DIRECTOR SPOT Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Nominees for NEA Direc- 16-18 ...... NEA Western Regional Leadership Conference, Oklahoma City, tor for Texas Place 1 are Rus- Oklahoma sell Bryant, Wichita Falls 23-24 ...... Legislative Cadre Training, Austin TSTA/NEA, and Rita Haecker, Education Austin. 24 ...... TSTA Constitution, Bylaws & Elections Committee Meeting, The filing deadline for NEA TSTA Headquarters Director for Texas Place 1 25 ...... Legislative & Political Advocacy Committee Meeting, Austin was September 15 with the 30-31 ...... TSTA Board of Directors Meeting, TSTA Headquarters election to be conducted at 31 ...... Deadline for School Bell Award entries the State House of Delegates. Candidate statements and bi- FEBRUARY ographical information will appear in the spring 2004 1 ...... TSTA Board of Directors Meeting, TSTA Headquarters Advocate. 1 ...... Deadline for Professional, Human and Civil Rights Award entries 10-14 ...... NEA Board of Directors Meeting, Washington, DC TSTA-RETIRED SETS CONVENTION DATES 25-29 ...... NEA Resolutions Committee Meeting, Washington, DC The TSTA-Retired Con- MARCH vention will be March 25-26, 2004, in the L.P. Sturgeon 1 ...... Deadline for Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy/NEA Teach- Room of TSTA Headquarters ing Excellence Award nominations in Austin. There will be a 2 ...... NEA’s Read Across America board of directors meeting, 9 ...... Primary Election Day followed by the House of 10-14 ...... NEA ESP National Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina Delegates. All active retired members and active retired 25-26 ...... TSTA-Retired Convention and Board Meeting, TSTA Headquarters life members may attend the House of Delegates and par- APRIL ticipate as delegates. 2-4 ...... NEA-Retired Western Regional Conference, Tucson, AZ For more information, 13 ...... Primary Run Off Elections contact Nina Armstrong at 22 ...... TSTA Board of Directors Meeting, Austin [email protected]. 23-24 ...... TSTA House of Delegates, Renaissance Austin Hotel NEW NEA STATE DELEGATE 30 ...... NEA Board of Directors Meeting, Washington, DC VOTING PROCESS Ballots for electing state MAY delegates to the NEA Repre- 1 ...... NEA Board of Directors Meeting, Washington, DC sentative Assembly will be in the spring Advocate. You will 2-8 ...... Teacher Appreciation Week mark the appropriate ballot 4 ...... National Teacher Day (no copies), cut it out, place it in a sealed envelope, and JUNE place the label on the enve- 3-4 ...... TSTA-Retired Board of Directors Meeting, TSTA Headquarters lope as the return address. 4-6 ...... TSTA Board of Directors Meeting, TSTA Headquarters You must use the return label that is provided in your 7-11 ...... TSTA Ambassador Academy Advocate for your ballot to 28-30 ...... NEA-Retired Annual Conference, Washington, DC be counted.

WINTER 2003 23 governance 125th Annual TSTA Convention April 22-24, 2004 • Renaissance Austin Hotel • Austin he 2004 TSTA House We will be sending detailed will be processed upon avail- of Delegates will be held information about the sched- ability. Please note: The hotel Tat the Renaissance Austin ule, transportation, and lodg- DOES NOT have to honor Hotel (Arboretum area— ing at a later date, but some the convention rate after Northwest Austin) on April items need to be touched on March 31, 2004. 23-24, 2004. The TSTA Board in this article, even though Registration of Directors will meet on April the convention is still months 22. All events will take place away. One important item is Registration and certifica- at the hotel with the House of the housing form. While we tion of delegates will occur in Delegates meeting being held can mail a packet to folks the Atrium level of the hotel in the Grand Ballroom after they are elected covering on April 23-24. Exact times for registration will be posted (Atrium level of the hotel). most information, the only on the TSTA web site closer If you are interested in be- way we have to get the Hotel to the Convention and will be ing a delegate, please contact Reservation Form to delegates mailed to delegates. While your local president to get de- in time for them to meet the any member is welcome to at- tails on when and how dele- deadline is to include it in this article. If you are plan- tend the HoD and Conven- gates are elected in your local. ning on being a delegate (or tion, only those delegates Regional presidents may clus- think you might be), please with proper badges are al- ter members without a local read the following paragraph lowed in the designated or in a local of fewer than 26 carefully and use the form at delegate section and voting members that chooses not to the end of this article to make area. If you are an alternate elect a delegate. your reservation. delegate moving to delegate Regional Call the Center for Execu- status, you will need to get and Caucus tive and Governance (800- Housing the card mailed to the dele- Meetings 324-5355 or 877-ASK-TSTA, A room block is being held gate you are replacing and extension 1510 or 1514) if at the Renaissance Austin bring it with you to the Regions and Caucuses you have questions about the Hotel. Reservations are to be registration desk. The card that choose to use the House of Delegates/Conven- made directly with the hotel. must be signed by your local hotel meeting space to tion and/or items listed in Please complete the lodging president. conduct business/meet- this article. Information about form found at the end of this ings need to make TSTA’s State Convention article. March 31 is the dead- Professional arrangements through the meeting will be located on line for hotel reservations. Development Organizing Center for Ex- TSTA’s web site under TSTA After that date, rooms not re- Workshops ecutive and Governance. State Convention at served in the TSTA block will Several workshops, includ- www.tsta.org. be released and reservations ing professional development

24 TSTA ADVOCATE workshops with continuing Legislative Program; and Pro- rentals available through from the event. You or your education credits, are being posed NEA Resolutions. TSTA/NEA Member Benefits. travel agent may call South- planned and will be offered Other topics may be sched- The Renaissance Austin Hotel west Airlines Group and during the convention on ed- uled as well. provides complimentary self- Meetings Reservations at 800- ucational and association is- parking. Valet parking is avail- 433-5368 and reference the sues. These workshops will Ground Transportation able at the cost of $12 a day. assigned ID Code L0346. be offered on Friday, April 23. The airport is 17.1 miles Reservations sales agents are from the hotel. Ground trans- Southwest Airlines available 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 Open Hearings portation is available via Southwest Airlines, in co- p.m. Monday through Friday Open hearings will be con- SuperShuttle van service or operation with TSTA, is offer- or 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sat- ducted Friday, April 23, on: via taxicab. Detailed informa- ing attendees to the 2004 urday and Sunday. You must 2004-05 TSTA Budget; Pro- tion will be provided to the TSTA Convention a 10% dis- make reservations five or posed Bylaws and Standing delegates, along with infor- count on most of its already more days prior to travel to Rules Amendments; Proposed mation on discounted car low fares for air travel to and take advantage of this offer.

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM TSTA 125th Annual State Convention April 22-24, 2004 • Renaissance Austin Hotel • Austin

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION AND RETURN TO THE HOTEL BY MARCH 31, 2004. 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)...... $126.00 9721 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, TX 78759 ____Double room (2 people—___1 bed, ___2 beds) ...... $126.00 Telephone: 512-343-2626 or 800-228-9290 ____Triple room (3 people—2 beds) ...... $146.00 FAX: 512-343-6364 ____Quad room (4 people—2 beds)...... $146.00

Cut-off date for ALL rooms and room rates is March 31, 2004. All rooms are subject to a 15% room tax.

I will arrive April ______, 2004 at ______(a.m./p.m.) and will depart April ______, 2004.

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 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 2003 25 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, 2003 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, 2004 2004 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 TELEVISION 2.Medium or Small Market 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.