December 2016 2016 ESP of the Year Marcell Branch’S Favorite Part of His Day Is Talking with Students at Intermediate District 287’S West Education Center

A publication for the members of Education Minnesota December 2016 2016 ESP of the Year Marcell Branch’s favorite part of his day is talking with students at Intermediate District 287’s West Education Center. But the newly named Education Minnesota ESP of the Year does so much more than that. Find out more about Branch and his commitment to at-risk youth and elevating the profession of education support professionals. Page 3

Educators look to bridge divide after election The results of the election all walks of life still mix. The schools create a safe place Specht and 2015 Minnesota “I don’t see this as a last month revealed deep public schools are one of where the next generation of Teacher of the Year Amy political stance,” said divides in the country and them,” Education Minnesota voters can learn to get along. Hewett-Olatunde spoke on Specht. “I see it as a plea for in Minnesota. Schools President Denise Specht “The lessons we have Minnesota Public Radio a common decency.” across the state are seeing said. “There, we educate always taught in school were few days after the election the effects of this in forms the children of parents of not made obsolete on Election about the acts of bullying and Educators win in state, of bullying and graffiti, but all races and ethnicities: Day. For one thing, facts still hate speech that were being local races also in students stepping up children of conservatives matter. And educators will seen in schools. Eighteen current and to show messages of support and progressives and still insist students treat each “Educators have a moral former Minnesota educators and inclusiveness. children from families that other with respect. Fear, and ethical duty to stop won state legislative seats. Public schools are safe are comfortable and from intimidation and bullying bullying,” said Hewett- Kent Eken, Jerry Newton, spaces for the students who families that are struggling. were not acceptable before, Olatunde, an English Carolyn Laine, Jason Isaacson come there to learn, as well As educators, we feel a they’re not OK today and we language learner teacher to and Steve Cwodzinski as the people who work special duty to bridge the will be on guard against them immigrant students at LEAP won Senate seats. Mary there, and many educators divides between us. It’s our in the future. This campaign High School in St. Paul. Murphy, Paul Marquart, are looking to be the ones to hope Minnesotans can join season showed we must do “Educators need to stop and Julie Sandstede, Jennifer serve as bridge-builders. together to strengthen their the job of teaching diverse address it. We need to stop Schultz, Dean Urdahl, David “The results of the election public schools, not just students to speak civilly with the bullying for the sake of Bly, Duane Sauke, Jeanne remind us there are very few because they strive to give all each other, and do it well, or those being bullied and stop Poppe, Mary Kunesh-Podein, places in our deeply divided students the opportunity to the cycle of nastiness in our and educate the ones doing America where people from succeed, but because public politics will never end.” the bullying.” Election, page 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE… WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Education Minnesota President Denise Have you ever wondered what being Read the article about Teachers of the Year Specht discusses how to support students “nationally board certified” means? speaking out on successes and struggles in a time of uncertainty for some. Page 7 of dealing with the achievement gap. Then Page 2 Member honor roll. Page 8 answer the question, “What successes or Forslund lawsuit attacking teacher due Two spots opening on TRA Board. struggles have you encountered in closing the process get dismissed by judge. Page 3 student opportunity gap? and send it to us Page 9 via email, Twitter or Facebook to be entered Registration open for 2017 Collective Teachers look at how movies depict the into a drawing for a $25 Target gift card. Bargaining and Organizing Conference. profession. Page 10 Page 4 Email us at [email protected] or post on Teachers of the Year featured on Twitter or Facebook using #MNEducator. Find Pequot Lakes art teacher inspires in the achievement gap panel, sharing us on Facebook at Education Minnesota and classroom, heading to international successes and struggles. Page 11 on Twitter @EducationMN. chainsaw carving championship. Page 4 Lesson plan jam, equity ed camp Congratulations to last month’s contest A legal analysis of the Forslund lawsuit offered at the beginning of next year. winner, Rebecca Hagen of Elk River. See a dismissal and due process rights. Page 5 Opportunities. Page 12 selection of answers to last month’s question on page 2. PERSPECTIVES Educators owe it to students to bring state together In the weeks after Election Schools Act calls for more recent years. effective public opinion.” Day, Minnesota schools professional development. Back in 1952, U.S. I know we have a tough job are reaping the whirlwind We should all take advantage Supreme Court Justice Felix ahead, but I also know the of the nastiest presidential of the opportunity. More Frankfurter said it well when educators of the Minnesota. campaign in years. immediately, I’ve included he called educators “priests We can do it, if we work… Vandals defaced at least with this column some of our democracy” and two Minnesota schools with materials from the American noted, “It is the special task Together, racist graffiti. Protesters Federation of Teachers, of teachers to foster those are in the streets. Reports the National Education habits of open-mindedness of bigoted acts at schools Association and other and critical inquiry which around the state have reputable education sources. alone make for responsible prompted principals to send For example, there are citizens, who, in turn, make Twitter: @DeniseSpecht letters home to parents telling three tips from the AFT’s possible an enlightened and them their neighborhood “Share My Lesson” page: schools are still safe. • Provide examples of “Regardless of how Denise Specht, president positive images of RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP students might feel about groups that have been the election results, some stereotyped during this EDUCATORS TALK THROUGH STUDENT students are hurting and schools and campuses are campaign. If your school CONCERNS POST-ELECTION fearful of the tone and among the few places left is more homogenous, rhetoric used throughout where people from all walks use “virtual contact” Teaching Tolerance the election,” wrote one of life still mix. through film, stories and Blog post: What to Say to Kids on November 10 principal in the Twin Cities. We educate the children narratives from another’s and the Days After As educators, we cannot of parents of all races point of view. let racist bullying become the and ethnicities; children www.tolerance.org/blog/what-say-kids- • Teach media literacy, november-10-and-days-after new normal in our schools. of conservatives and so students know the This isn’t a political statement. progressives and children difference between Colorín Colorado from families that are It’s a plea for common entertainment television Lesson plans, resources and talking points for ELL teachers comfortable and from decency in how we treat and political news and education support professionals. each other and in the learning families that are struggling. coverage. Also teach them environments we create. It’s They all depend on us www.colorincolorado.org/after-election- political news shows are ideas-and-guidance-teachers-ells the same commitment we to prepare their kids for different from academic made to all our students two successful lives, however discussions. AFT Share My Lesson years ago when Education that’s defined. Minnesota pushed for All our students need us, • Teach and model how to Post-Election Collection use civil discourse in the the Safe and Supportive regardless of where they https://sharemylesson.com/post-election Schools Act, in part to come from. They need us classroom. If your school NEA Today blog respond to harassment of to figure out how to teach has a code of conduct or LGBT students. in the new atmosphere in ethics, use that as a way Blog post: ‘I’m Going to Reassure Them That They Are Safe’: Healing won’t be easy. our schools and in the new to ground your lesson Talking to Students After the Election The campaign exposed norms of public discourse. on teaching tolerance. It can also serve as a rubric http://neatoday.org/2016/11/09/talking- the real pain and fear felt Fortunately, there are many to-students-about-election by our neighbors. The resources available. for evaluating debates political process exploited Education Minnesota about politics in your Education Week classroom. the divisions between us. began work months ago on Blog post: The Election Is Over, But for Teachers, Hard Many of us fell into the a program called F.I.R.E., As educators, we owe it Conversations Are Just Beginning comfortable trap of listening Facing Inequities and Racism to our students to bring our http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_ only to people with whom we in Education, which includes state together as best we now/2016/11/post_election_teaching.html agreed, and were surprised by best practices for responding can while providing a safe the results on Election Day. to racism in our schools. Our space for everyone. This is Article: After Election, Students Express a Mix of Emotions an old responsibility for us, So unity feels a long way union will soon be making http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/11/16/ although the nationwide off right now, but I believe those resources, and others, after-election-students-express-a-mix-of. focus on chasing test it’s up to us, the educators, available to its members. htmlnow/2016/11/post_election_teaching.html to lead the way back. Public The Safe and Supportive scores has obscured it in What professional development would you like to see offered? In last month’s Minnesota Educator, we continued Health.” Rebecca Hagen, Elk River Education Association “I would just like to be able to attend some of the the “we want to hear from you” contest and received professional development or training that is available responses from all over the state via email and Twitter. “I would like to see our union offer more opportunities for teachers.” Pam Thake, Education Minnesota-Red Lake Here is a selection of the answers. Look on page 1 for for teachers to be comfortable teaching STEM. So many this month’s question and how to submit an answer. avoid it because it can be messy, loud and confusing to “I think our district does a good job of offering a variety Your answer enters you into a drawing for a $25 Target some. We owe it to our future engineers and scientists of training opportunities for teachers, but as a non- gift card! to expose all students to high standards in not only classroom staff member, I would like to see more options “What professional development opportunities would reading and math but SCIENCE as well!” Jodi Prchal, relevant to support staff such as counselors, social I like to have as an educator? Two words: Mental New Prague Education Association workers, and school psychologists.” Melissa Williams, Education Richfield

December 2016 – Volume 19, No. 4 The Minnesota Educator publishes each month. It is one of the union’s print and digital publications to educate, inform and organize the community of members. The Educator is reported, edited and designed by union staff members. The paper is printed in RR Donnelley Co.’s union shop in Long Prairie, Minn. Find copies of the Educator online at www.educationminnesota.org. Go to the News menu, then Minnesota Educator.

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PAGE 2 DECEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG ESP of the Year builds up students, colleagues When Marcell Branch accomplishments too.” started working at West Each day, 10 to 15 students Education Center in come into Branch’s office just Intermediate District 287 to talk. He listens, shares his four years ago, he knew he thoughts and knowledge and could do the job, but it wasn’t talk through what’s going always going to be easy. on in their lives. He spends As a behavior intervention time in the hallways, library specialist at the level-four and entryway to be able to behavior school, he works connect with students. with students who don’t “Educators are faced always see themselves fitting with a dramatic increase into a school setting. But his in the number of students prior years of working with with emotional, social and at-risk youth make Branch behavioral challenges,” the perfect person to reach Branch said in his award out and help guide them submission letter. “ESPs are to success. responsible for facilitating “I always say we have to an atmosphere that makes work on the students from learning possible in the the outside in,” he said. “We classrooms. Engaging our need to work on their issues students in an authentic way outside of school and help will positively impact their them realize that all of this behavior and make it possible work is going to benefit them for everyone to benefit in the in the end.” opportunities that a good And that mentality is education brings to them.” a big reason why Branch His motto is to keep it was chosen as Education positive and show up. Minnesota’s 2016 Education “We need to focus on Support Professional of the positive. The students Marcell Branch talks with student Deshawn Bass about her schedule, classes and successes. the Year. will take that out into the “I’m not used to getting communities,” Branch said. Branch’s background in learning and growing, as well field, and colleagues have awards,” said Branch. “It “People can have things go working with youth and as a continued commitment been quick to recognize his does feel good to feel like on in their lives, but don’t crisis management helps him to working alongside people dedication. He wants to your work is being valued.” give up on them. Every day to be successful and show up with disabilities,” said Kleive. make sure others feel the And the work is so very that you show up, that child for his students. Branch actively participates same way. important to Branch. is going to show up. Show Prior to working in public in the work of Intermediate “People know that “I understand these them what you want to education, he worked as District Local 2209, served I mean business and am students and where they are do and keep positivity in a case manager, counselor on the negotiations team trying to make changes in coming from. I was them at your work.” and advocate at youth- and has attended Education the education system,” he one point in time,” he said. “I He shares that motto in his based organizations. He Minnesota’s Summer said. “If we do things to want to give them a positive work with other staff as well. also became a certified gang Seminar. He was named the better help and recognize African-American male “When asked what advice specialist in 2003 and won local’s ESP of the Year before staff, we can change role model.” he would give someone the Frederic Thrasher Award being nominated for the education. We can make Branch’s daily life includes entering the profession, he for Gang Prevention. state award. meaningful change.” keeping the school building stated ‘to always stay positive Branch also works hard to Branch is also trained For winning the award, safe and building a connection and to ask questions,’” said mentor staff and be a strong in restorative chats and Branch receives a $1,000 with students. Becky Kleive, a language arts advocate for his union. works with staff dealing honorarium and an iPad, “I want to help them be instructor at West Education “He elevates the image of with conflicts. plus an expense-paid trip more successful,” he said. Center, in her nomination ESPs in the association and “I mentor them on how to to the National Education “These kids need someone letter. “He encourages people the community through his deal and work through their Association Education to be there when they do to ‘learn to use the skills involvement in professional own conflicts,” he said. “I Support Professional good and when they do bad. I you’re taught’ and, most development and community take it all very seriously.” National Conference. hold them accountable when importantly, ‘focus on one activities that show a Branch works two other I need to and celebrate their student at a time.’” continued commitment to jobs outside the education Focus shifts after due process lawsuit dismissed Minnesota educators the education clause of the Specht said of Minnesota’s can give their attention to state constitution. Forslund case. Minnesota’s laws on due process for teachers are often more pressing issues facing In her ruling, Marrinan The Forslund plaintiffs described incorrectly. Here are three facts: public education now that said the plaintiffs could draw were four mothers of children Minnesota statutes already say teachers may be fired a Ramsey County District no connections between low who had attended Minnesota for “failure to teach” and “inefficiency in teaching.” judge has dismissed a lawsuit academic achievement and public schools. They sued challenging the state’s statutes Minnesota’s due process the state of Minnesota, the State law already prohibits students from being for due process and layoffs. laws for teachers. She also governor, the education repeatedly assigned to an “ineffective” teacher. “One of the biggest threats wrote the state Supreme commissioner and four In 2015, the Legislature passed an amendment to the quality of education Court had repeatedly individual districts—Anoka- barring administrators from assigning a student to in Minnesota schools is the recognized the legitimacy Hennepin, St. Paul, Duluth a teacher on an improvement plan two years in a shortage of experienced, of the state’s tenure laws, in and West St. Paul-Mendota row. Education Minnesota supported the change. fully licensed teachers,” said one case calling them, “wise Heights-Eagan. Neither Minnesota statutes for due process and layoffs do not Denise Specht, president legislation, promotive of the Education Minnesota nor dictate where teachers are assigned. Concentrations of Education Minnesota. best interests, not only of any of its local unions were of inexperienced or experienced teachers are the “We hope this ruling will teachers affected, but of the named as defendants. products of administrative decisions, teacher preferences let Minnesota move beyond schools as well.” The lawsuit was paid for and some rules that are collectively bargained. these insinuations about the Specht said educators by a group of nationally quality of its teachers toward were not surprised the affiliated education developing new strategies case was dismissed. The reform groups, including honestly inform parents After the Minnesota for recruiting and retaining California Court of Appeals Students for Education about their children’s case was dismissed, the great educators.” gave unionized educators a Reform Minnesota and the education and maintain high Partnership for Educational In late October, Ramsey victory earlier this year when Partnership for Educational academic standards without Justice filed another lawsuit, County District Court it overturned a very similar Justice, which receives its fear of being fired. Without this time in New Jersey, Judge Margaret Marrinan case, called Vergara. primary funding from the these protections, I doubt on behalf of six parents. dismissed the lawsuit which “Students benefit when Walton Family Foundation good teachers could do their That lawsuit challenged the sought to strip teachers of their teachers have the and Eli Broad. best work,” said Duluth state’s last-in-first-out rule their rights to due process freedom to speak out about “The due process Federation of Teachers for teacher layoffs and asked and deny local districts the conditions in their schools protections attacked President Bernadette a court to declare the statute ability to determine their own without the fear of arbitrary by this lawsuit are what Burnham, in a newspaper unconstitutional. layoff policies. The plaintiffs firing, so it’s no surprise allow teachers to fearlessly commentary after the lawsuit claimed the statutes violated this lawsuit was dismissed,” advocate for our schools, was filed.

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 3 Collective bargaining, organizing conference, Jan 20-21 All local unions able to send one member for free, For more information or to register for the conference, go opportunities for additional reimbursed attendance. to www.educationminnesota.org/events.aspx#collective- bargaining-and-organizing-conference. Registration is now open conference coordinator. and organizing around for Education Minnesota’s The conference will feature workload issues. 2017 Collective Bargaining three strands of sessions: Student-centered advocacy are for both ESP and teacher schedules can be complicated and Organizing Conference. Negotiations fundamentals, sessions will look at ideas members, but some are and difficult to understand. The conference will organizing for power and and strategies to support broken out for each specific The conference fee is take place Jan 20-21 student-centered advocacy. bargaining and advocacy membership category. $70 per person. Each local at the DoubleTree by Sessions that fall into the that addresses the needs The student-centered receives one complimentary Hilton Bloomington- category of negotiations of students, families advocacy track includes registration, and the Minneapolis South in fundamentals will focus on and communities. two sessions specific to ESP opportunity for a second Bloomington, Minnesota. skills related to preparation Sessions in this strand members—“Bargaining complimentary registration The conference kicks for bargaining and are focus on topics like for ESP Professional when that person is designated off the 2017-19 contract targeted to local bargaining advocating for members Development and by the local president. Locals negotiations for teachers team members. and students of color, ESSA Collaboration,” which may send a second person at and provides information Some of the sessions implementation, including will identify ways to bring no charge who: for ESP locals that are either featured in this strand include special education issues in professional development • Is a member of color, or negotiating or preparing health care fundamentals, bargaining, organizing for for ESPs to the forefront • Is a member serving on to negotiate. costing settlements, effective safe and healthy schools, at the bargaining table; his or her first negotiating The conference offers bargaining team practices, as well as recruitment and and “Student-Centered or organizing team, or core negotiations classes, using mediation and how to retention of new educators Advocacy for ESPs,” which while expanding its focus communicate with members and educators of color. will highlight the work • Is a member within his to new member engagement during bargaining. “As a union, we are trying of the St. Paul Federation or her first 10 years of and equity issues like The organizing for power to use the lever of negotiations of Teachers Educational teaching or working, who school climate and the strand will provide content to problem-solve for student, Assistants in developing has committed to serve teacher shortage. and teach skills critical to parent and community issues. student-centered proposals as a local organizer or “Within the classes offered, member engagement and There is a way to use our that engage members in the negotiator. there is a balance among mobilization efforts. bargaining power for the bargaining process. ESP locals that did not strong skills for the bargaining Included in this strand greater good,” said Cecconi. ESP members will also have send a member to the table, skills that will translate are sessions that look at “People are grappling with an opportunity to attend 2015 conference may have across all levels of organizing creating school climate the teacher shortage, but “Costing ESP Settlements,” registration fees for up to and member engagement and teams, community and parent also the increase of poverty and “ESP Costing four people reimbursed, with skills to focus on student- engagement, developing and immigrant students Spreadsheet: A Hands-On hotel, lost-wage coverage and centered issues,” said a communications plan, in their schools. We want Workshop”—both of which mileage paid. Andrea Cecconi, Education bringing out member voice, this conference to address are designed to address the Reimbursements will Minnesota negotiations and how to bargain for full- all of that.” specific considerations for be made to locals after research specialist and the service community schools Many of the classes offered ESP costing, as compensation the conference. Pequot art teacher builds community, shares passion When Molly Wiste talks through frustrations, through the creative process revisions and successes with her art students at with them. Pequot Lakes High School, “They respect me a lot she knows what they are more when I can show them going through. what I’ve been working on. That’s because not only is This stuff I’m making you do, Wiste a teacher of art, she is I do it too,” she said. an artist herself–and with a Wiste also brings her love bit of a unique medium. of unique artist mediums into “I got into chainsaw her classroom. carving kind of by accident,” “When I taught at the Wiste said. “I was buying middle school-level, there wood from someone for weren’t a lot of boys taking another project and he art,” she said. “So I asked offered to give me a lesson. around and they said, ‘You’re I had only done oil paintings just painting water lilies.’ and small wood sculptures up So we started doing wood until then.” sculpting, wire carving, But once Wiste tried it, wood burning.” she was hooked. And this Wiste also does air January, she will be flying brushing, clay and the more to Australia to compete traditional mediums too. with nine other carvers “I try to find a student’s (Top row) Molly Wiste’s class has worked on community-building projects, like Patriot Rocks and tape from around the world interests and passions as a way murals. (Bottom row) In her spare time, Molly Wiste is an international chainsaw carving competitor. in the Chainsaw Carving to get them interested in art,” Championship. she said. “I really get to know 11 years. Washington, called ‘Port worked on tape murals “I had been in the U.S. students on an individual “I let them know that they Angeles Rocks,’” she said. around the school. Open in Wisconsin, got level. I love working in all of all are artists, they just don’t “They put hopeful messages “It’s not as permanent,” noticed and was invited to the mediums, but there are know what their medium is,” on rocks and hid them Wiste said. “So they will compete,” she said. some days it would be easier she said. around town. It got really big just be up for the year. Wiste brings her own to just do ceramics.” Wiste also focuses on and the community started They did it around the experiences of creating art Her passion for art and artist behaviors, which are participating too.” hallways to show off their into her classroom, and she connection to the process is part of national and local A group of Wiste’s students art, but they also included gets a lot from her students’ what led Wiste into teaching. art standards. decided to put their own spin inspirational quotes.” creations too. She credits her high school “One of the behaviors we on project and create “Patriot Wiste’s after-school art “I love being with students art teacher Ann Wistrcill from look at is ‘artists help their Rocks.” Students have been club is also looking at in the art room. I learn a lot Winona with encouraging communities,’” she said. decorating rocks and hiding participating in a community- about art from them,” she her to go into the profession, “Students have to use their them around the school and building project. said. “I get a lot of joy from as well as her dad, a speech art to help or benefit the out in the community. If you “They are working on a seeing what they create. I and theater teacher. community, whether it’s our find a rock, you are supposed proposal to the principal if should tell them more that “I spent most of my time in school, town or bigger. They to hide it again for someone they could glue giant pictures they fuel my creativity. Just the art room in high school, have to get their art out of else to find. to the wall,” he said. “They today I was pumped up that but I didn’t see it as a career the classroom.” “The students were just decided that the elderly I was brainstorming with choice,” she said. “(Wistrcill) This year, Wiste gave interviewed by the local aren’t as respected as they students about their work really encouraged me that I students a few examples newspaper and encouraged should be in the community. and that made me think of could have a career.” of other artists’ projects the community to start taking Their pictures will be something for my work.” Wiste brings that same reflecting this behavior. part in the project too,” celebrating them.” She shows students her sense of encouragement into “We found this thing that Wiste said. sketch books and talks her classroom, even after started in Port Angeles, Another group of students

PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG Lawsuit brings new focus to importance of due process Recently, a district court attitudes persist today. also regularly resign. Non- judge dismissed the lawsuit Without these laws, probationary teachers LEGAL BRIEFS intended to strip teachers of teachers would again who face allegations that due process rights, eliminate risk arbitrary and unfair they should be terminated teacher development and termination decisions based have a fair and equitable focus on students. evaluation and create a system on cronyism, nepotism, opportunity to respond to The future of that work of discretionary power for personal vendettas or any charges against them and will include increased district administrators and because one teacher was have their case decided by a educator and parent voice school boards. In dismissing more expensive than another. neutral, mutually-selected through comprehensive needs all claims and all parties from Job security is essential for decision maker. This is assessments required by some the Forslund v. Minnesota educators who are working the same protection held schools under Every Student lawsuit, the judge said the to advance educational by most public employees Succeeds Act, the federal plaintiffs could not draw equity on behalf of students. in Minnesota. education law that replaced any connection between If anyone believes that In addition, the state’s No Child Left Behind. The low academic achievement such days are behind us layoff laws do not force future of that work will and Minnesota’s due Jess Anna Glover in Minnesota, consider the school districts to layoff include fighting for access to process laws. necessity of speech rights young teachers and retain preschool so all students come The lawsuit was paid for for teachers to speak out less effective teachers. Layoff to kindergarten ready. The by a group of nationally- teachers, as well as the history on behalf of students. Our systems are locally bargained future of that work will also affiliated education reform of the laws governing public state is not beyond issues of between administrators include considering school groups, including Students teacher termination. She fairness and equality. and teachers. They can be climate issues; the capacity for Education Reform published her analysis in a Job protections help attract changed every two years. to provide trauma-influenced Minnesota (SFERMinn) and law review article which was educators to the profession. Although it is incredibly education environments and the Partnership for Education cited by the judge dismissing Like higher wages, job hard to be a plaintiff in a restorative practices; and the Justice, a group with the Forslund lawsuit. security and protections lawsuit and to bring attention fight for funding resources primary funding from the Recently, while part of against arbitrary firings are to important issues, like the all schools need, such Walton Family Foundation a panel discussion at the terms and conditions of persistent achievement gap as counselors. and billionaire Eli Broad. School Law Conference employment that attract good in Minnesota and equity Education Minnesota Forslund is just one of several in Minneapolis, Ver Ploeg people into teaching and keep for students, the plaintiffs members do not stand in lawsuits across the country reminded the audience of them there for a career. Due and their attorneys in the way of addressing the brought to strip teacher the history of the laws, process and job protections Forslund were wrong in achievement gap for students rights and dismantle unions not just the dates, but the are important for teachers their choice of forum. This of color; they lead and fight by asserting unsubstantiated motivations. There was a who hold students to high is a broader discussion that for their students and schools. connections between the time when women were standards, protect students needs to include the voices They believe that much due process laws and fired for being women or for from abuse, challenge of educators. needs to be done. Those are student achievement. becoming pregnant; when their school district, teach Regardless of whether the shared values. In 2004, Christine Ver teachers of color were fired controversial subjects and plaintiffs appeal the decision  Jess Anna Glover Ploeg, professor of law at because of their race; and could be wrongly accused in Forslund, educators across Glover is an Education William Mitchell, conducted when teachers were fired of misconduct. the state will be talking about Minnesota staff attorney. exhaustive analysis of because they stood up against Due process protections do the shared values they have Minnesota’s arbitration and the bullying of students seen not guarantee a result; they with parents, administrators, court decisions involving as having an unpopular view guarantee a process. Teachers and communities—which is termination of tenured held in a community. These can and are fired. Teachers guided by and rooted in a

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 5 Education Minnesota election material

FILING FORM FOR FILING FORM FOR GOVERNING BOARD AT-LARGE GOVERNING BOARD AT-LARGE VACANCY This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. Committee of Education Minnesota. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , wish to file for the following position: I, , wish to file for the following position: OR OR I, , wish to nominate , I, , wish to nominate , for the following position: for the following position: Governing Board – Election Zone: Governing Board At-Large (three-year term: July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020) (two positions to be filled; remainder of three-year term: All election zone positions to be filled: 1 through 8. July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2019) Election zone map located at www.educationminnesota.org. Candidate Information Candidate Information Mailing Address: Mailing Address: City/State/ZIP: City/State/ZIP: Local: School Phone: Local: School Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Email: Signature: Date: Signature: Date:

(For official use only) (For official use only) This filing form was received on by This filing form was received on by Membership was verified on by Membership was verified on by DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. DEC. 9, 2016 DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. DEC. 9, 2016 Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, or scan and email to [email protected]. or scan and email to [email protected]. Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates in the Minnesota Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates in the Minnesota Educator published prior to the election in April and in a Voter Guide distributed at the Educator published prior to the election in April and in a Voter Guide distributed at the Representative Convention. Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion Representative Convention. Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion in these publications and on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement in these publications and on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www.educationminnesota.org. must be submitted using the online submission form at www.educationminnesota.org. Statement and photo must be received by Dec. 20, 2016. Statement and photo must be received by Dec. 20, 2016.

FILING FORM FOR FILING FORM FOR GOVERNING BOARD GOVERNING BOARD ESP HIGHER ED/STATEWIDE AFFILIATE This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. Committee of Education Minnesota. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , wish to file for the following position: I, , wish to file for the following position: OR OR I, , wish to nominate , I, , wish to nominate , for the following position: for the following position: Governing Board ESP Governing Board Higher Ed/Statewide Affiliate (two positions to be filled; three-year term: July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020) (one position to be filled; three-year term: July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020) Candidate Information Candidate Information Mailing Address: Mailing Address: City/State/ZIP: City/State/ZIP: Local: School Phone: Local: School Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Email: Email: Signature: Date: Signature: Date:

PAGE 6 DECEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG What does being nationally board certified mean? Many teachers may hear Minnesota NBCT Network. Grants are also available the words “National Board “Read through all of the for those looking to pursue Certification” but don’t standards and rubrics to see certification. The Education understand what it means, what they are looking for. Minnesota Foundation for how to go about getting it or You can access everything Excellence in Teaching and if they even want to pursue it. you need online before you Learning has grants available National Board start the process.” each year with an application Certification is a voluntary, “It’s not difficult to get deadline in November. advanced teaching started,” said Gardner. “You “It’s a valid form of credential that goes beyond register, pay and then choose professional development,” state licensure. NBC has which component(s) you said McCormack. “It’s more national standards for what want to work on. You can directly focused on your accomplished teachers complete this over multiple work in your classroom than should know and be able years or all in one year.” a master’s program is.” to do. The National Board Certification consists of “We always want to know for Professional Teaching four components: assessment if what we’re doing is the Find an informational tool kit, video and information Standards certifies teachers of content knowledge, right thing for our kids,” said on support sessions at www.educationminnesota.org/ who successfully complete reflection on student work Smith. “It absolutely changed resources.aspx#national-board-certification. the process. samples, video and analysis me as a teacher.” “What it means for of teaching practice and Smith, Gardner and teachers is that they have documentation of the McCormack agree that taken responsibility for impact of assessment and receiving the certification something you’re reading number grow. their own professional collaboration on student takes a lot of work, but out of a book or taking from “If you are interested, the development and have put learning. that is why the Minnesota somewhere else.” best thing you can do is talk their accomplishments to the “It was a lot of work to network was created. It The network hosts free to a NBCT and hear from test, literally,” said Kathryn write papers and analyze serves as a support system support sessions once a month them why the process is Gardner, a high school what you’re doing,” said for people working toward on Saturdays in Mounds worth it,” she said. “You teacher from Rochester and Angela McCormack, a high certification, as well a View, where members will can attend support sessions the Minnesota National school math teacher in Big networking opportunity read through papers or just or contact NBCTs directly to Board Certified Teacher Lake and member of the state for those who have already be there to talk. hear from them. There may Network leader. network. “But a lot of it is received it. “We have created a slide not ever be the exact right Board certification is what you are already doing. “There are moments when presentation and other time to start this process, so available in 25 certificate There’s a lot of self-reflection, you think you can’t do it. You materials that any NBCT can it might as well be now.” areas, from pre-K through looking at what is really have to take a step back and use to promote the program “As long as you have 12th grade, which include helping students learn.” look at a specific question at the local level and at been teaching three years, content areas like art, science The state of Minnesota and work forward from regional and state meetings. it’s never too late or early and career and technical recognizes National Board there,” said Smith. “You This includes print materials, to seek National Board education, as well as Certification in place of the have to rely on your peers, a video and a number of Certification,” said Smith. generalists. 120 clock-hour requirement talk through the process and resources on the Education “I would consider it “Before you get started, for five-year license renewal. have your peers read your Minnesota website,” said especially if you already look closely at what standards In addition, some local work. Gardner. have your master’s,” said fit your skills and career the unions have negotiated “It’s hard. You’re talking Over the years, about 500 McCormack. “It’s the best,” said Lacey Smith, an language in their contracts about yourself, your practice, Minnesota teachers have next step in professional elementary teacher in Cook to support and/or reward your students and how it been certified and Gardner development. You get to County and member of the National Board Certification. all comes together. It’s not said she would like to see the examine your own teaching.”

FILING FORM FOR NEA DIRECTOR This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , wish to file for the following position: OR I, , wish to nominate , for the following position: NEA Director Candidate Information Mailing Address: City/State/ZIP: Local: School Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Stay informed on what is going on at the Capitol and how to get involved Email: at www.educationminnesota.org/advocacy.aspx#at-the-legislature. Signature: Date:

(For official use only) Election from page 1 This filing form was received on by Lyndon Carlson, Linda Slocum, With a budget bill looming and JoAnn Ward and Jim Davnie all won partisanship between the governor Membership was verified on by state House seats. and Legislature, Education Minnesota DEADLINE: 11:59 P.M. DEC. 9, 2016 Many school districts passed expects the 2017 legislative session to operating levies and bond referendums, be contentious. Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections and many locally endorsed school Education Minnesota is currently Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, board candidates won their races. forming its legislative agenda and will or scan and email to [email protected]. In the state Legislature, Republicans be looking for members to be active Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates in the Minnesota strengthened their control of the in the upcoming session. Educator published prior to the election in April and in a Voter Guide distributed at the House and narrowly took control of To stay updated and to find out Representative Convention. Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion in these publications and on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement the Minnesota Senate, holding a one- how to get involved, go to www. must be submitted using the online submission form at www.educationminnesota.org. seat majority. educationminnesota.org/advocacy. Statement and photo must be received by Dec. 20, 2016. The last time the Legislature looked aspx#at-the-legislature. like this, we had a government shutdown in 2011.

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 7 Rural educator award program ADDITIONAL MEMBER HONOR ROLL The Minnesota Rural Ron Hustvedt Jr., a social studies teacher at Salk Middle Education Association has School in Elk River, was named the National Council for the created an Educators of Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year. Hustvedt Excellence award program will receive his award at the President’s Breakfast during the to recognize the work of national conference in Washington, D.C., this month. Hustvedt its members in 220 school has also been named the 2015 Minnesota Council of Social districts in greater Minnesota. Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year, the 2014 National “The idea for the program Magnet School Teacher of the Year and was a 2013 Minnesota was prompted by many Teacher of the Year finalist. comments from educators Bryana Cook, a school social worker with Walker-Hackensack- in greater Minnesota about Akeley schools, is the 2016 Minnesota School Social Worker of avenues for elevating the the Year. During her tenure at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School state of teachers outside the District, she has been instrumental in launching the district’s metro,” said Lee Carlson, Jamie Madson, Brenda Whitehead, Chris Dobis and Jackie Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) Program, a teacher in St. James, who according to the press release announcing her recognition. serves on the MREA board Chwialkowski were honored at an MREA banquet Nov. 14. and Education Minnesota Pioneer Elementary in Pierz, other, inspire each other Josh Leonard from St. Paul and Anna Dutke from Prior Lake- Governing Board. said the award is more and lift each other up with Savage were named the 2016 Educators of the Year by the Four awards will be given about his students than his new techniques, ideas and Minnesota Association for Environmental Education. According each year, one to each of achievements. methods. Every teacher has to the organization’s website, Leonard was chosen because MREA’s membership zones— “My hope is that this special gifts, talents and he has worked to provide students will quality environmental north, south, north central award helps create a learning strengths, which make him education and teachers with professional development to help and south central. environment for students or her a crucial part of any them strengthen their environmental education instruction. The first four honorees throughout their schools, school district.” Dutke was selected because she has developed a completely were selected earlier this year districts and communities,” Jamie Madson, a Project nature-based outdoor curriculum and outdoor classroom for our and honored at a banquet in he said. “Students should Lead the Way teacher and preschoolers and has mentored teachers new to the program. mid-November. always be the driving force curriculum integration The Minnesota Council on Economic Education honored six Brenda Whitehead, math in education.” specialist at Rockford Middle educators through their 3M- and Thrivent Financial-sponsored teacher at Murray County Jackie Chwialkowski, School, said he hopes this awards. The following educators were honored: Central High School, a third-grade teacher at award will reinforce the idea 3M Economic Educator of the Year Award: appreciated the opportunity Stephen-Argyle Central that diversity in the subjects Kellie Friend, Mounds View to reflect on her work. Schools, said most teachers and opportunities teachers “It made me take the time don’t take credit for the bring to their students can 3M Rising Star in Economics Award: to stop and think about achievements of their help them be educated as a Kristina Nelson, Byron why I am an educator,” students and schools, so being whole student. 3M Innovative Economic Educator she said. “I hope this helps honored is very humbling. “This award validates Award: See Vang, St. Paul all those in education to “I hope this award that our work is making a remember the reason we will bring awareness to difference in student’s lives,” Thrivent Financial Personal Finance Leadership are in the profession— other teachers within our he said. “We are blessed Award: James Redelsheimer, Robbinsdale the students.” surrounding districts that with dedicated teachers who Thrivent Financial Personal Finance Educator Awards: Chris Dobis, a third- all of us are important,” she truly understand the needs of Paul Nelson, St. Paul, and Lisa Wiener, New Prague grade reading teacher at said. “We need to help each middle-level learners.”

PAGE 8 DECEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG FILING FORM FOR NEA RA STATE-CREDENTIALED DELEGATE This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. Delegate selection PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. I, , hereby submit my name for state credentials to the NEA RA to be held June 30-July 5, 2017, in Boston, MA. for 2017 NEA RA OR The National Education delegates are expected to Association Representative attend all caucus meetings I, , wish to nominate , Assembly, the major decision- and to be on the convention for state credentials to the NEA RA to be held June 30-July 5, 2017, in Boston, MA. making body for the NEA, floor for all proceedings. I further certify that the nominee is eligible for state credentials as a delegate from: will take place June 30-July Funding includes: Airfare— 5 in Boston. travel arrangements to be Active Member Election District “Delegates bring their made through the designated (K-12; statewide affiliates; and school related personnel) voices to the representative travel agent and direct-billed Category 2 assembly and shape the to Education Minnesota (inactive NEA life member and not an Education Minnesota Retired member) actions and policies of the (alternative transportation Please complete the following information: NEA,” Education Minnesota will be reimbursed up to a President Denise Specht said. predetermined amount); the Name: “The convention celebrates cost of a double-occupancy Local: excellence in our profession room at the delegation hotel Home Address: and provides an opportunity (to be direct-billed) for an to connect with educators authorized number of nights; City/State/ZIP: from across the country.” and reimbursement for meals Home/Cell Phone: All active Education and other convention-related School Phone: Minnesota members are expenses up to $560 (with eligible to run to be a state- original itemized receipts). School Email: credentialed delegate for the Substitute costs for state Personal Email: NEA RA. Filings open Nov. delegates working in year- ...... 7 and close Dec. 9. round school settings will (Optional information for internal use) Elections will take place be covered as outlined in in local districts during the the Education Minnesota American Indian/Alaskan Native Caucasian (not Spanish origin) 15-day window beginning Financial Policy for Black Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Feb. 6 and ending Feb. Governance and Members. Hispanic Other 24. Elections will be held Mileage to and from the on weekdays only during airport is reimbursable at 20 Asian this period. cents a mile, along with the First Time Delegate? Yes No Ballots will be mailed the cost of airport parking. PreK-12 Higher Ed ESP last week of January to all No funding is available local presidents in districts for Category 2 delegates, DEADLINE: DEC. 9, 2016 (11:59 P.M.) where an election is necessary. those who are retired or Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections Nominations for state- inactive members. Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, credentialed student delegates Filing forms for state- or scan and email to [email protected]. open Nov. 3 and close Feb. credentialed and student If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within seven days after 15. Elections will take place delegates are printed on submitting, inquire by email to [email protected]. on a date to be determined in this page. Note: Education Minnesota includes an insert of all candidates for each election district in April, if necessary. the Minnesota Educator published prior to the election. Candidates may submit a photo Funding for small locals and statement for inclusion in this publication and on the Education Minnesota website. Funding information for This is a funding program The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www. state-credentialed delegates designed to help send a educationminnesota.org. Statement and photo must be submitted by Dec. 20, 2016. To receive funding, state- delegate from locals with 150 credentialed delegates must or fewer members to the NEA be in attendance for the entire Representative Assembly FILING FORM FOR Representative Assembly, or the American Federation beginning with the first caucus of Teachers TEACH NEA RA STATE-CREDENTIALED DELEGATE-STUDENT meeting on June 30 through Conference. Local presidents This form must be filed with the Office of the Elections Committee of Education Minnesota. adjournment the night of will receive information and PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. July 5. State-credentialed details about how to apply. I hereby submit my name as a candidate for state credentials to the NEA RA to be held June 30-July 5, 2017, in Boston, MA. I further certify that I am eligible for state credentials as a delegate from: Two TRA seats Student (must be an Education Minnesota Student Program member) up for election Please complete the following information: Name: The Teachers Retirement interest disclosures. Association Board of Trustees To request an election College: is seeking candidates to fill application, call TRA at School Address: two active-member seats on 651-296-2409 or 800- City/State/ZIP: the board. 657-3669. The application The terms of Rob Gardner, is also available at www. School Phone: high school English teacher minnesotatra.org. Home/Cell Phone: on leave in the Edina school Applications must be received School Email: district and current field at TRA by Dec. 23. manager with Education Education Minnesota Personal Email: Minnesota, and Mary Supple, members who want to screen Summer Address: a sixth-grade math teacher at for the union’s endorsement City/State/ZIP: Richfield Middle School, can contact Jodee Buhr at ...... expire June 30, 2017. There [email protected] or are no term limits for board 651-292-4830. (Optional information for internal use) members. The new four-year In February, eligible active American Indian/Alaskan Native Caucasian (not Spanish origin) terms for these positions will members will receive election Black Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander begin July 1. information, including a Trustees meet about seven biographical overview of Hispanic Other times a year to oversee the each candidate. Only active Asian administration of the pension members are eligible to vote First Time Delegate? Yes No fund. Special meetings might for active-member board be held at the call of the board positions. Election results DEADLINE: FEB. 15, 2017 (11:59 P.M.) president or of any three will be reviewed and certified Return completed form by fax to: 651-767-1266, or mail to: Office of the Elections members. Board members by the TRA Board of Trustees Committee, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103, act as fiduciaries of the TRA on April 12 and published or scan and email to [email protected]. plan in accordance with immediately thereafter on If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within seven days after Minnesota statute and are www.minnesotatra.org. submitting, inquire by email to [email protected]. also subject to state economic Note: Candidates may submit a photo and statement for inclusion on the Education Minnesota website. The photo and statement must be submitted using the online submission form at www. educationminnesota.org. Statement and photo must be submitted by Mar. 3, 2017.

WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 9 Podcast breaks down teacher portrayals in movies Teachers, school staff and They talk about the plot “He did provide some higher education faculty are first, then go into what good things for kinesthetic often depicted in movies, but the character did well as learners,” Oberg said. are the portrayals accurate? a teacher. After that they “They were exhibiting Jake Scott, a fifth-grade dive into what they didn’t proper behavior for teacher at Anishinabe do well and how they could kindergarteners.” Academy in Minneapolis, do better. They ask, “What Oberg said she still and Kathryn Oberg, a fifth- could we apply into our wouldn’t have let Arnold grade teacher at Peter Hobart classrooms?” and talk about Schwarzenegger’s character Elementary in St. Louis Park, what works and doesn’t in teach her children. Scott said decided to find out and then their classrooms already. he maybe would. share it with the world. “Usually we can find one Watching some older The two educators have thing they do right,” Scott movies has been a look created the podcast “Teacher said. “Except in ‘Bad Teacher’ into what has changed in Teachers Jake Scott and Kathryn Oberg have created a podcast Features,” which is available with Cameron Diaz. It’s a education over the years. reviewing teacher roles in movies called “Teacher Features.” to download on NoisePicnic. terrible depiction of teachers “When we did ‘Freedom com and iTunes. and just a bad movie.” Writers,’ we talked about the Listen to all of the Teacher Features podcasts at http:// “I started working The podcasts are released portrayal of a white teacher noisepicnic.com/category/our-lovely-podcasts/teacherfeatures, at my school, which is a every other Tuesday, and coming to help a diverse www.stitcher.com/podcast/teacher-features or by searching for high-poverty school, and they are trying to alternate student population, which Teacher Features on iTunes. someone asked me if it was between comedies and is something talked about Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teacherfeatures like ‘Dangerous Minds,’” dramas. Scott edits the now,” said Oberg. and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/podcastplc Scott said. “I hadn’t ever seen content and a local podcast “In ‘Kindergarten Cop,’ it, so I watched it and had a network, NoisePicnic, hosts there is a school shooting, lot of ideas what was right the episodes and gets them but no one really flinches,” They hope to have guests summer. and wrong.” uploaded to iTunes. said Scott. “It’s a different come on the podcast, as well While some of the Scott is a podcast fan and They have released world than today when we as have a conversation on movies and content they was considering doing one episodes on “Kindergarten practice lockdowns.” the podcast’s social media are discussing is labeled as when this idea came about. Cop,” “Freedom Writers,” And in “Mona Lisa Smile,” platforms after each episode. comedy, Oberg and Scott are He wanted someone to join “Mean Girls,” “School the amount the professor gets “We would love if people taking this seriously. him and thought of Oberg, of Rock” and “Mona involved with her students’ would listen to it and then “We’re not trying to be a whom he had worked with Lisa Smile.” lives and shares her own bring in their different comedy podcast. We want at Otsego Elementary in the “When we watched personal opinions with them perspectives,” said Scott. to be a legitimate educator Elk River district. ‘Freedom Writers,’ it was was a discussion point. “We’re both elementary voice,” said Scott. The two watch movies hard because they depict Scott and Oberg hope that teachers, so we’d love to hear “There are so many podcasts featuring teachers separately, her as flawless,” said Oberg. other educators will join in from high school, middle that are movie reviews, then come together in Scott’s “We asked ‘Do we meet on their conversations and school, ECFE.” but there are not many makeshift recording studio, that standard?’ and ‘Is add their thoughts. They would also like to education podcasts. Because otherwise known as his that realistic?’” “We hope that this can hear suggestions for other most people know these laundry room. When watching provide a space for teachers movies to review. They movies, it’s accessible and it “We watch them separately “Kindergarten Cop,” they to talk about what’s going hope to release episodes talks about education in a and take notes, then come did find the main character on in their classroom,” throughout the school year real way.” together,” Scott said. doing a few good things. said Oberg. and take a break during the

PAGE 10 DECEMBER 2016 | WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG Panel weighs in on achievement gap struggles, successes The Minnesota catching them early. change needs to happen with Achievement Gap Committee Smith, as an early childhood educators, because they are invited former Minnesota and parent educator, couldn’t the ones already making the Teachers of the Year to speak agree more. difference but have more on a panel about what is “The earlier we can get a room to grow. working in schools and what family into a school, hopefully “We need to make sure needs improvement, in order from birth, the better,” she we have culturally relevant to close the achievement gap. said. “The number of words pedagogy,” said Hewett- The featured speakers were a child hears in their first five Olatunde. “We as educators 2012 Minnesota Teacher of years, especially the first year, need to be uncomfortable so the Year Katy Smith, an early- will predict their reading level our kids are comfortable.” childhood family education in third grade.” “We need more teachers teacher from Winona; 2015 Smith also cautioned that to be aware of the cultural Teacher of the Year Amy focusing on achievements and socioeconomic issues Hewett-Olatunde, an English early in school might frustrate out there,” Yang said. “If language learner teacher some kids. kids can have someone guide from St. Paul; and 2016 “When a 5-year-old thinks them that has been there and Teacher of the Year finalist they are unsuccessful, you are looks like them, it’s huge. Katy Smith, Koua Yang and Amy Hewett-Olatunde speak to the Koua Yang, a social studies doing something wrong,” she I am an ELL kid and I am Minnesota Achievement Gap Committee forum about what they see teacher from St. Paul. said. “Our youngest learners’ an exception because I had as successes and struggles in Minnesota schools. All of the panelists spoke achievements should be based great teachers and a mom about building relationships on their own milestones.” who knew how important action yet. very frantic and hurried with students, families Hewett-Olatunde works at education was.” “I would like to see things world,” said Smith. “I think and communities as vitally a school with all immigrant “I don’t know if there is pulled under the umbrella it gives families some of the important to closing the students, so closing gaps is ever enough preparation a of public schools, because balance they are needing.” achievement gap. at the heart of what she does teacher can have coming into of benefits like professional “I have students who are Yang spoke of his own every day. She is quick to the classroom for the first development opportunities working, going to school experience as an immigrant say there are multiple gaps time,” Smith said. “We need for staff,” she said. “But I and helping take care of their student going to school. happening in our schools. to invest more in mentorship. think it can look different in younger siblings because their “When people mention the “The achievement gap If half our teachers are leaving each community.” parents are working,” Yang achievement gap, we usually is the last piece. That’s test in the first five years, we need Yang said he did his master’s said. “These are the daily think about it being ‘other scores,” she said. “We also to do better.” degree thesis on parent lives of a lot of students.” people,’” he said. “I am have an opportunity gap in The panelists were involvement and he found When it comes to a one of the others. I am the Minnesota that doesn’t allow asked about their thoughts that a lot of communities student struggling with the achievement gap. people to have the same on the different ways of don’t know what ECFE is or achievement gap, there will “People ask me, ‘How did chances. You can’t just go buy funding preschool, including what it offers. always be a what’s next, you overcome it,’ and I say ‘I a textbook on lessons that are scholarship for low-income “That is the essence of the said Yang. didn’t. I’m still catching up.’” best for Karen students.” families or statewide all-day opportunity gap,” he said. “There’s not just a finish Yang said the constant “It’s not just about minority pre-K. The group was also asked line at the end of college,” catching up those labeled kids,” said Yang. “It’s about Smith said that anytime we their feelings on the current he said. “These students as low-performing students poor white kids too.” spend more money it’s good, trend to eliminate homework. are climbing a mountain, have to do is the biggest All three panel members but she isn’t sure on which “It’s definitely time to not a hill.” reason for more focus on also said a big piece of the might be the best course of rethink homework in our MEMBERS WANT TO KNOW Shopping with PayCheck Direct

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WWW.EDUCATIONMINNESOTA.ORG | DECEMBER 2016 PAGE 11 OPPORTUNITIES

EDUCATION MINNESOTA OPPORTUNITIES

Lesson plan jam, equity ed camp among new professional development opportunities Education Minnesota will host two new professional as it has been confirmed. “unconferences.” Organizers set the schedule for the development sessions at the beginning of next year—a All E-12 teachers are invited to gather together to share day, but all sessions are determined by participants on lesson plan jam and an EdCamp focused on equity in curriculum, instructional strategies and tools for student the day of the event. Everyone is welcome to propose education. engagement with an equity frame. Teachers will be able and lead a session where conversation and collaboration Lesson Plan Jam: Developing Curriculum for Equity and to share ideas, materials and strategies with colleagues are paramount. Engagement will be an event where teachers will have an from across the metro area. Both events will be free and open to the public and are opportunity to choose how to engage with their colleagues EdCamp Equity Minnesota will take place Saturday, Feb. a part of Education Minnesota’s Minnesota Educator throughout the day—by grade level, content areas or 11 at a location to be determined. The event location and Academy (MEA) offerings. across grade and content areas. time will be shared on Education Minnesota’s website as More information on the events and registration will be The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 7 at a school in soon as it has been confirmed. available at www.educationminnesota.org as soon as the Twin Cities metro area. The event location and time EdCamps are organic, participant-driven professional they are available. will be shared on Education Minnesota’s website as soon development experiences, sometimes referred to as

GRANTS AND AWARDS requirements and to speak with program officer ABOUT THIS PAGE Natalie Kennedy-Schuck prior to beginning an United Educators Foundation grants available for application. She can be reached at 651-215-1617, The Minnesota Educator provides opportunities professional development, student opportunities toll-free at 800-866-2787, or via email at natalie. listings on this page as a member service, The United Educators Foundation is now [email protected]. highlighting the free and low-cost professional accepting applications for its annual educator, For more information or to apply, go to development the union provides. The page also education major, trade/technical/vocation student www.arts.state.mn.us/grants. lists conferences, training and resources of and high school student awards. possible interest. Readers interested in pursuing Educator award: One $2,000 scholarship Classroom project grant deadline approaching an opportunity should check it out carefully. The will be awarded to a United Educators Credit The Education Minnesota Foundation for Educator tries to include only legitimate, useful Union member for the purpose of professional Excellence in Teaching and Learning classroom opportunities that support education practice. development in the education field. Applicants must project grants are intended for licensed personnel who work with students and wish to improve their To submit an opportunity: have worked a minimum of six months in the field, and must plan to attend an accredited institution practice and student achievement. Applicants may Send a complete description of your within one year of receiving the award. request up to $3,000 for a project you design now opportunity to [email protected]. Education major award: One $1,500 scholarship and implement in the 2016-17 school year. The Send your item by the first Friday of the will be awarded to a student majoring in education application deadline is Dec. 9. month to be considered for the next and entering their junior or senior year in the fall of For more information on the grant or how month’s Opportunities page. Include 2017. Applicants must be attending an accredited to apply, go to www.educationminnesota.org/ daytime contact information. college or university in the state of Minnesota or resources/grants/foundation. be a United Educators Credit Union member or the child or grandchild of a member. This award is NEA Foundation grants available available to non-UECU members. The NEA Foundation has two categories of grants PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Trade/technical/vocation student awards: Two available for it members. Both application deadlines $500 scholarships will be awarded for students are Feb. 1. The leadership and learning grant is Southwest Minnesota ‘Grow Our Own’ summit attending a trade, technical or vocational school. for teachers, education support professionals and The Southwest Initiative Foundation is hosting the You must be a member of United Educators Credit higher education faculty who are interested in Grow Our Own Summit at Southwest Minnesota Union, or the child, grandchild or dependent of a taking part in professional development experiences State University in Marshall Dec. 15. Harvard member to be eligible for the award. You must be or to fund collegial study. The student achievement professor Robert Putnam will speak about growing planning to attend a trade, technical or vocational grant is to help educators improve the academic inequality in America. Other discussions will focus college in the fall of 2017. achievement of students in public schools or public on the opportunity gap in southwest Minnesota and Student awards: The foundation provides three higher education institutions. how best to support local students from cradle to $1,000 college scholarships to graduating high For more information or to apply, go to www. career. Register by Nov. 15 and receive a free copy school seniors who are United Educators Credit neafoundation.org/pages/grants-to-educators. of Putnam’s book “Our Kids: The American Dream Union members or the children, grandchildren or in Crisis.” Seating is limited. The $20 cost includes other dependents of members. Applicants must be DIGITAL RESOURCES lunch and refreshments. planning to attend a university, college, community For more information or to register, go to https:// college or technical college in the fall of 2017. Colorín Colorado provides resources for ELL swifoundation.org/summit. Applications are available on United Educators students, families, educators Credit Union’s website at www.uecu.coop/ Colorín Colorado is a national website serving Workshop focuses on poverty support scholarship, and are due Feb. 3. educators and families of English language learners Approximately 32 percent of Minnesota children in grades pre-K-12. Colorín Colorado provides live in poverty. Learn how to better meet the needs Bruce Vento Science Educator grant free research-based information, activities and of those students, develop positive relationships deadline approaching advice to parents, schools and communities. The with their families and more in a one-day workshop The Education Minnesota Foundation for site features booklists, program planning, college sponsored by the CLASSroom Project Jan. 27 at Excellence in Teaching and Learning Bruce Vento readiness plans, tips for parent-teacher conferences the University of Minnesota. “The Other Side of Science Educator Professional Development grant and resources by grade level and state standards. Poverty in Schools” runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. supports educators who teach science as part of For more information or to view all of the in Room 325 of the Education Sciences Building. their day and want to acquire and share new skills offerings, go to www.colorincolorado.org. Registration costs $125. CEUs available. Coffee and knowledge. The grant is a gift from The Bruce and continental breakfast provided. F. Vento Science Educator Scholarship Fund. Bruce’s iCivics features government, democracy resources For more information or to register, go to www. wife Sue wanted her husband’s memory and legacy The website, www.iCivics.org, features lesson eventbrite.com/o/the-classroom-project-college-of- as a science educator to be passed on to others plans, digital tools and interactive games designed education-and-human-development-4203273385. throughout the state. The gift will be $5,000 a to help students learn how government works. Also year, for five years. Educators may request up to included are teacher guides with pre- and post- CLASSROOM RESOURCES $1,500. Bruce Vento Science Educator Professional discussion questions, and activities for students. Development Grants will be awarded once per Through the games, the players step into any Mill City Museum field trip scholarships available school year. The application deadline is Dec. 9. role—a judge, a member of Congress, a community The Mill City Museum offers a wide range of For more information on the grant or how activist fighting for local change, even the president educational opportunities for Minnesota’s K-12 to apply, go to www.educationminnesota.org/ of the United States—and do the job. students. Thanks to the gracious support of the resources/grants/foundation. McKnight Foundation, with additional support Teacher Tube houses videos on variety of subjects from the Cowles Fund, Mill City Museum is able Minnesota State Arts Board grants The website www.teachertube.com allows to offer free museum admission and partially Minnesota State Arts Board’s Arts Learning educators access to videos on a variety of classroom subsidized busing for students from qualified grant program offers schools between $5,000 subjects, as well upload videos and PowerPoint public schools. To qualify, schools must be from the and $150,000 in funding to support arts learning lessons themselves. Video categories include math, Twin Cities metro area, have 50 percent or more experiences for their students. Projects must provide career and technical education, middle school, of students enrolled in the federal free or reduced participatory learning and engage learners with physical education and reading. The site also lunch program and visit the museum in January, skilled teaching artists and high-quality artistic includes audio files, images, groups, documents, February or March. experiences. Last year, 57 Arts Learning grants playlists and on-demand access to other similar For more information visit http://millcitymuseum. were awarded, totaling nearly $3 million. The grant sites. Educators are encouraged to create an account org/mill-city-mcknight-foundation-scholarship. deadline for the next round is Feb. 24. Proposed not only to upload educationally relevant videos, Call 612-341-7556 or email mcmschedulingoffice@ projects must take place between Sept. 1, 2017, and but also to make constructive comments and use mnhs.org for details or to register. Aug. 31, 2018. the rating system to show appreciation for videos Those considering a first-time application are of value to one as an educator or learner. encouraged to review the program’s eligibility

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