What is Delegate Assembly? Delegate Nearly every year since NSEA’s 1867 founding — and sometimes twice a year — Association members have met Assembly at Delegate Assembly to conduct the Association’s business. the Approaches The April 2021 event will mark the 160th in NSEA’s long history. But even VOICE with that rich and deep history, too few Annual Gathering members understand it’s purpose. Nebraska State Education Association Scheduled April 23-24 Now, members will be able to learn 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 answers to the question ‘What is Delegate nsea.org Thanksgiving has come and gone and Assembly?’ by tuning in to a webinar on 402-475-7611 · 1-800-742-0047 the holidays are close at hand. That can Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m., CDT. Volume 74, No. 4 mean only one thing: NSEA’s Delegate Members of the NSEA leadership ISSN Number: 1085-0783 Assembly will be here before you know it! team, including President Jenni Benson, will USPS Number: 000-369 NSEA’s annual business meeting — the explain Delegate Assembly’s role in driving Executive Director Maddie Fennell, NBCT 160th in Association history — will be held the focus of the association and how Associate Executive Sheri Jablonski April 23-24 (a decision whether it will be members can become an elected delegate. Director & Comptroller held in person or in remote fashion, due to To register, go to nsea.org and click Field & Special Michelle Raphael on the ‘Webinars and Professional Projects Manager the pandemic, is expected to be made later this month). Development’ link, and then on the Director of Public Affairs Karen Kilgarin ‘2020-21 New Educator Online Learning & Communications Duly elected members from across Opportunities’ link. Assistant Comm. Director Al Koontz the state, from local associations large NSEA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE and small, will tend to the business of the President Jenni Benson, Lincoln Association, elect leaders and chart the Oct. 16, 1867, just months after Nebraska [email protected] path for the Association for another year. gained statehood. NSEA is the state’s oldest Vice President Robert Miller, Omaha Inspiring speakers, discussion of professional association and has held a [email protected] Delegate Assembly almost every year, and NEA Director Tracy Hartman-Bradley, Omaha educational issues and consideration of [email protected] updates to NSEA Bylaws and Resolutions in some cases, twice in a year. NEA Director Linda Freye, Lincoln are part of Assembly action. Members will To make your interest in serving as an [email protected] also elect a member to serve as the Ethnic and elected delegate known, contact your local Official publication of the Nebraska State Education Minority Affairs Committee representative association president, your local association Association, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508- on NSEA’s Board of Directors. building or faculty representative, or your 2742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and ad- NSEA first met as the Nebraska State NSEA organizational specialist at 1-800- ditional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to NSEA Voice, 605 S. 14th Street, Lincoln, NE Teachers Association in Brownville on 742-0047. 68508. Published 10 times yearly according to this schedule: Honor a Colleague at Delegate Assembly 2021 September, October, November, December, January, Any NSEA member may nominate a member teacher, ESP or group for recognition at February, March, April, May and August. NSEA’s Delegate Assembly in April 2021. Mailed nominations must be postmarked by Friday, Payment of annual NSEA membership dues entitles Feb. 12, 2021, and sent to NSEA Awards, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Nebraska educators to receive The Voice. Total cost of Nominations may also be submitted online, with supporting material sent to NSEA. producing 10 monthly issues of The Voice each year is less than $2 per member. Online forms are under the ‘Call for Nominations’ link at: nsea.org/delegateassembly Advertising rates available upon request. All ad- Members are eligible for these awards, which carry a $250 cash award: vertisements and advertisers are screened prior to  Early Career Educator of the Year: For a teacher in their first 5 years of teaching. publication. Appearance of an advertisement in The  Award for Teaching Excellence: Honors a teacher for long-term excellence. Voice does not imply NSEA endorsement of either the product being advertised or the views expressed.  Education Support Professional of the Year: Honors an ESP who has excelled in their profession. NSEA members are also eligible for:  The Great Plains Milestone Award: Honors an individual/group for promoting human and civil rights. Find us on Facebook at:  Community Service: Honors NSEA members and/or local associations involved in facebook.com/nsea.org volunteer work outside of classroom hours. Find us on Twitter at:  Local Public Relations: Honors local associations for outstanding internal @nsea_org communication. Find us on Instagram at: @nsea_org Also to be presented: Find us on YouTube at:  Friend of Education: Honors an individual or organization that has made a NSEAMEDIA statewide contribution to education.  Media: Cites a newspaper, television or radio outlet for coverage/promotion of public education. A Great Public School On the Cover: Lyons-Decatur Northeast science teacher Paul Timm for Every Child. is Nebraska's 2021 Teacher of the Year. Learn more beginning on Page 7. (Photo by Drew Worster, Multimedia Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education)

PAGE 2 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong Your NSEA Leadership Layer by Layer, Step by Step First, we want to thank everyone who completed the agreement with the medical experts: If drastic measures recent NSEA survey on teaching during the pandemic. weren’t taken, our medical systems would begin to You can read in detail about the survey on pages 11-15, crash, and many Nebraska school systems would close and you can review both the statewide and individual due to a lack of healthy staff. field unit results at nsea.org/survey. The NSEA board authorized the president to seek The survey was sent to all active members using the help from the Nebraska State Board of Education. On email address we have on file. We also asked local presi- Thursday, Nov. 19, a Petition for a Declaratory Order dents to remind members to complete the survey. And was signed by President Benson and filed by NSEA at- we posted on social media, urging members to contact torneys. You can find the petition at nsea.org/survey. us if they did not receive the survey. Dr. Lowe explained during our Nov. 19 Facebook The response was terrific! More than 6,500 members live discussion that Nebraska must layer our preventa- — one in three active members — responded. More tive measures like Swiss cheese. No single intervention than 2,200 added comments and every one of those or prevention or layer solves all the issues. But masks, comments were read and reviewed by NSEA staff and physical distancing, hygiene, limiting group size — all NSEA President leadership. combine to be effective actions to slow the spread. If Jenni Benson As might be expected, the opinions of our members you haven’t had the chance, we encourage you to watch cover the spectrum, from “NSEA needs to stay out of Dr. Lowe’s presentation on the NSEA Facebook page. this!” to “Please help us, I’m so scared!” – and those Thus, we believe that the NSEA board’s comprehen- two comments came from educators in the same school sive call for action will provide the basic protection that district! There are many layers to this issue, and many is needed statewide. steps to be taken to get back to normal. Some Cannot Wait for Care Advocate for Safety Like many of you, we have already begun to see the NSEA, however, cannot step back and “stay out of devastating effect of COVID-19 running unchecked. this.” Our Association’s Core Values, adopted by mem- Teresa Greve is a member of our NSEA staff. On bers at Delegate Assembly, provide very clear direction: Monday, Nov. 9, her son, a high school senior at the peak We must advocate for the safety and education of our of health – who was scheduled for his physical exam students. In part, those Core Values say: for the Navy SEALs the next day – had to be taken by n We value equal access to a quality education that ambulance to Lincoln’s Bryan East Hospital Emergency is adequately and equitably funded. Room, experiencing signs of a stroke. The staff at Bryan n We value diversity as being vital to the education said he required care from a pediatric specialist at either Executive process and integral in preparing students to function Children’s, Boys Town or UNMC facilities in Omaha. Director in a democratic society that protects human and civil Unfortunately, all those hospitals were full, so he was Maddie Fennell rights. sent by ambulance to Kansas City. Teresa’s son recov- n We value being accurately informed activists ered, but others can’t wait for care. contributing to the ever-changing system of public edu- NSEA-Retired member Robert Beck, living in Mis- cation. souri, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11. As his wife n We value partnerships that foster excellence, nur- Jean shared, “It is not just people dying of COVID, but ture a desire for lifelong learning, and create responsi- because of COVID people are dying, my husband, Rob- ble, productive citizens. ert, being one of them. n We value the expertise of education profession- “We had to work our way through the Urgent Care als and recognize that fair compensation and respect are and ER system with hours of waiting for something that vital for a quality public education. possibly could have been prevented if he had not had to wait in ER lines for up to 10 hours, only to wait another Swiss Cheese Measures five hours or more to be treated. All of which ended his As this school year progressed, it became clear that life basically in the ER hallway because of (a) shortage there was no uniformity in how COVID-19 exposures of staff!” were being handled, what assistance teachers were re- ceiving, or what guidance was being followed to keep A Powerful Weapon students and staff safe. Several Nebraska school superintendents have qui- We consulted with experts – Dr. John Lowe, assis- etly shared that they fear they will lose their job if they tant vice chancellor for Inter-professional Health Se- enforce a mask mandate. Public Health directors have curity Training and Education, and Dr. James Lawler, received death threats and have spotted drones flying director of International Programs and Innovation at the over their homes. Leadership across our state could Global Center for Health Security, both at the Universi- change that dynamic, but refuse to step up and put com- ty of Nebraska Medical Clinic. They told us that drastic mon good ahead of political ideology. measures needed to be taken or this pandemic would Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most power- overrun our healthcare and education systems. ful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The NSEA Board of Directors met via Zoom on With that in mind, we believe education is the only Sunday, Nov. 15, and vigorously discussed recommen- weapon that will defeat this disease. As educators, we dations. Board members shared many concerns and de- must do what we do best – teach people how to fight bated numerous points but determined that they were in this disease, layer by layer, step by step, until it is gone.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 3 PAGE 4 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong Opening Bell State Retirement Plan Makes Gains Lowering the assumed rate of return increases the chance Annual Review Indicates that the rate will be met, and Beckham’s firm recommended that Fund Continues to Gain Strength the board considered lowering the rate to 7 percent. Under the proposal, the rate would drop a two-tenths of a percent next year The 2019-20 fiscal year marked another solid 12 months for and a tenth of a percent the following three years to get to the 7 the state’s retirement plan for teachers. percent mark. Although the 2.4 percent return on investment for the year that In 2016, the drop from 8 percent to 7.5 percent, combined ended June 30 fell well shy of the 7.5 percent assumed rate of with a slight upward adjustment of mortality rates at the time, return, the plan’s funded ratio improved from 90.3 percent to 91.65 reduced the projected school plan funded rate to 84 percent in percent. The improvement in funded ratio was largely attributed 2019. However, that drop was never realized, and the plan’s to a lower than assumed cost of living adjustment of 0.52 percent. sturdiness has strengthened each year since. The assumed COLA is either 2.25 percent or 1 percent, depending The NPERS board is expected to act on the rate of return on the plan member’s tier, said consultant Pat Beckham. recommendation at a December meeting. Any change would take A five-year return after “smoothing” of assets was at6.4 place on July 1, 2021. percent, and even though that return was an actuarial A ‘Snapshot’ loss, the school plan gained Beckham cautioned the in value and “is very well board not to read too much funded,” said Beckham. She said the median funded into the numbers. ratio of most large public “Valuation is a snapshot pension plans across the of a single date. If we country is in the 75 percent reviewed it today, it would range. look different,” she said. Beckham is a consultant Of the three, only the for Cavanaugh Macdonald school plan’s market Consulting and made value improved, and that her comments during the was a very modest uptick. company’s July 1, 2020, The other plans saw a Actuarial Valuation Results miniscule loss in value. report and annual message The school plan’s market to the Nebraska Public value assets grew by $70.8 Employees Retirement million, to $12.285 billion, Systems (NPERS) Board a .05 percent increase. The of Directors on Nov. 16. Beckham also reported on the state- market value assets for the managed retirement plans for State Patrol employees and the plan for state judges fell from $195.7 million to $194.5 million. state’s judges. The market value assets for the state patrol plan fell from $436.6 million to $435.8 million. Plans On Schedule ‘to Meet Obligations’ Beyond the statutorily required 2 percent state contribution Just seven years ago, following the Great Recession, the each year, Beckham said the school plan will need no further school retirement plan’s funded ratio was 77 percent. A retirement state funding in the coming year, or in the next 30 years, plan’s funded ratio is the level of assets in proportion to the plan’s assuming all current assumptions are met. Further, the school liabilities. plan appears to be on track to be 100 percent funded by 2031. The State Patrol plan was funded at 88.13 percent on July 1, up The state contributes funding equal to two percent of teacher from 87.34 percent a year ago. The plan for judges was at 97.34 salaries each year. Education employees contribute 9.78 percent percent, down slightly from 98.08 percent a year ago, with the of salary, and school districts contribute the equivalent of 9.88 drop attributed to a lower-than-forecast collection of court fees percent of that salary. The state plan covers all K-12 education during the last fiscal year. employees in Nebraska except for those in Omaha, where “The bottom line is that we are on schedule to meet obligations, education employees are covered in a separate system that and if not, we make adjustments,” said Beckham. predates the plan for teachers in the rest of the state. The annual assessment reviews a snapshot of the plan taken on July 1 of each year – the first day of the state’s fiscal year. The The Largest Plan review also projects where the plan might be headed. The state patrol plan includes 931 members, and the plan for judges includes 347 lives. The school plan is by far the largest, Change in Assumption to be Considered with 94,126 active and retired educators either contributing to or In October 2016, the board reduced the actuarial assumed benefitting from the plan in retirement. That number is up from rate of investment return on plans from 8 to 7.5 percent annually, the 91,909 school plan members a year ago. effective July 1, 2017. At the time, consultants said lowering of Janis Elliott chairs the NPERS board, was a member of expectations was an industry trend, and that before the Great NPERS when she taught at Bellevue, is a former member of the Recession, 60 percent of retirement plans used the 8 percent NSEA Board of Directors and is now a physics teacher at Omaha assumed rate. By 2016, that figure had fallen to 20 to 25 percent. Central High School.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 5 PAGE 6 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong New Standards Support Teachers in Post-COVID-19 Education World and work to grow and sustain digital age pedagogy, There has Been Growth, prioritizing, mastery, grading and equity? Will ‘Disruptovation’ in Education school districts choose equity and change? Or will they resort to the past and choose comfort? as We Deal with the Pandemic All Nebraska educators must feel the call to action and lean INTO disruptovation. New standards Third in a series of invited articles are here and they give voice to teachers and school by Nebraska Department of Education leaders to innovate for new and more effective ways staff and partners. forward to realize student success. That success Nebraska school districts have reached a pivotal requires educators who can confront and eliminate moment. institutional bias and student marginalization and While the past few months have been advocate for the families that may not be able to uncomfortable for teachers and administrators, they advocate for themselves. Dr. Kim Snyder, would be remiss if they didn’t recognize the powerful These standards also call for educational Director, and courageous changes that are happening before organizations such as the Nebraska Department of NDE Statewide their eyes. This change is so disruptive, it calls for a Education (NDE), Educational Service Units (ESUs), Teacher and new word: disruptovate. and Nebraska’s Educator Preparation Programs Principal Support dis•rup'tō•vate' v – 1. The act of disruption (EPPS) to lean INTO their own disruptovation to with the intention of creating innovation. (ex.) After listen to, collaborate with, and serve teachers well teaching in the disruption of the pandemic, teachers so they can do the same for Nebraska students. All were keen to disruptovate and embrace the new involved in Nebraska’s educational system must innovations used to meet the needs of their students hold themselves to these high standards. and all members of their educational communities. The NDE is committed to leading and supporting Due to the current and growing intensity of all Nebraskans in learning, earning and living. COVID-19 throughout Nebraska, there has been With the changing landscape in educational roles growth — disruptovation, if you will — for and responsibilities, courageous and necessary Nebraska’s school districts that cannot be ignored, shifts toward consistency in expectations within including: Nebraska’s educational community must be the n Significant improvement in the ability to outcome of pandemic change. Dr. Julie Downing, deliver digital-age pedagogy; NDE Educator n Serious efforts to prioritize standards, content Here are resources for educators interested in Effectiveness and teaching; learning more. The Educator Effectiveness site is at: Specialist n Renewed conversations about mastery and education.ne.gov/educatoreffectiveness/ grading; n Recognition of marginalized student barriers. Have questions about Educator Effectiveness? Educators should be prioritizing their own mental Ask them here: health right now. Self-care strategies are needed to http://bit.ly/effectiveedquestions help all educators keep their balance and health as they deal with the enormity of their jobs. But there’s The Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance a difference between the balance and health of Standards were approved by the Nebraska State educators and settling for comfort. Board of Education in April 2020. Those standards Comfort in the way things used to be sounds can also be found at: good, especially in light of the anxiety and stress education.ne.gov/educatoreffectiveness/ of the past few months. However, as educators anticipate post-COVID-19 education, they need As director of Statewide Teacher and Principal Support, Dr, Kim to consider that being comfortable may feel good Snyder works closely with Educational Service Units, institutes of Higher Education, and other educational partners, as well as with – but for whom? Does the comfort of educators districts themselves, to provide statewide systems of support and Ryan Ricenbaw, also translate into comfort for students and their development that ensure equitable access to effective teachers and NDE Leadership families? principals for each student in Nebraska. and Learning As part of a new and unique partnership, Dr. Julie Downing, a If there were a cure for COVID tomorrow, what professional learning specialist at ESU No. 13, will support NDE in Network would they do? Lean BACK into the comfort of how the development and implementation of the newly revised Nebraska Specialist Teacher and Principal Performance Standards. they used to do things and walk away from those As the Nebraska Leadership and Learning Network (NLLN) ideas that make them uncomfortable, even though specialist, Ryan Ricenbaw collaborates with the office of Statewide those uncomfortable moments created the silver Teacher and Principal Support to maximize the value and influence of school principals. The NLLN is charged with designing a framework linings listed above? of support to build critical equity-driven leadership skills as outlined Or would they lean INTO the disruptovation in the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Standards.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 7 PAGE 8 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong Cover Story

Photo by Drew Worster, Multimedia Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education Surprise! Paul Timm is surprised in his Lyons-Decatur Northeast classroom by Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Matt Blomstedt, who delivered the news that Timm was selected to serve as Nebraska’s 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Paul Timm n Grades 7-12 sci- ence teacher, Lyons- The Influence Decatur Northeast. n Established Lyons- Decatur Northeast Health Sciences of Others Academy and Lyons- Nebraska’s 50th Teacher of the Year Decatur Northeast Research programs, says His Teachers were Inspiring Mentors National Honor So- Like most teachers, Paul Timm was “I realized that my passion was ciety sponsor, Quiz heavily influenced by the great teachers he working with kids,” he said. “I just knew Bowl coach, Student enjoyed growing up. from my junior year that I was going to be Assistant Team Coordinator, cross country In particular, he cites the effect of his a teacher.” and track coach. high school agriculture teacher and his That epiphany has worked out well – n Lead negotiator, Lyons-Decatur Educa- high school science teacher. especially for the secondary students at tion Association “My science teacher was inspirational. Lyons-Decatur Northeast Public Schools. n Bachelor’s degree in agriculture educa- He had high expectations,” said Timm. Their teacher of seventh grade life science, tion, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “My ag teacher was a mentor, and not eighth grade earth and space science, ninth just for myself. I saw him take kids that, grade biology, applied science and an n Master’s degree in entomology, Univer- as a teacher today, I’d consider have rough anatomy and physiology course, has been sity of Nebraska-Lincoln. home lives, without much direction. He named Nebraska’s 2021 Teacher of the got them interested in something that Year. Today he works with young minds designation is more “a position and an could eventually become a skill or career.” in the same classroom where his science opportunity” than an award. From that In fact, Timm recalls that he was with teacher, Gene Nelson, set such high perspective, he developed some thoughts ag teacher Myron Schoch at a national FFA expectations years ago. on what he hopes to accomplish during his leadership conference when he realized he Timm is Nebraska’s 50th Teacher of the term. was destined to teach. Year. Other 2021 finalists were Michael First, he wants to bring encouragement “It was a four-day experience with Sandstrom of Chadron High School and to teachers who are hurting from the stress students from across the country, and it Sarah Staples-Farmer of Lincoln East High and overload of the pandemic. was just inspiring,” said Timm. School. All will be honored at a pandemic- “They need some hope. They want to He had considered careers in delayed luncheon with the Nebraska State do what they’ve been trained to do, what engineering, the sciences and farming. He Board of Education in February. they love to do, and they don’t know if even gave brief thought to a dual farming- they’re going to get to do it on a daily and-teaching career that he ultimately ‘An Opportunity’ basis. I hope I get a chance to speak some realized would be tough to do. Timm believes the Teacher of the Year hope into people’s lives and tell them that

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 9 what they’re doing matters,” he said. Sandstrom, Staples-Farmer are Finalists Second, Timm hopes to focus on student mental and behavioral health. Two finalists for the 2021 “I see kids hurting, and in some cases it’s extreme. I want Nebraska Teacher of the Year to be able to bring some light to getting help for kids who honor will join recipient Paul need help,” he said. Timm at a luncheon with the He notes there are 10 recognized Adverse Childhood Nebraska State Board of Edu- Experiences (ACEs) and says there is discussion that cation in February. COVID-19 should be recognized as Number 11. “There’s not a person that didn’t come back into our Michael Sandstrom is a grades school systems this year who hasn’t been traumatized 9-12 social studies and history somehow by the change in life that we’ve had over the past teacher at Chadron High School six months. And that’s kids as well as adults.” and a member of the Chadron His focus on mental health may mean going to the City Education Association. Nebraska Legislature to seek change. “I’m not going to pretend to be the expert at that, but I’m willing to learn,” Staples-Farmer teaches grades Staples-Farmer Sandstrom he said. 10-12 English at Lincoln East Finally, he’d like to put a focus on outdoor education and High School and is a member inquiry, a keen area of interest and expertise of his. of the Lincoln Education Association. She is a past president of the Nor- ris Association of Educators. Part of the Joy Spend any time at all with Timm and you know quickly Sandstrom’s application said one of his goals is to promote media liter- that he is passionate and enthusiastic about teaching and acy skills. “By honing these skills, students will become better equipped learning. Among his other teaching duties, he leads an to live in the twenty-first century world beyond the classroom,” he said. entomology science inquiry course of his own creation, supported by the master’s in entomology he earned from Staples-Farmer said her teaching and selected content is inspired by so- the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Timm incorporates cial justice work, with readings of authors who have faced injustice but inquiry methods throughout his courses and may be one of persevered. “Like these authors, I hope that my students can persevere the leaders in teaching inquiry-based courses in Nebraska. through times of injustice and write to change the world.” “The discovery in the search for new things is part of the joy. I think kindergartners do that better than anyone,” he faculty saw that he was not only a top-notch welder but was great said. “You get them outside and they find that rock and, ‘Oh, man, at working with people. look at this!’ “That’s why people get into teaching,” said Timm. “I hope “We’re constantly talking about career readiness and college that I’m being that sort of mentor and teacher to the students I’m readiness, but we don’t know what careers are going to be in 10 working with.” years because things are changing so fast,” he said. “I think teaching That story is a great example – an example that every teacher the scientific and engineering method of discovery is a good way to can understand, a reason for celebration each and every day. go about preparing those kids for the changes they’re going to see.” “Remember why we got into the profession, and that the joy is Timm’s seventh grade course revolves around birds, with still there,” said Timm. “The kids still view us as important people each student assigned to a specific species. For instance, a student – like Myron and Gene were in my life.” assigned to study the red-headed woodpecker will collect data, And as we now know that story had a very happy ending. might look back at Nebraska’s habitat historically, might review how that habitat has changed over the past 150 years and how that habitat change affected ecosystems, food webs of that bird and even Native Americans, bringing a world view into consideration. “The inquiry forces these other discussions and teachable moments that crosscut into other curricular areas,” said Timm. A Happy Ending His decision to teach, and the extent of Schoch’s influence, were reinforced during Timm’s college years. Timm recalls that a high school student who was a couple of years older became a proficient welder under Schoch’s tutelage. The student got into an FFA welding contest, placed well and earned a community college scholarship. Later, in pursuit of his ag education degree, Timm had to take a welding course. The teacher of that course? The student from his hometown who had progressed from high school student to community college student to community college instructor. The community college

PAGE 10 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong ‘A Breaking Point’ Survey: Educators Overwhelmed, Student Needs Unmet Teaching during the COVID-19 pandem- neously. Statewide, which includes some NSEA is joining with medical experts ic has Nebraska educators overwhelmed in districts offering in-person teaching only, 59 from UNMC and across Nebraska in the classroom and worried about the safety percent are concerned their district’s learn- asking the governor to immediately of all in the school community. ing model is not equitable for all students. issue Directed Health Measures that That was one of the top messages from Benson said educators desperately want will call for: a statewide survey of NSEA members in to do the best job they can for their students. late October. The survey assessed member “Teachers are not provided adequate plan views and concerns on teaching during the time and, with a shortage of substitute teach- • A statewide mask mandate; pandemic. Results were released on Nov. 16, ers, they are having to cover the classes of • Limitation of 10 people for the first day of American Education Week. colleagues who are in quarantine or who are indoor or outdoor gatherings; “Responses left little doubt that many edu- ill, so are losing the plan time they do have,” • Temporarily close bars and cators are at the breaking point,” said NSEA she said. “The situation is unsustainable.” suspend indoor dining and President Jenni Benson. “They are concerned Eighty-six percent reported feeling over- that the needs of students are not being met. whelmed, stressed, frustrated or worried. A launch a Takeout Nebraska They are worried about their health and safety majority said their district is not listening to campaign; and that of their students and families. educators on teaching and learning issues. • Dedensify classrooms with “Many teachers are having to teach both alternative staffing and in-person and remotely at the same time. One in Four Will Quit student attendance patterns, That is exhausting teachers and making it In some cases, teachers have left their especially when students are nearly impossible to provide quality teach- jobs just months into the school year. ing and learning,” said Benson. “Without immediate action to help our eating; The result is this: one in four teachers educators, we are about to lose many more,” • In addition, the NSEA calls for said that in the next year they would retire, Benson said. a moratorium — a time out would quit the profession, or are considering It is more important, however, that efforts if you will — on all in-person leaving the profession. are made to prevent more loss of life. youth and high school sports NSEA also issued a list of action items “We took these actions after talking to and extracurricular activities (see list at right), urging school leaders, par- medical experts, after talking to members, af- ents and the public to use common sense ter reviewing the survey and comments from until January; measures and tools at their disposal to pro- members,” said NSEA Executive Director • Suspension of evaluations for vide safety and relief for students and staff. Maddie Fennell. “That is why NSEA joined non-probationary teachers; Benson also announced the filing of a the University of Nebraska Medical Center • Make curriculum adjustments petition seeking a declaratory order from in seeking a statewide mask mandate.” and relax pacing. Lost the State Board of Education (see box) that The NSEA also called for a ‘time out’ on would require Nebraska school districts to youth and high school sports and extracur- instructional time may be follow established safety criteria. ricular activities until January. due to cleaning, sanitizing, “We understand the desire to compete. mask breaks and technical Not Enough Plan Time But first and foremost, we must maintain issues with remote learners. Eighty-nine percent of respondents from delivery of a sound academic education in a Teachers know their students the Lincoln and Omaha school districts do safe environment,” said Benson. and will keep them advancing not believe their district’s current learning More survey details and member com- model is equitably meeting the needs of all ments are found on the next two pages. Find academically; students. In both districts teachers are teach- all survey results at: • Providing plan time – not ing in-person and remote learners simulta- nsea.org/survey more training – as allowed by the recent Nebraska Department of Education NSEA to State Board: Issue Safety Directive guidance posted at: https:// On April 1, Nebraska schools closed as the state faced a 7-day average of 24 cases of launchne.com/commish/ COVID-19 per 100,000 residents. In November, that number was 105 cases per 100,000. • Include more administrators With that in mind, NSEA filed a petition asking the State Board of Education to is- sue an order, under Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Rule 62, declaring that and certificated staff safety interventions and protocol recommended by the Centers for Disease Control without full time teaching and Prevention (CDC) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) be ad- responsibilities in covering opted as the specific safety criteria under which schools will operate. classes instead of taking NSEA President Jenni Benson said uncontrolled transmission has put the Nebraska away teacher plan time and school system in crisis. On November 17, the White House Coronavirus Task Force issued increasing the numbers of a report indicating Nebraska has 101 or more new cases per 100,000 population, which is the sixth highest infection rate in the country. students in class; Benson said NDE Rule 10 requires schools to maintain “safe, healthful, and sanitary con- • Districts must provide factual ditions within school buildings(s) and on school grounds.” Statute also allows the board to COVID numbers to the public make investigations and reports for formation of policies and plans, or evaluating school pro- and school staff; grams. “The state board must do exactly that,” said Benson, “if we are to keep our schools • Listen to educator input, open and provide a safe learning environment for students and staff in this pandemic.” The petition also asks that the board “take such remedial action as is necessary to en- show empathy and force safety accreditation standards.” leadership.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 11 SIOUX DAWES SHERIDAN Pandemic CHERRY KEYA PAHA BOYD CEDAR KNOX HOLT BROWN DIXON Survey ROCK DAKOTA

BOX BUTTE ANTELOPE PIERCE WAYNE by the THURSTON

STANTON CUMING GRANT WHEELER MADISON HOOKER THOMAS BLAINE LOUP GARFIELD BURT SCOTTS BLUFF MORRILL GARDEN Numbers BOONE

DODGE PLATTE COLFAX Responses are Rapid, BANNER ARTHUR McPHERSON LOGAN CUSTER VALLEY GREELEY WASHINGTON

NANCE CHEYENNE SAUNDERS from Across the State KIMBALL DOUGLAS KEITH LINCOLN SHERMAN HOWARD BUTLER

MERRICK POLK When NSEA asks the opinion of Nebraska DEUEL SARPY teachers, those teachers answer. LANCASTER YORK SEWARD CASS DAWSON BUFFALO HALL More than 6,500 teachers responded* to the PERKINS survey, which was open for a little more than HAMILTON a week, and more than 2,200 took the time to OTOE SALINE CHASE CLAY FILLMORE HAYES FRONTIER GOSPER ADAMS add comments specific to their situation, from PHELPS KEARNEY FRANKLIN NEMAHA their perspective. GAGE JOHNSON

The numbers on the chart on these pages THAYER JEFFERSON DUNDY HITCHCOCK RED WILLOW FURNAS WEBSTER NUCKOLLS are broken down by NSEA’s 13 organizational HARLAN PAWNEE RICHARDSON specialist units — each one of which is staffed by one or more of the Association’s field representatives. Roughly the same percentage of active members completed the survey in each unit. A more complete look at the results can be found on the NSEA website, as can a video of Number of Do you believe your Do you think masks the latest NSEA Facebook live, with NSEA I have enough plan time How has the COVID pandemic Responses current learning model should be mandated for: President Jenni Benson, Executive Director to prepare for my teaching affected your long-term NOTE: not every is equitably meeting the Maddie Fennell and guest speaker Dr. John- question required workload: professional planning? needs of all students? STAFF | STUDENTS Martin Lowe, Ph.D., assistant vice chancellor an answer for Interprofessional Health Security Training YES YES YES TRUE NOT TRUE NOT LEAVING RETIRE, QUIT, FIND and Education at the University of Nebraska ANOTHER JOB Medical Center. To find those details, go to: HIGH PLAINS 300 73% 75% 72% 65% 35% 80% 20% nsea.org/survey About 120 members who responded * LINCOLN 1254 14% 98% 97% 27% 73% 71% 29% did not specific their local association. That number is not included under the column titled Number of Responses. METRO WEST 439 15% 97% 97% 25% 75% 72% 28% How Safe METROPLEX 549 37% 92% 91% 45% 55% 81% 19% is Your County? NORTH CENTRAL 345 83% 84% 83% 63% 37% 85% 15% How risky might it be for you to host 15 NORTHEAST 346 59% 87% 87% 58% 42% 84% 16% people at a football watch party in Merrick County? OMAHA 1233 11% 96% 96% 22% 78% 69% 31% According to a website managed by Georgia Tech (at the time of publication) the risk level SARPY 442 55% 96% 97% 47% 53% 79% 21% showed a 73 percent likelihood that you would become infected. SEWARD/SALINE CO. 88 73% 93% 93% 56% 44% 78% 22% The risk level is the estimated chance that at least one COVID-19 positive individual would SOUTH CENTRAL 303 90% 90% 90% 69% 31% 83% 17% be present at the event, given the size of the event. The likelihood is also based on the event SOUTHEAST 367 68% 87% 87% 54% 46% 82% 18% size and location. For instance, a 15-member gathering in Franklin County would be only TRICITY 416 69% 91% 90% 49% 51% 83% 17% slightly less likely — 58 percent — than Merrick County to be host to a virus-positive individual. WEST CENTRAL 314 78% 85% 83% 62% 38% 83% 17% To check your county data, go to: https://bit.ly/nebraskacounty STATEWIDE 6,396 41% 92% 92% 41% 59% 76% 24%

PAGE 12 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong “I’ve been in mass casualty situations and in combat

SIOUX zones in Afghanistan. I’ve been in a bullet treatment DAWES SHERIDAN CHERRY KEYA PAHA BOYD centers in very austere conditions. And I have never, CEDAR KNOX HOLT BROWN ever, been as frightened about the status of a health DIXON ROCK system as I am about the status of our health system in

DAKOTA Nebraska right now.”

BOX BUTTE ANTELOPE PIERCE WAYNE Dr. James Lawler, MD, MPH, THURSTON executive director of International Health Programs

STANTON CUMING GRANT WHEELER MADISON HOOKER THOMAS BLAINE LOUP GARFIELD BURT and Innovation at the University of Nebraska Medical SCOTTS BLUFF MORRILL GARDEN Center, speaking at the unveiling of the ‘Do Right, Do BOONE Now’ campaign at the Nebraska State Capitol on Nov. DODGE PLATTE COLFAX BANNER ARTHUR McPHERSON LOGAN CUSTER VALLEY GREELEY WASHINGTON 19.

NANCE CHEYENNE SAUNDERS ------KIMBALL DOUGLAS KEITH LINCOLN SHERMAN HOWARD BUTLER

POLK “In Omaha and Lincoln and in hospitals across the state MERRICK SARPY DEUEL we are right on the cusp of having to turn away patients LANCASTER YORK SEWARD CASS DAWSON BUFFALO HALL PERKINS that are coming in for strokes, for labor and deliveries HAMILTON for traumas.” OTOE

SALINE CHASE CLAY FILLMORE HAYES FRONTIER GOSPER ADAMS Dr. John-Martin Lowe, Ph.D., assistant vice chancellor PHELPS KEARNEY FRANKLIN NEMAHA GAGE JOHNSON for Interprofessional Health Security Training and Education at the University of Nebraska Medical THAYER JEFFERSON DUNDY HITCHCOCK RED WILLOW FURNAS WEBSTER NUCKOLLS HARLAN PAWNEE RICHARDSON Center, speaking on a Facebook Live event hosted by NSEA on Nov. 19. ------“Over the last few weeks, we have become overrun with Covid in our area. It is no longer a big city problem.” Dr. Matt Bruner, Chief Medical Officer Number of Do you believe your Do you think masks Regional West Medical Center, I have enough plan time How has the COVID pandemic Responses current learning model should be mandated for: to prepare for my teaching affected your long-term speaking to the Scottsbluff NOTE: not every is equitably meeting the question required workload: professional planning? City Council on Nov. 16 an answer needs of all students? STAFF | STUDENTS ------RETIRE, QUIT, FIND YES YES YES TRUE NOT TRUE NOT LEAVING ANOTHER JOB “... what if the big hospitals are full? What if the Lincoln HIGH PLAINS 300 73% 75% 72% 65% 35% 80% 20% and the Omaha’s and Kansas City’s are full? And then we’re stretched to take care of a patient we’re not LINCOLN 1254 14% 98% 97% 27% 73% 71% 29% equipped to take care of.” Ruth Stephens, CEO, METRO WEST 439 15% 97% 97% 25% 75% 72% 28% Pawnee County Memorial Hospital in Pawnee City, where two of the hospital’s 11 beds contained patients METROPLEX 549 37% 92% 91% 45% 55% 81% 19% with mild COVID-19 symptoms. Stephens made her remarks in an interview with News Channel Nebraska NORTH CENTRAL 345 83% 84% 83% 63% 37% 85% 15% in mid-November. Like many smaller hospitals, Stephens said patients that require more care, such as NORTHEAST 346 59% 87% 87% 58% 42% 84% 16% respiratory support, are sent to metro hospitals. OMAHA 1233 11% 96% 96% 22% 78% 69% 31% ------

SARPY 442 55% 96% 97% 47% 53% 79% 21% “Neither our staff nor the state contact tracing teams are able to consistently provide timely follow-up due SEWARD/SALINE CO. 88 73% 93% 93% 56% 44% 78% 22% to the huge load of case investigations and contract tracings.” SOUTH CENTRAL 303 90% 90% 90% 69% 31% 83% 17% Michele Bever, Executive Director, South Heartland Health, Hastings SOUTHEAST 367 68% 87% 87% 54% 46% 82% 18% as reported in the Hastings Tribune

TRICITY 416 69% 91% 90% 49% 51% 83% 17% ------

WEST CENTRAL 314 78% 85% 83% 62% 38% 83% 17% “This is all going to be bigger than any final score.” Pete Ferguson, coordinator of the Youth Development STATEWIDE 6,396 41% 92% 92% 41% 59% 76% 24% Team at Lincoln Public Schools

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 13 PAGE 14 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong And the Survey Respondents Said... in school. At the beginning of the year, we were told we would be Educators Across Nebraska Struggling sent home if the county went to red. Now, the district has changed the rules and has said we will stay in school as it works with the health in Face of COVID-19 Pandemic department.

More than 6,500 member educators responded to the NSEA feel like teachers are being pushed to a breaking point. It makes survey that asked about teaching in a pandemic — a superb response Ime sad to think about all the talent and love that will walk out rate by any measure. of classrooms this year as teachers make the tough decision to leave That number is nearly 20 percent of NSEA’s 28,000 members, their careers. On the whole, teachers are a group who are willing which calculates to a margin of error of plus or minus one percent. to do almost anything to help their students. However, this is now More than 2,200 survey coming at too heavy a cost. respondents also added comments, with each t was difficult and felt comment reviewed by NSEA Isometimes impossible staff and leadership. before COVID, but now “Many of these are heart- it is both physically and wrenching,” said NSEA mentally impossible. I President Jenni Benson. “Our come to work every day members are hurting for their feeling defeated because it is students, they are exhausted impossible to get one-third and they are asking for relief of my job done. I am behind and assistance from local and in everything. There are state leadership.” several students that I have Here is a sampling of not even been able to talk to member remarks: or touch base with this year and the 1st quarter is already am planning on retiring over. Iat the end of the year. I hope I can make it that long. emote learning is A year ago, I was thinking I Rnot good for young was leaving the profession in children. It’s better than good hands as I watched the nothing, but not ideal. There amazing young professionals is so much that I can’t do work their magic daily. Now over a computer! I don’t know how many of At Sea in a Pandemic: Prize-winning Nebraska cartoonist Paul them will be returning next Fell provided this take on the pandemic to the NSEA. For his years of am a very capable year. They cannot do both in- support of public education, Fell was recipient of NSEA’s Champion of Iveteran teacher, and person and Zoom teaching at Education Award at the 2020 NSEA Delegate Assembly. this is by far the hardest thing the same time. Something I have done in my career. It has to give, or we will lose makes me not like the job these professionals forever.” I have loved for years. We cannot continue to give of ourselves at this level. I am incredibly concerned for all the young teachers with -5 students are not getting the help they need at home to young families and the amount of stress this early in their careers. We Kcomplete assignments, and teachers are struggling to keep are going to lose good teachers. up with the pace of lessons that allow for ZERO time to reteach and make sure that students are mastering any of the skills they are onestly, it isn’t even the extra work, the stress, the time...it is learning. Hthat I am scared. I am scared that things are getting worse and will continue to get worse and that I have no options. cry almost every single day from sheer exhaustion and being Ioverwhelmed. I now teach Zoomers and Roomers and this t’s the general public and not educators or the administrators changes each week due to families quarantining at different times Iwho present the current problem. Politics and concern about — this means that the materials that I am preparing to send home personal rights are clouding the judgment of usually responsible changes each week based on who is where. I am trying to come up citizens. Until everyone works together, and a safe vaccine is found, with activities that will fit the needs of this hybrid classroom. this will be our reality. I am very close to retirement but will stay the course as long as I am able. e are on the front lines and it falls in our laps if the students Wsucceed or if they fail and we were set up for failure trying ’m doing more planning and prep to pull it off effectively but to navigate a hybrid classroom with NO adjustment to the curriculum. Imore than anything I’m just FRANTICALLY trying to keep The district cut out a few tests and lessons here or there but that isn’t all the balls in the air when managing a Zoom meeting full of first what matters. The curriculum needs to be adjusted to fit the needs of graders and 18 first graders in real life at the same time. The work both remote and in-person learning simultaneously. I’m doing during the day is way more exhausting than it’s ever been, and that’s what will lead to my burnout. s cases continue to rise in the county and I have had close Afriends lose family members to COVID, I continue to e’re all just so tired. And overwhelmed and sad and scared. become more and more worried about the safety of students and staff WI know that is how the whole world is feeling also. #YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 15 PAGE 16 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong From the Commissioner Heroes Will Stop the Virus Note: This first appeared in the Lincoln instruction, and all the additional burdens that Journal Star on Wednesday, Nov. 18. teachers, janitors, principals, paras and others have absorbed. By Dr. Matt Blomstedt Nebraska Commissioner of Education A Deadly Divide I get tested for COVID-19 every week at a Like many Nebraskans, I’m suffering from Test Nebraska site. The test results offer some COVID-19 fatigue. I’m sick of restrictions. I’m comfort as I work with officials across the state tired of wearing masks, not seeing my family and combat the risk of spreading the virus. in person and having disputes with loved ones It also gives some indication of whether or about the seriousness of this virus. not the people I am around may be contagious. I’m tired of people saying, “the virus has I have been in two settings where I later learned less than a 1 percent death rate, so it is not that Dr. Matt that I may have been exposed to the virus. In both serious.” Let’s do the math on that statement. Blomstedt cases, the COVID-positive individuals were in a Out of the whole population of Nebraska, one hearing room in the state Capitol building. half of 1 percent is about 10,000 people. In one case, I received an email on Oct. 24 Further, as the virus continues to move into about the possibility of a COVID-positive case the older population, the percentage of deaths and in the other case read reports in the news last will rise. A very significant percentage of this “ week that Sen. Mike Groene likely had COVID population are slow to recover, and many will The biggest during an Education Committee hearing on Oct. have a long-term disability. Perhaps you don’t threat 27. think that is a problem, but I do. I was wearing a mask, as were most participants We are fortunate to live in the United States. to continuing at that hearing. Senator Groene and some others We are afforded the opportunity to have diverse were not wearing masks. I understand the risks points of view. But right now, the divide over education and have to accept those risks in my profession. the virus is deadly. Our hospitals will soon be in person is But as I read about my possible exposure in overburdened. We will be unable to continue the the newspaper, it bothered me because it reminds level of care needed to keep our loved ones alive. the community me of just how much this virus is spreading in Hospitals will have less room for car accident spread outside our community and that some citizens in this victims and patients who need emergency state are not taking the risks seriously. surgeries. They will have less room for patients the school. suffering heart attacks and strokes and those That spread is Collective Health is Susceptible starting to feel the effects of other illnesses. They Nebraska school leaders, teachers, coaches will have less room for end-of-life care, and they now threatening and staff have worked hard to create safe will be making difficult choices regarding whom environments. The biggest threat to continuing to treat and whom to send home. the capacity education in person is the community spread of hospitals, outside of the school. That spread is now ‘Be the Heroes We Need’ threatening the capacity of hospitals, nursing The odds are you know someone who has had nursing homes, homes, businesses and schools. a serious bout with COVID-19. By the end of businesses As Nebraska continues to see cases grow, the year, you will know more. If you gather with individual and collective health is susceptible. I friends and family this holiday season the virus and schools. want businesses to stay as open as long possible. will spread and odds are we will have a hard There is no federal relief money left to keep time keeping businesses and schools open. businesses afloat. People may lose their jobs and If you want to beat those odds you need to ” their livelihoods if we are forced to lock down follow the advice of public health officials. Gov. for an extended period of time. Pete Ricketts has been consistent in sharing the The pressure on schools to stay open is part need to avoid the three Cs: crowded places, of the need for a functional, safe environment confined spaces and close contacts. for children of employees, including health care Avoid gathering in groups where you cannot professionals. That is something that is at risk maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Wear right now. The cases of spread impact schools a mask. Do the right things, right now. Be the as we cannot keep up with the necessary contact heroes we need right now to stop the spread of tracing, the balance of remote and in-person the virus in our communities.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 17 PAGE 18 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong The Vacancies Your Leadership Needed! A statewide (see map) look at NSEA “Leadership and learning are indispens- bership number. Your number will be found leadership opportunities for 2021-22: able to each other.” above your name on the mailing label of The Elkhorn District — John F. Kennedy, Voice, or on the email that delivers the digi- n President 35th American President tal editions of The Voice. Call NSEA if you n Vice President Teachers are natural-born leaders and have questions: 1-800-742-0047. n One seat on the executive committee your Association thrives on active, effective The filing process allows candidates to n One seat on the NSEA Board leadership at all levels. post a 50-word statement, which voters can Beginning next year, several leadership read during balloting. Type the statement Capitol District positions within NSEA will be open. in a Word or other text document and then n Vice President The window for filing for the more than paste the statement into the appropriate box n Treasurer two dozen elected positions on NSEA dis- during the filing process. n Secretary n One seat on the executive committee trict boards and the NSEA Board of Direc- NSEA encourages minorities to seek of- n One seat on the NSEA Board tors will open on Friday, Jan. 1, and will fice at all levels. NSEA’s Minority Involve- close on Sunday, Feb. 7. ment Plan says “It shall be the goal of the Metro District Election of members as at-large dele- Association to seek minority representation n Treasurer gates to NEA Representative Assembly will on governing and appointive bodies at least n Secretary occur on the same timeline. Watch the Janu- equal to the percentage of minority mem- n Seven seats on the executive commit- ary edition of The Voice for details on that bership for that appropriate level.” tee (subdistricts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10) filing process. If you do not have internet access, mail n One seat on the NSEA Board NSEA members will vote beginning at your name, address, local association name Panhandle District 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19. Voting will and 50-word statement to: NSEA Elections, n Vice President close at midnight on Sunday, March 14. 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. n Treasurer To file, go to the NSEA website and click State which office you are seeking. n Secretary on ‘2021 District Elections.’ Select your dis- In all cases, the deadline for filing for of- n Four seats on the executive trict, and choose the office you seek. Candi- fice is Sunday, Feb. 7. NSEA’s website is at: committee (Areas 1, 2, 3, 4) dates will need their 10-digit NSEA mem- www.nsea.org Sandhills District n President Required to Vote: A Valid Email Address n Vice President n One seat on the executive committee NSEA members are urged to set a tailing the process. n One seat on the NSEA Board good example at every turn, and that NSEA members without a valid email includes at the voting booth. Members address on file will receive a postcard ex- Tri-Valley District can elect the next round of NSEA lead- plaining the voting. If you do not receive n President ers by casting a ballot in the Association a postcard or an email from NSEA by n Vice President elections. Thursday, March 11, call 1-800-742-0047. n Three seats on the district Voting opens on Friday, Feb. 19. On Update your e-mail address with executive committee (one that date, members with valid email ad- NSEA at 1-800-742-0047, or at: each from the East, Central dresses on file will receive an email de- [email protected] and West subdistricts). n One seat on the NSEA Board.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 19 PAGE 20 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong Your NEA Member Benefits The New NEA Discount Marketplace is LIVE! The No. 1 Way Educators The new NEA Discount Marketplace, offered in partnership with Rakuten, is up and running at: Can Stay Healthy in Winter neamb.com/marketplace NEA members earn Cash Back Follow These Tips antidote, of course, is keeping things clean. when they shop and save on brand- “Since children can touch and retouch up to 300 surfaces in 30 minutes, it is important to name merchandise from more than to Foster Healthy Habits disinfect the most commonly touched areas 2,500 top retailers and online stores. By NEA Member Benefits to help prevent the spread of illness,” says In addition, the NEA Discount Rubino, who recommends keeping a container Marketplace offers deals for NEA Schools are a breeding ground for stomach flu, colds, viruses and other bugs, especially of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, along with other members only on a rotating basis. during the cold winter months when students types of available disinfectants, handy to wipe Members who already have a (and educators) spend most of their time inside. down desks, door handles, light switches and Rakuten account should still register And now, whether you’re teaching remotely or other “hot” zones. on the NEA Discount Marketplace in-person, there’s the extra stress of avoiding page at neamb.com/marketplace in COVID-19. Get sanitized: With jam- order to be eligible for offers for NEA “Being cooped up inside with many other packed class schedules, it can members only. Members may request people is a natural incubator for recycling be tough to get students to a their original and NEA Rakuten germs,” explains Victor Sierpina, MD, washbasin. When kids are late accounts be consolidated by calling professor of integrative medicine at University to the lunchroom, racing to beat Rakuten toll free at 415-908-2200 and of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. the bell before class or on a field providing the email address they used Since children share books, computers, pens trip, hand washing often falls to the bottom of when they set up their NEA account. and pencils as they do schoolwork, there’s a the priority list. The good news: When used That way, their cash back will be good chance they’re also sharing viral and correctly, studies show alcohol-based hand applied across their merged accounts. bacterial illnesses. sanitizers are the next best way to kill germs. The good news: You can lessen the risk Experts recommend keeping hand sanitizers in of getting sick. Sure, illness can spread like high-traffic zones (just outside your classroom Enroll in NEA Easy Pay wildfire throughout a school or family, but door is a good spot), and reminding students for Interest-Free Buys healthy habits can, too. to keep their hands to themselves—and out of In fact, Lysol offers a program with their noses and mouths. Take advantage of buying now extensive course materials to keep students, and paying later with a convenient and you, healthy, including resources for Keep moving: “Physical installment plan and no credit check, teaching at home. activity improves strength and interest or fees. Shop from among Check out the Lysol program. 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#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 21 NSEA-Retired Corner 2021-22 Leadership Deadlines Are Near Consider NSEA-R Office; Membership Rebate We are Stronger, Better Together! By Maureen Nickels Offered to All The greater share of my circle of friends and family are uncomfortable or choose not to discuss politics. This year, there are numerous opportuni- Yet almost everything about our lives is touched by a political decision, whether it be ties to assume a leadership role in NSEA- local, state or federal in nature. It’s important to me to have a voice in those decisions, Retired. Members seeking leadership posi- first and foremost, by voting. Besides voting, I give financially to the organizations that tions will be able to file beginning Wednes- work tirelessly for elected officials who are champions for issues day, Jan. 6, by selecting ‘Elections’ at: near and dear to me. nsea.org/retired Public education has been the center of my professional career The filing deadline is Friday, Feb. 12. and because of it I’ve been a lifelong member of the NEA, NSEA Open positions on the NSEA-Retired and, currently, my retired local association, the Platte Valley Retired Board of Directors, each for a three-year Educators Association. NEA’s Political Action Fund, The NEA Fund term, include one seat each from the Capi- for Children and Public Education, works to support and elect tol District and Metro District. Terms begin public-school champions on the federal level up and down the bal- Aug. 15, 2021. lot regardless of political party. This fund receives a monthly contri- Retired members will also elect dele- bution from me. gates to the April 23-24 NSEA Delegate As- I started my professional career as an elementary teacher in sembly. Elected will be four delegates from the mid-1970’s. In 2000 I left the classroom to work as an organi- Capitol District; five delegates from Metro zational specialist for NSEA. For 49 years I faithfully gave monthly District; three delegates each from Tri-Val- to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education. I never had ley and Elkhorn districts; and one each from a second thought to increasing my monthly contribution when I Nickels Panhandle and Sandhills districts. Two at- could. Even after retirement, I continue to give monthly. large delegates will also be chosen. Why? NEA’s charge is to advance public education across the United States and to The NEA Representative Assembly del- create a public education system where every student, no matter where they live, can egate allocation was adjusted from last year succeed and be a productive citizen. The NEA has joined coalitions on issues affecting to one delegate from Metro and Capitol retired educators on topics ranging from Social Security to health care to prescription districts combined; one delegate from Elk- drug prices. To use the NSEA-Retired catchphrase, “now, more than ever,” it is important horn, Sandhills, Tri-Valley and Panhandle that we ALL come together to support true federal and state leadership. districts and out-of-state combined; and There are many opportunities that NSEA active educators and retired members can three at-large delegates. RA delegates and pursue to support strong public education. NSEA-Retired board delegates also submit If you are committed to such efforts, your financial support is needed at national, a 50-word biography when they register. state, and local levels. If we ALL do a little, it will most certainly provide a lot for our chil- dren and for our own futures. Consider joining me in small ways where you can make a Pre-Retired or Retired Lifetime BIG difference. Though blind, deaf and mute, Helen Keller was visionary with her words: Membership Rebate Offered “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” To show appreciation for all teachers Join me in giving to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, the NSEA Chil- are doing and have done, NSEA-Retired dren’s Fund, and other pro-public education entities. is offering a $75 rebate on the NSEA Pre- Retired/Retired Lifetime memberships for anyone joining before June 1, 2021. Fall Conference via the magic of Zoom meet at NSEA Headquarters for a briefing After retirement, NSEA-Retired mem- teleconferencing in mid-October. The con- before crossing the street to the State Capi- bers continue with classroom liability insur- ference also went “long distance” by at- tol to talk to state senators about education ance, access to NEA member benefits, op- tracting viewers from out of state. issues. For 2021, the Governance/Lobby portunities to support and assist educators Featured were Nebraska’s own Astro- Day has been set on Monday, Feb. 22. It and NSEA, free newsletters, and confer- naut Clayton Anderson, Nebraska native will include opportunities to visit with state ence and lobbying opportunities. and International United Nations official senators, hear updates on legislative bills, To join, go to nsea.org/retired and select Dr. Natalie Hahn, and SHIIP/Medicare rep- and get assistance in contacting local repre- ‘Join Now’. The cost for NEA-Retired and resentative Alicia Jones. sentatives. Watch this space in January and NSEA-Retired memberships are shown, Participants had a brief opportunity February for further details. and installment payments are available, to visit using the convenience of Zoom’s depending upon the time of joining. Once breakout rooms. Acknowledging the re- Insurance Update on Website you join as a new member, you will receive duced cost of offering such a conference Updated 2021 Educators’ Medicare a $75 rebate from the NSEA-Retired dues. and the increased need of food banks, the Supplement information and a link to a re- You may also join, or get further details, NSEA-Retired Board of Directors donated cording of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield by emailing NSEA’s Rebecca Smith at: $5,000 to the Foodbank of the Heartland. of Nebraska fall webinars will be available [email protected] by the middle of December. To check out Lobby Day to Go Virtual that information, go to the website at nsea. Virtual Conference a Success Speaking of virtual meetings, NSEA- org/retired, and look for details under the It wasn’t a typical conference for mem- Retired’s Governance/Lobby Day will also ‘Retirement & Insurance’ tab. bers of NSEA-Retired, but more than 80 be a virtual event. — De Tonack, members attended the Association’s annual At the event, retired members typically NSEA-Retired President

PAGE 22 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong Association News Roundup Blomstedt Leads School Org Rosenquist Joins City Education Association; Denise Klaus, NSEA Metro Efforts Schools, Districts Cited Bennington Education Association. NEA Organizer Eric Rosenquist has Eligible members can take advantage of been assigned to assist NSEA’s organizing for Excellence, Wellness up to $1,000 in term life through the pro- work, with emphasis Dr. Matthew L. Blomstedt, Nebraska gram and: on assisting Omaha Commissioner of Education, was elected n Up to $5,000 in accidental death/dis- metro locals and president of the Council of memberment coverage. providing guidance Chief State School Offi- n Up to $50,000 in accidental death in- on year-round cers at the 2020-21 Board surance for covered accidents occurring on organizing. He of Directors meeting. the job or while serving as an Association began the Omaha- CCSSO is a nation- leader. area assignment in wide, nonprofit orga- n Up to $150,000 in accidental death November. nization comprised of benefits for eligible members who are vic- “Eric’s assistance members who lead de- tims of death by homicide while at work. and experience partments of elementary Sign up and register a beneficiary at: will help grow our and secondary education neamb.com/teachers-insurance membership and our good work, across the country. CC- Rosenquist SSO provides leadership, Wanted: Praxis Tutors both in the metro advocacy, and technical Are you interested in becoming a virtual area and statewide,” assistance on major edu- Blomstedt tutor to an Aspiring Educator (college stu- said NSEA President Jenni Benson. cation issues. dent) member in math, reading or writing in Rosenquist has worked for NEA for Blomstedt will lead the order to help them pass the Praxis Core As- four years and has spent the last two nine-member CCSSO Board of Directors sessment test required to earn entrance into years implementing organizing programs for the next year. colleges of education in Nebraska? in Wisconsin. Those programs included Blomstedt will complete seven years at Through an NEA grant, NSEA will pay executing issue-based campaigns, running the helm of the Nebraska Department of Ed- tutors, and will provide resources and ma- member-organizer programs and working ucation in January. In that role, he directs the terials. For details, contact NSEA Associate on electoral campaigns. Rosenquist lives promotion and improvement of education in Tamra Mick at: in Madison, WI, with his wife and enjoys Nebraska preK-12 schools. [email protected] watching the Badgers compete against He earned a Ph.D. in educational leader- the Cornhuskers. ship and higher education, and a master’s Career Ed Teachers Cited degree in community and regional planning Three members have been recognized struggle to have enough books for each from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. by the Association for Career and Technical student. The purchase is thanks to a $2,000 Blomstedt and wife Angela are parents of Education for Nebraska. grant from Family Dollar. five children in Nebraska public schools and Janet Stalder, a longtime NSEA mem- Macoubrie applied and colleagues helped university systems. ber and business instructor at Mid-Plains build a list of needed books. Money will also Community College Campus in McCook help ELL teachers to buy appropriate reading Learn with NSEA was recognized as Teacher of the Year for level books for students. Remaining funds NSEA offers a broad range of -profes Higher Education. Stalder serves as co-ad- will update the school library with books sional development webinars featuring viser of the local Phi Beta Lambda organiza- the media specialist deemed necessary, and classroom topics requested by members. tion and was named to the National Phi Beta books kids enjoy but are not shelved at Park. Those opportunities include Association Lambda Adviser Wall of Fame in 2005. workshops on topics such as bargaining, po- Miranda Bright, a family and consumer Colleges Begin Bargaining litical action, member benefits, student loan sciences teacher at Crete High School and a The State College Education Associa- forgiveness, advocacy and membership. member of the Crete Education Associa- tion (SCEA) with campuses in Chadron, There is also an EdTech Webinar Series tion, was named the ACTEN New Teacher Peru and Wayne, has begun negotiations focused on distance learning tools available. of the Year. Her principal wrote that Bright virtually with the State College Board of Find a full list of upcoming webinars at: “has the ability to break down tough con- Trustees for the 2021-23 association years. https://www.nsea.org/webinars cepts in a manner that even struggling learn- Members of both the SCEA and the State ers can understand.” Code Agency Teachers Association (SCA- Life Insurance — At no Cost Kathleen Kennedy, a family and con- TA), by statute, bargain two-year contracts. Five NSEA members from across the sumer sciences teacher and NSEA member SCATA members – teachers in the state’s state were selected by random drawing to at Central Valley High School in Greeley employment at sites like the Youth Rehabili- receive $100 gift cards from NEA Member was named ACTEN Member of the Year. tation and Treatment Centers in Kearney and Benefits. The drawing culminated the collec- She was recognized as a strong and longtime Geneva and the Nebraska Department of tion of names of members who had signed leader in family and consumer sciences edu- Correctional Services in Tecumseh, Lincoln, up for the NEA Complimentary Life Insur- cation in Nebraska. and Hastings – also began bargaining with ance that is part of membership at no cost to the State of Nebraska in early November. active, reserve and lifetime NEA members. Grants Buys Books 250 Books The Northeast Community College Recipients of gift cards were Kyle Slush- Lincoln Education Association mem- Education Association negotiations team, er, Gretna Education Association; Sherri ber Matt Macoubrie and his sixth and sev- led by President Josh Schlote and Head Kelley, Riverside Education Association; enth grade Park Middle School colleagues Negotiator Matt McCarthy, have begun Lisa Hansen, Neligh-Oakdale Education will be able to purchase more than 250 new bargaining work for members at Norfolk and Association; Kelly Wiese, South Sioux class sets of books for reading teachers who other campuses.

#YouBelong | DECEMBER 2020 | THE VOICE | PAGE 23 Speaking of Education “When you wish to instruct, be brief; that men’s minds take in quickly what you say, learn its lesson, and retain it faithfully. Every word that is unneces- sary only pours over the side of a brim- ming mind.” — Cicero, Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Roman Philosopher, 106-43 B.C. 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 Oh, Baby — It's Getting Cold Outside! In this Time of Pandemic, Many Children outlined in this letter, students in need of basic supplies with Donate to Aren’t Properly Clothed for Winter’s Cold which to start the school year. The ‘thank you’ letters from NSEA Teachers often use their Children’s Fund members are always moving. Letters own dollars to help in these Would you or your local from those who are assisted by NSEA’s situations, knowing they association like to contribute Children’s Fund are even more so. can’t possibly help every to the NSEA Children’s Fund? For instance, student council child. For that reason, NSEA Your contribution is tax members from a mid-sized high school created the Children's Fund, deductible. Send your check sent a note of thanks after the Children’s and continues to work to raise to the NSEA Children’s Fund, Fund answered a request for support of money for that Fund. C/O NSEA, 605 S. 14th St., the school backpack supply program. Since 1994, donations Lincoln, NE 68508, or contact “The High School Student Council to the Children's Fund Sally Bodtke at 800-742-0047 would like to thank you for supporting the have provided hundreds or at: Back 2 School Backpack Supply Project. of thousands of dollars to [email protected] We were able to provide supplies to over help children in need. In the 200 students. This is made possible by past two years alone, the your generous donation.” Children’s Fund has provided The truly touching part of the letter was the set of 14 personal nearly $100,000 in relief. signatures from the members of the student council. Contributions to the NSEA Children’s Fund come from teachers Such testimonials indicate the ability of the NSEA Children’s and businesses and fund-raisers across the state — and it’s important Fund to make a difference. to note that every penny contributed goes to help children. NSEA Every NSEA member knows of children in heartbreaking picks up all the administrative expenses. situations: children who wear thin jackets to school in cold weather To receive funding to help a student, there is no red tape, no form because they have nothing else; students who get decent meals only for teachers to fill out. Simply contact the NSEA at 1-800-742-0047 when school is in session; students who can’t see the front of the and ask for Sally Bodtke. Or e-mail her at: classroom because they need eyeglasses. Or, in the case of the request [email protected] Mental Health Visits Covered by BCBS Plan in 2021-22 for individual, group, family and marriage counseling needs. Member Cost Share Will be Eliminated Jablonski, who is NSEA’s associate executive director and Along with the announcement last month of the Educators comptroller, said the enhancement will be of great benefit to Health Alliance 2021-22 school year premium rates for Blue members. Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE), was an important “Particularly as we begin to come out of this pandemic situ- note regarding an enhancement for non-HSA PPO plans — a ation, it will be a real value to have these services covered by note that bears repeating with emphasis: Member cost sharing Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” she said. for visits to counselors and psychiatrists will be eliminated as of The EHA is a non-profit corporation created to procure Sept. 1, 2021. quality, affordable health care insurance for Nebraska education Sheri Jablonski, chair of the Educators Health Alliance Board employees. The rates set by the EHA are for the BCBSNE plan of Directors that manages the BCBSNE health care plan used used by more than 400 public school districts and affiliates in by most Nebraska school districts, explained further what that Nebraska. The plan is governed by a 12-member board repre- means: after Sept. 1, 2021, the plan will cover at 100 percent of- senting the NSEA, the Nebraska Association of School Boards fice visits and costs for visits with counselors and psychiatrists and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators.

PAGE 24 | THE VOICE | DECEMBER 2020 | #YouBelong