Champion for Children Chillicothe Teacher Dustin Weaver Is 2017 Ohio Teacher of the Year P14 We Focus on You, So You Can Focus on Them
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OhioSchoolsOCTOBER 2016 Chillicothe High School teacher Dustin Weaver works with freshman Tamari Harris on a writing exercise. Champion for children Chillicothe teacher Dustin Weaver is 2017 Ohio Teacher of the Year p14 We focus on you, so you can focus on them. It’s California Casualty’s policy to do more for the people who give more. That’s why we are the only Auto and Home insurance provider to earn the trust and endorsement of NEA. Take advantage of the combined buying power of over 3 million fellow members and get your quote today. Call 1-866-655-0708 or click JustForOurMembers.com Not available in AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, WI. Coverages described are subject to availability and eligibility. NEA, NEA Member Benefits and the NEA Member Benefits logo are registered service marks of NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation. CA Lic #0041343 ©2016 CCMC AH381016 COVER STORY OhioSchools VOL. 95 NO. 6 OCTOBER 2016 14 Champion for children Chillicothe teacher Dustin Weaver The professional publication of more than is 2017 Ohio Teacher of the Year 123,000 members of the Ohio Education Association The OEA Mission Statement: The OEA will lead the way for continuous improvement FEATURE of public education while advocating for members and the learners they serve. 12 Grants offer school districts opportunity OEA Board of Directors President Becky Higgins to provide breakfast Copley-Fairlawn photo by Tim Revell Vice President Scott W. DiMauro in the classroom Worthington Ohio selected as one of 10 states to Secretary-Treasurer Tim Myers receive free nutritious morning meals Elida Samuel Adu-Poku, Youngstown State University; Barb Armour, Brunswick; for local students Meisha Baker, Lorain; Sue Bills, Coldwater; Joy Bock, Groveport-Madison; Anne Bowles, Wooster; Herman “M.J.” Burkett, Steubenville; Amy Butcher, Westlake; Jeff Caivano, Northwestern; Diana Charters, Ashtabula; Joyce Coney-Lacy, Mad River; Lonnie Dusch, Princeton; Amanda Dyer, Kenton; DEPARTMENTS Larry Ellis, Youngstown; Cindy Endres, Jackson; Rob Fetters, Mt. Vernon; Jorge González, Kings; Amy Grittani, South-Western; Melanie Hameed, Warren; Soozie Hetterscheidt, Olentangy; Mark Hill, Worthington; John 2 President’s Message Howell-Sanchez, Columbus; Ella Jordan Isaac, Trotwood-Madison; Linna Our unprecedented ‘teachable moment’ Jordan, Hilliard; Carol Kinsey, OEA-Retired; Tammy Koontz, SCOPE; Brenda Lemon, Logan-Hocking; Debra Lipnos, Twinsburg; Teri Mackey, Wadsworth; Thomas McOwen, Bethel-Tate; Dwayne Marshall, Gahanna-Jefferson; 3 Notebook Tyler Meyer, Mount Healthy; Jerry Oberhaus, Liberty Center; William Palma, Latest report cards show Ohio students continue to struggle in OSEA - Youngstown State University; Geneva Parker, Canton; Danielle Russo, Mentor; Kecia Sanders-Stewart, East Cleveland; Ty Tatman, Zane Trace; high-poverty districts William Van Pelt II, Belpre; Karen Wright, Wellington; Rhea Young, Washington. 5 Extra Credit NEA Directors Education: The Next Generation comic strip created by Chris Pearce Andrea Beeman, Maple Heights; Robin Jeffries, Columbus; Emilly Osterling, Lakota; Kim Richards, Cardinal; Jeff Rhodes, North Royalton; Sophia Rodriguez, Coldwater; Angela Stewart, Newcomerstown; HaSheen Wilson, OhioSchools Create a Cover Contest Youngstown State University. Celebrate American Education Week November 14-18 Staff Executives Sheryl Mathis, Executive Director; Susan Babcock, Assistant Executive 8 Making the Grade Director—Strategic and Workforce Planning; Kelly Bailey, Executive Assistant— Ohio schools receive National Blue Ribbon recognition General Counsel; Andrés Becerra, Director of Organizing; Jim Capehart, Director of Membership; Ric Castorano, Executive Assistant—Program/Field; 2015 Ohio Teacher of the Year Lori Michalec receives national Joe Cohagen, Controller; Dawn Elias, Human Resources Administrator; Teaching Excellence Award Linda Fiely, General Counsel; Davy Kenimer, Executive Assistant—Business Services; Dana Mayfield, Executive Assistant—Strategic and Workforce OEA members enjoy special events with the Columbus Crew Planning; Briana McKay, Manager of Administrative Services—Governance; and the Cincinnati Reds Parry Norris, Assistant Executive Director—Field; Patty Nyquist, Director of Education Policy Research and Member Advocacy; Tina O’Donnell, Manager of Administrative Services—Operations; Carol Price, Conference & Elections 17 Political Action Coordinator; Kristy Spires, Assistant Executive Director—Business Services; Educators speak out about effect of divisive campaign rhetoric Matt Whitman, Director of Legal Services; David Williams, Director of Government Relations, Communications and Marketing; Patricia Collins as bullying increases Murdock, Regional Director, Region 1; Kristin Johansson, Regional Director, OEA Member Lobby Day November 15 Region 2; Jeanette Cooper, Regional Director, Region 3; Cristina Muñoz- Nedrow, Regional Director, Region 4. 19 Legislative Update Ohio Schools Editorial Staff Judge rules against ECOT in attendance records case Julie A. Newhall, Editor Gail Botz, Graphic Designer Subscription price for public and university libraries is $18 per year. 20 Retirement Systems Update Editorial Offices—Ohio Schools (ISSN: 0030-1086) is published seven times a year: February, April, June, August, September, October, December by the 22 Association Ohio Education Association, 225 E. Broad St., Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216. OEA Fall 2016 Representative Assembly scheduled December 3 Email: [email protected]. Website: www.ohea.org. OEA Board of Directors actions Address all advertising or editorial correspondence to Editor, Ohio Schools. Postmaster: Send address changes to Ohio Schools, Ohio Education Apply for an OEA Affiliate Grant Association, 225 E. Broad St., Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216. Postage: OEA staff news Periodicals paid at Columbus, OH. OEA District RA and Delegate Briefing Schedule Fall 2016 Save the Date for the 2016 Doris L. Allen Minority Caucus dinner Save the Date for the OEA Advocacy & Organizing Institute Are you fiscally fit? www.ohea.org OEA Awards & Scholarships www.facebook.com/ohioea 28 OEA on the Web www.twitter.com/ohioea PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Our unprecedented ‘teachable moment’ AS A CHALLENGING 2016 ELECTION CAMPAIGN NEARS ITS END, OUR WORK IS JUST BEGINNING. As this issue of Ohio Schools n interest in making sure It is essential that our elected reaches you, many have that each one of our leaders understand that education already cast ballots in an students receives a high isn’t an issue that can be ignored quality education regardless after the polls close. And it is crucial election that represents Aof zip code compelled many of us that they listen to and respond to one of the most important to become active participants in this the concerns of teachers, parents, in the history of our nation. election. The fact that so many of us administrators and fellow policy- have been involved gives me great makers. An investment in education Election Day 2016 marks the hope for the future of our democracy. is an investment in our nation and culmination of a campaign I’m proud of what we have stood its future security. cycle that has been both for in this campaign, and of what As educators, we also have a job difficult and divisive. we have accomplished together. As to do—hold our elected leaders to education advocates, we are standing their word. Our goals as advocates As teachers and education for real change, change that would for public education are far bigger support professionals, we make a positive difference in the life than any candidate or any race and of our nation and state and, most im- they do not become less important entered the election season portantly, in the lives of our students. after an election. disheartened by the Each of us has a voice in American We can make strides in raising challenges facing public politics. Whether we are Democrats, student achievement and preparing education, aware that the Republicans or Independents we students for the future, but it means decisions of elected officials share an interest in a strong economy, ensuring that public education is high quality education, healthy at the top of the priority list both in at every level shape how environment, and domestic safety. Columbus and in Washington, D.C. our schools operate and We recognize the importance of We can make strides in ensuring that determine the resources adequate and equitable funding, every Ohio child has the opportunity they’ll have to meet the resources to help students in poverty, for a high quality education, but it well-trained teachers, early childhood will take each of us advocating for needs of all students. and after-school programs, opportu- our profession, for our students and The months that have nities for those with developmental for change. disabilities, and higher education. Let’s look closely at the work followed have offered an Following the election, our that has been done so far to improve unprecedented ‘teachable Association will continue to seek education. And let’s continue to moment’ as we’ve witnessed common ground with the President work to build the education system the real and frightening effects and with other federal, state and we know is possible. of dangerous campaign local leaders in efforts to expand educational opportunity and make rhetoric on our students public schools great for every child. and our schools. Becky Higgins OEA President 2 OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 NOTEBOOK Latest report cards show Ohio students Our unprecedented continue to struggle in