OhioSchoolsOCTOBER 2016
Chillicothe High School teacher Dustin Weaver works with freshman Tamari Harris on a writing exercise.
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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 14 Champion for children VOL. 95 NO. 6 OCTOBER 2016 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 12 Grants offer school and the learners they serve. 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. NEA Directors 5 Extra Credit Andrea Beeman, Maple Heights; Robin Jeffries, Columbus; Emilly Osterling, Education: The Next Generation comic strip created by Chris Pearce Lakota; Kim Richards, Cardinal; Jeff Rhodes, North Royalton; Sophia OhioSchools Create a Cover Contest Rodriguez, Coldwater; Angela Stewart, Newcomerstown; HaSheen Wilson, 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? OEA Awards & Scholarships www.ohea.org 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 high-poverty districts OEA URGES LAWMAKERS TO FIX STATE’S FLAWED PROCESS FOR EVALUATING ‘teachable moment’ PUBLIC SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
AS A CHALLENGING 2016 ELECTION CAMPAIGN The latest report card data released in Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), NEARS ITS END, OUR WORK IS JUST BEGINNING. September continues to underscore the schools must specifically track the progress of low-income impact poverty levels have on academic students, students of color, English Language Learners, performance in schools throughout Ohio. and students with disabilities.
Districts did worse than last year due to The release of the latest state report cards changes in testing and expectations that for Ohio’s public schools, and the seemingly made it more difficult to receive a passing grade. low performance for many districts, sounds an alarm that the state’s current school accountability system is deeply flawed and espite the controversy the report card generates, DHoward Fleeter, an economist who consults for the must be replaced. non-profit Ohio Education Policy Institute, called the report card important. This year’s report cards are a continuation of “It tells us useful information and we can’t just ignore years of misguided state policies that place it in this state,” Fleeter said. “As we raise the bar, we’re entirely too much emphasis on standardized increasing the challenge disproportionately for districts that are struggling the most.” test scores and not enough focus on what Fleeter has examined the relationship between how our schools are doing to provide high quality well students do and their economic status. learning opportunities for students. Looking at a recent analysis of report card data, schools with the lowest scores have the highest rates OEA PRESIDENT BECKY HIGGINS of poverty. Districts with more than 80 percent of the ➤ CONTINUED students living in poverty have the lowest scores. The highest performing schools have less than 10 percent of their student body living in poverty. No matter where you live in the state, whether in rural or urban districts, this trend holds. “Regardless of where they live just looking at these kids and how they do an individual task when you look at that data you see the same schism,” Fleeter said. Educators know the problems poor students face, including challenges like getting to school regularly, having enough to eat, and making it to the doctor’s office. Many of the districts with the poorest students are adding programs to help meet students’ needs for food, mental health services, and transportation. But wraparound services like these aren’t included in the school report cards issued by the Ohio Department of Education. The federal government wants Ohio to come up with a plan that addresses the needs of the most vulnerable student populations. OEA finds grades on the school report cards Ohio’s educators are ready to work with state policy- are not surprising given the turmoil Ohio’s makers to develop a new system that will work for our schools and students have experienced with students and communities. Fixing Ohio’s flawed school report cards must be a priority. The OEA urges the the implementation of new learning standards governor and state legislators to act as quickly as possible. and three different state assessment systems OEA Vice President Scott DiMauro said plans to in four years. The changes in the way in improve schools can’t come from the top down; they must involve educators and other stakeholders. which students are assessed have caused “You’ve got to start by talking to the people that significant disruptions in data that fail to give actually know the students and know the circumstance,” a true picture of the learning that is taking says DiMauro. With this goal in mind, OEA members have place in our classrooms. offered input on Ohio’s ESSA plan at public forums throughout Ohio and will continue to do so during The passage late last year of ESSA gives the coming months. states new flexibility in how they use test scores as part of a comprehensive system To read more about ‘Our Vision for High Quality Public Education for All Students’ see of accountability. The law requires every http://bit.ly/cossreport. state to have at least one non-academic For the latest Ohio School Report Cards, performance measure. visit http://bit.ly/ohreportcard. Ohio must take full advantage of ESSA to move away from punitive labels that do little to inform parents of what’s really happening in their children’s schools and instead demonstrate the kinds of learning opportunitiesour schools are providing, beginning with a well-rounded curriculum that meets the needs of every student.
Of particular concern to OEA in the current system is the deeply flawed K-3 literacy measure. It makes no sense that a district that has more than 99 percent of its students meeting the requirements of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee can still be failing under this measure. Worthington school officials, for example, have stated that the way this measure is calculated, it would be impossible for them to receive a grade any higher than C. Earlier this year, OEA’s Commission on Student Success released a report that offered a series of comprehensive recommendations that include specific proposals for rethinking Ohio’s school report cards. In that report, entitled ‘Our Vision for High Quality Public Education for All Students,’ OEA urged that a variety of factors be used to measure student success. Specific examples could include success in advanced coursework, the percentage of teachers who are teaching in their field, and access to full day, every day kindergarten.
4 OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 EXTRA CREDIT
Comic strip created by Chris Pearce (Winton Woods). For more of Pearce’s work, visit Teachable Moments at https://chrispearce.wordpress.com. OhioSchools Create a Cover Contest
ENTER OUR 19TH ANNUAL How to enter: STUDENT ART CONTEST Artwork must be VERTICAL 8-1/2” x 11”. Ohio Schools is once again looking for some creative For purposes of our publication, it is critical that artwork is vertical. Any media may be used. Artwork cover ideas. . . and students’ thoughts on what they should not include text or the Ohio Schools name. enjoy most about school—whether it’s a teacher, friends, On the back of each design, students must school lunches, recess, gym, band or biology. clearly print: All students enrolled in grades K-12 in public schools in Name Ohio are eligible to enter our annual design competition. School name Teacher name Students should design a cover that best expresses their School address and phone number ideas on “What I like most about my school.” Age and Grade Group A: he best design will be featured as the cover for the June 2017 grades K, 1–4 issue of Ohio Schools. In addition, the grand prize winner Group B: grades 5–8 will receive a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Group C: grades 9–12 Bookstores. Winners of each category will have their work Group D: electronic art Tfeatured inside the June 2017 issue and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstores. Teachers of the winning Designs must be received by January 30, 2017. students will also receive a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. Please send all entries to: All students who submit designs will receive an Ohio Schools Cover Design Competition certificate of participation. Ohio Schools Create A Cover Contest Due to the large number of entries received, teachers are asked 225 East Broad Street to pre-select the best student designs for contest submission. Box 2550 Entries that do not adhere to contest rules and Columbus, OH 43216 guidelines will be disqualified.
MAKING THE GRADE
Ohio schools receive National Blue Ribbon recognition
On September 29, U.S. Secretary of Education The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors John B. King, Jr. recognized nine Ohio schools public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2016. or are making notable improvements in closing the The award is based on their overall academic achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of excellence or their progress in closing students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students achievement gaps among student subgroups. master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. Schools in OEA Locals receiving National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a National Blue Ribbon Awards for 2016 are: model for schools still striving for excellence. Now in its 34th year, the National Blue Ribbon Leighton Elementary School (Aurora) Schools Program has bestowed the coveted award William Mason High School (Mason) on fewer than 8,500 schools. The Department will formally recognize the 279 public and 50 private schools Scioto Ridge Elementary School (Olentangy) at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Summit Road Elementary School (Reynoldsburg), November 7 and 8. All schools are recognized in one of two performance Samuel Bissell Elementary School (Twinsburg) categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates: Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state National Blue Ribbon Schools are proof assessments or nationally normed tests. that we can prepare every child for college Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing and meaningful careers. Your schools are achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all on the cutting edge, pioneering innovative students over the past five years. educational practices—professional learning The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, communities, project-based learning, social the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and emotional learning, positive behavior the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the systems—making you shining examples Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. for your communities, your state and the A total of 420 schools nationwide may be nominated nation. each year. JOHN B. KING, JR., U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION For more information on the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, visit www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.
8 OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 2015 Ohio Teacher of the Year Lori Michalec receives national Teaching Excellence Award
Lori Michalec, an English teacher at Tallmadge High School in Tallmadge, recently received the 2017 California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence, one of public education’s most prestigious awards. Michalec is among 43 public school educators who will be honored at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala next February. The educators represent the best of their profession. photo by Scott DiMauro Sixteen have been named Teacher of the Year in their respective states; 12 have received National Board Certifications, 31 have earned master’s degrees (some more than one), and three have doctorates. The majority, 20, are elementary school educators, while eight are in middle schools and 15 are in high schools. The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence are unique: in addition to being recognized for excellence in instructional and professional practice, awardees are nominated by their peers—their National Education Association state affiliate—for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for fellow educators.
Because the NEA Foundation values both professional development and diversity, awardees are invited to participate in its Global Learning Fellowship. Fellows learn how to prepare their students for a connected and multicultural world in this comprehensive, yearlong professional development program, which includes an international field study next June. These outstanding educators are innovators, challengers, and global thinkers. We are delighted that California Casualty joins us once again in expressing our shared admiration and thanks for California Casualty Field Marketing Manager their work. Beth Nagy, Award for Teaching Excellence recipient HARRIET SANFORD, NEA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND CEO Lori Michalec and OEA Labor Relations Consultant Beth Chandler-Marks As part of the honor, Michalec’s school—and each of the educators’ schools—receives a $650 award. Of the 43 state awardees, five finalists will be announced and The California Casualty awardees are receive $10,000 at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held in Washington, DC on February 10, 2017. the architects of our nation’s future. The nation’s top educator will be revealed at the gala and receive We are thrilled for the opportunity to an additional $25,000. The awards gala will be live streamed at honor them with the California Casualty neafoundation.org. The NEA Foundation and the NEA jointly present the awards. Awards for Teaching Excellence. For more information about the awards visit neafoundation.org. BEAU BROWN, CALIFORNIA CASUALTY CEO
OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 9
OEA members enjoy special events with the Columbus Crew and the Cincinnati Reds
In recent months, OEA members have enjoyed On July 16, more than 2,000 OEA members cheered several special events as part of the OEA’s the Columbus Crew as they played D.C. United at the partnerships with the Columbus Crew and the annual Educator Appreciation Night. Members of the Columbus Crew visited Kiser Pre K-8 Cincinnati Reds. School in Dayton, the 2016 stop for “Columbus Crew takes over your School.” Working in partnership, the OEA and n honor of National Teacher Appreciation week, Columbus the Columbus Crew created the annual event that joins I Crew soccer player Will Trapp made a surprise visit to students and staff for high-energy fun and learning. Worthington’s Brookside Elementary where his sister, The Columbus Crew representative spent the afternoon Julia Trapp, teaches music. During his visit, Trapp met assisting students during lunch, participating in a variety with students and provided lunch for teachers and staff. of activities at recess, and teaching the children about the Trapp and fellow members of the Columbus Crew also importance of staying active both mentally and physically. filmed a special Teacher Appreciation video. To see the As part of the special event, more than 60 students and video tribute, visit http://bit.ly/crew-taw. their parents attended an after-school “Soccer for Success”
(Above) In honor of National Teacher Appreciation week, Will Trapp from the Columbus Crew, paid a surprise visit to Brookside Elementary in Worthington where his sister, Julia Trapp, teaches music. While there, Trapp visited with students and provided lunch for all of the teachers. (Left) Kiser Pre K-8 school in Dayton was the 2016 stop for the OEA Event “Columbus Crew takes over your School.” Approximately 60 students, grades K-4, and their parents attended an after-school soccer program, “Soccer for Success.” Columbus Crew player Ethan Finlay and team mascot, Crew Cat, helped teach the clinic. photos by Michele Prater program led by Columbus Crew player Ethan Finlay and team mascot, Crew Cat. Kiser Pre K-8 was chosen for the program as a result of the school’s enthusiastic participation in the 2016 Educator Appreciation Night. For the first time, the Association also partnered with the Cincinnati Reds to offer OEA Day with the Cincinnati Reds. Several hundred OEA members attended the October 2 game. Cheryl Miller, a special education assistant for the Educators of Montgomery County, was chosen to deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound during the event. OEA looks forward to continuing these partnerships in 2017. Look for details of upcoming events, including OEA Educators Night (Top) Cheryl Miller, a special education assistant for the Educators of Montgomery County, poses on the field at the Great American Ballpark with Cincinnati Reds’ mascot with the Columbus Blue Jackets Mr. Red. Miller was chosen to deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound during on January 7, in future issues of OEA Day with the Cincinnati Reds on October 2. Ohio Schools, on the OEA website and on social media. (Above) OEA member Kathy Hammonds and her family enjoy OEA Day with the Cincinnati Reds. Hammonds is a special education assistant in Beavercreek (Beavercreek Classified Employee Association).
OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 11 FEATURE
Trotwood Madison Early Learning Center student Anyla White enjoys breakfast in her classroom.
Photos by Tim Revell
Grants offer school districts opportunity to provide breakfast in the classroom OHIO SELECTED AS ONE OF 10 STATES TO RECEIVE FREE NUTRITIOUS MORNING MEALS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
Ohio school districts can now apply for he Partners, which is a consortium of national a grant from Partners for Breakfast in education and nutrition organizations, selected 10 states to participate in the program based on need the Classroom (the Partners) to provide and the potential for success. They include Idaho, a much-needed healthy and nutritious Louisiana,T Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, morning meal to local students and help Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. The goal is to increase access to a morning meal for 30,000 students in the 10 states. increase participation in the federally- While most U.S. schools currently participate in the funded School Breakfast Program. federal School Breakfast Program, nearly half of low-income School districts will be selected based children who are eligible for a free or reduced-price breakfast are not eating it, according to a 2015 analysis by the Food on the number of students that qualify Research & Action Center. Barriers include school bus for free or reduced priced meals, the schedules, late arrivals to school, pressure to go directly to average daily participation in the school class, and reluctance to be labeled “low-income.” Through a $7.5 million grant from the Walmart breakfast program, as well as district Foundation, the Partners will offer a school breakfast to and school-provided support. students at no charge and will move it from the cafeteria to the classroom. This is intended to improve participation in the School Breakfast Program and boost learning and health. 12 The breakfast in the classroom initiative takes the Since 2010, 35 school districts in 18 states have been traditional school breakfast approach and improves it with awarded a grant by the Partners to implement the Breakfast one key ingredient: the classroom. Breakfast is available to in the Classroom programs. This has resulted in more than everyone—no matter the income level—and it’s eaten 63,000 students starting their day off with a healthy break- after the opening bell. This makes it possible for all children fast. The Partners’ grant will provide funding to school to participate. districts to assist with the upfront costs typically associated The approach is simple. Children eat together in the with starting a breakfast in the classroom program. That classroom, usually the homeroom, at the start of the school includes assisting schools with the purchase of equipment, day, after the morning bell. They enjoy nutritionally well- marketing and communication needs, staff training, and balanced foods like breakfast wraps, yogurt, or fruit served the hiring of short-term food staff. directly in their classroom, grabbed from a cart in the For more information and to find out if a district is hallway, or picked up in the cafeteria and taken to the eligible, visit www.BreakfastintheClassroom.org. classroom. Students then eat breakfast while the teacher The Partners for Breakfast in the Classroom came takes attendance, collects homework or teaches a short together in 2010 in response to their shared passion for lesson plan so that no instructional time is lost. childhood nutrition and the potential to improve The result? Less hunger and improved academic educational outcomes and child health. The Partners include performance, health, and behavior. the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), the National “The grants from the Partners for Breakfast in the Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Classroom to help bring healthy morning meals into the Foundation, the School Nutrition Foundation (SNF), classroom would have an invaluable impact on students and The NEA Foundation. The Partners provide technical and we encourage school districts across the state to assistance and support to school districts to implement the apply,” said Scott DiMauro, vice-president of the Ohio Breakfast in the Classroom programs. The mission of the Education Association. “The proven benefits of moving Partners is to increase breakfast consumption among breakfast from the cafeteria to the classroom include better schoolchildren and spark the academic and nutritional attendance records, less tardiness, and fewer behavioral gains associated with the morning meal through the and discipline problems. Those benefits are what the implementation of Breakfast in students in Ohio deserve.” the Classroom programs.
Trotwood Madison student Mikayla Robertson samples breakfast.
WHY IS BREAKFAST IN THE CLASSROOM NEEDED? Many Americans experience hunger and food insecurity. In 2014, more than 48 million Americans lived in households that struggled against hunger in 2014, including 15.3 million children. Missing meals and experiencing hunger impair children’s development and achievement. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Pediatrics, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry document the negative effects of hunger on children’s academic performance and behavior in school. n Hungry children have lower math scores and are more likely to have to repeat a grade. n Children experiencing hunger are more likely to be hyperactive, absent and tardy, in addition to having behavioral and attention problems more often than other children. n Children with hunger are more likely to have repeated a grade, received special education services, or received mental health counseling than low-income children who do not experience hunger. Breakfast plays a significant role in shaping the learning environment. n Eating breakfast at school helps children perform better. Numerous published studies show that academic achievement among students who eat school breakfast tends to improve, especially in vocabulary, math, and standardized tests. n Students who eat breakfast at school have better attendance and tend to behave better. In studies of school breakfast programs in Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, and Rhode Island, scientists found that students who eat breakfast at school have better attendance records, are less likely to be tardy, and exhibit fewer behavioral and psychological problems than students who do not eat breakfast at school. n Eating breakfast can improve children’s diets and may reduce their risk of obesity. Studies show that children who regularly eat breakfast have a better quality of nutrient intake and are less likely to be overweight or obese. In fact, regularly eating breakfast may serve as a safeguard against childhood obesity. COVER STORY
photos by Tim Revell
Champion for children CHILLICOTHE TEACHER DUSTIN WEAVER IS 2017 OHIO TEACHER OF THE YEAR
When he was named 2017 Ohio Teacher of the Year on eaver, who teaches freshman September 22, Dustin Weaver used the opportunity to make general and honors English clear his plans to use the honor to advocate for monumental courses, and a lab course for students struggling with change in public education. assessments,W said his other critical role as Ohio Teacher of the Year is to empower and “I’m going to use this platform to make sure growth is included in our evaluation of students,” Weaver said. inspire educators. “Research shows the one thing that An Integrated Language Arts teacher at Chillicothe High impacts learning outcomes is teacher School, Weaver said, “Teachers are evaluated on growth, quality,” he said. “I want teachers to recognize their importance. I want to talk districts are evaluated on growth and yet there is no growth about what good teaching is and share factor for students. instructional practices that directly affect engagement and student outcomes.” “We are graduating kids who care about results and that’s Weaver doesn’t agree with those who all they care about.” say teaching is an art form, saying there are For Weaver, the problem is twofold. Kids at a lower level grow, systemic, research-based practices that, if implemented with consistency and intent, but are still labeled a failure, something they internalize and can help all teachers be successful. that affects their confidence. The higher-level students use “We can identify what good teaching learning as a means to an end—a grade. is,” Weaver said, “but people are scared to talk about it.” “It’s not their fault,” Weaver said. “Education as an institution Chillicothe High School requires all new values results. But in life, it’s not just about end results. teachers to observe Weaver conducting new, school-wide teaching approaches that “What if, in addition to including achievement and proficiency Principal Jeff Fisher introduced to engage on report cards and state exams, we valued growth? What students and improve learning. would that mean for the mindset of our young people?”
14 OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 Chillicothe High School student Summer Leasure listens as teacher Dustin Weaver talks about the use of rhetorical devices. Weaver shares tips on writing a thesis statement with his freshman English class. Sebastian Rau grins at examples classmates offer as part of a discussion on how to structure an argument.
Dedicated to continually improving, Weaver has “When I was a student here, about 30 percent of the invited the entire school staff to critique his videotaped people in our community were living below poverty lessons as they all work together to hone their level. Today, the percentage is over 70.” teaching skills. Through his service on district and school leadership Before choosing education, Weaver sampled a few teams, Weaver has focused on improving attendance, career paths. He started as a biology major on a pre-med reducing incidents related to discipline and addressing track at The Ohio State University with the intention of issues facing students who come from low-income homes. becoming a pediatrician. That was followed by a interest His interest in this work led him to join high school in becoming a child psychologist. principal Jeff Fisher in creating the school’s Cadet Corps At Ohio State, he earned a master’s degree in program through a grant from the Ross County Juvenile secondary English education in addition to bachelor’s Court. The program targets students at risk of dropping degrees in English education and psychology. Weaver out of school, and focuses on helping them to develop also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership self-esteem and to build the life and professional skills at Ohio University. they’ll need for future success. “The theme of working with children has permeated Fisher calls Weaver a “champion for all children, each of the career choices I considered,” Weaver said. especially those needing a male role model.” “It’s the intersection of every major interest I have.” Dedicated to success for all students, Weaver created He began his career as an educator at Logan Elm High a lab course for those who need extra help and an online School in Circleville where he taught for six years. class for those who need flexibility. He also helps prepare Four years ago, he returned to his hometown to teach college-bound students for college entrance exams. at his alma mater, and to help a community fraught with Weaver serves as the high school’s English department challenges. coordinator, activity director, attendance counselor, fresh- “Industrially and occupationally Chillicothe has been man class advisor and as a mentor for beginning teachers ravaged,” Weaver said. “We’ve lost so many jobs, and in Ohio’s Resident Educator program. He also partners a lot of people who had those jobs weren’t college with Ohio University-Chillicothe to improve teacher educated. This is part of the reason, I believe we have the preparation programs. drug epidemic we have today.
➤ CONTINUED “Dustin exemplifies what we want our teachers to be — good role models, build Teachers serve so great relationships with their kids,” Chillicothe Superintendent Jon Saxton said. many roles, including “He’s articulate, he’s intelligent, and above all, he’s a hard worker and I think that represents our profession very well. being mentors and role “He has very high expectations for his students and that’s a big part of what we’re models for our kids. tryign to do. He’s able to do that because he has high expectations for himself and he We are often the comes to class prepared and ready to ask his students the right kinds of questions and ready to hit the learning standards and targets.” only positive adult For Weaver, being the best teacher he can be for his students matters. “My students influence in a student’s deserve the best of me every day,” he said. “I have so much room to grow to be the life. What happens in teacher I want to be.” Weaver is the first educator from Ross, Pike, Pickaway, Scioto, Vinton, Jackson or my classroom has to Hocking counties to be named Ohio Teacher of the Year in the more than 50 years the be so much more than state has presented the honor. English. He will represent Ohio in the national Teacher of the Year competition conducted in January by the Council of Chief State School Officers. DUSTIN WEAVER CHILLICOTHE TEACHER
(Above) After class, Weaver talks with student Cole Maxson about an upcoming school event.
(Far left) Ashley Lansing completes a writing exercise.
(Left) Weaver works with student Darnell Thompson on a draft argumentative essay. POLITICAL ACTION
Educators speak out about effect of divisive campaign rhetoric as bullying increases
ducators across the nation are reporting that presidential fears about what might happen to them or their families E candidate Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and after the election. More than one-third have observed an behavior on the campaign trail have contributed to an increase in anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant sentiment. increase in student bullying and anxiety. In early October, educators, counselors and experts on During a classroom conversation about the bullying joined together in events in the key election battle- Electoral College, one of my students made ground states of Iowa, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, a startling statement: If Donald Trump wins, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and I’ll be sent back to Peru. Pennsylvania to share firsthand accounts of the “Trump Effect” in their classrooms. The conversations marked the I want to be very clear, this 14-year-old girl is start of Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and launch of a National Education Association campaign to raise an American citizen, born in the United States. awareness about the harmful effects of Trump’s divisiveness She has never been to Peru, the country her on America’s schoolchildren. parents immigrated from. My student told “As educators, we teach our kids that kindness, our class that her parents said, ‘it will not collaboration and cooperation are important not just in school, but in in life,” said Utah teacher and NEA President be safe’ if Donald Trump becomes president. Lily Eskelsen García. “Donald Trump sets an example that She shared how scared her family is about the teaches the wrong lesson. He calls women fat pigs, wants election. Now all of my students are worried to ban Muslims from coming to the country, refers to that she will be sent ‘back.’ This very real Mexicans as criminals, and makes fun of people with disabilities. The rise in vitriolic speech in classrooms and the anxiety and fear I work to calm on a daily basis anxiety this causes for some of our most vulnerable students is not an isolated incident. shows that Trump’s rhetoric is far more damaging than JOY BOCK, LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER (GROVEPORT-MADISON) previously imagined.” AND PARTICIPANT IN THE NEA CAMPAIGN LAUNCH The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) recently released a report that found that the presidential campaign Ohio educators also joined U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is producing an alarming level of fear and anxiety among in a discussion of the effects of dangerous campaign students of color and inflaming racial and ethnic tensions in rhetoric on students. the classroom. The results of the SPLC survey of 2,000 K-12 OEA President Becky Higgins said Trump’s behavior teachers found “a disturbing nationwide problem, one that stands in contrast to the annual exercise she undertook is particularly acute in schools with high concentrations of as a first grade teacher of spending the first day of school minority children.” helping students write classroom rules about being kind According to the survey, more than two-thirds of the and respectful. ➤ teachers reported that students—mainly immigrants, children CONTINUED of immigrants and Muslims—have expressed concerns or OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 17 Gina Daniels, a high school social studies teacher in We need to recognize and respond to the rise Licking Heights, said she encourages students to argue of bullying and the need for positive role respectfully when they’re debating difficult topics in class. She said she was horrified that she had to explain to her models for students. It’s easy to read the students that sexual assault is not a matter for jokes or idle SPLC study and to think this isn’t happening talk following the release of a recording in which Trump in Ohio, but the reality is that this is happening made lewd remarks. here. In a recent incident at Kent State Daniels said she what she wants her students to learn right now is not how to emulate the “corrosive behaviors University, members of a fraternity shouted, of people like Donald Trump, but how to work together to ‘build the wall’ at Latino students as they achieve real, lasting change.” marched in the homecoming parade. “Some of my students will be voting for the first time this U.S. SENATOR SHERROD BROWN year, and the rest will be voting in the next election,” Daniels said. “My students sometimes ask me why they should Asked if the campaign rhetoric could be instructive bother voting, why any of it matters since nothing ever seems and serve as a “teachable moment” for students, Brown to get done. When they turn cynical toward democracy itself said, “Hate speech is never instructive. Divisiveness only because of the mudslinging and caustic language they hear, sows discord.” I tell them to accept the challenge. Accept the challenge that Higgins agreed, saying, “I would rather we hadn’t had this isn’t how it has to be, and that we can make America this teachable moment.” stronger together instead of complaining separately. We can To read the SPLC survey visit http://bit.ly/trump-effect. make democracy whatever we want it to be. It just takes For resources on bullying awareness and prevention, vision and a desire to make change happen.” visit www.tolerance.org and www.nea.org/bullyfree.
photo by Gail Botz OEA Member Lobby Day Make your voices heard! November 15
OEA will hold a Member Lobby Day on Tuesday, November 15. OEA Member Lobby Day is an opportunity to attend a legislative briefing on current issues by OEA staff and to share your views with state law- makers. OEA member involvement is critical to improving the policies that impact students, educators, and public education. Agenda details will be determined in early November. Join your colleagues at the OEA Headquarters’ Media Center, located at 225 E. Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio at 9 a.m. for a short briefing. We strongly encourage you to schedule your meetings with legislators prior to the lobby day you plan to attend. If you need further information or to RSVP for Lobby Day, please contact Julie Parsley at [email protected] or 18 1 800 282 1500 ext. 3170. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Our interest has been and will continue to be that the public school children of Ohio, regardless of where they go to school, receive the best possible education. We applaud legislators’ willingness to address the issues the ECOT case has brought to light.
BECKY HIGGINS PRESIDENT, OHIO EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Judge rules against ECOT in attendance records case rguing that there is a “public interest in ensuring our This year, the department asked online schools to Achildren are receiving the education that our taxpayers provide log-in durations and offline documentation to are funding,” a judge recently upheld Ohio’s requirement prove that students were getting the 920 hours of learning that the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) opportunities required by the state. produce attendance records to justify $106 million in In a sample of ECOT student records, the school state funding. reported 414 full-time students, but based on log-in On September 30, Franklin County Common Pleas duration records, the department tallied only 171 students Judge Jenifer French ruled in favor of the Ohio Department because most fell well short of 920 hours. of Education, rejecting a preliminary-injunction request “The Ohio Department of Education’s finding that ECOT by ECOT that argued the state was violating state law and student attendance is 60 percent less than what had been a 2003 signed funding agreement by using log-in records previously reported to state regulators reinforces the urgent and other data to determine how many full-time students need for greater oversight and accountability for Ohio’s attend the school. online charter schools,” said Innovation Ohio’s Education The ruling came four days after the Department of Policy Fellow Stephen Dyer. Education informed ECOT, based on the state’s attendance “ECOT received all Fs on its latest state report card while audit, the district’s reported enrollment last year was in- failing to graduate even 4 in 10 eligible students.” flated by 143 percent. Ohio could ask ECOT to repay more In his analysis of the ruling in the ECOT case, Dyer than $60 million of the $106 million it received in wrote that, according to the New York Times, no school in state funding last year. the country failed to graduate more kids than ECOT. In her decision, French wrote that ECOT is not likely He offered a few examples of the scale of ECOT’s failure: to succeed on any of its lawsuit claims. The 2003 funding n More kids fail to graduate ECOT than attend all grades agreement was meant to apply only for the 2002 and 2003 in the Norwalk school district. funding reviews, French said. n “Enforcing an outdated 2003 agreement would be in More kids fail to graduate ECOT than attend Bexley. violation of public policy,” French wrote. “ The Court finds n More kids fail to graduate ECOT than attend 455 Ohio that if the funding agreement were interpreted in the school districts manner that ECOT suggests, to require the state to continue n More kids fail to graduate ECOT than attend every paying hundreds of millions of dollars per year without school district in each of these Ohio counties: Vinton, any ability to determine whether students are in fact Monroe, Carroll, Morgan, Harrison and Noble. participating in any curriculum at ECOT at all,” would n Enough kids fail to graduate ECOT to fill Community violate public policy. Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M. or Cleveland Central The Department of Education audits charter-school Catholic’s new stadium. attendance records every five years. This year, state officials n took a closer look at online schools. Enough kids fail to graduate ECOT that their number In the past, ECOT teachers signed sheets certifying for would rank among the nation’s 200 largest high each student that the school “offered” 920.000013 hours of schools educational opportunities. As long as a student remained For more information on this issue, visit enrolled in the school, the state provided about $6,900 per www.KnowYourCharter.com. The Ohio Charter School full-time student. Accountability Project is a joint venture of the Ohio Education Association, Innovation Ohio and Progress Ohio. OEA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS UPDATE
SERS Board recommends changes to COLA with the primary objective of determining reasonable On September 15, the SERS Board voted to recommend investment risk and return expectations. A five-year changes to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) benefits experience review will also be completed that evaluates in order to improve the financial condition of the pension the economic and demographic assumptions that are used plan. The action calls for seeking legislation to base the by the plan in its actuarial valuation. These assumptions COLA payments on increases in the consumer price index, include such things as mortality and retirement rates, pay- capped at 2.5% rather than a flat 3% increase in current law. roll growth, and inflation. COLA payments to current retirees would be frozen for The Board also continued its look at the health care plan three years and future retirees would not receive a COLA with a two-day seminar on the subject during its September for three years. Per the Board recommendation, these meeting. Topics included examinations of what members’ changes would take effect in 2018. value about the STRS health care program, a comparison The Board has been considering changes for several months of the plans offered to what is provided in other states and due to the funded ratio of the plan following below 70%. in the Ohio market and a look at potential “pathways” At this level of funding there is little ability to deal with towards longer solvency. downside risk and the Board’s funding policy does not allow any additional contributions towards funding health SERS to launch marketplace wraparound care. The situation intensified due to a sluggish economy plan for health care and revised actuarial assumptions that call for lower investment returns and payroll growth. SERS will offer a new coverage option in 2017, the Market- place Wraparound Plan. This is only available to SERS Any proposed changes to COLA or other pension benefits health care participants who are not eligible for Medicare. would require a change in state law. The Board action authorizes staff to seek legislation to provide the following: Participants will be able to select any health care plan from n the federal Marketplace with the assistance of a counselor All cost-of-living adjustments paid by SERS on and from HealthSCOPE Benefits — SERS’ Marketplace Wrap- after January 1, 2018 shall be the percentage increase around partner. The HealthSCOPE counselor will be able in the consumer price index for urban wage earners to determine whether participants are eligible for a federal and clerical workers (CPI-W), not to exceed two and subsidy to help pay their Marketplace premium. one-half percent (2.5%) with a floor of zero percent. After enrolling in a Marketplace plan, the SERS Market- n Retirement benefits that begin on or after January 1, place Wraparound Plan will provide additional benefits for 2018 shall receive a cost-of-living adjustment, with the deductibles, co-pays and other costs. There is no additional first adjustment applied on the fourth anniversary date premium for the Wraparound plan. following retirement. More about the Marketplace coverage is available at n No cost-of-living adjustment shall be applied to a www.ohsers.org/marketplace-wraparound. retirement benefit that commenced before January 1, 2018, for three consecutive years, with such suspension beginning on that date and resuming on anniversary SERS Executive Director announces dates on or after January 1, 2021. retirement, new Board Member for STRS n The SERS Board may adjust the COLA if the Board’s Lisa Morris, executive director of SERS, has announced her actuary determines that an adjustment does not intention to retire effective October 31, 2016. Morris will materially impair the fiscal integrity of SERS. retire after six years in her current position and with more than 30 years of public service. The SERS Boar accepted her STRS posts modest FY 2016 return, sets resignation on August 18 and will conduct a national search timeline for pension, health care discussions for a replacement. Deputy Director Helen Ninos will serve as the SERS interim director during the search. At the August meeting of the STRS Board, staff reported that the total fund return for the fiscal year ending June 30, On August 30, Governor John Kasich announced his 2016 was +0.92%. This modestly positive return was in line appointment of Wade Steen to the STRS Board. Steen is with what was forecasted, but well below the long-term president and founder of Steen & Company LLC, an assumed rate of return of 7.75%. accounting firm located in Columbus. He previously served as the first fiscal officer for Cuyahoga County’s charter The STRS Board continues to closely monitor the financial government, and as the Franklin County Treasurer. condition of both the pension and health care funds. In the coming months they will conduct an asset-liability study
20 OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 OEA announces recommendation procedure for STRS and SERS Boards n 2017, an election will be held to elect one contributing (active) member and Itwo retired members to the STRS Retirement Board and two employee members of the SERS Board. OEA policy for the recommendation of candidates for the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Retirement Board and State Employees Retirement System (SERS) provides that the five-member STRS Retirement Board Screening Committee of the OEA Board of Directors would, if possible, interview those seeking endorsement. A two-thirds affirmation vote of the Board of Directors is needed for a recommendation. If there are more than two candidates being considered and no one receives a two-thirds majority on the first ballot, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is dropped from contention and another ballot is cast. The process continues until there are two candidates, one of whom will need a two-thirds affirmative vote on the final ballot to receive the recommendation. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, no endorsement is made. In order to qualify for election to the STRS or SERS Retirement Boards, candidates must obtain at least 500 signatures on petitions. Completed petitions must include the signatures of at least 20 retirement system members in each of at least 10 counties where the members are employed. Those individuals interested in screening for an OEA endorsement should contact the office of the OEA Vice President by November 18. For petitions and additional information, contact the STRS Retirement Board office at 888 227 7877 (toll-free) or at www.strsoh.org. Those interested in the SERS Board should contact Tim Barbour at 614 222 5901 photo by Gail Botz or at [email protected]
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OEA Fall 2016 Representative Assembly scheduled for Saturday, December 3
The Fall OEA Representative Assembly will be held at the Ohio Expo Center, Cardinal Hall, 717 East 17th Avenue in Columbus on Saturday, December 3. Delegates: Please note that this RA will be held at a new venue. At the Fall RA, delegates will vote to fill the OEA Board of Directors At-Large vacancy. Detailed information for delegates is available on the OEA website, www.ohea.org.
Tamika Moss As a union member, I have served as an NEA RA (Canton Professional Educators’ Association) Delegate, OEA Local Development and Training Candidate for OEA Board of Directors At-Large Core Function Committee member, CPEA Executive Leadership Grades 3-5, CPEA Co-Chair for the Member My name is Tamika Moss Advocacy Committee (MAC), and as a CPEA Building and I am a 5th grade teacher Representative. for the Canton City Schools. I am a proud member of the PLATFORM Canton Professional Educators’ I strongly believe that EVERY student should receive Association (CPEA) and have a great public education. I also believe that EVERY been a public educator for stakeholder should have safe and fair working and 20 years. My educational learning conditions. I further believe that a stronger background includes a Bachelor OEA empowers EVERY member and its friends to of Arts with a major in be the VOICE for public education. OEA becomes Elementary Education and minor in English, and a stronger when it utilizes EVERY member to foster Master of Education with a minor in Mild/Moderate great public schools for EVERY child. Intervention from Notre Dame College. I received my principal licensure from Cleveland State University.
22 OHIO SCHOOLS OCTOBER 2016 OEA Board of Directors actions September n The appointment of the following immediately and ending t its meeting held September to the Resolutions Committee: August 31, 2018 (filling vacancy A17, the OEA Board of Directors Courtney Coman, representing left upon the resignation of Phil DLAMC, with a term beginning Long). approved the following President’s n recommendations: immediately and ending Accepted the resignation n August 31, 2018. (effective immediately) of the The appointment of the following following from the Member individuals to the STRS Retirement Angel Dyer-Sanchez, representing Women’s Caucus, with a term Rights and Protection Core Board Screening Committee: Scott Function Committee: DiMauro, Chairperson; Vivian beginning immediately and Catherine Monteiro, representing Brown, Rob Fetters, Dan Greenberg, ending August 31, 2019. Central OEA/NEA, leaving an Phil Hayes. Deborah Jackson, representing unexpired term ending n The appointment of the following SWOEA, with a term beginning immediately and ending August 31, 2017. individuals to the SERS Retirement Sandra Perry, representing SEOEA, Board Screening Committee: Scott August 31, 2019. Levi Kunselman, representing leaving an unexpired term ending DiMauro, Chairperson; Barb August 31, 2017. Armour, Barb Catalano, Clarice OSEA, with a term beginning n Thomas, Cheryl Williams. immediately and ending The appointment of the following n August 31, 2017. to the Member Rights and Protec- The appointment of the following tion Core Function Committee: individuals to the 2016-2017 RA Anders Miller, representing Steering Committee: Lonnie Dusch- Central OEA/NEA, with a term Demetrianna Antonelli, Chairperson, Rob Fetters-Vice beginning immediately and ending representing OSEA, with a term Chairperson, Barb Armour, Anne August 31, 2019. beginning immediately and Bowles, M.J. Burkett, Joyce Coney- Bruce Moore, representing SCOPE, ending August 31, 2017. Lacy, John Howell-Sanchez, Robin with a term beginning immediately Anthony Coy-Gonzalez, Jeffries, Brenda Lemon, Dwayne and ending August 31, 2017. representing SCOPE, with a Marshall, Jerry Oberhaus. Amy White, representing WOEA, term beginning immediately and ending August 31, 2019. n The appointment of the following with a term beginning immediately to the Convention Planning and ending August 31, 2018 (filling Gail Andrews Turner, representing Committee: vacancy left upon election of Joyce Women’s Caucus, with a term Coney-Lacy to Board of Directors). beginning immediately and ending Yolanda Battle, representing Central n August 31, 2018 (filling vacancy OEA/NEA, with a term beginning The appointment of the following to the Collective Bargaining Core left upon the election of Carol immediately and ending August 31, Kinsey to the Board of Directors). 2018. Function Committee: n The appointment of the following Amber Fry, representing OSEA, Ian Dunlap, representing OSEA, to the Organizing Strategy Core with a term beginning immediately with a term beginning immediately Function Committee: and ending August 31, 2017. and ending August 31, 2017. Brett Collins, representing WOEA, Evan Struble, representing SCOPE, Lori Moodie, representing WOEA, with a term beginning immediately with a term beginning immediately with a term beginning immediately and ending August 31, 2019. and ending August 31, 2019. and ending August 31, 2019. n Sandra Perry, representing SEOEA, Belinda Dixon, representing The appointment of the following SEOEA, with a term beginning to the Legislative Committee: with a term beginning immediately and ending August 31, 2019. immediately and ending Beatrice Baker, representing OSEA, n The appointment of the following August 31, 2019. with a term beginning immediately to the Local Development and Aubrey Ryan, representing and ending August 31, 2017. Training Core Function Committee: OSEA, with a term beginning Robert Blessinger, representing Elizabeth Adegbile, representing immediately and ending NEOEA, with a term beginning WOEA, with a term beginning August 31, 2017. immediately and ending immediately and ending n The appointment of Sara Kapaj, August 31, 2019. August 31, 2019. representing OSEA, to the Wil Vickery, representing OEA- Emily McNamara, representing Professional Efficacy Core Retired, with a term beginning SWOEA, with a term beginning Function Committee with a immediately and ending immediately and ending term beginning immediately August 31, 2019. August 31, 2019. and ending August 31, 2017. n Accepted the resignation Courtney O’Donnell, representing n Accepted the financial reports (effective immediately) of Kim OSEA, with a term beginning for July 31, 2016. Vivolo, representing NEOEA, immediately and ending n from the Resolutions Committee, Established the 2016-2017 rate of August 31, 2017. leaving an unexpired term internet reimbursement at $25 per ending August 31, 2017. Haven Reardon, representing month for OEA Board of Directors. OEA-R, with a term beginning ➤ CONTINUED n Approved the recommendation n Approved the deletion of Board of OEA Doris L. Allen/Human and of the Executive Director to hire Directors Policy 400.220, Telephone Civil Rights Award Matt Whitman as the Director of Credit Cards. OEA Charles A. Glatt/Human Member Legal Services. n Approved the revised applications and Civil Rights Award n Approved the recommendation for the following OEA awards and n Approved the 2016-2017 Core of the Executive Director to place scholarships: Function Committee charge. the following individuals in the OEA Holloways/Human and Civil n Elected Soozie Hetterscheidt as a UniServ Pre-Employment Pool Rights Award Board of Directors representative pending the satisfactory comple- OEA Jean Kershaw Scholarship to the FCPE State Council with tion of a background check: a term ending August 31, 2019; Kristine Kowalski, Thomas Scott OEA John F. Kennedy Scholarship elected Anne Bowles as Soozie Miller, Maximilian Gerboc. OEA Marilyn Cross Scholarship Hetterscheidt’s alternate. n Approved the Awards Committee OEA Media Award for Public n Elected Tyler Meyer as a Board funding increase request for the Service of Directors representative to the OEA Marilyn Cross Scholarship OEA Paul Swaddling/Peace and FCPE State Council with a term from $2,000 to $4,000 and the OEA International Relations Award ending August 31, 2018; elected Blue Ribbon Association Award OEA Peace and International Jeff Caivano as Tyler Meyer’s from $500 to $1,000, unless Understanding Award alternate. prohibited by OEA Board Policy OEA Friend of Education Award n Affiliated the Good Samaritan OEA Blue Ribbon Association Education Association. Award OEA staff news PROMOTIONS Apply for an OEA Affiliate Grant Matt Whitman has been promoted to the Director of Member Legal Services effective The OEA Affiliate Grant Program was created in 2003 to build September 26. His new phone extension is strong and effective locals. The program makes grants available #3162. to all local OEA affiliates—whether a large local, a small local Whitman began employment at OEA in 2014 or a cluster of locals. To be eligible for a grant, the affiliate must as an Education Research Development provide a statement of how its program will strengthen the Consultant (HQ). He earned a BA in History, Association at the local, state and/or national level. Politics and Government from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Juris Doctor Four types of grants are available: (Cum Laude) from The Ohio State University. n One Year Grant—available every year n Two Year Grant—available even number years only, must apply in fall of odd numbered years. n Effective Locals Grant—available even number years Share your thoughts only, must apply in fall of odd numbered years. Share your ideas, comments and photos n Release Time Grant—available every year, must have with Ohio Schools by mail: prior approval of NEA Release Time Grant. Editor, Ohio Schools, 225 East Broad Street, Columbus OH 43216. Please see the OEA Affiliate Grant Program Document, Email: [email protected]. available at www.ohea.org/oea-affiliate-grant-program, Fax: 614 224 5659 to determine which one is best for your affiliate. Sample Letters are edited for length and clarity. applications and a grant application are also available If you have a story idea to share, please online. include details about the OEA local and Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected]. contact information. Applications must be received no later than the If sharing photos, please save as high Wednesday following the Martin Luther King Holiday resolution 300 dpi files. (January 18, 2017). If you have questions about the Affiliate Grant application process, please contact [email protected]. Please note that the Affiliate Grant process does not apply to OEA districts. OEA District RA and Delegate Briefing Schedule—Fall 2016 Date District Delegate Briefing Location Event Times 11/4 Central Delegate Briefing Embassy Suites Airport 4:30pm ~ Registration 2886 Airport Drive, Columbus 5:00pm ~ Dinner 5:30pm ~ Meeting 11/9 WOEA Member Forum & Briefing Springcreek Primary Elementary 4:30pm ~ Registration 145 E. State Route 36, Piqua 5:00pm ~ Briefing 6:00pm ~ Forum 11/12 ECOEA Fall RA Canton Prof. Educators’ Office 7:45am ~ Registration 1327 Market Avenue, Canton 8:30am ~ RA 11/12 NEOEA Fall RA Brookside High School 8:30am ~ Registration and breakfast 1812 Harris Rd, Sheffield Lake 9:30am ~ RA 11/14 NCOEA Fall RA Brown Derby Roadhouse 4:15pm ~ Registration 3985 Park Ave. West, Ontario 4:30pm ~ Dinner 4:45pm ~ RA 11/16 SEOEA Fall RA LaRosa’s Restaurant (Jackson) 5:00pm ~ Registration 966 E. Main Street, Jackson 5:30pm ~ Dinner 6:15pm ~ RA 11/17 EOEA Fall RA Undo’s Restaurant 5:00pm ~Registration 51130 National Road. E., St. Clairsville 5:30pm ~Briefing 6:00pm ~RA/Dinner Reservations Required 11/19 SWOEA Fall RA Receptions (Fairfield) 8:00am ~Registration 5975 Boymel Drive, Fairfield 9:00am ~RA Capital NO FALL BRIEFING/RA NWOEA NO FALL BRIEFING/RA
Save the Date for the 2016 Doris L. Allen Minority Caucus dinner
The OEA Doris L. Allen Minority Caucus will hold its annual dinner on Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Doubletree Hotel Columbus/Worthington. The evening will begin with a program at 6:45 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Keynote speaker for the 2016 DLAMC dinner is Gerald Cadogan, a Portsmouth High School alumnus and former football player. After a successful college career at Penn State University that included several bowl games, Cadogan played in the National Football League for the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles, and the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts. In recent years, Cadogan has held a youth sports camp in Portsmouth, bringing his former college teammates as well as current NFL players to coach young football players. This year, he is excited to be working on staff with the Portsmouth Trojans Varsity Football Team. Tickets are $45 per person or $450 for a table of 10. Please make your reservation by completing and returning the registration form to DLAMC Treasurer Lorna Ferguson no later than November 18, 2016.
Doubletree Hotel Columbus/Worthington • I-270 and Route 23 North • 175 Hutchinson Avenue December 2, 2016 • Program at 6:45 p.m. • Dinner at 7 p.m. I wish to attend the DLAMC Annual Memorial Dinner. Enclosed is check #______in the amount of $______. Tickets are $45 per person or $450 per table of 10. Reservation to be placed in the name of:______. Please make check payable to DLAMC/OEA. Name______Meal Choice/Quantity Local Association______# ____ Roulade of Chicken Breast Address______# ____ Portabella Mushroom Tartlet City______State______Zip code______Home phone______School phone______Return registration and payment to: Lorna Ferguson, 1121 13th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662. Reservation Deadline: November 18, 2016. SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 2-4, 2017
n Strategies for Collective Bargaining n Member Rights and Working Conditions n Organizing to Leverage Power n Compensation and Insurance formerly n Professional Issues Collective Bargaining Conference
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel • 50 North Third Street, Columbus, OH Reservations must be made by January 12 at https://resweb.passkey.com/go/oeaaoi217 Online conference registration: http://aoinstitute.ohea.org OEA Member ID needed
Are you fiscally fit? iscal year 2016-2017 marks the 12th year of the OEA Fiscal FFitness Award Program. OEA is excited to continue this program designed to increase the Association’s financial performance at both the state and local levels. Along with the promotion of best financial practices for their own sake, the OEA intends to provide financial incentives for locals that establish and maintain these practices. Additionally, the clear articulation of these practices provides guidelines for all locals to follow. The establishment of best practices and criteria by which to measure them makes this program an example of OEA’s commitment to continuous improvement. Locals who submit and meet all criteria for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the first time will be presented with an award check of $2,000 and a plaque for their accomplishment. Locals meeting all criteria on a continuing annual basis will receive $500 for each subsequent year in a five-year cycle. Effective with award to be presented in May 2017, treasurers of winning locals will also receive $500. Past recipients are encouraged to check the new Fiscal Fitness Handbook for re-alignment of criteria and the inclusion of a new criterion that will need to be addressed in the local’s annual submission. The Fiscal Fitness Awards will be given at the May 2017 Representative Assembly, where locals will be recognized for their financial performance in 2015-2016. Locals have the opportunity to meet the criteria for the award during the 2015-2016 fiscal year, and the submission of applications for the award are due no later than January 31, 2017. This timeline has been adopted so that there is a greater opportunity for all locals to be involved. Additional information can be provided by the office of the OEA Secretary-Treasurer or found online at www.ohea.org. Completed applications and accompanying award criteria should be submitted to the 26 Ohio Education Association, Office of the Secretary-Treasurer, Fiscal Fitness Award, PO Box 2550, Columbus, Ohio 43216. at an accredited Ohio college or OEA FRIEND OF EDUCATION AWARD university. Applicants must be current The OEA Friend of Education Award members of the Ohio Student recognizes a person and/or organization Education Association (OSEA) and whose leadership, actions, and support the NEA-Student Program. Applicants have contributed to the improvement of must also be able to provide evidence public education on a statewide and/or of success in their teacher education national level. Any member may program and of financial need. The nominate an individual or organization application deadline is January 20, 2017. to receive this award by submitting the name of the candidate to the office MARILYN CROSS SCHOLARSHIP of the OEA President, along with The $4,000 Marilyn Cross Scholarship is rationale and evidence supporting the presented to an OEA member and nomination. The application deadline is career teacher enrolled in a graduate- January 20, 2017. level program directly linked to his/ her current area of licensure, and MEDIA AWARD FOR OEA must demonstrate a need of financial PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS assistance and a reasonable prediction The Media Award for Public Service of success. The application deadline is recognizes an individual and/or January 20, 2017. organization for a major contribution EA is pleased to celebrate, to the better understanding of the ESP AWARD Ohonor and reward the problems, progress, and needs of public outstanding work of our members, The Education Support Professional Award education, or for programming of an affiliates and individuals who have is presented each year to an OEA outstanding educational nature. A made special contributions to the member whose activities reflect the member or local organization may improvement of public education. contributions of education support nominate a candidate for this award. The professionals to public education. The application deadline is January 20, 2017. Awards are presented at the recipient must have been a member of OEA BLUE RIBBON ASSOCIATION OEA Awards Banquet during OEA for three years as of July 15 of the AWARD the weekend of the OEA Spring award year. Each OEA-affiliated ESP Representative Assembly. local association may nominate one of The OEA Blue Ribbon Association Award For an application or nomination its members. The winner qualifies as recognizes a local OEA affiliate for its iscal year 2016-2017 marks the 12th year of the OEA Fiscal form, visit the OEA website at the OEA nominee for NEA’s Education demonstration of innovative problem- Fitness Award Program. OEA is excited to continue this F www.ohea.org, click on the OEA Support Professional Award. The solving techniques and/or unique program designed to increase the Association’s financial Local Leaders tab, and select the application deadline is July 28, 2017. public relations and communication performance at both the state and local levels. Grants and Awards link. Or write to: skills. This award comes with a Along with the promotion of best financial practices for their HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD Awards Committee, Ohio Education monetary award of $1,000. The own sake, the OEA intends to provide financial incentives for locals OEA recognizes achievements in Association, P.O. Box 2550, application deadline is January 20, 2017. that establish and maintain these practices. Additionally, the clear human relations and related intercul- FISCAL FITNESS AWARD articulation of these practices provides guidelines for all locals to follow. Columbus, OH 43216. tural activities that impact children, The establishment of best practices and criteria by which to measure communities, the educational process, The Fiscal Fitness Award recognizes them makes this program an example of OEA’s commitment to JFK SCHOLARSHIP and/or the United Education Profession local associations that have in place continuous improvement. The $4,000 John F. Kennedy Scholarship by presenting a Human and Civil Rights best financial practices. Treasurers who Locals who submit and meet all criteria for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the is presented each year to an OEA Award of which there are three: have previously received the award first time will be presented with an award check of $2,000 and a plaque for member who is a career teacher The Holloways, The Charles A. Glatt, judge the portfolios against the pub- their accomplishment. Locals meeting all criteria on a continuing annual basis enrolled in a graduate-level program and The Doris L. Allen Awards. The lished criteria. The Fiscal Fitness Award is will receive $500 for each subsequent year in a five-year cycle. Effective with and in need of financial assistance. The application deadline is January 20, 2017. presented to winning locals rather than award to be presented in May 2017, treasurers of winning locals will also receive to the treasurers of the locals. The award applicant must be able to demonstrate OEA PEACE AND INTERNATIONAL $500. Past recipients are encouraged to check the new Fiscal Fitness Handbook for includes recognition as an OEA Fiscal a reasonable prediction of success in RELATIONS AWARDS re-alignment of criteria and the inclusion of a new criterion that will need to be graduate work. The application deadline Fitness Award winner at the OEA Rep- OEA recognizes individual members addressed in the local’s annual submission. is January 20, 2017. resentative Assembly and on the OEA The Fiscal Fitness Awards will be given at the May 2017 Representative Assembly, and local associations who have website, a plaque or certificate suitable where locals will be recognized for their financial performance in 2015-2016. JEAN KERSHAW SCHOLARSHIP furthered the cause of peace and for framing, and a grant for the local Locals have the opportunity to meet the criteria for the award during the 2015-2016 The $2,000 Jean Kershaw Scholarship is international understanding by association to be determined annually fiscal year, and the submission of applications for the award are due no later than presented each year to a student presenting the OEA Peace and based upon the amount budgeted by January 31, 2017. This timeline has been adopted so that there is a greater opportunity for member currently enrolled in an International Relations Awards, of which OEA. This amount represents the added all locals to be involved. undergraduate teacher education there are two: The Paul Swaddling value a fiscally fit local adds to the OEA. Additional information can be provided by the office of the OEA Secretary-Treasurer or program in Ohio or a senior education Award and The Peace and International Applicants are required to submit a found online at www.ohea.org. student who has been formally Understanding Award. The application portfolio demonstrating evidence Completed applications and accompanying award criteria should be submitted to the accepted for graduate study in a deadline is January 20, 2017. of meeting all of the listed criteria by Ohio Education Association, Office of the Secretary-Treasurer, Fiscal Fitness Award, PO Box 2550, master’s degree of education program January 31, 2017. Columbus, Ohio 43216. OEA ON THE WEB TEAM UPWITH CALIFORNIA CASUALTY Give your athletes a sporting chance with a Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant. Apply to receive $1,000 to $3,000 for your middle or high school’s team. The Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant was established to provide support to public middle and high school sports programs impacted by reduced budgets. As an employee of the school and a member of the National Education Association (NEA), you can apply for a grant award for your school’s sports program. Applications received through January 13, 2017 will qualify for 2017 consideration. Recipients will be announced in April 2017.
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