November Focus 2014

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focusfocus on educatorsis an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org

California Teachers Association

Statement of Mission

The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions o

teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity an

civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.

NOVEMBER 2014

Volume XXIII, Number 3

In this Issue

- Conferences

- Scholarships

- Know Your Contract

- NEA News

- CTA News

Presidents Message

Dear Colleagues,

Did you know that teachers unions

were professional associations first?

The California Teachers Association

was established by John Swett in

1863. At that time he said,

Association in some form is the

soul of modern progress let us

organize and work together. Let us

make our influence felt in leading

public opinion in school affairs.

It wasnt until the 1970s that

teachers in California earned the

right to bargain collectively. At that

time CTA shifted to become a labor

union. However, CTA is still a

professional association. Together

we influence public policy to

support students, the teaching

profession, and public schools.

Additionally, were provided

amazing professional development

through statewide and regional CTA

conferences. My favorite is the

Equity and Human Rights

Conference. If you havent been, I

highly recommend it! Another

popular one is the Good Teaching

Conference. The registration fees

are very affordable, but there are

some scholarships available for firsttime participants, so check out

cta.org/conferences!

As a union, one of our primary

duties is to bargain collectively on

behalf of our members. As you

know, were in the midst of

negotiations with the district now.

While we are eager to reach a

settlement, we must ensure our

working conditions are given the

same priority as salary and benefits.Its important to remember that no

gains have ever just been handed to

us, nor will they be now; we always

have and always will get what we

work for. Thank you for being part

of that process! It is always exciting

when PEA members come together

in solidarity in order to take

collective action. We had a

amazing turnout at the Octob

tailgate and rally. My hope for o

association is that we will continu

the organizing efforts aft

bargaining is settled. We can mak

significant changes an

improvements in our schools whe

teachers have a seat at the decisio

making table. We are the ones in th

classroom working with students,

we must be the ones to advocate an

speak up for what our students nee

If not us, then who?

Finally, American Education Weestarts today. Its celebrate

November 17-21 in order to brin

awareness to the importance

public education and recognition

the educators, classified suppo

staff, and substitutes who make o

public schools work. Before yo

leave for a much-deserved respite

would like to thank you for yo

dedication to our schools, o

students, and our profession. I a

proud to be a public school teachand I am proud to represent you as

union leader.

Enjoy the Thanksgiving break an

take some time for yourself.

In Solidarity,

Dawn Cova

on educators


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PEA Leadership 2014-2015President

Dawn Cova

Rancho Medanos/PEA Office

Elementary Vice President

Tammy Carr

Highlands Elementary

Secondary Vice President

Shelly BascombBTSA

Secretary

Chris Coan

Willow Cove Elementary

Treasurer

Gale Higgins

Willow Cove Elementary

Committee Chairs:

Grievance Committee

John Kleinjans Pittsburg High

Chris Coan Willow Cove ElementaryNegotiations Team

Mark Maselli - Chair

Political Action Committee

Jim Vaughan - Chair

Elections Chair

Ruth Foster

Human Rights & Womens Issues Chairs

Yvonne Burton

Michell Redfoot

O-Team Chairs

Shelly BascombBertha Ramos

CTA State Council Representatives

Mark Maselli PEA

CTA Director District C

Terri Jackson

NEA Director for California, District 3

Greg Bonaccorsi

Technical Editor

Susan Harrison PEA Site Secretary

Focus on Educatorsis a publication of the

Pittsburg EducationAssociation CTA/NEA

159 East 4thStreet

Pittsburg, CA 94565

Phone: (925) 432-0199

fax: (925) 432-4854

email: [email protected]

website: www.peateachers.org

Rep. Council Meeting Calendar

November 17

December 15

January 26

February 23

March 23

April 20

May 18

June 1

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School Board Meeting Calendar

November 12

December 10

January TBD

February TBD

March TBD

April TBD

May TBD

June TBD

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Are You Getting Your PEA Information?

Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the

monthly Rep meeting and then report back to you is

vital in the communication chain of our Association.

Roll call at last October 20thRep Council Meeting:

Adult Ed. present Stoneman present

Foothill present Willow Cove present

Heights absent MLK Jr. present

Highlands present Hillview - presentLos Medanos present Rancho Medanos present

Marina Vista present PHS- present

Parkside present Black Diamondpresent

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The best teachers teach from the heart, not

from the book.

-Author Unknown


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Upcoming CTA Conferences 2014-2015

Issues ConferenceJanuary 16-18, 2015Rio All-Suite Hotel

Las Vegas, NV

Good Teaching Conference NorthFebruary 6-8, 2015

Fairmont HotelSan Jose, CA

Equity and Human Rights ConferenceMarch 6-8, 2015

Hyatt Regency, San Francisco AirportBurlingame, CA

PEA Scholarships are available to first-time participants! Teams of

teachers can use QEIA funds to attend as well. Email

[email protected] if youre interested!

Announcing

2015 CTA Scholarships

CTA is accepting applications for the following categories: Dependent Children Del A. Weber for Dependent Children Attending

Continuation High School/Alternative Education Members

L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship for StudentCTAAll applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. onFebruary 6, 2015. For more information on the individualcategories, please go to: www.cta.org./scholarships

Cesar E. Chavez MemorialEducation Awards ProgramCTA is holding the 14thannual art andessay competition in honor of Cesar E.Chavez. Winners will receive

recognition and up to $550.00.Individual Projects can be eitherWritten Essaysor Visual Arts. All applications and projectsmust be postmarked byJanuary 9, 2015. For more information and applications,please go to: www.cta.org/scholarships

PEA Community Outreach Presents

Our 4thAnnual Sock Drive

now the new & improved

Winter Drive!

November 18 to December 17

Now collecting all winter items for homeless youth:

Socks, hats, gloves, and scarves

(All items will be donated to Shelter Inc, a Contra

Costa non-profit organization supporting homeless

youth and families)

While youre out doing holiday shopping, please pick

up something for a youngster in need. Give your

donation to your PEA Rep by December 17!

Thank you for your generosity!

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PEA Holiday Happy Hour

Hall of Fame Sports Bar

Thursday, December 4

3:45-5:00

come join us for

Bargaining Update

Appetizers

Happy hour drink menu just

for PEA teachersand socializing & good cheer


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Know your contract!

Calling in Absences:Just a reminder- PEA Unit Members are only eligible for3 categories of absences:

1.

Illness

2.

Personal Business3.

Personal Necessity

Illness: 10 days per year which are carried over eachyear. You can be asked for a doctors note for MOREthan 3 consecutive days of illness or a pattern ofabsences.

Personal business: Four (4) days per year out of sickleave. Two (2) days can be used in one (1) week forany reason without prior approval. Prior approvalneeded before and after a holiday or to use more thantwo (2) days in one week.

Personal necessity: Seven (7) days per year out ofsick leave. Bereavement (in addition to Bereavementleave which is not deducted from sick days), accident,court appearance, serious illness involving immediatefamily member, paternity leave (1 day*), adoption (2days*). Personal necessity leave must be requested inwriting upon return from such leave.

See Article 7 for the complete contract language.

*Article 7 is currently in negotiations. PEA has proposedincreasing both of these leaves to 7 days.

Please be careful when entering absences becauseyou could be given Leave Without Pay if you do notenter the correct category!

Always follow up to make sure the absence is enteredin the system and keep a record to ensure the correcttime/days have been deducted from your leave.

Salary Schedule Implementation:Continuing Education Units

Article 13.2.4Course credit for salary placement and movement on thesalary schedule shall be given for post-graduate, lowerdivision; upper division or graduate course work taken at two-

year or four-year colleges, universities, or graduate schoolswhich are accredited by regional accrediting commission orother programs approved by the District. In addition, otherprogram credit may be credited for movement on this salaryschedule with prior District approval. Units of study forprofessional growth and district in-service (professionaldevelopment) shall also be counted for salary placement andmovement on the salary placement and movement on thesalary schedule including Continuing Education Units (CEUs)granted for attending professional development programscompletion including course work relating to completion of acredential or teaching authorization. All course semester

units as defined by the particular accredited college oruniversity shall be acceptable for placement on the salaryschedule. Quarter units shall be converted to semester unitsby multiplying the total of such units by two-thirds (2/3).

Avoid disappointment: if you are attending a greatconference and would like the CEUs but youre not sure if the

conference counts as professional development, get prior

approval from the district before purchasing the units.

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Principal Evaluations by Teachers

Dear Members,

Each Spring, PEA conducts an Evaluation of the Principals inthe District. Each site is asked to rate the principalsperformance in areas relating to Standards 1-5 of theCalifornia Professional Standards for Educational Leaders.

Standard 1

Does the administrator involve the staff in thedevelopment of the shared vision for achievement of allstudents?

Does the administrator shape school programs, plans,

and activities to ensure that they are integrated,articulated throughout the grades, and consistent withthe vision?

Standard 2

Does the administrator promote equity, fairness, andrespect among all members of the school community?

Does the administrator guide and support the long-termprofessional development of all staff?


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Standard 3

Does the administrator sustain a safe, efficient, clean,well-maintained, and productive school environment thatsupport the professional growth of teachers?

Standard 4

Does the administrator communicate information aboutthe school on a regular and predictable basis?

Standard 5

Does the administrator protect the rights andconfidentiality of the staff?

Does the administrator demonstrate knowledge of thestandards-based curriculum and the ability to integrateand articulate programs throughout the grades?

Does the administrator encourage and inspire others tohigher levels of performance, commitment, andmotivation?

Once the results are tallied, they are presented to theSuperintendent, who shares them with the principals.

Your input on these evaluations is important because, sinceyou interact with the principal on a daily basis, you areuniquely qualified to judge his/her performance. This is avaluable source of information for the Superintendent, theSchool Board, and the Principals.

This year the Principal Evaluations will be distributed to PEAmembers in February.

Thank you for your support.

Respectfully submitted,

Shelly Bascomb, PEA V.P. - Secondary***********************************

Political Action Update

Thanks to all who went to the polls November 4! Althoughthe election had one of the lowest-voter turnouts on record,teacher Tom Torlakson defeated corporate-reformer to bereelected as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Thank youfor your support! We will continue to have an advocate forpublic schools in this office. Additionally the labor councilendorsements for Pittsburg City Council were elected andMeasure Nbond for our schools passed.

"We knew that when Californians look for

direction on how to improve education -they don't look to Wall Street. They don't

look to Silicon Valley. They look to thepeople who are in the schools in theirneighborhood every day - the teachers, theschool employees, the teacher's aides, the

nurses, the counselors. Tom Torlakson

WS

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and WRONGS!

Social Networking: Teachers are held to a higherstandard than most other employees.

Postings on Facebook, Twitter, Craigs List, Blogspot, etc.are NOT private or confidential. Students or their parentsmay see them, and any recipient (even a so-called friend)may disclose your postings to the District or to theCommission on Teacher Credentialing. Be very carefulwhat you say, show, or tag about yourself, students,administrators, and colleagues.

Advice: Create a separate Facebook page for yourprofessional self; if you friend students on your regularFacebook page, put them on limited profile with privacy

settings at their highest level; only friend, and accept asfriends, people you know; change privacy settings so onlyfriends can see your page.

You may subject to disciplinary action by the school districtand/or the Commission on Teacher Credentialing if postingsare inappropriate, even when the entries were not madeduring work time. However, online postings related toemployees shared concerns about the terms and conditionsof employment, including supervisors actions, should beconsidered protected, concerted activity for which theemployee cannot be subject to discipline.

Work-Time Is Work-Time

During work time, do not use your cellphone or computer, and do notsocialize with colleagues. You have aduty to supervise students. You canbe sued for failing to supervise or forproviding inadequate supervision.

No Personal Use of Your SchoolComputer

You have NOright of privacy on any school computer or thedistricts network. Bottom line: Dont use school computersfor personal email or online searches. If you discoverinappropriate material on your school computer (e.g., porn,violence, etc.), immediately report the problem to the Union,who will help you determine the best course to follow so thatyou wont be blamed unfairly.


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an excerpt from

Over the past decade, the high stakes testing regime hassqueezed out much of the curriculum that can make schoolsan engaging and enriching experience for students, andteachers have been forced to dilute their creativity to teach tothe test.

I would much rather help students learn how to conductresearch and how to discuss and how to explorecontroversies and how to complete multi-task projects thanteach them how to recall this or that fact for an exam,explains teacher Connie Fawcett.

http://neatoday.org/2014/11/02/nea-survey-nearly-half-of-teachers-consider-leaving-profession-due-to-

standardized-testing/

Public Service Loan Forgiveness FAQs

Say Goodbye to Student Loan Payments

Does loan forgiveness sound too good to be true? Its not.Here are commonly asked questions and answers:

What is loan forgiveness? These are federal programsaimed at supporting people in public service jobs, liketeaching. The programs forgive the balance of a borrowersfederal student loansafter that person has made 120 on-time, full, scheduled monthly payments toward a federalDirect Loan while working full-time in public service. Twoother things to know: you must make those payments using aqualified repayment plan, and only payments made after

October 1, 2007 qualify.

Define on-time full, scheduled monthly payments.On-time payments are received no later than 15 days afterthe due date. Full payments meet or exceed the amount thatyoure required to pay each month. If you paid a smalleramount, it doesnt count toward the 120 required payments.Also, lump sum or advance payments dont count.

Whats a qualified repayment plan? There are a few,including the federal income-based repayment plan. (Visitstudentaid.ed.gov to learn about the options.) There is noreason educators, who get paid so little as it is, should fork

over 50 percent of their take-home pay for loan repayments.Get into one of the federal governments repayment plans tolower your monthly payments to affordable levels.

Tell me more about full-time public service You mustbe working full-time in public service at the time of a paymentfor it to count toward the 120 payments. You also must beworking full-time (in public service) at the time of yourapplication to the loan forgiveness program, and at the timeforgiveness is granted.

I think I might qualifywhat next? Fantastic! Visitnea.org/loanforgiveness for more information and to print

forms that will help you take action. But dont stop there.Take the NEA Degrees Not Debt pledge to raise your voicealongside thousands of educators, students, and parentswho want more affordable loans and expanded loan-forgiveness programs.

from http://www.nea.org

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A Message from Our Instructional CoachesWhat the coaches want you to know:

We're all on the same team! Coaches are in the same bargaining unit as

classroom teachers. (Instructional Coaches arePEA Members too.)

We are not administrators - we do not evaluate norset policy.

We are here to facilitate, collaborate, and provideresources for classroom teachers.

If you have concerns, wed appreciate it if youdbring them to our attention!

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Recommended Blog: Cloaking Inequityhttp://cloakinginequity.com

by Julian Vasquez Heilig

Julian Vasquez Heilig is an award-winning researcher andteacher. He is currently a Professor of EducationalLeadership and Policy Studies and the Director of theDoctorate in Educational Leadership at California StateSacramento.

Some recent posts: Can we Evaluate #Teachers Without Using High-

Stakes #Testing?- November 12, 2014 Latino Teachers: Seek Overthrow of the U.S.

Government or to Improve Academic Achievement?- November 7, 2014

Teachers Matter: The Letter Defending Educators

@Time Wouldnt Print #TIMEapologize #TIMEfail -October 31, 2014

EdWeek Series Beyond Rhetoric: Should Teachers

Unions Reform? - October 28, 2014

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The organizing team asks you to:

PEA Tailgate and Rally

to Help Settle Our Contract!

October 22, 2014


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November Focus 2014

Documents

Transcript of November Focus 2014