The

KCEA Officers

President Sherry Morgan

Secretary Jennifer Owen

Treasurer Tanya T. Coats

Past President Jessica Holman

_____

Executive Board Representatives

Support Personnel

Peggy Thomas

High Schools

Jason Gulledge Charles Negendank

Middle Schools

Karen Peterman Kim Waller

Elementary Schools

Judy Barnes Tiffany Watkins Heather Wallace Joan Washington

Alternative Schools Amy Arnold

Administration Brad Corrum

Minority at Large Sherry Hensley

Parliamentarian Paula Brown

_____

TEA / NEA

East TN Minority Paula Hancock

TEA-FCPE, Dist. 4 Bill Bell

NEA Resolutions Anthony Hancock

_____

KCEA Office TEA UniServ

Jon White

Admin. Assistant Abbie Hoover

AdvocateAdvocate

Jobs and the Economy Summit: Exploring a Balanced Approach to Taxes, Economic Development, & Funding Policies to Create Strong Schools, Strong Communities and a Strong Economy Scott Rhea, Legislative Contact Team

I had the pleasure of attending the Jobs and the Economy Summit in Nashville this past November. The Summit focused on TEF (Taxes, Equity, and Funding) and the interdependence of each. You cannot affect change in one without including the other two. NEA economist, Michael Kahn, stressed the importance of all three elements existing in balance.

Simply stated, the TEF balance in Tennessee could not walk a straight line. Our regressive tax structure does not support basic services – such as education. At least we are consistent: TN ranks in the bottom 10 states in per-capita taxes, school funding, and teachers’ salary. However, we are in the top five when it comes to having one of the most regressive tax structures in the country (the lowest income group pays proportionally more tax than the highest income group)

and the largest gap between the richest and poorest families.

Regardless of the current state of the economy, the bigger issue is that schools are being required to do more and being held accountable without the capacity to do the job. (Are you thinking about the new evaluation system?)

Tennessee citizens have to demand investment in education. Most do want to invest in education, but do not trust that tax dollars will find their way to the classroom. Senator Andy Berke summarized an informal survey for us: citizens trust teachers, principals, and even local councils, but do not trust the school board! Citizens are willing to pay for education if they know the money will go to a classroom.

A balanced tax structure is suggested - a balance of property, income, and sales taxes. This method is elastic (keeps up with changes proportionally and equitably). We can begin by closing loop holes and reducing, eliminating, or restructuring TIFs (Tax Increment Finance). TIFs are what local governments give a business as an incentive to come to their area: tax breaks, bonds, low rate loans, etc.

Mr. Kahn, the NEA economist, cited data that indicated TIFs do not work as intended- to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and increase the tax base. Dr. Matthew Murray, Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, indicated that TIF’s do work as intended, most of the time, and presented data that indicated such. However, when I asked Dr. Murray if the performance requirements for a business could be strengthened, he indicated this theory in politics and most business: “everyone else is doing it, so we have to do it to try and be competitive.” Sounds like an argument a drug pusher would make: “everyone else is doing it.” Let’s encourage our government to do the right thing…even if it’s not popular in the short-term.

Dr. Robert Kuttner, American Prospect and Demos, suggested the only way to “fix” the deficit and the recession is to increase government spending and government investment in education. Historically, that has worked for this country; however, due to global changes and global influence domestically, this government spending has to be pro-American. When Roosevelt spent government money on building roads, the jobs were in the United States and the profit stayed in the US - growing domestic business. Currently, if the government paid to build a road in Tennessee, jobs would be created. However, the profits and ancillary benefits would be spread throughout the world. Thus, economic growth would be short lived.

One thing all the economists and politicians agreed on: We need to invest in education because it is the greatest driver of an economy. We have to insure that public funds are being used wisely for a return on our investment.

As teachers, we have to speak up! Let it be known that a 130 question survey about parental involvement (I had to deliver this to my students last week.) is a waste of limited resources - time and money. I have a problem with loosing instructional days to give an assessment that lacks reliability and validity, as well as violates the common sense approach to assessment: 130 questions!

When this occurs, we have to be vocal about the use of our educational tax dollars. We have to give citizens a reason to know we will use their money wisely.

How They Voted (First Half of the Current Session)

Legislator Diminish Tenure

Repeal Negotiations

Authorize Virtual Schools

Alter TCRS Board

Expand Charter Schools

Authorize At-Will Employment

Sen. Campfield, Stacy (R-7) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Sen. McNally, Randy (R-5) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Sen. Woodson, Jamie (R-6) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Rep. Armstrong, Joe (D-15) No Vote No No No Yes No

Rep. Brooks, Harry (R-19) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Rep. Dunn, Bill (R-16) Yes No Vote No Vote Yes No Vote Yes

Rep. Hall, Steve (R-18) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Rep. Haynes, Ryan (R-14) Yes No Vote No Vote Yes No Vote Yes

Rep. Niceley, Frank (R-17) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Rep. Tindell, Harry D-13) No No Vote No Vote No No Vote No

The Regressionists Bill Bell, Legislative Contact Team

With apologies to our teachers of English: It ain’t granddad’s political party. Heck, it ain’t even dad’s party.

Where have all the conservatives gone? The staunch, upright conservative of twenty years ago is now called a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only)!

What?! What has happened?

In an effort to acquire the money and votes required to get into public office in our current political environment, many politicians have moved further to the right of the political spectrum in order to attract members of the radical Tea Party. The results have been a disaster for democracy and freedom in the United States – especially in the field of public education.

The success of American democracy has always been due to the willingness of most citizens to bow to the reality of compromise. Compromise requires that all sides find a common ground upon which most can agree to function. This does not mean that our strength has been in the dominance of one political ideology over all others. Rather, it does require that our strength has been derived from our ability to meet somewhere near the middle of all opinions. We have lost that. And, we are all paying the price.

As a country, we are certainly not moving forward. For that matter, we are not even holding the status quo. We are losing ground. And that is not conservatism – it is regression.

Tea Party Regressionists are proudly leading the way into the 18th Century with corporations and super wealthy individuals pulling their strings. If we follow their path, we will do so at our own peril.

The only way out of this morass is to make sure that well educated thinking individuals vote. The elections are in November. Are we ready?

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

Public Reprimand Bill Pulled Never forget the power of ONE! You did it – your work together as one voice paid off. The State Board of Education has pulled the PUBLIC REPRIMAND bill from their agenda! Outstanding! Always remember that our individual members working together for a common cause create a very strong collective voice. Collective action really works! This proposal could reappear on the agenda for the April State Board of Education meeting. If it does, let us hope the wording and intent is far less harmful than the original version. Rest assured that the TEA staff and our State Board of Education member contacts will continue to monitor this proposal and communicate with you if it reappears.

“No Vote” simply means the legislator did not vote; it does not indicate support or opposition. “Repeal of Negotiations” created the Collaborative Conferencing Act (PECCA). “Alteration of TCRS” refers to the removal of our right to elect our representatives to the retirement board (Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System).

Knox County Legislative Delegation

Senate

Senator Stacey Campfield R-Knoxville - District 7

District Address: 2011 Flagler Knoxville, TN 37943

Nashville Address 301 6th Avenue North Suite 4 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-1766 sen.stacey.campfield@capitol.tn.gov

Senator Randy McNally R-Oak Ridge - Disctict 5

District Address: 94 Royal Troon Circle Oak Ridge TN 37830

Nashville Address: 301 6th Avenue North Suite 307 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 27243 Phone (615) 741-6806 sen.randy.mcnally@capitol.tn.gov

Senator Becky Duncan Massey R-Knoxville - District 6

District Address: 6932 Westland Drive Knoxville, TN 37919

Nashville Address: 301 6th Avenue North Suite 3 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-1648 sen.becky.massey@capitol.tn.gov

House

Rep. Harry Tindell D-Knoxville - District 13

District address P.O. Box 27325 Knoxville, TN 37927-7325

Nashville address 301 6th Avenue North Suite 35 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-2031 rep.harry.tindell@capitol.tn.gov

Rep. Ryan A. Haynes R-Knoxville - District 14

District address P.O. Box 22091 Knoxville, TN 37933

Nashville address: 301 6th Avenue North Suite 214 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville TN 37243 Phone: (615) 741-2264 rep.ryan.haynes@capitol.tn.gov

Rep. Joe Armstrong D-Knoxville - District 15

District address: 4708 Hilldale Drive Knoxville, TN 37914

Nashville address: 301 6th Avenue North Suite 35 Legislative Plaza Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-0768 rep.joe.armstrong@capitol.tn.gov

Rep. Bill Dunn R-Knoxville - District 16

District address 5309 LaVesta Road Knoxville, TN 37818

Nashville address 301 6th Avenue North Suite 115 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-1721 rep.bill.dunn@capitol.tn.gov

Rep. Frank S. Niceley R-Knoxville - District 17

District address 1023 Creek Road Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

Nashville address 301 6th Avenue North Suite 108 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-441 rep.frank.niceley@capitol.tn.gov

Rep. Steve Hall R- Knoxville - District 18

District address

Nashville address 301 6th Avenue North Suite 113 War Memorial Bldg. Nashville, TN 37243 Phone: (615) 741-2287 rep.steve.hall@capitol.tn.gov

Rep. Harry Brooks R-Knoxville - District 19

District address 6600 Washington Pike Knoxville, TN 37918

Nashville address 301 6th Avenue North Suite 212 War Memorial Building Nashville, TN 37243 Phone (615) 741-6879 rep.harry.brooks@capitol.tn.gov

Contact Information for the Governor’s Office

Email: bill.haslam@tn.gov Phone: 615-741-2001

Mail : Governor Bill Haslam First Floor, State Capitol Nashville, Tennessee 37243

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

What Does KCEA Do?

Sherry J. Morgan, KCEA President

Since taking office on July 1st, I have heard several people say “KCEA never does anything.” That is simply not true.

KCEA has representatives every Knox County School who are trained to advocate for our members and they often listen to non-members too. When I was a building rep., if there was a problem, EVERYBODY in my school asked me, since they knew that KCEA representatives are well-informed and connected to experts who have the latest (and correct) information.

Now that Dr. McIntyre has realized the importance of having a full-time release president, I am again able to serve as a liaison between the membership and the superintendent’s office, school board, and human resources department - allowing you to focus on teaching.

I attend all school board meetings, workshops, retreats, and forums. I have written to and met with state legislators and our state board of education member, Mike Edwards, to tell them about “real life” education issues. KCEA’s Legislative Contact Team also meets with legislators to share your concerns.

I have met with Dr. McIntyre and our county mayor, Tim Burchett and have written columns for the News Sentinel about the TEAM evaluation and have spoken to our local television stations about changes in education. Yes, I did give the governor an “F” for last year’s legislative session. I do want to talk to Gov. Haslam when I go to Nashville.

KCEA members volunteer at the Teacher Supply Depot, which KCEA helped start when Gary Harmon was president.

KCEA members serve on state committees to help the students and educators of Tennessee. Did you know Eddie Busler from Halls Middle is the state board of education contact to Mike Edwards?

KCEA works to provide staff development to help increase student achievement.

KCEA works to help members with problems from insurance to personnel issues.

KCEA has advocated for you by initiating “Collaborative Conferencing” and asking for your support. Thanks to you, KCEA will be the only organization to represent you at “collaborative conferencing”.

If you hear talk that KCEA “does nothing,” please ask these people to call me 660-0822 or email me: sjmorgan1@yahoo.com, and I’ll be glad to talk with them about a few of the things we do every day.

Tennessee Schools Ban Student

Teachers Over Evaluation

Concerns

The Tennessean (11/16, Hubbard), "Tennessee's new teacher evaluation system has hit an unexpected snag," in that some schools have chosen "to ban student teachers from working in most high school core subject classrooms" because districts want no "interference for teachers who will be judged this year based on their student's test scores, said Carol Birdsong, Williamson County schools spokeswoman. 'We're making the change because many teachers will receive 35-percent of their evaluation score based on value added,' Birdsong said. 'It's your classroom, and you are being evaluated based on your students' performance.'"

Ask a Colleague to Join Today! Last year other organizations blatantly supported the legislation that has moved the education profession backward.

We all need to be more active in our Association than ever. With vocal and active members, Tennessee's teachers will prevail.

Take a stand. Ask a colleague to join the association that promotes, advances and protects public education, the education profession, and the rights and interests of our members. Ask them to join KCEA today!

Paperwork Increasing Burden On Teachers In a column in the Washington Post (11/12), Robert McCartney writes that the recent school board elections in Fairfax, Virginia, "raised awareness of a bureaucratic ailment that's becoming a region-wide classroom epidemic: the overburdening of teachers with paperwork."

The Post blames the "mania for more student data" and "high-level monitoring of the data" as "demoralizing teachers and undermining education."

McCartney writes that teachers are using time they used to devote to creating lesson plans to fill out paperwork, and says that the "national school reform movement" which "has placed a premium on using standardized tests to measure student achievement and hold teachers accountable for results" has "gone too far."

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

Adopt-A-Classroom Raise funds for classroom supplies and materials through donations from parents, friends, and local businesses. Register for Adopt-A-Classroom and see how fast money can add up! Learn more at http://www.neamb.com/xchg/neamb/xsl/hs.xsl/-/home/1209_4734.htm .

Teachers-Teachers Looking for a new position? The Teachers-Teachers site allows you to create and post your resume, send cover letters, and view and apply for jobs online—and it’s FREE! Get started on Teachers-Teachers by creating a login and password at http://www.neamb.com/home/1209_2847.htm. Start exploring your new job possibilities today!

New Tools at the NEA Academy

Not Ready to Start a Master’s Degree Program? Consider a Graduate Certificate: A graduate certificate is a smart, efficient way to advance your career by acquiring skills and expertise in a specific specialty area.

A graduate certificate requires completion of 12-15 graduate credits in a 12 -18 month time frame. Coursework completed for a certificate typically applies to a master’s degree program at the same institution.

Two NEA Academy partners, Walden University and UMassOnline, offer certificates in such areas as: Instructional Design and Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, Organizational Leadership, and Educational Policy.

Get all the details: www.neaacademy.org/graduate-certificate-programs.html

Answers to Questions & Concerns

"I don't want TEA or NEA to tell me how to vote!"

TEA and NEA are you. Members just like you interview candidates, discuss the candidate's support on issues that directly impact your profession and your classroom. No one goes into the voting booth with you. Rather, the Association provides you with facts to help you decide on the best candidates for public education.

"What is TEA-FCPE?"

The Tennessee Education Association Fund for Children & Public Education (TEA-FCPE), formerly known as T-PACE, was formed in 1975. It is a bi-partisan council of members who promote public education through responsible citizenship and political action. TEA-FCPE works to elect Republican and Democratic friends of public education to the state legislature and the governor's office.

"What is the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education?"

The purpose of the NEA Fund is the same as TEA-FCPE. Their recommendations are again made by NEA members and focus on Congressional and presidential candidates.

6 Steps to Making a Difference

1. Register to vote

2. Vote in every election.

3. Attend at least one school board meeting. Take another Association member, and make sure school board members know you are there.

4. Stay informed about laws that affect you and your students.

5. Know who represents you...on the school board, county commission or city council, state legislature and Congress.

6. Email, write and call your local, state, and national representatives to garner support for education issues:

http://www.nea.org/home/LegislativeActionCenter.html

It All Makes Sense When We Look at Backers of School Privatization By Gera Summerford, TEA President

Did you ever wonder why the Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana state governments wanted to end negotiations the same year Tennessee’s legislature did? Or why so many states have passed almost identical laws weakening teacher tenure? Have you considered that there are greater forces at work than those residing in Tennessee?

These days, when I visit with teachers and other educators I’m often asked such questions as, “Where is this coming from?”; “What’s the basis for all the anti-teacher, anti-public education legislation?” As I look at what’s happened in Tennessee and other states during the last year, I recognize a trajectory that started when I was a beginning teacher—and I’m afraid it’s nearing its target.

For years I’ve heard NEA leaders say that those who want to privatize our schools would start by attacking us. Because we, the teachers, are the protectors of free public education for all children. We believe the best way to prepare children to live in diverse communities and a thriving democracy is to provide quality public schools where all children are welcomed. Our opponents, however, have a different idea, and an orchestrated plan to divert public education funds to corporate interests.

If you doubt, as I did back in the 1980’s, that such a conspiracy exists, look no further than ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council. Backed by such groups as the Friedman Foundation, Pearson Publishing, Sylvan Learning, and K-12 Inc., as well as such huge corporations as the Koch Companies, Reynolds American, ExxonMobil, Kraft Foods and others, ALEC brings state legislators and corporate interests together to share model legislation that moves state law toward privatization of public schools.

For example, the “virtual schools “ law passed in Tennessee last year to create online schools was brought to us by ALEC’s Education Task Force, led by Mickey Revenaugh of Connections Academy and Lisa Gillis of K-12 Inc. Both of these virtual school companies have a vested interest in such legislation. K-12 Inc. (whose CEO earns $2.6 million) won the no-bid contract in Union County to create the Tennessee Virtual Academy. Is that a good use of taxpayer money?

Other model legislation developed by ALEC and carried to state legislatures around the country promote charter schools, vouchers, increased student testing and reporting, alternative certification for teachers, performance pay, and tenure reform. ALEC’s description of its Great Teachers and Leaders Act reads, “…tenure is revocable following two consecutive years of insufficient growth. The Act requires principals to be evaluated annually with 50 percent of the evaluation based on student achievement and their ability to develop teachers in their buildings and increase their effectiveness.”

Sound familiar? Do we really want ALEC writing our laws in Tennessee?

As we review the actions of the 107th General Assembly and prepare for elections 2012, we need to make sure we look beneath the surface to find the roots of our problems. We must remember our purpose and work together to protect public education. We need to identify those legislators who are members of ALEC. And we need to support lawmakers who think for themselves and truly represent the people who elected them.

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

Law Enforcement Leaders Urge States to Fund Early Childhood Education Julie Rasicot writes at the Education Week (1/27) "Early Years" blog that "top police officers" throughout the US are "advocating for early childhood education," noting that "sheriffs and police chiefs are on a mission to convince state legislatures that investing in early childhood education, such as quality prekindergarten and the federal Head Start program, can be an important crime-prevention weapon-and ultimately save states money in incarceration costs." Rasicot cites recent opinion pieces penned by veteran law enforcement officials urging "lawmakers not to cut funding for Head Start" and other programs focused on early childhood education. The officials stress that early childhood intervention reduces crime and is much less expensive than law enforcement and incarceration. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/early_years/2012/01/early_education_a_crime_fighting_weapon.html

Mobile Discount Benefit Added to TEA Membership Package

The Tennessee Education Association announced a new mobile discount benefit for members that offers on-the-go savings of up to 50% on everyday purchases at more than 90,000 local and national retailers. The program is among the largest private discount networks in the nation.

With the addition of the My Deals Mobile app, members simply have to show their mobile devices at the point-of-sale at restaurants, hotels, retailers and more to receive the discounts. The organization also offers members a traditional discount network of more than 250,000 local and national merchants. The mobile discount program features more than 450 national brands as well as thousands of local businesses in neighborhoods across America.

The TEA My Deals Mobile app is available for those with Android and Apple mobile devices. The app is free to download from the iTunes App Store and Android Market, and TEA members will need to log in with the same ID and password they use on the TEA Access savings network.

Those who have forgotten their member numbers are asked to contact TEA webmaster Amanda Chaney at achaney@tea.nea.org or (615) 242-8392.

TEA members will also need a four digit registration code, which can be found in the Member Center at www.teateachers.org.

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

Legislative Contact Team Seeks New Members

In a recent interview with teach, Jefferson County teacher Lisa Henry said, “If politicians are getting into education, educators must get into politics.” It is for this very reason that TEA created its Legislative Contact Team.

While TEA’s Government Relations department works tirelessly in the legislature advocating on behalf of teachers, it is crucial that legislators hear directly from educators in their districts. The LCT was formed to ensure that every single Tennessee legislator receives consistent feedback from Tennessee’s teachers.

At the beginning of the legislative session each year, TEA staff host regional LCT meetings to update team members about key legislation and potential challenges facing public education.

We encourage all educators to get involved in the legislative process. Elected officials make decisions every day that directly affect your classroom and your school. To get involved with LCT or other TEA legislative efforts, please visit the “Issues & Advocacy” section of the TEA website, www.teateachers.org.

Contact KCEA

2411 Magnolia Ave. Knoxville, TN 37917

Office: 865.522.9793 Cell: 865.660.0822 Fax: 865.522.9866

THE ADVOCATE

is published by the Knox County Education Association.

Please direct questions & comments to: Jennifer Owen, Editor

KCEA@OwenWebs.com

Our Mission To promote quality education in Knox County, the Knox County Education Association will provide a support system that guarantees the opportunity for professional growth, secures and improves benefits, and protects the rights of educators of Knox County.

Find us Online:

http://KCEAinTouch.org

http://Facebook.com/TNKCEA

THE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2012

Collaborative Conferencing

WE Did It!

KCEA won 81% of the total votes cast, to represent educators the Collaborative Conferencing process!

Voting Breakdown:

There were 2,571 certified votes.

2,466 (57.32% of all eligible voters) voted “Yes” for collaborative conferencing.

There were 105 “no” votes (2.4% of all eligible voters). Requesting representation are the following totals:

Knox County Education Association (KCEA) – 2,073 votes for 81% of the total vote

Professional Educators of Tennessee (PET)- 232 votes for 10% of the total vote

Unaffiliated – 208 for 8% of the total vote

None of the above – 26 for 1% of the total vote

Congratulations! Thanks to all who took the time to vote!

It is clear that the majority of certified employees of Knox County Schools want a voice in how our schools are operated for the best interests of our students and employees.

We know that a lot of people worked very hard to make this happen. THANK YOU!!!

Calendar of Events

April 2 School Board Work Session

April 4 School Board Meeting - voting on budget.

April 8 Easter

April 10 TEA Rep. Assembly Briefing at KCEA office

April 12 IPD - Academic Vocabulary - KCEA office

April 14 TN Urban Education Assoc. Mtg. - Nashville

April 16 KCEA Ex. Bd. Mtg.

April 21 ESP Conference - TEA - Nashville

April 21 TEA Resolutions Committee, TEA Building

April 28 Teacher Recruitment Fair - Central High School

April 30 KCEA Representative Assembly

April 30 School Board Work Session

May 2 School Board Meeting

May 6- 12 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 7 KCEA Executive Board Meeting

May 8 National Teacher Day

May 10 TEA Board of Directors, TEA Building

May 11-12 TEA Representative Assembly - Nashville

May 14 KCEA Rep. Assembly - Calhoun's on the River

May 21 School Board Work Session

June 30-July 5 NEA Annual Meeting - Washington, DC