ISTA Advocate - Winter 2020

W INTER

2020

A N I N D I A N A S TAT E T E A C H E R S A S S O C I AT I O N P U B L I C AT I O N

We made history!

See images from the Red For Ed Action Day. PAGE 8

BALLOT MAILED: Vote for your Representative Assembly delegates.

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OUR KID S . OUR S C H OOLS . OU R F U T U RE .

WINTER 2020: VOL. 3, ISSUE 2 Keith Gambill President

IN THIS ISSUE

Jennifer Smith-Margraf Vice President Doug Taylor Treasurer

Meet Indiana’s Teacher of the Year.

Dan Holub Executive Director Indiana State Teachers Association Publisher

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Kim Clements-Johnson Editor Keith Clock Contributor Kara Seward Contributor

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Perspectives

Our Rights

Our Advocacy

Mickey Brady LaPorte ESP Association

Hear from ISTA’s ESP members.

Learn where and when you can talk politics.

View photos from our historic Red For Ed Action Day.

Rhiannon Castetter Seymour Education Association

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Organizing in Action Meet the newest ISTA local association.

Our Members

Professional Development

Learn how to make your school environment safe.

Get the push you need to not only survive but thrive.

Katie Beaumont Contributor

EDITORIAL BOARD

Sanae Glendening Vigo County Teachers Association Ron Curry Delaware Community Classroom Teachers Association Steve Wynn ISTA UniServ Director

150 W. Market St., Ste. 900 Indianapolis, IN 46204

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Our Profession

Our Association

Extra Credit

Meet an educator who has education in her genes.

Representative Assembly (RA) Delegates.

Time travel to 1903.

We want to hear from you! Send ISTA your comments about the magazine. If you have story ideas or want to be a contributor, email communications@ista-in.org.

Advocate is the official quarterly publication of the Indiana State Teachers Association, the state level of the United Education Profession. The content of the Association’s publications will be consistent with its mission, strategic objectives and policies.

PURPOSE, MISSION, AND GOALS PURPOSE To advocate for and advance the interests of Indiana’s students, educators and public schools.

MISSION The Indiana State Teachers Association is a professional association organized to sustain quality public education, improve students’ educational opportunities and advance the professional status of educators.

GOALS • Unified voice - we are stronger together.

• Economic security and professional working conditions for educators.

• Premier public education system that serves all kids regardless of ZIP code, culture or ability.

ISTA-IN.ORG

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

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here is something universal in reflecting on the past, present and future – seeing

how we’ve changed, where we are and how we can grow. As I reflect on the past, certainly spending the day with 20,000 public education supporters on Nov. 19 was monumental.

The collective crowd coming together was empowering.

But the event itself was just one moment in what has been an exciting first six

Keith Gambill, ISTA President Follow Keith on Twitter @istapresident

months. Meeting members in their locals and engaging with issues that matter to our professions has been the most rewarding part of my work to date.

Presently, we have a robust legislative plan that seeks to move our issues forward.

This work is very different. We must use the momentum we’ve built and seek

Our future means looking to the primary in May and the general election in November. Take time to get to know the candidates and press them on the issue of public education. Every person running for office must be on-record with their plan for public education. Those candidates who support public education will need our support, and we need to be ready to knock on doors or assist with phone banks to spread the word to support pro-public education candidates.

opportunities to advance the needs of our students. This will include talking to our neighbors and parents, taking time to write to lawmakers and lobby for public education. Continue to share our stories near and far.

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Let us all remember and learn from the past. Let us all strive to make today the best. And let us all remain committed to making a brighter future for public education and the students we serve.

PERSPECTIVES

ESPs: I am ISTA Hear from our education support professional (ESP) members about their roles, why they are vital to the school day and how they strengthen the Association.

“We’re the very first people that the kids see in the morning, and we’re the very last school contact they have in the afternoon.”

Mickey Brady, School Bus Driver

“I know that I make a difference.”

“I love that everyday is different.”

Bennett Gallivan, Attendance Secretary

Missy Burklow, Paraprofessional

“It is important that we are able to provide the atmosphere that would allow the children to focus on their studies.”

Vernon Baity, Maintenance Technician

Learn more about how ESPs help students and schools. Watch video.

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OUR RIGHTS

Be Smart about Political Communications this Election With the 2020 election getting underway, members are excited to discuss and share information about candidates and local referendums. Before you email or tweet about your favorite political cause, be sure you are aware of laws that regulate what educators can say and when they can say it.

As individuals, educators have the freedom to advocate for political positions, so long as it’s not done during work hours or using school resources. Indiana law prohibits school employees from using school property or resources to solicit contributions, to advocate the election or defeat of a political candidate or to advocate for or against a public question.

We can and should discuss the election and how our colleagues, friends and family can participate and support pro-public education candidates.

Communications among colleagues at school can include where candidates

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stand on issues or policy discussions, but we must stop short of recommending or endorsing candidates.

Use caution and follow these guidelines.

Communicate political information through personal devices, accounts and internet access off school grounds and off contractual time.

Educators are under greater scrutiny than ever by anti-union adversaries. Be aware of how and where you’re talking about this year’s election. If you have questions, contact publicaffairs@ista-in.org.

Educators get an advantage with Horace Mann auto insurance!

Horace Mann auto insurance offers preferred premiums and special features and benefits — just for educators and association members.

With the Horace Mann Educators Advantage®, you’ll get: • No deductible for covered vandalism losses on or near school property or while a a school-sponsored event.

• A replacement car if your new car is declared a “total loss.”

• Up to $1,000 for veterinary bills or related expenses if your pet is injured or dies as a result of a covered accident.

• Added road service coverage if you purchase Emergency Road Service coverage.

• Liability coverage if you transport students in a vehicle we insure.

Also, ISTA members may qualify for even better premiums.

Contact your local Horace Mann representative to learn more or visit horacemann.com.

Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann home insurance. The benefits and di scounts listed: are only general descriptions of coverage; do not constitute a statement of contract; are subject to terms, limits and conditions of the policy contract; and may vary by state.

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OUR ADVOCACY

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With 20,000 attendees, we turned out, raised our voices and took action. Here are photos from the day.

Keep advocating. Tell your legislator you are on board with Red For Ed.

For more photos, visit ISTA’s Flickr account.

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ORGANIZING IN ACTION

“Having a resource in our back pocket to be able to ask questions.”

Brandon Doub, Danville Local Teachers Association President

Danville Teachers Find Comfort in ISTA Support Danville teachers are discovering the ways in which affiliation with ISTA and the National Education Association (NEA) helps fulfill career and professional goals. After years as an independent local association, Danville teachers voted for unified affiliation and joined ISTA this school year.

Danville Local Teachers Association President Brandon Doub acknowledged that members had been considering the prospect for several years, but there was never enough support to make the switch – until this year.

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“I was shocked – overwhelmingly the majority was finally at a point where they wanted to look into affiliation,” said Doub. “It was the light bulb moment that this couldn’t be put off any more.”

Like any transition, the process of joining ISTA has been a learning curve. Doub and his leadership team have been thoughtful in how they inform and educate current and prospective members, as well as administration. They’ve had to incorporate new practices and processes into their planning, but it has also come with new supports.

Second-grade Teacher and Association Representative Pam Martin felt the backing of a UniServ Director changed the tone of Danville’s negotiations.

“I want to be part of the change.”

Pam Martin, Second-grade Teacher and Association Representative

“It felt a lot calmer and a lot more like we were part of the process,” said Martin.

Stephanie Porter, fifth-grade teacher, echoed Martin’s comfort in being supported.

“It makes me feel more connected to the profession,” said Porter. “There’s a more serious approach, more professional approach.”

The resources and power in a collective voice – particularly in advocacy – appeals to Mike Burdsall, human anatomy and Advance College Project Indiana University teacher. He also felt compelled to join in and help with building the new association.

Burdsall found himself in a room of new association leaders – all of whom were his former students. He decided, “I have to step up, if they are going to fight for it, then I’m going to be on their side, too.”

When you meet a Danville member at the Good Teaching Conference or the ISTA Representative Assembly, welcome them to the ISTA family!

“As a group, we are more cohesive than we were on our own.”

Mike Burdsall, Human Anatomy and Advance College Project Indiana University Teacher

“Everyone collectively feels that we have someone in our corner.”

Stephanie Porter, Fifth-grade Teacher

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OUR MEMBERS

ISTA Member Named Indiana Teacher of the Year “Class, class?” said Katie Pourcho, second-grade teacher.

“Yes, yes?” said Pourcho’s second-grade class.

Pourcho brings the attention of her second-grade art class at North Elementary in Danville back to the front of the room. The class was snipping, gluing and coloring still life collages using the art concepts and themes Pourcho had been teaching that week.

Giving instructions to her students, Pourcho uses audio and visual cues.

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“We’ve been talking about different genres of art,” said Pourcho. “They were combining the fruit and still life elements using overlapping and traditional collaging skills.”

Pourcho’s classroom hums with excitement and interest as she checks in with individual students to answer questions and provide guidance.

Often the students seem to only want reassurance and attention from Pourcho, who makes every student feel like an artist.

Sharing the outcomes of those conversations and having them influence her teaching is an example of Pourcho’s desire to live her philosophy of being a life-long learner. She also pushes her students to connect to that mantra.

In October 2019, the Indiana Department of Education named Pourcho the 2020 Indiana Teacher of the Year. In her ninthyear teaching, Pourcho was surprised, humbled and honored to receive the recognition.

Pourcho has earned a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship to travel in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh and traveled to Southeast Asia this past summer to bring these experiences back to her classroom.

She is also a professional artist who had an exhibit at the Harrison Center for the Arts in Indianapolis in December.

“When I walked in my stomach dropped,” Pourcho described her reaction as she stepped into an assembly at North Elementary. “It was a very surreal thing to have a whole building in one area, then my family was there, some previous colleagues who I hadn’t seen in a while.”

“It’s been a difficult balance to be a lifelong learner as I’m teaching my students to be life-long learners,” said Pourcho.

“But it’s been so worthwhile. I think I’m a better teacher because I’m creating, and I’m a better artist because I’m teaching.

They both feed into each other.”

“I think I’m a better teacher because I’m creating, and I’m a better artist because I’m teaching.”

Katie Pourcho, Second-grade Teacher

When Pourcho talks about being named Teacher of the Year, she acknowledges the great responsibility she has and her desire to embrace every opportunity that comes her way. She wants to see how education is delivered throughout the state and bring new perspectives with her as she makes connections this year.

“It’s easy to have teacher-to-teacher horizontal conversations, but I’ll be able to have vertical conversations with people at the Indiana Department of Education,” explained Pourcho. “And also, diagonal conversations. Today, I’m going to talk with the director of education at Newfields.”

Pourcho also hopes to explore the professional supports offered by ISTA. She is a member of the Danville Local Teachers Association, who affiliated with ISTA for the first time this year.

“Knowing that you’re supported and being in a community where you can support others is essential,” said Pourcho. “It’s great to have someone at your shoulder – somebody who’s working shoulder-to-shoulder with you and is there to help you – it’s what we do for our students, and so to have someone come along side of us is so valuable.”

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OUR MEMBERS

Heidi G. Miller Heidi G. Miller is an ISTA UniServ Director. A former high school chemistry teacher and a long-time advocate for public education and workers, Miller is passionate about helping empower those around her.

Additionally, she is a trainer for NEA’s UniServ program, training on organizing and building capacity.

Learn What Rules Are in Place to Protect You and Your Students As educators, you know that maintaining the health and safety of your schools and classrooms is beneficial to both students and employees. For example, did you know that your students should be provided with no less than 30 square feet of classroom area?

Indiana Administrative Code 410 IAC 6-5.1, also known as the Sanitary Schoolhouse Rule, dictates many of the building health and safety requirements for schools, including safe class size. Any permanent fixtures are subtracted off the square footage when calculating the space.

The Sanitary Schoolhouse Rule also dictates temperature and humidity range, allowable carbon dioxide levels, controls for construction, HVAC, allergen levels, cleaning and more. Indiana also has specific Administrative Code, 410 IAC 33, on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). IAQ addresses mold, asthma, chemicals, radon, asbestos and more.

Each school corporation is required to have an IAQ coordinator. IAQ and Sanitary Schoolhouse Rule fall under the mandatory subjects of discussion as they relate to safety of staff and students. Be sure to ask who your local IAQ coordinator is at discussion. There is considerable research into the educational benefits of a healthy school building on learning outcomes.

If you believe your school has violated any of these rules, contact your UniServ Director for assistance. We will assist in filing a report with the state.

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TO O LBOX

Indiana IAQ Best Practices

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) IAQ Tools for School Action Kit

EPA School IAQ Assessment Mobile App

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Melissa Strohl Melissa Strohl is a fourth-year teacher who believes she has finally found her people with fifth-grade high ability students, who consistently challenge her to grow.

Conquering Survival Mode to Ultimately Thrive This fall Melissa Strohl presented at the INspiring Educator Conference introducing aspiring, new and early career educators how to survive and thrive as an educator. Here are some of her tips that can help every educator – regardless of where you are in your career. You are in for a challenging and rewarding ride.

Find what works for you – identify your biggest pet peeves, challenges or struggles – then devise an action plan. If strategies are working, then make reinforcing them a priority. If not, reevaluate and reinforce new ones that do.

My pet peeve? Students interrupting our classroom discourse when asking to use the restroom.

My solution? Sign language.

My challenge? Creating discussions while keeping all students engaged.

My solution? More sign language. My amazing mentors introduced me to using American Sign Language (ASL). I am not an ASL expert, but with Google’s help, my students now use 20 signs fluently.

This helps our class engage in productive discussions and minimizes interruptions.

My struggle? Holding students accountable for their behavior.

My solution? Using private, individual behavior charts that are only shared with the student and relevant adults and “Table Points” that I publicly share in end-of-themonth ceremonies to manage behavior, while still prioritizing student relationships.

Take risks! Focus on building relationships, community and productive norms. Prioritize helping yourself and your students to function productively and positively.

Transitioning into your first years of teaching is a challenge. Your goal should not be to simply survive, but to truly thrive.

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OUR PROFESSION

Molly White Molly White became involved with ISTA as an aspiring educator in 2014, while attending the University of Indianapolis. Her involvement with her local student association led to her serving on ISEA’s executive board. She is now an active member in the Decatur Education Association.

Building a Legacy of Educators Of my more distant relatives, I have grandparents on both sides of my family that have worked in public education in some capacity. More immediate family members, all of whom currently serve students in Indiana’s public schools, include my father Ross Wolfe, mother Beth Wolfe and sister Katie Meguschar.

While some houses are houses divided, ours is quite the opposite – a home unified in education. My father is currently in his 33rd year of teaching. He teaches fifth-grade in Hamilton Southeastern Schools at Riverside Intermediate School.

Similarly, my mother is in her 31st year of teaching. She teaches ninth-grade Algebra I at Beech Grove City Schools.

My sister also teaches at Beech Grove High School and is in her fifth year of teaching. She teaches multiple courses in the English Department including Honors English and Speech.

As the baby of the family, I tried to deny the teaching genes that were inevitably present. Trying many courses in high school that would prepare me for a life as a veterinarian, marine biologist and journalist, I discovered that I, too, had a passion for teaching that I could not deny. With that being said, I am now in my second year of teaching, and I enjoy every moment.

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White and her family at her graduation from the University of Indianapolis.

I have the pleasure of teaching 26 third graders in Decatur Township on the southwest side of Indianapolis. I would not be the educator I am today without my family of educators standing behind me. Together, my family and I stand strong in solidarity with ISTA. We are four of ISTA’s nearly 40,000 educators. We have the privilege of serving Indiana’s students and making a difference one child at a time.

OUR ASSOCIATION

TREASURER ELECTION:

Candidate Statement An election for the office of ISTA treasurer will be held at the 2020 ISTA Representative Assembly (RA) on April 25 in Indianapolis.

ISTA rules governing elections (III, A, 2, b and c) prohibit the use of Association staff and equipment on behalf of any candidate for Association office.

The below candidate statement was submitted by the deadline for inclusion in this publication. The statement has been printed in its entirety, unabridged, as it was received, but limited to 200 words or fewer.

Interested candidates may apply until March 1.

Any statement received after publication will be posted to the ISTA website. Visit ista-in.org/governing-documents for more information.

Doug Taylor I am running for reelection to a second term as your ISTA Treasurer to ensure that ISTA continues to be good stewards of our members’ hard-earned dues money; that we continue to build a strong financial foundation so that ISTA can be there for the next generation of educators; that we continue to prepare educators to be the leaders and advocates our students and colleagues need; and that we continue to build our strength through building relationships in our communities across the state.

As a member of the ISTA leadership team, I commit to listen to your concerns, seek solutions, stand with you, and speak out on your behalf.

Through this campaign, I am renewing my commitment to you, the members of ISTA, and to the vital work we do to improve public schools, the working conditions

of our educators, and the learning conditions for our students. ISTA is the only consistent voice for Public Education, public school educators, and our kids. #YouCanBankonDoug: You can bank on Doug because I do as I say I will do. I strive to follow through on my commitments and show up to participate in actions and discussions that build power for our union.

For more information about the ISTA treasurer election at the ISTA RA, visit ista-in.org/ista-ra.

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OUR ASSOCIATION

REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY DELEGATE ELECTIONS

NEA RA Election: Active Members ISTA active members may elect 34 Category 1 state delegate positions and one Category 2 state delegate position (final delegate numbers to be determined by the National Education Association (NEA) membership records on January 15, 2020) to the 2020 and 2021 meetings of the NEA RA to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado, respectively.

2020 & 2021 NEA RA State Active Delegate Candidate List | Category 1

Robin L. Endris

Laura Lynn Arndt

Keith D. Gambill

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Linda K. Fine • Governance Comm. Chair • Vice President Elkhart TA • ISTA RA Delegate

• Association Rep 20+ years • Discussion Team 20+ years • Local NEA-RA rep 12 years

• ISTA President • ISTA Vice President • NEA Resolutions Committee

Cheryl L. Austin

Ben Haralovich

• 5-year Building Representative • 4- year District 1 Representative • Current Corporation “RedforEd” Leader

• Motioned NEA RA 2019 NBI 46 • Organized locals first Pridefest action • 2019 NEA Early Leadership Institute Coach

Betty Batliner

Angie Marie Hood

• President of local 10 years • ISTA ESP Board of Director • NEA RA Delegate 5 years

Kris Borrelli • Representative to NEA RA 8 times • Local Negotiations Team Member • Former Local grievance chair

• Pilot Instructor for NEA Emerging Leaders • Member of the ISTA PAC Committee • Past Regional Director for IEA

Julia A. Hyndman • NEA Board of Directors • Past President FWEA • IPACE, LPAC, LAT

Deborah Broyer

Hilda M. Kendrick-Appiah

• Current secretary/treasurer for IEA. • Legislative Action Team Leader • Former IPACE member

• Indiana’s National Education Board of Director • Indiana State Education Association Board Director • Greater Clark Education Association’s Discussion Team

Paula D. Carlisle

Active candidates for Category 1 include NEA active members who are not supervisors and NEA life members who are not supervisors, retired or staff and Category 2 members include NEA active members who are supervisors, NEA retired life members, NEA staff life members and NEA active members for life who are past presidents of the Association and who do not meet the requirements for membership set forth in bylaw 2-1b.

• NEA-RA Fund table • 7 yr. ISTA Board of Director • MCESP President

• District Council 21 Member • ISTA RA Delegate • PPS Committee Member

Janet K. Chandler • Hamilton Southeastern Education Association President • District Council Chair Unit 12 • ISTA & NEA RA Delegate

John D. Comer • ISTA Board of Directors member • ISTA Board Executive Committee • Local Co-President

Beverly Jo-Ice Doughty • ISTA Governance • Local Co-President • District Council (District 12)

Amellia Christine Dusch • Local executive team – 15 years • District Council – 14 years • Governance Committee

Julie A. Eaden • Evansville TA Vice President 2 • ISTA Board of Director • Delegate: NEA RA and ISTA RA

Lisa M. Koester • ISTA Issues and Concerns ctg • ETA Board Member • NEA RA Local Delegate 2016-2019

Hillary M. Kolter • Building Representative • Lobbying at the Statehouse • Local and state rallies

Cheryl I. Lone • MAC Dist & State • PAC Dist • VP local

Allistare James Lute • Issues and Concerns Committee • ISTA Legal defense panel • Local building representative

Teresa F. Meredith • Past ISTA President 2013-2019 • SCTA Building Representative • SCTA Bargaining Team

Donita K. Mize • Former local President (SWSC) ESP • Spec Ed/Elem teacher + sub • Past member of ISTA Board/3-D

Jack Ray Mize

Ronald Shelton Swann

• Vice Chair IPACE over 20 yrs • Educational Support Professional • NEA Past delegate for 25 yrs

• I am the IEA President.

• I have been an Association Representative.

• I have been to a NEA RA.

Tammie R. Naville

Kelly M. Tandy

• Vice President Local • Unit 23 PAC

• Co-president Greater Clark Para 6 yrs.

• Helped bargain for Greater Clark Para • Sits on ESP Council for ISTA

Debora I. Porter • State Governance Committee – Secretary • District Council – Vice Chair • Bargaining Chair – PAT

Diana Reed • ISTA Board of Directors 2014-present • NEA RA Cluster/Delegate 2004-present • UTTA President 2003-present

Victor M. Schleich • Governance Committee • Unit 11 PAC • Membership Subcommittee

Amber L. Seibert • Local Association Secretary • IREP Founding Member • Previous ISTA and NEA Delegate

Heidi M. Slavkin • Local Association VP-9 years • NEA-RA Delegate – 7 years • ISTA-PPS Committee Member – 3 years

Alene M. Smith • Former NEA Director for Indiana • Current 1st Vice-president for IEA • Former ISTA Board member

Sherelle Marie Smith • Current IEA Executive Board Member • Member of IEA Bargaining Team • Former 2nd Vice President of IEA

Yolanda D. Smith Gonzalez • ISTA District Council Member • Minority Affairs Committee Member • Association Representative (former local-10 years)

Jennifer Smith-Margraf • ISTA Vice-President • ISTA Board of Directors • IPACE

Sherry Ann Strough • District 3 Director • District Discussion Team • AR

Doug Taylor • Current State Treasurer • Local President NAFCEA • ISTA Board Member

Rebecca Jane Taylor

and self-identified Association activities are listed in alphabetical order here. On the ballot, candidate names appear in random, drawn order.

• Attended NEA RA six times • Secretary of local for 10 years • Bargaining team member

Bonnie P. Thrasher • Served on NEA RA 12 times • DISCO Unit 23 past nine years • Building Rep for 20 plus years

Johnny L. Walker • Former President Hamilton Southeastern • Former Member ISTA Board of Directors • Former Member NEA Resolutions Committee

Tiauna Renee Washington • ISTA Board of Directors • NEA Resolutions Indiana Representative • District 13 Vice-President

Donnie Watkins • ISTA Executive CommitteeBoard of Directors • Local president-Lewis Cass EA • NEA RA Delegate – 15 years

Steve A. Wilson • NCEA representative WV/WCI Insurance Trust • Vice-chair for District Council #7 • ISTA Board and Executive Committee Member

Ben M. Yoder • ISTA Board of Directors – District 12 • Hamilton Southeastern EA – Executive Vice-President

Lori A. Young • NEA Microphone Floor Coordinator • ISTA PPS Chair (current) • Evansville TA First Vice President

Randall Studt • Active #Red4Ed Organizer Statewide • District 10 Council Chair • IPACE State Chair

The candidate names

No eligible Category 2 nominations received.

THIS PAGE IS NOT A BALLOT. Each active, life Association member and retired and retired life Association member eligible to vote will find an official ballot inserted in the printed, mailed copy of Advocate. Rules for voting accompany the official ballot.

If you are an eligible voter and failed to receive a ballot, contact the Member Resource Center at 844-ASK-ISTA or askista@ista-in.org.

To comply with the Landrum-Griffin Act, NEA will not list or elect minority candidates separately.

Minority candidates have the option of indicating minority membership in their personal information.

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OUR ASSOCIATION

NEA RA Election: Retired Members ISTA retired members may elect six delegate positions (final delegate numbers to be determined by the National Education Association (NEA) membership records on January 15, 2020) to the 2020 and 2021 meetings of the NEA RA to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado, respectively.

2020 & 2021 NEA RA Retired Delegate Candidate List Sarah Borgman

• NEA-Retired President • NEA/ISTA delegate 45 yrs.

• Past and present Governance Committee

Peggy D. Boyd • Archives • Retired Legislative • VP of Blue River Retired

Terry R. Brendel • Dunes Shore Retired Chair • ISTA RA Delegate • Former NEA RA Delegate

Deborah Brogan • Past local president • Past Discussion chair • Past ISTA Board member

Saundra Norene Brown • Current ISTA-Retired Greater Indy Treasurer • 2018-2019 Retired NEA RA Delegate • Past ISTA MAC Chair, I&C Member

Ginger L. Calhoun • State Retired Vice Chair • ISTA Board of Directors • 1-F Retired President

Rodney W. Ellcessor • Retired State Chairperson • NEA RA Delegate • ISTA RA Delegate

Gerald (Jerry) R. Ervin • President ISTA-Retired St. Joseph County • ISTA-R Zone 1 Coordinator • ISTA-R Executive Board

Janet L. Hayes • Local retired chapter secretary/treasurer • State newsletter editor • Zone Coordinator ISTARetired

Duane E. Miller • Delegate to NEA RA 2019 • Past Pres. Sycamore Chapter • Sycamore Chapter Representative to ISTA RA

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Damon P. Moore • Past President ISTA • Past delegate ISTA/NEA retired assemblies • Member ISTA-Retired State Council

Rosemary Hipskind Moore • Zone 4 Coordinator, ISTA/NEA Delegate • ISTA-R State Executive Committee • ISTA-R State Legislative Committee, Chapter President

Rudolph B. Nichols • Past ISTA Representative Assembly Retired Delegate • Retired Liaison to District Council 17 • Retired President for Southwest Sullivan Schools

Kathy A. Parks • ISTA-Retired Executive Committee • ISTA-Retired ISTA and NEA RA Delegate • Former ISTA Treasurer

Juan Jose Rodriguez • Legal Defense Panel: Member>Vicechair>Chair • MAC-Two Periods (1980s), Present • State Retired Council>Re-Elected/ Appointed

Barbara Rotramel • President-Sullivan/Knox ISTA Retired • Past ISTA/NEA RA Delegate • ISTA State District Council Member

Jack R. Rowe • PAT Past President • PAT Past Treasurer • Present Vice President 1-B Retired

Roger F. Sharp

• ISTA-Retired Zone 5 Coordinator • Hamilton County President for ISTA-Retired • NEA Representative Assembly retired delegate 2018-2019

The candidate names and self-identified Association activities are listed in alphabetical order here.

On the ballot, candidate names appear in random, drawn order.

Steven L. Tafflinger

• local retired Chapter President • ISTA RA delegate 30 years • ISTA-R Scholarship & Membership Committee

Theresa Tafflinger

• 1-B Retired Local Secretary/Treasurer • Professional Practices/ Standards Committee Member • ISTA Credentials Committee Chairperson

Karen S. Warble

• Zone 6 Coordinator ISTA-R • ISTA-R Executive Committee • ISTA-R Communication Committee

Elden J. Wolting

• Retired District Council Member-At-Large • Retired State Communication Committee Chair • Past President Greater Indpls. Chapter ISTARetired

Sara E. Wood-Gibbs

• Elkhart Building Rep & Brd. Member • Elkhart Teachers Association Pres.

2003-2007 • Elkhart Co – Retired President 2013-2019

Carolyn M. Yates

• Former ISTA/NEA RA • Former Board of Directors/Executive Comm.

• Former Minority Affairs/ Chair and Comm.

THIS PAGE IS NOT A BALLOT. Each active, life Association member and retired and retired life Association member eligible to vote will find an official ballot inserted in the printed, mailed copy of Advocate.

Rules for voting accompany the official ballot. If you are an eligible voter and failed to receive a ballot, contact the Member Resource Center at 844-ASK-ISTA or askista@ista-in.org.

To comply with the LandrumGriffin Act, NEA will not list or elect minority candidates separately. Minority candidates have the option of indicating minority membership in their personal information.

ISTA Representative Assembly Retired Delegate Candidates ISTA retired members may elect 32 delegate positions (additional delegates shall be granted if at least 10 days prior to the meeting of the RA the ISTA-Retired chairperson certifies to the Association president that ISTA-Retired has sufficient members to qualify for additional delegates) to the 2020 and 2021 meetings of the ISTA RA to be held April 25 and April 24, respectively.

Barbara Rotramel • President-Sullivan/Knox ISTA Retired • Past ISTA/NEA RA Delegate • ISTA State District Council Member

Jack R. Rowe • PAT Past President • PAT Past Treasurer • Present Vice President 1-B Retired

Roger F. Sharp

2020 & 2021 ISTA RA Retired Delegate Candidate List

• ISTA-Retired Zone 5 Coordinator • Hamilton County President for ISTARetired • NEA Representative Assembly retired delegate 2018-2019

Craig L. Blume

Rodney W. Ellcessor

Steven L. Tafflinger

• 43 year member, Retired Life member • Former ISTA UD and Manager • Former staff liaison for ISTA-Retired

• Retired State Chairperson • NEA RA Delegate • ISTA RA Delegate

Sarah Borgman • NEA-Retired President • NEA/ISTA delegate 45 yrs.

• Past and present Governance Committee

Peggy D. Boyd • Archives • Retired Legislative • VP of Blue River Retired

Terry R. Brendel • Dunes Shore Retired Chair • ISTA RA Delegate • Former NEA RA Delegate

Judith Ann Briganti • Past President ISTA • Elkhart County Retired Secretary Treasurer • ISTA Representative Assembly Delegate

Deborah Brogan • Past local president • Past Discussion chair • Past ISTA Board member

Ginger L. Calhoun • State Retired Vice Chair • ISTA Board of Directors • 1-F Retired President

James Robert Clauser • Secretary of ISTA-Retired State Council • Chair of ISTA Archives Committee • Liaison to FWEA monthly RA

Sarah E. Ellcessor • Vice President Greater Indianapolis Chapter • RA Delegate

Gerald (Jerry) R. Ervin • President ISTA-Retired St. Joseph County • ISTA-R Zone 1 Coordinator • ISTA-R Executive Board

Janet L. Hayes

Rosemary Hipskind Moore • Zone 4 Coordinator, ISTA/NEA Delegate • ISTA-R State Executive Committee • ISTA-R State Legislative Committee, Chapter President

Kathy A. Parks • ISTA-Retired Executive Committee • ISTA-Retired ISTA and NEA RA Delegate • Former ISTA Treasurer

MaryAnn Elizabeth Pollard

• Local retired chapter secretary/treasurer • State newsletter editor • Zone Coordinator ISTARetired

• President of REECI Chapter • On Retired District Council • Retired Member District 13 Active Council

Donald L. Mann

Mary Puntney

• Vice President St. Joseph County Retired • Past President Concord Teacher Association • IPAC Chair

Debra Leigh Marcum • 2018, 2019 RA retired delegate • Current District 12 Liaison to DISCO • Past Local President

Duane E. Miller • Delegate to NEA RA 2019 • Past Pres. Sycamore Chapter • Sycamore Chapter Representative to ISTA RA

Damon P. Moore • Past President ISTA • Past delegate ISTA/NEA retired assemblies • Member ISTA-Retired State Council

• Archives Committee • Local PAC Unit 18

Mara-Le Quarles • Retired Delegate on Board • District 5 Delegate • Scholarship Board Member

Francis (Fran) Riley • ISTA-Retired Communications Committee • Secretary Vanderburgh County Retired Educators • Former ETA Building Representative

Juan Jose Rodriguez • Legal Defense Panel: Member>Vicechair>Chair • MAC-Two Periods (1980s), Present • State Retired Council>Re-Elected/ Appointed

• local retired Chapter President • ISTA RA delegate 30 years • ISTA-R Scholarship & Membership Committee

Theresa Tafflinger • 1-B Retired Local Secretary/Treasurer • Professional Practices/ Standards Committee Member • ISTA Credentials Committee Chairperson

Stephen R. Tevebaugh • Local treasurer • ISTA Rep. Assembly • NEA Rep. Assembly

Karen S. Warble • Zone 6 Coordinator ISTA-R • ISTA-R Executive Committee • ISTA-R Communication Committee

Elden J. Wolting • Retired District Council Member-At-Large • Retired State Communication Committee Chair • Past President Greater Indpls. Chapter ISTARetired

Sara E. Wood-Gibbs • Elkhart Building Rep & Brd. Member • Elkhart Teachers Association Pres. 20032007 • Elkhart Co – Retired President 2013-2019

Carolyn M. Yates • Former ISTA/NEA RA • Former Board of Directors/Executive Comm.

• Former Minority Affairs/ Chair and Comm.

ISTA-IN.ORG

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EXTRA CREDIT

For more information on The Simmons School, watch the video at simmonsschool.com.

Use History to Unlock Learning What if a field trip didn’t take you out of the classroom, but back in time? The Simmons School, operated by the Flatrock-Hawcreek School Foundation, transports students and teachers to a one-room school house from 1903. Through costumes of the period to carrying lunches and using only classroom tools available at the time, it’s a field trip students won’t forget.

ISTA-Retired member Barb Johnson has been working to support the one-room school house since it was moved to its current location, at Hauser Jr./Sr. High School, in 1989.

“I work with teachers to convince them they really do want to come,” said Johnson, who has worked as a school

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WINTER 2020

marm and now serves as the field trip coordinator. “I want to watch it progress as long as I can.”

The school building dates back to 1879 and continues to serve its original purpose of educating students. For more information and to book a field trip, visit simmonsschool.com.

SECURITY BENEFIT

Financial Essentials SAVING AND PLANNING WORKSHOPS FOR ISTA MEMBERS As part of your membership, NEA Member Benefits and Security Benefit are offering free, local workshops to help members build a successful path to retirement. Regardless of your current career stage, the Financial Essentials workshop can help you find answers to your fundamental questions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can take control of your retirement picture.

For more information contact:

Frank Vargo Indiana State Director, Security Benefit Frank.Vargo@SecurityBenefit.com 574.303.7248

Neither Security Benefit Corporation nor its affiliates are fiduciaries. This information is general in nature and intended for use with the general public. For additional information, including any specific advice or recommendations, please visit with your financial professional.

Security Benefit and its affiliates and subsidiaries are not affiliated with the NEA or the Indiana State Teacher’s Association.

One Security Benefit Place | Topeka, KS 66636 | SecurityBenefit.com 99-00501-78 2019/01/14

GO BACK IN TIME AT THE SIMMONS SCHOOL

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