ISTA Advocate - Fall 2018

FALL

2018

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

Learn Why Referenda Are Growing in Popularity PAGE 8

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT: Important dates for voting

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

FALL 2018: VOL. 2, ISSUE 1

IN THIS ISSUE Take a deep dive into how public education funding has changed.

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Perspectives

Ask Eric

Our Rights

A breakdown of school funding in Indiana.

ISTA’s legal counsel answers your questions.

Get familiar with your rights as an Association member.

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Our Members

Our Profession

Celebrate American Education Week with these fun ideas.

An educator’s practical application of growth mindset in the classroom.

Organizing in Action Learn why Election Day is so important.

Teresa Meredith President Keith Gambill Vice President Doug Taylor Treasurer Dan Holub Executive Director Indiana State Teachers Association Publisher Kim Clements-Johnson Editor Keith Clock Contributor Melanie Harris Contributor Kara Seward Contributor

EDITORIAL BOARD Jennifer Andrews Elkhart Teachers Association Sarah Chism Greater Clark Para-Educator Association Bianka Tinklenberg Plymouth Education Association Steve Wynn ISTA UniServ Director

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

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Professional Development Unique ideas for personalizing your and your students’ education.

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Our Association

Extra Credit

Be a candidate for ISTA statewide office.

Find your space in an edCommunities group.

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.

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

I

have crisscrossed the state talking with teachers and education support professionals. They have expressed excitement at the start of a new school year, but apprehension about the state of public education in Indiana and the nation. However, the one consistent theme is the energizing effect of the Red For Ed movement!

Red For Ed isn’t a partisan issue. It’s not red vs. blue, Democrat vs. Republican: it’s everyone’s issue. Watching educators organize, march, rally and risk their profession to do what’s best for kids and schools is empowering, inspiring and gives me hope.

This past year, we were privileged to host leaders from West Virginia, Kentucky, Arizona and Oklahoma to speak with members at the ISTA Representative Assembly and the Summer Conference.

What I learned from their visits was that their success was a direct result of a sustained, grassroots movement generated by a few passionate educators who inspired parents, community leaders, administrators and policymakers to take action. Their passion created a national movement. And, it’s just the beginning.

We’re on the cusp of great change in public education – to decide what works for educators, public schools and the kids who attend. I want to hear from you. I want to know what you are willing

Show your support for Red For Ed every Wednesday. Wear your red ISTA or local gear for solidarity.

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Teresa Meredith, ISTA President @istapresident

to do to realize positive change for our profession and our students.

As I enter my last year serving as your ISTA president, I’m going to visit members, community leaders and journalists to talk about the issues we care about, raise our collective voice and fight for positive change. I’m going to carry your messages, stories and ideas to the Statehouse.

So, what can you do to support Red For Ed? Vote in November and register your family, friends and neighbors to vote.

Talk to them about what’s at stake in the midterm election and beyond for public education. Many school districts are supporting local referenda and will need broad community support to pass.

Reach out to your elected leaders. Tell them you’re an educator and that you expect public education to be a priority, which means making our schools safer, providing critical counseling supports for kids and increasing funding for classroom instruction and educator salaries to recruit and retain the best. Tell them our public schools are vital to Indiana’s economy – we’re educating and teaching Hoosier kids the skills required to succeed in the workplace.

We have a lot of work to do, but together we’re stronger. Together, with one voice, we can make real change. This is our time.

Join me.

PERSPECTIVES

SCHOOL FUNDING:

BY THE NUMBERS 41% TEACHERS TO STAFF RATIO LOWEST IN NATION Institute of Education Sciences

$1B LESS FROM LOCAL TAX SOURCE IN 2008, LOSS OF LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES AS A SOURCE FOR FUNDING SCHOOL OPERATIONS

Indiana Legislative Services Agency

FUNDING EQUITY REPORT CARD

F

Education Law Center

42 OUT OF 48

LOCAL REFERENDA PASSED IN PAST 5 ELECTION CYCLES Indiana Education Insight

AVERAGE TEACHER SALARY: $50,218 Indiana Department of Education 2016-17

35TH IN NATION NEA Rankings of the States

Find more information on how Indiana communities are funding public education, and what you can do to support changes in state policy in this issue of the Advocate.

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ASK ERIC

Ask Eric Eric Hylton is ISTA’s legal counsel. He is an attorney and partner at the law firm of Riley, Bennett & Egloff, LLP in Indianapolis. Hylton holds degrees from Indiana University-Bloomington Kelley School of Business and Indiana University-Indianapolis School of Law.

What must happen if a school employee is threatened, intimidated, assaulted or harassed by a student?

Pursuant to IC 20-33-9-10 through -13, if a school employee has reason to believe that another school employee: (1) has received a threat; (2) is the victim of intimidation; (3) is the victim of battery; or (4) is the victim of harassment, the school employee shall immediately report the incident to their principal. The principal is then required to immediately make an oral report of the incident to the local law enforcement agency.

Do I need to make a report if the threat, intimidation, battery or harassment is done to myself?

Yes. Does this reporting requirement also apply when the threat, intimidation, battery or harassment is done by a student receiving special education services?

Yes. There is no exception in the reporting requirement.

What is battery?

Battery occurs when a person knowingly or intentionally touches another person in a rude, insolent or angry manner.

Hylton answers common member questions about legal protections and services, due process and member support.

Submit your questions to communications@ista-in.org.

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OUR RIGHTS

Nancy Guyott Nancy Guyott is an ISTA UniServ Director serving members in Indianapolis and central Indiana.

An Educator’s Backpack Full of Rights With the new school year underway, let’s look inside an educators’ backpack to see what rights they carry to work.

Right to belong to your union. Join with your fellow educators to lift your voice and empower one another to positively impact schools and school policy for students and educators alike. Your employer cannot discriminate against you because you have chosen to belong.

Weingarten Rights. If you are a union member, you have the right to union representation if the school corporation wants to question you about anything that could lead to discipline, termination or a change in your work. You must assert the right, but once you do, the administration must stop questioning you and wait for your union representative to join. Find more information on your Weingarten Rights in your ISTA member notebook.

Garrity Rights. These apply to the right of a public employee to not be compelled to incriminate themselves by their employer.

A public employee cannot invoke their 5th Amendment rights against selfincrimination with their employer. They must answer all questions asked by their public employer. However, any responses provided to their employer cannot be provided to law enforcement or used in any criminal prosecution against the employee.

Due Process. If a school corporation seeks to discontinue a member’s contract, the educator has the right to a due process procedure by which that decision can be contested. Your union representative can help you understand and navigate that procedure.

These are just a few of the protections you have as an educator. Stay in contact with local association leaders at your work site, engage in education efforts to ensure you are aware of your rights, know how to exercise your rights when needed and share this information with union colleagues.

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OUR ADVOCACY

Referenda Fill Shortfall in State Education Funding

School districts are turning to local referenda as alternative funding to deliver needed services. School referenda are a mechanism to fund local projects and operational costs, and they have increased in popularity in recent years.

On the May 2018 ballot, all 12 referenda on the ballot passed. Not only did they pass, but they did so with high margins.

Warren Education Association (WEA) partnered with the Metropolitan School

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District of Warren Township to pass a referendum this past spring.

“The community is very pro-public education and believes that a good school impacts the overall community positively,” said WEA President Jenny Whitaker.

“They know that investing in the school system will help bring future development and investment.”

The connection between quality public schools, workforce development and a healthy local economy all factor into the success rate of referenda. According to Indiana Education Insight, over the past five election cycles 42 out of 48 referenda have passed statewide compared to only half in prior elections.

The ballot results reveal a need for local tax dollars to supplement school funding as well as a willingness among voters to support their community public schools.

The growing reliance on referenda results from the elimination of the school general fund property tax in 2008 – equating to a loss of more than $1 billion in local taxes for school operation – which placed the responsibility of funding public education solely on the state. Then, the Great Recession hit.

State revenues plummeted, and schools took a $300 million hit statewide. Those funds were never restored, and despite modest budget increases by the General Assembly, schools remain funded at 2009 levels when accounting for inflation.

“There is less and less money coming in from the state every year,” said Oregon-Davis CTA President Maggie Vogel, whose local helped pass a referendum this year.

Stagnant or reduced funding for targeted, categorical programs means larger class sizes, forced layoffs, elimination of curricular programs like the arts and physical education and rollbacks in employee benefits and salaries – all of which threaten public schools and worsen the teacher shortage hurting Hoosier kids.

“The referendum was a necessity to keep our doors open and the hope of improved teacher compensation in the future,” said Vogel.

In 2017 – 18, there was a revision to the school funding formula, which has resulted in the state’s most affluent districts receiving nearly the same as those serving lowincome families. Many rural and lower-income districts are hardest

Over the past five election cycles 42 out of 48 referenda have passed statewide compared to only half in prior elections.

hit. A report by the Education Law Center gives Indiana an “F” for funding effort.

The small increases for K – 12 funding support new government entitlement programs including private school vouchers, expansion of charter schools and virtual schools, expanded tax credits for donations to private schools and deductions for home-school students.

Until legislative actions are taken to replace funding levels, more communities will be asked to support school referenda.

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OUR ADVOCACY

Leveled Giving Program Reaches New Heights Thank you to our advocates who donated to the Indiana Political Action Committee for Education (I-PACE) through the Leveled Giving program. Your donations above the voluntary contribution will help I-PACE support pro-public education candidates.

To learn more about Leveled Giving, visit ipace-in.org/donate.

Gold / $250

Silver / $100

Bronze / $50

Craig Blume Tom Burns Jennifer Clutter Rhondalyn Cornett Roni Embry Marla Glover Dan Holub Chad Hunter Julie Hyndman Patricia Kennedy Hilda Kendrick-Appiah Teresa Meredith Heidi Miller Jack Mize Mary Puntney Dave Smith Jennifer Smith-Margraf Randy Studt Gail Zeheralis

Kristen Borrelli Ginger Calhoun James Clauser Franklin Denton Keith Gambill Gretchen Stuart Hale William Hale Janet Hayes Dennis Keithley Angela Miller Nancy Papas Debora Porter Jeff Vest Sherry Watkins Judy Woodson

Sarah Borgman Deborah Calhoun Beverly Doughty Amellia Dusch Julie Eaden Rod Ellcessor Marydell Forbes Sharon Frazer Bruce Hall Mollette Hall Laura Hathaway Anita Hull Heather Limp Jessica Monroe Rosemary Moore Tammie Naville Roger Sharp

You Have the Choice Options Guaranteed, or political action committee (PAC) giving, is a program that supports bipartisan friends of public education in the Indiana legislature, state officeholders and local school boards. Electing officials who respect our

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profession and the kids we serve is more important than ever.

If you would like to opt out of Options Guaranteed, ask your local association membership chairperson or local president for a waiver.

Remember that contributions to local and state PACs or the NEA Fund are voluntary, non-tax deductible, not a condition of membership and not a condition to receive membership services or benefits.

ORGANIZING IN ACTION

“We have to be involved in the process to ensure a good public education is available to all Hoosier students – regardless of ZIP code.”

Randy Studt, Teacher, West Lafayette Education Association

Randy Studt Randy Studt is a veteran teacher and life-long member of ISTA. An activist and member of Local PAC, he was recently elected as chair of I-PACE and reelected NEA Resolutions member for Indiana.

It’s time to step up Why educators should be involved in elections

“I don’t want to be political.”

I’ve heard some version of this statement so often, it’s nearly a cliché. It’s understandable with the current climate to want to run from politics. But your community, your colleagues and your students need you to pay attention and participate. In fact, your family and your personal livelihood depend upon your political involvement.

I’m not talking about party politics – although, I’d encourage you to walk your neighborhood, send postcards, staff a phone bank, write a check or even run for office. In fact, several ISTA members are running for the General Assembly this fall.

I’m talking about getting informed about the issues, voting and making sure that your neighbors, friends and family realize how desperately we need their help.

Continued on page 12

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ORGANIZING IN ACTION

“I support pro-public education candidates, because we want to support those who will put education first. We need to make sure that public education teachers’ and students’ voices are heard to make our communities better.”

Tiauna Washington, Teacher, Richmond Education Association

Continued from page 11

It’s up to you to hold elected officials accountable. You need to engage them on the personal level. Your state senator and representative should know who you are and that you are an educator. You can become a trusted voice on education issues. And frankly, you must.

Indiana Voters Website: One-Stop-Shop for Voting Information Whether you’re looking to request an absentee ballot, find your polling location or verify your voter registration, indianavoters.in.gov has all your answers.

This summer and fall local political action committees (PAC) met to review and endorse candidates with I-PACE. I-PACE, in turn, has vetted candidates and made investments of your PAC monies in campaigns that are pro-public education. But these investments aren’t enough if we don’t have your boots on the ground.

Do you have a conflict on Election Day? You can vote absentee-by-mail or inperson at locations in your county. To apply for an absentee-by-mail, make sure to get your application to your county office by Oct. 29.

Please get actively involved in a campaign this fall. Election Day is Nov. 6.

Find this information and more at indianavoters.in.gov.

Take advantage of in-person early voting options, some of which offer weekend or extended hours leading up to Election Day. Remember for Election Day, or in-person early voting, bring your state-issued photo ID.

Important Dates Oct. 10: Absentee voting opens Oct. 29: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications

Find more information on I-PACE’s website at ipace-in.org.

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Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. local: In-person absentee voting closes (Times may vary. Check with your county election board for details.)

Nov. 6 from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. local: Election Day

Get to Know the Candidates Below are a few pro-public education candidates running for office. Find more information on the I-PACE website at ipace-in.org.

“As a U.S. senator, father and a former school board president, I appreciate and respect public educators and professionals who prepare our children for the future.”

Joe Donnelly (D) U.S. Senate

“I have two kids in public school, and I see how great public schools can make a difference in our kids’ lives. All kids deserve access to a highquality public education.”

Liz Watson (D) U.S. Congressional District 9

“All students should have access to a community public school with properly trained and licensed educators in a safe learning environment.”

Earl Harris, Jr. (D) Indiana House District 2

“I owe my success to everyone who worked for my local public schools. No other group of individuals has had a bigger influence on me.”

“It’s my job to listen – public educators deserve to be heard before laws are passed that affect their profession.”

Ron Alting (R) Indiana Senate District 22

Jim Tomes (R) Indiana Senate District 49

“As an educator and legislator, I see how laws impact students, teachers and education professionals in classrooms and schools. I will advocate for effective laws that improve student learning.”

“After visiting the majority of the schools in my district, I am committed to helping students and teachers build resiliency.

More trauma and mental health supports are needed in and out of the classroom.”

Melanie Wright (D) Indiana House District 35

Robin Shackleford (D) Indiana House District 98

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OUR MEMBERS

How can your local celebrate?

MONDAY Start AEW with a bang! Host a school-wide celebration – invite kids to a school assembly to say thank you to educators, launch a yearbook cover design contest, have students dress up as their future career. Make it a fun, learning opportunity.

TUESDAY

Let’s Celebrate!

American Education Week Nov. 12 – 16 Sometimes it’s hard to focus on the positive that’s why the National Education Association and ISTA save a week in November to celebrate all the amazing things about public education. The kids, the parents, the educators all come together to create great neighborhood public schools.

American Education Week (AEW) is when your local association, school administration and parent groups can partner to show the community that the best learning starts in public schools.

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It’s parents day. Work with your district’s PTA or other parent group to invite parents into schools. Try hosting parents for breakfast or lunch in classrooms. Ask students to share “What I like about my school” with parents.

WEDNESDAY This day is for our education support professionals (ESP)!

Shelly Malott, a paraprofessional in Michigan City, shares what you can do in your school to say thank you to ESPs. See page 15 for her creative ideas.

THURSDAY Show off! Your classrooms and schools are more than just a place of learning for students. Invite community leaders and legislators into your schools for a “hands-on” school experience. Contact ISTA at communications@ista-in.org. if you need assistance in coordinating a school visit.

FRIDAY Ask the community to support the kids and families in your schools. Partner with a local newspaper, radio or TV station for a donation drive – collect non-perishable goods for a food bank, prep for winter with a kids’ coat drive, gather school supplies for ISTA ReSupply for new and early career educators.

Share your celebrations on social media using the hashtag #aew2018 and tag ISTA. We can’t wait to see what your local does for AEW. Find resources for celebrating AEW on the NEA website at nea.org/grants/19823.htm.

Shelly Malott Shelly Malott is the Michigan City ESP co-president and works at Joy Elementary School.

She has been an ISTA member for 10 years.

Show Your Appreciation During American Education Week, Wednesday, Nov. 14 is set aside to celebrate ESPs. ESP members start and end the day with our kids and are an important part of the school day. ESP members include bus drivers, food service workers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, maintenance workers and more. Here are five fun ways to show your appreciation. Puns intended!

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School would fall to PIECES without you.

You are a STAR in our school.

Your wisdom will STICK with the students forever!

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Keep ROLLING! You are doing a great job!

You are a BRIGHT light guiding the children through the world.

But, getting a simple thank you note from students and staff means the most to ESPs. It will be remembered just like my first letter was seven years ago.

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OUR PROFESSION

Students in Imel’s class work to solve the Rubik’s cube.

Challenging Students to Reach Personal Goals A one-size fits all approach to learning doesn’t work for every student and can lead to feelings of failure. But, finding ways to build confidence and a love of learning can be achieved through growth mindset. ISTA member John Imel discusses his use of puzzles as a starting point for growth mindset in his classroom.

A growth mindset is the belief in your ability to change character, aptitude or success.

I’m a puzzle person and one student question has haunted me for years, “Can you solve a Rubik’s Cube?” Enough was enough, and eight hours later, I solved one. That was just over a decade ago and was my introduction to a growth mindset.

Today, I teach my classes how to solve the puzzle. The cube can be a daunting task. I use small steps and stories to help students learn algorithms. It’s amazing to see children with little self-confidence become obsessed with it. They work with

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John Imel John Imel is a fifth-grade teacher and mentor teacher at Gold Academy in Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township.

friends in class and at home. The key is they work – they don’t quit – and they slowly start believing in themselves.

This small puzzle, I believe, has increased the successes my students see each year.

I teach students to break down problems in a similar way whether it’s long division, measuring angles or story problems. By giving students the opportunity to face an obstacle they see as unattainable, providing a collaborative setting, celebrating small victories and showing them that failure is temporary, they soon believe. It’s amazing to look back at how this puzzle transformed my teaching philosophy.

S COOP ROCK ER

STAB I LI TY BALL CHAI R

Just as the same learning approach doesn’t work for every kid, neither does traditional classroom seating.

Alternative seating options can be the answer to fighting fidgeting and improving focus for kids who find sitting for long periods at a desk challenging.

Thinking about adding some flexibility into your classroom? Check out our Flex Seating Pinterest board at pinterest.com/istaindiana for ideas.

WOBB LE STOOL

S I T DI S C

Tweet your pictures of flexible seating to @ISTAmembers using hashtags #ISTAAdvocate and #FlexSeating.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Kris Samick Kris Samick has been a classroom teacher for over 24 years with the SpencerOwen Community School Corporation.

She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, received her Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University and recently obtained her K – 12 administration degree.

Expanding Professional Development Through Building New Classroom Experiences As research increases to support personalized education and delivering these kinds of experiences to students, districts need to consider a similar approach to providing unique professional development (PD) opportunities for educators.

As a veteran teacher, I have also realized the importance of finding my own PD to fit the needs of my classroom.

My solution was to build my own PD and create a mathfocused Escape Classroom experience. The overarching goal of an Escape Classroom is to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Samick’s students successfully broke out of Escape Classroom.

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Escape Classroom toolkit.

During a recent PD session, I shared tips about creating your own Escape Classroom. First, choose a subject and a back-story for it. I suggest first-timers look for a canned Escape Classroom bundle.

Second, you will need to create five challenges. For example, I had students use masking tape to demonstrate perimeter, a map to determine mileage distances, etc.

Next, gather your locks, boxes, envelopes and challenges. As students work in groups, walk around, check answers and reveal combinations as they successfully complete each challenge.

In conclusion, you will have to put some time into preparing the Escape Classroom, but once it is completed you will be able to use it for years.

Find Samick’s Escape Classroom presentation on the ISTA Good Teaching Conference edCommunities group at MyNEA360.org.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Jeremiah Follis Jeremiah Follis is a social studies teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers. He also works as a freelance artist and sculptor for film and television at sillof.com, a production designer and art director for films and is the founder and executive producer for Olio Road Productions.

Teacher Hobby Generates Classroom Creativity I have had a lifelong passion for movies, and as a student, I worked them into most of my school projects. As a teacher I began an after-school film studies program that has evolved into a student run production company, Olio Road Productions, where each year students create an original feature length film. Our projects bring together students of all skills to work together on a project that takes nine months to create.

It has not always been easy, as this is uncharted territory at the high school level, and the state has no curriculum for film production. I have created the structure from scratch through trial and error. It is a challenge to find the time and to keep up with the skills of the students and the constantly evolving state of filmmaking as technology has evolved.

While I was well versed in some parts of filmmaking – like production and art

Follis’ students during film production.

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direction – I have had to learn everything from film scores to editing. In constantly learning and pushing my knowledge to develop the program, I have even begun the process of creating a curriculum to teach it as a class. Students today are constantly involved in visual media and screens. I have brought much of the filmmaking into my classroom and give students a choice to create a film for their projects, which gives students the freedom I had.

Lessons I have taken from my hobby have grown into our amazing company and enrich my classroom daily, giving students who are more visual an outlet for their skills and creativity.

Check out the projects from Olio Road Productions at oliordprod.weebly.com or listen to Follis on a recent episode of the podcast Hamilton County Goes to the Movies at https://bit.ly/2LsZM53.

OUR ASSOCIATION

Ready to Take the Next Leadership Step?

Run for ISTA statewide office.

ISTA members interested in stepping up to a new leadership role can run for a statewide Association office. At the 2019 ISTA Representative Assembly on April 27, delegates from ISTA locals will elect three statewide officers: president, vice president and a member of the NEA board of directors.

If you are an interested candidate, complete the candidate form on the ISTA website at ista-in.org/governingdocuments with a statement and photo before March 1. Forms, statements and photos received before Nov. 3 will appear in the winter Advocate. All documents received after Nov. 3 and before March 1 will appear on the ISTA website.

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT The TCU Financial Empowerment Program Powered

by FoolProof™ is a FREE, web-driven financial literacy program that teaches students critical thinking skills needed to ensure a lifetime of smart financial decisions.

Important Dates for Interested Candidates Nov. 3 Candidate form deadline for publication in the winter Advocate.

March 1 Candidate form deadline.

April 27 Election at ISTA Representative Assembly.

Learn more at tcunet.com/empower ŠTeachers Credit Union

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EXTRA CREDIT

Where can you share, collaborate and network with educators from across the country?

NEA360 edCommunities. Find communities of practice to expand your learning and build your skillset to help students succeed.

Explore these edCommunities groups and more at MyNEA360.org. Learn more about edCommunities at ista-in.org/edCommunities.

Empowered Educators Develop leadership skills.

Career & Technical Education

Early Career Educators Find support and advice.

Discuss related topics.

edCommunities MyNEA360.org LGBTQ Social Justice Platform Share research.

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Works 4 Me Discover tips on applying growth mindset.

ABrightFuture For NEA Members and their families

The NEA® Smart Option Student Loan® by Sallie Mae® You know the value of higher education; making it a reality is a smart decision. The NEA is here to help you or a member of your family* find a way to achieve your goal.

Flexible repayment options. Make payments while in school or you can defer payments until after graduation1. The choice is yours!

Great rates — no origination fees. The NEA® Smart Option Student Loan® by Sallie Mae® offers competitive rates1. Borrow up to 100% of the school-certified undergraduate or graduate school expenses not covered by scholarships, grants or federal loans2.

The NEA Exclusive Rate Reduction lets you reduce your interest rate by a quarter percentage point after making your first 12 on-time principal and interest payments3.

Plus, there are no origination fees or prepayment penalties. All offered for NEA Members and their families.

To learn more, visit www.neamb.com/sl or call 1-866-898-5198.

in partnership with *The NEA Student Loan Program has been developed for NEA members and their families. Parents, spouse or domestic partner, and children are eligible family members.

Borrow Responsibly We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.

1 Interest rates for Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options are higher than interest rates for the Interest Repayment Option. You’re charged interest starting at disbursement, while in school and during your six-month separation or grace period. When you enter principal and interest repayment, Unpaid Interest will be added to your loan’s Current Principal.

Variable rates may increase over the life of the loan. Advertised APRs assume a $10,000 loan to a freshman or first-year graduate, as applicable, with no other Sallie Mae loans.

2 Sallie Mae reserves the right to approve a lower loan amount than the school-certified amount.

3 NEA Members can earn a 0.25 percentage point interest rate reduction by making their first 12 on-time principal and interest payments or paying ahead an amount equal to the first 12 on-time principal and interest payments. Although you may still earn the benefit if you pay ahead the required amount, the benefit will not be activated until after the 12th principal and interest payment would have been due. Any period in which your loan is in a forbearance, deferment, or Graduated Repayment Period will not count towards satisfying the on-time principal and interest payment requirement.

NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation receives compensation from Sallie Mae for this program. NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation does not receive any dues dollars from NEA to support Member Benefits programs. This information is for borrowers attending degree-granting institutions only. Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply. SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. Smart Option Student Loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank or a lender partner. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank or its subsidiaries. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. Information advertised valid as of 2/26/18. © 2018 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. MKT13343 0318 SL171018

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