ISTA Advocate - Spring 2018

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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

UNDER 30 Making a Difference in the Association M E E T T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F A S S O C I AT I O N L E A D E R S

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UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TRAUMA AND LEARNING

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in partnership with

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

Teresa Meredith President

IN THIS ISSUE

Keith Gambill Vice President Doug Taylor Treasurer Dan Holub Executive Director

The future is bright with our next generation of association leaders!

Indiana State Teachers Association Publisher

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Keith Clock Contributor

Kim Clements-Johnson Editor

Melanie Harris Contributor

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Ask Eric

Our Rights

Our Advocacy

ISTA’s legal counsel answers your questions.

What’s considered advocacy communication?

Learn more about how stress and trauma impacts learning.

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Our Advocacy

Organizing in Action

Support pre-K expansion for all Hoosier kids.

Locals find success with Go Green campaign.

Using the Journey North app to foster citizen science.

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Our Association

Extra Credit

Planning for retirement.

ISTA partners with the Indiana Fever on childhood literacy.

Professional Development Did you know ISTA is on Pinterest?

Kara Seward Contributor

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

Our Profession

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

Advocate is the official 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 VALUES 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.

VALUES • Integrity • Leadership • Fairness • Collective Action

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

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his year you welcomed kids onto your buses before the sun came up and navigated slippery roads. You stayed late in your classroom to help a student who’s struggling with algebra. You celebrated a team win, and hopefully, you witnessed a lightbulb moment as one of your students finally got it.

Along with the rest of the country, you also grappled with gun violence and cheered the brave students who organized and advocated for themselves. Personally, you may have dealt with catastrophic flooding this spring, or financial challenges, or any number of other issues. Each school year brings a dichotomy of joy and struggle, encouragement and frustration, success and unease. But remember, you’re doing heroes’ work. It’s not meant to be easy. It is, however, meaningful and life-changing.

As the summer nears, commit to taking time to reset, rest and rejuvenate. Consider spending some of your time with your peers at ISTA’s Summer Conference.

On June 14 – 15, ISTA will host its Summer Conference. In addition to catching up with your fellow educators, we’re offering sessions to help you prepare for bargaining and discussion, effective member communication strategies and member rights and responsibilities training, among

SUMMER CONFERENCE JUNE 14 - 15 | INDIANAPOLIS

REGISTRATION OPEN Attend the ISTA member-only Summer Conference. Learn how to make your local stronger, build your membership and grow in your profession.

Featured keynote speaker Taylor Mali, poet, educator advocate and former teacher.

Register at ista-in.org/sc.

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Teresa Meredith, ISTA President @istapresident

other sessions. I’m really excited about this year’s keynote speaker, Taylor Mali. Many of you have likely seen Mali’s TED talk, “What Teachers Make,” which has been viewed over a half million times. Mali is a poet, a former teacher and an advocate for educators. Attend the Summer Conference and let him inspire you, make you laugh and uplift you. I hope you’ll join us. Register online today – it’s free to attend.

No matter your summer plans, never forget to take time for yourself. We nurture and provide for others all day every day, but to do the work of heroes, we must also step back and rest. So, take some time to step away from it all this summer. You’ll be glad you did.

PERSPECTIVES

This winter, ISTA launched the first issue of the new Advocate magazine. The 24-page publication focuses on our members and features your voices. The feedback ISTA received for the first issue was very positive. ISTA will strive to continue producing a publication that fits your needs and reflects your interests, but we can’t do it without you! Consider becoming an Advocate contributor. Find more information at ista-in.org/resources under media relations.

“I love the new format and smaller size. The quality of print, the simplicity of article placement and article size made it more enticing for me to pick up and read the entire magazine.”

Linda Patrick, ISTA-Retired

Thanks to all the members who took the homework vs. no homework Twitter poll. Look for more ways to interact on social media with the Advocate.

Tag your posts with the hashtag #ISTAAdvocate.

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

What are some tips for using social media?

Make sure you read and follow your school corporation’s social media policy. Many school employees lose their jobs every year for violations of their school corporation’s social media policy.

Other tips: 1. Do not friend or follow students or parents of students.

2. Be careful discussing your job on social media, because your out of school speech can still lead to discipline.

3. Do not post photos of students on social media.

4. Do not post pictures of yourself, or make comments on social media, that depict you in an unfavorable light.

5. Try to keep your posts private because students and parents will attempt to follow you on social media.

6. Do not post on social media during work hours.

7. Do not connect to school Wi-Fi from a personal device.

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Does the First Amendment protect me for what I post on social media?

When speaking on matters of public concern, school employees do have some protections under the First Amendment against discipline by their school employer. For example, a school employee has the right to protest against a law or proposed law that affects education. However, the First Amendment does not protect speech that specifically relates to a school employee’s job or students.

Negative statements about your job or your students is considered employee speech and can lead to discipline by your employer. Additionally, speech that causes substantial disruption at school may also lead to discipline.

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

OUR RIGHTS

Ahead of the 2018 mid-term elections, here’s a primer on the difference between political versus advocacy communications.

First, distinguishing between what is political and what is not is key to determining what can be shared.

Indiana law prohibits school employees from using school property to: • Solicit contributions

What is school property?

Internet (Wi-Fi) Email Computers iPads Software Cell Phone Printers/Copiers Supplies & Materials Bulletin Boards Classrooms

• Advocate for the election or defeat of a political candidate • Advocate for or against a public question, like a referendum However, sharing information about education policy or issues around the legislative session is allowed. Examples include: • Discussing the impact of a bill • Sharing updates on actions taken in the legislature • Informing members of implementation of new statutes

Read Indiana Code on political communications.

Still have questions? Contact your UniServ Director.

Keep it safe, and save your advocacy for home. Communicate political information through personal equipment, accounts and internet access off school grounds and off contractual time.

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OUR ADVOCACY

U N D E R S TA ND I N G T HE C O N NE C T I O N BE T W E E N

Christy Gauss Christy Gauss, MSW is the School Mental Health Facilitator for the Indiana School Mental Health Initiative, which is part of the Indiana Institute for Disability and Community (IIDC) housed at Indiana University Bloomington.

During the last two legislative sessions, ISTA has advocated to equip educators with tools to help kids impacted by trauma.

ISTA has succeeded in raising awareness of the influence of trauma and stress on learning. Learn more from researcher Christy Gauss, MSW, about how trauma affects kids and how educators ensure all kids can learn.

TRAUMA & LEARNING Educational neuroscience is making it clear that adversity, trauma and stress have significant effects on a child’s social, emotional and cognitive development.

Simply stated, stressed brains do not learn the same as brains that feel safe, can emotionally regulate and develop connections. However, because these stressors either go unrecognized or there is a lack of knowledge about their effects on learning and behavior, traumatized and stressed children are often identified or mislabeled as having behavior, discipline and/or learning issues.

When we understand that the root cause of so many of our students’ outcomes has to do with the brain’s stressresponse, not with ability or choices made by our students, we are called to respond differently as teachers, staff, parents and community partners.

Social and emotional learning and creating positive school climates where our students are safe and feel they have purpose and connection are therefore essential components to achieving the academic outcomes, and indeed, the life outcomes we want to see. While this is certainly true for students who are walking into our classrooms having faced adversity, trauma and stress, it is important to note this is true for all our students.

It is also important to note that to promote the social and emotional health of our students we must first address the well-being of our teachers and provide them with the support and resources they need, including increased support from student services personnel and community partners. Resilient school staff and students lead to resilient and thriving families and communities.

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Pre-K Program is Helping Kids, But It’s Time to Give All Kids the Opportunity Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program awards grants for 4-year-olds from low-income families to access high-quality pre-K programs in the year prior to entering kindergarten. While the program has expanded in the past year, it does not yet offer preschool to all Hoosier kids.

ISTA will continue to advocate for the expansion of this program as well as expanded preschool access so all kids can get a jump-start on learning. Indiana should recognize the true value of preschool education and provide the funding so local community public schools can provide quality programs.

County where On My Way Pre-K is available

Indiana’s pre-K pilot program, On My Way Pre-K, is available in 20 counties, which is only 24 percent of the counties in the state.

A study of children who participated in the On My Way Pre-K program gained language comprehension and early literacy skills at a significantly higher rate than their peers.

What Can You Do? Write to your legislator and the governor to express your support for universal pre-K. The next legislative session is a budget year, and the General Assembly should provide funding for local community public schools to provide quality pre-K programs.

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ORGANIZING IN ACTION

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How Locals Have Approached the Go Green Campaign

The Go Green campaign is an initiative to thoughtfully organize and grow membership in locals across the state. This has included instituting organizing tactics such as building mapping and charting and one-on-one conversations.

All locals should strive for green status, which is achieved when 70 percent membership is reached and maintained. Each member can contribute to reaching membership goals.

Go Green has achieved membership growth in a challenging time for educators and unions. The program’s success has led to its replication by other state education associations.

The Go Green campaign is ongoing and will continue into the 2018 – 19 membership year.

Nearing the conclusion of the third year of the Go Green campaign, ISTA asked local associations to outline what they did to grow or maintain membership.

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5 Ways to Build Membership It takes every member to build a strong Association.

The following are steps that individuals and locals can take to build membership all year long. Connect with your association representative to see how you can make a difference in your local.

1. Connect. Talk and get to know a colleague through one-on-one conversations to find why they may be interested in joining the Association. Learn what their cares and concerns are and how those overlap with the Association.

2. Build relationships. After you’ve established a rapport from one-on-one conversations, maintain the contact by staying connected, checking in and following up. Authentic relationships with members and potential membership strengthens the Association.

3. Connect with new colleagues. Whether it’s a seasoned educator new to the local or a brand-new professional, be sure they know they are welcome and the Association looks forward to working with them.

4. Establish a membership plan. Using the Go Green tools, locals can build strong membership plans using building mapping, relationship building and more to grow membership. Talk to your association representative or local leaders to see how you can contribute to the membership goals.

5. Ask! There are potential members that say they haven’t joined, because they’ve never been asked. Be sure everyone in your building has an opportunity to say yes to membership!

Sue Ellen Sopher, President, Maconaquah Education Association (EA)

Sue Ellen Sopher Sue Ellen Sopher is in her fifth year as president of the Maconaquah Education Association. She teaches at Maconaquah Middle School.

Maconaquah EA is a green local. Over the course of the Go Green program, the local has increased membership from 62.9 percent to 70.16 percent.

We have always pushed membership, but I think we have been pushing it more since the Go Green initiative was introduced.

Over the last two years, we have had multiple potential members resign or retire, which gave us an opportunity to build a connection with new people, the majority of whom joined.

We have had a few teachers join for the

Blair DiRuzza, President, South Newton Classroom Teachers Association (CTA) Blair DiRuzza Blair DiRuzza is in her third year as president of South Newton CTA. She teaches elementary Title I reading and high ability.

South Newton CTA is still working hard to achieve green status.

The local has increased membership from 49 to 68 percent.

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Are you trying to increase membership in your local?

Don’t rely on emails, flyers and meetings – they’re too easy to avoid! Instead, reach out to each potential member individually.

I was amazed by how many teachers had never been asked to join and had no idea how membership could benefit them.

Carefully pair a member with a non-member based on a commonality they

possible protection (if needed) due to issues within their own buildings.

The connections that we have made with a couple of the former potential members has given them a different view of the Association.

We have also worked hard on our relationships and mapping who would talk to which potential member.

As a local, we have tried to build not only our local but the state and national associations so that people can see all the positives from being a member.

share, like a subject area or an early career educator talking to a brand-new teacher. When members share their reason for joining, it helps potential members realize the importance.

Talking to new teachers at their orientation has also brought in several new members.

Lastly, consider how that potential member could get involved and benefit your local. Would they be good at bargaining? Discussions?

Planning social events?

Each member is valuable to our success, let them know they are needed!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Go Green campaign, talk to your association representatives or local president to find out whether your local is green and what you can do to help.

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OUR MEMBERS

UNDER 30 Making a Difference in the Association The next generation of Association leaders are already making a difference.

Developing new talent and leaders is critical to the health and vitality of any organization, and perhaps more so when the organization is member-led and governed. ISTA asked local presidents, officers and staff to identify the next generation of Association leaders. They are Indiana Student Education Association

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(ISEA) members and new and early career educators who work to benefit their local association by participating on a committee, serving in a leadership role or being a great example of an ISTA member.

We asked these future leaders to share what Association membership means to them. Here are your 30 under 30 future Association leaders.

Amber Thomas NEA South Bend “Being an ISTA member means having an active voice in my profession, advocating for teachers both locally and statewide. My ISTA membership means I am continually provided with many opportunities to build connections and relationships that allow me to strengthen my abilities as an educator.”

Christina Peña West Noble Classroom Teachers Association “Membership with ISTA is an opportunity for me to extend the reach of my impact.

ISTA gives me the tools I need to be an advocate for my students and profession. I love being able to partner with like-minded educators as a voice for Indiana students and teachers.”

Kristi Billings Brown County Education Association

Tanner Givens Penn Harris Madison Teachers Association “To me, ISTA means a community that supports one another and fights for the best for our students and schools.”

Amanda Meadows Evansville Teachers Association

Andrew Fultz Fort Wayne Education Association

Lyndsy Eslinger ISEA University of Indianapolis Chapter

“Membership in ISTA means that I am heard. I am able to affect change in my profession, and I am in solidarity with like-minded teachers who are passionate.”

“ISTA promotes professional development, political advocacy and resources for teachers in the classroom. I feel supported as I begin my future career in teaching. While there are many challenges facing education, my ISTA membership has reminded me that I do not stand alone; instead, I stand with members statewide who are fighting for public education, the health of our students and the profession of teaching.”

Paul Utterback Crawfordsville Education Association “While I’m busy in the classroom, the Association represents my colleagues and me in the halls of power. ISTA is the bulwark that stands between our public schools and politicians and profiteers who seek their destruction.”

Kenneth Moore ISEA University of Southern Indiana Chapter

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OUR MEMBERS

Cassie Timmons Frontier Classroom Teachers Association

Gianna Mesarina ISEA Purdue University Chapter

UNDER 30

Katie Daniels Michigan City Education Support Professionals

Brandon Seay ISEA Ivy Tech Indianapolis Chapter

“I have never been in a union before, but it feels good to be a part of something!

It is also nice for someone to have my back at my place of work. Our leaders are always ready to answer any questions I have, or fix any concerns as well. I look forward to growing with the union for many more years to come!”

“The Association, particularly ISEA with its focus on teacher quality, community outreach and political action, offers personal growth, professional development and building relationships. Also, I'm advocating for my future profession."

Grace Etheridge Evansville Teachers Association

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Joe Grant North Miami Education Association

“Being a member of this Association has provided me with opportunities and advancements in the teaching field that I would not have been able to get without being a member.

I have come face to face with the issues affecting my field, and have been armed with the necessities to change the world!”

Rusty Jones Jennings Township Classroom Teachers Association

Tyler Kuhn New Albany Floyd County Education Association

Jennifer Schindler North Miami Education Association

Matt Bayes Jennings Township Classroom Teachers Association

Conner McNeely Perry Education Association “For me, the Association isn’t just a union. It’s a professional association – where I can grow both professionally and personally with colleagues not only in my local, but across our state and nation. I’m excited to be more involved in the Association now and in the future.”

Kayla Jones Michigan City Education Support Professionals

Chaise Mosher Bluffton-Harrison Teachers Association

Mallory Burris ISEA Indiana University Chapter “I believe the future of public education depends on the success of our aspiring educators. I want future teachers in our student program to be aware of the issues that will impact them in their careers.”

Samantha Patterson Clay Community Classroom Teachers Association “To me, a union membership means physically and mentally healthy working conditions, benefits, a voice that is heard, safety in numbers and a guarantee that our teachers will be given the best opportunities to ensure that our students succeed.”

Rachel Yarger Huntington Classroom Teachers Association Sam Jones Cloverdale Education Association “Our teachers at Cloverdale mean the world to me. I know that I am working for not only my benefit but for the benefit of each and every staff member who comes to Cloverdale Community Schools each and every day to make a difference.”

Marcie Herring Frankfort Education Association

Shai Hollifield ISEA Indiana State University Chapter

Molly Wolfe ISEA University of Indianapolis Chapter

“To me, Association membership means having a constant network of passionate educators surrounding me.

It means that I am never alone in my endeavors to provide exceptional instruction for all students. This Association has provided me with countless opportunities that have allowed me to grow not only as a professional but also as an individual.”

“Association membership gives me the opportunity to connect with fellow educators and learn more about how I can advocate for my profession and future students. As I become an early career educator, I know I will walk into my school corporation with a support group already behind me.”

Colin Aumiller Huntington Classroom Teachers Association

Keep the recognitions coming! Do you know a future Association leader?

Post your nominee to Twitter using the hashtag #ISTAFutureLeaders.

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OUR PROFESSION

Using Journey North App to Follow the Seasons

Students planting tulip bulbs.

Teresa Branson Teresa Branson has been an instructor in teacher education at the University of Southern Indiana since August 2011.

Branson retired from Marrs Elementary after 35 years. She taught fourth grade and enjoyed keeping students involved with the world around them.

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Technology is becoming more prevalent in today’s classroom. But, how you use it can determine the usefulness of the technology and how it enhances the learning experience.

Teresa Branson shares her experience with the Journey North app for documenting citizen science.

Journey North was founded in 1994 to use technology to engage citizen scientists in tracking migrations and seasonal changes. Using this app, citizen scientists can report sightings and map changing migrations in real time.

The Journey North site contains layers of information and resources for classroom teachers to enhance classroom curriculum and engage students in observing the seasons and the world around them.

I began using Journey North with my fourthgrade students at Marrs Elementary School in 1996. Dr. Charles Price, the science methods professor at University of Southern Indiana, brought me 10 red emperor tulip bulbs in the fall of 1996 and asked me to plant them according to the instructions and register the activity. My students were excited to see our school’s name on the tulip planted map and checked weekly to see how many other places planted tulips.

We used the provided resources, dissected tulip bulbs and learned the parts of a tulip.

The weekly updates gave us things to discover and think about as we waited for our tulips to emerge that spring. For the past 21 years, I have planted red emperor tulips in many area schools.

APPS FOR

EDUCATORS Find a new app to use in your classroom.

edCommunities/mynea360.org This is a powerful organizing and professional platform for you and your Association.

CLASS PRO

Use the hashtag #ISTAAdvocate to share on Twitter what apps you love to use in your classroom. Find more apps and classroom technology ideas on ISTA’s Pinterest technology board.

In addition to the tulip activity, students participated in the symbolic migration as they watched the monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico. We also measured the shadow of our basketball goal on the playground each month, recorded daily times of sunrise and sunset to watch photoperiod change and participated in the Mystery Class activities each spring.

Join Journey North! Register your classroom at learner.org/jnorth. Your first activities could be reporting when you first see robins, hummingbirds or monarch butterflies. Each section of the website has many learning opportunities for students.

With this app, teachers can track student work and organize communications with students and parents.

TED Watch inspiring and educational videos in your classroom to explore the world with your kids.

MATHMATEER A fun math app prompting students to customize rockets with each successful math mission.

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OUR PROFESSION

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We can help you protect what’s important today and prepare for a successful tomorrow.

• Retirement solutions • College savings plans • Auto and home insurance • Life insurance • Student Loan Solutions • Educational workshops

Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann auto and homeowners insurance.

Horace Mann life insurance is underwritten by Horace Mann Life Insurance Company. College savings plans are offered

by Horace Mann Investors, Inc. (HMII), member FINRA / SIPC, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, IL 62715, 217-789-2500.

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For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact your local Horace Mann representative or visit:

horacemann.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Find ISTA on Pinterest From decorating your classroom for holidays to multiplication models, Pinterest is a great place to find ideas if you are an educator. Chances are you already have your boards full of pins from your favorite bloggers. ISTA has a variety of boards to follow and ISTA member, Jen Butler, does the pinning. Get some new inspiration for climate education, a template for flash cards or a new app for your Google classroom, all on ISTA’s Pinterest boards. You can find ISTA on Pinterest at pinterest.com/istaindiana.

Interested in pinning to ISTA’s boards? Contact communications@ista-in.org.

IN TE R E STIN G PIN TE R E ST

STATS Over 500,000 education-related pins are saved to Pinterest every day.

(University of Southern California Rossier School of Education, 2018)

“As a French teacher in a rural school, I sometimes felt like it was easy to get stuck in a rut as I had no one to bounce ideas off. Pinterest has been a huge help with organization ideas, new methods for teaching things like vocabulary and even classroom management."

Jen Butler, Southwest Parke Education Association

67% of teachers use Pinterest daily for professional purposes.

(Front Row Education, 2018)

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OUR ASSOCIATION

One Educator’s Experience with Retirement Deb Marcum took steps to ensure she was prepared for retirement – from financial planning to a transition period.

Marcum outlines her steps to making the retirement process work for her. Each educator is different, but each should have a plan to make retirement work for them.

When planning for retirement and meeting with my financial advisor, she wanted to know how long I wanted to teach. I responded that I wanted to teach for forty years. Thus, the contributions to IRAs and annuities began in earnest. When the time arrived, assured by my financial planner that I was in great fiscal shape, I submitted my notification to retire.

Deb Marcum enjoying retirement on the Italian coast.

As a classroom teacher and president of my local, my calendar was always full.

Planning, grading and meetings were part of my daily routine. I enjoyed teaching and advocating for students, educators and public education. I could not see myself stepping away from those roles easily.

When I was approached by another teacher and ISTA member to possibly take over for her during maternity leave, I did not hesitate. This was my opportunity to transition. I went from teaching world history to teaching child development in the Family and Consumer Sciences department.

That experience was a great transition to retirement. I have continued to substitute on a regular basis. I have been able to answer questions for the new local president and remain active through membership in ISTA-Retired. I have the best of both words – helping students and colleagues during the day, but no meetings, planning or grading in the evening.

Every retired teacher will find their own path. Currently, I have chosen to stay with my lifelong passion. Rest assured there are many directions to travel.

Deb Marcum is a retired teacher who taught social studies at Noblesville High School from 1977 – 2017.

Marcum served as an association representative, vice president and president of the Noblesville Teachers’ Forum. Additionally, she was elected to the ISTA RA, NEA RA and ISTA Board of Directors.

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What You Need to Know About Your Retirement Date

Not Receiving Our Emails?

How to Fix It Send your email address to

By Julie R. Tucker-Toppin Senior Public Affairs Specialist Indiana Public Retirement System

Planning for retirement can be as hard as making the decision to retire. Be prepared and research the rules or requirements for retirement.

Your retirement date is the official date that the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) uses to calculate your benefits, and it is always on the first day of the month. It does not refer to your last day of work or the day you complete your online application.

For example: If your last day of work (last day in pay status) is Aug. 2, your effective date of retirement is Sept. 1.

INPRS recommends that you submit your online retirement application at least 90 days before your anticipated retirement date, but no more than six months in advance. For example, if you want to retire on Jan. 1, you should submit your application no later than Oct. 1 of the previous year.

In some instances, based on age and years of service, the Teachers’ Retirement Fund (TRF) may determine that your retirement date can be up to six months before your requested retirement date. By law, TRF may pay up to six months of retroactive benefits.

Your employer is most familiar with your employment history, so we strongly encourage you to confirm your employment and service history with your employer prior to choosing a retirement effective date.

You can find more information in our TRF Member Handbook available at inprs.in.gov.

communications@ista-in.org

and make ISTA a safe sender for your inbox!

Outlook Clutter Folder 1. Check Clutter folder and find the ISTA email.

2. Right click on the email and choose “Mark as Not Clutter” or just drag it to your inbox.

Junk Email Folder 1. Highlight the ISTA email inside the “Junk Email” folder.

2. Right click on the message select “Junk.” Select “Not Junk” from the next menu.

3. Outlook will give you the option to add the sender to the “Safe Senders” list as you remove the message from the “Junk Email” folder.

Gmail Promotions Folder 1. Find the ISTA email in promotions folder.

2. Right click the email. Hover over “Move to tab” then select “Primary.”

Spam Folder 1. Find the message you want to move out of your spam folder.

2. Right click the ISTA email. Mark “Not spam.”

Yahoo 1. Log in to yahoo account.

2. Click “Spam” folder.

3. Select the ISTA email to open it.

4. Click the “Not Spam” button in the toolbox to immediately send the email to your inbox.

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EXTRA CREDIT

READ LIKE A PRO A PARTNERSHIP OF THE INDIANA FEVER AND THE INDIANA STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

INSTILLING A LOVE OF READING A childhood literacy program to prepare kids for a lifetime of reading and learning.

Look for upcoming volunteer opportunities to read with kids during the Indiana Fever season from May - September.

Learn more at ista-in.org/rlap.

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Let us help you buy or refinance a home

As a member of the National Education Association, you have access to special benefits through the NEA Home Financing Program®, with financing provided by Wells Fargo. You can take advantage of our valuable programs, tools, and a wide-range of home financing options available to help you reach your goals.

Receive an award from Wells Fargo!

Eligible NEA members and their spouse (or domestic partner), parents, and children who purchase or refinance a home through the NEA Home Financing Program will receive a My Mortgage GiftSM award after closing — $500 for buying a home, or $300 for refinancing your home — for use at participating retailers.1,2

Contact us today by calling the NEA Home Financing Program at 1-800-541-2105 or visit us online at www.neamb.com/hf

NEA, NEA Member Benefits and the NEA Member Benefits logo are registered service marks of NEA Member Benefits Corporation.

1. The NEA Home Financing Program has been developed for NEA members and their families. Parents, spouse or domestic partner, and children are eligible family members.

2. Eligible individuals can receive the Wells Fargo My Mortgage GiftSM award approximately 6 weeks after closing on a new purchase or refinance loan secured by an eligible first mortgage or deed of trust with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (“New Loan”), subject to qualification, approval and closing, when identifying themselves as eligible. The My Mortgage GiftSM award is not available with The Relocation Mortgage Program® or to any Wells Fargo team member. Only one My Mortgage GiftSM award is permitted per eligible New Loan. This award cannot be combined with any other award, discount or rebate, except for yourFirst MortgageSM. This award is void where prohibited, transferable, and subject to change or cancellation with no prior notice. Awards may constitute taxable income. Federal, state and local taxes, and any use of the award not otherwise specified in the Terms and Conditions (available at wellsfargo.com/mmgterms and provided at receipt of award) are the sole responsibility of the My Mortgage GiftSM recipient.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a services agreement with NEA’s Member Benefit Corporation in which NEA’s Member Benefit Corporation receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services. You are encouraged to shop around to ensure you are receiving the services and loan terms that fit your home financing needs. Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage isISTA-IN.ORG a division 23 HF170418 of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. #108185 REV 8/17

99-00486-06

2018/02/08

One Security Benefit Place | Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001 | SecurityBenefit.com

Services are offered through Security Distributors, a subsidiary of Security Benefit Corporation (“Security Benefit”).

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.

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

Frank Vargo

For more information, contact:

Retirement investing can be confusing especially when it’s so far away. How do I know what I’ll need in 30 years? How can I know the best way to invest? It’s simple: contact your financial representative today. They can help you find the right mix of investments so you can be confident about your future.

Retirement 101 Start Today, Be Confident About Tomorrow

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