ISTA Advocate - Winter 2018

W INTER

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

Be an Advocate Learn how you can support community public schools.

PAGE 8

FIND THE BEST TOTES IN CLASS.

ISTA-IN.ORG

1

PAGE 18

NEA MEMBERS...DON’T WAIT IN LINE,

t

Register or Log in to NEAMB.com/clickandsave

t

Browse websites of your favorite retailers, including apparel, electronics, movie tickets and much more

t

Enjoy exclusive member deals on your favorite items and brands

t

Earn WOWPoints to use towards future purchases

t

Come back and shop often as new retailers are frequently added

t

SHOP IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME USING NEA CLICK & SAVE, YOUR MEMBER-ONLY ONLINE MALL!

Share these benefits with 5 family members or friends

NEA Members have saved more than $12,010,000 using NEA Click & Save. Start shopping today!

Register now at neamb.com/clickandsave

2

WINTER 2018

CS170118 CSNR0814

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

Teresa Meredith President

IN THIS ISSUE Learn how to “Be an Advocate” for Indiana’s public schools and kids.

Page 8

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

06

09

10

Ask Eric

Our Advocacy

Organizing in Action

ISTA’s legal counsel answers your questions.

Tips for connecting with lawmakers.

What new educators want and how to reach them.

12

14

15

Our Members

Our Members

Professional Development

Students embrace STEM through handson Innovation Fair.

Educators share ways to overcome the mid-year slump.

Strategies for connecting with kids on the autism spectrum.

16

19

22

Our Profession

Our Association

Extra Credit

The homework debate: how two teachers approach homework.

Learn more about ISTA’s upcoming elections.

A primer for the legislative session.

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.

Kara Seward Contributor 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

ISTA-IN.ORG

3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

W

elcome to the new flagship publication of ISTA! Each quarterly issue of the Advocate will highlight excellent educators, schools and locals and explore today’s public education challenges and solutions. The magazine was developed specifically by and for educators – we have a member-led editorial board who provide guidance and shape the direction of the magazine. Additionally, you’ll find articles not only featuring members, but also many written by educators just like you. We want to hear from you.

Tell us what you think. Send an email to communications@ista-in.org.

The feature story for this inaugural issue focuses on what it means to be an advocate and how each of us has a responsibility to advocate for our kids and our profession. Supporting public schools and advocating for our collective interests are what educators have been doing since the Association’s founding.

Before collective bargaining laws came about in the mid-twentieth century, droves of public education supporters joined together in 1854 because they believed in the fundamental purpose and promise laid forth in Indiana’s constitution, that every child – from all races, abilities and economic circumstances – should have access to a free and equal public education. Our founders made great strides, but we’re still waging the fundamental battles today. Their successes were a result of the power of the union to stand up and take action. Today, we must do the same. Together.

4

WINTER 2018

Teresa Meredith, ISTA President @istapresident

Check out our campaign website IChoosePublicSchools.org to learn how you, your family, friends and peers can get involved. Each one of us can do something.

• Sign up to become an advocate.

• Call or email your legislator.

• Write a letter to your local paper on an issue such as over-testing.

• Sign our petition in support of public schools.

• Follow our blog for the latest on what’s happening at the Statehouse.

• Respond to our calls to action.

• Talk to everyone you know about the importance of public schools and the threats we face.

Together, we can raise our voices and make a positive difference in our profession and for public education in Indiana.

PERSPECTIVES

Why I Choose to Be an Advocate ISTA members share why public education is important to them. Join these educators and pledge to support traditional public schools at IChoosePublicSchools.org.

“I teach in and send my daughter to a public school because of the diverse backgrounds of students and teachers.

Public education is preparation for the real world!”

Monica Blair Teacher & Parent North Knox School Corporation

“I choose public education, because I want my students to know they truly can make a positive impact on their community.”

“I choose to work with students with special needs because they need help and support, too. Most private schools won’t take children with intense needs. I send

Sam Jones Educator Cloverdale Community Schools

my daughter to public school so she can learn alongside students who are all unique and wonderful in their own way.”

Traci LeTourneau Educator Loogootee Community Schools

ISTA-IN.ORG

5

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.

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

Does my ISTA legal protection extend to extracurricular positions?

Yes. If you are sued in your role in leading an extracurricular activity, your Educators Employment Liability (EEL) insurance coverage will provide up to $1,000,000 in insurance coverage (subject to $3,00,000 for per occurrence aggregate for all claims) for any damages caused by the performance of your educational employment activities. Additionally, should an allegation of abuse or neglect be made against you while engaged in an extracurricular activity, you would have legal representation provided for any investigation by the Department of Child Services or the police.

Can I be fired from an extracurricular position?

Yes. For the most part, extracurricular positions are year-to-year positions. As a result, at the end of a school year, a school corporation can simply decide not to

rehire you for the extracurricular position the following year. However, if a school corporation tries to remove you from an extracurricular position during the school year, you do have due process protections.

How does that affect my full-time position?

Generally, your performance in an extracurricular position should not impact your full-time position. For example, if you have several losing seasons or fail to win awards at various competitions, this should not hurt your full-time position. However, courts have allowed some exceptions to this rule stating, “to hold otherwise would place extracurricular activities outside the realm of discipline, for misbehavior during such activities could never form the basis for a teacher’s termination.” So, if in performing an extracurricular position, there is an action of misconduct, such actions could lead to the termination of your full-time position.

Want to know more?

Review the helpful NEA EEL insurance program Q&A or the certificate of insurance. There is also coverage for Indiana Student Education Association and retired members. Visit the ISTA Resources page to review.

6

WINTER 2018

Educators, administrators and school staff receive special savings!

Receive

via Prepaid Card

Be sure to mention this code.

Corporate ID: GDVRT_ZZZ Call Sprint Sales: 1-866-639-8354 Visit a local Sprint Store: sprint.com/storelocator Req. new acct. activ. w/ 1 ported line and validation. Restrictions apply.

ISTA-IN.ORG

7

OUR ADVOCACY

Be an Advocate ad-vo-cate [‘advəkət]: noun, a person who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person, cause, etc.

As a public-school educator, you want better school funding for public education. You want common-sense student testing.

You want to ensure educators are respected as professionals.

You want smaller class sizes, decoupling of evaluations, an end to privatization efforts and more.

Advocating for an issue or topic that you care about — your students — with hopes of making change is in the spirit of what every educator does in their classroom, school and community every day.

Being an advocate for public schools goes beyond politics. Supporting and advocating for policies that benefit students, educators and communities is not a Democratic or Republican activity – it’s what every engaged citizen, dedicated professional and committed parent should do.

ISTA asks you — and every community member, public school educator and parent supporter — to pledge to “Be an Advocate” for community public schools.

Visit IChoosePublicSchools.org to sign up to be an advocate. You can download the advocate toolkit to learn what steps you can take to make an impact during this legislative session.

By becoming an advocate, you stand with more than 90 percent of Hoosier families

8

WINTER 2018

that choose community public schools.

Advocates make a difference in the Indiana Statehouse year after year. Education advocates are responsible for thousands of emails, phone calls, one-on-one conversations and other contacts with legislators each year. Building on these past successes will help further our advocacy goals for public schools.

It has never been more urgent for educators, parents and community members to be involved in education policy. Join ISTA and pledge to “Be an Advocate” today.

Advocacy Basics 5 Steps to “Be an Advocate” in the Statehouse

1. Share your issue.

You’re an education expert – offer your expertise as both a constituent and educator.

2. Tell your story.

Offer first-hand examples of how an education policy may impact your students’ classroom or school experience.

Do you have a solution? Share it.

3. Be clear.

Don’t assume your legislator has prior knowledge of your issue. Be prepared to inform using local examples.

4. Contact your legislator.

Emails, letters, phone calls and one-onone meetings are the best methods to connect. Join ISTA for Statehouse Days of Action. View the schedule and register at ista-in. org/DaysOfAction.

5. Pledge to “Be an Advocate.”

See page 8 to learn how.

E D U C AT I O N P O L I C Y

HOT TOPICS Find the latest legislative information at ista-in.org/our-advocacy.

The 2018 legislative session is here, and just like every session before, education is always a dominant topic for legislators. This year’s session is a short session, in that it is not a year where the General Assembly will pass the state’s biennium budget.

With a short session, most bills considered likely won’t get far if a price tag is attached. Several issues have been discussed as possible future legislation. Below is a list of just some of the issues ISTA expects to be considered.

High school diplomas: Under new federal regulations, Indiana’s general diploma will no longer be considered when calculating school graduation rates and A – F grades. Barring a federal waiver, for which the Indiana Department of Education has applied, legislators will need to find a fix for the diploma crisis.

School calendar: Last year, a bill requiring all schools to start no sooner than the third Monday in August died in a tie vote. The bill’s author, Sen. Jean Leising (R – Oldenburg), said she will try again this year.

School consolidation: The Indiana Chamber of Commerce released a study last year suggesting consolidation of smaller districts would boost test scores. The study’s findings received considerable pushback from school districts. Some legislation has passed in recent years to encourage consolidation, and it is expected these efforts will continue.

Cursive writing: A survey of Indiana educators found strong support for requiring cursive writing instruction. Sen. Jean Leising (R — Oldenburg) has introduced bills in the past requiring cursive instruction and said she will again, citing the survey results.

ISTA-IN.ORG

9

ORGANIZING IN ACTION

Connect with New Educators Do you remember your first day as an educator? You had drive and ambition, but suddenly 25 pairs of eyes were trained on you, your first evaluation was scheduled and you didn’t have a mentor to guide you.

The National Education Association and ISTA launched an effort last year to connect with new educators – make them feel welcomed and supported and invite them to join the union. ISTA local associations have excelled at reaching new educators in their buildings by collecting more than 1,000 new educator forms this membership year.

Top 5 Interests of New Educators 1. Education Policy Encourage new educators to join ISTA’s “Be an Advocate” campaign. Advocates will be kept up-to-date on legislative actions impacting public education and how to make a difference.

2. Professional Development ISTA’s Professional Resource Center will host the Good Teaching Conference, March 2 – 3. Invite new educators in your local to register at ista-in.org/gtc.

3. Parental/Community Engagement ISTA partners with parent and community organizations, like the Indiana PTA and the Indiana Fever.

4. Classroom Management

Pat O’Connor, Perry Education Association member, joined ISTA and the Indiana Fever for Read Like a Pro.

The information collected from these forms provide insights into what new educators value and what they need to feel supported in their careers. Using this information, ISTA and local associations can tailor messaging and programming to new educators. Making the connection between the needs of new educators and what the Association offers can make recruiting new educators easier.

10

WINTER 2018

Apply for an ISTA Professional Development Grant for your local or District Council to host a classroom management seminar.

5. Degrees Not Debt ISTA staff have been trained on the National Education Association’s student loan relief program. Connect with your UniServ director to host a Degrees Not Debt workshop.

Bob Brennan Bob Brennan is the Zionsville Education Association copresident. He teaches AP micro economics and economics at Zionsville Community High School. He has a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College and a master’s in counseling from IUPUI.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK When I joined our local back in 1995, I was approached by a couple of teachers that I coached with. They told me that being a member of the union was great way to protect myself from being sued! I had worked in the private sector in both a union and non-union shop and knew the value of organized labor, so I joined.

From that time up until 2008, I really never thought much about organizing, bargaining or much of anything else. We had strong union leadership and our contracts and pay improved each year. Then 2008 occurred, and I watched friends and parents that I knew put, “NO,” signs in their yards, indicating they were against passing a referendum. Those same individuals talked about teachers being overpaid.

Because of my years of experience and desire to protect the new teachers coming into the district, I became more active in the union and eventually ran for co-president of our local association.

I do not think there are any magic bullets to creating a school that has a strong membership percentage. Creating strong personal relationships has always been a starting point.

Knowing those individuals who are open to a conversation about being part of something. Today’s teachers need that personal interaction that lets them know you are listening.

Two years ago, my co-president and I saw our membership numbers dropping in some of our elementary schools. We grew concerned that the participation from those buildings would continue to decline. We started by visiting each school and meeting with the teachers to talk about issues.

Then, we made sure that we had teachers from each building and age group on our bargaining planning team and leadership committee. Getting people involved and making a difference is a good place to start!

ISTA-IN.ORG

11

OUR MEMBERS

Innovation Fair Affords STEM Students Opportunity to Present Designs

Matt Modlin Matt Modlin is a teacher and the technology and engineering magnet coordinator at Riley High School in South Bend. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in technology education with a minor in computer technology. He has worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation since 2004.

Riley High School’s Engineering & Technology Magnet Program began in 2005 by implementing Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering curriculum. Students in the program are introduced to engineering through sketching, design, 3-D modeling and prototyping. The second-year students are taught how to apply physics and math through robotics and design problems. The third-year students choose between electronics, architecture, computer science or environmental sustainability classes. Students finish the program with a capstone design course, combining everything they have learned in school.

The capstone design course begins by having students determine their areas of interest. They then identify potential problems related to their interests, which tends to offer the biggest challenge. How often does anyone think about what they truly love, what they are good at and what they are truly interested in? This method allows the projects to vary from team to team, class to class, year to year.

After students have identified the problem, they research and further investigate to see if anyone else has experienced the problem and gather input from stakeholders. Next, students see if there have been any other attempts at solving the problem and identify what is good about those attempts and what needs improvement.

12

WINTER 2018

Riley High School students Allison Walker, Abby Kirkpatrick and Anna Kirkpatrick show off their in-pool lap counter designed in their senior capstone design course.

Great things are happening in our community public schools. See more public educator successes at IChoosePublicSchools.org.

Students design a solution to their problem using Arduino, an open-source electronic platform, for electronic and robotic projects along with 3-D printing for mechanical prototyping. After developing a prototype, students then have to provide evidence through testing. They develop a testing procedure much like they would for a science class lab report.

In the end, students present their design process and prototype to the South Bend community at Riley’s annual Innovation Fair. Some prototypes are highly successful, while other teams will look to the future for further development. By focusing on the

Abby Kirkpatrick working on the lap counter prototype.

process rather than the outcome, students are empowered to take risks in their design and push their abilities to the limit.

All in all, the class is fun to lead and guide students through the process!

ISTA-IN.ORG

13

OUR MEMBERS

Overcoming the Mid-year Slump It’s that time of year — you’re back from winter break, but spring break seems ages away. ISTA asked educators how they overcome the mid-year slump and engage their students. Here’s what they said.

Karen Warble Retired Kindergarten Teacher Blue River Retired Chapter

Christina Peña 5th Grade Teacher West Noble Classroom Teachers Association

Dakota Hudelson 7th Grade Teacher Columbus Education Association

What Keeps You Going

I planned more active learning stations to complete. This allowed us all to learn using different modalities and increase student involvement.

The end of the first semester is motivating. I can see growth in each student and how they are fitting-in in my classroom and with their peers.

I look forward to the end of the year because it gives me a chance to reset, and think about how I’m going to change things up the next year.

What’s Your Secret for Work/Life Balance

Planning, planning, planning.

Organizing my time and scheduling allowed me to continue to love my job!

I find a balance by doing work at school and not taking much home. I find it easiest and most time productive to finish everything at school.

I collaborate and work with my amazing colleagues.

Education is a cooperative process, and when educators support each other, things go more smoothly.

Best Tips for Staying Healthy

Listen to your body. Use your sick days! It took me a long time to realize students would survive a day without me!

Do what you love in school and in your personal life.

Don’t be afraid to invest in self-care.

Our students benefit by having physically and mentally healthy role models and professionals in the classroom.

7 Work/Life Balance Tips for Busy Educators / NEA Member Benefits wants to help you find the balance in your work and home life. Stay in balance with these helpful tips.

14

WINTER 2018

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Addressing the Needs of Students with Autism Tips for serving students with autism from the bus to the classroom Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder.

The cause is unknown. No ethnic background, race, social or economic status is exempt. ASD often causes difficulties in social interaction, learning and conforming, resulting in the person with ASD being ostracized and bullied by their peers.

Ordinary sights, sounds and touches of everyday life can be painful to a student with ASD.

Donna Nielsen Donna Nielsen is an ISTA-Retired member.

She is a graduate of the NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow and Hands in Autism training. Nielsen retired after a 30-year career as a school bus driver for the LaPorte Community School Corporation.

The school bus can be an especially challenging place for a student with ASD. Here are tips to support students with autism in your school: • Learn which students have difficulty communicating with words.

• Use short, concise directives. It may take up to three minutes to process a single command.

• Try to avoid jokes, idioms and sarcasm – use factual language.

• Student must have an assigned bus seat and the same place on the seat every day.

• Be consistent. Schedules and routines are necessary.

• Transitions are difficult. Give adequate warning that a transition is going to occur.

• Repetitive behaviors such as, spinning, biting of arms or hands, flapping arms, vocal echoes or freezing in place, are some signs the student is trying to tell you something that has upset or excited them.

• Provide motivating and calming objects and behaviors that can distract from sensory discomfort or focus.

Make a Calming Device for Students ISTA members Mickey Brady, school bus driver, and Donna Nielsen, retired school bus driver, teach educators how to make calming devices to reduce stress and overstimulation felt by autistic students. Here’s their recipe for “Ocean in a Bottle” calming device.

Supplies:

Instructions:

• 1 clear plastic bottle with label removed • Food coloring • Vegetable oil • Water • Super glue

1. Fill approximately 2/3 of the bottle with water.

2. Add food coloring and shake.

3. Fill the remainder of the bottle with vegetable oil.

4. Super glue the lid closed.

Follow ISTA’s Pinterest board on calming devices.

ISTA-IN.ORG

15

OUR PROFESSION

HOMEWORK VS. NO HOMEWORK

As the demands on families and kids grow, two teachers discuss their approach to homework.

16

WINTER 2018

When first asked to voice my opinions about homework, I honestly didn’t think that I had a strong opinion on homework.

I also didn’t realize how many teachers have their own personal beliefs about homework and after all of these years how it is still a subject people discuss.

Becky Butler Becky Butler teaches kindergarten and first grade high ability students in Brownsburg. She has an undergraduate degree from Butler University and a K – 12 reading specialist master’s degree and high ability licensure from Ball State University. Butler has taught for 16 years and is Nationally Board Certified in early childhood.

I don’t believe that homework is an essential part of our day, I believe it does help strengthen that connection between home and school. I believe that homework should be connected to what’s going on in the classroom. It can help to bridge the gap of the infamous question, “What did you learn at school today,” with the traditional answer of, “Uh, I don’t know.”

I do give homework to my students, but I also try to be understanding of lifestyles and schedules. Instead of sending homework nightly, consider sending home a weekly packet that can be completed at the family’s convenience. Be flexible when the student completes it, and also be understanding if it doesn’t get completed. It should be a compliment of the rigorous learning taking place in the classroom. I believe homework can be beneficial with the right parameters and understanding.

I changed my homework policy last year.

Erica Fitzgerald Erica Fitzgerald is a second-grade teacher at Hinkle Creek Elementary School in Noblesville. She is an avid reader and has been a proud member of ISTA since she began teaching in 1997.

I had to really think about the homework I was asking my second graders to do and why. I realized that the homework I had been sending was too difficult for most second graders to complete without guidance from their parents. I had heard from parents that this was causing a lot of stress in their households, and I had several students who weren’t getting any guidance from parents at all.

My passion is getting my students to love books. In my own house, I do this by always having a book that my husband, son and I, as a family, read aloud. So, instead of homework, I challenged the parents in my class to start reading together as a family on a regular basis.

The feedback I got from my parents was overwhelmingly positive. Not only had I reduced the stress that homework brought to many families, but I had parents telling me about books that their family had enjoyed together that ended up leading to further discussions, readings and family bonding.

When I hear that, I know that’s the right choice for my class.

Take ISTA’s Twitter poll to see where you and your colleagues fall on the homework debate. Find the poll @ISTAmembers.

ISTA-IN.ORG

17

OUR PROFESSION

1

The right bag can make your life so much easier. Carrying papers, a laptop, lunch and a variety of pens and markers calls for a durable and sizeable tote.

18

Lands’ End / Natural Open Top Canvas Tote This tote is a durable canvas with double-stitching in a variety of sizes.

Visit the ISTA Store on our website to have the ISTA logo of your choice embroidered on it to show your ISTA pride. $40 from the Lands’ End ISTA Store

2

3

4

Carhartt / D89 Messenger, Black

A New Day / Women’s Tote Handbag

Plambag / Canvas Shopper Tote

This Carhartt messenger bag in black is a great bag for all seasons. It’s water and abrasion resistant so it will still look as great at the end of the year as it did at the beginning. $60 from Carhartt and other retailers

Sleek and durable – this tote has lots of room inside with sturdy, long handles. This rich brown will match everything. $40 from Target

Need a bag to keep your laptop protected and still have room for papers to grade? This Plambag Canvas Shopper Tote has a computer pocket with a cushioned mat to protect your laptop and lesson plans. $28 from Amazon

WINTER 2018

OUR ASSOCIATION

N E A B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S E L E C T I O N :

Candidate Statement An election for the office of NEA Board of Directors will be held at the 2018 ISTA Representative Assembly (RA) on April 21 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 to be included 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 statements received after publication will be listed on the ISTA website.

Visit ista-in.org/governing-documents for more information.

Hilda Kendrick-Appiah My name is Hilda Kendrick-Appiah and I am seeking re-election as NEA Director. I want to continue to work for all ISTA members at the national level.

I want to continue to promote Public Education in a positive manner using a strong voice. Public Education is the lifeline of educating our students. I have worked hard to communicate to Senators and Representatives in Washington, D.C. that funding must continue to help maintain public education.

My promise to you, if re-elected, to the NEA Board, I will continue to fight for educators. I will work hard for educational concerns of funding for public education, testing, educator evaluations, student achievement, student attitudes and behaviors, and healthcare issues for students and educators. I will continue to be an advocate for our students, for public

education and for you, ISTA members, at the state and national level.

Together we can educate people about the respect all who work in public education deserve!!!

I’m Hilda Kendrick-Appiah, candidate for NEA Director. Please Vote Hilda KendrickAppiah for NEA Director for Indiana!!!!

For more information about the NEA Board of Directors election at the ISTA RA, visit ista-in.org/ista-ra.

ISTA-IN.ORG

19

OUR ASSOCIATION

Vote for NEA Representative Assembly State Delegate Candidates ISTA is eligible to elect 31 Category 1 state delegate positions and two Category 2 state delegate positions (final delegate numbers to be determined

by NEA membership records on Jan. 15, 2018) to the 2018 and 2019 meetings of the National Education Association Representative Assembly (RA) to be held in Minneapolis, Minn., in 2018 and Houston, Texas, in 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.

THIS PAGE IS NOT A BALLOT. Each active and 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.

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 2-1.b. No Category 2 nominations were received.

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.

20

WINTER 2018

2018 & 2019 NEA RA State Delegate Candidate List Nicholas M. Atkins • Vice-Presidentof Maconaquah Education Association • Discussion and Members Chair for MEA • 2016- 2017 NEA-RA State Delegate Kris Borrelli • Attended NEA-RA 7 times • Attended State Ras many times • Local Grievance Chair/ Discussion Team member Deborah L. Broyer • Current secretary/treasurer for IEA. • I have lobbied at the statehouse • Member of IPACE Janet K. Chandler • Hamilton Southeastern Education Association President • Unit 12 District Chair • ISTA Legal Defense Panel Chair Sarah Lynn Chism • Co-President Greater Clark Para Educators • NEA Leaders for Tomorrow 2018 Class • ISTA Advocate Editorial Board John D. Comer • Local President • ISTA Board of Directors • ISTA Board of Directors Executive Committee Rhondalyn J. Cornett • Indianapolis Education Association Presidentcurrent • ISTA Board of Director • NEA RA Delegate Carol Jean Daoud • District Council - 7 yrs.

• Bargaining Team-15 years • NHCTA officer-20+ yrs.

Amellia C. Dusch • Secretary of District Council • ISTA RA Delegate • NAFCEA Middle Rep to Executive Committee Robin Lee Endris • 7 yrs. NEA-RA PAC Fund Volunteer • 7 yrs. ISTA Board of Director • 10 yrs. Local President (current) Megan N. Ewing • HSEA Building Rep • HSEA Building Discussion • NEA RA Delegate-3 yrs.

Myra Lynn Farmer • MCCSC District Discussion Council • Building level Association Rep • Former MCEA Vice-President Paul Leo Farmer • ISTA Professional Practices & Standards Committee • MCEA Local President • 2017 NEA RA/Leadership Conference Attendee Keith D. Gambill • ISTA Vice President • ISTA Foundation President • NEA Resolutions Committee Jennifer A. Gant • Former Giovernance Member • Local Treasurer • Attended at least 6 NEA RA Anthony Dewayne Gulley • WTEA Secretary • Elementary Central Discussion Chair MDSWT • District bargaininning committee member Angie Marie Hood • AR Attendee at Southern Advocacy Conference • Annual meeting/Representative Assembly (Indiana AR) • IEA Member Attendee ISTA Representative Assembly Julie A. Hyndman • FWEA Local President • Former ISTA Board of Directors • IPACE Member

Theresa S. Jacobson • District Council Representative 2016-present • Culver CTA Treasurer 2004-present • ISTA and NEA RA delegate 2017 Hilda Melissa Kendrick-Appiah • National Education Association Board Member • ISTA Board of Director • Greater Clark Education Association Kimberly Ann Kennedy • AR for my building • I attend the ISTA RA • I have attended NEA RA Dennis R. Kuhlenhoelter • ETA RA 25+ years • ETA Board of Directors 8+ years • ISTA/NEA State Delegate 13 years

Heidi M. Slavkin • Local association vice president • Member of ISTA PPS Committee • Representative Assembly Delegate (ISTA/NEA) Jennifer Smith-Margraf • NEA Board of Directors • ISTA Board of Directors • Lafayette Education Association President Randy Studt • NEA Resolutions Committee Member-Indiana • IPACE Member and Local PAC • WLEA Co President Doug M. Taylor • ISTA Treasurer • Served as local president, NADCEA • Served on ISTA Board, Executive Committee

Cheryl I. Lone • MAC Committee mbr • Building Rep • Discussion Rep (Local)

Dominic W. Thompson • Local VP, Bargaining, Discussion, Executive Committee • 6x NEA RA State/Local Delegate • 10x ISTA RA Delegate

Evan S. McKalip • NEA RA 2014-2017 • Local Discussion • Local Executive Committee

Bonnie P. Thrasher • Disco Unit 23 • ISTA RA Rep • Building Rep. NEA RA Rep x10

Teresa Meredith • ISTA President 2013-present • GLC chair, 2016-present • ISTA Vice-President, 2007-2013

Cassie/Casandra Lee Timmons • Frontier Classroom Teachers Association President • Delegate to NEA • Membership Chair

Timothy A. Oliver • New Member wanting more knowledge

Donnie Watkins • Local President • NEA Delegate-Past 13 years • Board of Directors-Executive Committee

Angie L. Peterson • Serving on Executive Board currently • Elected • Attended NEA Diana L. Reed • ISTA Board of Directors 2014-present • NEA RA Cluster Delegate 2004-2017 • UTTA President 2003-2017

Lori A. Young • NEA RA-7 times • Secretary ETA-4 years • PPS Committee and Secretary-6 years Ronald L. Zink, Jr. • Local President-2 years • Local Vice-President-12 years • NEA RA Delegate-1 year

ISTA-IN.ORG

21

EXTRA CREDIT

How a Bill Becomes a Law Senate Committee

Senate Floor Vote Bill is debated and a vote is taken.

Bill passes without amendments. Sent to governor for signature or veto.

If the bill passes, it starts the process all over in the opposite chamber.

Bill is voted on by full chamber.

OR IChoosePublicSchools.org

22

WINTER 2018

House Committee Bill is debated and/or amended.

House Floor Vote Bill is debated and a vote is taken.

House

Senate

Bill is debated and/or amended.

A bill is introduced in the Senate or House.

NTS DME N E AM

If amended, original chamber votes. Passes with amendments, sent to governor. Bill fails, the two chambers agree on a final version and both houses vote. Once passes, it is sent to governor.

EMPLOYER BENEFIT SOLUTIONS F O R E D U C AT I O N

All day long, assisting others.

As a dedicated education employee, you put your heart (and back) into every day. So when it comes time for someone to help look after your best interests, know that American Fidelity will be by your side.

Our employee benefits are designed with your industry in mind, and the reality of today’s healthcare.

Help is here.

• Answer questions—big or small • Guide you through the benefit claim process • Provide supplemental benefits for you and your family

Indiana Branch Office 8770 Guion Rd Suite R Indianapolis, IN 46268 Phone 800-638-4268 Fax 855-871-2490 americanfidelity.com SB-30853-0217

American Fidelity Assurance Company

ISTA-IN.ORG

23

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

/ ISTA M E M B E R S @ I STA M E M B E R S / IND I A N ASTAT E T E AC H E RS

SERVING STUDENTS WITH AUTISM. From the bus to the classroom.

PAGE 15

SPECIAL OFFER

Roger S. Duncan Photography

ISTA members receive $7.50 off regular ticket prices.

Call the box office and request CODE 607.

Valid on new reservations only.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to availability.

Some restrictions may apply.

Opens February 1

“You’ll have the time of your life!”

The hit Broadway musical featuring ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Take A Chance on Me,” “Dancing Queen,” “Honey, Honey” and the title tune.

BEEFANDBOARDS.COM • 317.872.9664 • INDIANAPOLIS