Confessions of The 2011 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year This item was written by 2011 New Jersey Teacher of the Year Danielle Kovach. In february, Kovach received the NEA Member Benefits Teaching Excellence Award for 2012. Kovach’s ‘confession’’ was brought to our attention by 2011 Nebraska Teacher of the Year Bob Feurer, North Bend. By Danielle Kovach As the school year begins, I would like to be open and honest about the teaching profession, and clarify the things that did not cause me to embrace teaching. I am not teaching to have my summers off. Teachers did not enact this century-old law, yet we are constantly criticized for a school year that is not within our control. The reality is, many need to work over the summer to make ends meet, and I am one of them. I am not teaching for the money. I knew that I would never be a millionaire in my profession. The riches that I gain will never be monetary. However, as noble as teaching may be, it is not a charity. The salary that I earn is a reflection of my hard work and expertise. I am not teaching for the health benefits and pension plans. However, I will strive to preserve benefits that were openly negotiated by the teachers and the state. These benefits were earned through my years of service as a public employee. I am not teaching to the test. I am teaching to my students. I am not teaching to be a scapegoat for our nation’s problems. Our schools did not make children obese, underprivileged, disrespectful or bullies. I work with the hand that I am dealt and try to make it better. I am not teaching to escape from the ‘real world.’ Every day, teachers deal with the burdens that our country has
been facing: the economy, unemployment, terrorism and poverty. These are all reflected in the eyes of a child. And when I am holding the hand of a terrified 8-year-old during an active shooter drill in my classroom, I fully understand that it doesn’t get any more real than that. I am not teaching for me. Teaching is the only profession that affects every person across our nation. It is a great responsibility, but not one that can be done independently. Teachers need the support of administrators, parents, community members and government. This collaboration has been replaced with finger-pointing and name-calling. Yet, I am still teaching. Here is why: I am selfish. I selfishly take great pride in myself when I see a child succeed. I know that my passion, dedication and commitment to education are what help my students achieve, not just academically, but in all facets of life. I am greedy. Each day, I expect more and more from my students because I want to see them reach their fullest potential. I am paid to breathe. With every breath that I take, I know that I am making a profound impact on the lives of each and every one of my students. Why? Because ... I am a teacher. Danielle Kovach, a third-grade special education teacher in Hopatcong, NJ.
NSEA Board Updates Minority Involvement Plan The NSEA Board of Directors recently approved an update of the Association’s Minority Involvement Plan. First adopted more than 30 years ago, the plan tracks minority membership growth, minority membership by district, and minority involvement in the state’s delegation to the annual NEA Representative Assembly. NEA Bylaws set a goal for each state to at least match ethnic minority representation in each state’s delegation with identified ethnic-minority populations in the state. The NSEA plan states that the Association “is committed to maximizing minority involvement in the activities and programs of the Association.” To that end, ethnic minority representation at Representative Assembly has surpassed 10 percent of the delegation membership each of the past seven years. The Association leadership promotes minority participation in leadership training, and supports the standing Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee. For details, go to the NSEA website at: www.nsea.org
Apply for Scholarships On Amazon Rainforest Workshop K-12 teachers can win one of three $1,000 scholarships to travel with scientists to one of the most diverse environments in the world. Join a rainforest discovery June 29 through July 8, including a quarter-mile rainforest canopy walkway, Yagua culture and crafts, a village service project, bird watching and more – all in the Amazon Rainforest. Registration is open through May. The cost is $1,850, plus air fare. A Machu Picchu extension is optional, and academic credit is available. Land cost is $850 for scholarship winners. Submit a scholarship application by March 8. For program and scholarship information, contact Dr. Frances Gatz, 1-800-669-6806 or at: frances@ee-link.net More details are at: http://www.travel2learn.com/amazon.htm March 2012 n The NSEA Voice n Page 17