Maine Educator December 2017

MAINE

Educator A Maine Education Association Publication

December 2017 www.maineea.org @maineea

STATE OF THE PROFESSION 2017-18

Insight to inform from MEA's survey

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In This Issue - December 2017

Contents

Volume 78 Number 3

>>> 7

State of the Profession Issue

News You Can Use

7 Free Stuff!

8 Your Salary: Inflation and Wage Fairness 9 Perspectives - What are your thoughts on recent education reforms?

10 Tech Talk - Best Holiday Gifts Under $30 12 What is Teenage Stress and Anxiety?

Advocacy

State of the Profession 2017-18

16

14

14 Anti-Lunch Shaming: MEA works to help hungry students 15 Fast Facts - Hunger Problem in Maine 16 State of the Profession 2017-18: Read what members are saying about the teaching profession.

20 National Board Certification - What is it?

Reflective Practice: How becoming a National Board Certified Teacher helps the profession

Your Association

21

21 Reflective Practice: How becoming a National Board Certified Teacher helps the profession.

22 Health Insurance Contributions - District-bydistrict cost for Support Staff 28 MEA Elections 2018 - Would you like to be more active in your association?

29 Taking the Ache out of standing all day 30 Association Round-Up: Bargaining Updates 31 Calendar 32 Holiday Ideas for Your Life and Work

MAINE

Educator

Volume 78 Number 3 - Copyright 2017 MAINE

Educator A Maine Education Association Publication

December 2017 www. maineea.org @maineea

STATE OF THE PROFESSION 2017-18

Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is published by: Maine Education Association 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330-8005 207-622-4418; fax 207-623-2129 POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine Non-Profit US Postage paid at Augusta, Maine and additional mailing offices.

Insight to inform from MEA's survey

For advertising rates and information please contact: Shawn Berry 35 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 207-622-4418 ext. 2206

Health Insurance Contributions - ESP MEA Leadership

President - Lois Kilby-Chesley Vice President - Grace Leavitt Treasurer - Denise Simoneau NEA Director - Amanda Cooper Editorial Staff

Managing Editor - Robert Walker, Executive Director Editor - Giovanna Bechard, Communications Director Layout/Ad Manager - Shawn Berry, Graphic Designer

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22 Board of Directors Bo Zabierek Suzen Polk-Hoffses Jesse Hargrove Beth French Ken Williams Jill Watson Aaron Greene Jim Thornton Samantha Garnett Sias

Terry Martin Bob McCully Janet Howe Kuech Deborah Butler John Messier Neil Greenberg Thomas Moore III Gerry French

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

3

Opening Bell Proficiency Based Diplomas-Q&A MEA reached out to the Maine Department of Education to get a better understanding of the changes surrounding the proficiency based diploma mandate. Below is the Q & A, with responses answered by Paul Hambleton, Chief Academic Officer at the Maine Department of Education.

Q: I hear the Maine Department of Education (DOE) is starting over on the proficiency based diploma mandate—what does this mean?

We’re not starting over. The Proficiency Based Diploma mandate is still in law and has not changed. MDOE has formally paused the rulemaking process to gather more information from parents, educators, and other stakeholders in Maine’s education system. We are gathering more information to understand the needs in the field and create rules for the PBD mandate that will provide a way for students to earn a diploma that also documents each student’s level of proficiency in the learning results. We heard loud and clear from educators that all students should be able to earn a diploma.

A particular concern is that special education students could have difficulty attaining a diploma, but this same concern exists for any student who may not be able, for whatever reason, to attain high levels of proficiency. We heard from the field that it would be unreasonable to expect that all students will reach the same high level of proficiency in all areas of the Maine Learning Results as a requirement for a diploma.

Read Across America Grants

NEA’s Read Across America will take place on Friday, March 2, 2018 to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday! To help plan and prepare for a reading celebration, MEA is offering Read Across America Incentive Grants to our local associations who sponsor association activities for this event. Grants of $50 each will be awarded on a first-come, firstserve basis. Requests must be made by the local association President for funding activities within the local association. FMI and planning resources for your event: maineea.org/grants Grant Deadline: February 2, 2018.

Maine Public—Raise Your Voice Over the past year, Raise Your Voice, Maine Public’s forum for ideas about education, has featured students’ views on topics ranging from what makes an ideal teacher, to why we need the arts, and so much more. Their perspectives have drawn more than 20,000 visitors to the site, and now we want to open the conversation up to a broader range of insights.

Maine Public is looking for educators to share their ideas about teaching and learning today. FMI: MainePublic.org—click on the Education tab and select Raise Your Voice. Or contact Dave Boardman by email, dboardman@MainePublic.org or call 423-6934.

4

Maine Educator • December 2017

Q: Do I still have to work toward meeting the mandates our district had set forth before the DOE decided to start over?

The PBD mandate is Maine law. What the DOE is doing is using the public rulemaking process to create the rules necessary to carry out the PDB mandate as passed and amended by the legislature.

Q: When will there be new rules? Can I provide my opinion on what the new PBD looks like?

The current iteration of the rules are under revision after the initial public comment period. Another public hearing, a comment period, will be scheduled when the new draft rules are ready. Diana Doiron is the MDOE staff working on collecting stakeholder feedback on PBD. She can be reached at Diana.Doiron@maine.gov.

Q: Can DOE enforce PBD without any rules surrounding the law?

Statute has greater authority than rule. Because the mandate remains, the DOE must continue to move forward with school districts to carry out the law. Embedded in the statute is the requirement that the MDOE promulgate rules to implement the law. The current state of implementation of the PBD mandate varies around the state as districts have moved ahead with Proficiency Based Education (PBE) with a variety of approaches. The intent of the MDOE is to develop rules that will assist districts with implementation of the PBD mandate.

Editor's Note

Email questions or story ideas to editor@maineea.org

R e c tan g l e

When I think back to school lunch as a kid I remember every Friday we ate rectangle shaped pizza. Everyone loved pizza Friday. And chocolate milk. I counted on having that pizza each week not because I would be hungry without it, but because I loved rectangle pizza. I was lucky and didn’t have to worry about not having food at home.

Unfortunately, too many Maine children deal with hungry bellies each day, and the MEA continues to work on ways to make sure all Maine students are fed so they have an opportunity to learn.

The MEA has sponsored statewide food drives, participated in the single largest food donation received by the Good Shepherd Food Bank, and now the MEA is taking things one step further by hoping to help change state law when it comes to school lunches. The MEA believes all students should not feel ashamed if their families can’t pay for lunch and those students should be allowed to eat when they’re hungry. Read more about the new anti-lunch shaming legislation on page 14.

In the ongoing effort to meet the needs of all students, this issue also contains some key information to help our older students deal with stress. When the pressure mounts for your students use the ideas on page 12 to help your students cope.

[

iz z a

And to help you cope, information is always knowledge. That’s why the MEA recently sought out the opinions of its members on the state of the profession. The results aren’t always positive. But understanding where the issues are in our schools allows the MEA to be better advocates to fix what’s not working and help improve what is going well. Read the detailed results of our survey on page 16.

And for when you’re feeling like you need a little extra help, make sure to check out the story page 27 that highlights the best shoes for those who stand on their feet all day. I’m a firm believer if your feet are comfortable, and warm, then you’re set up to succeed, or at least not complain, for the day. I’ve tried some of the shoes on the list and there are some good ones that really do make it feel like you’re walking on air.

Finally, as promised in the last issue of Maine Educator, our Health Insurance Guide for our support staff members. Take a look at the guide which highlights health care costs in each district. It’s important to understand what your colleagues pay for insurance to know if you’re getting a fair end of the deal.

When you’re through reading, or working or just looking to unwind, pop in a piece of rectangle pizza into the oven. I’ve done it, and trust me, it brings back some great childhood memories without tasting too awful.

Connect with us on Social Media: /maineea @maineea /maineea @maineeducationassociation

Giovanna Bechard Editor editor@maineea.org December 2017 • www.maineea.org

5

MEA President's Message

Email questions or to lkilby-chesley@maineea.org

Protect Our Future Right now, we are all hearing more and more about the national campaign against unionism. All the verbiage makes me speculate just how this movement will affect our members of the Maine Education Association and what we need to do to protect ourselves. At the forefront of the anti-union campaign at this moment is a Supreme Court suit called Janus vs The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

In Illinois, Mark Janus is required to pay union dues for his job at the Department of Healthcare Services and he doesn’t want to. His Supreme Court case is meant to kill union rights on dues collection that unions have held since 1977. The Justices will hear Janus v.

AFSCME, a case that raises the question of whether public employees must pay dues even if they disagree with their union, and a decision is expected before summer.

Martin Luther King said in 1961, and it’s relevance continues today, “In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as ‘right to work’…Wherever these laws have been passed, wages are lower, job opportunities are fewer and there are no civil rights.

MEA activist members’ unified strength, when we work to protect Since most MEA affiliates do not require every represented employee to labor’s rights, is essential. Writing letters and emails, calling legislative join us, a practice known as agency fee or “fair share”, it seems that the offices, and submitting legislative testimony each tell leaders in Janus suit shouldn’t impact our Association.

Augusta and DC that we will fight to maintain our rights.

But unfortunately, Janus v. AFSCME challenges the rights of unions to In Maine the attacks by anti-union, anti-public school extremists collect “fair share” fees from employees in 22 other states. This, in turn, began in earnest in 2010 after the election. impacts our mother union, the NEA, and those NEA affiliates.

The move for privatization of education? Anti-union, anti-public Yes, MEA will be affected. It is anticipated NEA will have significant schools. School choice? Anti-union, anti-public schools. Increase in losses in dues when “fair share” is eliminated. NEA will be reorganizing charter schools? Anti-union, anti-public schools. Bills to disallow with general cost cutbacks, a smaller cadre of employees in programs, dues deductions? Anti-union, anti-public schools. School Vouchers, and shifting resources.

Education Savings Accounts, Tax Credit Scholarships? All anti-union, anti-public schools.

MEA depends on NEA for support for much of the work we do. We receive help funding our UniServ field work, legislative activities, and Together MEA members must activate our support for pubic schools other important concerns for our members’ and our students’ success. and against divisive ideas that would shift attention away from When NEA loses, MEA loses. equitable public schools for all students. The anti-union rhetoric, and lies being told, attempt to chip away at our achievements.

How can we help ourselves? We must increase our own MEA membership to make up for the loss.

We need to keep telling our stories. We need to keep our focus on doing what is best for our students. Public schools work, and our Approaching, talking to, and recruiting new members— aka communities know they work regardless of what our detractors say. organizing—will continue our strength into the future. There is no calendar for organizing. It is a 24/7 activity for MEA and your local I will remain vigilant from the MEA office in my time left. I will Association. New members resulting in increased membership, equals a share what we learn about the anti-union, anti-public education sustainable MEA. campaign so you can be informed and become an activist against this malevolent movement as they try to weaken our schools and the What other pieces are there to the on-going, anti-union campaign and MEA. I remain committed to MEA so we will be here in a year, in a how can we make a difference? Keep in mind, this didn’t begin with decade, in a generation, and with your help I intend to protect our the Janus suit. future right now.

In 1959, Eleanor Roosevelt stated, “I am opposed to ‘right to work’ legislation because it does nothing for working people, but instead gives employers the right to exploit labor.”

Since at least 2011 in Maine, we have seen efforts to undo public sector collective bargaining, such as the “right to work” laws. “Right to work” legislation and court decisions are intended to diminish our voice in collective action.

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Maine Educator • December 2017

Lois Kilby-Chesley MEA President lkilby-chesley@maineea.org

Free stuff!

It’s one of the best four letter words out there-FREE-especially when you’re on a tight budget. Maine Educator found a few freebies!

News You Can Use Lorax Activity Book

This activity book is great for earth science activities for younger children. Activities include things like crossword puzzles and word searches intended to teach kids about how to do things like conserve water and save energy. Download the book or request multiple copies for free.

Dinosaur Train Educational Resources

Toolkit & Poster. Fill out a simple online form and receive a free Dinosaur Tracker Toolkit with Nature Tracker Poster for your classroom! Dinosaur Train, the popular PBS Kids show is the popular kid’s animated television series on PBS. The toolkit features student lessons, music videos, lyric sheets and episode clips from the series. The poster available highlights the Pteranodon family and offers tips to engage children in nature.

State Travel Brochures and Maps

This is a fun way for kids to learn about different states. Most tourism packets come with a highway map and full-color travel guide.

3 Branches of Government Poster

Teachers can receive a free 3 Branches of Government poster for classroom use. This easy-to-read poster highlights the 3 branches of government and what each branch does. Just add the poster to the shopping cart on the website, complete the short checkout form and wait 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Teaching Tolerance Kits

From lesson plans to DVDs to magazines, tolerance.org has a variety of free resources available to educators to support their work in improving relationships within their school communities.

ALL resources for how to order your free stuff can be found in the Maine Educator Online. Head to Maineea.org and start clicking today!

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

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News You Can Use

Your Salary: Inflation and Wage Fairness

By: C.J. Betit, MEA Director of Collective Bargaining & Research Are you earning what you should, based on both inflation and the new change in state law that increases the minimum wage? It’s a question you should all ask yourselves, and then inform yourselves to ensure you’re not being shortchanged.

MEA has done the homework for you—and now it’s time for you to study the data, and then study your contract so you can better bargain for yourselves and your colleagues.

The hard facts: Only one-third of MEA teacher contracts have a minimum salary that has not lost purchasing power since implementation of the $30,000 minimum. This is not for a lack of trying at the bargaining table to negotiate for more, but continued cuts to education funding at the state level have forced districts to make difficult choices at the local level, at the expense of the educators in our schools.

In addition, the state mandated minimum teacher salary of $30,000, enacted in 2007, have not in many districts, kept up with the cost of inflation. Many districts still pay a minimum of $30,000, but if that salary actually kept up with inflation, paychecks would look a lot different. Check out the chart below: June Consumer Price Index (CPI-U)

Multiplier

If on track with CPI:

2007

208.352

start==>

$30,000

2008

218.815

1.050

$31,507

2009

215.693

0.986

$31,057

2010

217.965

1.011

$31,384

2011

225.722

1.036

$32,501

2012

229.478

1.017

$33,042

2013

233.504

1.018

$33,622

2014

238.343

1.021

$34,318

2015

238.638

1.001

$34,361

2016

241.018

1.010

$34,703

2017

244.955

1.016

$35,270

Sample Salaries & What They Should Look Like if They Kept Up With Inflation: $50,000 in 2016 ->

$50,817 in 2017

$45,000 in 2016 ->

$45,735 in 2017

$40,000 in 2016 ->

$40,653 in 2017

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WAGE FAIRNESS: THE INCREASING MINIMUM WAGE Educational Support Professional Associations across the state have a great opportunity to improve their wage scales over the next few years as the minimum wage continues to increase.

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Maine Educator • December 2017

Thanks to a ballot initiative approved by the voters of Maine, the minimum hourly wage will increase annually: January 1, 2017: $9.00 January 1, 2018: $10.00 January 1, 2019: $11.00 January 1, 2020: $12.00 January 1, 2021 and thereafter: Prior year increased by the increase in the cost of living By the end of the ramp up of the minimum wage in 2020, well over 200 classifications in educational support professional (ESP) contracts throughout the state will have wage rates directly impacted by the increasing minimum wage, while all other classifications will be influenced by the increases. This is an excellent opportunity to not only make sure the starting wages improve but also to make sure the wage scale is properly structured so that it is adequate, equitable and fair. Do not leave wages that are below minimum wage in the contract.

Even though the minimum wage is increasing, the MEA bargaining minimum standard is to make sure at least a living wage is paid at every level of the scale. The MIT Living Wage Calculator is an excellent resource to determine what a living wage is in your location.

Here are examples: 1 Adult

1 Adult, 1 2 Adults (both Child working), 2 children

Aroostook

$21,375

$44,484

$61,156

Cumberland

$24,286

$49,994

$66,667

Kennebec

$21,825

$45,808

$62,480

Knox

$23,299

$47,555

$64,227

Oxford

$21,238

$44,484

$61,156

Penobscot

$21,608

$46,252

$62,925

Sagadahoc

$22,917

$47,732

$64,405

Washington

$21,484

$44,484

$61,156

York

$23,945

$49,517

$66,190

Portland-SoPort. $24,063 Metro

$49,659

$66,332

STATE

$47,294

$63,967

$22,623

As a starting point, the target is to make sure the one adult level is reached. Although the minimum wage increases over the next three years will no doubt close the gap with the one adult living wage level for those employed year-round and full time (2080 hours a year) in many areas of the state many school-year employees will still struggle to reach the living wage target.

For county-by-county statewide living wage information for all living arrangement configurations, visit the Maine Educator Online.

This is the time to make sure your wage scale for each classification is fair, equitable and competitive. Talk to your local association leaders to see how they are addressing issues.

Perspectives

What are your thoughts on recent education reforms?

The Bangor Daily News published a series of in-depth articles regarding education in Maine with the purpose of examining our public schools and “what is holding back teachers, principals, parents and communities from helping students realize their full potential, and aims to hold up promising efforts that other places might learn from.” To gather data for the story, MEA shared a survey from the Bangor Daily News with members; those results helped shape the content of the articles.

One of the articles in the series that struck a chord with educators centered around an article titled “How Maine hurt education by trying to reform it.” Maine Educator asked members their thoughts on recent reforms in our schools, gathered some of the comments about the issue, and shared educators’ perspectives with fellow MEA members below.

Facebook Comments Continued: Too much time for testing, not enough time for teaching.

-Lindy I don't think it's the new initiatives that hurt, it's that whenever the political tides change or public opinion shifts, the legislature backs off of its mandates. The state of Maine gets so much right in the way of education reform and freedom of local districts to choose what's best for our kids. We are a leader in some pretty incredible educational movements. The latitude we have as teachers is pretty remarkable in comparison to a lot of other states. But I do wish that we stuck with some of the laws passed for long enough to actually measure their efficacy. -Sarah I taught high school math for 31 years and recently retired.

I do not miss all of the planning/re-planning that occurred during the last 15 years. I think it definitely hurt education in Maine. -Jennie “I have never seen an initiative actually survive and keep going,” said Joyce Blakney, a math teacher at Waterville Senior High School who has taught in Maine since 1991. “I’d like to see an initiative start at the kindergarten level, work its way up to 12th grade, and then everybody stops and says, ‘Did it work?’”-As published in the Bangor Daily News article on education reform As a teacher, the pendulum swing of initiatives seems like an enormous waste of professional time and financial resources.Kate There is no be all end all in education. Some things work for some kids and some things don’t. As educators, we should know what is best for our students. After 31 years of teaching I’ve seen so many changes come and go and come back again.

Names are different but they are the same things we have tried before. Someone is trying to make money from it. Just let teachers do what they do best, teach children. We got this!

-Danita

Any legislator that i vote for would have to prove they have spent a week in a classroom before I would say they know what they are talking about. Very few decisions about education involve educators, the front-line workers. Even administrators avoid classrooms. How many superintendents go into their schools in their district? Most of them look at schools as a business, and a business model does not work in schools, where a consensus model works better. Schools are not about products and profits. The point of education is not to get a job. Learn how to learn, and let the company train you for their job. -David

To read the complete list of the Bangor Daily News articles in the education series, log on to Maine Educator Online.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

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Tech Talk Roku Express 2017 $30

Cambridge Soundworks Oonts Angle 3 Plus

$25

Anker Dual USB Car Charger PowerDrive 2

$10

10

Best Holiday Tech Gifts Under $30 Holiday Tech 2017

The all-new Roku Express turns any HDTV into a video streamer, with access to online streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO. It also offers the Roku Channel, a free service with plenty of movies to watch.

Holiday Tech 2017

This portable Bluetooth speaker gets great reviews and plays loud, distortion free sound— and it’s even weatherproof.

For less than $30 reviewers claim you’d be hard pressed to find a cheaper, better speaker.

Holiday Tech 2017

For ten bucks you can double the charging power in your call with this device. It's one of the industry's smallest ever USB car chargers, and even has an LED light for when it gets dark.

Maine Educator • December 2017

Holiday Tech 2017

Anker Want wireless headphones SoundBuds Slim without the high price? These

$26

JVC Flats $12

SPLURGE-Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet with Alexa, 8" Display, 16GB

$80

get rave reviews for both their sound and their price— “These sound good, very good, too good for their price. Bass is present, but not overpowering and the highs and mids are clean with minimal distortion."

Holiday Tech 2017

If you're not into wireless headphones users say you won't find a better pair of on-ear headphones than the JVC Flats. They come in several colors, and users say the sound is "phenomenal for the price." They also fold up for easy storage.

Holiday Tech 2017

For a splurge tech gift try this tablet. It’s Amazon’s bestreviewed Fire tablet with up to 12 hours of battery life, a 8" HD display, a 1.3 GHz quadcore processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, and Dolby Audio.

The tablet comes in 16 or 32 GB of internal storage and a microSD slot for up to 256 GB.

Travel.

Earn rewards.

See the world.

Book airfare, hotel or resort stays, cruises and guided tours on NEA Vacations.

As a bonus for your first visit to NEA Vacations, RECEIVE $500 NEA TRAVEL DOLLARS that can be used as partial payment on your next trip. NOTE: TRAVEL DOLLARS ARE NOT VALID ON AIRFARE. Visit NEAMB.com/NEAVacations to plan your perfect getaway.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

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TI221217

Your Association

What is Teenage Stress and Anxiety?

By: Carmel A. Collins Stress is a natural part of every young person’s life. Stress is any change, internal or external, positive or negative, to which a young person must adapt; simply, “stress is anything that causes physical and/or mental wear and tear on the body and mind” (Joyce V. Fetro, Personal & Social Skills, 2000).

Students’ stress is usually related to everyday experiences, worries and challenges at school, home, in the community and within their peer group. For example, young people may experience stress resulting from bullying, social isolation, not getting what they want, body image, academic difficulties, unsettled family life, and unsafe neighborhoods. While each student will respond to and resolve stress differently, the impact of ongoing and/or unresolved stress can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, poor concentration, aggression, physical illness, fatigue, sleep disturbance and poor coping skills such as tobacco, drug and/or alcohol use.

Therefore, young people, like adults, can benefit from learning and practicing stress management skills and relaxation techniques. Students who develop such techniques and skills learn how to feel and cope better without hurting themselves or others. Identifying and acknowledging the causes of stress and their triggers can be the most effective way at preventing the onset of stress. In addition, having the ability to express feelings related to stress can also be an effective skill at reducing stress.

For all of us, anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Things like tests, meeting new people, speaking in public, going on a date, and competing in sports can make us feel apprehensive or uneasy. But some teenagers react more strongly to stressful situations than others. Even thinking about the situations may cause them great distress.

Anxiety can be a good thing when it helps you deal with a tense situation. For example, when you're studying for a test, a little anxiety can make you want to study hard so you do well. But at other times, anxiety can be harmful, especially when it is excessive and irrational, and prevents you from being able to focus and be relaxed.

Sometimes the anxiety can come between friends, especially when you avoid going out with them or calling them because you're too panicked or tense. This level of anxiety is harmful and that's when you need to do something to feel less anxious so you can fully enjoy your teenage life.

Many teenagers find ways to cope with the high anxiety they feel and some need guidance and tools. It's important to recognize your emotions, to know what you're feeling and why you're feeling that way. Recognizing the types of situations that cause your anxiety is helpful towards managing it. Sometimes just admitting that a situation is stressful and being prepared to deal with it can reduce your anxiety.

12

Maine Educator • December 2017

Your Association

General behaviors and techniques that will help students manage anxiety and stress; • Eat healthy meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables • Maintain daily routine and schedule Exercise regularly • Avoid caffeine (can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation) • Do things you enjoy (for example: art, listening to music, being outdoors, dancing, writing poetry, reading, etc.)

• Get good amounts of rest and sleep Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

• State feelings in a clear way (for example: "I feel angry when you yell at me."

• Decrease negative self talk (for example: transform "My grades will never get any better." to "I may not being doing to well now, but my grades can improve if I get extra help and I do all my homework.")

• Be with friends who help you cope in a positive way • Learn relaxation techniques (such as: deep breathing muscle relaxation, meditation) Talk to caring adults • Humor/laughter December 2017 • www.maineea.org

13

Advocacy

Anti-Lunch Shaming: MEA works to help hungry students

School Hunger

“An incident that is all too often observed is when kids do not have money and they have already made a lunch tray. These students are forced to dump their tray in the trash... what sense does that make? We are an impoverished area. Kids come to school for food, warmth and safety and to be denied food is a travesty,” said one Maine teacher.

The stories from MEA members about school lunch practices are both shocking and varied. The policies surrounding school lunch in Maine differ from district to district, but the constant remains the educators’ desire to ensure every hungry child is fed.

“We have had some students told, as a policy, no meals until they are caught up to date on fees,” added another MEA member. These are the types of stories the MEA hopes to prevent in the future with help from several lawmakers, including Republican Senator Joyce Maker from Washington County. Senator Maker is sponsoring a new bill that would ensure every child is fed lunch, regardless of late fees or ability to pay.

“Studies show that missing meals and experiencing hunger can have a negative effect on academic performance and student behavior. No child should ever have the threat of food denial held over his or her head or given a substitute meal because the family owes money or has no money for the meal. Hopefully, this legislation will help ensure that the nutritional needs of all Maine students are being met,” said Senator Joyce Maker (R-Washington County).

The new legislation, An Act Forbidding Food Shaming, Food Denial and the Use of Food as Discipline Involving Any School-aged Child in Maine's Public Schools: 1. Requires a public school provide free and reduced-price meals or other meals to students who request a meal regardless of their ability to pay 2. Prohibits a public school from punishing a student in certain way solely because of the student’s inability to pay for the school meal or failure in the past to pay.

3. Prohibits a public school from openly identifying or stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for a meal or who has payments due for previous meals by requiring the student to wear a wristband, hand stamp or other identifying mark.

4. Requires the public school to communicate about a student’s meal debts directly to the parent or guardian of the student rather than the student.

The legislation came to light after members raised concerns about lunch issues at MEA’s Representative Assembly. Upon further discussion with members, the MEA brought the issue to Senator Maker who will present the bill in front the Education Committee during the legislative session. The bill is part of MEA’s ongoing effort to bring attention and solutions to the issue of hunger in our schools. If you have a story you would like to share, (you will remain anonymous) please email editor@maineea.org

On the National Level

by Marit Vike as seen in Education Votes While educators regularly step up to help hungry children, some lawmakers have also taken notice and decided to step in to right a consequence of not being able to afford food at school: lunch shaming. Currently, there are state policies that force school cafeteria staff to throw out a student’s lunch or give them a weak alternative such as a cheese sandwich when a child has meal debt rather than extending credit for meals.

“It is completely absurd that students would be shamed at school based on their inability to purchase food,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, of Pennsylvania, a sponsor of a bipartisan bill, the Anti-Lunch Shaming Act, to prevent lunch shaming. “I am confident that this legislation will do its part to stop students suffering from humiliation for circumstances outside of their control. This is bullying and I am 14

Maine Educator • December 2017

3 out of 4

educators see students who regularly come to school hungry because they are not getting enough to eat at home.

57%

of teachers regularly buy food for students who come to school hungry.

$300

is the amount that teachers spend each year buying food for students.

saddened that we have to write legislation to ensure it ends.”

The Anti-Lunch Shaming Act prohibits shaming tactics by requiring schools to direct communications regarding meal debt to the parent, not the child. The bill also aims to make the process for applying for free and reduced price lunch applications simpler by expressing that it is the sense of Congress that schools should provide these applications more effectively to the families who need them, coordinate with other programs to ensure that homeless and foster children are enrolled for free meals, and set up online systems to make paying for meals easier for parents when possible.

This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on May 8, 2017. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.

FastFacts Interesting facts and quotes about Association membership and public education in Maine and beyond. Have an idea or stat you want shared?

Send it along with your name and local to editor@maineea.org

Hunger Problem in Maine USDA estimates that 16.4 percent of Maine households, or more than 200,000 individuals, are food insecure, and Maine is 1st in New England for those experiencing food insecurity.

Maine also ranks third in the nation for the portion of households experiencing “very low food security,” an indication that one or more people were hungry at times during the year because they could not afford enough food.

According to the USDA, taking into account margins of error of the State and U.S. estimates, the prevalence of food insecurity was higher (i.e., statistically significantly higher) than the national average in 12 States, including Maine. The MEA will continue to work on ways to ensure students are fed in our schools to help decrease the statistics that highlight the hunger problem in Maine.

Food Insecurity- The USDA defines food insecurity as a state in which “consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.” Good shorthand terms for food insecurity are “struggling to avoid hunger,” “hungry, or at risk of hunger,” and “hungry, or faced by the threat of hunger.”

Hunger in Our Schools

37% of Maine’s food insecure population does not qualify for public assistance and must rely on places like food pantries for foodSource: Feeding America

Childhood Hunger

21% or 1 in every 5 children, are food insecure (55,000 children) -1st in New England

Students Eligilbe for Free/ Reduced Lunch (Public Schools) • • • • • • • •

Statewide-2015/16: 45.6% Bangor: 51% Lewiston: 69.1% Portland: 55.5% RSU 10 (Rumford): 68% RSU 39 (Caribou): 54% Machias Public Schools: 67.1% MSAD 35 (Eliot): 15.5% Source: Maine DOE

Impact of Hunger on Mainers “You can have the grocery money to go to the store, but not have the gas to get there.”

— Middle-aged mother in the Lakes Region “We are on a strictly tight budget. My other half works…I’m here [at the pantry] every two weeks. I don’t work. I’m disabled. I have three kids, so it’s hard…If we have to skip a bill, we skip a bill, to put food on the table. If that means that Dad and I don’t eat, to make sure our family is provided [for]—as parents, you have to do what’s right for your kids.” — Mother in Kennebec County

Source: Hunger Pains Widespread food insecurity threatens Maine's future, A collaborative project of Good Shepherd Food Bank and Preble Street

“If I’m working as hard as I do, I want to have the right to survive and live instead of going hungry.”- Senior in Hancock County Source: Hunger Pains Widespread food insecurity threatens Maine’s future, A collaborative project of Good Shepherd Food Bank and Preble Street December 2017 • www.maineea.org

15

Advocacy

State of the Profession 2017-18 In an effort to better understand the issues facing teachers in our public schools, the MEA recently conducted a non-scientific survey of its members. The survey results shed light on how members feel about things like the profession as a whole, satisfaction in the workplace, and compensation. Below are some of the key findings of the survey, comments from members, and how the MEA is working to advocate on your behalf. Please note, not every member answered every question which explains the varying percentage points in data.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

16

Maine Educator • December 2017

Advocacy

On Happiness and Morale Q: Do colleagues talk about leaving the profession?

Q: Are you satisfied?

Q: How happy are you with the teaching profession?

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the happiest.

Q: How would you rate the teacher morale in your school?

Member Thoughts:

I would love to come to school in the morning and spend my day teaching. After school, it would be great if I could focus on correcting papers, grading, planning, and getting things ready for the next day.

The amount of meetings, committee work, paperwork, and time spent being pulled out of my classroom for meetings has become overwhelming.

Sometimes I feel very satisfied with my work when I feel I have made a difference in my students' lives. Other times I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I am expected to do, and the attitudes of poorly behaved students or complaining parents.

I know I did my best, I just wish I had more freedom to do what was right for children.

Better salaries, more respect from the public, fewer mandates and changes to grading procedures, increased respect and responsibility from students and parents, more interaction with staff members and admin to boost morale in the buildings.

Member Thoughts:

I enjoy the job and the students. But there is no money for me to use towards my classroom or for high impact activities. My only complaint is that I spend thousands of dollars a year to give my students opportunities that aren't compensated or reimbursed.

The work load increases every year. I feel less supported.

There have been so many changes without support in the form of training and compensation.

I still LOVE the teaching aspect of this career. It's the extraneous work (data entry, creating curricula, standardized testing) that is making me rethink my choice of career paths.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

17

Advocacy

On Happiness and Morale

Q: How closely connected are teacher compensation and morale, in your view:

Q: Have teachers left your district to take higher paying jobs in the private sector?

Q: Have teachers left your district to take higher paying jobs in another school?

Q: How happy are you with the compensation you receive for teaching? On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most happy.

MEA EFFORTS The MEA continues to work to improve pay at the district and state levels. Your local UniServ Directors (MEA field staff) continually work to train members on how to structure salary scales to benefit all members. At the State House, the MEA continues to fight to increase the minimum teacher salary from $30,000 to $40,000. The increase could lift salary scales across the board. The MEA advocated for the bill that would lift teacher pay, but despite the efforts the bill did not pass the legislature. This legislation will continue to be a major issue for the MEA, as it understands both pay and morale are closely linked.

On the Profession as a Whole Q: Would you recommend a teaching career to a family member or loved one?

18

Maine Educator • December 2017

Advocacy

Q: In your view, has the teaching profession become a more or less apealing career choice in the last decade?

MEA EFFORTS The MEA continues to publicly promote the profession to highlight the great work MEA members do each day for our students. The MEA recently finished a public image campaign called Inspiring Educators which showcased the innovation happening in our public schools. The campaign was televised on the NBC affiliates in Bangor and Portland and also ran on social media. This type of publicity is ongoing.

MEA EFFORTS The MEA recognizes education mandates in recent years from both the State and Federal government have greatly impacted the profession. The MEA is constantly working to have a voice in the implementation process of any new mandate and works to rectify issues with mandates that are bad for our students.

For example, when the State began using Smarter Balanced the MEA informed the DOE on the issues with the test, and was instrumental in replacing the test, after member feedback.

Q: Do you have adequate planning & collaborative time with other teachers in your building?

Member Thoughts: My passion for teaching has not changed. The politics in teaching makes it difficult to let that passion shine and grow to truly foster a love of learning in the students. Food for thought.

I love what I do and will continue teaching for as long as I am able but the regulations and expectations put on teachers is at times overwhelming.

Q: Have you thought about leaving the teaching profession over the past 5 years?

MEA EFFORTS The MEA pushed to remove planning time from the category of education policy in order to allow local associations to bargain around this issue. The bill that would have accomplished this did not pass the legislature. MEA is working in districts that are willing on a process called bargaining for the common good which would allow for educators to have more influence over these type of issues.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

19

Advocacy

National Board Certification: What is it?

Grounded in the National Board's Five Core Propositions that describe what teachers should know and be able to do, the certification process is designed to collect standards-based evidence of accomplished practice.

In all 25 certificate areas, candidates are required to complete four components. A general description of each component follows. The specific instructions will vary by certificate area, as will the standards assessed by each component.

Component 1 : Content Knowledge This computer-based assessment asks you to demonstrate knowledge of and pedagogical practices for teaching your content area. You must demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate content, which is necessary for teaching across the full age range and ability level of your chosen certificate area. This is assessed through the completion of three constructed response exercises and approximately 45 selected response items. An assessment overview containing additional details is found at www.boardcertifiedteachers.org/about-certification.

Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction This classroom­ based portfolio entry is primarily comprised of samples of student work and an accompanying written commentary. You will submit selected work samples that demonstrate the students' growth over time and a written commentary that analyzes your instructional choices.

Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning Environment - This is a classroom-based portfolio entry that requires

video recording(s) of interactions between you and your students. A written commentary in which you describe, analyze and reflect on your teaching and interactions will also be submitted. Both the video and the written commentary should demonstrate how you engage students and impact their learning.

Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioner -

This is a portfolio entry that requires evidence of your impact across your professional responsibilities as an educator including your students, peers, and community.

The certification process is now more flexible than ever!

As we continue to roll out revisions to the certification process, you can set your own pace and sequence and pay as you go.

• •

Each component costs $475, and you have the option to pay for and submit components separately.

All components must be completed within a three-year period. If you need to retake a component, you will have two opportunities.

The National Board has advanced the teaching profession by establishing and maintaining the definitive standards of excellence in teaching and certifying more than 100,000 educators against those standards.

Learn more by visiting boardcertifiedteachers.org facebook.com/TheNBPTS twitter.com/NBPTS

NBCT Webinar-Want to learn more but can’t make it to a workshop?

Check it out on the MEA website, maineea.org.

July2014

20

Maine Educator • December 2017

Reflective Practice: How becoming a National Board Certified Teacher Helps the Profession

Everything Oxford Elementary School 5th grade teacher Melissa Guerrette does is intentional in her classroom. There isn’t a word spoken or task completed that isn’t in some way being used to help her students learn. Guerrette surrounds her students with books, her classroom library is carefully labelled. On this day, Guerrette intentionally stacked preselected nonfiction books on each table so students would find high-interest books for practicing the day's lesson. The reflective practice Guerrette uses stems from her time preparing and applying for National Board Certification. The National Board Certified teacher says she has changed for the better as an educator, and it is in turn helping her students succeed while also engaging their families more in the learning process. Maine Educator observed Guerrette’s reading and writing lessons, and then asked her questions about her process, and the value of National Board Certification.

Q: How does being a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) help your students?

For me, being certified has strengthened my sense that I have a responsibility to contribute to the profession as a lifelong learner, a leader, and a collaborator. This directly impacts my students and my school community because I'm seeking out what is current in education, sharing that knowledge, and partnering with others to provide students the best learning experiences I can.

One of my current goals is to help students grow as more reflective learners themselves. Their investment increases with more awareness of the goals and objectives and as they self-assess and reflect on their progress.

Q: How has the National Board process helped you as a teacher?

Working toward certification is by far the most rewarding professional development I’ve ever had. NBCT is the influence I credit with me being the teacher I am today. The process required me to really examine my practice, thinking critically about what impact I have in my classroom and how I can be more effective.

A lot of the National Board process is about reflection— it’s caused me to be reflective about my practice on a regular basis.

I’m reflecting not only when a lesson is finished or when I score a summative assessment, I’m reflecting upon every conversation with my students and what changes I can make immediately, the next day, and when I teach the lesson again.

Achieving National Board Certification affirmed my strengths in designing instructional opportunities for students that meet their needs and interests, and the evidence that my practice meets the national standards for accomplished teaching gives me added confidence each day in the classroom.

"

Melissa Guerrette

Your Association

For me, being certified has strengthened my sense that I have a responsibility to contribute to the profession as a lifelong learner, a leader, and a collaborator.

"

Q: What practices do you use in your classroom work or work with students that have been strengthened or resulted from pursuing National Board Certification?

Goals and Expectations I think my National Board work is evident in the goals I set for students and the way I communicate high expectations for their learning. I’m pretty transparent with my students with what it looks like to achieve, what it looks like to meet the standard, and what some of the obstacles may be in the process.

The goal of incorporating more student self-assessment and student reflection is a direct extension of the work I did to certify. I didn't involve students in self-assessment enough. I think the learning is more meaningful when students are aware of the goals.

Parental Engagement During the process, I realized I could improve at communicating with parents and enlisting parents as partners. Core Proposition 1 in certification focuses on knowledge or students, includes students’ specific needs, which requires learning about each student from multiple angles. I’ve always focused on creating strong relationships with my students, and now I use various informants to understand my students. I survey parents several times a year to look for information and feedback. I survey parents at the beginning of the year to learn about their families, to ask them what their concerns are for their kids, and how to best communicate with each student. I'm always looking for ways to keep the chain of communication open.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

21

Your Association

Health Insurance Contributions

The MEA is always trying to provide its members with the most up-to-date information about your benefits in an effort to help you better understand what you’re receiving and how it compares to other districts in your county. How much a district contributes to your health insurance plan is a negotiable item, making the data below vital to making the most of your membership. On the following four pages you will find the 2016-17 school district health insurance contributions for support staff. MEA published teacher data in its last issue which is now available online at Maineea.org

2016-17 SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS

School System Androscoggin Auburn

Class.

Individual

Adult/Child

2-Person

Family

ST

94%

Auburn Auburn (IAMAW) Lewiston Lewiston Lewiston RSU 16, Poland RSU 52

F C T F FM BCFST FST

93% Adult-Child only/94% Single only 85% Single only 80% 80% 50% 86% 86% 77%/55%

93% Adult-Child only/94% Single only 85% Single only 80% 80% 50% 86% 86% 77%/55%

RSU 52, Turner (AFSCME) Aroostook Caswell Madawaska RSU 29, Houlton

BC

85% 95% 85% 96% 86% 90% 85%/60% (hired after 10/25/05, 20-30 hrs) 85% (30 hrs or more)/60% (20-29.9)

93% (Secretaries)/94% Single only (Ed Techs) 85% Single only 93% 80% 50% 86% 90% 77%/55% 77%/55%

77%/55%

77%/55%

$3,900 100% Single only 90%/83%/88% Single only

$3,900 55% 61%/57%/88% Single only

$3,900 55% 58%/54%/ 88% Single only

Employees pay any premium increase amount above 10%.

RSU 29, Houlton

BC

$3,900 100% 100% ChoicePlus (yearround)/93% Standard (year-round)/88% (school year) 100% ChoicePlus (yearround)/92.6% Standard (year-round)/87% (school year) 87% 100% (36+ hrs per week)/85% (31-35)/67% (26-30)/50% (20-25) 84% 100% 70% $775.47 per month

89.97%/83.31%/87% Single 61.22%/56.69%/87% only Single only

58.05%/53.75%/87% Single only

Employees pay any premium increase amount above 10%.

87% Single only Single only contributions

87% Single only Single only contributions

87% Single only Single only contributions

84% Single only 100% Single only 70% $775.47

84% Single only 100% Single only 70% $775.47

84% Single only 100% Single only 70% $775.47

89%/91%

88%/90%

88%/89%

85%

85%

85%

86%/50% Adult-Child only 86%

86%/50% Adult-Child only 86%

80% Adult-Child only

80% Adult-Child only

BCFT BCFST ST

RSU 29, Houlton F RSU 33, St Agatha BCFST RSU 39, Caribou RSU 50, Patten SAD 27, Fort Kent Southern Aroostook Vocational Cumberland Brunswick

ST BCFST T BT

Brunswick (AFSCME) Cape Elizabeth

BC

90% Standard/92% ChoicePlus 85%

BCF

86%

Cape Elizabeth

ST

86%

86% (Bus/Custodians)/50% (Food) 86%

Falmouth

ST

100%

80%

22

ST

Maine Educator • December 2017

Notes

Standard 1000

Standard 500

Standard

Dependent coverage is only available to employees who are in a single-parent household or have a spouse who is not eligible for insurance through his/her employer.

Your Association Falmouth Gorham

BC ST

100% 100% of prior year’s premium

$12,651 100% of prior year’s premium

$14,784 100% of prior year’s premium

$14,784 100% of prior year’s premium

Gorham

BCF

85%/83%

85%/83%

85%/83%

Portland

BCFST

85% (year-round)/83% (school year) 100%

100%

75%

82%

Region 10

BCT

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

RSU 05, Freeport

BCFST

100% of prior year’s premium

95% of prior year’s premium 95% of prior year’s premium

85% of prior year’s premium

RSU 14, Windham BCFST

100%

100% Adult-Child only/100% Single only

RSU 15, Gray

BCFST

RSU 51, Cumberland RSU 51, Cumberland RSU 51, Cumberland RSU 51, Cumberland (Ind.) RSU 61, Bridgton

F

78% (35-40 hrs per week)/65% (30-34.9) 95%

100% (hired before 100% Adult-Child 7/1/2011)/100% Single only only/100% Single only (hired after 6/30/2011) 78%/65% 78%/65% 95% Single only

95% Single only

95% Single only

B

95%

75%

75% Adult-Child only

75% Adult-Child only

ST

95%

95% Single only

95% Single only

95% Single only

C

100%

95%

95% Adult-Child only

95% Adult-Child only

BCF

80% (30 hrs or more)/40% (20-30)

80%/40%

80%/40%/Adult-Child level only

Employees pay any premium increase amount above 6%.

RSU 61, Bridgton

ST

80%/50%

80%/50%

Hires after 3/13/2012 eligible for single contribution only.

Scarborough South Portland South Portland Westbrook

BCFST BCF ST BCFST

80% (30 hrs or more)/50% (20-30) 80% 82% 83% 93% ChoicePlus/87.9% Standard

80%/40%/Adult-Child level only (hired after 6/30/2014) 80%/50% 80% 82% 83% 86%/79%/82%/65.7%

80% 82% 83% 86%/79%/82%/65.7%

Yarmouth Yarmouth (AFSCME) Franklin RSU 09, Farmington RSU 58, Phillips

T BCFS

95% 90%

80% 82% 83% 93% ChoicePlus (yearround)/83% Standard (yearround)/82% ChoicePlus (school year)/66.7% Standard (school year) 80% 90% (year-round)/90% Single only (school year)

80% Adult-Child only 90%/90% Single only

80% Adult-Child only 90%/90% Single only

BCST

77%

T

85%

77% Single plus 70% of difference 85% Single only plus $500

RSU 58, Phillips (AFSCME) RSU 78, Rangeley Hancock Bar Harbor Blue Hill Deer IsleStonington Ellsworth Hancock

BC

85%

75%

77% Single plus 70% of difference 85% Single only plus $500 75%

77% Single plus 70% of difference 85% Single only plus $500 75%

BCFST

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

BCFST CFST CFST

83% 85% 100%

83% 85% 100% Single only

83% 85% 100% Single only

83% 85% 100% Single only

T T

100% 100%

100% Single only 100% Single only

100% Single only 100% Single only

100% Single only 100% Single only

Lamoine

T

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

RSU 24, Sullivan RSU 24, Sullivan (AFSCME) RSU 24, Sullivan (AFSCME) RSU 25, Bucksport

T B

100% 100%

100% Single only 100% Single only

100% Single only 100% Single only

100% Single only 100% Single only

CS

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

CST

92%

92%

92%

92%

Sedgwick

CFST

80%

80%

80%

80%

Employee’s cost not to exceed 15% of prior year’s premium. Schoolyear employees pay full premium for July and August.

School-year employees pay full premium for July and August.

78%/65%

Standard

$9,400 maximum contribution for Single $9,400 maximum contribution for Single

Standard 1000. 100% cost of a major medical complement plan also provided. Employees hired before 7/1/2014 are eligible for a tiered employer contribution for ChoicePlus based on date of hire and classification.

First year of employment only, dependent coverage limited to 75% up to $11,000 maximum.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

23

Your Association Kennebec Augusta RSU 02, Hallowell RSU 02, Hallowell RSU 04, Sabattus RSU 04, Sabattus

CFST BCF ST BCFST S

RSU 11, Gardiner RSU 12, Windsor

BFST BCFST

100% 100% 100% 100% 90% (hired before 10/1/2008)/100% (hired after 7/1/2011) 100% 98.21%

RSU 18, China

CFT

100%

RSU 38, Oakland RSU 38, Oakland Vassalboro Waterville

B CFST ST T

100% 100% 100% 100%

Winslow

FST

100%

Winthrop

CFST

Knox Five Town CSD/ RSU 28, Camden

65% 70% 76.8% 100% Single only 90%/80%

65% 70% 77.2% 100% Single only 90%/80%

65% 70% 76.8% 100% Single only 90%/80%

70% 80%/100% Single only

70% 80%/100% Single only

70%/100% Single only

70%/100% Single only

100% less $175 annual employee contribution

70% 80% (full-time)/100% Single only (school year) 70% (hired before 7/1/2015)/100% Single only (hired after 6/30/15) 100% Single only 75% 100% Single only 80% (25 hours or more)/64% (18 to 24.9 hours) 80% (year-round)/100% Single only (school year) 80% (year-round)/75% (school year)

100% Single only 75% 100% Single only 80% Adult-child only/64% Adult-Child only 80% Adult-Child only/100% Single only 80%/75%

100% Single only 75% 100% Single only 80% Adult-child only/64% Adult-Child only 80% Adult-Child only/100% Single only 80%/75%

BCF

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Five Town CSD/ RSU 28, Camden

ST

100%

80% (hired before 80%/100% Single only 7/1/2012)/100% Single only (hired after 6/30/2012)

80%/100% Single only

Region 8 St. George

CST BCFST

100% 100%

88% 83% 100% Single plus 50% of the 100% Single plus 50% difference of the difference

85% 100% Single plus 50% of the difference

102.5% of prior year’s premium 100%

82.5% of prior year’s premium 80%/100% Single only

82.5% of prior year’s premium 80%/100% Single only

80%

80%

Lincoln Boothbay Harbor CFST CSD Great Salt Bay CSD BCFST Wiscasset Oxford RSU 10, Rumford RSU 10, Rumford RSU 17, Paris Penobscot Bangor

BCFST

95%

82.5% of prior year’s premium 80% (year-round)/100% Single only (school year) 80%

ST BC BCFST

92% 93% 80%

82% 83% 80%

82% 83% 80%

82% 83% 80%

T

77%

77%

77%

77%

Bangor Brewer Brewer

CFS CF T

80% 100% 100%

Glenburn

CFST

97%

80% 72% 100% Single only/ Single plus 73% of additional cost 75%/97% Single only

80% 72% 100% Single only/Single plus 73% of additional cost 75%/97% Single only

Milford

CFST

75%

75%

Millinocket

CST

95% (hired before 7/1/2012)/90% (hired after 6/30/2012) 85% (hired before 7/1/2009)/80% (hired after 6/30/2009) 91% 100% ChoicePlus (hired before 7/2014)/100% Standard 500 (hired after 6/2014) 97% 100%

80% 72% 100% Single only (Ed Tech I and II)/Single plus 73% of additional cost (Ed Tech IIIs) 75% (year-round)/97% Single only (school year) 75% 85%/80% Single only

85%/80% Single only

85%/80% Single only

91% Single only 100% Single plus 70% of difference (hired before 7/2011)/75% (hired after 7/2011) 90% 100% Single plus 50% of the difference

91% Single only 100% Single plus 70% of difference/75%

91% Single only 100% Single plus 70% of difference/75%

90% 100% Single plus 50% of the difference

90% 100% Single plus 50% of the difference

RSU 19, Newport CFST RSU 22, Hampden CFST

RSU 26, Orono RSU 30, Lee

24

CFST BCFST

Maine Educator • December 2017

Lump sum payment of $250 if employee choses Standard 500 or $500 for Standard 1000.

Lump sum payment of $250 if employee choses Standard 500 or $500 for Standard 1000.

Dependent coverage for spouses for employees hired before 7/1/2012 eligible only if spouse does not have coverage through employer.

Standard 500

Dependent coverage only for employees who work minimum of 27.5 hours per week.

Standard 500 for dependent coverage.

Your Association RSU 34, Old Town

F

95%

95% Single plus 75% of difference (hired before 9/1/09)/95% Single only (hired after 8/31/2009) 88%/95% Single only

95% Single plus 75% of 95% Single plus 75% of difference/95% Single difference/95% Single only only

RSU 34, Old Town

CS

RSU 34, Old Town RSU 67, Lincoln RSU 67, Lincoln

T B ST

88% (hired before 7/1/2012)/95% (hired after 6/30/2012) 95% 100% 80%

88%/95% Single only

88%/95% Single only

95% Single only 85% 80% (hired before 7/1/2015)/80% Single only (hired after 6/30/2015)

95% Single only 85% 80%/80% Single only

95% Single only 85% 80%/80% Single only

SAD 46, Dexter Veazie Piscataquis Greenville

FST FST

100% 100%

100% Single only 100%

100% Single only 100% Adult-Child only

100% Single only 100% Adult-Child only

CFST

100%

75%/100% Single only

T T

100% 80%

75% (hired before 75%/100% Single only 7/1/2016)/100% Single only (hired after 6/30/2016) 100% Single only 100% Single only 80% Single only 80% Single only

RSU 41, Milo RSU 68, DoverFoxcroft RSU 80, Guilford

BCST

80%

80% (hired before 8/1/2004)/80% Single only

80%/80% Single only

Sagadahoc RSU 01, Bath

ST

RSU 75, Topsham

BCFST

100% of prior year’s premium 95% (31-40 hrs)/78% (21-30)/53% (20)

91% of prior year’s premium 91% of prior year’s premium 95%/78%/53% 95%/78%/53%

91% of prior year’s premium 95%/78%/53%

RSU 75, Topsham

Tech

100%/95% (new hires)

95%/90%

100% of prior year’s premium/90% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium/90% of prior year’s premium

Somerset Athens Harmony

BCFST BCFST

RSU 49, Fairfield

TI

90% 85% (full-time)/55% (part-time) 30%

90% Single only 85% Single only/55% Single only 30% Single only

90% Single only 85% Single only/55% Single only 30% Single only

90% Single only 85% Single only/55% Single only 30% Single only

RSU 49, Fairfield

TII

100%

$1292.98/$1202.91

RSU 53, Pittsfield

CT

100%

RSU 54, Skowhegan

T

100%

$923.27 Standard/$865.20 $1089.56/$1015.54 ChoicePlus 80% of prior year’s premium 80% of prior year’s premium 97% 89%

RSU 59, Madison

BCFT

100% Single only/85% Single only

100% Single only/85% Single only

100% Single only/85% Single only

RSU 74, Anson RSU 83, Bingham Waldo Northport RSU 03, Unity RSU 03, Unity RSU 20, Searsport RSU 71, Belfast Washington Alexander

BCFT BCFT

100% (hired before 7/1/2012)/85% (hired after 6/30/2012) $7,748 100%

$12,250 100% Single only

$12,250 100% Single only

$12,250 100% Single only

CFST B CFST BCFST BCFST

85% 85% 92% 85% 83%

80% 83% 81% 80% 78%

80% 79% 78% 80% 78%

80% 79% 78% 80% 78%

CFST

80%

Baileyville Calais Charlotte Cutler East Machias Eastport Eastport Machias Pembroke RSU 84, Danforth

BCFST ST FST BCFST BCFT BCFS T BCST BCFST BCFST

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 0%

Single plus 80% of additional cost $9,700 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 70% 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 0%

Single plus 80% of additional cost $9,700 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 70% 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 0%

Single plus 80% of additional cost $9,700 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 70% 100% Single only 100% Single only 100% Single only 0%

80%/80% Single only

Employee pays full premium for July and August. Employee pays any premium increase above 5% in a year. Hired after 6/30/2015 have to work at least 30 hours per week to qualify, hired before 7/1/2015 20 hours per week.

Standard 500

100% Single only 80% Single only

80% of prior year’s premium 75%

Board pays first 18% increase in premium cost above the rates in effect in the previous year.

Standard (employees hired before 2005-06). Ed Techs working between 20-30 hours receive 50% of benefit.

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

25

Your Association RSU 85, Lubec Whiting York Acton

BCFST BCFT

100% 100%

100% Single only 100% Single only

100% Single only 100% Single only

100% Single only 100% Single only

CFST

90%

87%/85%

87%/85%

Biddeford

TIII

85%

87% (hired before 7/1/2010)/85% (hired after 6/30/2010) 85% Single only

85% Single only

85% Single only

Biddeford

S

91% (year round)/81% (school year)

91%/81%

91%/81%

91%/81%

Biddeford

T

91%

91% Single only

91% Single only

91% Single only

Dayton

BCST

80%

80%

80%

RSU 06, Buxton RSU 06, Buxton

BCF ST

80% 80%

80% 80%

80% 80%

RSU 21, Kennebunk

C

90% (Ed Techs/ Secretaries)/91% (Bus/ Custodians) 80% 80% (ChoicePlus)/100% (Standard 500) 82%

82%

82%/82% Adult-Child only

RSU 21, Kennebunk RSU 23, Old Orchard RSU 23, Old Orchard RSU 35, Eliot RSU 35, Eliot RSU 35, Eliot

T

81%

81%

82% (hired before 7/1/2013)/82% AdultChild only (hired after 6/30/2013) 81%

ST

90%

86%

86%

86%

BC

93%

86%

86%

86%

S T TII

95% 95% 95%

70% 80% 86.5%

70% 70% 86.5%

65% 65% 86%

RSU 57, Alfred

T

90%

75%/70%

75%/70%

RSU 60, Berwick Saco Saco

FST T BC

95% 89% 87%

85% (hired before 9/1/2006)/70% (hired after 8/31/2006) 95% Single only 86% 85%

95% Single only 86% Adult-Child only 80% (full-year)/85% Adult-Child only (school year) 80% 60% 85%

95% Single only 86% Adult-Child only 80%/85% Adult-Child only

81%

Sanford C 80% 80% 80% Sanford (AFT) FST 75% 60% 60% Wells-Ogunquit CFST 85% 85% 85% CSD York CFST 86% 86% 86% 86% Note: All employer contributions based on MEABT ChoicePlus unless noted.

Classifications: B = bus driver; C = custodian; F = food service; FM = food service manager; S = secretary, administrative assistant; T = educational technicians

Be sure to check out the Maine Educator Online for exclusive online content.

26

Maine Educator • December 2017

Full-time employees only. Any premium increase amount above 10% paid by employee.

Standard 500. Any premium increase amount above 10% paid by employee. Part-time employees not eligible for coverage.

Standard 500. Any premium increase amount above 10% paid by employee. Part-time employees not eligible for coverage.

Employees pay any premium increase amount above 9%.

Many contracts are pro-rated for less than full-time. What constitutes full-time varies by contract.

Student Cover Contest "What I Love About Maine" Deadline: April 20th

The Maine Educator will feature a cover designed by a Maine public school art student depicting the theme "What I Love About Maine." Submissions can be any form of art and should be 8.5" by 11" or able to be photographed. Please advise students that the magazine title will be across the top and 2.5" high. The artist will want to make sure there is nothing important to the piece at the top, as it may be obscured by the title. Entries must include the name of the student, the school, and the submitting teacher's name and email.

WHO: Grades K-4, 5-8, 9-12 - There will be 3 finalists from each category, plus electronic art. One overall winner will be chosen from the finalists and have their work on the cover.

HOW: Submit artwork to Giovanna Bechard via mail at 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or by email at contest@maineea.org

Interested in earning your Ph.D.?

New cohort begins Fall 2018.

Our Ph.D. in Public Policy with a Concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy is designed for working professionals in the field of education who want to develop their leadership skills to influence educational policy and practice.

Information sessions are scheduled throughout the fall.

For more information or to register for an information session, visit usm.maine.edu/phd

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

27

ELECTIONS 2018

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN YOUR ASSOCIATION? The MEA Representative Assembly (RA) is made up of elected local association delegates from across the state and serves as the Association’s highest governing body. At its annual meeting in May, the RA will determine MEA’s policies, programs, and budget for the following year. NEA’s RA, which is held in July, determines policies also by elected delegates from across the country.

Elections Conducted by the Local Association MEA RA Local Delegates/Alternates Candidates’ Notices of Intent are due to Local Presidents by January 24, 2018 to run an election. Elected delegates’ and alternates’ Certificates of Election need to be signed by the Local President and submitted to MEA by March 5, 2018

NEA Representative Assembly Local Delegates/Alternates

NEA will send two emails to Local Presidents with information regarding delegate counts and forms around January 27 – filing deadline is April 10, 2018

28 28

Information, forms and responsibilities for vacancies are available on the web. Filing deadline for vacancies is January 24, 2018 unless otherwise noted.

Maine Educator • December 2017 Maine Educator • December 2017

Elections Conducted by the Maine Education Association

Elections Conducted at the MEA Representative Assembly

MEA Board of Directors

MEA President

MEA RA Statewide Associations -ACSUM, AFUM, UMPSA, CCFA, CCAA, MPBCEA

MEA Vice President

MEA RA Cluster Delegates (locals with

Forms and instructions are available on the MEA website at maineea.org Click on MEA Elections in the Members Only area. Register for access if you have not already done so by following the instructions on the Members Only access page.

less than 35 members)

NEA RA District Seats and Cluster Delegates/Alternates MEA-Retired – vacancies for MEA and NEA RAs Student MEA - Elections will be

conducted by the MEA for the MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies. Forms will be emailed directly to Student MEA members.

MEA Treasurer

If you need assistance, please contact Linda Heaney at lheaney@maineea.org

Take the Ache Out of Standing All Day

From We are Teachers: Educator recommended shoes when you're on your feet all day

From NEA Member Benefits

It’s no secret standing all day wreaks havoc on your joints, ligaments and aching feet. Now a growing body of research suggests it may also increase your risk for chronic disease.

“Being still whether sitting or standing, impacts our metabolism and circulation, both of which can contribute to certain conditions and diseases,” says Jennifer Spreckley, director and chief learning officer of Kingsway Pilates. Indeed, studies show prolonged standing not only stresses your legs, knees and lower back, it can also lead to varicose veins, joint damage and circulation issues.

Vionic Slip-On

While you need to be on your feet to teach or wash floors or serve food, you can incorporate strategies to ease the strain. You may already know it’s important to maintain good posture, move around and give your feet room to breathe. Here are three additional strategies to quiet barking dogs and minimize pain.

1. Feet first! Since your feet are the weight-bearing foundation of your body, selecting supportive footwear is key. According to Paul Salinas, Doctor of Chiropractic and Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician at Park Avenue Spine in New York, shoes that wear like sneakers with added support and cushioning are your best bet.

Dansko, for example, famously designs shoes specifically for the upright subset featuring strong arch support, roomy toe boxes, high-quality leathers that follow the natural contours of the foot.

See a list of educator chosen shoes in the side bar.

2. Mind your posture. Most of us stand without thinking too much about it. But being mindful of your stance can make a world of difference. “You want to feel most of the weight of the body in your heels—imagine a plumb line from your ears to your feet, and you will likely have to lean your weight backward to bring your hips in to that line. Then, imagine your head is a balloon and let it float up to the ceiling so that the string— your spine—can unkink and stretch to its full length. This will reduce tension in your neck and shoulders,” says Kate Hanley, yoga teacher, author of “A Year of Daily Calm” and founder of MsMindBody.com.

3. Roll around. Use props to help ease pressure spots. “Keep a self-care kit in your desk with a foam roller, tennis ball, lacrosse ball and a bakery rolling pin so you can roll out your muscles in between classes,” suggests Salinas. Need instant relief when you’re at the front of the class? Tap your toes, stretch your calves or break out your tennis ball and roll your feet beneath your desk.

The key, say experts, is paying attention to your body’s cues to quiet muscle pain and strain.

Looking for a list of great stretches? Head to the Maine Educator Online for some great tips!

Any medical information provided on NEAMB.com, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on NEAMB.com (“Health Content”), is for informational purposes only. More information.

The Dansko Mule

Algeria Mule

“Fabulous shoe. Great arch support, quality construction. I also have these clogs in black that fit great.”-online review

Boots with Support - Keens and Merrells

Clarks Men's Escalade Step Slip-on Loafer December 2017 • www.maineea.org

29

Your Association

Association Round Up Bargaining Updates

Madison teachers settled a new 3-year contract in which they completely revamped their salary scale. Previously they were on 5 year steps, now they have a 13-step scale, and teachers (depending on their experience) received between 6.2 and 13% over the 3-year term. Madison ESP also settled a new 2-year agreement.

The ESP unit of Region II have ratified their contract after two years at the table. This contract covers a small group of educational technicians and bus driver/custodians. Now Region II vocational school is a wall to wall unit with 100% enrollment in MEA. The Cape Elizabeth EA settled a 3-year contract for teachers, with the following highlights: Salary increase: 2%, 2.75%, 2.75% in each year, no change in health insurance benefits, 15 additional sick days may be used for maternity/paternity/ adoption leave (beyond the current family medical leave amount in the contract), and language added that the teachers will be consulted regarding curriculum changes and professional development.

Welcome to the NEW members of the MEA! Among the many members who have joined the Association in existing locals, there are also many who have formed new local associations. Here are the new locals that can now bargain for better wages and benefits in their districts.

RSU 55 Ed Techs RSU 10 Special Assistants (Western Foothills) RSU 73 Managers/Directors

SAD 75 Technology RSU 18 Admin. Assistants North Haven Teachers Region 7 Lee Academy, teachers, ed techs, guidance counselors, information technology, & librarian Foxcroft Ed Techs Hermon Ed Techs Moosabec Teachers

Washburn Ed Techs SAVE ESP Appleton ESP RSU 11 Food Service Unit (Gardiner) RSU 11-Ed Techs and Admin Assistants (Gardiner) RSU 11-Custodians-Maintenance (Gardiner) RSU 23-Food Service (Old Orchard Beach)

YOU'RE IN THE LARGEST PROFESSIONAL UNION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Having a basic understanding of your union, then building on it with personal involvement, are the first steps toward better working conditions, pay, and benefits. Here are some key things to remember about being part of the union.

Health Benefits With MEABT Insurance if you’re not sure whether you need care or where to get it, you can call our 24-hour nurse call line at 800-607-3262. You’ll be connected to a helpful registered nurse here in Maine, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Money in Your Pocket The MEA and NEA offer thousands of dollars in grants to members to help implement new projects. Take advantage of these grant opportunities, and continue to check out the grant page on our website maineea.org.

30

Maine Educator • December 2017

Help on the Job If you want to become a better educator, you're off to a good start just by being a member.

The Association offers its members advice, training, and other assistance to boost skills in the classroom, including teacher evaluation, mentoring, and tools to help prepare for certification tests. For support staff there are specialized trainings to deal with student behaviors, bullying and respect in the workplace…and much more.

Protection at Work Each region of the state has a dedicated MEA staff member called a UniServ Director, or UD to help with all issues related to your employment. UDs are experienced advocates who advise or represent members in employment-related matters. If a principal unfairly accuses you of being ineffective, the UniServ director is the one to call on.

Plus, if a contractural legal issue arises, you've got at least $1 million in liability insurance as a member of the Association.

Learn who your UD is at maineea.org.

Voice in Your Work The MEA is governed by an elected Board of Directors— they’re teachers and support staff in your schools who work to help shape the direction of the democratically run association.

Any member can run for a Board seat, and any member can submit a new business item to be discussed during the Association’s annual Representative Assembly.

Calendar February

1

Scholarships for current High School Students

Your Association April

February

15

2

Read Across America Grant

Applications are now available for the 2018 MEA Clyde Russell Scholarship. Graduating seniors are eligible to receive scholarships in two categories: seniors attending a four-year college, and seniors attending a Maine community college.

MEA's Read Across America Incentive Grants applications are being accepted from local associations who sponsor association activities for reading celebrations on or around NEA's Reading Across America day in March. Grants of $50 each will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

FMI and to apply: Clyderussellscholarship.org

FMI: maineea.org/grants

April

27-29

Scholarship for Current Student MEA members

Rainbow Ball Weekend for LGBTQ and Allied Youth

The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship is available to current college students who are also members of Student MEA. Scholarship of $2,500 will be awarded to a member who shows financial need and how this scholarship will help you complete your degree in teacher education.

Electronic submission is not permitted.

The Rainbow Ball is an alternative Prom for LGBTQQIAA youth. This year's theme is "Out with Alexander Hamilton." The Rainbow Ball, held this year at Mount Desert Island HS, is a prom where you can take who you want and dress the way you like. All are welcome.

FMI: (207) 288-5011

FMI and to apply: http:// www.nea.org/assets/docs/ Kinnaman_Award4web.pdf

No-cost classroom resources for teachers Horace Mann is a national sponsor of DonorsChoose.org, a not-for-profit that connects teachers in need of classroom resources with donors that want to help.

We offer workshops to help educators navigate the process to improve the chances of getting projects funded.

We can make a difference in educators’ lives.

To learn how we can make a difference in yours, contact a Horace Mann representative.

Lisa Bussiere, Auburn . . . . . . . . . . .207-783-3660 David Case, Bangor . . . . . . . . . . . . .207-941-2121 Joe DeFranco, Ellsworth . . . . . . . . . 207-941-2121 Jeff Delisle, Augusta . . . . . . . . . . . .207-623-5004 Martha Frost, Falmouth . . . . . . . . . .207-797-3019

P.J. Kinney, Presque Isle . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-764-1283 Tony LaPrino, Rockland . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-941-1212 Dominic Vermette, Waterboro . . . . . . . . 207-467-3650 Troy True, Brunswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207-729-1975 Dominic Vermette, East Waterboro . . . . .207-247-0186 Paul Yarnevich, South Portland . . . . . . . .207-510-6600

Founded by Educators for Educators AUTO | HOME | LIFE | RETIREMENT

Maine Educator • December 2017

AM-C04203 (May 17)

31

Shopping Tips

Holiday Ideas for Your Life and Work

Aim to have all your shopping done by Dec. 20th—retailers know they can take advantage of those who are in a bind to buy so try and get all your shopping done by the 20th of December.

Keep your gift giving organized with the app Santa’s Bag. The app lets you set a budget, create shopping lists and keep track of what you’ve purchased, all while staying orgaznized.

Stress-free Storage

Decorating Tips

Use candy canes as dinner place card holders

Holiday School Spirit Holiday Writing Prompts

Holiday Light Circuits

Turn a non-blinking strand of Christmas lights into a blinking one that actually works, and in the process, teach kids about circuits. FMI log on to the Maine Educator Online for a complete detailed assignment.

Keep lights untangled by wrapping strands of them around a plastic hanger for storage—it takes up less space and is easier than trying to stuff them back into the box.

Student Essay Contest Deadline: April 18th The MEA is pleased to join with the Portland Sea Dogs for its annual "My Hero Works at School" essay contest. Students are encouraged to write about their school hero. Two winners will be selected and receive tickets to a 2018 Sea Dogs game for themselves, their family and their school hero.

Send essays to contests@maineea.org or by mail to: Giovanna Bechard 35 Community Drive Augusta, ME 04330

December 2017 • www.maineea.org

33

Online and On Campus GRADUATE EDUCATION Classes begin January 22nd NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Vist: UMaine.edu/graduate

The University of Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer