Maine Educator October 2017

MAINE

Health Insurance

Educator

October 2017 www.maineea.org @maineea

#WeAreMEA

The Faces of Your Association

District by District Guide

Let us help you buy or refinance a home

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

Receive an award from Wells Fargo!

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

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

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

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

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

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has a services agreement with NEA’s Member Benefit Corporation in which NEA’s Member Benefit Corporation receives a financial benefit for providing agreed upon services. You are encouraged to shop around to ensure you are receiving the services and loan terms that fit your home financing needs.

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. #108185 REV 8/17 HF221017

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Maine Educator • October 2017

In This Issue - October 2017

Contents

David Arenstam

#WeAreMEA Issue

News You Can Use 7 8 10 11 12

>>> 7

Free Stuff!

Doug In D.C. Bouncing Back from Layoffs Success as an Ed Tech #WeAreMEA The Faces of Your Association - Take an in-depth look at the MEA--the people who represent public education so well and continue to build the pride in public schools brand that truly is the backbone of the Association.

15 Who's Looking Out for Rural Schools?

16 Spotless Classroom Cleaning Tricks 17 Fast Facts 18 Supporting LGBTQ Students - Understanding how students feel in school is key to knowing how to best help them. Learn the facts in this article.

20 Tech Talk - edCommunities 21 Perspectives - "A Dime A Dozen"

Your Association

MAINE

Educator

Volume 78 Number 2 - Copyright 2017 Health Insurance

Educator

#WeAreMEA

The Faces of Your Association

Sarah Hirschfield Michelle Metzler

#WeAreMEA The Faces of Your Association

12

Justin Dimmel

District by District Guide

Supporting LGBTQ Students

18

Health Insurance Guide

22

22

22 Health Insurance Guide - Are you paying more for your health insurance than your colleagues in a neighboring city or town? Check out our new district-by-district health insurance cost comparison.

26 Rock of Ages 28 Fall Conference #WeAreMEA 30 Protect Your Pension 32 Calendar 33 Just For Fun - Sudoku

October 2017 www. maineea.org @maineea

Avalinda Lindsey

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Advocacy

MAINE

Volume 78 Number 2

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.

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

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

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

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

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Opening Bell Special Education Changes

The issues concerning the cost and effectiveness of special education programs has become a subject of debate in Augusta.

The legislature voted to create a special task force to identify the cost drivers for special education, and explore innovative approaches to services. The MEA will follow the work of this task force closely. In addition, the legislature also made specific changes to the ways students are identified as having a specific learning disability.

Teacher Certification The Department of Education continues to make sweeping changes to the teacher certification process, and the MEA is vigilant in protecting our members and making sure all changes are in the best interest of teachers and students. ALL teachers who are currently certified are grandfathered in to the old certification rules and the new rules to NOT apply unless you transfer outside of your current certification.

FMI contact MEA Director of Professional Development Dan Allen, dallen@maineea.org.

Like to travel?

Interested in having a voice in your work?

Here's your chance!

Be a part of MEA's team of delegates that head to the NEA's Representative Assembly. Destination: Minneapolis-Summer 2018!

Destination Minneapolis Summer 2018

"After careful review of all oral and written comments received by the Maine DOE regarding proposed rule Chapter 134, Regulations for Awarding a High School Diploma, the Maine DOE has made the decision to withdraw the current proposed rule and restart the rulemaking process after a brief pause for conceptual conversations. The conceptual conversations will provide an opportunity to explore areas needing greater clarity in the current proposed rule Chapter 134. The Maine DOE remains committed to the proficiency-based diploma law and remains committed to drafting a proposed rule that supports the implementation of a diploma based on evidence of proficiency.” The MEA will monitor this process and inform members of any updates.

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Maine Educator • October 2017

Health Insurance for Retired Teachers

Currently, the State only pays 45% of the cost of health insurance for retired teachers, while State employees receive 100% coverage for their health insurance. The MEA supported a bill last year that would gradually increase the amount the State pays each year. The MEA will be supporting this effort again during the next legislative session and hopes there can be some progress on this critical issue for retired teachers.

Pension Changes The MEA worked to protect the COLA for retired teachers and ed techs. The COLA for the next year is 1.6%. Governor LePage pushed to eliminate the COLA for another two years, but MEA efforts paid off, and the COLA for retired teachers is secure for the next two years. In addition, the MEA will be part of a new task force designed to review the current pension plan to determine if other plan designs may be better for MEA members and state employees.

Flu season is here. Be prepared by getting a flu vaccine that costs you nothing. Your MEA Benefits Trust health plan covers preventive care like flu vaccines at 100%, so there’s no added cost to you.

Choice #1

Proficiency Based Diplomas

There are major changes to the proficiency based diploma mandate. The Department of Education announced in the beginning of October the rules surrounding the PBD mandate will be eliminating stating:

Time for your flu vaccine!

What is the NEA Representative Assembly?

The National Education Association Representative Assembly–the RA–is the highest decision-making body within the over 3 million-member NEA. With over 8,000 delegates, the RA is also the world’s largest democratic deliberative body.

Over the course of four days, RA delegates debate the vital issues that impact American public education and set Association policy and activities for the year ahead.

You can be part of this processby running for an open seat to represent Maine. Ask your local association leadership for more details, or contact Linda Heaney at lheaney@maineea.org.

Don’t care to see the Midwest, but want to be involved? Talk to your local leadership about becoming an MEA delegate at our own Representative Assembly. Look for more details in the next issue.

Go to your doctor’s office.

Your cost: $0 if you only get preventive care services: You can get a flu vaccine at your doctor’s office with no office visit copay as long as the visit is for just the vaccine or other preventive care. If the office visit is for an illness or injury, you’ll have an office visit copay even if you get the flu vaccine during the visit.

Choice #2 Go to a network pharmacy.

Your cost: $0: Visit a pharmacy near you, but make sure it’s in the network.

Bring your member ID card and a photo ID with you.

Football Challenge Earn cash while you watch football and get into shape!

Participate in the OnLife Fall Fitness Football Challenge available to those enrolled through MEABT. All you need to do is pick teams, add the scores and get active. To learn more on how to enroll, email mbooth@ meabt.org

Editor's Note

Email questions or story ideas to editor@maineea.org

As expected I cried.

How could I not? My youngest son stepped on the school bus for the first time to head to kindergarten and didn’t look back. In the short time his little legs have walked the halls at Lyseth Elementary he’s already learned so much, some of which I wish he’d un-learn and didn’t come from the adults in the building.

But, that’s beside the point. My “baby” changed into a boy who is finding himself, learning more than I expected and making new friends. His experience, so far, at school has been an extremely positive one with the credit due to the teachers, support staff and administrators at his school. It’s remarkable how much can happen in such a short time, and how quickly life can change, and for that matter how quickly things can seem overwhelming. Now that my little Lou is in school there are tons of new commitments and activities for both he and his older brother. Between the fundraisers, football, hockey, school volunteering, more fundraising, and community meetings, and oh yeah work, I’m already feeling tapped out. I hear you now, “yep-me too!” However, before the snowball consumes me and the avalanche sends me down the hill, I’ve started using my new favorite word—(no, not that one)—the two letter word, NO. Sure, we’ll participate in the fundraiser—I’m just not going to push to be an all-star seller so he could win a prize I could buy at the Dollar Store. Priorities and sanity need to take over. Beyond the word “no,” I’ve also decided there needs to be more of the word, “yes.” Yes, I am going to take more time for myself. Yes, I am going to the store, alone, and yes it’s going to take a looooong time. Yes, I’m going to be more organized so life will be easier. And yes, I’m going to ask for help, which is something I am not accustomed to doing. For all of you, I encourage you to ask for help from your Association. There are so many resources available to make your work, and your personal

[

life so much easier. Don’t write a new lesson plan when you can get one for free, just by being a member. There are thousands of lesson plans available, in all subject areas, online from master teachers. Tap into that member resource at betterlesson.com. Don’t waste your time googling—instead just head to MEA’s Pinterest page for all things education. Need help understanding the new certification rules? Contact your MEA representative and get the real scoop. Want day-to-day quick tips, ideas, help understanding key issue issues regarding your work, or just want to read a good story about your fellow member? Read this magazine in print or online. Need to save money? Your membership can do that too. Don’t forget to log on to neamb.com for the latest deals and discounts, including the new NEA Vacations travel benefits. (Hint, you can earn $500 in NEA Travel dollars to be used on your next vacation) Help is always available—sometimes you have to ask, and other times you just need to know what’s available to you as a member. Make sure to take advantage of your membership so you don’t end up in that avalanche. And remember to say NO when you feel the storm coming. I just said no and it felt good—because no matter how many times I’m asked, I draw the line at cutting box tops. I just can’t.

From the field to the rink and back to the field again.

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

I prepare lunches now for the week on Sunday so all I have to do it pick and pack. So much easier!

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

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MEA President's Message

Email questions or to lkilby-chesley@maineea.org

MEA Continues to Strengthen and Adapt with New Initiatives MEA members will see many changes ahead in the upcoming year. We have our priorities set. We are working from the New Business Items passed by delegates at the Representative Assembly.

We are building our Education Support Professional (ESP) ranks, as well as increasing the numbers of our Young Education Professionals (YEP). We are paying special attention to potential members who have not engaged as members of the MEA. Our Advocates for Children and Education (ACEs) are being reinvigorated as we begin the next legislative session. Even meetings have changed - You will be able to join discussions on topics of interest in October and November via all member conference calls, and I have made changes to the committee meetings, using virtual meetings twice this year to encourage more, and easier, participation.

Building our power through membership, organizing our colleagues as activists, bringing forth pro-education legislative actions and legislation that protects our most vulnerable, identifying legislative friends who have proven their support of public education for elections taking place in fall 2018, providing quality professional development that is useable with our students, helping the public see the value of our public schools/colleges/universities, working with our higher education members on new initiatives, and protecting every member’s career path – MEA is focusing in 2017/2018 on what is best for our students and our profession.

MEA is on the move!

At this past May’s Representative Assembly (RA) the delegates passed 15 New Business Items (NBI). Each NBI was thoughtfully crafted and thoroughly debated before receiving a positive vote. An NBI is an action item that is meant to be completed in the upcoming year and a report is presented on the results at the RA next May. The 2017 RA determined several areas to which MEA will put our efforts.

Social Justice: MEA has an NBI ensuring all pre-service and school employees have learning opportunities on benefits of a diverse workforce (NBI #14). We also will continue to build relationships with organizations that support our beliefs for civil and human rights (NBI #2). We will be working on building and diversifying our educator workforce in efforts to recruit and retain people with diverse backgrounds into education (NBI #3). In September, the Board of Directors approved a sub-committee for developing written policy on Social Justice.

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Maine Educator • October 2017

Financial: MEA had one NBI that will determine the need for a state-wide base wage for our Education Support Professionals (ESP) (NBI #1). We will be looking into changing the date of insurance adjustments to a date on or after September 1 (NBI #8). We will be conducting a feasibility study for changes to our MEA dues structure to be presented to the RA next May (NBI #9). Also, our next RA Treasurer’s Report will include data trends by percentage (NBI #12). And we are in the process of determining an option for political action, volunteer donations (PAC) that will increase our participation by members (NBI #13).

School Nutrition: I found a sponsor for a bill I wrote to ensure that meals are not used as discipline or shaming including denying access to a full meal when students have delinquent accounts. This will be considered by the legislative leaders for possible inclusion this session. (NBI #4). We have begun to encourage and engage all schools that are eligible to take advantage of universal breakfast/lunch opportunities (NBI #10).

Membership and Leadership: In May 2018, we are committed to bringing more Student MEA members and more Young Education Professionals (YEP - those under 30) to the 2018 RA (NBI #15). We are also going to increase our appearances in college classes as we promote the MEA and education profession (NBI #11).

Some of the NBIs are even already complete or being implemented (NBI #5 – UMS letter, #6 - fewer paper documents on our way to becoming more “green”, and #7 support of LD 1348).

You can see our path for the next 12 months. You can help.

Choose one or two priorities – call a legislator monthly, or attend a meeting, join a conference call, or take on a leadership role within your local. My grandmother used to say, “Many hands make light work”. When each of us helps a little it improves our entire profession and strengthens the MEA.

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

Free stuff!

News You Can Use

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!

United for Human Rights Info Kit for Educators

Read Across America Resource Calendar The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA's Read Across America. Now in its 20th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. Order your FREE 2017-18 calendar which includes booklists, a way to win free books for your school, ways to engage a community of readers and so much more!

Tap into Retiree Resources

Don’t take for granted the wealth of resources available to you from those educators who came before you. Ask retirees or people who will be retiring (once the year starts to wind down) if they have any supplies you could have.

Freecycle

Join a local Freecycle group. People give away lots of great stuff!

This teacher put up a “Wanted” post asking for books—Hi folks, I am looking for early chapter books for my classroom. Anything between 2nd-5th grade is highly needed. I am willing to sort through if you just want to get rid of a bunch and not have to sort. I teach special education reading and we can never get enough of those early chapter book readers. Willing to drive a bit to pick them up too. Thanks!! A quick search just on the Portland board found a desk, posters and chairs that can be used to redesign your space.

Search for what you’re looking for and you might get lucky!

This human rights kit is exclusively for educators and provides: • A DVD with an introduction to our worldwide human rights program; the award-winning educational film The Story of Human Rights; and 30 public service announcements depicting each of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

• The Story of Human Rights booklet, containing the full text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the historical development of human rights.

• A guide with actions you can take to bring about awareness and understanding of human rights, and so start making a difference.

One free kit per educator—includes free shipping.

Culture a Pearl Kit You’ve seen butterfly kits—this is a pearl kit! PearlsOnly launched a ‘Pearls in School’ program with a goal to educate children in the amazing process that is pearl culturing and oyster life cycle. This is an amazing opportunity for your class to experience pearls in an exciting new way.

PearlsOnly also prepared a series of lesson plans tailored toward different grade levels. With the free kit, students can learn about the oyster and the process that is pearl creation.

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!

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

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News You Can Use

Doug D.C. Doug Hodum, a high school science teacher from Farmington was one of only 13 STEM educators from across the nation to be selected as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator. The fellowship allowed Hodum to participate in 11�month fellowship in Washington, D.C. The fellows chosen work within the offices of three sponsoring agencies and four Congressional Offices. The fellows applied their extensive knowledge and classroom experiences to national education program and/or education policy efforts.

Hodum shared his thoughts from his time in Washington DC after he returned home with a renewed passion for teaching, ready to make significant contributions to his school and district.

M

y experience as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow (AEF) was both fascinating and humbling for me professionally and personally. The year unfolded in a much unexpected way, though I entered the experience in a great haze of unknown. First of all, the AEF Fellowship is for K-12 STEM teachers across the US to work either on Capitol Hill or in executive branch offices, such as NASA, NSF or the US Department of Energy. The application is due in November, with semifinalists interviewing in DC with interested offices in February and the formal invitation coming in March.

I pursued this experience because I thought it would broaden my horizons as an educator and a teacher leader. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and experience something completely different from what I do everyday as an educator. For the past several years, I have focused much of my professional development work in advocating for teacher voice to be elevated above the typical din of educational policy debates. I have trained teachers to insert their voices into conversations that affect our students and can change our practice. We, the teachers, are practitioners who know what it is like in our classrooms. This fellowship allowed me to take my experiences to the policy makers and contribute in a small way to those conversations.

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Maine Educator • October 2017

From taking meetings with constituents to lobbyists to other staffers, I found that I had a lot to learn about politics and how things work or do not work. The tone of political conversations changed during my time in DC from one where collaboration could be helpful to one where cooperation was largely disdained. The conservatives had no reason to work together as they controlled the government. The liberals did not want to collaborate as that would be an endorsement, either implicit or explicit, of any given conservative agenda item. That was difficult to see, as common ground can often be found when people are solutions based, even if the foundational ideas are not the same. When it comes to education, though, everyone wants to do what they believe is right for kids. I may not agree with the perspective others have, but I do believe no one wants to do the wrong thing for students.

The importance of coffee and conversations

I had many coffee dates in the Dunkin' Donuts in the basement of the Longworth House Office Building. This is how networks are built and how I began to create a list of possible people to contact if and when I would need things over the next 11 months working for Mr. Honda. Staffers do drink a lot of coffee!

News You Can Use

Doug Hodum pictured top, far left with his fellow 2016-17 distinguished educators in front of the Albert Einstein Memorial in Washington D.C.

My days in Congressman Mike Honda’s office focused primarily on me reading about all things educational, as I was the sole staffer in charge of any and all education related policies.

We had weekly staff meetings where we touched on any and all-important meetings and topics that both the chief of staff needed to weigh in on and also be assigned work as was required by the circumstances. I took meetings with people from a host of organizations, including the US Department of Education and lobbyists, as Mr. Honda was on the House Appropriations Committee.

Unfortunately, on that fateful day in November, Mr. Honda lost in his 8th reelection bid, leaving me with no office as of 3 January. That was a tough night.

On 3 January, in a torrential downpour, I walked the mile to my new office at the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. I arrived, soaked and early. I was unable to get into my office though, as I had no key, so I began drip drying in the hallway until someone from my office arrived.

My time on the committee was very different from the time in Mr. Honda’s personal office, as I was now part of a team of staffers working on education policy. While I focused much of my time in the K-12 realm, I lent a hand occasionally with higher education and even got to be on the floor for the Perkins CTE reauthorization.

It was quite the learning experience, as I was initially tasked with

researching Secretary DeVos and the school choice topic, delineating the differences between Republican and Democratic views on the topic. I spent the better part of three months working on that, as well as attending meetings and climbing a brand new steep learning curve.

The basic expectation on Capitol Hill is that you need 3-4 months of a learning curve before you really feel like you have a handle on things. Well, after two such learning curves, I was feeling very humbled. While I am not a master teacher by any means, I can always find a nugget in every school day. In DC, I struggled some days to find a nugget where I felt helpful, rather than helpless. I had days when my walk home was filled with me trying to figure out if I helped reduce someone’s work load or simply added to it. Having said that, though, every person with whom I worked was patient and understanding, helping me through those rough patches.

The take home message I have from my time in DC is that many policy makers do make the decisions they think are best for students. The issue is that they are basing that on their own experiences, which is why it is so critical for us, the practitioners, the teachers and support staff and administrators, to be involved in all levels of these discussions. Whether at the school level or local district level or state or national levels, we have to be heard and guide the conversations based on what we see every day with our students.

Policy makers who are truly interested in the effects their actions will have on classrooms and learning will listen to those of us who are doing the work.

I pursued this experience because I thought it would broaden my horizons as an educator and a teacher leader. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and experience something completely different from what I do everyday as an educator.

“

Doug Hodum Teacher, Mt. Blue High School

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

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What have I gotten myself into?

Bouncing back from layoffs and cuts with the help of the union

By: Paul Johnson, USM

5 academic programs cut.

25 faculty let go.

30 grievances filed on behalf of members.

Over the course of the 2014-2015 academic year, it appeared that the University of Southern Maine (USM) was always on the television or radio, or that something negative was being written about USM in the local newspaper. Everything at USM was bad—or so people seemed to believe. The faculty was uncooperative, misguided, unaware, or simply not interested in the issues that the University was facing. The students were just a load of rebellious trouble makers who disrupted Board of Trustee meetings, held noisy protesters, and were being misled by the faculty.

Fast forward to today.

Despite this traumatic time at the University of Southern Maine, over the past two years there have been numerous positive changes and significant progress. For example, the Executive Committee of the Associated Facilities of the Universities of Maine (AFUM—the MEA union for higher education), and the University of Southern Maine meets bi-weekly with the President, Provost, and Labor Relations Manager. The reason this is so significant is that previously the Administration and AFUM met only when there was a disagreement or conflict. There was no attempt to work collaboratively. It was like two boxers in a heavy weight contest. All we were trying to do was hit our opponent as hard and as often as we could.

However, now both parties bring to the table their respective concerns. There is a willingness to share and exchange ideas. We listen to one another; we offer different perspectives on the issue.

Frequently, when I was called upon as the grievance representative, it was usually to inform me that a faculty member was being disciplined and they needed my presence. In other words, there was no discussion, no meeting, no attempt to resolve differences. This process too has changed, for the better thanks to an improved relationship with the Human Resources Department.

Not only has Human Resources been much more willing to work with AFUM, but so too have the Deans of the respective colleges at the University. It used to feel that AFUM was only called into meetings when a member was going to be disciplined. AFUM was an afterthought. However, now AFUM will receive an e-mail or a call from a Dean asking us to meet with him or her prior to a meeting 10

Maine Educator • October 2017

with a faculty member. We are then asked if we will meet with the faculty member and then accompany the faculty member at the meeting.

The reason this is significant is up until about two years ago there was an attitude that the faculty member was in the wrong and the purpose of the meeting was to reprimand the faculty member. The issue was very black and white. However, there now seems to be more of a willingness on the part of the University to look at issues in a much more thoughtful manner. It is not a matter of being right or wrong, but attempting to understand what is going on in the School or the Department. How did we reach this point? The administration now seems far more committed to getting involved in Department and School issues. I am not talking about the day to day running of a Department, but rather the culture of the Department, how faculty and staff work together and treat one another. The President of the University has asserted that he wants: “The University of Southern Maine to be designated one of the Best Places in Maine to Work. “ In the work that AFUM and Human Resources have undertaken together, it has become apparent that faculty are not aware of many of the programs and services that Human Resources provide or of AFUM’s role in the whole process. Many faculty members are not aware of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the many protections it affords faculty. Hence, the intent over the course of the next academic year, 2017-2018, is that Human Resources and AFUM will meet with every Department and School at the University and provide faculty with information about the numerous services each group provides. Again, this is another positive attempt on the part of the University to work with and engage the faculty.

Way forward So how can we continue to move forward and work together for the benefit of all those who work at USM and, more importantly, the students who attend the University. I would assert that there needs to be a collaborative model. The past few years has taught us that nothing will work if people think decisions have been imposed upon them. Over the past year at USM, we have heard frequently the phrase “The University for All.” If this is going to be a reality and not just a slogan, then we all need to be actively engaged.

News You Can Use

Success as an Ed Tech How Learning About Doctor McDreamy Saved the Day By: Karen Lacy, Ed Tech Tripp Middle School, Turner Now more than ever it is hard to be a teenager with social media, peer pressure and bullying of all types as a constant reality. Add in typical adolescent behaviors and it makes for some very trying times for teenagers especially when dealing with the added pressures of school expectations and standardized grading. The combination of the social and academic stressors make the relationship I have as an Educational Technician that much more important, if my students are truly going to soar. At Tripp Middle School, we’ve completed a successful year last year and are on our way to meeting our goals this year as well. My coworkers and I work as a team to encourage our students to take risks, develop independent work habits and to advocate for themselves.

As an Educational Technician, I have worked in classrooms with experienced teachers, with case managers and even new staff and/ or substitute staffing. The level of respect has always been the same.

Values are learned by watching. Teachers know that showing me respect encourages students to respect me, and with respect comes trust. In addition to academics, I deal with a lot of social and emotional situations daily—anywhere from redirecting a student after an outburst in class, to comforting a student who dealt with upsetting home issues over the weekend and didn’t know who to turn to. No matter what, they trusted me. My coworkers saw this and frequently thanked me for recognizing and doing what was needed for the students. Children are smart, they know when someone truly cares about them and they accepted me and gave me their trust.

Getting students to do the work is one of these most challenging things we deal with. As an experienced parent and case manager, I have found that rewards can and do work when used in the right way. I have found that rewards that are focused on an individual's interests tend to work best. This year, this included hiking on a trail with a student, targeted peer groupings, juggling between students while offering motor breaks, and having snacks on hand for some of our students who have very little to eat at home. I have also learned

“

I have also learned the entire history of Grey's Anatomy without ever watching a show because it was important to a student.

Credit: Courtesy of ABC

the entire history of Grey’s Anatomy without ever watching a show because it was important to a student and encouraged her to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor some day.

No matter what, I pay attention to individual student interests and make a point of connecting with them on their own terms. As a result, students trust me and know they could come to me and that I will advocate for them but insist on appropriate behavior on their part. For this reason, I'm also known as “The Enforcer.” Rules are there for a reason and no one is immune or excluded from following them.

My philosophy with my own children has always been, "A disability is not a defect, it is more of a character trait that makes you unique from the rest…so own it!!"

As I get to know the students, I listen to them and talk with them.

I find out what their interests are, I talk with teachers and case managers and work with them as a team to find out what the biggest struggles are and how we can address them. We come up with a plan, knowing and expecting the need to tweak them frequently but we never give up and that is what makes it work.

The secret to my success as an Educational Technician is communication, thinking out side of the box and working with a team that wants to see every child succeed. This not only helps them academically but more importantly helps them to find themselves, as individuals. That is what makes it all worth it in the end.

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

11

#WEAREMEA THE FACES OF YOUR ASSOCIATION

The MEA is nothing without its members. Too often, from outside groups, the MEA is talked about as an entity, an “it” not a who. The truth, as we know it, is the MEA are the men and women who are doing the hard work of educating the children of Maine. Maine Educator felt it was important to highlight this fact, and share the stories of its members, because #WeAreMEA.

Working in collaboration with NASA to infuse STEM curricula into classrooms

Sarah

Hirschfield is one of just 50 teacher advisors from across the country, and the only from Maine, to be selected by the education team at Boston public media producer WGBH to help design digital resources for nationwide STEM curricula entitled, “Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms.” The initiative will create new instructional models and digital media tools for STEM learning. The digital learning resources will be produced

by WGBH in collaboration with NASA, and will be distributed free of charge through PBS LearningMedia, which the MEA proudly supports through donations to Hirschfield, Science teacher, Maine’s local public television, Maine Public. “The fact that this is a collaboration with NASA is really cool! The Yarmouth High School graphics are extremely visual and you get a perspective from space looking down at earth that is unique. There are so many great resources to use and help for teachers to learn how to use them—there is guidance on what the topics are, essay samples, discussion questions that you can use with your students—it’s exciting. PBS LearningMedia is available free to all educators and reaches millions of students and teachers nationally.

Bringing History to Life in the County

Garrett Martin, Social Stud ies teacher, Fort Fairfield Middle/High Sc hool

As a lover of the outdoors, Garrett Martin makes a point to take his students out into the world around him. Making the most of his community in Aroostook County, Martin recently partnered with the Frontier Heritage Historical Society in Fort Fairfield as well as the Fort Fairfield Town Library to provide students studying U.S. History with the opportunity to make the connection between a historical period and their local community. Specifically, students were in the midst of learning about the Industrial Revolution and were working on learning goals related to its impact on American Society and specifically rural communities. Students toured the Town Library (a gift from Andrew Carnegie) as well as the Block House, Train Depot, McIntosh School House, and Friend's Church. Volunteers including Jim Everett, Jennifer Gaenzle, and Ken Peters presented to students at each location and answered their questions. Following the field trip, students were asked to reflect on specific connections between changes in their community and those brought on by the Industrial Revolution. Feedback from students was very positive, and they indicated that trips like this help to make the history they are studying more real and relevant.

Connecting aspiring educators with current members and together helping school communities

d tired E e R y t n ou York C (YCREA) 12

ucators

YCREA completed another very successful and rewarding Day of Caring Project.

This year, the MEA Retired members worked with the Dayton Consolidated School in Dayton to weed, plant and mulch an area around the school sign. In addition, the group, including members from local associations and pre-service teachers weeded and replanted a garden by the front entrance, painted two bathrooms, a classroom and the back wall of the stage, stained the stage stairs and painted games on the blacktop. The group accomplished an amazing amount of work, proving even in retirement MEA members continue to help students succeed.

Professor, l, e m im D in st Ju Maine University of

Camden

Bock, R Univers esearch Assis t ity of Maine ant,

UMaine Math duo develop virtual reality learning lab Stretching and pulling points in the air, students can now learn geometry in a virtual 3-D space, bringing math to life, thanks to UMaine professor Justin Dimmel and his research assistant Camden Bock. The program, called HandWaver, is among the first of its kind; it’s a gesture-based mathemtical making environment that allows students to manipulate shapes in virtual reality using simulations of their actual hands. Students can, among other things, pinch and stretch points and transform them into different geometric objects. Users create the objects while wearing a virtual reality head-mounted display—which is already happening at the East Grand School, in Aroostook County, under the guidance of Jennifer Gilman.

Dimmel, who works out of the College of Education and Human Development at UMaine, teaches mostly soon to be math teachers how to teach math in the most engaging way possible.

“We imagine virtual reality or other dynamic spatial display technologies will soon be widely available, and we want to make sure that teachers we are training here are prepared and excited to use new technologies in their own classrooms. Our vision is a world where all students have access to immersive educational experiences that will deepen their interest in mathematical and scientific thinking. We are excited about the potential of virtual reality to realize that vision,” said Dimmel. The only things needed to use the program are a virtual reality headset and a personal computer—the software is free. To download the program, head to the Maine Educator Online, or visit: www.handwaver.org.

No water, no problem for custodian who always gets the job done Avalinda Lindsey proudly states she loves to clean. Keeping the school she’s worked in for the past twenty years clean is a source of pride for the Jamaican born head custodian; nothing will stand in her way—not even a lack of water.

When Lindsey’s school had no water for two weeks due to construction of a new school on the adjacent property, the determined custodian brought in jugs, some as heavy as 50 pounds, so she would be able to clean the school in for the new year. “When I need to Avalinda Lindsey, Custodial Supervisor, preparation get something done, I get it done. I feel part of Hall Elementary School, Portland this community, and believe the children and teachers need to have clean classrooms to learn,” said Lindsey. Lindsay’s work ethic is something her principal and co-workers are used to seeing each day, and are pleased to see her receive the recognition she deserves. “She’s a hard-working lady; everything gets done even if she has to do it herself. On her birthday we worked 11 hours straight stripping floors because she wanted it finished,” said Hall custodian Mark Madison who helped Lindsay haul the water into the school from his home. For Lindsay it’s just all part of an average day. “I love my job,” says Lindsay.

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

13

Teacher Author using literacy and guest speakers to inspire students to write “I was in graduate school and writing for the local newspapers when I was assigned to cover a POWMIA event down in Old Orchard Beach. I started speaking to some of the veterans—one thing led to another and I started writing some of those stories for the newspaper. At the time, one of my professors said a few more articles here and you can write a book,” said David Arenstam an English teacher at Thornton Academy. Arenstam began telling those stories and did author a book many years later titled “Homecoming, A Soldier’s Story of David Arenstam, English Teacher, Loyalty Courage, and Redemption.” Arenstam uses his passion for writing to encourage his students to Thornton Academy understand the importance of the written word. “I say to them it doesn’t matter if you’re an engineer or in English you have to be able to express yourself in writing.” To further emphasize his point, Arenstam looks back to his book and the veterans whose stories he’s shared.

“I give my novel to my students to read; we talk about if they were alive in that time period and faced with those choices what that would mean for them. For the last few years I’ve had them hear from a veteran. When the veterans come in and talk to the students you can hear a pin drop—they are respectful and listen. The veterans’ stories stay with them and makes them have a deeper appreciation for the work and the literature they’re studying,” said Arenstam.

Elevating the Arts in the County The Arts are thriving in Aroostook County where excitement for an upcoming production of Annie The Musical will debut in November. Art and Theater teacher Doug Clapp, who’s working on the show, is involving students in grades 3-12, with community participation growing. The production though is only part of the effort to elevate the Arts in the district.

The Art Club is doing a service project to restore one of the three large murals that grace Fort Kent. The mural was moved and some damages ensued. Students are helping patch the project this fall with repainting to occur in the spring. For Clapp, having the Arts highlighted in a way that involves the community is an added bonus to the job, which benefits his students and the area he lives. “I have nothing but the profoundest respect for the profession and the many great teachers I have had the privilege of working beside. It has been a wonderful, challenging, exciting 33 years,” said Clapp.

& Theater t r A 7 2 , SAD Doug Clapp Teacher

NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow Michele Metzler is one of only 48 public school educators to become a member of this year’s class of NEA Foundation’s Global Learning Fellows who are expected to travel to South Africa together next summer. Metzler will spend a year building global competency skills, the capacity to understand and act on issues of global significance, leading up to the trip. As a result of the Fellowship, Metzler will be better equipped to prepare students for global citizenship. Fellows also create valuable global lesson plans for their students that are freely shared with educators across the nation and the world through open-source platforms. “I work hard to bring experiences and opportunities from across as broad a spectrum as I can for my students,” says Metzler. “As a Global Learning Fellow, I will provide an even richer set of lessons in empathy and problem solving for Michelle M etzler, Soc my students.” Over the course of a year, the NEA Foundation staff, ial Studies t e a c h e r, Hampden partners, and field experts will support Metzler as she immerses Academy herself in various professional development opportunities regarding global competency including, the South Africa field study, workshops, online coursework, webinars, and collegial study. Following the experience, Metzler will share her knowledge by posting replicable lesson plans online for other educators to use.

14

Maine Educator • October 2017

Who’s Looking Out for Rural Schools?

Rural schools - and the 9 million students they serve stand to lose big from the Trump-DeVos privatization agenda

BY TIM WALKER —NEA Today - Edited By: Giovanna Bechard

As the most northeastern town in the

United States, Madawaska also has the unique status of being one of the “four corners” of the nation. Situated in Aroostook County on the St. Johns River that forms part of the U.S.-Canadian border, Madawaska’s residents are deeply proud of their Acadian roots, which gives this small town a cultural affinity with its neighbors to the north. “We’re pretty far up here,” says Gisele Dionne, superintendent of Madawaska public schools. “I look out my window and see the mountains of Canada.”

The district serves about 440 students in a preK-6 elementary school and a 7-12 middle/ high school. The two schools are bedrocks of the community, resilient even as financial challenges have mounted over the past decade.

“Economically, we’re a one–horse town,” says Dionne, a former high school chemistry teacher. “We’re dependent on our paper mill.

As many mills across the state have closed, ours went through a rough patch as well, but we’ve stabilized.”

The arduous process of getting a school budget approved has been the bane of previous superintendents, one of the reasons why Dionne—when she took the job in 2015—was the 15th superintendent in a dozen years.

Still, “support of our public schools remains very strong,” says Dionne. “We have a lot of pride in our schools and our students.”

This may be mystifying for private school voucher and charter school advocates to hear. That communities are profoundly dissatisfied with public schools is one of the myths used to champion policies that are wrapped in euphemisms such as “choice” and “competition” but have, where they have taken hold, often exacerbated the financial plight of rural schools.

State funding for public education has not come close to returning to pre-recession

levels, and the Trump Bonny Plourde-Tingley, left, teacher at Madawaska Elementary School, with Gisele Dionne, superintendent of Madawaska public schools. (photo: administration is Becky Shea) determined to impose deep cuts at the federal level to help pay for its school privatization Why “Competition” Doesn’t agenda.

“If more money is cut, we are going to suffer tremendously,” says Bonny Plourde-Tingley, a teacher at Madawaska Elementary School and president of the Madawaska Education Association. “We’re back on our feet, but we can’t take too many other hits.”

The Crisis Facing Rural Schools The challenges facing rural schools are staggering. Over the course of her career in Madawaska, Bonny Plourde-Tingley has watched as program after program—music and arts, language immersion classes, physical education—get disassembled by state and local budget cuts—not to mention the reduction in cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians and administrative staff.

“We won’t be able to give our most disadvantaged students what they need. These are the kids who come to school hungry,” says Plourde-Tingley. “These are the kids that need a place to be right after school. A few years ago, we lost our after-school computer club that really helped those students who don’t have these tools at home.”

Help from Washington, D.C., has hit a roadblock, and in May, the Trump administration unveiled a budget proposal that slashed the federal investment in public education programs by a whopping 13.6%, many of them benefiting the nation’s most economically disadvantaged students.

The funding cut for public schools would instead be slated to pay for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ plans—a $20 billion initiative to expand private school vouchers nationwide. Congress, at least for now, has not approved the funding for this program, but no one expects DeVos to retreat from pushing this agenda.

Serve Students in Rural Communities

Cyber-charters, an enormously lucrative sector, have a notoriously poor record of providing any type of quality education to students. Still, the schools have been draining funds from rural districts, and have been quickly endorsed by DeVos as the option for rural students who may not have access to private institutions or brick-and-mortar charter schools.

In 2013, three students in Madawaska signed up for Maine Connection Academy, along with Maine Virtual Academy, one of two virtual charter schools in the state, both managed by for-profit companies.

“It was only three students, but in a district like ours, you feel that loss. Every student counts,” says Giselle Dionne. “What made it worse is that we had to pay for the tuition out of our general budget.”

Only one of those students graduated— hardly surprising given both schools’ graduation rate is far below the state average—67 percent for Connections Academy and a miserable 37 percent for Virtual Academy.

The NEA and MEA continue to work to fight the DeVos “school choice” agenda, and not only talk about what is best for kids, but do what is best in our neighborhood public schools. It doesn’t matter how their proponents try to disguise them—education savings accounts, tuition tax credits, opportunity scholarships—vouchers are destructive and misguided schemes that use taxpayer dollars to “experiment with our children’s education without any evidence of real, lasting positive results,” says NEA President Eskelsen García.

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

15

News You Can Use

Spotless Classroom Cleaning Tricks Spotless Classroom Cleaning Tricks–Revealed!

From stubborn whiteboard stains to mystery sticky spots, educators share resourceful ideas to quickly clean classroom messes.

As you look around your beloved school are you annoyed that your desks are dirty, you have crayon on your walls and there are Sharpie stains on your whiteboard? With help from NEA Member Benefits, your fellow educators have devised plenty of ways to clean stubborn messes quickly and cheaply. If you’re in need of some cleaning inspiration, try these educatorapproved, smart and even fun ways to conquer your nagging classroom cleaning chores.

Whiteboard magic

If someone accidently used an indelible marker on the classroom white board, or dry-erase board, it’ll come off if you wipe the board with a paper towel or napkin moistened with Coffee-mate nondairy creamer, Green says. “Rubbing alcohol will do the same thing.” Many Pinterest boards show other clever ways to clean whiteboards using hand sanitizer, vinegar-water, WD-40 and Febreze.

Shaving cream clean

Use shaving cream to clean classroom desks, suggests Joey Green, an expert on wacky uses for everyday products and author of “Joey Green’s Cleaning Magic.” The great thing about shaving cream is “it’s basically condensed soap. When you wipe it off, you’ve cleaned off the desktop.” At the same time, you’ve made cleaning a fun project that students can do, and will want to do, themselves. “Small children (and even older ones) enjoy finger painting on their desks using shaving cream,” agrees Sara Van Donge, who has been a K-8 dual language teacher for 16 years. It takes between five and 15 minutes for the shaving cream to clean each desk. The timing is perfect because “the foam starts to diminish after about five minutes, but children still enjoy [playing with] it for up to 15,” says Van Donge. By the time the teacher moves from desk to desk and finally covers the last desk in the classroom with foam, the first desk is ready to be wiped off with a clean damp towel or sponge.

16

Maine Educator • October 2017

Crayon eraser

Toothpaste works well to remove crayon marks from walls, says Green. Choose a white, regular flavor toothpaste without tartar control, whitening agents or other chemicals. Apply it with a sponge or toothbrush. “It just takes the crayon marks right off the walls” at school or home, even on wallpaper.

Kids can help or do the job themselves, Green adds.

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

The Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey

T he Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) was first administered in 2009 and will be offered in February

of odd-numbered years. The MIYHS is the result of collaboration between the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Department of Education.

You can visit https://data.mainepublichealth.gov/miyhs/ home to see more info.

Among the students completing the survey: HIGH SCHOOL

5TH & 6TH GRADE

• 66% at a healthy weight • 24% bullied in the past year • 20% used marijuana in the last 30

• 38% have two or few hours of

• 24% drank alcohol at least once in

• 41% have talked to a parent about

days

the last 30 days

MIDDLE SCHOOL

combined screen time daily

• 44% know at least one adult who

has gotten drunk or high in the past year the danger or tobacco, alcohol or drug use in the past year

K & 3RD GRADE

• 16% seriously considered suicide

• 41% had sealants observed

• 48% have been bullied at school • 26% exercised for 60 minutes

• 64% at a healthy weight • 94% wear a helmet when riding a

• 25% were in the same room as

• 10% live with asthma

in the past year

every day in a week

someone smoking in the past 7 days

during oral health assessment

bike

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

17

Advocacy

In Transition Supporting Transgender and LGBTQ Students in Schools The MEA/NEA believe every student has the right to learn in a safe and accepting school environment. To that end, the NEA worked with key partners including the ACLU, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and others to prepare an in-depth resource guide to help educators both better understand the issues transgender students face and how to best support them in school. Maine Educator dove into the guide, and other research from the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and pulled out some facts to help start or continue the conversation at your school. You can find the full report, with all the resources mentioned below in the Maine Educator Online found on the MEA website, maineea.org. The guide developed is designed for all school personnel who are interested in addressing gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity in schools

78% Homophobic Remarks (e.g. “fag”, “dyke”) 85% Negative Remarks about Gender Expression 62% Negative Remarks about Transgender People • Over 1 in 4 LGBTQ students in Maine were disciplined for public affection that does not result in similar action when it occurs between non-LGBTQ students (27%).

• In Maine, about 3 in 10 LGBTQ students (29%), and over half of transgender students (53%), were unable to use the school restroom that aligned with their gender. Additionally, about a quarter of LGBTQ students (24%) were prevented from using their preferred name and gender pronouns in school.

• Only 9% attended a school with a comprehensive antibullying/harassment policy that included specific protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

• Nearly all could identify at least one school staff member supportive of LGBTQ students

Understanding how Students Feel in School GLSEN conducted a National School Climate Survey to obtain a representative national sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) and transgender youth with representation from all 50 states. Students participating were between the ages of 13 and 21.

Below is the data to key questions from the students from Maine who participated in the survey.

Effects of Victimization

Percentage of LGBTQ students hearing Anti-LGBTQ remarks in Maine Schools 82% Heard “Gay” Used in a Negative Way (e.g. “that’s so gay”)

• LGBTQ students who experienced higher levels of victimization because of their sexual orientation: • Were more than three times as likely to have missed school in the past month than those who experienced lower levels (62.2% vs. 20.1%) • Had lower grade point averages(GPAs) than students who were less often harassed (2.9 vs. 3.3)

20%

11%

Verbal Harassment

Physical Harassment

Physical Assault

18

Maine Educator • October 2017

49%

13%

Verbal Harassment

Physical Harassment

7% Physical Assault

Gender

66%

Gender Expression

Sexual Orientation

Identity-based Harassment & Assault in Maine Schools

47%

11%

9%

Verbal Harassment

Physical Harassment

Physical Assault

Advocacy

Startling Facts How to Support LBGTQ and Transgender Students Research shows a positive school environment has a major impact on how well not only students feel at school but also how well they perform, and if they stay enrolled. In fact, according to the GLESEN survey, 75.2% of LGBTQ STUDENTS in schools with an inclusive curriculum said their peers were accepting of LGBTQ people, compared to 39.6% of those without an inclusive curriculum.

In addition, the Guide to Supporting Transgender Students recommends schools have a Gay-Straight Alliance to empower and affirm gender diversity for all students rather than set limitations.

Furthermore, things like “safe stickers” which identify educators who are supportive help create a more welcoming environment. The research shows schools with these types of supports help foster an environment where all students are less likely to hear homophobic slurs.

While an inclusive curriculum and organizations like a Gay-Straight Alliance in their school help children feel safer, the role of supportive educators is crucial, according to the survey. According to the research compared to LGBTQ students with no supportive school staff, students with many (11 or more) supportive staff at their school: • Were less likely to feel unsafe(40.6% vs. 78.7%); • Were less likely to miss school because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable (16.9% vs. 47.2%) • Had higher GPAs (3.3 vs. 2.8) • Were less likely to say they might not graduate high school (1.7% vs. 9.5%) and were less likely to not plan on pursuing postsecondary education (4.5% vs. 14.7%) • Felt more connected to their school community.

It is important to avoid seeking a universal “correct way” to support LBGTQ students, especially those students who are transitions.

Instead, according to experts in the transitioning guide, it’s important to “focus on identifying which steps will create the necessary conditions to make this particular student’s experience as positive as possible.” Creating a tailored Gender Transition Plan for those students in need is the way experts recommend schools help a student feel safe and succeed in school. For more resources and information on how to create a plan for your school and your students, log on to the Maine Educator Online.

“

Remarks about 85% Negative Gender Expression Homophobic Remarks (e.g.

78% "fag", "dyke") Heard "Gay" Used in a Negative 82% Way (e.g. "that's so gay") Remarks about 62% Negative Transgender People Common Question

Do people in the school community have a right to know about the student’s gender transition?

The simple answer is “no.“ A student’s transgender status, legal name or sex assigned at birth is confidential medical information and protected personally identifiable information, and disclosure of that information may violate the school’s obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or constitutional privacy protections.

At my last school I felt miserable and got called ‘freak’ and ‘weirdo’ as if those were my name instead of the name I had asked them to call me. They called me by my birth name as well and She/Her/Hers pronouns. They had no respect for me despite how kind I had acted towards them. Freshman year was horrid. I felt like I didn’t belong, and I felt like a failure. I felt like there was no place there for someone like me.

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

19

ONLINE with NEA edCommunities

Tech Talk

Your Online Professional Learning Community Flipped Classrooms

ESP hot issues

School bullying

National Board Certification

Safe and healthy schools

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

You can also form a group of your own to advocate and collaborate on an issue that matters to your students and schools. Great minds lead the profession on NEA edCommunities.

This is your community — get inspired and inspire others! Share your strengths, exchange ideas and resources, create innovative materials and tools, join webinars, and engage with others who share your commitment to our public schools and a student-centered education agenda.

Connect With virtual learning events to expand your PD opportunities!

20

NEA edCommunities is a place where members can log on and, for free, join forces to improve student success.

The online groups of educators share information and resources on a variety of topics and issues including:

Maine Educator • October 2017

Collaborate With other educators and education professionals!

Share Classroomready resources and assessment and instruction materials!

Engage With those who share your commitment to student success!

Join the other great minds on NEA edCommunities to connect, collaborate, share, and learn.

SIGN UP AND GET STARTED TODAY MYNEA360.ORG

Perspectives

"A Dime A Dozen." No, Teachers are not a dime a dozen, thank heaven!

As you’ve likely read, Governor LePage once again criticized traditional public education during the unveiling of a new vocational school, describing classroom teachers as "a dime a dozen." The statement sparked criticism and anger among educators.

While all those comments don’t make the news, the MEA wanted to provide this space for members to share their views, and share the truth about the work you do. Here are just some of the comments submitted to MEA or posted on social media.

Normand L'Heureux Boothbay Region Education Association

No, Virginia, teachers are not a dime a dozen, thank heaven!

No Virginia, everyone is not equal but all are valued and important in society. Thankfully all individuals have particular skills, abilities, and temperament that allows them to all be valuable and constructive members of society. Those with artistic ability seek to beautify the world around them, while those with a wellspring of compassion serve as nurses, doctors and hospice caregivers. What would our civilization be without those with mathematical abilities serving as engineers and scientists? Without those who have the ability to translate their knowledge into their hands, who would repair our automobiles, build our homes, or cut our hair?

Thus, Virginia, it is disheartening to hear those representatives that a society has chosen to be their leaders repeatedly disparaging those

As published: “Lois Kilby-Chesley, president of the Maine Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, said in an interview afterward she was surprised to hear about the governor’s comments because Maine is struggling to fill many teaching positions compared to other New England states.

members of society who use their skills, abilities, and temperament in pursuit of a noble and essential calling. The art of teaching is an avocation as old as human existence. Those that share and perpetuate our collective knowledge serve to help preserve and advance human society. The profession is as honorable and noble a calling as any of the previously mentioned livelihoods.

Unfortunately, Virginia, some of these representatives judge the profession by the deficiencies of a few individuals; remember, not all doctors, carpenters, engineers or politicians are effective and productive. For some reason these representatives of the people feel the need to vehemently degrade this honorable and vital occupation.

No, Virginia, teachers are not a dime a dozen; most are worth their weight in gold, thank heaven!

MEA Members Voice Their Opinion on Social Media

She said the MEA did not agree with the “dime a dozen” comment because of unfilled positions and didn’t believe any superintendent in the state would either.

Kilby-Chesley also said the MEA has supported vocational education in schools, now known as career and technical education. She said it prepares people for jobs that are more hands on, but said students can’t be lumped into one category where they are told which path to take. She said students need to make choices, whether to pursue career and technical education or a path that leads toward higher education.

“Students will make choices based on their interests,” she said. “Not every student fits the same hole. Different pegs require different holes.””

Continue the discussion by following us! /maineea

@maineea

@maineeducationassociation October 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 teachers. In the next issue of Maine Educator the same data will be published as it relates to support staff.

2016-17 SCHOOL DISTRICT HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS School System

Single

Adult/Child

2-Person

Family

Note

Androscoggin County Auburn

94%

87%

80%

80%

Lewiston

85%

80%

80%

80%

Lisbon

90%

80%

85%

75%

RSU 16, Poland

90%

90%

86%

83%

RSU 52, Turner

85%

77%

77%

77%

RSU 73, Jay

86%

86%

86%

86%

AOS 95 - SAD 27, Fort Kent

70%

70%

70%

70%

Caswell

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Easton

89.15% Standard or 90.65% Choice 89.15% or Plus (hired before 2003)/84.15% 90.65%/84.15% or Standard or 87.65% Choice Plus 87.65% (hired 2003 or after)

89.15% or 90.65%/84.15% or 87.65%

89.15% or 90.65%/84.15% or 87.65%

Madawaska

100%

100%

55%

55%

RSU 29, Houlton

100%

85%

Prior year contribution adjusted by change in rate up to 10% increase

Prior year contribution adjusted by change in rate up to 10% increase

RSU 32, Ashland

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

RSU 33, St. Agatha

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

RSU 39, Caribou

92%

92%

84%

84%

RSU 42, Mars Hill

100%

$8,082.12

$10,292.64

$12,527.52

RSU 45, Washburn

100%

$13,200

$13,200

$13,200

RSU 50, Katahdin

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

RSU 70, Hodgdon

$9,660

$9,660

$9,660

$9,660

RSU 79, Presque Isle

100%

$18,564

$18,564

$18,564

RSU 86, Fort Fairfield (Formerly SAD 20)

95%

95%

77%

73%

RSU 88, Van Buren (Formerly SAD 24)

88% ChoicePlus/82% Standard

85%/82%

85%/80%

84%/79%

Southern Aroostook Region 2

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Woodland

100%

$12,000

$12,000

$12,000

Brunswick

85%

85%

85%

85%

Cape Elizabeth

86%

86%

86%

86%

Falmouth

100%

95%

82%

82%

Gorham

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

Portland

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of Adult/Child

100% of Adult/Child

RSU 05, Freeport

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

100% of prior year’s premium

RSU 14, Windham

100%

90% (hired before 8/22/2011)/Single plus 50% of additional cost (hired after 8/21/2011)

90%/Single plus 50% of additional cost

85%/Single plus 50% of additional cost

RSU 15, Gray

83%

83%

75%

75%

RSU 51, Cumberland

98%

96%

Prior year contribution plus 50% of any increase

Prior year contribution plus 50% of any increase

RSU 61, Bridgton

90%

77.5%

77.5%

77.5%

Scarborough

80%

80%

80%

80%

South Portland

83%

83%

83%

83%

Westbrook

90% ChoicePlus/83% Standard

90%/83%

86%/79%

86%/79%

Yarmouth

88%

88%

88%

88%

Two Adult and Family 70% if spouse has access to health insurance elsewhere

Aroostook County

Percentages are reduced by 5% without participation in incentive program

Cumberland County

22

Maine Educator • October 2017

Standard

Employer pays first 3% of any premium increase

Employer contribution capped at no more than 6% increase over prior year

Your Association Franklin County Flagstaff RSU, Eustis

90%

80%

80%

80%

RSU 09, Farmington

79.5%

79.5%

79.5%

79.5%

RSU 58, Phillips

85%

75%

75%

75%

RSU 78, Rangeley

80%

90%

80%

80%

AOS 91 - Bar Harbor

83%

83%

83%

83%

AOS 91 - Mount Desert CSD

83%

83%

83%

83%

AOS 91 - Mount Desert Elem

90%

83%

80%

80%

AOS 91 - Southwest Harbor

83%

83%

83%

83%

AOS 91 - Tremont

83%

83%

83%

83%

AOS 91 - Trenton

83%

83%

83%

83%

Blue Hill

80%

80%

80%

80%

Premium increase above 10% split 50%-50%

Brooklin

80%

80%

80%

80%

Annual benefit cap of $20,000 per employee

Brooksville

95%

80%

80%

80%

Castine

100%

90%

90%

80%

Deer Isle-Stonington CSD

100%

$11,800

$11,800

$11,800

Ellsworth

80%

80%

80%

80%

Hancock

100%

Single plus 40% of additional cost

Single plus 40% of additional cost for Adult with Child

Single plus 40% of additional cost for Adult with Child

Lamoine

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Otis

100%

Single plus 60% of additional cost

Single plus 60% of additional cost

Single plus 60% of additional cost

Penobscot

100%

Single plus 80% of additional cost

Single plus 80% of additional cost

Single plus 80% of additional cost

RSU 24, Sullivan

100%

$14,800

$14,800

$14,800

RSU 25, Bucksport

88%

80%

80%

80%

Sedgwick

80%

80%

80%

80%

Surry

100%

100%

75% of Family

75%

AOS 92 - Vassalboro

100% (Standard)

85% ChoicePlus

85% of Adult/Child

85% of Adult/Child

AOS 92 - Waterville

100%

80%

80% Adult/Child

80% Adult/Child

AOS 92 - Winslow

100%

77.5% ChoicePlus/62.5% 77.5%/62.5% Standard

77.5%/62.5%

Augusta

100%

65%

65%

65%

Fayette

100% (hired before 7/1/2006)/95% 80% (hired after 6/30/2006)

80%

80%/70%

RSU 02, Hallowell

92.5%

75%

75%

75%

RSU 11, Gardiner

100%

70%

70%

70%

RSU 12, Windsor

95%

85%

85%

85%

RSU 18, China

100%

95%

95% of Adult/Child

95% of Adult/Child

Winthrop

Employee pays $370 per year

83%

83%

83%

Appleton

100%

85%

80%

80%

Five Town CSD

100%

85% ChoicePlus/87% Standard 500/89% Standard 1000

84%/87%/89%

84%/87%/89%

Hope

100%

84%

84%

84%

Knox County Region 8

100%

88%

83%

85%

RSU 07, North Haven

100%

86%

86%

86%

RSU 08, Vinalhaven

100% (hired before 9/1/2003)/90% 75% (hired after 9/1/2003)

75%

75%

RSU 28, Camden

100%

85% ChoicePlus/87% Standard 500/89% Standard 1000

84%/87%/89%

84%/87%/89%

AOS 93 - Bristol

87%

83%

83%

83%

AOS 93 - Great Salt Bay CSD

100%

90%

85%

85%

AOS 93 - Nobleboro

90%

80%

80%

80%

AOS 93 - South Bristol

90%

80%

80%

80%

Boothbay Harbor CSD

100%

80%

80%

80%

Edgecomb

100%

80%

80%

80%

Jefferson

Employee pays $200 per year

85%

85%

85%

RSU 40, Waldoboro

80% ChoicePlus/83% Standard 500/85% Standard 1000

80%/83%/85%

80%/83%/85%

80%/83%/85%

Southport

100%

80%

80%

80%

Hancock County

Premium increase above 7% split 50%-50%

Standard 1000 Premium increase above 10% split 50%-50%

Kennebec County Standard

Knox County Employees enrolling in Standard 500 receive additional $250 in compensation and Standard 1000 $500

Employees enrolling in Standard 500 receive additional $250 in compensation, in Standard 1000 $500

Lincoln County

Standard 500

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

23

Your Association Wiscasset

95%

85%

85%

85%

Fryeburg Academy

80%

80%

80%

80%

RSU 10, Rumford

93%

83%

83%

83%

RSU 17, South Paris

80%

80%

80%

80%

RSU 55, Porter

100% (hired before 9/1/2007)/95% 80%/78% (hired after 9/1/2007)

80%/78%

80%/78%

Hired before 7/1/2004 eligible for Standard plan at same contribution rate

RSU 72, Fryeburg

100%

95%

88%

88%

Standard 1000

AOS 94 - SAD 46, Dexter

76%

76%

76%

76%

Bangor

100%

Single plus 63% of additional cost

Single plus 63% of additional cost

Single plus 63% of additional cost

Brewer

100%

Single plus 75% of additional cost

Single plus 75% of additional cost

Single plus 75% of additional cost

East Millinocket

77% (hired before 9/1/08)/100% (hired after 9/1/08)

77%/100% Single only

77%/100% Single only

77%/100% Single only

Glenburn

94.5% ChoicePlus (hired before 7/1/2014)/95% Standard 500 (hired after 7/1/2014)

92.79%/75%

92.79%/75%

92.79%/75%

Greenbush

91% ChoicePlus/86% Standard

75%

75%

75%

Hermon

88.644%

78.989%

77.380%

76.575%

Medway

76%

76%

76%

76%

Milford

80%

75%

75%

75%

Northern Penobscot Region 3

85% ChoicePlus/80% Standard

85%/80%

85%/80%

85%/80%

Orrington

100%

90%

85%

80%

RSU 19, Newport

100%

85%

75%

60%

RSU 22, Hampden

100%

Single plus 70% of additional cost

Single plus Adult/Child

Single plus Adult/Child

RSU 26, Orono

87%

87%

87%

87%

RSU 30, Lee

100%

65%/50% (hired after 8/31/2014)

65%/50%

65%/50%

RSU 34, Old Town

86.5% (hired before 9/1/2011)/93.5% (hired after 9/1/2011)

86.5%/Single plus 73.5% 86.5%/Single plus 73.5% of additional cost of additional cost

86.5%/Single plus 73.5% of additional cost

RSU 63, Holden

90%

90%

85%

75%

RSU 64, Corinth

100% (hired before 7/1/2009)/95% Single plus 87% of (hired after 6/30/2009) additional cost

Single plus 87% of additional cost

Single plus 87% of additional cost

Hired before 7/1/2003 eligible for Standard plan at same contribution rate

RSU 67, Lincoln

80%

80%

80%

80%

Premium increase above 5% paid by employee

RSU 87, Carmel (Formerly SAD 23)

80%

80%

80%

80%

Veazie

90%

88% (hired before 7/1/2014); 80% (hired after 7/1/2014)

88%/80%

88%/80%

Foxcroft Academy

Employee pays $1,300 per year

Employee pays $2,646 per year

Employee pays $2,928 per year

Employee pays $3,082 per year

Greenville

100%

75%

75%

75%

RSU 41, Milo

100%

Single plus 75% of additional cost

Single plus 75% of additional cost

Single plus 75% of additional cost

RSU 68, Dover-Foxcroft

80%

75%

75%

75%

Premium increase above 10% paid by employee

RSU 80, Guilford (Formerly SAD 04)

80%

80%

80%

80%

Employees hired before 2002 eligible for Standard plan at same contribution rate

Georgetown

100%

94% of prior year’s premium (hired before 8/31/2012)/82% of prior year’s premium (hired after 8/31/2012)

94% of prior year’s premium/82% of prior year’s premium

94% of prior year’s premium/82% of prior year’s premium

RSU 01, Bath

100%

91% of prior year’s premium

91% of prior year’s premium

91% of prior year’s premium

RSU 75, Topsham

95%

95%

95% of prior year’s premium

95% of prior year’s premium

AOS 94 - Harmony

78%

78%

78%

78%

Athens

80%

80%

80%

80%

RSU 49, Fairfield

100%

65% Standard/70% ChoicePlus

65%/70%

60%/70%

RSU 53, Pittsfield Area

85%

85%

85%

85%

RSU 54, Skowhegan

100%

97%

89%

75%

Oxford County

Penobscot County

Premium increase above 7% split 50%-50%

Standard 500

Piscataquis County HPI Captivated Health

Sagadahoc County

Somerset County

24

Maine Educator • October 2017

Hired before 2006-07 school year eligible for Standard plan at same contribution rate

Your Association RSU 59, Madison

100%

Single plus 85% of additional cost

Single plus 85% of additional cost

Single plus 85% of additional cost

RSU 74, Anson

$6,888

$12,190

$15,524

$18,895

RSU 82, Jackman (Formerly SAD 12)

95%

75%

75%

75%

RSU 83, Bingham (Formerly SAD 13)

100%

80%

80%

80%

Islesboro

90%

85%

80%

80%

Lincolnville

100%

95%

80%

80%

RSU 03, Unity

85%

83%

79%

79%

RSU 20, Searsport

82%

77%

74%

74%

Waldo County Region 7

90%

85%

85%

85%

Alexander

80%

Single plus 80% of additional cost

Single plus 80% of additional cost

Single plus 80% of additional cost

Baileyville

100%

82%

82%

82%

Calais

100%

Single plus 84% of additional cost

Single plus 84% of additional cost

Single plus 84% of additional cost

Charlotte

100%

100%

80%

80%

Cherryfield

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Cutler

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

East Machias

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Eastport

100%

Single plus 65% of additional cost

Single plus 65% of additional cost

Single plus 65% of additional cost

Machias

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Machiasport

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Moosabec CSD

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Pembroke

100%

75%

75%

75%

Princeton

100%

$10,620

$10,620

$10,620

Premium increase shared 50%-50%, employer cap of $400.

RSU 37, Harrington

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Standard

RSU 84, Danforth (Formerly SAD 14)

97% (hired before 7/1/2010)/90% (hired after 7/1/2010)

up to 60%/Single only

up to 60%/Single only

up to 60%/Single only

RSU 85, Lubec (Formerly SAD 19)

100%

Single plus 83% of additional cost (hired before 7/1/2012)/75% of additional cost (hired after 7/1/2012)/70% of additional cost (hired after 7/1/2014)

Single plus 83% of additional cost/75% of additional cost/70% of additional cost

Single plus 83% of additional cost/75% of additional cost/70% of additional cost

Whiting

100%

100% Single only

100% Single only

100% Single only

Acton

85%

85%

85%

85%

Biddeford

92%

90%

78%

78%

Dayton

94%

90%

83%

83%

Kittery

86%

86%

86%

86%

RSU 06, Buxton

80%

80%

80%

80%

RSU 21, Kennebunk

82%

82%

82%

82%

RSU 23, Old Orchard Beach

94%

90%

88%

88%

RSU 35, Eliot

95%

86.5%

86.5%

86%

RSU 60, Berwick

87% Standard/92% ChoicePlus

77%/87%

70%/80%

70%/80%

Saco

87%

85%

85%

85%

Sanford (AFT)

82.5% (hired before 2015-16)/80% (hired 2015-16 and after)

82.5%/80%

82.5%/80%

82.5%/80%

Thornton Academy

100% ChoicePlus/85% Standard

86%/70%

86%/70%

86%/70%

Wells-Ogunquit CSD

85%

85%

85%

85%

Premium increase above 8% split 50%-50%

York

85.5%

85.5%

85.5%

85.5%

Premium increase above 10% split 50%-50%

Premium increase above 10% allows reopener

Standard 500

Waldo County Standard

Washington County

Employees hired after 2002-03 are not eligible for dependent contributions until second year of employment

York County Premium increase above 10% paid by employee Premium increase above 8% paid by employee

Harvard Pilgrim HMO

Note: All employer contributions based on MEABT ChoicePlus unless noted

Be sure to check out the next issue of the Maine Educator for complete guide to health insurance contributions for support staff in the state.

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

25

T

26

rading in their pizza and milk for guitars and microphones, students enrolled in Spruce Mountain High School’s Rock of Ages class transform their cafeteria into a space fit for a live rock concert, complete with lighting and costumes.

Deliverance. “I don’t teach music, I teach life skills. This is all about gaining confidence. I had a kid who hid behind her hair and now she’s leading songs—you don’t teach that confidence and you don’t assess it, you watch it,” said Fenlason.

The music class is unlike any other taught in the state, in which students learn about the history of rock and roll, beginning in the 1950's to the present. After completing the history portion of the class, students prepare for a concert where they perform covers of songs from each decade since the 1950's.

For Fenlason, it’s important for her students to understand the social connection to the music they’re hearing, the messages the music sends and how those messages have changed through time based on the events occurring. “At the start of this, I wanted to make sure I met their needs as an educator,” said Fenlason.

Music teacher Dianne Fenlason organizes the concert and preforms with fellow educators alongside the school band,

It’s clear this music teacher and class are doing far more than that.

Maine Educator • October 2017

News You Can Use

“This is easily my favorite part of school. I feel like we have to have somewhere to have fun because school can be pretty stressful.” – Student, Emily Wilson

“It’s a great opportunity. It’s super important to have the Arts available for me in school. It’s great to have a creative outlet for people who aren’t quite as inclined for math or English.”Student, Tad Jewett

“I’ve always felt like I was a musician but my library of music expanded because of this class. It’s opened my mind to new things. I am definitely going to pursue music.”Student, Jillian Buote

“Yes you can, and yes you will—that’s the mantra. The minute you lower the bar then it’s easy to keep lowering it. I tell them they can and they will. I had students who didn’t have an opportunity to perform. I had some really cool kids who were into rock music, and they ran with it.” -

Music teacher, Dianne Fenlason

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

27

#WEAREMEA FALL CONFERENCE 2017 - LESSONS WE LEARNED

TRENDING:

Jannie Durr-Trainer (CCAA) Digital Literacy: Gamification in the Classroom “The people who went to my session walked away with some free tools to use in the classroom—High tech, low tech, mixed tech tools. For example, for a low tech tool, use a beach ball with numbers on it and students toss it to each other and wherever your finger lands on it and they would answer a question. It engages the brain in a real way, in a deep and meaningful way.”

Erin Babbin (Gray-New Gloucester TA)

“I went to the how to deal with chaos session. This conference always provides resources and rejuvenates the beginning of the year—it gets you thinking and helps me revise all my units.”

Bryan Eldridge (Student MEA)

“I've wanted to come so many times before, but this was my first opportunity, and I’m so glad I could make it. I want to grow as an educator and learn from those here and their experiences. I want to teach Elementary education, fourth grade, and I feel the culturally responsible pedagogy session and differentiated instruction will help me going forward. There is so much offered at this conference, and anything I can take that is geared toward behavior management is going to help me.”

80's Rockin' Rewind Party

Costume Contest Winner

28

Maine Educator • October 2017

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

29

Your Association

Protect Your Pension: Vote YES on Question 4 on November 7th Question 4 will help protect pensions of MEA members and other state employees in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System and the MEA encourages members to vote YES on Question 4 on November 7th.

What Does Question 4 Do? • • • •

Provides more protection for our pension benefits Gives MEPERS more time and flexibility to make up for any investment losses Changes the Maine Constitution to allow MEPERS 20 years, instead of 10, to smooth out investment losses Eases the impact of our pension system on the state budget

Why is Question 4 Needed?

When the economy slows or crashes, as it did in 2008, the State is still required to fund the pension system adequately. That’s good news for the pension system, which is rated among the best funded and most stable in the entire country. The bad news, the pension system doesn’t have a lot of time to make up for investment losses, which puts pressure on the state budget and forces cuts to our retirement. Question 4 will be critical if/when there is another economic downturn.

Learn from History In 2008, there was a substantial economic downturn. This crash caused great damage to MEPERS’ investments and in turn, due to the current 10-year payoff requirement, created great pressure to make major cuts to our pensions. COLAs were frozen, the retirement age was lifted, among other damaging cuts.

History doesn’t need to repeat itself, if we vote Yes on 4.

The 2017 ballot will ask Mainers if they want to expand Medicaid - a federal-state partnership which provides quality health care to lowincome families.

Expanding access to Medicaid is a common sense move that will improve health, create 3000 jobs throughout the State, and help preserve Maine’s community hospitals and health centers that so many of us depend on.

30

Maine Educator • October 2017

@maineea @MaineEA

@maineea

@maineea @maineea

@maineeducationassociation @maineeducationassociation @MaineEA @maineea

@maineea @maineea

M a ine Educ a tion Soc ia l M e dia Maine Educa tion Soc ia l Media

@maineea

@maineea

@maineeducationassociation @maineeducationassociation

M a ine Educ a tion Soc ia l M edia M a ine Educ a tion Soc ia l M e dia

@maineea @maineeducationassociation See Wh a t Your Assoc ia tion is Doing For M a ine Educ aYOU! tion Soc ia l M e dia

@maineeducationassociation

Se e lWh t Your Associa tion is Doin M a ine Educ a tion Soc M eaadia Se eia Wh t Your Assoc ia tion is Doin YOU! YOU!

See What Your Associa tion is Doing For YOU! See Wh a t Your Assoc ia tion is Doing For YOU!

Interested in earning your Ph.D.?

Se e Wh a t Your Assoc ia tion is Doing For New cohort begins Fall 2018. YOU!

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

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

31

Calendar Upcoming

2017-18 Young Educators Weekend

Join other Young Education Professionals of the MEA (YEP-MEA) for a FREE weekend of fun and professional development. The weekend includes a chance to meet other young educators, learn about the MEA, the benefits of being a member all while having fun.

FMI and to sign up, email gbechard@maineea.org

Your Association January

February

15

February

1

Athletic Grant California Casualty awards grants to select public middle and high school athletics programs. Awards must be used to help subsidize school sports programs in ways such as purchasing new equipment or paying for competition travel costs. The grant cannot be used for individual student awards.

Application Deadline: January 15 FMI: https://www.calcas.com/ web/calcasathleticsgrant

5

Learning and Leadership Grants Grants up to $5,0000 are available to MEA members only: Individuals to participate in high-quality professional development like summer institutes.

Groups to fund collegial study, including study groups.

Preference given to proposals that incorporate STEM and/ or global competence in their projects.

Application Deadline: February 1 FMI: maineea.org/grants

Global Learning Fellowship Through the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship, educators develop the knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into their daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency in their schools and districts, and help students to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. The fellowship ends with a summer international field study.

Application Deadline: February 5 FMI: maineea.org/grants

Take charge of your future Let us show you how Founded by Educators for Educators® in 1945, Horace Mann is the largest financial services company focused on providing America’s educators and school employees with affordable auto, home and life insurance, as well as retirement solutions.

We have a unique understanding of the challenges you face every day – in and outside of the classroom. And we’ve created a suite of real, workable solutions to help. $

Student Loan Solutions Workshops

DonorsChoose.org Workshops

Financial Success Workshops

State Retirement System Workshops (not available in Utah)

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

32

Maine Educator • October 2017

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

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October 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

Advocacy

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

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

October 2017 • www.maineea.org

35

Your Association National Board Support Workshops-FREE for MEA members

9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The MEA provides, free to members, workshops designed to give you the information and encouragement that you need to complete the National Board Certification process. Find out what is involved, the time commitments required and how to get assistance with fees.

Those who achieve certification are eligible for $3,000 yearly salary supplement provided by the state.

November 4 December 9 January 13 February 10 March 17 April 28

MEA Sponsored National Board Certification Workshops Sessions are held at the MEA offices in Augusta at 35 Community Drive and Bangor at 1349 Broadway.

Morning coffee and snacks and lunch will be provided for participants.

All workshops are sponsored by the Maine Education Association and facilitated by trained Candidate Support Providers who are NBCTs. There is no fee for members to attend the workshops. The Candidate Support Workshops are a benefit to MEA members. Non-members are welcome but are expected to pay a participation fee of $591.00. Please register above or contact Dan Allen if you have any questions about the workshops above - 622-4418 x 2223.

To register, visit maineea.org, click on the National Board Certification link under the Teaching and Learning tab.

MEA Members - Get Involved!

Would you like to be more active in your Association?

Would you like to participate in creating the beliefs of your Association?

Get involved - get elected to represent your Association and have a say!

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 for the 2018 MEA and NEA Representative Assemblies and Board of Directors vacancies will be conducted in winter by MEA. Elections for MEA President, Vice President, and Treasurer will be held at MEA’s RA in May. Watch for candidate information and filing forms in December on the MEA website.

Your decisions matter!

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Maine Educator • October 2017