United Voices, Vol. 7 No. 2

2021 TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Kristi Reinke Page 4

PU

B L I C EDUC

AT

I

N

GR

T A

O

E

VOL. 7 NO. 2

G

R

10

EA T

E

®

PUB

E LIC S

RV

IC

Legislative Session Will Be a Test

16

Local Leaders Academy

24

ESP Conference Was Virtual Success

P

AT

I

N

GR

T A

O

E

DECEMBER 2020 L I C EDU UB C

G

EA T

E

®

R

PUB

E LIC S

RV

IC

We can sum up the year 2020 in pretty concise terms. Five letters: COVID. Two numbers: 19. One word: distant.

A pandemic challenged us all, this year.

It forced us to reinvent our systems of work, communication and relationship building. We learned how to do our jobs remotely, how to teach, serve, protect and assist people from a distance.

Whether separated by six feet and face masks, or by the entire distance of the World Wide Web, we found new ways to bridge the gaps that exist between us and still reach out to students and people who needed our help, now more than ever. Just as COVID-19 drove us apart, it helped bring us closer together, too.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 4 8

9 10

President’s Post T.O.Y. — Kristi Reinke T.O.Y. Finalist — Dana Kasowski T.O.Y. Finalist — Cory Volk Legislative Session Will Be a Test

12 14

16 19

This final issue of United Voices for 2020 marks the finish of a challenging year, but not the end of our challenges.

We dedicate this issue to celebrating all of your efforts, in 2020 and beyond, to rise up together and overcome every obstacle put before us. Inside, you’ll read about the extraordinary work that our members are doing every day to help ensure better days to come. These are your stories, and we thank you for sharing them with us all.

Here’s to better days in 2021!

Kelly Hagen, United Voices Editor

Providing Access For All New Town Group Soars Together Local Leaders Academy Elections Scheduled for 2021 Delegate Assembly

20

22 24

27 28

SNDU Professional Development Mask Up Monday ESP Conference Was Virtual Success Retired Perspectives Upcoming NDU Events

United Voices is the official publication of North Dakota United, 301 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 Contact Us: 701.223.0450 | comments@ndunited.org Postmaster, send address changes to: North Dakota United, 301 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 Kelly Hagen Director of Communications kelly.hagen@ndunited.org

Tom Gerhardt Director of Public Affairs tom.gerhardt@ndunited.org

Leah DeKrey Digital Director leah.dekrey@ndunited.org

Sarah Keiser Special Projects Coordinator sarah.johnson@ndunited.org

2

|

ND United Voices

Image Printing Design/Publisher

President’s Post

Preparing for the Legislature Your help is needed to advocate for great public education and services Greetings! I hope this note finds you and yours well and safe as we begin what I hope is a prosperous 2021.

We begin this year with a new President of the United States, Joe Biden, following a very contentious campaign and election. Now more than ever, Americans are imploring politicians and activists of all stripes to tone down the rhetoric and refocus their efforts on doing what is in the best interest of the people of the United States. Our fellow citizens from all backgrounds have been through a great deal in 2020 and their challenges are real. To paraphrase John F. Kennedy, the people are not looking for a Democratic solution or a Republican solution. They are looking for American solutions to the challenges they face. Here’s hoping we get them.

On the home front, North Dakota United is busily participating in the 67th Legislative Assembly. We have every reason to believe that we will see legislation that, if enacted, will negatively impact our membership.

For example, there will be a bill that will limit the timeframe in which K-12 teacher contracts must be considered before an impasse is automatically declared. Public employees will again be asked to increase their contribution to their pensions. While we support a proposed one percent employeremployee increase to NDPERS, the increase will surely lessen the impact of any modest salary enhancement

By Nick Archuleta NDU President

public employees may receive. Our higher education members, at least if the executive budget is adopted, will see additional cuts in their budgets as well as depletions in university system personnel.

“

We need your help.

We need to hear from you, and we need you to act!

“

So, as you see, we have a great deal of work to do during this legislative session between now and when it adjourns sine die in April. Over these 80 days, we will be advocating for the members of North Dakota United who work in our great public schools, universities and government agencies. We will continue to do everything in our power so that you have the respect and resources you need to continue to provide the vital public services that our state depends upon.

But we will need your help! We need to hear from you, and we need you to act! Find out how you can become a member activist at www.ndunited.org.

Thank you all for all you do every day!

And thank you for your membership in North Dakota United! ndunited.org

|

3

Reinke Named Teacher of the Year

Award winner credits her success to the support of colleagues and smiles on students’ faces

By Tom Gerhardt, NDU Communications

In a tough and trying year of pandemic, separation, exertion and exhaustion for all of us, we can all likely agree that each and every educator in North Dakota deserves an award. But it was Minot Education Association and North Dakota United member Kristi Reinke of Jim Hill Middle School who took home the prize of 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year.

4

|

ND United Voices

“It’s still humbling,” Reinke said. “I mean, it’s just kind of crazy. You go to work every day — you want to teach — you want to have relationships with your co-workers, with your students, but you never really think of there being an award for doing that. I mean, to me, I know hundreds of other people that should be getting this exact same honor as I am.”

At a ceremony held in the Memorial Hall of the state Capitol building, in front of a socially distanced audience, all wearing masks, Reinke was presented with this year’s honor. Gov. Doug Burgum,

Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler and North Dakota United President Nick Archuleta were on hand to present her with the trophy and honor her accomplishment. Also in attendance and honored were two of the three other finalists for the award this year: Dana Kasowski, of Wahpeton, and Cory Volk, of South Central in Bismarck.

In his remarks, President Archuleta said that during the pandemic teachers from across North Dakota have been asked to do incredible things — and they have delivered. “From developing distance-learning protocols, to safely welcoming back students into the classroom,” Archuleta said, “You honorees and your colleagues from across the state have done an amazing job. Your commitment to excellence in education and your dedication to creating loving, safe and creative learning spaces for your students has earned you the admiration and respect of all North Dakotans.”

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Kirsten Baesler says ceremonies like the Teacher of the Year are important. “We need to celebrate each and every day the heroic work that they do with their students, their students’ families and their colleagues,” Baesler said, and Governor Doug Burgum agreed. “Theodore Roosevelt once said far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing,” Burgum said in his speech.

And we know that — what a year for our state educators — working so hard at work worth doing.”

“One of the biggest priorities for me is the health and wellness of all the stakeholders in education,” Reinke said.

“We spend a lot of time focusing on our students and their well-being. This is the year we really need to focus on

educators as well. You know they are burning candles at both ends. They are working harder than I’ve ever seen them work and I worry about compassion fatigue, I worry about their well-being, so I want to make sure that they take time for themselves, put their own oxygen mask on before helping others.

That’s going to be a priority of mine.”

Going back to her roots, Reinke nearly chose a different career path out of college.

ON THE WEB

Check out our newsfeed at ndunited.org/ articles to watch video of this story.

ndunited.org

|

5

“I graduated from Minot State with a degree in criminal justice,” Reinke said.

“And right after graduation, I moved out to Washington, D.C. I worked for one of our United States senators out there.”

But a few months into the internship – the unthinkable.

“And then 9/11 happened. And very shortly after I ended up moving back to Minot because my priorities just switched. I wanted to be back near family,” Reinke said.

Back home, a series of events led her to the classroom, first at the Burdick Job Corps Center, then as an education support professional, followed by seven years in special education before settling in as a world geography teacher at Jim Hill Middle School in Minot.

6

|

ND United Voices

“I feel like, truly, if I would’ve just started right away teaching in social studies, I wouldn’t have understood … all the different types of students,” Reinke said. “And I really think getting that experience, working with all different types of students, I think it just makes me a better teacher.”

Reinke says much has changed in her teaching career. She says some days content is the last thing she and other educators are teaching.

“And we know their home environment, you know, on their days where we walk into school, and we see somebody and we know that they haven’t had breakfast yet,” Reinke said.

“So, we reach into our drawers and we make sure that they have breakfast, and we make sure that they’re OK. And I think just that’s what teachers do

now. We feel so much more than just teachers, you know. Actually, somedays I have someone call me mom.”

She says if we all knew what some students go through each day, it would break our hearts. But as the Teacher of the Year, she hopes to also shine a light on mental health for educators.

“I’ve seen them working harder than I’ve ever seen at work, and they’ve always worked very hard. But, I mean, they’re coming in early. They’re staying late. We have teachers that are teaching six straight hours in a row, but then some are online, some are face to face,” Reinke said. “And then on their one planning period, they’re creating videos for those students that are home quarantined. I mean, teachers have just been working so hard. You know what?

I’m just concerned that they’re going to burn out because at some point you got to take a little break.”

Active in the Minot Education Association and North Dakota United, Reinke prioritizes this opportunity for using her voice for educators. She started her work as a leader of MEA without too much thought ahead of time though, she admits. “I somehow ended up on the ballot” for election of officers one year, she said, “and I ended up becoming the vice president. At that moment, I kind of went, wow, like now you’ve got to step up. Now you have 500-some other people that are relying on you.”

She credits her colleagues in education with preparing her for the task. “I feel like it just kind of was natural for me,”

she said. “I had awesome mentors, obviously, and once I realized that I could use my voice and really speak for the people, that maybe were a little bit more nervous about speaking for themselves or having concerns, and I started doing that. Then I figured, well, once you can start doing that with adults, there you go.”

She says her rock star co-workers keep her coming back to Jim Hill. And the bonds she forms with her students.

“I mean, I had a great compliment even just today from an ESP that was in my classroom,” Reinke said. “She just came in and said, ‘You know, so-and-so just loves being in here.’ This is the bright spot of their day, which just makes you feel so good because if you know that it’s a student that doesn’t like school and doesn’t want to be here, the fact that they show right away in the morning to your class and yeah, it’s kind of cool.

It’s just the little teeny things like that is what makes the rest of your day.”

Those small moments are what keep her and her students going, through the tough times. “We laugh every day in this class,” she said. “I’m blessed to be able to teach a class where, you know, we get to do some fun things.

Sometimes we can stop and just take a breath, and we can readjust things. And just watching the kids laugh – a lot of times at me, instead of with me – that is just motivation to keep going. And although I can’t see their smiles right now underneath their masks, I know that if they’re enjoying class, they’re just going to learn that much easier.”

ndunited.org

|

7

A Nurtured Heart Approach

Finalist for 2021 ND Teacher of the Year concentrates on the positives

By Tom Gerhardt, NDU Communications

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some school districts are limiting the number of visitors who can come into buildings to visit with personnel. While we weren’t able to visit in-person with Dana Kasowski, a special education teacher in Wahpeton and finalist for the 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year award, at her school for a story, she was gracious enough to join Education Mindset podcast host Tom Gerhardt virtually for a special episode. This is a partial transcript of the podcast. Visit our website to listen to the full conversation.

Tom Gerhardt: “Well, 16 years in the classroom, middle and elementary schools. And as you mentioned, you are a special-education educator. What drew you to students who faced challenges with behaviors, social, emotional skills and academics?”

Dana Kasowski: “You know, it is just very satisfying and rewarding to see the growth that is made over time. I have the privilege of working with kids across multiple years. Some of the students that I have now, I’ve worked with since they were – they’re eighth graders now, and I’ve worked with them since they were in first grade. Just because I made a transition at the same time that they made a transition to the middle school.

So, to see that growth over time is just such an amazing thing, to develop such deep relationships with families over 8

|

ND United Voices

that time as well. These kids are resilient and persistent and determined to improve themselves every day. And it’s just an honor to be able to spend that time with them.”

TG: “Another thing I saw looking at your background is that you mentor first-year special education teachers. That’s amazing to see that, that you’re willing to step up to the plate and do that kind of work can help others succeed.”

DK: “Yeah. That’s a lot of fun. I enjoyed that. This is my third year of doing that in our district. I get to mentor them through the special education paperwork process, but also in things like working with parents and how best to navigate [that], working with general education teachers and building those relationships with general education teachers, too. So, it’s very rewarding to see their growth over the year as well from the beginning of the year, being kind of nervous about writing their first IEP meeting and what I need to help support them with that. And then just how they grow in their own and step into their own teacher role as the year goes on. It’s lots of fun to see.”

ON THE WEB

Check out our newsfeed at ndunited.org/ articles to listen to this podcast.

Winning the Play

Teacher of the Year finalist tackles every lesson in classroom and on football field, individually

By Tom Gerhardt, NDU Communications

Cory Volk’s parents were both educators—and when it came down to him picking a career path—he had two choices.

“My mom and dad were both teachers, and I also worked for my uncle on the farm a lot,” Volk said. “So really, those were the only two jobs that I knew was farming and ranching and education.

And I knew I was really bad at farming and ranching. I didn’t really like it. So I kind of this was my only choice.”

Volk made the right choice. The 2021 North Dakota Teacher of the Year finalist works here at South Central High School in Bismarck. He says the greatest gift you can give students is to teach them how to learn. His experience as a coach translates into the classroom and the individualized learning environment at South Central.

“I coach offensive line at Century, and I tell them I have no idea how to win a football game,” Volk said. “It’s too complicated. There are too many things, but I know how to win a play.

And if you do this on this play, you’re going to win the play. And all we ever focus on is winning the play. So with these guys right here, there’s probably like ten things that have to be done for a unit. And we just take it one at a time.”

Volk knows research points to the importance of relationships with students as the number one factor to positively impact each student’s learning. And those relationships over his 20-plus-year career are what keeps him coming back.

“It’s always worth it when you bump into those former students and they’re young adults and they’ve got their lives and their kids and their jobs and they want to brag to you and they want to tell you that, you know, being in your classroom was an impact of positive force in their life, and that makes it all worth it,” Volk said.

Volk is also an active member of the Bismarck Education Association and has been at each school he’s been involved in. He says it’s awesome to be a part of BEA and to feel the energy of the positive impact they make on kids and on the district. “And I’ve always felt like to be involved and to be that person who fights the good fight to defend our right to have a working environment that we feel is safe and is compensating us for our time and energy. You’ve got to be a member. You just do,” Volk said.

ON THE WEB

Check out our newsfeed at ndunited.org/ articles to watch video of this story.

ndunited.org

|

9

state to gather input and feedback on what issues are most important to our members in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Mandan and West Fargo. Sessions specifically designed for public employees and higher education faculty and staff were also held in Bismarck and at North Dakota State University in Fargo and University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

And then, there was the pandemic.

Legislative Session Will Be a Test

All NDU members can play a part in protecting quality public education and services

By Sarah Keiser, NDU Communications

The members and leaders of North Dakota United had big plans for the 2021 Legislative Assembly, a year ago. Huge.

We were building a bold, proactive legislative agenda for the next session, which kicks off January 5, 2021, in Bismarck.

President Nick Archuleta held listening sessions in communities across the 10

|

ND United Voices

“There is no doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have had a profoundly negative impact on the economy in ND and across the country,” President Archuleta said. “As the world shut down last March, demand for oil dropped precipitously, and the result was that the tax revenue derived from the oil industry and the industries that support oil production dried up significantly.

So, yes, the Legislature will have some very difficult funding issues to resolve. But we believe that investing in higher education, our state’s workforce and PK-12 education are worthy investments that will pay dividends to the state for years to come. Funding our state’s intellectual infrastructure is every bit as important as funding its physical infrastructure.”

As we waited with bated breath throughout the year, we began to wonder how the COVID-19 pandemic would affect all aspects of our lives, including NDU’s legislative agenda.

It became increasingly clear that this upcoming legislative session will be drastically different than what was originally expected. What we proactively go after, what we have to

defend, and how we do it had to all change and shift.

At the time of this publication, many things are still unclear. What we do know is that your North Dakota United lobbying team will work tirelessly to not only maintain your current rights, salaries, benefits and working conditions but to also improve in as many of those areas as possible.

We currently are also proactively looking at specific issues such as perpupil payments, teacher mentorship program, threshold on bond issues, early childhood experiences, paid family leave, binding arbitration, and collective bargaining. NDU undoubtedly will also have to play a strong defensive game this session, likely on topics such as education savings accounts, teacher licensure, health insurance, pensions and shortening the bargaining window.

Most of all, we know that we will need YOU. It is your voice – your expertise, your experiences – that the North Dakota legislators most listen to. Be assured NDU will be calling on you to help with legislative activism. More information will be made available in the coming weeks on specific programs and projects.

President Archuleta said that every member of our union can help in some really big ways, this session.

“North Dakota United members can play an outsized role in advocating for themselves and their colleagues during the 67th Legislative Assembly,” he said.

“For the first time ever, every committee hearing will be livestreamed and recorded. This will give our members

and all citizens the opportunity to hear testimony for and against specific proposed legislation in real time.

Furthermore, members of the public can offer virtual testimony before the various legislative committees.

Nothing like this has ever been done in North Dakota, and we hope that with increased transparency comes increased involvement from ND United members and others.”

Staying connected to what is happening in the Legislature is especially important, and NDU Communications will be making every effort to keep you informed. “Our members can connect to our website, www.ndunited.org, and sign up to become member activists,” President Archuleta said. On the front page, look for the “Be an NDU Activist!” link, or send an e-mail to sarah.johnson@ndunited.org. “In this role, our members can help to shape our narrative as well as public opinion by taking specific actions that require very little time but can have a very large impact.”

By joining our list of member activists, you can help amplify the message to every legislator this session that public education and public services are too important for our state’s collective future to starve out during these tough times.

“North Dakota’s public servants – be they educators, researchers, education support professionals or state employees – have been under incredible stress,” Archuleta said. “The Legislature has a tremendous opportunity to relieve that stress and improve morale by investing in the areas of public service that are critical to the success of economic recovery and long-term health.” ndunited.org

|

11

Providing Access for All

Life-changing program supports students in Valley City

By Tom Gerhardt, NDU Communications

Valley City Public Schools started its “Access for All” program in the fall of 2016.

It started small — with a limited number of students leaving school to see a counselor. There was a 4-6 week waiting list.

That changed last spring at a meeting following a student’s death by suicide.

“At that meeting, we all, with tears in our eyes, sat and said, we cannot wait any longer. We can’t just swim in the shallow end and just say it’s going to go away. And so, we all just jumped in and 12

|

ND United Voices

said that was the moment where we all decided we need to have a counselor here and we need to like be proactive with it and help the kids that need the help right now.”

Nicole Powers is a veteran kindergarten teacher and president of the school’s education foundation that made the decision to raise money to provide expanded counseling services within the school.

“Now we are we are able to meet the needs of the students,” Powers said.

Talia Germann is one of those students.

So, knowing that there is a program that will take care of you if you need that help is very powerful in my eyes.

Because I think if you go through something as hard as losing a student or a friend or a classmate, you know, you need support. And this program has provided that support,” Germann said.

Valley City Superintendent Josh Johnson calls what’s happening in Valley City and all across North Dakota a crisis and says the student’s needs are real.

Germann, a senior, says Access for All has been life-changing.

“This program has helped me realize that I don’t have to do everything by myself. I don’t have to go through hard times by myself. And there’s people that love me and there are people that support me, and they believe in me.

And without this program, I might not be here today. And now I’m living dreams that I never thought I could live.”

Germann says when she realized the impact of her experience — she recognized its potential for the school and community.

“And I think that programs like this are what schools need when they go through hard times because students don’t know how to do it by themselves.

“If you haven’t had a conversation with a student regarding mental health and some of the challenges that they bring with them to school, then you need to get out of the office. You need to get into a school, and you need to find out what’s really happening, because the experiences and the challenges that our students are facing right now in 2020 are, I think, greater than whatever, has been experienced to this point.”

Johnson says Access for All helps students have better experiences in school, providing a process for interventions at any age — ultimately helping to provide a safer learning environment for students and educators. ______________ This story was produced as part of a series spotlighting behavioral health programs in K-12 schools across North Dakota.

Video was shot pre-pandemic, and before face masks and social distancing measures were implemented. If you have a story to tell about how your school is supporting students’ social and emotional needs, please contact ND United Director of Public Affairs Tom Gerhardt at tom.gerhardt@ndunited.org.

ndunited.org

|

13

New Town Group SOARS Together

Peer-to-peer mentorship program helps students to open up, forge connections and inspire classmates

By Tom Gerhardt, NDU Communications

High school counselor Chelsie Smith guides a purposeful group of students here at New Town High School. They’re part of a group called SOAR – Stand Up and Represent.

The idea behind the group is to create a peer to peer mentorship program-working to normalize difficult but real conversations on topics like suicide, loneliness and drugs and alcohol.

“They come in and they talk about things that are important and relevant to them and they create videos with concepts that will speak to their peers and have an impact,” Smith said. “We’re trying to have a systemic approach to this in order to change

14

|

ND United Voices

school climate. But [also] changing the atmosphere and making an effort to do that, they’ve reached out in several different ways and asked their peers what they’re struggling with, and they’ve addressed that in videos. Let them know that they’re not alone, that they are here for support in whatever way they can help. And I think it’s amazing what they’ve done in a very short period of time. I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”

The videos — and you can find them on their New Town High School Leadership Council YouTube channel — have allowed SOAR students to take ownership in the projects they’ve created including selecting topics, writing, editing and on-camera appearances.

“And so what we do is we take those topics and we sit there and brainstorm.

And different kids throw in, like, this week we should talk about drinking and driving. Or this event happened and we should probably address it. And so we made videos about it and kind of we did it in a comedy kind of way, but also got our message across at the end about the consequences,” Tierra Kinden said. “So that’s a little bit of what we do. And we do some activities also around the school just to let the kids know we’re here. We want you to come and talk to us because we’re here for you and we go through the same problems you do use of video.”

The videos have helped students open up, forging connections, trust and friendships and a better school environment.

“But it’s made me way more open and able to get on — not to sound corny — like a spiritual kind of level, to really relate to somebody, to let them know that, you know, you’re not alone because a lot of kids, they’re seeing me and they’re like, ‘Man, you’re so … I wish I was like you,’ because I’m top of the class and everything seems like

everything’s okay,” Qwyntin Alcon said. “But, you know, everybody has problems. And it’s good to know that these videos and like what we’re doing is helping them realize that everybody’s the same and everybody has problems and we’re able to go to each other for help for each one of those problems.”

Superintendent Marc Bluestone says the school received a grant to help identify areas to improve. He says he knew they had to work to fill the voids with students who struggle.

“All 255 kids is what makes this school a great place. And they all have to work together. And so it’s really cool to have not just the highflyers group, but also some struggling kids who need some extra assistance from peerto-peer mentoring and building those relationships and then also having our staff embracing it,” Bluestone said.

And building those changes, and understanding that this is something that will make our district a better place for kids as a whole. And it fills that void of trying to address some of those additional at-risk needs that we have.”

ndunited.org

|

15

New Leadership Training Available in 2021

LOCAL LEADERS ACADEMY Credit Breakdown

Book studies are each 15 hours and are blog style, which includes some interaction with your peers, and a reflective piece to end the course. Each book study for this academy is one credit. The sessions themselves are also one credit. There is no charge for the book studies or taking the sessions, but you will be responsible for the cost of the books and the $50 credit themselves from UND. Who Should Take the Courses?

These sessions and book studies are for anyone who currently holds a leadership position within their local or anyone who is interested in holding a leadership position within their local. These leadership positions could include but are not limited to president, executive committees, and negotiation teams.

Why Should I Take the Course?

The No Complaining Rule

North Dakota United has received feedback from local leadership teams that training, networking and professional development would be beneficial to your team, yourself, and your members. We have developed an eleven course training series accompanied by two book studies to develop your knowledge of the negotiations process, utilize our communication tools effectively and provide real time training on Secrets of a Successful Organizer organizing back to school events.

16

|

ND United Voices

LOCAL LEADERS ACADEMY 1/7 - 6:30-8:30 PM

2/4- 6:30-8:30 PM

3/4 - 6:30-8:30 PM

with Dave Marquardt & Amber Augustadt

with Kelly Hagen & Kjiesta Moch

with Dave Marquardt & Amber Augustadt

1/21 - 6:30-8:30 PM with Dave Marquardt & Amber Augustadt

4/8 - 6:30-7:30 PM

with Kjiesta Moch & Dave Marquardt

5/6 - 6:30-8:30 PM

with Amy Flicek

7/15 - 9:00-11:00 AM

with Geoff GreenwoodNDU Organizing Director

10/7 - 6:30-8:30 PM

6/3 - 6:30-8:30 PM

with Geoff GreenwoodNDU Organizing Director

9/9 - 6:30-7:30 PM

(No Complaining Rule)

PreRecorded Fiduciary Training-

with Dana Hillius

12/2 - 6:30-8:30 PM with Ryan NagleAssistant Executive Director of NDU

with Kjiesta Moch & Amber Augustadt

(Secrets of a Successful Organizer)

ndunited.org

|

17

LOCAL LEADERS ACADEMY Book Study Information

The first book study will be “The No Complaining Rule” by Jon Gordon: Negativity in the workplace costs businesses billions of dollars and impacts the morale, productivity and health of individuals and teams. “In The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work, Jon Gordon, a bestselling author, consultant and speaker, shares an enlightening story that demonstrates how you can conquer negativity and inspire others to adopt a positive attitude.” Based on one company’s successful No Complaining Rule, the powerful principles and actionable plan are practical and easy-to-follow, making this book an ideal read for managers, team leaders and anyone interested in generating positive energy.

The second book study is “Secrets of a Successful Organizer” by Alexandra Bradbury, Mark Brenner & Jane Slaugher: Are there problems where you work? Maybe your pay is too low, conditions are unsafe, or your The boss has it in for someone you work No Complaining Rule with. You picked up this book because you’re ready to do something about it. For us, that takes organizing. For the boss, it spells trouble.

This book will show you how to fight back where you work and win. We’ve distilled the insights and know-how of generations of organizers into 47 secrets, illustrated with hundreds of real-life examples and practical tips. You’ll learn how to identify the key Secrets of a Successful Organizer issues in your workplace, build campaigns to tackle them, anticipate management’s tricks and traps, and inspire your co-workers to stand together despite their fears. It’s a step-by-step guide to building power on the job.

Email Amy.Flicek@ndunited.org with questions and/or if interested in participating. If interested in participating please include your first and last name, personal email address, school district, local leadership role(s), and if you plan to take the book studies, which ones.

18

|

ND United Voices

Elections Scheduled for 2021 Delegate Assembly

Twelve positions will be up for election on the NDU Board of Directors in April 2021.

The positions open on the NDU Board of Directors are: Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and Southeast Region; K-12 District (less than 600 students) and K-12 District (more than 600 students); Public Employee; Education Support Professional; Higher Education Support Professional; Higher Education (twoyear institution) and Higher Education (four-year institution); and Ethnic Minority Director. All new board members take office July 15, 2021, and the term is for three years.

elections will be held at the NDU Delegate Assembly.

Anyone who wishes to be a candidate for these elected positions must file a petition by Feb. 16, 2021, with 50 signatures from active NDU members in good standing. The student and retired positions are elected by their constituencies. However, all positions will be voted on at the NDU 2021 Delegate Assembly, which is scheduled for April 17, 2021, at Bismarck State College. Please contact Ellie Sharbono at ellie.sharbono@ndunited.org to request petitions. Completed petitions, along with a short bio and head shot, must be returned to ND United, 301 N 4th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501, by Feb. 16, 2021.

Local Association Delegate Elections Presidents of locals of 76 or more members will receive an email from NEA in late January with the allocated number of delegates for their local for the 2021 NEA Representative Assembly.

Election of Delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly Six state delegate positions are open for the 2021 NEA Representative Assembly (RA), which is currently scheduled for July 2-6, 2021, in Denver. Delegate

Petitions for the state-paid delegate positions can be found at www. ndunited.org in Forms & Resources under the For Members tab. Members who are running for a delegate position must obtain 50 signatures from active members of NDU. Completed petitions, along with a short bio and head shot, can be mailed to ND United at address above.

Local associations are allocated one delegate for each 150 active and educational support NEA members or major fraction thereof. Locals with fewer than 76 members may cluster to form delegate units.

NDU’s Affirmative Action Plan NDU’s affirmative action plan commits the association to elect two minority delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly each year. Ethnic minorities may be nominated for state delegate positions in the same manner as outlined above.

Questions? Contact Ellie Sharbono at ellie.sharbono@ndunited.org. ndunited.org

|

19

SNDU Professional Development: Providing New Offerings

North Dakota United is proud to offer professional development sessions tailored specifically for aspiring educators.

Building a Strong Chapter - Learn how to establish basic structures of a campus chapter, including: how to draft a constitution & bylaws, elect officers, run a meeting, and recruit new members. Participants will also learn how their campus chapter fits in with ND United, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.

Degrees Not Debt - Learn about student loans, loan forgiveness options and how to take control of loan repayment options.

20

|

ND United Voices

Elevating the Profession through Educator Ethics - This course reviews ethics as defined by the ND Educational Standards and Practices Board.

Participants examine various ethical situations along with actual cases that the Board has addressed. Topics include technology dos and don’ts; relationships with students, parents and colleagues; and the dichotomy of a school employee’s life. It includes a method for decision-making.

What’s Your Why - This session will help pre-service educators consider their own personal “mission statement” and focus on what is best for students.

Looking for a topic/session not listed?

Contact us and our professional development team will put together what your pre-service educators need.

All presentations can be delivered in-person or virtually. If you have any questions or would like to schedule, please contact Amber Augustadt by calling 701-223-0450 or email her at amber.augustadt@ndunited.org.

*Elevating the the Profession Educator Ethics *Elevating ProfessionThrough Through Educator Ethics *Elevating the Profession Through Educator Ethics *Degrees Not Debt

*Degrees Not Debt

*Degrees Not Debt *Building a Strong Chapter

*Building a Strong Chapter

*Building a Strong Chapter *What's Your Why

*What's Your Why

*What's Your Why Looking for a topic/session not listed? Contact us and our professional development team will put together what yourour preLooking foraatopic/session topic/session listed?

Contact us our and Looking for notnot listed?

Contact us and service educators need. professional development team together your preprofessional development team willwill putput together whatwhat your preservice educatorsneed. need. service educators

All presentations can be delivered virtually. Call or email Amber Augustadt Allwith presentations delivered orcan to be schedule: (701) 223Allquestions presentations can be delivered virtually.

Call or email Amber Augustadt 0450 or amber.augustadt@ndunited.org virtually. Call or email Amber Augustad with questions or to schedule: (701) 223with questions or to schedule: (701) 22 0450 or amber.augustadt@ndunited.org

0450 or amber.augustadt@ndunited.or

ndunited.org

|

21

NDU Members Mask Up for ND

Social media promotion shows member dedication to COVID-19 safety measures In October and November of this year, North Dakota United members from across the state were asked to share photos of themselves wearing masks to work on social media, to promote the COVID-19 safety measures we are taking to keep people safe from the coronavirus. Anyone who posted a photo of their masks on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #MaskUpMonday and #MaskUpNDU was entered into a drawing for a giftbag of prizes. Kelly Entzel was randomly selected to receive the grand prize, but we saw a lot of great participation in this event. So, here are a few of our favorite entries.

Stay tuned to our social media pages in 2021 for more contests like this. For more information, visit us on Facebook and Twitter @ndunited, and on Instagram @northdakotaunited.

Julie Hetland

22

|

ND United Voices

Sunnyside Elementary

Griggs County EA

Brian Walz

Jim Houska

Centennial BEA

ndunited.org

|

23

ESP Conference Was Virtual Success

Education support professionals came together online for mental-health themed sessions

By Kelly Hagen, NDU Communications

North Dakota United is the state’s predominant professional association for public educators and employees, including Education Support Professionals (ESPs). Since the merger that formed ND United in 2013, and for years previous to that within our two precursor organizations, our ESP members have worked together to raise up the profile and recognition for ESPs. Our ESPs are the hard-working professionals on staff at all of our North Dakota public schools and universities.

They are the glue that holds all of 24

|

ND United Voices

our schools together, and the heart that keeps students on every level of education feel safe, healthy and ready to learn.

“ESP’s are extremely important during this time,” said Connie Deutsch, the Instructional Materials, Textbooks and Online Manager for Fargo Public Schools and a 20+ year member of NDU and the Fargo Education Association. “I have seen for myself the extra mile that all are going to accommodate and assist in the multitude of settings we are teaching our students in right now. They are in the classroom, on the Zoom

classes, using Zoom to work one-onone with students. Other ESPs in the offices, libraries, lunchrooms, on the playgrounds and so many others are doing things to help that they have never done before. All are being inventive, ambitious, sensitive to all the student needs and to more than they are required to and without being asked.”

Part of our association’s efforts to celebrate the important contributions our ESP members make every day on the job is to host the ND United ESP Conference. It’s an important opportunity for ESPs from across the state to gather together, network and learn from and with each other about the important work they do.

This year’s conference was forced online like so many other conferences and social gatherings in our state, due to the threat of COVID-19. Held virtually in short sessions across four nights, November 18-21, on Zoom, the focus of the conference was mental health and self-care.

NDU President Nick Archuleta opened the conference with a welcome message,

and Brenda Seehafer, NEA Director, also wished the group of participants a happy ESP Day and thanked everyone for taking part. Our first session was dedicated to yoga and meditation techniques. Candace Brennan, an English instructor at Mandan High School, taught the group some breathing techniques and led a yoga practice for one hour.

Audrey Haskell, an NDU Professional Development trainer, hosted a session on “Difficult Conversations + How to Approach Them.” She focused on techniques for initiating, participating in and reflecting on difficult conversations. NDU attorney Michael Geiermann then led a Q&A session for inquiries about rights and responsibilities during this year’s pandemic.

Deutsch was one of the participants in this year’s conference. She gave the virtual sessions high marks, saying, “I thought all of the information was relevant and helpful. I really enjoyed the yoga, and all of the other sessions had great info useful personally and professionally.”

ndunited.org

|

25

Retired Perspectives

You’re A Big Deal!

By Karen Askerooth, NDU-Retired President

Here we are in December and to speak quite frankly ... I am ready for 2020 to go into the archives as I am sure many of you are, too!

I pondered long and hard when I was told that I was scheduled to write an article for you all and that the Teacher of The Year was one of the subjects in this publication. I had NDU do a little digging for me and the North Dakota Teacher of The Year has been given away since the 1960s. Think about all those retired teachers, current teachers, and let’s not forget the future of our aspiring educators as this award provides validation for years of hard work and sacrifice for our teaching profession.

According to the criteria for the National Teacher of the Year Program: “A Teacher of the Year should inspire all students to learn. Teachers who aspire to this award do not stick to the textbook or traditional methods of teaching. They find creative ways to make the material accessible to their students, staying upto-date with best practices and applying for grants to help enhance instruction.”

Last March when COVID-19 rocked our schools, our teachers were forced to set aside the traditional methods and they rose up to the challenge and are foraging on.

Teachers of the Year are well-known in their communities and have earned the admiration and respect of parents

and community members. These are the teachers who work to make the community a better place for their students and who teach their students to have a positive impact on the community, as well. They are involved in local events and regularly interact with education stakeholders in the community. I challenge these communities to support their teachers in the trenches.

So, in closing, I congratulate the past, present, and future Teachers of The Years and end with this definition:

{

TEACHER (n) tee-cher: A multi-tasking educational rockstar who lives to inspire and loves to encourage.

They’re kind of a big deal!

}

P.S. Membership in NDU does not stop when you retire. NDU-R needs your membership to continue our goal to engage, motivate and connect all members to advocate for our past, our present and our future.

Go to: NDUnited.org and tap Join ND United. Yearly or lifetime memberships are available with automatic withdrawal for payments.

Don’t procrastinate … JOIN NOW!

ndunited.org

|

27

Upcoming NDU Events For specific information and to register, please visit pd.ndunited.org.

ONLINE BOOK STUDIES (BY CATEGORY)

Book studies are typically one credit courses that last approximately six weeks. One credit equates to 15 hours of study. Expectations include reading the book, answering discussion questions, responding to others’ responses, and a reflection paper/action plan.

Behavioral Health • Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them – March 1, 2021 28

|

ND United Voices

English Language Learner • English Learners Academic Literacy and Thinking: Learning in the Challenge Zone – March 29, 2021 Leadership • The Power of Positive Leadership: How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World – February 1, 2021

Personal Wellness/Mindful • The No Complaining Rule – January 11, 2021 • Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead – March 8, 2021 Social/Racial Justice • Education for Extinction: American Indians and the Boarding School Experience 1875-1928 – March 22, 2021 Student Success • Change*able: How Collaborative Problem-Solving Changes Lives at Home, at School, and at Work – January 18, 2021 • Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World – January 25, 2021 • Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kids’ Brains and What Schools Can Do About It – February 8, 2021 • Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator’s Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child – February 22, 2021 • How to Create a Culture of Achievement in Your School and Classroom – March 15, 2021

Trauma • Born for Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered – February 15, 2021 Cost: Members $50; ESP $25; Student members $0; Non-Members $100 ––––––––––––

The cost associated with this registration is for course participation only. This course is eligible for one graduate credit through University of North Dakota at an additional cost of $50 per credit paid directly to UND.

Elevating the Profession: Educator Ethics is now being offered as a selfpaced, one credit, online course that can be completed on your own.

This course reviews ethics as defined by the ND Educational Standards and Practices Board. Participants examine various ethical situations that help them to understand the importance of good decision making regarding their profession. Topics include technology, relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the dichotomy of a school employee’s life.

Cost: Members $50; ESP $25; Student members $0; Non-Members $100 ––––––––––––

The cost associated with this registration is for course participation only. This course is eligible for one graduate credit through UND at an additional cost of $50 per credit paid directly to UND.

ndunited.org

|

29

Helping educators today and tomorrow

Founded by Educators for Educators®, Horace Mann is dedicated to helping educators and their families protect what's important today and prepare for a successful tomorrow.

Products and services especially designed with educators in mind • • • • •

Auto, home and life insurance and retirement solutions with personalized service for all school employees Educator rates and discounts on auto insurance and special educator rates for life insurance for educators Convenient payroll deduction available to pay auto and life insurance premiums Supplemental insurance to assist with medical and non-medical expenses related to a covered injury or sickness

Solutions to the challenges educators face • • • •

Student Loan Solutions DonorsChoose Workshop and Funding Financial Success Workshop ND Teachers' Fund for Retirement (TFFR) and ND Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

For more information or to request a no-cost workshop at your school, contact your local Horace Mann representative.

Shawn Rehm Fargo 701-232-7353

Jason Rohrer Minot 701-839-4669

Bob Tiller Grand Forks 701-787-8754

Horace Mann Insurance Company and its affiliates underwrite Horace Mann home and auto insurance. Horace Mann Life Insurance Company underwrites Horace Mann life insurance. National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company, a Horace Mann Company, underwrites Horace Mann supplemental insurance products. Not all products are available in all states.

NDU has agreements with Horace Mann and affiliates where Horace Mann pays NDU to provide various services that are aimed at familiarizing NDU members with the Horace Mann brand, products or services.

AM-C04259 (11-20)

30

|

ND United Voices

Thank You On behalf of our North Dakota United staff, leadership team and Board of Directors, we wanted to thank all of our 11,500 members for the work you do, every day, for the people of our great state. It hasn’t been easy this year, during a pandemic and economic slowdown, but all of YOU continue to show up and do your jobs. Whether working from home, teaching virtually or being at school, protecting yourself, your colleagues and your students by wearing a mask and social distancing, you’re doing the hard work to get all of our state’s citizens through a very tough time. More adversity awaits us in 2021, but you’ve already proven just how vital the work you do, every day, to keep all of us moving in the right direction.

Thank you, and here is to better, brighter days in the new year!

Nick Archuleta ND United President

Gary Feist ND United Vice President for Public Employees

Chad Oban ND United Executive Director

Alicia Bata ND United Vice President for Education

Now you can earn Cash Back while you shop great deals with our all-new

NEA Discount Marketplace with Cash Back powered by You asked, we listened!

Now it’s even easier to find the best discounts and get exclusive Cash Back on your favorite name-brand products.

Shop deals from over 2,500 top retailers, online stores, local restaurants and more—all in one place!

Start earning Cash Back now at neamb.com/marketplace RA371120

ndunited.org

|

31

PU

B LI C E D U C

AT

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

I

PAID

G

N

RE

T

O

A

®

R

E

IC

E

G A

T

ER PU BLIC S

V

North Dakota United 301 N 4th St Bismarck, ND 58501-4020

32

|

ND United Voices

PERMIT NO. 433 BISMARCK, ND