february teach magazine
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We invite you to meet our state s key lawmakers who will be the first to vote on bills hostile to teachers and public schools. Also in this issue, learn about the nuts and bolts of Tennessee s defined benefit pension plan and why it has been successful in tough economic times; Rutherford Co. teachers talk about their successful membership campaign, TEA members share their bios as they gear up to run for NEA Representative Assembly delegate seats (it's in Chicago this year), Read Across America poster for your classroom, and much more.TRANSCRIPT
Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION February 2011 Vol. 42, No. 6www.teateachers.org Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION February 2011 February 2011 Vol. 42, No. 6 Vol. 42, No. 6www.teateachers.org www.teateachers.org
Rutherford EA MembersSet Local Record
page 12
Meet Key LegislatorsIn 107th General Assembly
page 3
2 February 2011
Gera Summerford, President
Do you have sufficient instructional TIME to meet the needs of your
students? Do you have access to all the instructional RESOURCES you
need? Does your school do a good job of communicating with parents
and COMMUNITY? Are the rules for STUDENT CONDUCT consistently
followed in your school? Are TEACHERS recognized as educational
experts and leaders in your school? Does your school LEADERSHIP
consistently support teachers? Does PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT meet the needs of individual
teachers in your school?
These are just a few of the questions that
teachers and administrators in Tennessee will
have the opportunity to answer during the TELL
Tennessee survey beginning this month. For the
first time in our state, we are being asked about
the conditions in which we work. You may have
already seen some publicity about it, and we
know it’s important to raise awareness and get responses from as many
people as possible. Every school that has at least 50 percent faculty
participation will receive a detailed report of the survey results for that
building, and the data will be included in system-wide and state-wide
reports.
The purpose of the survey is to gather information about the teaching
and learning conditions in Tennessee’s public schools. Research shows
that a positive school environment is an important factor in student
achievement and teacher retention. Some studies show that the learning
environment can make a 15 percent difference in student outcomes.
Educators know that when class size is appropriate and instructional
time is protected, student performance is enhanced. The survey results
should help school leaders and policy makers recognize patterns relating
the learning climate to school performance. As part of the First to the
Top efforts to improve education in our state, we have an opportunity to
share our expertise in a way that is anonymous and productive.
No one knows better than teachers about what is needed to maximize
learning in a school. At this critical time of education reform, we must
tell what we know so that effective improvements can be realized.
The survey will be administered by The New Teacher Center, which
has conducted similar surveys in other states and school systems for
several years. Through their experience, the online survey will identify
educators only by the school in which they work, making it otherwise
anonymous. TEA has been involved in the planning and preparation and
is confident that the methods of administering the survey will protect
each individual’s privacy.
As results become available, they will be used to make important
decisions at the building, system, and state levels. School improvement
plans, collective bargaining agreements and state educational policy
may all be impacted by the data gathered through TELL Tennessee.
School leadership teams will have new information to guide the planning
and implementation of instructional programs. And throughout the
process, new conversations and discussions should be spawned at every
level.
Now more than ever, educators need to make their voices heard.
TELL Tennessee provides a powerful tool for members of our profession
to share our perceptions, knowledge and expertise with those who make
critical decisions about what happens in our schools. Don’t let this
opportunity pass you by – be sure to “TELL Tennessee” – and encourage
your colleagues to do the same!
DEVELOPMENT
teachers in your school?
teachers and administrators in Tennessee will
have the opportunity to answer during the TELL
Tennessee survey beginning this month. For the
first time in our state, we are being asked about
the conditions in which we work. You may have
already seen some publicity about it, and we
Al Mance, Executive Director
In the first week of the new legislative session, Rep. Debra Maggart
(House District 45) and Sen. Dolores Gresham (Senate District 26) have
filed two bills that strike at the hearts of Tennessee’s teachers.
The Maggart bill (HB 130), if passed and signed into law, will end 32
years of teacher negotiations in this state. For over 100 years before the
Educators Professional Negotiations Act became law,
teacher compensation was at the whim of school
superintendents and local boards of education. Men
were paid more than women. Caucasian teachers
were paid more than African-American teachers.
Secondary school teachers were paid more than
elementary teachers and friends of the ‘right people’
were routinely paid more than their peers. There was
no fair and equitable salary schedule. Negotiations
changed that.
The Gresham bill (SB 102) would replace the
ability of teachers to select the teacher representatives to the TCRS Board
of Trustees with appointments by the Speakers of the Senate and House
of Representatives. Teachers who contribute to the system would have
no voice in determining who represents them on their retirement board.
Instead, politicians who are not members of the system would make that
determination.
As of this writing, no bills have been filed to support teachers in
getting the job done in the classroom. Nothing has been introduced that
would enhance teaching and learning in our schools and classrooms.
Everything talked about so far is about restrictions and loss. It is
ironic that this comes at a time when teachers are asked to work harder
and smarter in order to help our students achieve ever more rigorous
standards.
All of us recall a period in our lives that we term the good old days.
When we look closely, however, we realize those good old days never really
were. In the fictional good old days, teachers had even lower salaries, no
voice in determining education policy and only a fraction of boys and girls
graduated from high school compared to today.
Teachers will not sit still while some legislators attempt to take
the teaching profession and public education back to a simpler but less
effective time.
Media reports indicate Gov. Bill Haslam intends to make public
education a key component of his agenda. Our experience with the former
mayor of Knoxville has shown him to be a thoughtful man. We believe he
wants to make a positive difference in public education and the lives of all
Tennesseans. We will be meeting with the governor to understand what he
wants to accomplish, and we will let him know what teachers believe will
be helpful in educating Tennessee’s students. We anticipate working with
Gov. Haslam to improve our public schools.
Some legislators appear to be preparing to pass anti-teacher and anti-
TEA legislation because they think they can. They suggest it will return us
to the good old days. However, laws with no socially redeeming value are
inherently destructive and represent abuses of discretion and power.
Tennessee’s teachers will not be silenced. TEA will rise to fight to
protect the hard-won rights some misguided forces seem willing to
eliminate. No professional teacher can sit this out.
You count.
Teachers Must Not Return To the Good Old Days That Never Were
teacher compensation was at the whim of school
superintendents and local boards of education. Men
were paid more than women. Caucasian teachers
were paid more than African-American teachers.
Secondary school teachers were paid more than
elementary teachers and friends of the ‘right people’
were routinely paid more than their peers. There was
no fair and equitable salary schedule. Negotiations
changed that.
Be Ready to “TELL Tennessee”
Speaking Out for Youteach (USPS 742-450) is published monthly (except for June, July and December) by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodical postagepaid at Nashville, TN. The subscription price of $3.65 isallocated from annual membership dues of $254.00 for active members; $127.00 for associate, education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired mem-bers; and $10.00 for student members. Member of State Education Editors Conference (SEE).
Postmaster: Send address changes to teach,
801 Second Avenue North,Nashville, TN 37201-1099.
MANAGING EDITOR: Alexei Smirnov [email protected]
PUBLISHER: Alphonso C. ManceMANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS: A.L. Hayes
Tennessee Education Association801 Second Avenue NorthNashville, TN 37201-1099
Telephone: (615)242-8392, Toll Free: (800)342-8367, (800)342-8262
Fax: (615)242-7397Web site: www.teateachers.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Gera Summerford* (800)342-8367VICE PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (901)353-8590SECRETARY-TREASURER: Alphonso C. Mance (615)242-8392DISTRICT 1 Karen Anderson* (423)610-6030DISTRICT 2 Melinda Reese (423)587-2120DISTRICT 3 Patsye Thurmon (865)457-1636DISTRICT 4 Jessica Holman (865)591-4981DISTRICT 5 Sandy Smith (423)991-8856DISTRICT 6 Beth Brown (931)779-8016DISTRICT 7 Patrick Britt (615)668-6042DISTRICT 8 Cindy Young (931)205-0399DISTRICT 9 Erick Huth (615)973-5851DISTRICT 10 Guy Stanley (615)384-2983DISTRICT 11 Melanie Buchanan (615)305-2214DISTRICT 12 Debbie D’Angelo (731)247-3152 DISTRICT 13 LoMay Richmond* (901)867-1541 DISTRICT 14 Sarah Kennedy-Harper (901)416-4582 DISTRICT 15 Stephanie Fitzgerald (901)872-4878 ADMINISTRATOR EAST Carmelita Perry (865)594-4471ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson (615)643-7823ADMINISTRATOR WEST Charles Green (901)624-6186HIGHER EDUCATION Donald Sneed (931) 221-0633BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Tanya T. Coats (865)594-1330BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Alzenia Walls (615)230-8144BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST LaVerne Dickerson (901)416-7122STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Joe Gregory (615)896-6927ESP Christine Denton (931)647-8962TN NEA DIRECTOR Stephen Henry (615)519-5691TN NEA DIRECTOR Diccie Smith (901)482-0627TN NEA DIRECTOR Diane Lillard* (423)478-8827STEA MEMBER Delvin Woodard (901)596-5706TN RETIRED Gerald Lillard (423)478-8827NEW TEACHER Larry Proffitt* (423)608-7855* Executive Committee
TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Alphonso C. Mance; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AFFILIATE SERVICES: Mitchell Johnson; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROGRAM SERVICES: Carol K. Schmoock; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & TEA GENERAL COUNSEL; Bryan McCarty; MANAGER OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS: Stephanie Faulkner; INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS MANAGER, Galen Riggs; MANAGER OF UNISERV: Ronny Clemmons; MANAGER OF UNISERV & BARGAINING COORDINATOR: Donna Cotner; STAFF ATTORNEYS: Tina Rose Camba, Katherine Curlee, Virginia A. McCoy; MANAGER OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Jerry Winters; GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSISTANT: Antoinette Lee; MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS & GRAPHICS: A.L. Hayes; WEB MASTER & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Tanya Ruder; MANAGING EDITOR & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Alexei Smirnov; MANAGER OF RESEARCH & INFORMATION: Melissa Brown; RESEARCH & IN-FORMATION ASSISTANTS: Susan Ogg, Amanda Staggs; MANAGER FOR INSTRUCTION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Terrance Gib-son; INSTRUCTION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINA-TORS: Susan Dalton, Nicki Fields; COORDINATOR OF MEMBERSHIP & AFFILIATE RELATIONS: Duran Williams; PLT—UNISERV FIELD OR-GANIZERS: Jeff Garrett, Cheryl Richardson, Rhonda Thompson.
UniServ Staff Contact Informationcan be found on page 12.
Speaking Out for You
107th
Gene
ral A
ssem
bly
House Education Committee
Senate Education CommitteeChairman Dolores Gresham (R-26)
(615) [email protected]
Vice Chairman Reginald Tate (D-33)(615) 741-2509
Secretary Brian K. Kelsey (R-31) (615) 741-3036
Andy Berke(D-10) (615) 741-6682
Charlotte Burks (D-15) (615) 741-3978
Rusty Crowe (R-3) (615) 741-2468
Jim Summerville(R-25) (615) 741-4499
Jim Tracy(R-16) (615) 741-1066
Jamie Woodson(R-6) (615) 741-1648
Chairman Richard Montgomery(R-12) (615)741-5981 rep.richard.montgomery
@capitol.tn.gov
Vice Chairman Joey Hensley(R-70) (615) 741-7476
Secretary Joe Carr (R-48) (615) 741-2180
Harry Brooks(R-19) (615) 741-6879
Kevin Brooks(R-24) (615) 741-1350
John J.Deberry, Jr. (D-90) (615) 741-2239
Lois M. DeBerry(D-91) (615) 741-3830
Bill Dunn (R-16) (615) 741-1721
Craig Fitzhugh (D-82) (615) 741-2134
John Forgety (R-23)(615) 741-1725
Ron Lollar(R-99) (615) 741-7084
Debra Young Maggart(R-45) (615) 741-3893
Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-81) (615) 741-3774
Joe Pitts (D-67) (615) 741-2043
Dennis Powers (R-36) (615) 741-3335
John Ragan (R-33) (615) 741-4400
Ryan Williams (R-42) (615) 741-1875
John Mark Windle (D-41) (615) 741-1260
Speaking Out for You
3
Speaking Out for You
www.teateachers.org
Several bills have been filed early in the legislative session which attack teachers and the Tennessee Education Association. The 107th Legislature returns on February 7 and it’s possible that critical votes could take place soon after they return. It is essential that legislators hear from teachers across the state asking them to oppose all of these punitive proposals.
HB 130/SB 113, sponsored by Rep. Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) and Sen. Jack Johnson (R-College Grove), would completely repeal the Tennessee Professional Negotiations Act and make bargaining with teachers illegal.
SB 102, sponsored by Sen. Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), would replace teacher-elected representatives on the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) with political appointees.
HB 159/SB 136, sponsored by Rep. Glen Casada (R-College Grove) and Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), would prohibit payroll deduction of dues for public employees.
HB 160/SB 139, sponsored by Rep. Glen Casada (R-College Grove) and Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), would make it illegal for TEA’s political action committee to make contributions to any candidate.
These bills are very real threats and could pass in the near future. This is the time to speak out. If you wait it may be too late! Contact your legislators now by going to TEA’s Legislative Action Center at http://capwiz.com/nea/tn/home/.
Members Urged To Contact Legislators
Address for all members of Legislature: 301 6th Avenue North,
Nashville, TN 37243.All legislators may be reached by
telephone at 1-800-449-8366. You must then enter the last five
digits of their office phone number.
Please include your name, postal address, and phone number in your
e-mail.
107th
Gene
ral A
ssem
bly
House Education Committee
Senate Education CommitteeChairman Dolores Gresham (R-26)
(615) [email protected]
Vice Chairman Reginald Tate (D-33)(615) 741-2509
Secretary Brian K. Kelsey (R-31) (615) 741-3036
Andy Berke(D-10) (615) 741-6682
Charlotte Burks (D-15) (615) 741-3978
Rusty Crowe (R-3) (615) 741-2468
Jim Summerville(R-25) (615) 741-4499
Jim Tracy(R-16) (615) 741-1066
Jamie Woodson(R-6) (615) 741-1648
Chairman Richard Montgomery(R-12) (615)741-5981 rep.richard.montgomery
@capitol.tn.gov
Vice Chairman Joey Hensley(R-70) (615) 741-7476
Secretary Joe Carr (R-48) (615) 741-2180
Harry Brooks(R-19) (615) 741-6879
Kevin Brooks(R-24) (615) 741-1350
John J.Deberry, Jr. (D-90) (615) 741-2239
Lois M. DeBerry(D-91) (615) 741-3830
Bill Dunn (R-16) (615) 741-1721
Craig Fitzhugh (D-82) (615) 741-2134
John Forgety (R-23)(615) 741-1725
Ron Lollar(R-99) (615) 741-7084
Debra Young Maggart(R-45) (615) 741-3893
Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-81) (615) 741-3774
Joe Pitts (D-67) (615) 741-2043
Dennis Powers (R-36) (615) 741-3335
John Ragan (R-33) (615) 741-4400
Ryan Williams (R-42) (615) 741-1875
John Mark Windle (D-41) (615) 741-1260
The legislators pictured here will be the first to vote on measures affecting public schools and teachers in the 107th General Assembly.
4 February 2011
Most people don’t begin thinking about retirement until later in their careers. It’s important, however, to understand your retirement plan regardless of your age. Decisions you make early in your career can greatly impact your retirement benefit later in life.
There are two basic types of retirement plans: defined contribution and defined benefit plans. With a defined contribution plan, the monthly retirement benefit is based on the account balance that has accrued during the time the individual has worked. Once the account
balance is gone, the retiree no longer receives any benefits (403(b) and 401(k) plans are examples of defined contribution plans). A defined benefit plan, however, is based on a set formula with a fixed monthly payment guaranteed for the lifetime of the retiree. Social Security and the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) are examples of defined benefit plans.
All full-time teachers as well as most full-time support staff in Tennessee schools are enrolled in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System as a condition of employment. Because TCRS is a defined benefit retirement plan, the benefits paid to retirees are based on a formula and not on an account balance. Most TCRS members become vested after five years of service, which means that the member is guaranteed a benefit for his or her lifetime once they have participated in the plan for a minimum of five years. Some local governments have longer vesting periods.
There are three types of employees within TCRS: state employees, teachers and employees of local governments. Education support personnel are grouped within the local government category. It is important to realize that some options available to teachers may not be available to employees of local governments, depending on the options adopted by the city or county government. Two common examples of optional provisions are five-year vesting and 25-year early retirement.
Unlike state employees, teachers and most employees of local governments contribute to their own pensions. Teachers contribute 5 percent of their salaries, while employers currently contribute 9.05 percent of each teacher’s salary to TCRS. The contribution rate for full-time education support professionals is 5 percent for the employee, with the employer rate varying among employers.
Two major factors influence retirement benefits: average final compensation and years of creditable service. Average final compensation is the average of your highest five consecutive years of salary (in some cases, this is not necessarily your last five years). Years of creditable service differ from experience. You receive retirement credit for those years of service rendered only in the state of Tennessee under a TCRS-covered employer, unless you have established prior service. If you ever withdrew your account balance, you will not receive credit for that period of service unless you re-purchase it.
A member of TCRS can establish prior service in many different ways. The most popular types of prior service include: refunded service, military service, unused sick leave days (optional to local governments) and out-of-state service. One important note is that
every 20 days of unused sick leave you have at retirement converts to one month of retirement credit. For example, if you have accumulated 240 days of unused sick leave, you receive an entire year of service credit upon retirement.
It’s important to keep your beneficiary(s) up-to-date while actively working. There are certain deceased-member benefits that are payable only to a spouse. There are also timelines that must be followed in order for your beneficiary(s) to be paid a death benefit if you were to pass away. Your current beneficiary(s) will be listed on your annual
statement. It’s important to review your annual statement each year for accuracy as reviewing your years of service, beneficiary information and personal information annually can help resolve any discrepancies immediately rather than waiting until the end of your career. In order to change your beneficiary(s), you must complete an active member change-of-beneficiary form. You might find it helpful to review the “Selecting a Beneficiary” pamphlet available on the TCRS Web site at http://tcrs.tn.gov. You should also consult this Web site to help you understand your retirement options and calculate your retirement benefit.
Current Financial Condition of TCRSNearly everyone became anxious about
every aspect of retirement when the stock market faced a downturn. TCRS, however, has fared better than most retirement plans during these trying economic times. It’s important to remember that TCRS members and retirees have no risk of losing benefits as a result of economic fluctuations because it is a defined benefit plan. TCRS liabilities are advance-funded, so future payment obligations are paid for now rather
than once you retire. TCRS is currently 95 percent funded. Other states have seen numbers as low as 64 percent of full funding.
The General Assembly of Tennessee has provided the actuarially recommended amount of funding for the retirement system since 1975. This amount provides an adequate amount of money to cover any unfunded liabilities. The investments of TCRS are professionally managed and are typically conservative. This is one reason TCRS did not suffer insurmountable losses when the market tanked. Even though the market and economy have been challenged over the past few years, the benefits paid by TCRS are not directly linked to market results, and your benefits will continue to be safe from market fluctuations.
Upcoming Challenges for Retirement PlansWith many changes permeating our country’s economic climate,
there are a number of potential challenges that Tennessee’s retirement plan will likely face.
Because TCRS is a defined benefit plan, employers bear the risk of investment loss. Unlike a defined contribution plan, this means that when there is a drop in the market and the return-on-investment is less than expected, neither the amount of money you contribute or your account balance are affected. Instead, unless investments rebound, the employer rate will increase in order to make up the difference.
Due to this increase in employer liability, many states have begun reforming their pensions. Nearly 20 states have either reduced
Two factors that influence your benefit:
* Average final compensation * Years of creditable service
Understanding Your TCRS Retirement Plan Defined benefit plan + Social Security + Supplemental 401(k) plan = Ideal retirementBy Amanda Staggs
5 www.teateachers.org
employee benefits or increased employee contributions to offset this increase in employer costs. What does this mean to employees? Employees in these states will need to work longer, receive a smaller benefit when they retire or contribute more salary to maintain the benefits historically provided.
As another way to offset increasing costs, a few state governments have opted to close their defined benefit plans and instead open defined contribution plans. This means that rather than offering their employees a pension through a defined benefit plan, they are now offering their employees a defined contribution plan. Employees in a defined contribution plan bear 100 percent of investment losses and are fully responsible for all investment decisions. Defined benefit plans, on the other hand, have the advantage of expert management with very low fees. Since employees bear all investment loss in defined contribution plans, the account balance tends to go down when the market drops. When the account balance is depleted, there are no funds left for the retiree. The big question is, what should the retiree depend on after that?
Some argue that replacing the pension with a defined contribution plan would give employees more freedom. This argument ignores the fact that most defined contribution plans offer no permanent disability benefits or permanent deceased benefits to beneficiaries and no cost-of-living adjustments.
States that have replaced their defined benefit plan with a defined contribution plan have discovered the cost of changing from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan is often higher in the beginning. What’s more, the employer usually does not experience a cost savings for 20-30 years. The employer is also left to manage both
plans simultaneously. In addition, defined benefit plans are vital to employee recruitment and retention because they provide a much stronger level of benefits than defined contribution plans. For these reasons, two states ultimately reopened their defined benefit plans.
Defined benefit plans are intended to be a lifelong investment for the employer. Because Tennessee’s current defined benefit plan is advance-funded, the money necessary for you to retire today or ten years from now will be there. On the other hand, a defined contribution plan is directed by the participant. With such a plan, it is often difficult for a retiree to decide how much money to withdraw each month in order to sufficiently fund his or her standard of living for the unknown duration of one’s lifetime.
The ideal income at retirement is funded by three sources: Social Security, a pension and a supplemental defined contribution plan. The pension that your TCRS defined benefit plan provides could “replace” 50 percent or more of your current income, depending on the longevity of your career. While people who commit themselves to the education profession do not expect to become wealthy, they do expect and deserve an adequate retirement after meeting the demands of educating our boys and girls for so many years.
We all must be familiar with our current retirement plan to understand how valuable and necessary it is to our welfare. Without retiree pensions, local economies would see a massive decline in retiree spending and would suffer further economic losses. Our TCRS pension provides a secure retirement which we cannot outlive. Without our pension, we would have to work much longer in order to afford to retire. Keep in mind how important your retirement will be to you in the future as we continue to face economic and, possibly, political challenges.
Amanda Staggs is a member of TEA Research & Information team. She can be reached at [email protected] (615) 242-8392.
6 February 2011
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8 February 2011
More than 96% of TEA Dues Qualifies For IRS Tax Deduction
The portion of TEA dues expended for government relations activities for 2009/2010 is 3.82 percent.
TEA members can deduct 96.18 percent of their dues for IRS income tax purposes.
TEA provides a pass-through procedure whereby members contribute to TEA-FCPE (Tennessee Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education).
The amount of TEA-FCPE pass-through for the current year is $4.41 per active member and $2.21 per ESP staff member.
Members who do not desire to participate may divert these funds to other government relations activities, such as promotion of the TEA legislative program and lobbying, by completing and mailing the accompanying form, postmarked no later than April 10, 2011.
I request that the portion of my dues eligible to be passed through to TFCPE be used in other TEA Government Relations activities.
Name (please print)
Address
City State ZIP
Social Security Number
School System
Signature
Active Member
Education Support Professional
Student Member
Mail to: Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099. (This form must be postmarked or received no later than April 10, 2011.)
Teachers Invited to Take the Anonymous, Confidential TELL Tennessee Survey From Any Internet Location
WHEN? February 14-March 11, 2011HOW? Go to www.telltennessee.org to take the online survey and to check your school’s
response rate during the survey window.THE GOAL? A 50% response rate is essential for school-level data to be reported, which is necessary
for school-improvement planning. A 100% response rate from every school is desired.NEED HELP? Call the toll-free Help Desk at 888-280-7903 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday during the survey window for any problems or questions.NEED MORE? Visit www.telltennessee.org for more information about the survey, including questions
about anonymity and research related to this initiative.
9 www.teateachers.org
Delegates Announce Candidacy for NEA’s Highest Decision-Making Body
Biographical information and photographs submitted by candidates for state delegate positions to the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly in Chicago, IL, June 30-July 5, 2011, are published in this four-page insert. All properly qualified candidates will be listed on ballots local association presidents will receive by March 1.
For Category 1, NEA members will vote for two district delegates based on the district in which they teach. Category 1 includes candidates who are classroom teachers, education support professionals or persons who serve in other non-supervisory positions.
In Category 2, NEA members may vote for any three of the candidates. This category includes members who are supervisors, administrators or retired NEA life members. Information about clustering for supervisors/administrators and small local associations was printed in the November 2010 issue of teach.
Any NEA-retired life, education support or active member not affiliated with a
local association who wishes to vote in the election may receive a ballot by writing or calling TEA, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099, (615) 242-8392 or (800) 342-8367.
The National Education Association Representative Assembly (RA) is NEA’s highest decision-making body. With over 9,000 delegates, it is also the world’s largest democratic, deliberative body.
The RA is convened every July during the Annual Meeting. The first two days are devoted to discussions, conferences, and exhibits-but the highlight is the Representative Assembly itself. During this important event, delegates debate issues that impact American public education, elect top officers, and set policy for the 3.2 million-member Association.
In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, NEA also hosts several pre-RA events, including the Joint Conference on the Concerns of Minorities and Women. The annual two-day event attracts more than 1000 active, retired, public school, Education Support Professionals (ESP), and higher education employees. Participants explore societal trends, the latest education research, current reform, best practices, and other critical issues affecting students and employees. We invite you to come and lend your voice to the conversation.
TEA Members Run for NEA RA State Delegate Positions
NEA Representative Assembly 2011
CATEGORY IDistrict 1
Karen Anderson — Teaches second grade at Lake Ridge School in Johnson City. Cur-rently serving as District 1 Rep. for TEA BOD and member of the TEA Executive Commit-tee, Resolutions Commit-tee and chair of the Parent Accountability and Student Responsibility Committee.
Presently serving as Membership Chair and on the Bargaining Team and PACE Committee for John-son City EA. Former president, vice-president and building representative. “I will be honored to represent District 1 at the NEA RA this year.”
Vicky Jones *
Leisa Lusk — Special Education teacher at David Crockett High School in Washington Co. Build-ing Rep. for Washington Co. EA. Former WCEA vice president and president. Member of WCEA bargaining team. Chief spokesperson for WCEA bargaining team, grievance team committee chair, representative at TEA and NEA assemblies, past member of the TEA board of directors, leg-islative contact team member. Previously taught in Sevier Co.
Anna Booher — Currently TEA FUND Council member and Membership Committee; served 1 term on TEA Board; 3 time Bristol EA president; TEA Distinguished Educator; 2 time Rotary Teacher of the Year; attended 13 NEA RAs; has served on 8 different TEA committees numerous times
over 37 years; locally, is involved in numerous as-sociation activities, including FUND chairperson and Executive Committee; high school teacher in
the Bristol City school district; holds graduate degree; Career Ladder III; ADK; DKG.
Joe Crabtree — Has been teaching 6th grade since 2005 at Indian Trail Middle School in Johnson City. On Johnson City Schools’ Core Leadership Team. Vast Association experience, including such positions as association repre-sentative, treasurer, president and negotiations committee member at Johnson City EA. Involved in the community with Washington Co. 4-H pro-gram, Tennessee 4-H and Committee of Volunteer Leaders.
District 2Gera Summerford — Math teacher from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and has taught in Sevier County since 1982; earned B.A. in Math-ematics and German from Baylor University, master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Tennessee, EdS degree from Lincoln
Memorial University; former chief negotiator for Sevier County Education Association; numerous other local leadership positions. TEA Board of Directors 2003-2006, TEA Vice-President 2006-2010, was elected TEA President in June 2010.
Melinda Reese — Having taught for 22 years, currently presides on the TEA Board of Directors for District 2 and as HCEA’s President; HCEA’s Negotiations Chief Spokesperson; Active member of HCEA’s Executive Board. Served on the following HCEA committees: Negotiations,
Membership, HCPACE, Legislative, & Newsletter; Chairperson of TEA‘s 2010 & 2011 Professional Negotiations Committee; participant of many TEA sponsored events, such as Summer Leadership School, Bargaining Conferences, Area Cluster
Meetings, TUEAC, Spring Symposium & various workshops.
Traci Jefferson — Teaches French at Morristown East High. In her local, she has been a Building Representative, Recording Secretary, High School Director and negotiations team member. She is currently serving as Treasurer. Traci has attended numerous TEA Representative Assemblies begin-ning in 1988 as a student representative for her university. She has served on many state commit-tees such as State Special Schools Committee and the TEA Resolutions Committee, currently serves on the Insurance and Retirement Committee.
Pat Duda *
Patricia Jersey — Has taught seventh grade language arts at Mosheim MS for 18 years; previous Greene County EA president, current president-elect, vice-president, current vice-chair membership committee, bargaining team head negotiator, PACE com-mittee, building representa-
tive: TEA: Rep. Assembly (10), Summer Leader-ship Academy (3), Bargaining Conference (9), Bargaining Behavior Training, Spring Symposium (6), Technology Committee (2), Instruction and Professional Development Commission (3); NEA Rep. Assembly (6); “As a committed member of my local organization, TEA and NEA, I look forward to serving you.”
District 3Patsye Thurmon — Current Anderson County Education Association president; 2006 ACEA president; 2005 ACEA president-elect, delegate to 2006 and 2007 TEA and NEA RAs; delegate to NEA RA; ACEA building representative 13 years;
B.A., Elementary Education, Auburn University, 1977; M.A., Curriculum & Instruction, Memphis State University, 1981; Certification in Special Education and Administration & Supervision; currently Anderson County Transition Coordinator; two years Assistant to Special Ed. Director; 13 years at alternative school; 13 years special education (Dyer County).
District 4Tanya Coats — Instructional Coach (CIF); Green Magnet Math & Science Academy; KCEA treasurer, KCEA Executive Board Member, Member of TEA Board of Directors for East Tennessee; KCEA committee member of the following: Minority Affairs, Public Relations,
Elections, Human Resource; Green Magnet’s SWS Leadership Team, Coaches Network. Serves as one of TEA Minority Affairs chairs. “As a former chair of TEA’s Administrative Task Force Committee, I have learned that representing everyone is important.”
Jessica Holman — Teacher with Knox County, NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence winner—top ten nationwide, KCEA President, KCEA Vice President, KCEA Executive Board member 2005-present, TEA Board 2005- 2008, TEA
Executive Committee, TEA Budget Committee, TEA Human Relations Committee, Chair; NEA Concerns Committee, TEA State Board of Education Contact Team, Chair; Minority Leadership Training Program 2007- 2009, “I CAN Do It” Training cadre member, NEA Board of directors (2008),NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grant winner.
Anthony Hancock — Special education teacher, comprehensive development classroom (CDC), Bearden Middle School. Association experience
10 February 2011
NEA RA 2011 Delegate Candidatesincludes: Minority Affairs Leadership Committee, Association Representative. TEA Committees: State Resolutions, Southeast Regional Minority Leadership Training, Minority Affairs Leadership, New Teachers Training; delegate to TEA RA.
NEA Resolutions Committee member.
Paula Hancock — 7th grade mathematics teacher at Vine Middle Magnet School; Knox Co. EA Association Representative; KCEA Minority Affairs Committee; TEA Resolutions Committee; TEA RA.
Karen Peterman — Classroom teacher with 27 years of experience; BS, BA, MS + 45 hours. KCEA Treasurer and negotiations team, 2005 Distinguished Classroom Teacher. Former local president, vice president, secretary, newsletter
editor, TEA IPD Commission and Resolutions Committee, Status of Women Committee, TUEAC president, and NEA Concerns Committee, 17 TEA & 15 NEA Representative Assemblies. “I hope that you will allow me to represent you at this important national meeting.”
Lisa Thomas *
Kimberly Waller — Knox County- Library Media Specialist, Northwest Middle School; B.S. History, ETSU; M.S. in library science, University of Tennessee; 17 years experience; Knox County Education Association; TEA Board of
Directors 2007-2010; TEA Board of Directors Executive Committee 2009-2010; KCEA President 2005-2007; Executive Board Middle School Representative; Negotiations Team; Association Representative; IPD Committee; Membership Committee; Legislative Committee; County Commission Contact Team; Co-chair, KC-PACE; Chair, Building Committee; Chair, Personnel Committee; Chair, TEA Professional Negotiations Committee 2007-2009.
Joan Washington — Solutions’ Teacher, Beaumont Elementary, 24 years of experience in Knox Co. Member: KCEA Executive Board, KCEA Minority Affairs, TEA, NEA. Committees: Teacher Evaluation Advisory and TUEAC. Served on
Mentoring Team for Knox County, Project Grad Cooperative Management Consistency Discipline Coach for several years, Chair of Education Advancement Fund , Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Children of God Ministries’ Secretary. I would like to serve as your 2011 NEA RA state delegate.
District 5
Diane Lillard — Kindergarten teacher at Waterville Elementary. She is a graduate of Lee University with a B. S. in Early Childhood Elementary Education and 29 years experience. She is currently serving on the NEA Board of Directors. Local association experience include: Bradley
County EA President, treasurer, executive board, chief negotiator, membership chair, newsletter editor, communications chair, PR&R chair, AEW coordinator, Research chair, Read Across America coordinator. State Experience: TEA ION, Communications, Membership, Member Benefits, IPD Commission, Insurance, Professional Negotiations.
Sandy Smith — With Hamilton County since 1987. BS degree from the University of Chattanooga and a M.Ed. from UTC. Completed graduate work through Project Re-ed at the University of Tennessee. Currently serves as H-PACE chair (4), HCEA Board of
Directors (3), TEA State Special Schools Committee(2). Previous activities include TEA IPD Commission (3), HCEA IPD Chair (3), Chair of Legislative Branch (3),HCEA Legislative Committee (3), TEA/HCEA Legislative Contact (1), Grassroots Cadre (3), KEYS facilitator, Superintendent’s Advisory Council (6).
Bryan Massengale — Band director at Rhea Central Elementary School, Rhea County since 1984; B.S. degree in music education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1980; M.S. degree in Administration & Supervision, UT-Knoxville,
1993; Ed. S. in Educational Leadership, Tennessee Tech University. Rhea-Dayton EA president, past president, newsletter editor, chief negotiator; NEA: past NEA Today local editor advisory board; attended 12 previous NEA Representative Assemblies.
District 6Beth Brown *
Ray Jordan — Professor, Tennessee Technological University, 30+ years: B.S. TTU, M.S., U-Arkansas, PhD., Mississippi State University; TEA Board (2); past local president, special schools, credentials, elections, state membership, legislative editing committees, IPD and
PR&R Commissions; TEA Executive Board; TEA RA (24); NEA RA (22); TEA’s Distinguished Educators Award: “My service to TEA-NEA has been lengthy and diverse. I will represent the membership well.”
District 7 Patrick Britt *
Donald Snead *
Barbara Fisher — Lebanon Special School District, 31 years; B.A. education, M.A. administration/supervision, +45, TSU; Lebanon EA Executive Board advisory; TEA Executive Board; past Status of Women chair; TEA RA 23 years; NEA RA 18 years; Retired Teachers Legislative
Committee; Minority Affairs advisory; Phi Delta Kappa Executive Board; Delta Sigma Theta; Kappa Omicron Phi; “I will continue to represent the vision, ideals and commitment of the NEA.”
District 8Joe Gregory *
Cindy Young — Currently serves as District 8 representative to the TEA Board of Directors; past president of Giles Co. EA; teaches kindergarten at Minor Hill Elementary (15); serves on SACS/School Improvement steering committee; Giles
County Teacher of the Year (2004) and at school level (2005); Who’s Who Among America’s Educators; active in church, serving as Vacation Bible School chairperson; serves on Advisory Council for local Child Development Center that serves special needs children.
District 9Stephen Henry — MNEA: Board-District Director, Finance Officer, Parliamentarian, Vice-President, Executive Committee, Chief Negotiator; Committee Chair-Budget & Finance, Public Relations, Bylaws, Human Relations;
PACE Council, Human Relations Award, TEA: Board of Directors, TEA-FCPE Council, Committees-NEA Concerns, Executive, Negotiations, Credentials, Human Relations, Communications, Chair-ION & Human Relations; “I Can Do It” Trainer, Uni-Serv Councils-15 & 17, Human Relations Award, TUEAC, NEA: Board of Directors & Executive Committee-Official Observer, Committees-SOGI, NEA-FCPE Council, Human & Civil Rights Division-National Trainer, NCUEA, E.I. World Congress Delegate.
Erick Huth — President of the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association and Central Regional Director/Parliamentarian for the National Council of Urban Education Associations. Serves as trustee and executive committee member of the Tennessee
Consolidated Retirement System, a trustee on the Metropolitan Teacher Retirement System, the Metropolitan Professional Employee Insurance Trust and Metropolitan Nashville Sick Leave Bank. Former chief bargaining spokesperson, Bylaws, PR, PR&R, and building chair for MNEA; TEA Board member; president Tennessee Urban Education Associations Council.
Earl Wiman — Teacher on special assignment at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools; past TEA president and vice president; served two terms on TEA Board and as Jackson-Madison CEA president; holds undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate degrees;
has attended numerous NEA RAs and served on its Resolutions Committee; has chaired state committees and serves on the TEA Executive Committee as well as the T-PACE Council; locally, is involved in numerous association activities, MNEA Constitution & Bylaws Committee chair.
Jeannine Renfro — Has been a teacher in Metro Nashville Public schools for 12 years. She has served as chair of the Scholarship and Communications Committees for Metro Nashville Education Association for three years. She has been actively involved as a member of the local negotiation team. Attended the TEA Bargaining Conference, TEA RA and NEA RA. “I would consider it an honor to serve and represent TEA District 9 at the 2011 NEA Representative Assembly.”
Kenneth Martin — Metropolitan Nashville Education Association Treasurer Kenneth Fludd Martin has been an active member of MNEA for many years, serving as Association Representative, Negotiations Team Member, Minority Affairs Chairperson, Budget Committee Chairperson, Special Education Committee Chair, delegate to TEA Representative Assembly, and past state/local delegate to NEA Representative Assembly. He has attended the TEA Spring Symposium, NEA Minority Leadership Training, NCUEA Conferences, Johnella H. Martin Minority Affairs Conference, and participated NEA Target of Opportunities Campaign.
Vernon Porter *
Theresa Wagner — Metropolitan Nashville Education Association. I am a product of the public schools in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Professional: Adapted Physical Education Teacher in Louisiana (1986-98); Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Physical Education
Teacher (1998-present). MNEA: Chair, Human Relations Committee (2007-08); Executive Board Director (2007-present); Chair Membership Committee (2008-present); Delegate to TEA Representative Assembly (2006-09). TEA: Legislative Editing Committee (2006-08); Status of Women in Education Committee (2008-present); TEA Delegate to NEA Annual Meeting (2008-09). NEA: Human and Civil Rights Division/GLBT Cadre trainer.
District 10 Christine Denton *
Larry Proffitt — Teaches 7th grade language arts and social studies at Greenbrier Middle School in Robertson Co. He is a former president of the Cocke County EA. Larry has represented members at
11 www.teateachers.org
NEA RA 2011 Delegate Candidatesseveral TEA and NEA representative assemblies since becoming and advocate as a student and continuing into his professional career. He serves locally as a new member of the RCEA bargaining team and as a legislative contact to Rep. Joshua Evans. Represents members’ interests on the TEA Board.
Guy Stanley — Guidance counselor (1), speech/psychology teacher (41), Greenbrier HS, Robertson County; RCEA: president (7), vice president, PACE chair; TEA: Board of Directors, Professional Negotiations, Communications, Legislative Editing, NEA Concerns
Committee, Design Team: TEA RA (25); NEA RA (16); NEA: Board, Congressional Concerns Committee, Read Across America Advisory Committee; co-chair, NEA Southeast Regional Planning Committee; Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League Hall of Fame; “Stand up for Stanley and he will stand up for you.”
Alzenia Walls *
Jane Ligon — Secretary at Bransford Elementary, Robertson County. RCEA – Vice President, Chair of the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee and member of the Education Support Professional Committee: TEA – Minority Affairs Committee; NEA – Secretary of National
Council of Education Support Professionals, member of Advisory Committee on Membership, Ethnic Minority Affairs, and Status of Women Caucus. “I am a committed advocate of public education continuing to work hard at bridging the gap between all members of the education family.”
Mike Brown — Retired in 2006, currently works part-time with at-risk high school students; active in Robertson County EA since 1976; served as first vice-president and membership chair; represented RCEA at numerous TEA and NEA
RAs, seminars and academies; former TEA Board member representing Middle Tennessee Administrators and former TEA Executive Committee member; “I wish to continue to serve the membership of TEA and ask for your support as a state delegate to the 2011 NEA RA.”
District 11Melanie Buchanan *
District 12Debbie D’Angelo — Debbie D’Angelo has taught for 10 years in the Henry County School System. TEA board member. Currently serves as reading specialist for Harrelson School, working with students in Kindergarten through third grade who score
below grade level in reading. D’Angelo has been a member of the Association for 10 years. She has been the Vice President, President and currently is the Membership Chair for her local Association. She has been actively involved as a member of the the local negotiation team, attended Summer Leadership, Bargaining Conference, Southeast Regional Conferences, and the NEA-RA.
Joe Frensley — Harrelson School, 5th grade language Arts (35), M.A. + 30; 2006, TEA West TN Distinguished Classroom teacher; Currently: Human Relations Committee; Formerly: TEA Board Member, Executive Committee Member, TPACE Council;
Credentials, Elections, Internal Organizational Needs, Member Benefits Committee, Membership Committee, NEA Concerns, Professional Negotiations Committee, TEA RA (28); NEA RA (26); NEA Southeast Regional; NEA Elections Committee; International/Tennessee Reading Associations; Association for Curriculum and Supervision Development; Phi Delta Kappa. “I would love to continue to represent our district.”
District 13LoMay Richmond *
Diccie Smith — Has worked 27 years for Shelby County Schools. Served on various committees, held various leadership positions and attended many workshops and conferences on the local, state, and national levels. Attended several TEA/NEA
Representative Assemblies. Currently a resource co-teacher—5th and 8th grades (LA/Math), represent District 7 (SC-PACE), ethnic minority director-at-large (NCUEA), a member of the Legislative Contact Team, SCEA, TEA, NEA Board of Directors. “I am committed to advocating for you, our students and public education.”
Sammy Jobe — Physical education teacher, boys’ basketball coach (17 years) Collierville Middle School, Shelby County. BSEd - University of Memphis, MSEd Administration and Supervision-Trevecca Nazarene University. 45 hours
post graduate studies-elementary certification. SCEA Board of Directors-6 years; Nashville Capitol Hill lobbying- 9 years; Building AR-8 years; election committee co-chairman; liaison for SCEA newsletter; Educator Benefits; TEA Board of Directors; twelve TEA RAs; four TEA Leadership Academies; TEA membership committee-two years; NEA Veterans Caucus state contact -six years; caucus secretary-5 years; seven NEA RAs; four South Regional Leadership conferences; Men in Education Conference.
Alisa Bledsoe — Has been teaching 7th grade science for six years. Local experience: Board of Directors – secretary, building representative,
Minority Affairs, Reading Across America, New Teachers, Budget; State experience: New Teachers, Minority Leadership Training, Resolutions, TEA delegate; National experience: Resolutions, NEA-RA delegate, Veterans Caucus, Black Caucus, Education Support Professional Caucus. “Thank you for allowing me to represent you as an advocate for great public schools.”
Ernestine Haines *
District 14LaVerne Dickerson — Currently serving third year on the TEA Board of Directors; member of the Memphis Education Association; locally fifth grade teacher at Westhaven Success Academy; Memphis Education Association Bargaining
Chairman; have chaired Minority Affairs, IPD, Read Across America; state level - currently Minority Affairs chairman; have attended TEA RAs for many years and NEA RAs for approximately 10 years; recently won a 3600 Award for going above and beyond teaching expectations; 36-year veteran teacher.
Sarah-Kennedy Harper — Proud teacher of Memphis City Schools in West Tennessee. Currently serving her second term on the TEA board of directors. Having taught for 14 years, she has been a delegate to the TEA RA a number of years. “I know
now that teaching is what I was born to do and a teacher is who I am. It’s in my blood.”
Sylvia Clark *
District 15Stephanie Fitzgerald *
Jasmine Williams — Serves as 14-year teacher and association member, department chair, Emerging Leaders, Minority Leadership training, and NEA’s UniServ Director Training Program graduate. Advises Future
Teachers of America and Future Business Leaders of America clubs. Graduate degree and memberships with NCAACP and TN Business Education Association. Served on bargaining team, school representative (10 years), attended six TEA Representative assemblies and three state committees. “My passions are teaching children and empowering educators.”
CATEGORY 2Barbara Gray — Assistant principal, teacher Shelby County Schools since 1972; currently: TEA Vice-President, chair NEA Concerns Committee; Shelby County EA positions: president, vice-president, Administrator SCEA Board (2),
Minority Affairs, Constitution & By-laws, Member Benefits, SC-PACE, Membership committee, building representative; TEA positions: West TN Administrator, chair State Board Contact Committee; Executive Committee (2), ION, Membership Chair, Communication, Technology, Administrative Task Force, Credential committees, and numerous other activities. Attended TEA RA, NEA RA. I would like to be your voice at 2011 NEA RA.
Charles Green *
Carmelita Perry *
Margaret Thompson *
Sherry Hensley — Principal of Green Magnet Math and Science Academy, 2004-2008-Principal of West View Elementary, 2001-2004-Assistant Principal of South-Doyle Middle School, 2000-2001- Assistant Principal of Carter Middle School, 1987-2000 Special Education Teacher in Middle School, Active member of KCEA, TEA, NEA for 24 years. Building representative for more than 10 years, member of Minority Affairs, member of Administrative Task Force, previously served as a KCEA delegate.
Kayla Montgomery — Elementary assistant principal; Knox County Education Association; TEA Status of Women Committee; KCEA Executive Board; Minority Affairs Committee Chair; NEA Representative Assemblies;
TEA Representative Assemblies; NEA Southeast Leadership Conferences; NEA Minority Leadership Conferences; NEA Women and Minority Issues Conferences. Ten years experience in education and dedicated servant for educators.
Danny Weeks — Has been an educator in the Robertson County system for 21 years; currently serves as Supervisor of Secondary Schools; Association experiences include STEA State President, local president, treasurer and delegate; has served on the Middle Tennessee EA Executive Committee, where he later served as president; served on the TEA Board of Directors representing Middle Tennessee administrators, 1998-2003.
Melinda Pruitt — Special Education Supervisor, Greene County Schools, 29 years: 16/teacher, 13/administrator; B.S./M.S. UT-K, Doctorate ETSU; GCEA: treasurer 2004-2006, president 2001, 1995, president-elect 2000, 1994, vice president 1999, 1993; TEA: Committees—
Status of Women 2006-2007, ION 2003-2004, Membership 2001-2002, Insurance 1999-2000, Negotiations 1997-1998, Administrator Task Force 2005-2006; TEA RA (16, NEA RA (12); Honors: TEA Distinguished Administrator 2001-2002; Who’s Who in American Education 1989-2009 “I appreciate your vote and will support you if elected as NEA RA delegate.”
* — no photo or bio at press time.
12 February 2011
Need information, services?Mitchell JohnsonAssistant Executive Director for Affiliate ServicesRonny Clemmons & Donna CotnerManagers of UniServTennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099(615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367, FAX (615) 259-4581
UniServ CoordinatorsDistrict 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, fax: (423)262-8053; Assns: Carter, Johnson, Sullivan, Bristol, Kingsport, North-east State C.C. District 2 — Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; (423)234-0700, fax: (423)234-0708; Assns: Greene, Greeneville, Unicoi, Washington, Elizabethton, Johnson City, ETSU. District 3 — Mike Lee, 1607 Solod Drive, Morristown, TN 37814; (423)587-8001, fax: (423)587-8550; Assns: Cocke, Newport, Hancock, Hamblen, Hawkins, Rogersville, Walter State C.C. District 4 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 74, Corryton, TN 37721; (865)688-1175, fax: (865)688-5188; Assns: Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Union. District 5— Jim Petrie, Knox County Education Association, 2411 Magnolia Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917-8289; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Assns: Knox, UT-Knoxville, Pellisippi State C.C. District 6 — Reba Luttrell, 503 Cardinal St., Maryville, TN 37803; phone/fax: (865)983-8640; Assns: Blount, Alcoa, Maryville, Monroe, Sweetwater, Loudon, Lenoir City District 7 — Donna Jerden, P.O. Box 222, Wartburg, TN 37887-0222; phone/fax: (423) 346-6165; Assns: Anderson, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Campbell, Morgan, Scott, Oneida, TSD District 8 — Jim Jordan, P.O. Box 4878, Cleveland, TN 37320; phone/fax: (423)472-3315; Assns: Bradley, Cleveland, McMinn, Ath-ens, Etowah, Meigs, Polk, Rhea-Dayton, Cleveland State C.C. District 9 — Dannise McKinney, P.O. Box 117, Kings-ton, TN 37763; phone/fax: (865)882-8211; Assns: Bledsoe, Cumberland, Fentress, York Institute, Roane, Sequatchie, White, Van Buren, Roane State C.C. District 10 — Rhonda Catanzaro, Hamilton County Education Association, 4655 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: Hamilton County, Chatta-nooga State C.C., UT-Chattanooga District 11 — Emily Watson, 207 Country Estates Drive, Winchester, TN 37398; phone/fax: (931)967-0175; Assns: Coffee, Manchester, Tullahoma, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, Warren District 12 — Shannon Bain, 1001 Rhett Place, Lebanon, TN 37087; phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (615)547-7879; Assns: Clay, DeKalb, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Trousdale, TTU District 13 — Arthur Patterson, 101 Copperas Court, Murfreesboro, TN 37128; phone: (615)907-9912, fax: (615) 907-5490; Assns: Cannon, Wilson, Lebanon S.S.D., Volunteer State C.C. District 14 — Susan Young, P.O. Box 422, Madison, TN 37116-0422; phone/fax: (615)865-9700; Assns: Cheatham, Murfreesboro, MTSU, Rutherford, TSB, TN Department of Education District 15 — Miley Durham, P.O. Box 10, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464; phone/fax: (931)766-7874; Assns: Bedford, Giles, Lawrence, Lincoln, Fayetteville, Marshall, Moore, Motlow State C.C. District 16 — Alice Spicer, 106 Stillwater Trail, Hendersonville, TN 37075; (615)826-1394, fax: (615)826-4589; Assns: Clarksville-Montgomery, Robertson, APSU District 17 — Forestine Cole, Ralph Smith, Theresa Turner, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN 37211; (615)726-1499, fax: (615)726-2501; Assns: Metro Nashville, Nashville State C.C., TSU, Department of Higher Education District 18 — Jackie Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37128; (615) 898-1060, fax: (615) 898-1099; Assns: Lewis, Maury, Williamson, Franklin S.S.D., Columbia State C.C. District 19— Melinda Webb, 56 Lakeview Cove, Linden, TN 37096; (931)593-3532, fax: (931)593-3543; Assns: Decatur, Dickson, Hardin, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Perry, Wayne District 20 — Maria Uffelman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone/fax: (931)827-3333; Assns: Benton, Carroll (West Carroll) Central, Clarksburg, Huntingdon, McKenzie, Gibson, Bradford, Humboldt, Milan, Henry, Paris, Stewart, Weakley, UT-Martin, FTA District 21 — Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (731)989-9254; Assns: Chester, Hardeman, Henderson, Lexington, Jackson-Madison, McNairy, Jackson State C.C. District 22 — Karla Carpenter, P.O. Box 177, Brunswick, TN 38014; (901)590-2543, fax: (901)382-1433; Assns: Crockett, Dyer, Dyersburg, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Union City, Tipton, Dyersburg State C.C. District 23 — Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38128; phone/fax: (901)377-9472; Assns: Fayette, Shelby, Univ. of Memphis, Southwest Tenn. C.C., University of Memphis. Priority Local Team Field Organizers — Jeff Garrett, Cheryl Richardson, Rhonda Thompson, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)242-8392 or (800)342-8367 Assns: Sevier, Sumner, Trenton. MEA — Ken Foster, Executive Director; Susanne Jackson, Terri Jones, Tom Marchand, Herman Sawyer and Marilyn Webley, MEA, 126 South Flicker Street, Memphis, TN 38104; (901)454-0966, fax: (901)454-9979; Assn: Memphis.
www.teateachers.orgwww.nea.org
History comes alive when Darrick Bowman paces amongst his students at Siegel High School, textbook in hand, his towering voice compressing time, moving through centuries. “Sky-high Republican tariff of 1890 that caused widespread
anger among farmers in the Midwest and the South? Correct, McKinley Tariff. Good job.” A longtime Rutherford EA member currently in charge of association membership activities, Bowman committed his own bit of local history in December when he signed up the 100th REA member at his school.
In-school suspension teacher Beth McCarthy says she’s
honored to be the 100th REA member at Siegel, and she will try to carve out some time to attend TEA’s annual ESP conference in April.
With all the changes and challenges facing teachers these days, joining REA wasn’t a hard sell, she says. Bowman agrees, recounting his motto that remains unchanged since he began teaching in 1975. “If you want to be a professional educator, you need to be a member of the professional organization that represents you,” he says. “Without REA, TEA and NEA, where would we be today and where will we be in the future?”
Another cornerstone of Bowman’s philosophy is constant communication. “Keeping everyone informed reinforces our strength in numbers,” says Bowman, who previously served as president, treasurer and newsletter editor at REA. “I’m fortunate to be at a school where I have strong administrative support. All five of my administrators are members. I have support from the majority of my colleagues, which makes a big difference.”
Bowman says that speaking at faculty meetings, greeting new teachers with packets of helpful information, and organizing the faculty by grades and subject matter has been most helpful in inviting new members to REA.
REA’s UniServ Coordinator Susan Young has high praise for Bowman’s efforts. “Darrick is the most phenomenal
membership chair. He plans the work and works the plan. He is excited and his dedication to REA and member advocacy is contagious.” Bowman makes sure that fun remains a key component of REA’s membership campaigns. He is often seen giving pep talks and cheering on his colleagues. “Darrick asks no more of anyone than he is willing to give,” Young says. “All know his high expectations and goals and, in turn, give their best efforts. It is a science for Darrick. He is constantly analyzing the numbers and percentages, even school by school.”
A constant student of history whose Model United Nations class is loved at Siegel High School, Bowman says his subject has helped him understand that cumbersome and retrograde measures targeting teachers eventually disappear—because teachers band together to fight them.
“I’ve seen so many changes, so many initiatives which came and went,” he says. “I always look on the positive side of things. If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Rather than criticizing the state of affairs as an outsider, you can work from the inside to affect positive change, as a member of your professional association.”
As we walk through Siegel High, meeting many of Bowman’s hard-working and talented colleagues, Bowman says: “At the end of the day, we have to make sure that things proceed in the right direction, that students, teachers and all education professionals are taken care of.”
Rutherford EA Members Set Local RecordREA Welcome—Siegel High School teacher Beth McCarthy is wel-comed by Darrick Bowman, Rutherford EA membership chair.
2011Education SupportProfessionalsConference
TEA BuildingSaturday, April 16, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.All ESPs Invited
$15 Refundable Registration FeeIncludes Continental Breakfast
Conference sessions include management outside of the classroom, ESP role in priority schools and status of TEA’s legislative agenda with emphasis on
ESP-related bills. Click on Conferences & Workshops at www.teateachers.org