the voice may 2011

May 2011 n The NSEA Voice n

The

VoiceThe Nebraska State Education Association May 2011

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n The NSEA Voice n May 2011

On the Cover:Members at NSEA’s Delegate Assembly elected Wilber-Clatonia’s Nancy Fulton, left, and Norfolk’s Leann Widhalm, as president and vice president, respectively. For more, turn to

Page 6.

the

VOICe Nebraska State Education Association

605 S. 14th Street, Suite 200Lincoln, NE 68508-2742 · www.nsea.org

(402) 475-7611 · (800) 742-0047

Volume 64, No. 9ISSN Number: 1085-0783USPS Number: 000-369

Executive Director Craig R. ChristiansenAssoc. Executive Director Neal ClayburnDirector of Public Affairs Karen KilgarinAssistant Comm. Director Al Koontz

NSEA BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresident Jess Wolf, HartingtonVice President Nancy Fulton, Wilber-ClatoniaNEA Director Mark Shively, OmahaNEA Director Leann Widhalm, Norfolk

Official publication of the Nebraska State Education As-sociation, Suite 200, 605 South 14th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-2742. Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE, and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send address changes to NSEA Voice, Suite 200, 605 S. 14th Street, Lin-coln, NE 68508-2742.

Published 10 times yearly according to this schedule: September, October, November, December, January, Feb-ruary, March, April, May and August.

Payment of annual NSEA membership dues entitles Nebraska educators to receive The Voice. Total cost of producing 10 monthly issues of The Voice each year is about $4.84 per member.

Advertising rates of The Voice are available from the assistant communications director. All advertisements and advertisers are screened prior to publication. Ap-pearance of an advertisement in The Voice does not nec-essarily imply NSEA endorsement of either the product being advertised or the views being expressed.

Great Public Schools For Every Child

“Mark my

words: The

outcome of

this debate

will affect

you. Have you

followed the

debate? Have

you contacted

your senator or

the governor to

express concern

about the CIR

debate?

”

NSEA PresidentJess Wolf

It’s Time to Apply!Applications for Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Scholarships are Due June 4Nebraska educators constantly seek

to improve their skills and knowledge base. Through a scholarship from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ne-braska Professional Devel-opment Fund, certificated educators can have some of the costs of their advanced degrees covered.

The competitive scholar-ships are awarded three times each year, and the next deadline, for the summer term, is Saturday, June. 4. All applications must be made through the NSEA website.

Scholarships may be used to pursue an advanced degree, seek additional teaching endorsements or to take course work for certification require-ments. Stipends may cover up to 50 percent of the cost of a single, three-hour college course. Each applicant may apply for scholarship dollars for no more than three hours of course work. Books and supplies are not cov-ered.

To apply, NSEA members must complete the application form on the NSEA website. The form will be post-ed on the website through the Satur-day, June 4, deadline.

Scholarship winners will be noti-fied in July. The goal is to award sti-pends to the largest number of mem-bers from each of NSEA’s seven gov-

ernance districts. To be eli-gible, NSEA members must be covered by either single or family Blue Cross/Blue Shield health care.

Previous applicants, suc-cessful or not, may re-apply. However, applicants may be scholarship recipi-ents in only two of the three scholar-ship cycles during a school year.

Winners must provide evidence of completion of course work at an ac-credited post-secondary institution before they receive the scholarship funds. All courses must be taken for credit.

Since 1986, 4,630 NSEA members have shared more than $592,130 in scholarship dollars, thanks to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.

The program does not affect Blue Cross and Blue Shield premiums. To apply, go to the NSEA website at:

www.nsea.orgFor details, contact Sally Bodtke at

1-800-742-0047 or via e-mail at:[email protected]

Commission on Effective TeachersWould Like Your Advice

Omaha’s Maddie Fennell Chairs NEA Task ForceThere is a new definition of an effective teacher and the teaching profession on

the horizon. The honing of those definitions will take some help from active and retired teachers.

NEA President Dennis Van Roekel last summer appointed a Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching, and named Omaha teacher Maddie Fennell as chair.The commission is charged with studying and analyzing existing standards, definitions, policies and practices related to effective teaching, followed by the crafting of a “teachers’ definition” of an effective teacher and effective teaching.

The commission is also charged with crafting a new vision of a teacher-led pro-fession that will ensure teacher and teaching effectiveness. The commission will develop recommendations on the Association’s role in advancing and promoting teacher effectiveness and the profession.

The commission needs the help and advice of teachers, and is taking input through an online survey. Members are asked to complete the survey before mid-May. The five question survey can be found at this web site:

https://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/c2dg48b77

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“Mark my

words: The

outcome of

this debate

will affect

you. Have you

followed the

debate? Have

you contacted

your senator or

the governor to

express concern

about the CIR

debate?

”

A Need to Be Watchful

NSEA PresidentJess Wolf

It was a remarkable event, crowned by the election of an entirely new NSEA Executive Committee team.

As reported on Page 5 of this issue, NSEA members at the 150th Delegate Assembly elected Nancy Fulton, Leann Widhalm, John Heineman, and Jenni Absalon to the Asso-ciation’s executive posts. They are fine peo-ple to a person, and will lead us well as our association moves forward. I send them all good thoughts and prayers for a successful term of office.

The election of a new association president means that this is my farewell column. While bittersweet, I want to recall how I began this column six years ago. In my first writing, I quoted the words etched above the north en-trance to the state capitol: “The salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen.”

In light of the current state of affairs in our country, how can anyone fail to see the need to be watchful?

What’s HappeningRecent actions in our very own citizen

legislature have further reminded us of the need to be watchful. Consider that state aid to education for 2011-12 was fast-tracked by state senators at $820 million, a cut of nearly $130 million from the current year.

Also consider that the Legislature has ap-proved an increase in the rate every teacher will pay toward keeping the state’s retire-ment plan solvent, while the same Legisla-ture has balked at meeting part of its own an-nual responsibility to that plan. Senators also cut $1 million in funding for the fledgling teacher tuition reimbursement program, yet managed to find $1.5 million for a business internship program.

And, at the end of April, the state’s Eco-nomic Forecasting Board reported substan-tially higher than expected state revenues for the current year – $82.5 million higher. One begins to wonder: Is talk by policymakers about educating our youth truly sincere, or simply lip service?

The Commission of Industrial Relations continues to be a hot topic at the Capitol. The

outcome of that debate is important to not only public employees, including education employees, but to all Nebraskans. Mark my words: The outcome of this debate will affect you. Have you followed the debate? Have you contacted your senator or the governor to express concern about the CIR debate?

Your colleagues at Delegate Assembly thought the CIR debate important enough to pass a vital directive. By unanimous vote, delegates supported a proposal to investigate five issues – including preservation of the CIR – as potential ballot measures in 2012 (See Page 5 for the full story).

Secure the TraditionThe value public education plays in main-

taining the democracy we hold so precious cannot be overstated. I truly believe our par-amount task as public school educators is to instruct the values of democratic principles while teaching math; while teaching read-ing; while teaching science; while teaching writing; and while teaching civil discourse.

Teaching those principles secures the tra-dition of democracy that is the United States of America. To allow wealthy, monied inter-ests to buy elections for personal gain, at the expense of true democracy for all, is simply untenable.

So, be watchful! Get involved in educa-tional and political issues. Continue to stand up for children and others who cannot stand for themselves. This has been our mantra for 144 years, and we must not forsake it now!

It’s Been an HonorFinally, I offer a heartfelt thank you for

allowing me the honor of serving as your president these past six years. I’ve done my best; I’ve committed every effort on your be-half. I’ve been ably assisted in this effort by Nancy, Leann, Mark Shively, Art Tanderup, the NSEA Board of Directors and NSEA staff. The work of your president could not be done well without that support.

Most importantly, I’ve truly enjoyed your support and your encouragement. I will trea-sure that forever.

From the President

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New Leaders Elected; Initiative Petitions on the Table

A Children’s Fund Success A fund-raiser at NSEA’s annual Delegate Assembly was a rousing success. Led by the Omaha Education Association, members were able to bid and buy baskets of items in a silent auction, with proceeds going to NSEA’s Children’s

Fund. The effort raised more than $2,200.

In Unanimous Vote,Delegates Urge a Fight for Union Rights

More than 300 of NSEA’s nearly 28,000 stockholders have set a dramatic new course for the Association with the election of an entirely new leadership team.

Delegates also drew a line in the sand with the approval of a New Business Item that could put NSEA at the center of a statewide battle over worker’s rights in 2012.

The election of Wilber-Cla-tonia’s Nancy Fulton as presi-dent and Norfolk’s Leann Wid-halm as vice president marks what is believed to be the first time in the 144-year history of the Association that women hold the top two elected posi-tions. Delegates also elected Lincoln teachers John Heineman and Jenni Absalon as Nebraska’s representatives on the NEA Board of Directors.

But it was action by delegates to make a philosophical stand on behalf of the middle class that garnered headlines across the state and region.

In a unanimous vote, delegates asked the Association’s lead-ership to investigate the initiation of up to five ballot issues for consideration at the 2012 General Election. That action came in response to anti-union rhetoric stirred by wealthy anti-tax inter-ests that have pushed politicians across the country to approve

anti-middle class, union-busting legislation.With such legislation festering before Nebraska’s Unicam-

eral, and with state business interests hinting at a ballot issue to eliminate Nebraska’s Commission on Industrial Relations (CIR), or to end public sector bargaining all together, NSEA members took action.

“What this action says to our opposition is ‘watch what you wish for,’” said NSEA President Jess Wolf. “If the situation

continues to deteriorate, we can send a loud message.”

In a speech to delegates that drew statewide and regional attention (see story, Page 7), NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen told del-egates that the real story was “below the surface” of the CIR discussion.

“The target isn’t public salaries and benefits. The real target is the collective power of common people working together,” said Christiansen. “Unions in this country can muster one of the few counterweights to the massive influence of the wealthiest few on our political system.”

Five OptionsWith well-heeled business interests, some from out-of-state,

fostering the drive to destroy the CIR, delegates approved the New Business Item that called for NSEA leadership to investi-gate the option of initiating up to five ballot issues for the 2012

A Line is DrawnTime to vote: Omaha Education Association’s Kelly Smith, foreground, picks up a ballot after signing in for one of

several elections held during NSEA’s Delegate Assembly in April. The election of officers was a highlight of the meeting.

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Honorees: At left, President Jess Wolf presents the Friend of Education Award to Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Director of Education Elizabeth Mulker-rin, recognizing the zoo’s education outreach. At center, Vice President Nancy Fulton presents the William Gallagher Award to Panhandle District President Leonard Hartman. The award goes to the NSEA district that enrolls the highest percent of eligible membership. At right, Omaha Education Association’s Rose Pope and Cheryl Richardson accepted NSEA’s Local Public Relations Award.

election cycle.Wolf proposed that NSEA consider

petitions that would:nProtect the role of the CIR and

the right of public employees to bargain collectively.nRepeal corporate welfare tax

breaks, including LB775.nEnact a ‘millionaire’s tax’ and to

increase the marginal tax rate for those making more than $1 million annually.nRepeal any law that would siphon

money from the State General Fund, and, thus, education, and divert that money to roads construction.nConstitutionally dedicate to edu-

cation a set of percentage of state sales tax revenues.

Delegates gave immediate and unan-imous approval. NSEA’s Board of Di-rectors and Government Relations team will consider all options for the 2012 election, with deliberations expected to begin immediately.

Delegates also OK’d, by unanimous vote, a New Business Item directing Wolf and Christiansen to send a letter to Gov. Dave Heineman and all 49 state senators requesting that any additional revenues projected by the Economic Forecasting Board’s April 28 report go to benefit state aid to schools. Lexing-ton’s Lisa Fricke offered the measure, and noted that the education community is tired of going before the Legislature every year to beg for adequate funding.

“Teachers work every day for kids,” said Fricke. “It’s about time the Legisla-ture did, too!”

New Officers NamedFulton and Widhalm will serve three-

year terms. Lincoln’s Heineman was elected to a three-year term on the NEA Board of Directors, while Absalon, the Lincoln Education Association presi-dent, will fill the remaining two years of Widhalm’s term. They will compose the executive committee of NSEA’s Board of Directors and will take office Aug. 1.

In other action, delegates approved a $10, one-time dues assessment to battle ballot items. Central Community Col-lege’s Christopher Waddle introduced the New Business Item, and urged sup-port, noting that public sector unions “are under attack.”

Delegates also approved establish-ment of a Human and Civil Rights Award, to be presented for the first time at the 2012 Delegate Assembly.

Delegates also OK’d a $5 dues in-crease for the 2011-12 Association year.

A Letter from Your NewExecutive CommitteeDear Members,

First and foremost, we’d like to thank you for trusting us with the job of leading your 144-year-old Association for the coming years.

These are challenging times, of that there is no doubt. Public schools are under assault by those who see them not as public institutions serving the public good but, rather, as potential sources of profit. Further, public employees, their pay and their benefits are under full-scale attack, even here in Nebraska.

In the face of those attacks, we pledge to advocate for our students, our members and public schools. We also pledge to be accessible; to work together; and to be ready to meet and assist members whenever and wherever possible.

We are truly excited about this opportunity and know that there is much work ahead. But we also know that with your support and participation, we can further improve Nebraska’s public schools and the teaching profession.

Thank you for your membership, and for all you do for Nebraska’s children!

Sincerely,

Nancy Fulton, Leann Widhalm, John Heineman, Jenni Absalon,President-Elect Vice President-Elect NEA Director-Elect NEA Director-Elect

Fulton Widhalm

Heineman Absalon

Award winners: Four members took awards home

from Delegate Assembly. From left are ESP of the

Year Terry Cook, Overton; Teaching Excellence Award

Winner Penny Patrick, South Sioux City; and Rookie of the

Year Jarred Rowe, Lincoln. Not present was Community Service Award winner Laurel

Miller of Neligh-Oakdale.

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Historic Action,ImmediateResponse!

Action by NSEA members at Delegate Assembly to investigate an initiative petition drive for the 2012 election drew immediate – and posi-tive – response from NSEA members and the general public. Consider some of the notes that arrived, unsolicited, through NSEA’s web site:

“I will admit that I have not always been very sympathetic to unions. However, watching the situation in Wisconsin and Ohio has reminded me that the middle class exists today be-cause of unions. The attacks on public unions are attacks on the middle class.

“I was very interested – and en-couraged – to read what the NSEA voted to do. I very much hope you can succeed in changing the direction of the current political dialogue.”

— Paul Dickey,Omaha

“I’m pleased with the ballot options passed last week at the Delegate As-sembly. It is exactly what we need to do. Now is the time. I will volunteer to help in any way.

“It is time big business is sent a message that they cannot run rough-shod over ‘the little people.’ Our politicians have not helped us on these matters. Thus, you (we) have to get after it.”

— Chuck Friesen,Lincoln

“At the recent NSEA Assembly, the NSEA leadership and our assembly representatives took a politically cou-rageous stand by supporting the CIR/collective bargaining rights and other issues that impact public education in Nebraska. Along with what is happen-ing in the state, we need to address national issues such as Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s budget bill that fundamentally guts Medicare, a program vital for all Nebraska seniors.

“If we want to thank the NSEA delegates, offer your voices and actions and contact our state and national legislators regarding the issues that impact all of us in one way or another. As talk show host and author Thom Hartmann has said, ‘Activism begins with you. Democracy begins with you, get out there, get active. Tag, you’re it.’”

— Maureen Luebbers,Millard

In the midst of national attacks on pub-lic employees and unions, NSEA’s annual Delegate Assembly was notable for action taken by delegates to counter such an at-mosphere in Nebraska.

The Commission on Indus-trial Relations – Nebraska’s rarely used process to mediate contract disputes between pub-lic employees and their man-agers – is under siege. While NSEA has worked to com-promise with state lawmakers intent on CIR modifications, critics contend the compromise before the Legislature does not go far enough. In fact, late on the very afternoon the Delegate Assembly convened, Gov. Heineman crit-icized the effort and claimed NSEA and other educational interests “punted” their responsibilities in assisting the Legisla-ture’s effort to change the CIR, in a way that will “control costs”.

Heineman urged that the CIR be reduced to an advisory role, with school boards given final decision-making authority.” But that would effectively void the contract pro-cess and neuter the ability of educators to bargain.

NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen told members at the Delegate Assembly that the fight over the CIR is not about the cost of good education or gov-ernment. It is about destroying the only major institution that stands in the way of the wealthy grabbing more of America for personal profit: the teachers’ union.

“Unions are the last organized bar-rier to an outright fire sale of America to support ‘supply-side’ tax benefits for the wealthy,” he said. “We stand in the way.”

We are not really in the Great Reces-sion, he said. “We are in The Great Fire Sale, in which every public institution is in danger if it stands in the way of the eco-nomic interests of the very wealthy, or of those who have been duped into a belief that what this country needs is to abandon the working middle class and serve the self-interests of big business,” he said.

There are three main battlefields in this war, he said. First is the effort by the wealthy to capture profit from the func-tions of government. The top target: edu-

cation, a $900 billion a year enter-prise – the size of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product.

Don’t be surprised, he said, that the ultra-rich donate great chunks of cash to think tanks, reform ef-forts and “front” organizations related to the “reform” of govern-ment and education.

“When the prize is capturing the entire value of Australia right in their backyard, is the self-interest

of big business really to have public education succeed?”

The second battle is the effective mar-ginal tax rate. In 2006, he said, 20 Nebras-ka millionaires paid no income tax. By 2009, there were 46 Nebraskans in that

category.“The ironic – and in-

disputable – fact is that the richest people in this state are not paying their fair share toward the state’s current fiscal prob-lems,” said Christiansen. “If you have $1 in your

pocket right now, you have more than the Nebraska tax liability of 46 millionaires.”

The third front is every benefit of unionization: collective bargaining, salary schedules, pensions and dispute resolution mechanisms. Thus the battle over the CIR.

“The only thing standing in the way of these interests in winning these battles is the collective action of strong unions,” said Christiansen.

“If the most important institutions in our union life are threatened, we will fight with every resource we have,” he said. “And, yes, petition initiatives are a two-way street. They know what is most im-portant to us. And we know that unfair tax advantages are most important to them. It may soon be time to find out what is most important to the voters of Nebraska. We will always know what is most important to us. There are too many people depend-ing on us to ever forget that.”

For more on his remarks, go to:www.nsea.org

The GreatFire Sale

Christiansen

“If you have $1 in your pocket right now, you have more than the Nebraska tax liability of 46 millionaires.”

— Craig R. Christiansen,NSEA Executive Director

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How Does This Affect You?

Your local association negoti-ates with your Board of Educa-tion for everything from salary, to benefits, to working conditions, and more.

When those negotiations reach stalemate, either side (labor – that’s you – or management) can file for relief with the Com-mission on Industrial Relations. The CIR will mediate the dispute and order a solution. Anti-union groups want to take that fair and predictable option from you, as a way to weaken your Association.

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How Does This Affect You?

Your local association negoti-ates with your Board of Educa-tion for everything from salary, to benefits, to working conditions, and more.

When those negotiations reach stalemate, either side (labor – that’s you – or management) can file for relief with the Com-mission on Industrial Relations. The CIR will mediate the dispute and order a solution. Anti-union groups want to take that fair and predictable option from you, as a way to weaken your Association.

After Months of Work on Compromise Bill,Last-Minute Posturing Puts Outcome in Doubt

You’ve heard about it on television and radio, and read about it in the newspapers. The effort to reform Nebraska’s venerable Commission of Industrial Relations is now in full swing, after more than nine months of meetings and discussions, public hear-ings and legislative debate.

NSEA has worked diligently to protect the CIR, which pro-vides resolution to bargaining disputes (see sidebar). It is im-perative that NSEA members contact their state senators with that message.

“There is no more impor-tant time than right now for our members to have an effect on the outcome of this bill,” said NSEA President Jess Wolf.

Those seeking changes claim that CIR “reform” will help pro-tect the average taxpayer. Yet with Nebraska teacher’s salaries at 43rd in the nation, and at sixth among seven surrounding states, one can hardly argue that tax-payers are being fleeced.

Wolf said working LB397, the CIR bill, has been frustrating. “We believe we have developed reasonable, coherent solutions to the concerns raised – only to have those solutions, some of which came from those seeking changes, first agreed to and then

rejected,” he said.Notably, the Chamber of Commerce did an about-

face on requiring wage comparability studies to include private employers. After initially insisting this be part of the “reform,” the Chamber now opposes the idea and instead favors using broader wage surveys that incorpo-rate Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Also unsatisfied are the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. Both groups have in the past advocated adding an ‘ability to pay’ clause to the CIR law. To help address concerns raised regarding cost containment, NSEA agreed that ‘ability to pay’ language be added to LB397; however, the NASB and NCSA have now backed away from that provision.

NSEA will continue to work with senators, school administrators and school boards. Members, however, must be ready for a potentially contentious fight, where extremists are willing to say whatever they can to strip the CIR’s authority, thus limiting the collective bargain-

ing rights of thousands of Nebraskans.Call your senator and the governor at 402-471-2311 (state switchboard). Urge them

to act in a reasonable and thoughtful way. Encourage them to reject anti-union rhetoric and instead listen to the common concerns of Nebraskans. That will lead to ensuring Nebraska maintains and improves its good schools, quality teachers, and its equitable process for resolving management-labor disagreements.

The Status of Nebraska

TeachersDefunded, Unfunded,Ignored, Marginalized

Four Very Good Reasons to Contact Your

State Senator, the GovernorThe Legislature is in session, and Ne-

braska teachers will soon feel the effect of actions by state senators. How soon? With the first paycheck of 2011-12.

To preserve your retirement plan, sen-ators OK’d a bill to raise the pension con-tribution rate of school employees and districts. That rate increase will be felt starting with your first paycheck next fall.

While shoring up the retirement plan is sound policy, the Legislature cut from the budget part of its own annual obliga-tion to the pension fund.

Meanwhile, in late April, the state’s Economic Forecasting Board said state revenues will be $82 million above earlier projections for this fiscal year.

In the face of this fiscal crisis, senators also cut $1 million for a wildly successful tuition reimbursement program for edu-cators. Yet, senators found $1.5 million for a chamber-backed internship program for business.

Also cut was state aid: the 2011-12 aid will be $130 million less than the current year’s figure. As a result, nearly every Ne-braska school district is cutting programs and opportunities for kids.

As of this writing, senators are on the verge of saying ‘yes’ to diverting a quarter cent of sales tax revenue from the general fund and putting it to the roads fund, which already has the gas tax in a lock box. State aid comes from the general fund.

Again, the state revenue outlook has improved. Just not for schools.

Finally, several senators would take away your right to bargain collectively by abolishing the Commission on Industrial Relations. They say the CIR is driving up salaries and costs to taxpayers. It’s more than a stretch to claim our 43rd-in-the-nation Nebraska teacher salaries are the cause of our state’s revenue shortfall!

What can you do to stop this non-sense? Call or write your state senator and the governor. Tell them children and educators deserve better. Go to the NSEA website under the ‘Policy & Poli-tics’ link to e-mail your elected official. That site is at:

www.nsea.org

Legislature FocusNow on CIR ‘Reform’

At the helm: Former York High School teacher and now Sen. Greg Adams spoke to an education group earlier in this legislative ses-sion. Adams chairs the Education Committee.

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Nowak

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Closes 19-Year TenureAfter 19 years of service to mem-

bers in central and southwest Nebraska, UniServ Director Bill Nowak retired in March.

He joined the NSEA after teaching 15 years in York and three years in Colorado. As a sec-ondary math and sci-ence teacher; a local as-sociation president and negotiator; and six-year member of the NSEA Board, he had the skills for UniServ work.

“Bill’s knowledge of and under-standing of school district budgets, state aid and salary schedules is a great skill set for a UniServ director,” said NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christian-sen. “Bill’s service to the Association and to the members of his unit is very much appreciated.”

Nowak served local associations in

south central and southwestern Nebras-ka for most of his NSEA career.

“I’m honored to have been able to serve NSEA members,” he said. “I ap-preciate, and thank, all of the leaders, officers, negotiators and members who

have done so much to advance the asso-ciation, the profession and the education of children in Nebraska. I value the nu-merous close relationships and friend-ships I have made over the years.”

Thanks for Your Supportof My Campaign for

Capitol District President. — Susan Stake, Waverly

Grant to Improve AchievementThe NEA Foundation will build on the success of its Closing

the Achievement Gaps Initiative by awarding an Omaha public education partnership a $50,000 planning grant.

The partnership, between the Omaha Education Association (OEA), Omaha Public Schools (OPS) and The Empowerment Network, will use the funds to improve the quality of instruc-tion to increase achievement rates for low income and minority students, and raise performance for all students.

The team will develop a plan to make the effort enduring. Based on a review of that plan, the Omaha partnership may re-ceive a five-year, $1.25 million grant from the NEA Foundation to implement the strategy. The Omaha proposal will be consid-ered along with that of a Florida partnership.

“Building a stronger culture of collaboration in all schools in OPS will enhance the efficacy of teachers as they work with

every student in the district,” said Chris Proulx, OEA president. “The OEA is grateful to the NEA Foundation for providing the district and our association with this opportunity to work to-gether to benefit students and to model effective collaboration.”

The plan will focus on how the district and OEA will work together to strengthen three areas of intervention:nIncreased teaching effectiveness, designed to close

achievement gaps by ensuring teachers have the skills they need to reach the neediest students. nCommunity and parent engagement, designed to gen-

erate support for improvement efforts and to bring necessary resources for achieving the vision and outcomes.nSystem alignment and coherence, designed to increase

capacity at the district level to ensure school-level success.The grants are by invitation, and are based on student de-

mographics; local associations affiliated with the NEA; regional diversity; and stable association and district leadership.

Omaha Education Partnership: Key figures in the partnership that obtained a grant for the Omaha Public Schools are, from left: Superintendent Dr. John Mackiel; NEA Foundation President and CEO Harriet Sanford; Shelley Henderson, di-rector, Communities In Schools of Omaha; Omaha Education Association President Chris Proulx; Gerry Huber, executive director, OPS General Administration; and Willie Barney, president, The Empowerment Network.

NEA Foundation Funds Omaha Plan

Nowak

NSEA’s Nowak Ends UniServ Career

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Middle Level AcademyPlans June Conference

The Nebraska Middle Level Acad-emy has a packed conference set for educators – and it’s a conference middle level teachers will not want to miss.

With a theme of iTeach Middle Level Grades, the conference features Nebraska Commissioner of Educa-tion Roger Breed. Also on the agenda is Jessica Gall, the Education Project director for the Plains State Region of the Anti-Defamation League, one of the world’s top anti-bias and diversity organizations.

Sessions include Virtual Field Trips with the National Archives; Dealing with Difficult Parents; Helping Stu-dents Set Learning Targets; Classroom Management; Understanding Middle School Students with High Function-ing Autism and Asperger Syndrome; and more.

The conference is Thursday and Friday, June 9-10, at Ashland-Green-wood Junior-Senior High School. There is a registration fee. For more details, go to the web site at:www.nebraskamiddlelevelacademy.

org/

Win $100 fromthe NEA Foundation

A new challenge – sponsored by a partnership between the U.S. Depart-ment of Education, the National Edu-cation Association Foundation and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) – has been posted: up to five awards of $1,000 will be presented for the best teaching solutions that effec-tively incorporate smart phones or cell phones.

The NEA Foundation’s C2i is open to public school educators, students, and other creative thinkers with an in-terest in improving public education.

While the use of mobile phone technologies provides an incredible opportunity for educators and stu-dents to learn in new and different ways, existing cell phone policies of-ten prevent students from using one of the best resources available to them. Smart phones are powerful handheld computers, and once they become widely affordable, students will have 24/7 access. They can be, literally,

“game changers.” Submissions will be accepted until

May 13. In June, up to five solutions will be awarded $1,000 from the NEA Foundation. To register your idea, go to the NEA Foundation web site and look for the ‘Challenge to Innovate Mobile Project’ icon. The web site is at:

http://www.neafoundation.org/

Sand Hills DiscoveryEvent Open to Educators

Now in its 10th year, the Sand Hills Discovery Foundation has announced the 2011 conference: Sand Hills

Lakes, Rivers, and Creeks. The July l4 Conference in Ain-

sworth promises to be another en-lightening event. Tours of area Sand Hills sites on the day before and after the conference add to the experience. Featured again will be an opportuni-ty to dig for fossils at the Rick Irwin Fossil Quarry. A trip along the Cala-mus River will complement the river theme. These, plus other choices, are outlined on the web site at:

sandhillsdiscovery.orgLearn why past attendees have

rated this event high on their list of things to do. College credit is avail-able from Wayne State College.

News You Can Use

China Travel Opportunity: Act Now!

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Office of International Education is seeking individuals or couples with a background in education — and a desire for adventure! — to teach conversational English and American culture to Chinese high school students near Beijing, China, from Sept. 1, 2011, through Jan. 15, 2012.

A small stipend, room and board, airfare, transportation to and from teh airport in China, and a pre-departure training workshop will be provided.

If interested, submit a letter of application and resume to by Friday, May 20, to: Office of International Education, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 2504 19th Ave., Kearney, NE 68849. UNK is AAEO/ADA.

#May 2011.indd 15 5/2/2011 3:38:28 PM


Note: Now in his 30th year of teaching, Ron Coniglio has taught since 1997 at Zeman Elementary School in Lincoln. He authored this article.

I am one of 10 children. When I was little, the city block that I lived on had 36 children under the age of 18. We were a microcosm of the Baby Boom.

There were so many children that the parochial school my brothers and sisters attended was full – there was no classroom to use for kindergarten. So in 1963, when I was old enough, I went to public school. I was going to be a ‘pub-lican,’ as we called it, for a year and then would transfer to the parish school.

I was a ‘PM kindergartner’ – I attended in the afternoon. I recall standing at the head of the steps that led down to the sidewalk that crossed our front yard. Mom would walk me out each day, and run a comb through my curly hair trying to get rid of the knots. She’d check my elbows for dirt, and would sometimes take me back into the house to scrub them squeaky clean. Finally, she’d dab a handkerchief and wipe off any dirt on my face and point me off to school.

I would walk up the sidewalk to the streetlight, push the button, cross South Street and proceed the block and a half to Prescott and Mrs. Mather’s kindergarten class, in Room 109.

A Room of Learning, FunMrs. Mather was young, tall, blonde, beautiful, and I was in

love. I would have done anything for Mrs. Mather. Her class-room was always full of exploration, learning and fun.

I loved kindergarten. We learned letters and colors. We strung beads, and each day would sit on the rug in the reading corner and listen as Mrs. Mather would sit in her rocking chair and read. We even had a nap. At 1:30 each afternoon, the lunch ladies would bring a tray of milk cartons and we would slug down that half cup of milk and then lie down for a 10-minute nap. Most of us spent our time looking to see who had their eyes open, or we’d try to tie each other’s shoe laces together.

But what I most looked forward to in kindergarten was my birthday. In Room 109, birthdays were special. On your birth-day you were allowed to sit in Mrs. Mather’s rocking chair – the only time children were allowed to sit there. Mrs. Mather would place a birthday crown on your head. She made these crowns herself and they had your name and ‘Happy Birthday’ written on them. They were always golden and always had spangles and faux gems on them.

Ready to CelebrateMy birthday is Nov. 22. When that day arrived, I was very

excited. My mom baked a football-shaped birthday cake. My Grandmother, Nana, was making a trip to town for dinner. My brother had loaned me a cool car to take for Show and Tell. Life was good.

Mom took me outside and checked me over. I was wearing a little three-button shirt with the buttons all done right up to the top. Off I went to school.

The afternoon was going well. Show and Tell was over, we’d had our nap, and soon we would cel-ebrate my birthday.

But at around 1:30 p.m., our principal appeared at the door. He called for Mrs. Mather, and when she reached the door he bent down and began whispering to her. Mrs. Mather began to cry, and then sob. School was cancelled and we were all sent home. It was Nov. 22, 1963: President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated.

As it was a Friday, we went home for the weekend, a nation in mourning. On Mon-day, we returned to school. The images of the Wednesday funeral still fill my memory: the riderless black horse, the caisson carry-ing the President, and young John Kennedy saluting as his father’s casket passed. There was no birthday crown or singing for my birthday.

A Promise MadeThe year returned to normal. At the end of the year, Mrs.

Mather gathered Jeff, Steve and I around her, as we would not return to Prescott the following year. She made us promise that when we learned to read, we would return and show her.

When my wife and I went house hunting, I gravitated to the type of early 20th century, big white frame house that I had grown up in. So 30 years after kindergarten, I found myself back in my old neighborhood.

One day I was in our front yard playing with our Siberian Husky, Ayla, when my 10-year-old neighbor Erin stopped for a visit. We sat on the lawn and chatted, and she mentioned her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Mather.

“Mrs. Dolores Mather?”I asked. “Oh, I don’t know what her first name is,” said Erin.Kids are funny that way. Many are surprised to find that their

teachers actually have a first name.I knew now that Mrs. Mather was back at Prescott. She had

done a great many things with her career: she had been award-ed a Fulbright and travelled; she trained other teachers; and she even aspired to administration. Now, near the end of her career, she was back at the school where she had started.

Return to the Old SchoolOne day I attended a district in-service at our Central Dis-

A Kindergartener, a Birthdayand a National Tragedy

A Reminder About How Teachers Make a Difference

Reconnected: Nearly 40 years af-ter being her student, Ron Coniglio has become a close friend of teacher Delores Mather.

Page 16 n The NSEA Voice n May 2011

#May 2011.indd 16 5/2/2011 3:38:29 PM


Happy Belated Birthday: Mrs. Mather helped Ron Coniglio celebrate his kin-dergarten birthday.

trict Office. The training ended at 3 p.m., and I headed to my par-ents’ home for a visit. As I drove past Prescott, I remembered that Mrs. Mather was inside. I decided I would stop and tell her that I learned to read!

I parked in the lot and made my way to the office. I signed in as a visitor and asked where Mrs. Mather’s room was. “Down the hall, up the stairs, first door on your right.”

I headed down the hallway and at the base of the stairs, past Room 109. The steam radiator was still located right outside the door. When I was in kindergarten, I used to ask to go to the rest-room with broken crayons hidden in my pockets. Once outside the door, I set the crayons on the radiator and watched them melt. I liked to consider it modern art!

I climbed the stairs, reached the top and turned to the right and saw the door to Mrs. Mather’s room. I could see through the glass door panels. In front of the room stood Mrs. Mather.

I backed across the hall and leaned against the window sill, waiting for school to dismiss. The bell rang promptly at 3:30 p.m., the door opened and children poured out into the hall to head home. I said, “Hi” to several of the neighborhood children, who no doubt wondered why I was there. I waved at Erin as she came out and told her that I had come to see Mrs. Mather.

The last person out the door was Mrs. Mather. She walked right up to me. “Hi, Mrs. Mather. You probably don’t remember me,” I said.

“Of course I do,” she said. “You’re Ron Coniglio, and you’re a teacher.”

“That’s right,” I answered, “but, you don’t know why I’m here today.”

“Yes, I do. You came to show me you learned how to read,” she said. There was a twinkle in her eye.

That was the beginning of the reconnection of a relationship that had lay dormant for 30 years. In the time that followed, we met for lunch; visited each other’s homes; talked about education, politics, kindergarten, marriage and love.

A Lesson LearnedTwo years later, I was teaching in a multiage setting with a

three-classroom, 62-student team that had second, third, fourth and fifth grade students in the same class, at the same time, learning the same subject. It was a beautiful day, late in the fall, and I was in the office over my lunch break picking up my mail.

A teaching partner came in and asked, “Ron, can you come to your room? Some boys got sent in from recess for arguing over football. Something about clipping – is clipping a bad thing?”

Entering the room, I expected to see a couple of our boys.Instead, I saw all 62 fifth

grade students sitting on the carpet in my room. In the front of the room was Mrs. Mather, with a rocking chair and a crown. It was my birthday. She sat me down in the rock-ing chair, placed the crown on my head and my students sang “Happy Birthday” to me.

The lesson learned? Mrs. Mather taught me that good teachers continue to make a dif-ference in the lives of their stu-dents. And making a difference in the lives of children is why we teach.

#May 2011.indd 17 5/2/2011 3:38:30 PM


#May 2011.indd 18 5/2/2011 3:38:32 PM


Tips for SurvivingJob Loss

NEA Member Benefits, Credit FoundationSuggest Ways to Cope with Job Loss

Snookie’sSnippets

More than 165 million people in the U.S. wear eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, according to The Vision Council. In fact, Americans shell out an estimated $26 billion annually on vision ex-ams and accessories. The good news: Quality eyewear doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We’ve got five ways for you to save big bucks:n Shop online.

Many sites sell generic frames, eyeglasses and contact lenses. nKeep your old frames. Most eye-

glass retailers will put new lenses in old frames. Stick with classic styles instead of the latest trend.nTake advantage of insurance and

member benefits programs. NEAMB offers steep discounts on eye exams, ac-cessories (including glasses) and con-ventional and disposable contact lenses. nDiscount shop. Sites like All-

AboutVision.com offer discount cou-pons, free trial certificates and other money-saving offers on eye care prod-ucts and services, which are redeemable with retailers and eye care professionals. nUse your HSA/FSA. In addition

to tax perks you get from taking advan-tage of such plans, they can be a useful way to sock away money for a pair of replacement lenses — a far better op-tion than rolling over any unused dollars back to the government at year’s end.

Pink-Slipped, Riffed,Non-Renewed, or Otherwise

Laid Off?Be proactive. Visit the NEA Member

Benefits Member Assistance Program site for guidance, information and tools for dealing with the financial repercus-sions of job loss, and to prepare to find a new position. That web site is at:

www.neamb.com/assistanceIn addition to a Job Layoff Checklist

and links to useful sites on the web, the ‘Resources & Services’ section provides information on special accommodations that may be available to participants in NEA Member Benefits programs.

Snookie Krumbiegel is Nebraska’s NEA Member Benefits representative.

NEA Member Benefits

Krumbiegel

NEA Member Benefits and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer the following tips for coping with a layoff or salary reduction. n Take advantage of any training, job skill updating, or resume writing courses your

employer offers.n Speak with your HR Department to

make sure you understand the terms of the layoff (insurance, severance, etc.).nConfirm that you have applied for any

government benefits for which you are eligi-ble (unemployment insurance, COBRA sti-pend, retraining credits, food stamps, etc.).nUpdate your resume, and post it on on-

line job sites.nNetwork with friends, family, business

acquaintances, former colleagues, etc.nUse social networking to your advan-

tage.nBe open to relocating.nStop unnecessary spending. Put a freeze

on charging.nInvolve the entire family, including

children – they will pick up on the fact that things have changed. Make this a teachable moment and show them that you can survive a family financial emergency.nTrack your spending. Commit to cut-

ting $10 from 10 spending categories, more if you can. This will result in finding at least an extra $100 per month, perhaps more, to put toward living expenses.nDon’t be tempted to live off of credit –

many well-intended people do so, thinking a new job is just around the corner. Instead, they build up a debt load that leads them to bankruptcy.nReach out for legitimate help from a

legitimate credit counseling agency sooner rather than later – delaying doesn’t solve anything, but instead makes matters worse.nPriority pay in this order: living expens-

es (rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, food, medicine, etc.), followed by secured payments (usually vehicle payments), then the creditors.nYour home is your largest investment, not to mention the place where you raise

your family – protect it. Talk to a trained and certified housing counselor to see what options are open to you.nResist the urge to dip into your retirement account. Instead, tighten the budget,

sell assets, and use your savings carefully to stay afloat.Look for more resources and avenues of support for NEA members experiencing

financial challenges on the “Member Assistance” page of the web site at:www.neamb.com

Member BenefitsSite Offers Aid

The folks at NEA Member Ben-efits are acutely aware of the per-sonal and financial challenges faced by NEA members experiencing job layoffs, salary cuts, and other difficult financial circumstances.

About a year ago, NEA Mem-ber Benefits dedicated a special page of web site as a repository of helpful information and resources to assist members to proactively address such challenges.

The economic picture remains bleak for 2011 and, as member advocates, the NEA Member Ben-efits staff have strived to expand avenues of support for members. The Member Assistance Program (MAP) has been enhanced to in-clude additional guidance, informa-tion and tools to help unemployed members prepare for a job search and cope financially. This online re-source center outlines programs and services available, including a step-by-step Job Layoff Checklist and links to useful web sites.

Learn more at:www.neamb.com/assistance

#May 2011.indd 19 5/2/2011 3:38:33 PM


A Question of Balance

#May 2011.indd 20 5/2/2011 3:38:34 PM


A Question of Balance: NSEA Executive Director Craig R. Christiansen with the double-barreled cannon of Athens, Georgia.

From the Executive Director

A Question of BalanceOutside the City Hall, in Athens, GA, stands an odd relic

of the Civil War, billed as the only double-barreled cannon in the world. This invention promised horrid injury when the cannon balls were chained together and used to mow down the enemy. But no one could get the two barrels to fire at the same time. Like many things that just don’t work, the problem was a question of balance.

In many ways, the current debate about our state bud-get is also a question of balance. The popular cry is about spending. But, like that odd cannon from so long ago, a po-litical focus on spending without also considering revenue is simply out of balance.

Revenue ErosionIn these times, cutting spending might seem to make

sense, but the intended targets for those cuts are too often the very heart of our communities. For instance, creating more tax revenue for road construction might make sense in good times. In a time when schools face the loss of millions of dollars, increas-ing monies for roads is more than a little unbalanced. Yet, that is exactly what has been proposed by Nebraska legis-lators. Defending state aid to schools is not maudlin senti-mentality. It is hard economics. There is no guarantee that tax dollars spent on Nebraska roads will ever flow into more than a few Nebraska communities. Public monies spent on education are multiplied many times as they are spent on the main streets of every community in Nebraska. Public expenditures, properly made, pump money — and balance — back into the local economy that was wounded by business decline and job loss. A balanced solution is not just about cuts. It is also about the continuing erosion of state tax revenue.

A Problem of BalanceNebraska’s tax system needs rebalancing. In 2006, there

were 20 Nebraskans who made more than $1 million and paid no income tax. In 2009, that number was 46. It had

more than doubled in three years. The ironic — and in-disputable — fact is that the richest people in this state are not paying their fair share towards the state’s current fiscal problems.

The effective tax rate for many of the wealthiest Nebras-kans is less than what teachers pay. And politicians say that public employee salaries are the problem? When there are Nebraskans who make millions and pay absolutely nothing in Nebraska Income Tax, we have a significant problem of balance.

Fair Approach NeededThis is not an accusation of wrong-doing or illegality. It

is a matter of bad public policy — and simple fairness. What should struggling families think when they have trouble paying their bills and their taxes — knowing that Nebraska’s

tax system credits millions back to big business, allows some millionaires to pay no taxes, and permits our state’s top earners to effec-tively pay less than those who make much less, while cutting school fund-ing for the children of those same strug-gling families? Is this a balanced ap-proach to fiscal re-sponsibility?

Our state’s fiscal system needs a tune-up, a re-balancing. The current system is neither fair nor rational. What is falsely billed as con-

servative or prudent is at the cost of strangling our infra-structure and this state’s future by cutting sound public in-vestment. Some politicians tout cuts to maintain the budget. Fair enough. But, instead of attacking public labor costs, or cutting monies for schools and other community infra-structure, they should focus on tax give-aways or exemp-tions that allow the wealthiest to thrive lavishly—even in the toughest economic times most of us have ever seen. Cost containment is not only about spending. It’s also about con-taining erosion of revenue. A fair approach includes making wealthy Nebraskans pay the same effective tax rate as the middle class. And, for a few, it just means to start paying taxes like the rest of us. It’s a question of balance.

NSEA Executive Director Craig R.

Christiansen

“The

distribution of

wealth is not

the issue. It is

the equitable

distribution of

taxation to pay

this state’s bills.

”

#May 2011.indd 21 5/2/2011 3:38:35 PM


Food, Tours and LearningHighlight of Spring Conference

On April 13, nearly 60 NSEA-Retired members and guests attended a gourmet dinner prepared by the student chefs of the Culinary Arts Institute at the Metropolitan Com-munity College-Fort Omaha Branch (MCC.).

The entrees and desserts were incomparably delicious, but the highlight came as the 40-some student chefs intro-duced themselves and their goals after graduation.

The next morning, 121 NSEA-Retired members and guests attended the conference at Metropolitan Community College. The highlight was the keynote address on Legal Issues and Living Options During Retirement, by Jane Hal-loran from the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

Halloran reviewed how to decide when it’s time for assisted care; and when the time is right to discuss such care with the fam-ily physician, the fami-ly, and the person to be assisted. The options are endless: indepen-dent senior housing; assisted living facili-ties; in-home facilities; skilled nursing; and long term care facili-ties. Costs can run up to $6,200 each month, financed by private, Medicare, Medicaid, or long term insur-ance sources.

In preparation, one should consider arranging powers of attorney for medical and/or financial decisions, guardian/conservator plans, a will or a living will. Some resources for information:nThe Nebraska Department of Health and Human Ser-

vices at 1-800-942-7830.nThe Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, at 1-888-554-

2711.nThe Aging Office of Western Nebraska, at 1-800-682-

5140.Tim Anderson, author of John Neihardt, Black Elk

Speaks, described the unique fellowship Nebraska’s late poet laureate John Neihardt enjoyed with Black Elk, the eloquent Oglala Sioux Holy Man.

After the Conference, 25 members toured the General George Crook House on the MCC Campus. The mansion was built in 1879 for $7,500 as the home of the general who, with Thomas Tibbles of the Omaha Daily Herald and attor-neys John Webster and Andrew Poppleton, brought Ponca

Chief Standing Bear into the court of Judge Elmer Dundy. Standing Bear had been arrested for leaving the Oklahoma Reservation to return to his northeast Nebraska homeland to bury his son. On May 19, 1879, Judge Dundy ruled that “an Indian is a person” within the meaning of habeas corpus, and immediately freed Standing Bear and his followers.

NSEA-Retired Current MembershipAs of March 31, 2011, NSEA-Retired counted 4,565 re-

tired members and 937 pre-retired subscribers, for a total membership of 5,502.

NEA-Retired Dues IncreaseCurrent Lifetime Dues for both NEA-Retired and NSEA-

Retired are $200, for a total of $400. Annual Dues for both organizations are $25 each for a total of $50.

The NEA-Retired dues in both the Life-time and Annual cat-egories may increase within the next 18 months. NSEA-Re-tired Lifetime and An-nual Dues will remain unchanged.

Thus, this would be a good time for ac-tive NSEA members to join NEA-Retired and NSEA-Retired as Pre-Retired Subscribers for $400, saving the pend-ing increase in NEA

dues rates. Local dues may also apply in some areas.Why join? Click on Membership Information at the top

of the NSEA-Retired web site page and read the many mem-ber benefits you will continue to receive when you join the retired associations after your retirement. All NEA benefits that active members now enjoy will end if they do not be-come members of the NEA-Retired. That web site is at:

www.nsea.org/members/retiredOn-line enrollment for the 2011-12 membership year will

begin June 1, 2011. Contact Rebecca Smith at 1-800-742-0047 for details, or e-mail her for application forms at:

[email protected]

NSEA-Retired/SEAN ScholarshipsEach year, NSEA-Retired funds four $750 scholarships

for college or university juniors or seniors during their stu-dent teaching semesters. This year’s winners are Kelli Raile, Nebraska Wesleyan University; Kristine Price, Peru State College; Kristen Tassemeyer, University of Nebraska at Lin-coln; and Joel Kosch, University of Nebraska at Kearney.

— Tom Black, Editor [email protected]

NSEA-Retired Corner

A Good Time Was Had by All

Learning about cameras: Attendees at NSEA’s spring conference in Omaha learned about the use of digital cameras, among other things. Giving the session rapt attention are, from left, Carol Forsee, Mark Smith and Barb Davis.

NSEA members have elected or re-elected nearly three dozen of their fellow members to represent them at the state level on the NSEA Board of Directors, or at the district level on one of NSEA’s seven district governance boards.

The online election, which took place in February and March, put three new members on the NSEA Board of Direc-tors.

Here is the list of those elected:Capitol District

NSEA Board of Directors: Jenni Absalon and Daniel Ross, both of Lincoln.

President: Susan Stake, Waverly.Vice President: Sarah Brown, Wilber-Clatonia.Executive Committee: Jennifer Yoder, Lincoln.

Elkhorn District

NSEA Board of Directors: Vernon Miller, Macy.President: Tiffanny Heese, Winnebago.

Elections Shuffle District Leadership

#May 2011.indd 22 5/2/2011 3:38:36 PM


Stuff You Should Know

NSEA-Retired Corner

A Good Time Was Had by All

Generous gift: The Umonhon Nation Educa-tion Association (Macy) held a variety of fund-raisers and donated $420 to the NSEA Chil-dren’s Fund. From left are UNEA members Vicki Winterlin, Vernon Miller, Lydia Anglin and NSEA UniServ Director Duane Obermier.

Big Check! Members of the Bellevue Education Association have come to the aid of the NSEA Children’s Fund with a check for $2,935 Presenting the check was BEA President Yvonne Goodman (red jacket, front row), along with the BEA Board of Directors. At left is NSEA Children’s Fund Coordinator Sally Bodtke; at right is NSEA Comptroller Sheri Jablonski.

The grass is green, warm weather is here and the 15th NSEA Children’s Fund Golf Tournament is not far away.

The annual tournament will be held Tuesday, June 7, at Wilder-ness Ridge Golf Club in Lincoln.

Details and sponsorships are still being arranged, but all pro-ceeds will benefit the NSEA Chil-dren’s Fund. The tournament an-nually collects between $12,000 and $20,000 for the Children’s Fund.

The Fund’s goal: to ensure that personal need does not interfere with a student’s ability to learn. When an NSEA member sees a student who

needs new eyeglasses, shoes, or a coat, the member can apply for funds. Assis-

tance is immediate and confiden-tial. Usually a phone call to NSEA is all that’s required. Financed entirely through donations, more than $40,000 in assistance has been delivered to students thus far this school year.

To register for the tour-nament, contact NSEA’s Sally Bodtke at 1-800-742-0047 or via e-mail at:

[email protected] interested in donating to or

requesting assistance from the Chil-dren’s Fund should also contact Bodtke.

Golf for Children with NSEA!

NSEA members have elected or re-elected nearly three dozen of their fellow members to represent them at the state level on the NSEA Board of Directors, or at the district level on one of NSEA’s seven district governance boards.

The online election, which took place in February and March, put three new members on the NSEA Board of Direc-tors.

Here is the list of those elected:Capitol District

NSEA Board of Directors: Jenni Absalon and Daniel Ross, both of Lincoln.

President: Susan Stake, Waverly.Vice President: Sarah Brown, Wilber-Clatonia.Executive Committee: Jennifer Yoder, Lincoln.

Elkhorn District

NSEA Board of Directors: Vernon Miller, Macy.President: Tiffanny Heese, Winnebago.

Vice President: George Weiland, UmonHon Na-tion.

Executive Committee: Jason Wiese, Arlington; Vernon Miller, Macy.

Metro District

NSEA Board of Directors: Molly Erickson, Mil-lard; Alan Bone, Omaha.

President: Becky Torrens, Elkhorn.Vice President: Thomas Whisinnand, Millard.Executive Committee, Subdistrict 1: Julie

Krejci, Omaha.Executive Committee, Subdistrict 3: Susan

Kalina, Omaha.Executive Committee, Subdistrict 5: Jenny

Oddo, Millard.Executive Committee, Subdistrict 7: Linda

Floro, Papillion-LaVista.Executive Committee, Subdistrict 9: Jane

Leadabrand, Ralston.

Panhandle District

NSEA Board of Directors: Linda Hartman, Al-liance.

Vice President: Roberta Rudden, Alliance.Executive Committee, Area 2: Carolyn

Campbell, Bayard.Executive Committee, Area 3: Matthew

Chrisman, Mitchell.

Sandhills District

President: Bill Walters, O’Neill.Vice President: Joy Schott, Garfield County.Executive Committee: Marina Garner, Hyannis;

Amy Copper, Loup County.

Tri-Valley District

NSEA Board of Directors: Robert Beck, Dundy County-Stratton; Gordon Peeks, North Platte.

Treasurer: Michelle Moore, North Platte.Secretary: Carol Eng, Hershey.Executive Committee (West): Katie Guen-

ther, Hershey; Dennis Batterman, Imperial.Executive Committee (East): Tren Miller,

Ravenna.

Higher Ed DistrictTreasurer: Ann Petersen, Chadron State College.Faculty Rep: Patricia Blundell, Chadron State

College.Academic Professional Rep: Karen Granberg,

Wayne State College.

Elections Shuffle District Leadership

#May 2011.indd 23 5/2/2011 3:38:37 PM


Mailed By: The Nebraska State Education Association Suite 200, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508-2742

Family of Teachers

Three sisters and a cousin: These four women are all related and all teaching in Nebraska schools.

From left are Lisa Bartlett, a middle school family and consumer science teacher at Adams Middle School in North Platte; Melanie Bartlett Anderson, an elementary computer teacher at Plattsmouth; Dawn Bartlett, director of forensics and a communications instructor at Doane College; and Angie Bartlett Drahota, a K-12 guidance counselor at Ravenna. Lisa, Dawn and Angie are sisters; Melanie is their cousin.

If you have a Family of Teachers, snap a photo and send it to: Family of Teachers, c/o NSEA, 605 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68508.

10 Questions to Start the YearFrom Cheryl Skid ([email protected]), a retired secondary special

education teacher in St. Louis County:

“During the first week of school, start each day with this activity. Call each student’s name, and ask a random ques-tion that will elicit something about his or her life. Have the student say his name and answer a question. This activity is a big hit!

“Here are some examples of questions: 1. Tell us the funniest thing you ever saw

on a walk. 2. Tell us about an award you received. 3. What is the best advice anyone ever

gave you?

4. What is something you wish you had never done? 5. What is your favorite book? 6. Tell about an accident/fire/arrest you saw. 7. Tell about your first fight. 8. How do you know if someone is a true friend? 9. How do you know if a teacher likes you? 10. What is your favorite thing to do on weekends?

“The kids LOVE the brutal ones and will say, ‘Oh! I want that question – ask me that question!’ when it has something to do with anything that would alarm a timid soul!”

Sign up for Works4Me at this link:http://www.nea.org/tools/Works4Me.html

A Lesson in History“We must close union offices,

confiscate their money and put their leaders in prison. We must reduce workers’ salaries and take away

their right to strike.”—Adolph Hitler,

May 2, 1933

Change andConsequence

Higher Ed AcademyReadies Biennial Confab

Across the nation and across Ne-braska, the campus reality is changing. There is new pedagogy; re-defined curriculum and job descriptions; dual credit; clickers; mobility – and more!

What does it all mean? Find out: save the dates of June 17-18 and plan to attend the 2011 biennial NSEA Higher Education Academy Confer-ence, at the Country Inn and Suites Conference Center in Lincoln.

Speakers will include Marty Mahler, executive director of the Ne-braska P-16 Initiative; Dr. David Rob-inson, executive director of the Cana-dian University Teachers Association; and Dr. Jim Rice, president of the Na-tional Council for Higher Education.

In addition, higher education col-leagues from campuses across the state will network and discuss the col-lective future of higher education.

For the moment, reserve those dates. More details on the conference program and registration will come shortly – watch the NSEA web site for those details. That site is at:

www.nsea.org

#May 2011.indd 24 5/2/2011 3:38:38 PM

the voice may 2011

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