Illinois NEA Directors

Illinois NEA Directors attending: Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, Alex Wallace, Joyce Bailey, Tom Tully, Vickie Mahrt and NEA Student Director Matt Hiser.  Also in Washington were IEA officers Pres. Cinda Klickna, Vice Pres. Kathi Griffin, and Sec-Treas. Al Llorens.

NEA President—Dennis Van Roekel—Welcome and overview.

NEA Reorganization—Executive Director John Stocks—

Review of the challenges facing NEA and our affiliates, budget realities, staff and program reductions and organizational modifications.

2012-14 Strategic Plan and Budget—Sec-Treas. Becky Pringle and the Budget Committee and staff—

NEA is facing unprecedented challenges including:

• 2011-12 Budget previously  reduced by $17 million
• An additional $10 million in reductions for 2011-12
• Membership losses 2011-12
• Additional staff and program cuts for 2012-13
• Projected membership losses 2013-14

The NEA Budget Committee built its new budget around the following priorities:

• Goal 1—Strong Affiliates
• Goal 2—Uniting the Nation for Great Public Schools
• Core Function 1—Research, Policy & Practice
• Core Function 2—Organizing
• Core Function 3—Advocacy & Outreach
• Core Function 4—Communications
• Core Function 5—Business Operations
• Core Function 6—Governance

Budget Priority Ratio:

Traditional:  33% Program/Governance; 33% Staff; 33% State/Local

Proposed:  30% Program/Governance; 31% Staff; 39% State/Local

Changes and Reductions in the proposed budget include:

• Elimination of NEA Board December meeting in Washington,
• Elimination of Regional Leadership Conferences,
• Have all Committees have one virtual meeting and one face to face meeting.

Dues Allocations:

Full-Time Certified: 2012-13  $180.00;    2013-14  $182.00

Full-Time ESP:         2012-13  $107.50;    2013-14  $107.50

Board Action:  Following discussions, the Board approved the proposed Strategic Plan and Budget.  The budget now goes to the Rep. Assembly for final action.

NEA Vice-President—Lily Eskelsen reported during the May Virtual Board meeting.  She leads a committee continuing the review of governance modifications with the goals of enhancing effectiveness and cost savings.

Board Action:  Approved Board Steering and New Business Committee Appointments.

Presentations:

Joint Committee on Leading the Profession—

NEA will lead the profession with a student-centered agenda that will transform the education profession.

• NEA and its affiliates, members, and partners will work together to address all elements of policy and practice that have an impact on the education profession.
• As a result of collaboration and innovation, educators will be given a larger role in defining, measuring, and enforcing standards of teacher preparation, practice, career advancement, and accountability.

Five Domains of Quality:

• Professionals
• Profession
• Schools
• Unions
• Education Policy

Teacher Value Proposition Study—

The study is designed to help the Association better understand the values and preferences of members and non-members to:

• Align the Association’s value propositions with the values of existing and potential members,
• Tailor campaigns and programs to promote recruitment, retention, and engagement.

Educators for Obama Update—

Members are urged to visit EducationVotes.org and NEAfund.org

and sign up to participate in the critical elections of 2012.

Need more information about what the Obama Administration has done for public education, workers, issues, and people we value and fight for?  Watch this video…and pass it on:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WbQe-wVK9E

Report of the General Counsel—Alice O’Brien—updates on current court cases.

ESP Membership Survey Report– A representative survey of 1,638 Education Support Professionals nationwide in February found that members know what they want from their union: improved salaries and benefits, defense of their rights, and protection from being outsourced.  The findings were part of a very broad look at job satisfaction, perceptions, attitudes, and other workplace issues of both members and non-members from throughout dozens of school job categories.

Asian Pacific Islanders Observance—Guest Speaker Tong Jessica Chen

The Vermont Teacher of the Year, Chen was recently honoured by President Obama in the Rose Garden.  She has taught Chinese in elementary, middle, and high school and currently teaches Chinese level one through AP Chinese.  She is actively involved in the Journey East Art and Culture Exchange Program, the Governor’s Institute on Asian Culture, University of Vermont’s Asian Studies Outreach Program, and Vermont’s Virtual High School, offering Mandarin Chinese to other Vermont students. She also acts as a translator for Chinese immigrants.

Constitution, Bylaws and Rules Committee— 

Standing Rule Amendments with Board of Directors recommendations:

#1—Oppose; To require the maker of an object to consider motion to submit a written rationale indicating why the main motion should not be considered by the Representative Assembly; and to require the presiding officer to read the rationale to the Representative Assembly prior to the vote on the objection.

 #2—Oppose; To require that the presiding officer ask if there are speaker request forms for delegates wishing to speak to the referral following a motion to refer to committee.

#3—Support; To require a minimum of two one-hour breaks during the Representative Assembly.

#4—Support; To emphasize that adopted new business item texts may be edited to replace K-12 or Pre-K-12 with Pre-K-Graduate School under specific circumstances.

Constitutional Amendments with Board of Directors recommendations: 

#1—No Position (changed at the May meeting); To modify the Preamble of the Constitution to include defending employees’ right to collective bargaining as a stated goal of the Association.

#2—Support; To change the percentage of classroom teachers required on NEA committees from at least seventy- five (75) percent to at least fifty (50) percent. This change would apply to all committees except the Advisory Committee of Student Members.

Bylaws Amendment with Board of Directors recommendation:

#1—Oppose; To establish, as a specific NEA objective, advocating for tax reforms to reduce the gap between the nation’s economic classes.

Reports and Organizational Items:   

     Executive Committee

     UniServ Advisory Committee

     NEA Elections Committee Selections–

                  Illinois members appointed: 

                        Cathy Erickson and Robert “Bob” Kramer

     Officers Compensation Committee

     Affirmative Action Report

     Internal Concerns Committe

     Board Steering Committee

     Friend of Education Award–

The Friend of Education Award Committee recommends Dr. Paul Krugman as the 2012 Friend of Education. Dr. Krugman was nominated by Richard Iannuzzi, President of NYSUT.

Dr. Krugman is a renowned economist, a New York Times columnist, and Professor of Economics and International Affairs at Princeton University. Dr. Krugman has been an important national voice on economic fairness, speaking out against the growing wealth gap in our nation and how it has begun to undermine the essential American values of equality and opportunity for all. He has advocated for the labor movement as an important voice for ordinary workers, and has strongly opposed the recent attacks on public workers, particularly teachers. In his columns in the New York Times he has drawn correlations between the attacks on unions and how they are related to issues such as privatization and tax policy.

In a recent column, “Ignorance is Strength” (March 8, 2012, New York Times) Dr. Krugman wrote:

One way in which Americans have always been exceptional has been in our support for education. First we took the lead in universal primary education; then the “high school movement” made us the first nation to embrace widespread secondary education. And after World War II, public support, including the G.I. Bill and a huge expansion of public universities, helped large numbers of Americans to get college degrees.

But now one of our two major political parties has taken a hard right turn against education, or at least against education that working Americans can afford. Remarkably, this new hostility to education is shared by the social conservative and economic conservative wings of the Republican coalition, now embodied in the persons of Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney…

… So whenever you hear Republicans say that they are the party of traditional values, bear in mind that they have actually made a radical break with America’s tradition of valuing education. And they have made this break because they believe that what you don’t know can’t hurt them.

     2012 Representative Assembly Update—

The tentative agenda for the NEA-RA is available at:  http://www.nea.org/grants/1357.htm.

A screening of the movie “Bully,” by filmmaker Lee Hirsch is also expected either during the day on July 1 or the evening of July 2.

Adjourned

Illinois NEA Directors participated in a virtual board meeting on April 25, 2012 in preparation of the regular May meeting in Washington, DC.  This meeting was conducted via phone and web.

April 25, 2012

President Dennis Van Roekel Welcome and Overview

Report of the Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle

• NEA 2012-2014 Budget
• NEA 2011-2012 Product Evaluation Criteria and Comparison Report
• NEA 2010-2011 Participation Report

Report of the Executive Director John Stocks

Report of the Vice President Lily Eskelsen was deferred until the May meeting.

Board Action: Approved the Legislative Program for Recommendation to the Representative Assembly

Board Action: Approved Credentials Committee Appointments

Read Across America Committee updated the 2012 events including the release and tie-ins with the movie “The Lorax.”

The Board also received the following reports :

• Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Rules
• Preliminary Results of the Resolutions Committee Report
• Executive Committee Activity Reports
• Final Report of Standing and Advisory Committees
• Ballot Measure Legislative Crisis Fund Report

The NEA Board will meet in Washington, DC on May 3-5.

Illinois NEA Directors attending: Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, Alex Wallace, Joyce Bailey, Tom Tully, Vickie Mahrt and NEA Student Director Matt Hiser.  Also working and training at NEA in Washington were IEA officers Pres. Cinda Klickna, Vice Pres. Kathi Griffin, and Sec-Treas. Al Llorens.

NEA President—Dennis Van Roekel—Welcome and agenda.

Financial Report—Sec-Treas. Becky Pringle reported on membership levels and the corresponding dues income. NEA modified its budget for 2011-12 at the 2011 RA and adopted more than $17 million in cuts. Additional cuts will be needed to balance the 2011-12 budget.  Membership is down in most states.

Action:  Board approved proposed 2012-14 dues for consideration at the NEA RA.

• 2012-13 $180 for full-time active certified.
• 2012-13 $107.50 for full-time active ESP.
• 2013-14 $182 for full-time active certified.
• 2013-14 $107.50 for full-time active ESP.

Action:  The board approved transfer of $1.9 million from the Contingency Fund.  After adoption of NBIs from the 2011 RA, approximately $999,000 will remain in the Contingency Fund.

Strategic Plan and Budget—Becky Pringle reports that despite budget challenges, the NEA remains committed to its core goals:  Strong Affiliates and Priority Schools.  The budget committee, working with the officers and NEA managers and staff, are modifying the budget to meet current challenges.

Executive Director Report—John Stocks reported on the challenges NEA is facing due to membership losses.  He outlined the process NEA is using to modify the budget and staffing.  The board will be notified of specific changes and decisions as they are finalized.  Any changes in staffing will be done in accordance with our contractual agreements with NEA staff unions.

NEA Vice-President—Lily Eskelsen presented the report on for-profit colleges and universities and the NEA Academy.  NEA and NEA Member Benefits began offering master’s degree programs through the NEA Academy.  These degree programs are currently provided by three institutions: UMASS Online, Walden University, and

Western Governors University. Walden is a part of Laureate, Inc. a for-profit institution.

NEA policy differentiates between K-12 education and adult higher education. NEA has avoided taking positions of opposition to for-profit colleges.  NEA has over 6,000 members in private for-profit colleges, in 93 institutions and 23 states. In fact, 38% of Walden University staff are NEA members.  Members receive $150,000 in tuition discounts, application fee waivers and member-only scholarship opportunities.

Action: The Board approved the report and recommendations of the Task Force on For-Profit Colleges and Universities.

Action:  Board approved Board Steering Committee Appointments

Executive Committee Reports accepted.

Observance of Women’s History Month—Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, spoke on violence against women and the role NEA can plan is combating the problem.  The Violence Against Women Act, first passed in 1994, was the first U.S. federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes, and it provided federal resources to encourage community-coordinated responses to combating violence. It also led to the creation of the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), which now receives 21,000 calls a month and provides access to translators in 170 languages. It recently has added 24/7 texting ability. The laws reauthorization in 2000 created a much needed legal assistance program for victims, and its reauthorization in 2005 created the first federal funding system to support rape crisis centers and to develop culturally and linguistically-specific services for communities. This legislation is now up for reauthorization again. NEA encourages members to contact their elected Representatives and Senators and urge them to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.

Presentations:

Unions:  Leading Change in Tough Times—Richard Hurd, Professor of Labor Studies, Assoc. Dean for External Relations, ILR School, Cornell U. discussed public sector unions under siege and whether we should manage decline or transform.  He discussed how private sector unions reacted to similar challenges in the past.  He group reactions in four general ways:  Strategic Rigidity, Organizational Evolution, Organization Combustion, and Inclusive Unionism.

Reports:

Our Unions’ Future:  NEA’s Ann Johnson presented a membership update on how to engage millennial members, how to tap their energy as union leaders.

Barby Halstead-Worrell, NEA staff, detailed the implications of successful change strategies for NEA, and talked about potential members that we could recruit.

NEA Exec. Cmte. member Paula Monroe and staff member Bill Raabe—gave a presentation on “Leading the Profession” and the “Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching.”  He explained the phases of implementation.  Phase Three:  Briefing and engaging national and state leaders, the NEA Board, and affiliate staff.  NEA has developed a “toolkit” on the NEA Policy Statement on Teacher Evaluations.  He is working on a plan for the Commission’s report. 

Role of ESPs—Laura Montgomery, President of NCESP addressed the roles of ESP in workplaces and roles in leading the professions.  Focus groups were held around the nation regarding ESP issues.  Key results:  the economy is hitting our ESP members really hard; some members holding 2-3 jobs; members frustrated with cuts to education; members feel underappreciated; greatest joy is having a positive impact on students.

General Counsel Office—Jason Walta, assistant counsel—reports that dues deduction litigation is ongoing in Arizona, Alabama, Wisconsin and North Carolina.

Directors, officers and guests attended the annual NEA Foundation Gala honoring outstanding educators.  IEA member Annice Brave, a teacher at Alton High School, and Illinois Teacher of the Year, was one of the educators honored.

President Van Roekel presented his overview of Issues.

Board Training and Skill Building:  Polarity Thinking— Barry Johnson, Ph.D., and Cliff Kayser, organizational consultants, conducted a training session for the Board.

Ballot Measure/Legislative Crisis Fund—the fund began the 2011-12 membership year with a carry-over of $1,500,000.  Dues collections for 2011-12 are projected to be $25,400,000.  The projected total for will be approximately $27,000,000.  NEA has approved $140,000 in assistance to three state affiliates, and $5,900,000 in assistance to eight affiliates.  The current estimated fund available is $20,000,000.

Legislative and Political Landscape—John Stocks, Exec. Dir. And Mary Kussler, NEA Gov. Relations—updated the Board on presidential and congressional races.  NEA endorsed President Obama at the 2011 RA.  Members can go to:  www.neafund.org to sign up for Educators for Obama.  Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization is being debated in Congress.  (See Illinois NEA Directors Lobby Report.) 

NEA Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching—Maddie Fennell, Chair, 2007 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, reported on the independent commission’s report and took questions from the Board.  More information on the report is at:  http://www.nea.org/home/49981.htm .  The report as a PDF is at:  http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/Transforming_Teaching(2).pdf .

Observance of Black History Month—Dr. Adolf Brown III aka “The World’s Greatest Edu-tainer” involved the Board and staff in his unique and passionate presentation, uncovering our most common prejudices and attitudes.  More on Dr. Brown at:  www.docspeaks.com.

Governance Review Project–NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen–presented information on the history & establishment of all NEA governance processes and structures in preparation for the Board discussion groups. This is the beginning of a three-year process to review and verify that our processes and structures still meet our needs.

Strategic Board Discussions (Small Groups): NEA’s Budget Priorities, NEA Governance Structures, and Leading the Professions.

Constitution, Bylaws and Rules Committee—Board Action: 

Standing Rule Amendments:

#1—Oppose; To require the maker of an object to consider motion to submit a written rationale indicating why the main motion should not be considered by the Representative Assembly; and to require the presiding officer to read the rationale to the Representative Assembly prior to the vote on the objection.

#2—Oppose; To require that the presiding officer ask if there are speaker request forms for delegates wishing to speak to the referral following a motion to refer to committee.

#3—Postpone Consideration until May Board Meeting; To require a minimum of two one-hour breaks during the Representative Assembly.

#4—Support; To emphasize that adopted new business item texts may be edited to replace K-12 or Pre-K-12 with Pre-K-Graduate School under specific circumstances.

Constitutional Amendments: 

#1–Oppose; To modify the Preamble of the Constitution to include defending employees’ right to collective bargaining as a stated goal of the Association.

#2—Support; To change the percentage of classroom teachers required on NEA committees from at least seventy- five (75) percent to at least fifty (50) percent. This change would apply to all committees except the Advisory Committee of Student Members.

Bylaws Amendment:

#1—Oppose; To establish, as a specific NEA objective, advocating for tax reforms to reduce the gap between the nation’s economic classes.

Executive Committee Actions/Recommendations—Board approved transfer of $1,900,000 from contingency for NEA budget use, due to membership losses.

Committee Reports:

NEA’s Read Across America is March 2^nd.  NEA has partnered with the movie “The Lorax” scheduled to be released the same day.  Also, Mazda has pledged to donate up to one million dollars to school libraries for test driving a new Mazda.  $25 will be donated for each drive.  For more information go to:  http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm. View the trailer for The Lorax at:  http://theloraxmovie.com/index.php#/splash .

UniServ Advisory—Grace Bekaert, Chair of the UniServ Advisory Committee, reported that NEA will be able to meet its commitment to the UniServ grant program this year. For the 2012-2013 year, the committee is projecting that the grant will be reduced from $37,048 to $34,850. The final figure will be presented to the Board at the May meeting.

Other committees reporting:  Annual Meeting Review, Internal Concerns, Priority Schools Communications

Additional Discussions:  Lobbying by Directors, Information Sent to State Presidents and Exec. Directors, Membership Dues Systems, and Policy Initiatives

Information Items:  Implementation of the 2011 New Business Items, NEA Committees 2011-12

Pres. Van Roekel—Looking Ahead

Adjourned

NEA Board of Directors Meeting — December 8 & 10, 2011,

Virtual and Washington, DC

Illinois NEA Directors attending: Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, Alex Wallace, Joyce Bailey, Tom Tully, Vickie Mahrt and NEA Student Director Matt Hiser.

In an effort to economize, an experimental two-day Friday/Saturday Board meeting was changed to a virtual meeting via phone & computer on Thursday Dec. 8th and one full day board meeting on Saturday Dec. 10th in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, December 8^th — Virtual Meeting

Welcome by President Dennis Van Roekel.

Report of the Vice President Lily Eskelsen –

• V.P. Eskelsen attended the dedication of the Martin Luther King Memorial with President Dennis Van Roekel. She encouraged everyone to visit the impressive monument.
• Eskelsen is serving on the White House Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics along with Shakira. They had their first meeting at the White House.
• Along with other Executive Committee members, she worked in Ohio for the NO on Issue 2 Campaign, which was successful in defeating the anti-union legislation with 61% of the vote.
• Lily has been appointed to serve on the Education International Advisory Council which will monitor the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development Committee, which has traditionally had an anti-public education agenda.

Report of the Executive Director John Stocks –

• Exec. Dir. Stocks noted some of the recent positive election highlights where NEA members played key roles including: successes in Ohio (overwhelming defeat of anti-union Issue 2), Iowa, and New Jersey on ballot issues; re-election of a pro-education Governor in Kentucky; recall of the Michigan Chair of the Education Committee; and Maine successfully protecting same-day voter registration.

Report of General Counsel Alice O’Brien –

• Gen. Counsel O’Brien detailed some coming attractions for 2012 including:  Knox vs. SEIU, a national right to work case seeking to upend agency fee jurisprudence this case will be heard by the Supreme Court.
• Petitions to watch:  Fisher/UT (seeking to change college admissions practices that might be favorable to diversity); Blue Mountain/Social Media; Affordable Care Act spending clause challenge; never before accepted; if accepted here could jeopardize a wide array of federal laws; Payroll Deductions Arizona Law has been enjoined and so far there is no appeal, crux of case revolves around the differential treatment of only education employees who are being denied their 1st amendment rights; Immigration–NEA joined in amicus brief with School Boards Association against anti-immigration bill HB56 in Alabama, specifically the part involving K-12 and higher education–Alabama Attorney General has asked the Alabama Legislature to repeal the part of the law requiring schools to check legal status of students; Indiana voucher case Meredith vs. Daniels–NEA contends this is a violation of state constitution prohibition against aid to religion.

Report of Secretary Treasurer Becky Pringle –

• Sec-Treas. Pringle reported that NEA has experienced another drop in membership of over 37,000. The budget must be adjusted to reflect the loss, which means cutting an additional $9.5 million from the 2011-2012 budget. Current membership stands at 3,065,287 with more than a 100,000 member loss this past year.
• Forty-one states are down in membership, while 10 states have had a membership increase. Retired Life membership is up and so is retired annual membership with an expected increase of about 8,000. Higher Education membership is up.
• Pringle detailed the process for the development of the 2012-2014 Strategic Plan & Budget.

NEA Legislative Briefing for Back Home and Washington Lobbying –

• The Board was briefed on important issues and asked to contact their congressional delegations on two key pieces of legislation:

1. Education Funding: Because of the failure of the Super Committee to reach agreement, if sequestration is implemented, it will result in 7.8% cut to education funding; and
2. School Modernization: Senator Brown (D-OH) and Representative DeLauro (D-CT) have introduced the legislation (S.1597/H.R.2498), which would provide needed funds to ensure students the learning environments so essential to their success.  The FAST Act will provide $30 billion to learning environments they need and deserve. It also includes $5 billion to modernize community college facilities.  Community college enrollments continue to rise as workers seek to enhance their skills in order to find employment in this tough economy or advance in their careers. Modernization of facilities is critical to accommodate these record numbers of students. The bill will also help create good jobs to put Americans back to work, as construction and building repair generally create 9,000-10,000 jobs per billion dollars spent.

• Two California representatives have introduced a House bill to repeal the GPO/WEP, and NEA expects Senator Kerry to introduce the bill in the Senate.

Read Across America –

• Steven Grant, NEA staff, detailed the plans for this year.  The Lorax, which deals with preservation of the environment. The Lorax movie will premiere February 18th, and will open nationwide on March 2^nd .  For more information and to subscribe to the RAA e-newsletter go to www.nea.org/readacross.

Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching –

• Maddie Fennell, Chairperson, presented highlights of the report of the Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching on Tuesday, December 6th.
• Additional Resource:  www.nea.org/home/leading-the-profession.html
• The Commission developed its recommendations independently of NEA and presented its report to NEA. The charge of the Commission was to craft a new vision of the teaching profession, led by teachers and ensuring teacher and teaching effectiveness.   Its final report looked at three major issues:

1. Leading the profession: Teachers have the responsibility to act as professionals, and share leadership in decision-making that impacts student learning. Teachers take responsibility for their individual and collective effective teaching practice.
2. Collective Accountability: Teaches co-create fair and transparent support, assessment, and evaluation systems grounded in peer assistance and review (PAR). A system centered on student learning and shared responsibility.
3. Collaborative Practice: Teachers work together to create a professional culture that ends teacher isolation, promotes shared learning and establishes shared responsibility throughout the learning community.

• NEA leaders expressed gratitude for the hard work of the Commission in collecting the ideas of thousands of educators and preparing this report.

Saturday, December 10^th – Washington, D.C.

President Van Roekel welcomed directors to the one day meeting.

• He asked members to keep an open mind and defer judgment while reading the report of the Commission on Effective Teaching.
• Van Roekel also encouraged all Board members to become familiar with three websites:

1. Go.neafund.org (Fundraising Tool),
2. Neafund.org (Educators for Obama), and
3. Educationvotes.org (Resources & Just the Facts).

• These sites will be extremely important to our members as we enter the coming election cycle.

Board Actions –

• Approved the recommendation of the Executive Committee to support the principles and message of the Occupy Wall Street movement, i.e., building a strong middle class, equitable taxation policies, regulation of the financial industry, and the right to collective bargaining for all workers.

Priority Schools Campaign –

• Sheila Simmons, NEA staff, presented an update on the NEA Priority Schools Campaign. NEA sponsored a three-day forum in November (designed for teams from schools in the Campaign) to address the challenges of implementing and sustaining education reforms and school transformation. Teachers, ESP, administrators, parents and community members worked collaboratively to develop plans for school improvement. Three elements of sustainable school transformation, according to Warren Simmons of Brown University, are:

1. A strong focus on school instruction, culture, curriculum and staffing wrap-around services for students;
2. collaboration with the community to ensure local ownership;
3. and accountability.

• New PSC resources are available at:  http://neapriorityschool.org.

Strong Affiliates –

• Karen White, NEA staff member reported that political successes in various states, like OH, KY, IA, and WI, were due to the hard work of NEA members in those states. NEA anticipates needing to help affiliates in crisis through grassroots advocacy, building coalitions, offensive and defensive campaigns. NEA affiliates nationwide are under attack. Looking ahead to 2012, NEA will be working to help affiliates with: the political landscape, including new voter ID laws (making it harder for pro-education voters to vote); elimination of dues deduction and collective bargaining; potential negative ballot measures that will limit taxes and cause huge budget deficits, thus cutting public education funding. Thanks to the passage of the increase in the Legislative Crisis Fund at the 2011 RA, NEA is in a better position to help state affiliates meet these challenges in 2012.

Ohio Victory –

• Pat Foster Brooks, President of OEA, detailed the work of members in their successful campaign to repeal SB5 which stripped union members of collective bargaining rights. OEA was instrumental in the NO On Issue 2 Campaign with the help of NEA staff and resources.

Hispanic Observance/Welcoming Immigrant Families and Students—

• President Van Roekel introduced the Hispanic Observance by recounting the anti-immigration actions of the past, including the deportation of Hispanics during WWII, the passage of SB1070 in AZ, and HB56 in AL.  Throughout U.S. History, great social change has caused great social friction, and now history is repeating itself. Maria Elena Cantu-Clair, Chair of the Hispanic Caucus, spoke about Joaquin Luna, an outstanding high school senior who took his life because he believed that he would never be able to fulfill his dream of becoming an engineer, earning citizenship, and leading a full and prosperous life in America. She encouraged Board members to lobby for the passage of the DREAM Act.
• Thomas Saenz, nationally recognized civil rights attorney and President & General Counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund), was the guest speaker. The number of immigrant students in public schools has more than doubled since 1990. They now number 3.8 million and Hispanic students comprise almost 60 %. This is all part of a larger demographic shift in the U.S. that will lead to there being no ethnic majority in the United States by 2050. The Hispanic population is expected to triple by 2050. Saenz detailed how MALDEF is working to stop the creation of a social atmosphere of hate and exclusion which is being created through the passage of anti-immigration laws in states such as AZ and AL. Alabama is the only state, so far, that has actually targeted public schools and students to enforce immigration policies. Saenz concluded by saying that public schools and education need to be at the center of welcoming immigrant families and students.

Board Strategic Discussion Groups –

• Following lunch, the Board broke into groups of 10 to have in-depth discussions on seven key questions pertaining to the Strategic Budget, the role of NEA Board members in leading the profession, and how NEA elected leaders (Representative Assembly, Board and Executive Committee) can best provide strong governance and leadership for members and our profession.

Leading the Profession –

• Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle presented information on the Joint Committee on Leading the Profession. In partnership with state and local affiliates and members, NEA will be the leading voice and advocate for the quality of the education professions. It is the task of the Joint Committee to recommend ways of accomplishing that goal. The committee will utilize the report of the Committee on Effective Teachers and Teaching as a starting point for their work, along with the 2011–2014 Strategic Plan and budget.

National Member Survey –

• The Board received information about the latest NEA.  Members are encouraged to visit NEA websites for the latest information at: www.neafund.org, and www.educationvotes.org.

Regional Conferences –

• Barby Halstead-Worrell, NEA Director for Field Operations, gave an update on the upcoming regional conferences. Organizing our members, coalitions and communities is the overall theme for all the conferences this year. There will be an emphasis on how to organize at the worksite level, use of technology, and involving younger members.
• The NEA Midwest Leadership Conference will take place in Chicago, Jan. 13th through Jan. 15^th, at the Sheraton in downtown Chicago.  Interested members visit www.ieanea.org and contact Janet Sablotny at IEA for more information.

Board Survey –

• The board meeting concluded with the directors participating in an instantaneous survey exercise.

NEA Directors attending: Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, Alex Wallace, Joyce Bailey, Tom Tully, Vickie Mahrt and Matt Hiser.  Also attending NEA events were IEA Officers Cinda Klickna, Kathi Griffin and Al Llorens.

NEA President – Dennis Van Roekle

Discussed NEA’s next steps and labor relations across the country.

Executive Session Discussions

“Headline News” Reports/Updates from:  

• National Council for Higher Education President
• National Council Urban Education Assns. President
• National Council Educational Support Professionals President
• National Council of State Educational Associations President
• NEA Retired Executive Council President
• Advisory Committee of Student Members Chairperson

 Illinois members and staff appointed to NEA Committees:

• Terrie Tudor, Social Security Fairness (GPO-WEP)
• Jim Grimes, Legislation
• Eric Brown, Health Information Network Board of Directors
• Frank Brooks, Higher Education Faculty
• Gaziur Rahman, Resolutions Committee, Higher Ed, At Large
• Michael Ruggless, Student Members
• Gladys Marquez, Ethnic Minority Affairs
• Gene Craig, Retired Advisory Council
• Mae Smith, Retired Advisory Council
• Charles McBarron, State Media Advisory

Secretary-Treasurer – Becky Pringle

The recovery of employment and school funding will lag behind any economic recovery.

NEA is exercising caution and continued diligence in the conduct of our fiduciary duties.

Membership:

• Students up by 4%
• Retired up by 5.5%
• Higher Ed up by 2.6%
• ESP down by .7%
• Active certified down by 2.2%

NEA/State Affiliate Shared Priorities:

1. Communications: internal and external; coalitions and external partnerships
2. Organizing: creating a culture of organizing that recruits, retains, engages, mobilizes members
3. Great Public Schools: policies and programs to improve school; focus on Priority Schools
4. Advocacy: policies, politics, member rights, contracts, and crises
5. Fiscal Health: NEA and affiliates

Discussion on the framework for the 2012-14 Strategic Plan and Budget, Strategic Goals

GLBT Observance

Graeme Taylor, a high school student from Michigan was the keynote.

Jay McDowell, an NEA teacher in Howell, Michigan, was temporarily suspended after telling a student wearing a Confederate flag and a studentmaking anti-gay remarks to get out of his class. At the next school board meeting, openly gay 14-year-old high-school student Graeme Taylor came to McDowell’s defense, thanking the teacher for doing “an amazing thing” in a town home to the KKK, and urging the school board to give McDowell his pay and reverse the disciplinary action.

Graeme, whose parents are both NEA members, said, “I’ve been in classrooms where children have said the worst things – the kinds of things that drove me to a suicide attempt when I was only 9 years old.  These are the things that hurt a lot.  There is a silent holocaust out there, in which an estimated 6 million gay people every year kill themselves.”

What McDowell tried to do, says Taylor, was move the needle ever so slightly in the other direction and defend LGBT kids who have found hallway torment to be status quo. “The best thing you can do right now is just give him his pay for that day, and just reverse the disciplinary actions.  He did an amazing thing. He did something that’s inspired a lot of people. And whenever — ever — I have a teacher stand up for me like that, they change in my eyes. I support Jay McDowell, and I hope you do too.”  Graeme ended his remarks by saying, “Make no mistake about it, educators.  Students count on you to stand up for goodness.  Without it, everything you teach is empty.”

Related Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJBvdfdAQjs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOIIwmVbzw

American Indians and Alaska Natives Observance

Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Comanche) is Director of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).  He is a briefcase warrior (Indian lawyer) who reminded us that, since the first European incursion, American Indians have been defined by others, by non-Indian observers.

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is the eighteenth museum of the Smithsonian Institution. It is the first national museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans. The museum works in collaboration with the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere to protect and foster their cultures by reaffirming traditions and beliefs, encouraging contemporary artistic expression, and empowering the Indian voice.  Extensive collections encompass more that 800,000 works of extraordinary aesthetic, religious, and historical significance, as well as articles produced for everyday, utilitarian use. The collections span all major culture areas of the Americas, representing virtually all tribes of the United States, most of those of Canada, and a significant number of cultures from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Chronologically, the collections include artifacts from Paleo-Indian to contemporary arts and crafts. The museum’s holdings also include film and audiovisual collections, paper archives, and a photography archive of more than 300,000 images depicting both historic and contemporary Native American life.  NMAI actively strives to find new approaches to the study and representation of the history, materials, and cultures of Native peoples.

Dr. Patrick Dolan on  “The Changing Structure and Purpose of U.S. Public Education—What Does It Mean for Teacher Unionism”

In his opening remarks, Dolan said that, “We add authentic voice to those who have no voice.”  He then provided a historical perspective (pre-NCLB) of the four roles of public education:

• citizenship in democracy
• social justice
• development of the child
• academic achievement

NCLB and resulting policy and practice have nearly eliminated all but a very narrow sliver of academic achievement.  Dolan pointed out that No Child Left Behind has been a revolution in public education, with very little educator input.  Now, 44 states in just over two years have moved from local to federal standards—common core standards.

He argued that NEA must be more nimble in dealing with change.  He raised the question about what educators do, can it be outsourced?  Could technology eliminate teaching?  Can the Association lead in the professionalism of the career field?

He argues that NEA and state affiliates and local associations must retool to focus on the quality of teaching and student outcomes. The focus of Dolan’s consulting firm is public education and its restructuring from a joint perspective of union/management cooperation.  He has helped to implement collaborative structures at the state and local district and site levels including in Illinois.  He has also done extensive work with locals and state affiliates of the NEA. Dolan has worked with over 200 school districts on deep reform of both the structure of decision-making and the culture surrounding and supporting improvements in teaching and learning.

Video of Dr. Dolan sharing his perspective of the new reality for public schools:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4G2cjmC8Uk

Board Breakout Discussions:

The NEA Board began small-group discussions in an effort to analyze NEA’s role in the current political, cultural, and public education landscape.  The initial discussions were in response to remarks by Dr. Patrick Dolan.

Reports to the Board: 

• NEA Executive Committee
• Board Internal Concerns Committee
• 2011 Education International World Congress Delegation (South Africa)
• NEA Whistleblower and Conflict of Interest Policy
• Preliminary Report on Implementation of 2011 New Business Items

Board Action Items:

• The NEA Board of Directors allocated $5,000,000 for the newly approved Affiliate Defense Fund, a designated account within the Ballot Measure/Legislative Crises Fund set up to provide a targeted and collaborative strategy for supporting affiliates’ efforts to defend against unprecedented attacks.
• Approved funding for New Business Items approved at the Representative Assembly.

Vice President – Lily Eskelsen has been appointed to serve on the White House Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.  Its mission is to develop, implement, and coordinate education programs and initiatives at the DOE and other agencies that focus on improvements of education opportunities and outcomes for Hispanics of all ages.

Within five years, 25% of Kindergarteners will be Hispanic, yet the American Hispanic school-age population suffers from:  highest dropout rates, lowest rate of college enrollment, lowest rate of college completion, language barriers (kids and parents),immigration issues, and poverty issues.

Board Elections: NEA Program and Budget Committee

Executive Director – John Stocks reported on public perception of the public education system and unions remains critical to the Association’s future.

We do have some positive, even hopeful, things going on in the NEA.  Academic achievement overall is growing; the achievement gap is closing; we are having deeper communication with members at the state and local level; there has been a sharp increase in member involvement; through data bases, we are able to track membership more efficiently; the culture of organizing is developing with members becoming more engaged through one on one dialogue; our priority schools campaign is further establishing us as the positive voice for struggling schools; public perception of schools has increased: 77% of parents grade the school of their oldest child as A or B; conservative movement has put the success of public education at the front of political discussions, and it is now being tied to the survival of the middle class.

We also have to deal with immediate threats to our membership.

John Stocks will visit Texas in October to become sensitized and experienced regarding border communities. He will continue to visit communities in other states to learn more about children in poverty, particularly in rural areas. “It is critical that our association work on issues of justice and civil rights for our children.”

NEA Policy Briefs

NEA recently released three new and one updated policy briefs. Each brief gives an overview of an issue and relevant research.  The briefs were written for an external audience – legislators at the state and national level – but can be shared with your state and local members, school board members, and others concerned with education policy.  The briefs include:  Blended Learning, School-Family Engagement: Staff Preparations and Support are Vital, Beyond Two Test Scores: Multiple Measures of Student Learning and School Accountability, and Subsidizing Private Education at Taxpayer Expense.

Reframing the Education Debate

The NEA/State Affiliate Working Group released its message guide, “Reframing the Education Debate” as part of the National Message Project.  NEA conducted both member and public/voter research; to affirm national findings, 21 states conducted the same member survey in their states; and 11 states conducted the public survey.

A kit has been designed to provide a framework to help shape message and can be used in communications with members and the external public, such as the media, elected officials, policy makers, parents, neighbors, and community leaders.

Core Message:

• America’s teachers are on the front lines of education every day.  We became educators because we care deeply about out children’s future and we are committed to the success of every child.
• Our classroom experience has taught us that the only way to guarantee our children’s future – and our own – is to put students at the center of education reform and make a nationwide commitment to
• Hold all of us accountable for our student’s success – teachers, students, parents, and elected officials.
• Invest in the classroom priorities that build the foundation for student learning.
• Ensure that every student has a qualified, caring, and committed teacher in the classroom.

General Counsel – Alice O’Brian reported on federal and state court cases and pending actions in defense of member rights.  NEA Legal continues to support state affiliates and locals.

Obama Administration NCLB Waiver Plan

Director Eric Brown participated in a White House ceremony rolling out the President’s plans.

 The President outlined how states can get relief from provisions from ESEA (NCLB) in exchange for serious state-led efforts to close achievement gaps, promote rigorous accountability, and ensure that all students “are on track to graduate college- and career-ready.”  President Obama said that the purpose is not to give states and districts a reprieve from accountability, but rather to unleash energy to improve our schools at the local level.

Talking points in support of the waiver proposal include the following:

• Students, educators, school districts, and states all need relief as quickly as possible from the undue burdens caused by the law and its regulations.
• This package is an important interim step for relief.
• Working with Congress to make comprehensive changes during the reauthorization process remains the ultimate goal.
• Teachers and educators closest to classrooms understand best what students need.
• This proposal allows for additional locally developed strategies that focus on innovation, and professional judgment tailored to the student population; preserves more flexibility for the rural districts; does away with the punitive AP system and requires states to set “ambitious, but achievable” annual measurable objectives instead of requiring 100% of students to meet an arbitrary benchmark on a particular day of the school year; gives more flexibility to local needs and promotes more school district efficiency, collaboration, and strategic planning;
• This proposal maintains a commitment to civil rights and to student success, with a focus on children of color and those in poverty; removes harmful labeling of schools and instead recognizes the lowest 5% of Title I schools as the nation’s “Priority Schools;” preserves a commitment to closing the achievement gaps by continuing to disaggregate data.
• There is a stronger recognition of the profession of teaching and its complexities because it recognizes collective bargaining as a process for innovation and positive change; respects educators by creating time fro planning and piloting prior to requiring implementation of teacher and principal evaluation systems; focuses on better, stronger professional development that is tied to supporting great teaching and in sync with teacher evaluation systems; respects the views and judgments of teachers by guaranteeing them a seat at the decision-making table.
• This is an improved process because applications for waivers are open and transparent; the package calls not only for civil right organizations and parents to be involved, but students themselves.

In an effort to reduce expenses, the December NEA Board Meeting will be shortened and combined with a virtual meeting.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

 Common Core Standards that have been adopted by states:  www.corestandards.org.

Legislative Action Center:  www.nea.org/home/LegislativeActionCenter.html

Below is the link to contact Congress regarding the American Job Act:

http://www.capwiz.com/nea/issues/alert/?alertid=53447546&type=CO

Below is the link to contact Congress regarding the Super Committee:

http://www.capwiz.com/nea/issues/alert/?alertid=52693536&type=CO

Lobby Report – NEA Board of Directors – May 2011

Lobbying on Capitol Hill: Mike Orr, Gary Miller, Al Llorens, Kathi Griffin, Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, and Katie Kreis.  Also lobbying were IEA Officers Bob Blade and Cinda Klickna.  Directors-elect Alex Wallace, Jr., Joyce Bailey, Tom Tully, and Vickie Mahrt accompanied the teams on Capitol Hill.

Thursday morning, some of your Illinois delegation attended an NEA legislative reception for members of the 112^th Congress at the Rayburn House Office Building.  Several others visited with Senators Durbin and Kirk at The Hart Senate Office Building for the Senators’ regular Thursday morning meeting with Illinois residents.

Directors then headed for House and Senate offices to lobby Members of Congress and meet with congressional staff members on three major topics:

• NEA believes that a reauthorized ESEA law should require collaboration at the local level on development of plans and making of decisions that impact teaching and learning. Each Senator & Representative was asked to support the idea of collaboration, and was also asked to co-sponsor one or more of the 57 NEA supported ESEA bills currently in Congress.
• NEA opposes tying an increase in the nation’s debt limit to adoption of a cap on all federal spending that would force massive cuts to education, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Each member was asked to oppose such a cap.
• NEA is looking for co-sponsors and support for passage of the Annual National Classified School Employee of the Year Award Act.

The Illinois delegation split up and visited with the following members and/or their staff:  Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-17), Rep. Mike Quigley (D-5), Rep. Tim Johnson (R-15), Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-14), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1), Rep. Peter Roskam (R-6), Rp. Jerry Costello (D-12), Rep. Judy Biggert (R-14), Rep. John Shimkus (R-19), Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rep. Robert Dold (R-10).

Comments from Members of Congress:

Sen. Durbin is concerned that the cost of reforming GPO-WEP will prevent it from happening, and that everyone may need to be brought into the Social Security System.

Sen. Kirk was concerned about any tax increases.  Both senators agreed that there will be cuts to federal programs.

NEA Board of Directors – May 2011 – Washington, D.C.

NEA Directors attending:  Mike Orr, Gary Miller, Al Llorens, Kathi Griffin, Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, and Katie Kreis.  Also attending NEA events were IEA Officers Ken Swanson, Bob Blade and Cinda Klickna.  Illinois Directors-elect Alex Wallace, Jr., Joyce Bailey, Tom Tully, and Vickie Mahrt observed the meetings.

NEA President – Dennis Van Roekel – Welcome and Overview. He also described  the International Education Summit that was attended by representatives of 15 countries. Van Roekel stated that none of the other countries are facing the types of “education reforms” being pushed in the United States.

Nominations for NEA Fund representative and Committee on New Business.

Reviewed action by the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education Political Action Council on their recommendation that the NEA RA recommend incumbent President Obama for re-election.  The proposal does not mean that NEA could not recommend a Republican candidate in the presidential primary.  Any viable Republican candidate who wants to take part in our process – seeking to secure a recommendation for action by the NEA RA – will be given the opportunity to do so.  The Board concurred with the recommendation, which goes before the NEA RA.

“Headline News” NEA Department Reports:

Affiliate Learning and Effectiveness – Dan Hand reported on UniServ Academy, UniServ Development, Cadre Training and Grants.

Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy – Bill Raabe reported on NEA efforts on Pensions, Health Care, Bargaining, Salary, Alternative Compensation, Educators Employment Liability, Association Professional Liability, Fidelity Bond, and Unified Legal Service Program.

Research – Ron Henderson reported on Research Publications, Toolkit on Tax Loopholes, and the opening of the NEA Archive at Geo. Washington Univ.

Interactive Media – Leona Hiraoka reported on ClassroomSuperheroes.com, twitter.com/NEAToday, NEA.org/GreatIdeas, and EdVoices.com.

Information Technology Services – Janet Dade reported on department efforts in supporting the various priorities of NEA.

Secretary-Treasurer – Becky Pringle reported membership numbers and reviewed the impact on the budget.   The Secretary-Treasurer, reported that membership continues to drop, with a total loss this year of 30,345. Although 22 states have had a membership increase, 40 states have experienced a membership loss. However, some bright spots are: Student membership has increased by over 3200, Retired membership has increased by 9286, and Higher Education membership has increased by 2359. Pringle stated that the budget is still in good shape with 41.67% of the year remaining and 48.03% of the budget remaining.  Additionally, there is over $1.9 million remaining in contingency.

NEA Dues for 2011-12 Modified, to be voted on at the NEA RA:

Active – Certified        $ 168.00

Active – ESP                    96.50

Retired—Annual              25.00

Student                             15.00

Dues allocation to UniServ:  $ 31.00

Discussion and Action on the Modified Strategic Plan and Budget 2011

John Stocks, NEA Deputy Executive Director, set the stage for a discussion of adjustments to the NEA budget by describing some of the stories of our members who were affected by the assaults on public education and unions in Wisconsin and elsewhere. He described the current reality for public school employees and our union which includes attacks on collective bargaining rights, cuts in salaries, and loss of many thousands of jobs nationwide.  Becky Pringle, NEA Secretary-Treasurer, Lily Eskelsen, NEA Vice-President, and members of the Budget Committee presented the Modified Strategic Plan and Budget for 2011-2012. With an anticipated loss of members next year due to retirements, lay-offs, etc., and the average salaries of members nationwide not rising, the dues for ESP members will stay the same at $96.50 and certified dues will only go up $2 to $168.  The Priority Schools Campaign will be expanded to all states, even those that were not previously targeted. Goal areas directly affecting member advocacy and services will continue to receive approximately the same amounts, but the expenditures will be used more efficiently. Cuts are proposed to staff spending and governance, and by consolidating, shortening or eliminating some meetings.

Reports to the Board: 

2011 Representative Assembly in Chicago, IL. The Board received an update on the 2011 Representative Assembly. The theme for this year is “Standing Strong”. The program and activities are built around this theme of solidarity and member advocacy. One hotel, the Hyatt Regency Chicago, does not yet have a signed contract with their union staff, so the NEA is taking steps to possibly relocate the five states (including Illinois and a Joint Conference) that were scheduled to be in that hotel. RA Delegates will again be asked to “go green” by using technology in place of paper materials whenever possible.

Board Steering Committee, Al Llorens, Chair, reported on training and directions for the board at the Rep. Assembly.

Preliminary Results of the Resolutions Committee were presented.

Board Action Items:

The Board discussed the following items during the two-day meeting and voted to:

• Approve the proposed NEA Legislative Program and recommend adoption to the NEA RA
• Approve the nominations of the 2011 NEA RA Elections Committee, from Illinois Gaziur Rahman and Pearl Mack
• Approve the recommendation to award the 2011 Friend of Education Award to the Wisconsin 14 (the 14 Democratic Senators who left the state in order to delay the adoption of laws that eliminated collective bargaining and cut funding to education)
• Oppose Standing Rule Amendment 1A which would require a statement of intent in addition to the rationale
• Oppose Standing Rule Amendment 2A which would require that a measure be tabled for at least two additional items if the chair requested that a proposed oral amendment be submitted in writing
• Support Standing Rule Amendment 3A which would modify the resolution submission practice during the RA, to streamline the procedures for considering resolutions and to clarify that only amendments to new resolutions or to resolution amendments are in order after 12:00 noon on the second day of the RA
• Approve the recommended UniServ grant of $37,048 per UniServ unit, with no rebate for this year
• Approve the recommendation of the Executive Committee to adopt the proposed amendments to the policy statements for submission to the 2011 RA for consideration and action
• Approve the Executive Committee recommended amendments to the guidelines for NEA Ballot Measures/Legislative Crises Fund 
• Approve the Executive Committee’s recommendation to accept the 2010-2011 NEA Standing and Advisory Committee recommendations as presented
• Elect Valerie Brown to serve on the Committee on New Business at the RA
• Elect Dan Quinn to serve on the NEA Fund For Children & Public Education Council
• Approve the amended guidelines for the Fund For Children & Public Education Council
• Approve the proposed Policy Statement on Teacher Evaluation and Accountability and recommend it for adoption at the 2011 NEA RA.
• Approve the proposed revisions to the 2011-2012 Strategic Plan and Budget
• Support the action of the NEA Fund Council to recommend President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012 and recommend adoption at the 2011 NEA RA

Vice President – Lily Eskelsen reported activities involving partners, and advocates as well as critics.  She talked about NEA’s participation with the Creative Coalition that created a new movie entitled “That’s What I Am”.  It is a coming-of-age story which follows a 12-year-old, well-liked student who is put to the test when his English teacher pairs him up on a project with the school’s biggest outcast, forcing the student to face the bullies and teasing head on and learn the teacher’s final lesson: tolerance takes courage. Eskelsen also talked about depression as the silent illness, and often a silent killer. She also thanked the Board for all the love and support that she and her family received during their personal family tragedy.

Reports to the Board:  Internal Concerns Committee, Affirmative Action Report, Ballot Measure/ Legislative Crisis Fund, Standing and Advisory Committees, and Executive Committee Activities.

Friday evening – Reception at NEA Archives, George Washington University

Asian and Pacific Islander Observation — Daphne Kwok, Chair of the President Obama’s Advisory Committee on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, was the guest speaker for the API Observance. Kwok serves as the “eyes and ears” of the API community. Her message included:  The most recent US census has shown that Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the US. Our demographics are changing rapidly. Nearly half the Western states are composed of a majority minority population. Unfortunately, our increasing multi-culturalism has spurred anti-immigrant/anti-minority feelings and legislation, and the proliferation of stereotypes. Having to battle stereotypes in 2011 is exactly why it’s so important for educators and parents to start teaching diversity in the early grades. No matter how well Asian students speak English, how long they’ve been in this country, or how much they assimilate, they are seen as perpetual foreigners, and therefore not real Americans. People from all backgrounds are what make America, America.

Board Breakout Discussions:  2012-14 Budget priorities.

Report:  Read Across America. Penni Cyr, NEA Board Idaho, & Greg Johnson, Executive Committee, Oklahoma, reported on the activities of the Read Across America Day, including the kick-off at the Library of Congress where First Lady Michelle Obama joined other celebrities in reading to over 300 children. Executive Committee members visited schools throughout the country. A total of 48 million people nationwide participated in RAA activities, and over 7,000 news items resulted. Twitter, blogs, and other websites advertised the many activities, and the RAA link is the most popular area on the NEA website. Next year’s RAA is scheduled for March 2, 2012. Budget cuts to the program in next year’s budget will eliminate the traditional RAA calendar and other printed materials.

Executive Director – John Wilson reported that NEA has assisted state affiliates in advertising their requests for contributions to their state Foundations to help those states that have endured natural disasters. If a state does not have a Foundation, donations can be made through the NEA Foundation. NEA has been very involved in the development of the new Common Core Standards for reading and math. NEA members and practitioners helped to develop and write the standards. To read the Common Core Standards that have been adopted by states, go to www.corestandards.org

2012-2014 Strategic Vision

John Stocks, Deputy Executive Director, set the stage for discussion of the 2012-2014 Strategic Plan & Budget by revisiting NEA’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Our Mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our Vision is a great public school for every student. Our Core Values are: Professionalism, Collective Action, Partnership, Equal Opportunity, A Just Society, and Democracy.

Becky Pringle, Co-Chair of the NEA Workgroup, reported on the proposed Policy Statement on Teacher Evaluation and Accountability.  The policy, which was developed by the NEA Workgroup on Educator Excellence, recommends that NEA call for the adoption of high quality teacher evaluation systems that provide regular, comprehensive, meaningful, and fair evaluations. In addition, it recommends that NEA both recognize the responsibility of all teachers to provide high quality instruction and call on school districts to provide teachers with the support, tools and working conditions they need to continuously enhance practice and tailor instructions. The policy recommends that NEA do so by adopting a broad policy framework for state and local reform efforts around evaluation and accountability, leaving to local collective bargaining or, where such bargaining is not available, state and local action, the specific choices about how to develop and implement teacher evaluation and accountability systems within that broad framework. The proposed policy statement calls for teachers to be evaluated based on the following three broad groups of indicators: indicators of teacher practice; indicators of teacher contribution and growth; and indicators of contribution to student learning and growth, which may include for the first time “valid, reliable, high quality standardized tests that provide meaningful information regarding student learning and growth” among other types of indicators.

General Counsel – Alice O’Brien reported on numerous lawsuits supporting affiliates in Alabama, Arizona, New York, Idaho, Indiana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas and other states.

The Board honored retiring Executive Director John Wilson and following adjournment a reception was held.

NEA Directors also participated in events including:

Social Security Fairness Task Force, UniServ Advisory Committee, Board Steering Committee, Education International briefing, Board Black Caucus, Midwest Region Caucus, Midwest Leadership Planning Conference Planning, Board Forum, Board Higher Education Committee, Member Benefits Board, and GLBT Caucus.

Directors and guests were also offered an opportunity to watch a showing of the film documentary “The Finland Phenomenon:  Inside the World’s Most Surprising School System” at the NEA headquarters.  Copies of other education related films were made available including:  “That’s What I Am”, a film staring Ed Harris, Chase Ellison and Amy Madigan about a teacher, singer and writer; and “In Plain Sight” a human rights education video.

Links– 

NEA Representative Assembly Information:   http://www.nea.org/grants/1357.htm

Legislative Action Center:   http://www.nea.org/home/LegislativeActionCenter.html

NEA Board Report – February 2011 — Washington, DC

NEA Directors attending:  Mike Orr, Gary Miller, Al llorens, Kathi Griffin, Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, Katie Kreis.  Also attending NEA events were IEA Officers Ken Swanson, Bob Blade and Cinda Klickna.

NEA President—Welcome and Overview

President Dennis Van Roekel, began the meeting by giving an overview of the two days, why and how the days have been arranged, and the goals for the two-day meeting.

Report of the Vice President—

Lily Eskelsen, Vice President, reported on efforts to present a Regional Resolution on Haiti at the Education International Congress this summer in Cape Town, South Africa. The resolution would create ways to meet the educational needs of students. She detailed the work of the NEA For-Profit Task Force for the Online Academy, which continues to investigate ways to benefit our members through the Online Academy.  She continues her outreach to organizations that support and oppose our efforts and goals.

Report of Secretary Treasurer—

Becky Pringle, NEA Secretary Treasurer, reported that total membership is down by 46,363 from last year at this time. However, Retired, Student and Higher Education gained membership. Total membership is still almost 3.2 million. The financial picture is still solid with net assets of over $65 million and sufficient funds to meet all budgeted items. The contingency fund has a balance of over $1.9 million and there have been no recent deductions. Because of membership losses and a smaller dues increase than was anticipated last year (at the beginning of the two-year budget cycle), NEA is now expecting a budget shortfall in the second year of this two-year budget. A revised 2010-2012 budget, based on the modified structure adopted by the Board at this meeting, will be presented to the Board at the May meeting. Additionally, the Board will begin to discuss a proposed 2012-2014 budget.

Strategic Plan and Budget—

NEA Dues for 2011-12 – to be voted on at the NEA RA

Executive Director Report—

John Wilson, Executive Director, reported that President Obama’s budget proposal will include an increase for IDEA, an increase for Title 1, and a move away from state-based and toward individual districts for Race to the Top funds. The NEA Foundation has voted to endow $2.5 million for preserving NEA Archives at George Washington University. This year marks the 45^th anniversary of the ratification of the 26^th Amendment, which gave eighteen-year-olds the right to vote. NEA was instrumental in the passage of this amendment. NEA will be celebrating with “Rock the Vote” activities geared toward voter education and registration.

Report of the General Counsel—

Alice O’Brien, General Counsel, reported that: 1) the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal of the class action lawsuit Daniels-Hall v. NEA, which sought to proceed with breach of fiduciary and alleged ERISA violations against NEA, NEA Member Benefits Corp., Nationwide Life Insurance, and Security Benefit Life Insurance Co.; 2) NEA drafted a section of joint NEA/AFT/NYSUT Amicus Brief in support of UFT’s lawsuit to prevent the disclosure of value added estimates for thousands of New York City teachers to the New York media; 3) NEA continued to monitor legal developments surrounding Arizona’s controversial new law aimed at ethnic studies courses; 4) NEA assisted the Alabama Education Association with legal analysis regarding S.B. 2, both during the legislative process and after the legislation passed, conducted extensive legal and legislative research, provided significant written guidance to AEA regarding potential claims and litigation issues, worked with AEA to develop an overall legal strategy, and is currently helping AEA to develop a federal court challenge to the payroll deduction ban; 5) NEA provided all state affiliates with significant guidance regarding the legal framework that governs the provision of payroll deductions for dues payment and PAC contributions, as well as suggested legal and legislative strategies to defeat attempts to eliminate payroll deduction arrangements; 6) NEA provided analysis of a bill imposing severe restrictions on political activity of unions in AZ; 7) NEA provided advice and assistance to attorneys in 23 states on a wide range of legal issues; and numerous other activities.

Headline News – Updates on NEA Departmental Activities—

Cynthia Swann, Director, NEA Minority Community Outreach, reported that they are creating an MCO network, supporting the Priority Schools Campaign, providing state and local affiliate resources, and broadening ethnic minority community engagement.

Bouy Te, Director, NEA Quality School Programs and Resources, reported that they have developed Keys to Excellence for your Schools (KEYS) which support schools throughout the country, English Language Learners culture and equity programs, and programs and resources to support NEA’s Great Public Schools and Priority Schools Campaigns.

Donna Harris-Aikens, Director, NEA Education Policy and Practice, reported that the department has been busy providing policy analysis for state affiliates on vouchers, charter school accountability, and full-day kindergarten as well as many other activities.

Bill Thompson, Director, NEA Financial and Membership Services, works with state and local affiliates to provide membership management services, financial management services, business assistance, and regulatory compliance services.

Phil McLaurin, Director, NEA External Partnerships and Advocacy, reported that his department has been concentrating on ending the dropout epidemic, motivating students through service learning, and supporting NEA’s part in the JumpStart Coalition’s National Conference for Financial Literacy.

Daaiyah Bilal-Threats, Director, Governance and Policy Support, reported that NEA will be sending 50 delegates and 65 observers to the Education International Convention in Cape Town, South Africa. Governance will be participating in the International Summit on the Teaching Profession in NYC, and in the project for Great Ideas for Great Public Schools. A new online committee nominations process has been developed.

Special Presentation – State of the States—

President Van Roekel asked five states to give examples of what is happening across the country in state affiliates.

Ken Swanson, President of IEA, noted that even with a Democratic Governor and legislature in Illinois, education is still under attack. Last year a two-tiered pension plan was put into place in a matter of hours and the legislature also passed several laws that IEA opposed, so IEA did not support many of the incumbents who had previously been their friends. Consequently, public education now faces many challenges. Legislation is proposed that would eliminate seniority, tenure, RIF/Recall Rights, collective bargaining and the right to strike. Other attacks include TABOR and pension “reform”. In response IEA is proposing their own set of education reforms and working in coalitions with other education groups and unions.

Penni Cyr, NEA Director, and Marty Meyer, Idaho EA Vice President, described what is happening in ID after losing the races for governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Proposed legislation would eliminate tenure, gut collective bargaining, provide pay for performance, cut 1000 teaching positions to pay for lap-top computers, and vastly expand virtual learning.

Paul Toner, President of Mass. Teachers Assn., stated that with a $1.5 billion structural deficit in MA, federal stimulus funds disappearing, and a $1 billion shortfall in the pension system, there is no political or public appetite for raising new revenues without reforms in healthcare spending and government efficiencies. Public sector unions have been faced with enormous pressure to change how they negotiate local healthcare which has resulted in proposed legislation which would put limits on what can be bargained. MEA is heavily involved in RTTT and proposed their own evaluation framework as well as other “reform” items.

Anita Gibson, Alabama EA President, described the process AEA followed in response to the loss of dues deduction . With only 90 days to switch over to a different system, they have been assisted by NEA to develop a face-to-face contact campaign with every member to re-sign them as members. In one week they resigned 40% of their members.

John Stocks, NEA Assistant Executive Director, reported on what has happened in Wisconsin after the election of a very anti-union governor and legislature. The governor has introduced a bill that will: eliminate dues deduction, bargaining rights, due process, fair share, and the right to strike; proposes detrimental pension “reform”; and contains many other articles that are geared toward attempting to destroy the WEA.

Crisis Campaign Update–

John Stocks reported on NEA’s response to all of the attacks on public education and its state affiliates. NEA affiliates face aggressive anti-union attacks on collective bargaining, on tenure and fair dismissal, and on our pensions and benefits. We also confront well-funded and bold anti-teacher and anti-public education school activists who advocate vouchers, devalue teaching, and disrespect the importance of the voice of educators in their own professions. All of this is made even more difficult by the severe economic conditions in our states and at the federal level. Goals of the NEA campaign are to:

• Assist states in responding to current significant threats
• Integrate & align resources to build support for public education
• Take the offense by advocating for a positive public agenda that involves NEA led education reforms and school transformation projects like the Priority Schools Campaign
• Elevate & maximize the time and visibility of NEA officers as spokespersons for public education
• Work in partnerships with other groups to accomplish our goals

For more information on what NEA is doing and how you can be involved and help, watch for a follow-up communication.

Communications Strategy—

Member Engagement Through Social Media

President Van Roekel again exhorted all Board members to encourage all members to sign up for www.EducationVotes.NEA.org. On Education Votes, members will be able to see what the hottest issues are nationwide, and what is being done in response. Social media can help us to inform and mobilize our members. NEA maintains a database of member political activists that all state affiliates can access when needed.

Women’s History Month Observance—

June Zeitlin, women’s rights advocate and director of the CEDAW Ratification Campaign, spoke to the Board about CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women). The landmark international agreement was adopted by the United Nations in 1979. It affirms the principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world. CEDAW has been ratified by 186 out of 193 countries in the world. The United States, Sudan, Somalia, Iran, and three small Pacific Island nations (Naura, Palau, and Tonga) have not ratified CEDAW. The agreement would: reduce sex trafficking and other forms of violence against women; provide access to education and vocational training; end forced marriage and child marriage; help mothers gain access to maternal health care; and ensure women the right to vote, work, and own a business. NEA strongly supports the ratification of CEDAW treaty by the U.S. Senate. It has never been brought to the Senate floor for a vote, and it will take two-thirds of the Senate (67 votes) to ratify. NEA urges members to contact their Senators and voice their support for CEDAW. For more information go to www.CEDAW2011.org.

Black History Month Observance—

Baruti Kafele, nationally recognized teacher, administrator, and education innovator, was the keynote speaker. Coming from a family of teachers, he started out in the corporate world, but found his way to education as a calling. He spoke about transforming thinking and attitudes of young Black students to foster a confidence that they can achieve their goals by teaching them about the heroes who came before them and persevered against all odds.

Several recent studies report that Black youth are struggling along all points of the academic continuum. Forty-two percent of Black students attend schools that are under-resourced and performing poorly. Black boys are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their White peers. Black and Hispanic males constitute almost 80% of youth in special education programs. Less than half of Black male students graduate from high school on time, although many eventually complete a GED. In 2008, 4.6 million Black males had attended college, but only half graduated. Nationally, only 11% of Black males complete a bachelor’s degree.

Priority Schools—

Princess Moss, Len Paolillo, and Greg Johnson, NEA Executive Committee Members, updated the Board on the progress of NEA’s Priority Schools Campaign and the positive impact that it is having on selected schools nationwide. It is proof that union-led, collaborative school transformation programs are highly successful in improving student achievement, morale, and attendance, and having an impact on entire communities.

UniServe Grants—

Mark Shively, NEA Director and Chair of the UniServe Committee, reported that the projected amount for UniServe grants for next year will be $36,858, which is $75 less than this year. There will be no UniServe rebate next year. The final report will be acted on by the Board at the May meeting.

Internal Concerns Committee reported out issues to the Board.

Report of the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws and Rules—

Bill Bjork, Chairman of the Committee on Constitution Bylaws and Rules, presented a special report on the reorganization and restatement of the Standing Rules. No rules will be changed, simply reorganized to make them more user-friendly and easier to locate. The Board voted to support the changes and submit to the RA for adoption.

Bill Bjork also presented the proposed changes to the NEA Campaign and Election Guidelines. Because of new rulings from the federal Department of Labor easing prior restrictions, the CCBR  recommended amendments to the guidelines that remove current restrictions that prohibit the use of subjective statements on campaign materials. Currently, campaign materials are restricted to only objective statements. The Board voted to approve the revisions.

Read Across America—

Penni Cyr, NEA Director, and Greg Johnson, Executive Board, reported on the year-around activities of Read Across America. NEA now has a registered trademark for Read Across America, which cannot be used without giving credit to NEA. RAA has a FaceBook site, still has calendars available, and will have their kick-off event on March 2^nd that will include Sect. of Education Arne Duncan, Pres. Van Roekel, and possibly First Lady Michelle Obama. NEA will again promote Earth Day with the “Lorax” program. Go to www.nea.org/ReadAcross for more information and to sign your pledge.

Commission on Effective Schools and Effective Teaching—

Joyce Powell, Executive Committee member and Commission Chair, gave the Board an update on the progress of the Commission and its efforts to identify, study and promote union-led, teacher-led reforms that are being successful in advancing quality public education.

NEA Anti-Bullying Campaign—

Rocio Inclan, Director of NEA Human & Civil Rights, reported on the development of resources and training for members to help them create safe school environments for all students. NEA will launch an anti-bullying campaign called “Bully Free, It Starts With Me.”  Go to www.nea.org/bullyfree for more information.

Actions of the Board—

• Supported adoption of the reorganization of the Standing Rules at the 2011 NEA RA.

• Approved appointments of members to the Board Steering Committee and several other committee appointments Postpone approval of the proposed changes to the NEA Fund Council Guidelines.

Katie Kreis, Student NEA Director from Illinois, was named to the Board Steering Committee.

• Passed a motion to request a change in the NEA Fund Council Guidelines that would change the Fundraising Advisory Committee from “six state affiliate presidents” to “six Fund Council members” to be appointed by the NEA President.
• Voted to Recommend the 2011-2012 dues: $168 active certified (a $2 increase); $96.50 ESP (no increase); no change for student dues.
• Adopted the Financial & Operational Standards for state affiliates developed in cooperation with NEA and NCSEA.
• Adopted a proposed modified structure for the 2010-2012 budget
• Supported amendment to Constitutional Amendment 1 to delete the words after “at least” and insert “fifty (50).”
• Support Constitutional Amendment 1 if amended to change “at least fifty (50) to at least seventy-five (75) percent” to “at least fifty (50) percent” classroom teachers on all NEA committees.
• Opposed Bylaw 1 which would establish that NEA take “no position” for or against legislation regarding abortion.
• Opposed Bylaw 2 which would establish that the specified objectives in achieving association goals be broad, overarching statements of purpose.
• Supported Standing Rule 1 which would emphasize that adopted new business items texts may be edited to replace K-12 with Pre-K-12 under specific circumstances.
• Opposed Standing Rule 2 which would require main motions, modifications, and amendments to be submitted in writing prior to the time the maker is recognized to speak.
• Took no position on Standing Rule 4 (which will be renumbered to 3) which would prohibit the distribution of material and information contrary to NEA Resolutions on Curriculum Content in the Annual Meeting exhibit area by NEA affiliates, delegates, and caucuses.  This discussion focused on the Creationist Science booth operated by NEA members.
• Approved the Executive Committee recommendation to submit a Bylaw amendment to increase the dues for the Ballot Measure/Legislative Crises and Media Campaign Fund amount from $10 – $20 and to have a five-year Sunset Clause for the increase.
• Approved the proposed changes to the Campaign and Elections Regulations for NEA Officers.
• Approved the recommendation of the Executive Officer Compensation Review Committee to freeze the Executive Officers’ salary and the Executive Committee stipends for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.
• Approved the recommendations of the Annual Meeting Review Committee regarding all New Business Items involving the Annual Meeting that were passed at the 2010 RA.

Lobby Report – February 2011

Illinois Reception for New and Continuing Members of Congress and Staff, Wed. Evening — Cannon House Office Building:

IEA Vice Pres. Bob Blade, IEA Sec-Treas. Cinda Klickna, NEA Directors Mike Orr, Gary Miller, Al Llorens, Kathi Griffin, Terrie Tudor, Jim Grimes, Eric Brown, IEA Gov. Relations Dir. Jim Reed, and Lobbyist Michelle Ishmael

Members of Congress attending: Biggert, Costello, Dold, Hultgren, Johnson, and Quigley; and staff attending those offices as well as from Sen. Durbin and Reps.  Davis, Kinzinger and Schilling’s offices.

An IEA Congressional Rally Team from Region 29 joined NEA Directors and IEA Officers for the reception and lobbying on Capitol Hill:  Le-Ann Broshous, Emerson Elementary School, GPA – Region 29; Della Frencl, Komensky Elementary School; Christine Zogas, IEA-Retired, Emerson Elementary School; Sharon Pierscionek, Komensky Elementary School, all South Berwyn D100; Lisa Weber, Garfield School; Michelle Witt, Irving School, both Maywood District 89; and Ruth Soppet, Lincoln School, River Forest District 90.  IEA President Ken Swanson also attended Rally Team events.  NEA Staff attending included: Dennis Friel, Midwest Director; and Merwyn Scott and Mary Kusler, NEA Government Relations.

After attending an NEA Government Relations legislative briefing, your NEA-Retired Directors headed for Capitol Hill to lobby our Congressional Delegations on two major topics:

• Assessing teaching effectiveness: The primary responsibility for teacher assessment and evaluation rests at the state and local levels. States and localities should collaboratively develop, with teacher representatives, effective teacher evaluation systems. The focus of such systems should be to improve individual, as well as whole school, teaching practice so that students benefit from the best teaching. Such systems should include evidence of instructional quality, evidence of professional growth, and mutually agreed upon evidence of growth in student learning and competency.
• Funding for education: A strong public education system is critical to the future strength and economic well-being of our nation. Providing mandates without the resources necessary to implement them simply sets up schools and students for failure. Competitive grants, such as Race to the Top, do not provide the necessary funds to all states. Currently, the federal government only funds 16.9% of the promised 40% of the cost of providing services under IDEA, leaving states and local districts to fund a $15.8 billion shortfall. Title I receives about 58% of the authorized level for a funding gap of $10.5 billion.

Thursday Capitol Hill Visits:

Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-IL-17)

Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14)

Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL-8)

Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL-14)

Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL-3)

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, (R- IL-11)

NEA Social Security Fairness Task Force including Mike Orr and Gary Miller, met with Congressional sponsors for WEP-GPO legislation:  Rep.  Howard Berman (D-28-CA) and Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA). The directors thanked the co-sponsors for their efforts on the repeal of GPO/WEP.  The NEA was informed that once House Rules are decided for 112^th Congress, Congressman Berman will reintroduce Social Security Fairness Act for the 6^th time.  NEA will need continued grassroots efforts.

Directors also dropped off literature at the offices of:  Reps. Rush, Jackson, Guitierrez, Manzullo, and Shimkus. Directors will follow up with in-state contacts with these and all members of the Illinois Congressional delegation including Senators Durbin and Kirk.

Senator Mark Kirk’s new education assistant is Jeannette Windon.  Staff member Shauna McCarthy will be focusing on Health Care.

Comments by Members of Congress:

Rep. Biggert— Congresswoman Biggert is concerned with what might come of the cuts in the budget.  She is not sure where vouchers are going but feels that it is going to be an uphill battle.  Directors have asked other GOP members to consult with Rep. Biggert on education issues.

Rep. Hultgren—Wants options available for all students.  He is not opposed to supporting vouchers but feels that public schools need to be funded adequately.  He would like to hear of success stories from Illinois classrooms.  He will work with Director Terrie Tudor in establishing an education advisory committee.

Rep. Walsh—He says there will be cuts to all areas, including education.  He favors local control.  Director Kathi Griffin will assist the Congress Member in setting up his advisory committee.

Illinois NEA Directors’ Activities—

Mike Orr—Senior Director, coordinated assignments for the Illinois Directors; Social Security Fairness Task Force; Midwest Planning Cmte.

Gary Miller—Social Security Fairness Task Force

Al Llorens—UniServ Advisory Cmte.; Board Black Caucus Meetings; Midwest Regional Planning Meeting; met with President and General Counsel on a member concern; Board Forum; Read Across America with National Federation for the Blind

Kathi Griffin—Member Benefits Board; Friend of Education Cmte.; Board Forum

Terrie Tudor—Midwest Regional Planning Cmte.; NEAFCPE Planning

Jim Grimes—Board Higher Education Cmte.; Education International Higher Education Briefing

Eric Brown—Health Information Network Board, Board Black Caucus, IEA’s Indoor Air Quality Committee—arrange a meeting in Jan. for Amy Courson-Brock, IEA-IAQ, with Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-5th)

Katie Kreis–NEA Student Director—Student Caucus

Several Directors attended the U.S. Army Holiday Concert Saturday evening at Constitution Hall.

All Directors participated in meetings on Capitol Hill.  See Lobbying Report.

President Dennis Van Roekel’s Report—

The NEA’s National Campaign Team will continue to function with an emphasis on ESEA reauthorization and countering attacks on state affiliates.  NEA will focus on our message and communication to combat those who wish to destroy public education.  The Association will also focus on building member participation by encouraging visits to:  www.educationvotes.nea.org and NEA.org.

Pres. Van Roekel reported on the post election landscape for NEA. On the positive side, NEA was successful in three out of the five key races, and a handful of critical House races. And, thousands of NEA members were actively engaged in races nationwide.Kim Anderson, Director of GR, reported that we lost 680 pro-public education seats in state legislatures, the biggest shift since 1928.  State affiliates will be facing many challenges in the next few years that will revolve around: budget deficits and cuts to education funding; attacks on pension funds; repeal of previous education wins; anti-union attacks that include repeal of collective bargaining and elimination of payroll deduction of dues; and teacher reform policy proposals; and attacks on public education that are being driven by those outside of the education community.

John Stocks, NEA Assistant Executive Director, reported on how NEA is planning to address all of these issues and how they can assist state affiliates to counter the attacks at the state level through our National Campaign Team. The goals of this campaign are:  to advance the NEA Mission and Vision; to strengthen affiliates and counter the anti-union attacks; to achieve public policy that enhances public education and better supports teaching and learning; to reposition the NEA as the leader in the transformation of public schools through the reauthorization of ESEA.  All of this will be done in cooperation with state affiliates and extensive member input, because the fight will be at the state level. The emphasis will be on protecting membership rights. Because of limited resources, NEA will be targeting specific states as battlegrounds to set the groundwork for helping all states.

Sheila Simmons, Director of the Priority Schools Campaign, reported on the progress being made to reach collaborating on innovative programs to measure student success and teacher quality, as well as attracting and keeping the best educators and resources for the schools of greatest need. This six-year campaign is research and evidenced based. Schools in targeted states selected by NEA represent 40% of 1037 schools nationwide that qualify for national School Improvement Grants and are predominantly secondary. Eighty-five percent of the students served by this program are receiving free or reduced lunch and are predominantly minority students located in urban schools.

Vice President Lily Eskelsen’s Report—

Eskelsen represented NEA and all public school employees, where she countered proponents of vouchers, charter schools, and anti-union sentiments. Eskelsen also detailed plans for the NEA Academy to serve as a clearinghouse of the highest quality, on-line professional development to be made available at a discount to members. NEA has a content quality review board who use objective criteria to evaluate each course. In Continuing Education areas, NEA Academy has 12 providers and over 50 courses, with graduate credit available. Berlitz foreign language classes that normally cost $990 are offered to members at a cost of $299. Master Degree programs offer NEA members 5-20% discounts on normal cost, and NEA even offers member scholarships.  She reviewed the process used in choosing participating institutions.  And, the Vice President reported that NEA is reviewing its policies on the use of private and for profit institutions in the Academy.

Secretary Treasurer Becky Pringle, NEA Secretary Treasurer’s Report—

Although NEA has taken steps to economize, become more efficient, change the way it does business, and anticipated a membership loss, the losses have been even greater than expected this year and appear as though they will increase next year. Plus, the projected increase in average teacher salary will be less than anticipated, resulting in a proposed $2 dues increase instead of the previously proposed $4 increase for the second year of the budget. Subsequently, there is significantly less revenue than anticipated for this year and next which will require a major restructuring of the two-year budget. There has been a loss of 39,000 members for active certified, a loss of 6,900 for ESP with 41 states experiencing a decrease in membership, for a total membership loss of over 58,000. On a positive note, NEA Retired membership has increased by 3,087, and Student membership has increased by almost 3,000. The annual audit has been completed and NEA is in solid financial health with unrestricted net assets of over $61 million and over $1.9 million in contingency. With a ratio of $3.40 of assets for every $1 of liability, NEA far surpasses the industry standard ratio of 2:1.  In other areas, Pringle has participated in many minority community outreach meetings and discussions, and has represented NEA at a variety of venues, interviews and panels.

John Wilson, NEA Executive Director’s Report—

Wilson stated that plans for the Representative Assembly will be different this year with a day of professional development being planned in which all delegates can choose to participate prior to the RA. He mentioned a new ongoing research project on teacher effectiveness from the Gates Foundation that uses a variety of ways to evaluate teacher effectiveness. In other areas, he reported that 98% of school employees believe that it is their job to intervene when they encounter bullying, and NEA has developed materials to train members in how to prevent bullying. To end his report, Wilson announced that he is retiring effective August 31st.

New NEA Executive Director Named—

Following the announcement of John Wilson’s coming retirement, President Van Roekel announced that John Stocks, current NEA Assistant Executive Director, has been selected as the next NEA Executive Director.

General Counsel Alice O’Brien, General Counsel’s Report—

O’Brien reported that, effective January 1, 2011, a final Dept. of Labor rule change will remove the pure public sector NEA state affiliates from some onerous LMRDA regulations established during the Bush Administration.  The NEA’s position, dating back to enactment of the LMRDA over forty years ago, was that pure public sector labor unions were not subject to the LMRDA.  NEA filed detailed comments with the DOL last April in support of the rescission of the 2003 Bush Administration reinterpretation, which the DOL relied upon in deciding to issue the final rule. Significantly, the new rule brings to a successful conclusion the long running Alabama Education Association v. Chao litigation, which NEA filed in 2003 on behalf of 33 pure public affiliates.  O’Brien also reported on the Indiana State Teachers Assn. Trust Litigation in which the Indiana Secretary of State sued ISTA, ISTA Trust.  O’Brien reminded members that tenure is actually just due process that is awarded to most teachers after at least three years (four in Illinois) in a particular district, and that teachers can still be dismissed for just cause. Tenure is the single most effective method of protecting teachers from arbitrary unfounded actions and preserves the classroom as an arena for professional judgment and independence.

NEA Department Reports—

Valerie Wilk, Higher Ed Dept., reported on a new structure and greater visibility for the department, with an emphasis on Higher Education organizing, Emerging Leaders Academy, training leaders how to do one-on-one visits, and NCHE President presentation at the White House Summit on Community Colleges.

Carrie Pugh, Strategic Federal Initiatives Dept., reported on their work with the Priority Schools Campaign Roxanne Dove, ESP Quality Dept., cooperated with other national organizations to promote ESP issues and pass important legislation. They continue to advocate for the importance of ESP in educating all students. Becky Daise, Membership & Organizing, reported on how NEA is responding pro-actively to the loss of membership and the anti-union attacks nationwide.

Kimberly Anderson, Gov. Relations, & Tommie Leaders, NEA Student Program, reported how students were actively involved in important political campaigns, in enrolling new active members, and preparing to be the leaders of the future.

Todd Crenshaw, NEA Retired, reported on all of the areas in which NEA Retired members are involved, such as fighting privatization and cuts to Social Security & Medicare, repeal of the GPO/WEP, secure pension protection, mentoring student teachers, lobbying, and working in political campaigns.

NEA Teacher Quality’s Segund Eubanks, NEA staff, detailed the assessment and evaluation. The report lays out five core principles for transforming education systems to support effective teaching and improving student learning:  Safe and open collaboration Measure teacher performance using multiple ratings and based on clear teaching standards Integrated systems must be validated and meaningful Teacher input in determining performance and learning outcomes Assessments must be negotiated in collaboration with the association Bill Raabe, Collective Bargaining & Member Advocacy, professional growth pay system. Two key questions that should be asked when building a pay system are: what is the purpose of the salary schedule NEA has developed a framework that can be used by locals to build their own model.

Michael Edwards, NEA staff, reported on the NEA/AFL-CIO Labor Solidarity Partnership Agreement. He stated that the labor union movement is at a crossroads. Even though traditional unions helped to build the middle class and won important safeguards for workers, membership in unions has fallen dramatically in recent years, as many jobs represented by unions no longer exist.  Education unions have the highest percentage of union membership with 39%. Only 12% of workers in all other areas belong to a union. Edwards stated that NEA couldn’t survive as a union if other unions fail. NEA has a working relationship with the AFT through four merged states and numerous merged local affiliates. NEA and AFT share more than 690,000 members. NEA has been working cooperatively with AFL-CIO and CTW (Change to Win) to further the cause of all workers, and has emerged as a central player in the labor movement.

Special Guest Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor–

She praised a former teacher for giving her the confidence to even think about attending college. Solis touted the necessity of extending unemployment benefits to the two million Americans who have been unemployed for extended periods. She mentioned the federal Job Corps program that has helped many students nationwide. And she believes worker workers should be able to collectively bargain.  In defending the recent Obama compromise on the Bush Tax credits, she stated that Pres. Obama negotiated $238 billion in savings for working class families while the Republicans received $113 billion for the richer Americans.

Special International Education Guests—

Angelos Gavrielatos, President of Australia Education Union, and Susan Hopgood, General Secretary of the Australian Education Union and President of Education International, addressed the Board. Gavrielatos detailed the proposals of the current government in Australia that are damaging to public education, similar to many proposals in the US.  Hopgood focused on the human rights of all students and emphasized that the EI represents 64 million teachers worldwide who fight daily for the rights of their students. There are 74 million children worldwide who have no access to an education. EI strives to provide quality public education for all children and human rights for all. The global financial crisis has caused a substantial decrease in the amount of aid from developed countries, such as the US and Australia, to developing countries. This has had a devastating effect on education and other social services. EI will continue to advocate for investments in the future through education.  Hopwood also visited with members of the NEA Board Higher Education committee and heard their experiences and challenges.

Hispanic Caucus Celebration with guest speaker, Dr. Theresa Montano—

The former NEA Board member taught in the Los Angeles public schools where she was a UTLA member, and currently teaches at the university level. The Latino/a student population has continued to grow in the US, now equaling over 15%, and projected to be more than 30% by the year 2050. Montano emphasized the diversity within the Hispanic population. Almost 50% of Latino children in schools are American born. They are more likely to not have access to preschool, be in segregated classrooms taught by inexperienced teachers, and more likely to drop out before graduation. She urged all educators to promote the idea that it is the right of every child to have access to a quality public education and to live in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual United States.

NEA RA Standing Rules Reorganization–

Bill Bjork, Chairman of the Committee on Constitution Bylaws and Rules, presented a special report on the reorganization and restatement of the Standing Rules. No rules will be changed, simply reorganized to make them more user-friendly and easier to locate. If accepted by the Board in February, it will be presented to the RA. If adopted there, it will become effective in September 2011.  He also presented the proposed changes to the NEA Campaign and Election Guidelines. Because of new rulings from the federal Department of Labor easing prior restrictions, the CCBR is recommending amendments to the guidelines that remove current restrictions that prohibit the use of subjective statements on campaign materials. Currently, campaign materials are restricted to only objective statements. The Board will vote at the February meeting on this item.

Commission on Effective Teachers and Teaching—

The NEA has created a national independent commission to study the teaching profession and make recommendations on maximizing teacher and teaching effectiveness.  Joyce Powell, Executive Committee member, and Becky Pringle, Secretary Treasurer, reported that the commission consists of 21 accomplished teachers supported by researchers, policymakers and academics who will examine the policies and practices governing the teaching profession and craft a new teacher-centered vision of teaching and the teaching profession. The Commission is charged with accomplishing work in four areas:  Analyzing existing standards, definition, policies and practices related to teacher effectiveness and effective teaching; Crafting a new vision of a teaching profession that is led by teachers and ensures teacher and teaching effectiveness; Developing a comprehensive set of recommendations for education leaders and policymakers about the future of the teaching profession; and Describing the role of teachers in governing it.

Actions of the Board:

Elected board members: Sid Johnson (NEA Retired), Alicia Bata, Kathy Vetter, Maury Kaufman, Stephen Henry, Brenna Isaacs, Tim Graham and Tom Nicholas as delegates from the Board (George Sheridan & Laura Vernon as alternates) to the National Congress of Education International, which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in July, 2011.  Additional members may attend at their expense.

Approved the Executive Committee recommendation to adopt amendments to the NEA Caucus Guidelines that will require at least 25 members for a caucus to be recognized, while exempting the current caucuses from this requirement.

Approved the Executive Committee recommendation to establish a special Affiliate Defense Fund (up to $5 million) under the Ballot Measure Legislative Crisis Fund that allows for allocations based on targeting and legislative threat levels, rather than when a state application is submitted. Since funds are limited and needs will be substantial, NEA needs to be more targeted and timely in allocation of these funds.

Strategic Board Discussions—

The Board broke into small groups to have strategic discussions about three major issues:

1. What are the major characteristics of effective teaching and what role should the union play?
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of lowering the minimum requirement of 75% classroom teachers on all NEA committees? If the minimum were lowered, what should it be and why?
3. Given the current economic and political environment, what is more of a priority/no longer as critical as it seemed last year?