Northshore Education Association

TODAY: Your health benefits are at stake!

2012-01-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Tim and Kraig are heading to Olympia to fight for you…they need YOUR help!

• Act NOW to Protect Your Health Benefits…or Pay MORE for LESS Later.

• The Legislature is Discussing Health Benefits TODAY. WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Dear Colleague,

We are not going to remain silent while misguided Legislators force educators to pay more each month for worse medical benefits—and take away our voice. Neither should you. TODAY is the Public Hearing on the proposed legislation to eliminate our collective bargaining rights on our health care benefits, and to force all K-12 employees into a lesser plan. WE ARE GOING TO OLYMPIA RIGHT NOW TO TESTIFY AGAINST THIS AND NEED YOUR HELP—TODAY.

If passed, this bill (SB 6442) would result in most Northshore employees paying much more each month, for lesser benefits. It would provide the State with no cost savings, but would require millions more in employee contributions, according to a recent study by the State’s Health Care Authority.

The main thing is this: Right now, we have a “say” in our benefits. This bill would take it away, and force all K-12 employees into one plan (not yet created) designed to shift costs to us. (If you want more details, and a link to more information, read below our signatures.)

TODAY:
Please contact your legislators and urge them to “VOTE NO ON SB 6442. DON’T ELIMINATE OUR RIGHT TO NEGOTIATE OUR HEALTH BENEFITS.”

HERE’S HOW:
• During lunch today (unpaid time) or after work, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 from your CELL or HOME phone. The Hotline is a message service. They will ask you where you live, and tell you who your Legislators are. Then they will ask, “What is your message” They will answer until 8 PM. Please leave a message for ALL 3 of your Legislators. Simple message, above. They will not ask you any details, or argue. Nothing to fear! Have a “cell phone” party with colleagues at lunch today to flood the hotline with calls!

• From your HOME computer, go to www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org, and it will help you compose your email. And it will identify your 3 Legislators.

The Legislature will not be voting on the Bill today. But they are forming their opinions now. We suggest that you send an email about this every week—again and again—until they vote on it. We will let you know when that happens.Please don’t wait until it’s too late.

Tim Brittell, NSEA/Cascade Council President (tbrittell@washingtonea.org)
Kraig Peck, WEA Staffperson for Cascade Council (kpeck@washingtonea.org)

More info:
Here in Northshore, we have cut out most of the insurance company profits. Instead, our benefits are self-insured by the District. The insurance companies mainly administer the paperwork for plans that are designed by the Northshore Insurance Benefits Committee---a collaboration of all of the Northshore unions and the administration. Our Committee annually reviews usage and preferences, and designs the best possible plans. We locally decide pricing, services covered, providers that are covered, and more. It is very far from perfect (using limited funds), but the result is better benefits than generally available elsewhere for an equivalent amount of money.

Here is a link to more info, researched by the WEA staff: http://www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org/HCA%20Takeover%20Fact%20Sheet,%20revised.pdf

Education Series Forums

2012-01-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

The Northshore Education Association and the Northshore Council PTSA Present:

Education Series Forums

FACT: Our Schools Are Underfunded

What underfunding means in Northshore and what we can do to fix it.
Monday, January 30th; 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Canyon Park Junior High Library
Presenters will include Northshore teachers, paraeducators, and principals from several schools.

Do Unions Protect Bad Teachers? Myth vs. Reality

How the teacher evaluation systems works in Northshore
Monday, February 13th; 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Bothell High School Library
Presenters will include Tim Brittell, NSEA President, and Northshore School District administrators and teachers.

Your Teachers' Union: Evil Empire or Advocates for Quality Schools?

How we are working together for our students
Monday, March 5th; 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Canyon Park Junior High Library
Presenters will include teachers from several Northshore schools.

NSEA/NESPA/NEOPA Members: You Are Invited!

2012-01-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

The new year has barely started, but the political world is already buzzing. With the Washington State Legislature currently in session, the Inslee/McKenna race for Washington governor about to get started, the NEWS court ruling, a proposed state take-over of our health care system, the GOP presidential nomination falling into place, and the possible loss of some of our collective bargaining rights, there’s plenty to talk about. If you can’t get enough, or just want to learn more, come to our next Appetite for Politics event on Wednesday, February 8th. See below for details.

Appetite for Politics

What Appetite for Politics IS:

A social event for politically-minded NSEA members to meet in an informal setting. At our meeting we’ll discuss the current legislative session and any other political topics you want to bring up. Appetizers and beverages will be served!

What Appetite for Politics ISN’T:

A formal meeting! We won’t have a structured agenda. We will not be endorsing particular political candidates or asking for political contributions. We won’t ask you to do anything except show up, eat, drink, and talk to your like-minded colleagues.

When?

Wednesday, February 8th from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Come as soon as you can—we’ll have a brief introduction around 4:15 pm.

Where?

The NSEA/Cascade UniServ Council Office located at 18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101, Bothell, WA. Click here for directions.

Other info:

If possible, RSVP to Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org. An RSVP is NOT required to attend this event, but it will help us figure out how much food to order.
Appetizers (made by the students in Bothell High’s Culinary Arts Program!), wine, and soft drinks will be served.
Bring a colleague—all NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members are invited!
If you can’t make this Appetite for Politics event, we’ll have more throughout the year--stay tuned!.

Update from Olympia

2012-01-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

We have received inquiries regarding what is currently happening in Olympia. Here is an overview:

CHARTER SCHOOLS:
After voters have defeated charters THREE times, this time the proponents are calling them “public charters.” But there is still nothing “public” about them, except the funding. They are publicly-funded private schools that divert inadequate public school funding to private schools. If charters get a foot in the door and grow, most districts, including Northshore, would likely face some neighborhood school closures.

Do charters perform better than public schools, for students? The most comprehensive study of this, comparing charters serving 70% of charter students with their local public schools, found that they do not. Using test results (what else?), they found that half have results no different; that 36% show results significantly inferior to public schools; and that 17% did better. (A link to this report, the “CREDO” study, embedded in the summary below.)

A one page summary we have provided to our NSEA Teacher PTSA Liaisons about charters that busts 5 myths about charters, with links to sources, is available online (click here). Last week, WEA lobbyists, along with many others, testified against charter school legislation. The charter bills are House Bill 2428 and Senate Bill 6202 .

TYING EVALUATIONS TO STUDENT TEST SCORES, ELIMINATING JOB SECURITY:
WEA lobbyists are testifying against bills that attack collective bargaining and interfere with the work underway to strengthen teacher and principal evaluations. The bills (Senate Bill 6203 and its companion bill, House Bill 2427) would tie student test scores and evaluations to layoffs, transfers and teacher assignments. WEA lobbyists need your help.

ATTACK ON HEALTH CARE AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING:
SB 6442 is an egregious attack on collective bargaining. The bill eliminates the current K-12 health care system and replaces it with a new state-run bureaucracy that will cost more, provide less, and limit health care choices for school employees. SB 6442 eliminates local collective bargaining around health benefits. The bill was introduced yesterday.

We hope you are WEARING RED today and every Tuesday. Our lobbyists can’t do this alone. From your home computer, please go to OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org to contact your Legislators. Urge them to vote NO on these bills. Or, from your CELL phone during lunch (or home phone) you can leave them a message to vote NO on these bills. The Legislative Hotline is: 1-800-562-6000; it is open until 8:00 PM.

Key Calendar Dates for 2012-2013

2012-01-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

NSEA and NSD have agreed to the following key calendar dates for the 2012-2013 school year. At this time, we are unable to agree to a first day of school due to the possibility that the state legislature will shorten the 2012-2013 school year. We also are not able at this time to identify if we will have non-student days next year. We'll keep you posted about any calendar updates.

First Day of School: TBD
Labor Day: September 3, 2012
Veterans Day: November 12, 2012
Thanksgiving Break: November 22-23, 2012
Winter Break: December 19, 2012-January 1, 2013
Technology PD Day (Non-student Day): January 2, 2013
Martin Luther King Day: January 21, 2013
Presidents Day: February 18, 2013
Mid-Winter Break: February 19-22, 2013
Spring Break: April 15-19, 2013
Memorial Day: May 27, 2013
Last Day of School: TBD

Prudence Hockley

2012-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Many of you have probably already heard the tragic news concerning the death of Woodinville High School English teacher Prudence Hockley. Upon receiving a call from Assistant Superintendent Carolyn O’Keeffe the day after Christmas, my heart sank and my thoughts immediately turned to her children. Prudence was a gifted educator who pushed her students to never give up on themselves. I appointed Prudence to the Curriculum Materials Adoption Committee two years ago because she always thought outside the box when teaching. Her skill as an instructor, along with her warmth and caring nature, is being recognized in post after post on her Facebook page as well as another page set up by a student.

A community memorial for Prudence will be held on Thursday, January 12th at 7:00 pm at Woodinville High School.

An additional memorial service for Prudence will be held on January 21, 2012, 6:30 PM, at the Center For Urban Horticulture in Seattle. The Center is at the University of Washington located at 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle, Washington 98195. Driving directions are below.

In lieu of flowers for the memorial, the family would greatly appreciate a donation to a memorial fund to assist the family with funeral costs and education expenses for Prudence Hockley’s 13 year old daughter. The fund has been established at the Boeing Employees Credit Union. To make donations please send checks to:

The Prudence Hockley Benevolent Account

BECU

PO Box 34044

Seattle, WA98124-1044

Directions To Center For Urban Horticulture:
From I-5
Take the N.E. 45th Street exit. Drive east on NE 45th for approximately one mile. You will pass the University of Washington and come down a viaduct. At the stoplight at the bottom of the viaduct, turn left to stay on N.E. 45th Street. At the next stoplight (5-way intersection), turn right onto Mary Gates Memorial Drive. Continue to the bend in the road where Mary Gates Drive becomes N.E. 41st St. The center is on your right.

Bus and bike
Metro bus routes 25, 65, and 75 stop at NE 45th and Mary Gates Memorial Drive. Route 67 stops at NE 45th and Montlake Boulevard. Not sure which one you need? Use Metro's Trip Planner to get here.

Cyclists are welcome on Wahkiakum Lane, the main path that runs through the Union Bay Natural Area -- please note that Wahkiakum is a gravel trail best suited for mountain and touring bikes. This route connects to the University of Washington's E-4 parking lot. You may reach the Burke-Gilman trail by following the pedestrian overpass that crosses Montlake Boulevard next to Hec Ed Pavilion.

Cyclists may also travel along the Burke Gilman past University Village. Turn right at the main crossing on 30th Ave NE/Union Bay Place NE. Follow Union Bay Place and stay straight at the five-way intersection to continue on Mary Gates Memorial Drive. Continue to the bend in the road where Mary Gates Drive becomes N.E. 41st St. The center is on your right.

From SR-520
Take the Montlake Boulevard exit and drive north on Montlake Boulevard. Stay to the right as you cross the bridge and pass Husky Stadium. At the five-way intersection of N.E. 45th and Mary Gates Memorial Drive, turn right onto Mary Gates Memorial Drive. Continue to the bend in the road where Mary Gates Drive becomes N.E. 41st St. The center is on your right.

Parking
Ample parking is available for the public in the lots off 41st Street. The lower lot is reserved for staff.

Tim Brittell,President

What's Happening at the Cascade UniServ Council?

2011-12-06T15:03:00.001-08:00

The latest edition of the WEA-Cascade newsletter is online. Click here to read about what's happening in our UniServ Council!

NSEA, NESPA and NEOPA Members: Join Us on Thursday!

2011-12-05T14:30:00.001-08:00

Appetite for Politics

Thursday, December 8th

3:30 pm-6:30 pm

NSEA Office

What Appetite for Politics IS:
A social event for politically-minded NSEA members to meet in an informal setting. At our meeting we’ll discuss the Day of Action, the current and upcoming legislative sessions, ideas for the Tech Day on January 3rd, and any other political topics you want to bring up. Appetizers and beverages will be served!

What Appetite for Politics ISN’T:

When?

Thursday, December 8th from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Come when you can—we’ll have a brief introduction around 4:15 pm. Stay as long as you like.

Where?

The NSEA/Cascade UniServ Council Office located at 18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101, Bothell, WA. Click here for directions.

Other info:

If possible, RSVP to Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org. An RSVP is NOT required to attend this event, but it will help us figure out how much food to order.
Appetizers (made by the students in Bothell High’s Culinary Arts Program!), wine, and soft drinks will be served.
Bring a colleague—all NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members are invited!
If you can’t make this Appetite for Politics event, we’ll have more throughout the year.

Day of Action Rally in Olympia

2011-11-28T13:46:00.001-08:00

Over 500 teachers and educators from across the state rallied on the steps of the Capitol as legislators started their short legislative session on Monday, November 28th. NSEA President, Tim Brittell was joined by Justine Hurley (Lockwood), Sheri Setzer (Canyon Park JH) and Julia Smith (Canyon Park JH). The three teachers used their personal leave to attend the rally and to remind lawmakers that CUTS HURT KIDS.

Here are some photos from the Day of Action rally:

Julia Smith, CPJH

Justine Hurley, LW

Tim Brittell and others at the rally

NSEA President, Tim Brittell and Shoreline EA President, Eric Scaia

Wearing RED FOR ED!

2011-11-28T09:51:00.001-08:00

On our Day of Action, educators across the district are wearing RED FOR ED:

Bothell High School

Kenmore Junior High

Jim Park from Kenmore JH...a little late for the group shot, but wearing red!

Leota Junior High

Fernwood Elementary

Cottage Lake Elementary

Canyon Park Junior High

Woodmoor Elementary

Bear Creek Elementary

Kenmore Elementary

Woodinville High School

Day of Action

2011-11-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

Today, November 28th, is our Day of Action. Educators from across the state are rallying in Olympia with a message to our legislators as the special session begins: "CUTS HURT KIDS." NSEA President, Tim Brittell, is joining the rally, along with a handful of teachers from Northshore.

Here in Northshore educators are also wearing RED FOR ED in a statewide push to draw attention to the fact that budget cuts to education shortchange our students. They'll also be sharing their stories of how budget cuts and bigger classes are making it tougher for students to have all the opportunities they deserve.

Throughout the week, we'll share these stories and photos of our members in red. If you want to share a story or a photo, email it from your HOME email address to lking@washingtonea.org or tbrittell@washingtonea.org. You can also send your story--using your HOME email--to your state legislator your friends, neighbors, and local newspapers. Click here to learn how to contact your legislator.

Here's our first photo of the day...a group of teachers at Woodinville High School decked out in red!

Here are a few stories we've received:

“There is simply not enough time in the class period to reach them all.”

I started in Northshore as one of the last teachers hired before the district could no longer afford to fill vacant positions. We have been lucky so far: no teachers have been RIFed. However, in the four years since I started, I have seen my classes increase size. Every year I have the largest class in my history. The classroom space becomes less conducive to movement and active participation. I do the best I can to modify and transform my teaching to reach many more kids. However, no methods can really address the fact that 30 plus students in classrooms mean teachers only have so much time to reach and help struggling students. Adding two students to each class may not seem like a lot, but remember, we have been increasing class sizes for years. Every time this happens, it builds. As I am doing example problems in math, as long as all the kids get them right, I'm fine, but every struggling kid added to my numbers means that I have one more kid who needs more intervention. I have to reach all the struggling students, and adding ONE more struggling student to a full class makes it much harder to reach them, because struggling students take much more of my time. Students who struggle require one-on-one attention. There is simply not enough time in the class period to reach them all.

When class sizes go up by two on average, remember that some classes are affected disproportionately, because we try to keep special education and intervention classes small. This means that all of the students who don't qualify for services, but struggle almost as much as those receiving services, are in classes with 30 or more students.

When classes go up by two on average, remember that teachers jobs are lost. Mentorships are lost. Kids who connected with a teacher no longer have that resource, that person who cares checking in with them to see how they are doing in school and sometimes, in life. Two boys once told me, "No teacher has ever liked us before." Whether this was true or not, it was an important connection that this person cares about me and believes in me. When we let teachers go with these connections, we communicate to kids that they don’t count. These kids can't afford us to make these statements.

Please help me and more importantly stand together with me to help the children whose futures are being compromised.

Matt Lang, Northshore Junior High

"...we don't have sufficient time or financial resources..."

I never realized that I was part of the social safety net until it hit me square between the eyes in just the first few months of this school year. I believe, at SAS, we have a higher proportion of students in the lowest economic group than in any other school in the district. This is the group being hit the hardest by cuts in funding. I have never before dealt with the economic turmoil that has affected so many of our students this year. Unfortunately, we don't have sufficient time or financial resources, like we had before, to assists these students in a meaningful way. I've seen an increase in students going hungry, missing school because they need to help their families out, sleepy students who must work late into the night to eke out a living, or turning to illegal activities just to get by. All of this makes our jobs as teachers less effective, because we're forced to deal with so many social issues that are brought into the classroom and take us away from our primary task of educating out students. I'm not suggesting just throwing money at the situation, but instead, returning funding levels to previous years which allowed us to affectively intervene when students are in crisis and still meet the mission of a high class education.

Tony Olney,SAS

Increasingly Large Class Sizes Mean Less Time with Every Student

If we knew that every student coming into our rooms was at grade level in their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, having a few more wouldn’t be so detrimental to student learning. If we knew that every student was living in a safe and nurturing home, was well-rested, had eaten breakfast, and wasn’t responsible for raising their younger siblings, then having a few more students added to our class sizes wouldn’t be so detrimental. If we knew that every student lived in an environment where education is valued, homework is prioritized, and extra help is accessible if needed, then adding a few more wouldn’t be so detrimental. If we take a minute to think about all of the families in our community struggling in so many ways, and remember that it is their children filling our classrooms with needs greater than we have ever known, increasing class size seems plainly irresponsible and wrong. We serve every family, every student, no matter what, and with that open-door policy comes our responsibility to assist struggling learners. Adding just one or two more students to each class every year is making that next to impossible to do.

Rebecca Nielsen, Northshore Junior High

Day of Action: Monday, November 28th Red for Ed

2011-11-17T13:17:00.001-08:00

Download this flyer from your HOME computer by clicking here.

Got $18.6 Million?

2011-11-17T09:37:00.001-08:00

Not only have educators in Northshore and other Districts endured ongoing cuts, but we also endure ongoing unfunded requirements to the tune of $18.6 million dollars per year. (The District’s budget is about $180 million.)

This $18.6 million is back filled from our voter approved levy funds. The levy is intended to enhance our funding from the state and not replace cuts from the legislature.

Imagine what the Northshore School District could do with an extra $18.6 million dollars in the budget this year. Programs could be restored or class sizes could be reduced. Teachers could be more adequately compensated for their work or more curricular materials could be purchased for the classroom. But instead of having an “extra” $18.6 million, the Northshore School District has to cover this amount of money due to unfunded or underfunded mandates from the state and federal government.

The State and Federal requirements are reasonable, but they are not funded. This $18.6 million is taken out of our local levies to fill this funding gap. Our local levy was never meant to backfill unfunded/underfunded mandates of the state and federal governments.

These unfunded or underfunded mandates include:

$7.6 million for Special Education funding
$3.2 million for student transportation
$1.9 million for K-4 enhanced class size funding
$1.4 million for health benefits
$1.3 million for basic ed classified sub costs
$1 million for liability and property insurance

A full list of these mandates, and their dollar cost to the district, is available here. Thank you to Dick Anastasi for providing this information.

THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING BREAK: JOIN YOUR COLLEAGUES ON MONDAY, NOV. 28, A STATEWIDE DAY OF ACTION ON THE FIRST DAY THE LEGISLATURE CONVENES.

They are convening in a Special Session to decide what to cut for THIS school year. Five to ten work/school days are under consideration. So is increasing class sizes. TOGETHER, we’ll wear RED. We’ll pose for a school photo. And we’ll each write (or photograph/video) our stories of how underfunding shortchanges our students. We’ll email them to school parents, friends, family, letters to the editor, Legislators and NSEA, and post them on Facebook. (Must be done from personal equipment and email; can include smart phone.)

Why?

The public needs to understand that it is not “fat” that is being cut. It is our students' futures.

A Decade of Cuts to Northshore

2011-11-17T09:35:00.001-08:00

What opportunities for kids were cut over the past decade? Since the 2002-2003 school year, Northshore School District has made more than $32.4 million in budget cuts.

While this dollar amount is staggering, is also reflects a loss of over 75 certificated teachers, and more than 34 FTEs cut from Support Services and 25 FTE from the Central Office. $32.4 million in cuts means increased fees for families, greater workloads, lost Learning Improvement Days, and the dismantling of important programs like LASERs, district mentors, junior high deans, secondary library technicians, nurses, and support for struggling learners, to name just a few.

The budget cuts are a cut in opportunities for our students. Click here to see detailed table is attached of what was cut each year. It is a fascinating list and one that clearly shows the depth of the cuts and the growing opportunity gap for all children.

November Newsletter

2011-11-15T11:57:00.001-08:00

The November 2011 edition of the Northshore News is being distributed by Building Reps. It is also available online!

Nominations Now Open!

2011-11-15T11:14:00.001-08:00

Nominations are now open for a number of positions within NSEA, WEA, and NEA. See below for details.

NSEA Delegate to the WEA-Rep Assembly
Overview: WEA-RA is the annual gathering of representatives from WEA affiliates around the state to decide on policy, positions, and the business of WEA. It’s a great way to see the “big picture” of what happens within WEA. This year’s RA will be held in Spokane from May 17 through 19. NSEA will pay your expenses, including release time, travel to Spokane, hotel accommodations (double occupancy), and meals. NSEA has budgeted to send 10 delegates to WEA-RA this year. No previous experience is needed.

Nomination procedure: Review the NSEA WEA-RA Nomination Packet. Send completed nomination form to NSEA by Monday, December 12th. Election will be held in February.

NSEA Delegate to the NEA-Rep Assembly
Overview: NEA-RA is the annual gathering of representative from the National Education Association affiliates around the country. Much like the WEA-RA (above), but on a national scale. This year’s NEA-RA will be held June 30 through July 5 in Washington DC. NSEA will pay for one delegate’s travel and hotel expenses.

Nomination procedure: Review the NSEA NEA-RA Nomination Packet. Send completed nomination form to NSEA by Monday, December 12th. Election will be held in February.

UniServ Council Directors to the WEA Board
Overview: WEA Board Directors generally meet at WEA Headquarters in Federal Way and are involved in critical decisions about Association policy related to public education and they help administer decisions made by delegates of the WEA Representative Assembly (the WEA’s highest decision-making body). Terms are for two years.

Nomination procedure: Review the overview and complete the appropriate paperwork in the 2011-12 N&E Packet. Nomination must be received at WEA Headquarters by 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 14th. If you want NSEA to send your nomination form in for you, please make sure NSEA receives it by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7th.

NEA State Delegate to the NEA-Rep Assembly
Overview: Delegates to the WEA Representative Assembly elect NEA State Directors. NEA State Directors meet at NEA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. They are involved in critical decisions about Association policy related to public education and they help administer decisions made by delegates of the NEA Representative Assembly (the NEA’s highest decision-making body)..

Nomination procedure: Review the overview and complete the appropriate paperwork in the 2011-12 N&E Packet. Nomination must be received at WEA Headquarters by 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 14th. If you want NSEA to send your nomination form in for you, please make sure NSEA receives it by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7th.

NEA State Director to the NEA Board
Overview: Those elected to be an NEA State Delegate serve a two-year term and represent all members of the WEA at the NEA Representative Assembly.

Nomination procedure: Review the overview and complete the appropriate paperwork in the 2011-12 N&E Packet. Nomination must be received at WEA Headquarters by 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 14th. If you want NSEA to send your nomination form in for you, please make sure NSEA receives it by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 7th.

Do YOU Have an Appetite for Politics?

2011-11-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Do you have an “appetite for politics”--the process of shaping our community and world?
If you contribute to WEA-PAC (or will be) OR if you joined the effort to elect a School Board that RESPECTS educators, then you are invited to:

Appetite for Politics

(MEET OTHERS, SHARE YOUR IDEAS, ENJOY! This is NOT a meeting…read on...)

Tuesday, November 15, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm: Drop by or stay. Very short program at 4:15.

What Appetite for Politics IS:
A social event for politically-minded NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members to meet and talk with others in an informal setting. At our inaugural gathering, we’ll discuss the School Board race and what the results mean for us moving forward; the proposed education budget cuts and our Day of Action on Nov.28; and any other topics you want to share with others who attend. Appetizers and beverages will be served!

What Appetite for Politics ISN’T:
A formal meeting! We won’t ask you to do anything except show up, eat, drink, and talk to your like-minded colleagues. We won’t have a structured agenda. We will not be endorsing particular political candidates or asking for political contributions. Talk, listen, learn, and enjoy each other!

When?
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. We’ll have a brief program around 4:15 pm. Come when you can. Stay until you want to leave.

Where?
The WEA/Cascade UniServ Council Office located at 18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101, Bothell, WA--across from Pop Keeney. Click here for directions.

Other info:

If possible, RSVP to Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org. An RSVP is NOT required to attend this event, but it will help us figure out how much food to order.
Appetizers, wine, and soft drinks will be served. ($1 donation requested for wine.)
Bring a colleague—NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members are invited!
If you can’t make this Appetite for Politics event, we’ll have more throughout the year and we’ll send you future invites.

Tip of the Week: 18 IQ Hours

2011-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

NSEA TIP OF THE WEEK

WHAT ARE THESE 18 INSTRUCTIONAL QUALITY HOURS ABOUT?

In our new Contract, we agreed to record 18 hours of IQ work as part of a compromise that maintained the 1.9% of our pay that the State cut funding for. The Administration/School Board agreed to fund it with local levy funds, and add it to our Responsibility Factor stipend. Additionally, we agreed to work one SIP Day on April 13—similarly added. The total 25.5 hours equals 1.9% of our base pay.

It is more work for the same pay—not something we’d normally agree to, but a deal NSEA members voted 95% to ratify in these hard times. Those who don’t wish to work or record these hours don’t have to. If not included in your Cert Time Report you turn into Payroll by June 30, the pay will simply be deducted from your August check. (The 18 hours and the April 13 SIP Day are pro-rated for part time staff. All other kinds of hours/days recorded on the annual Cert Time Report are not pro-rated.)

The 18 IQ hours represent, for most NSEA members, simply recording work we already do--but has not been customarily paid. It must be outside the regular work day or year. And it cannot be our regular daily work (i.e., lesson planning). And the activities must move district goals, performance measures, initiatives (including joint NSEA/District ones), or curriculum adoptions forward. Customarily paid activities must continue to be paid—not offering IQ hours instead of actual extra pay. (For example, training to implement new curricula, or any required additional training/work must continue to be paid. If any such paid work is instead offered as IQ hours, please contact us immediately, and we will correct this error.)

That leaves lots of unpaid work we already do as eligible for recording as IQ hours. The form on pages 187 and 188 of our Contract includes samples. There is also an updated list of activities, workshops, books, articles, etc that may be included as IQ hours in the Teacher Toolbox on the NSD Teacher Leadership website. The form requires that you list the activities you plan, and discuss it in advance with your Principal/Supervisor.

Some of the most common kinds of unpaid extra hours many of us are already doing that will qualify as IQ hours are: “Committee and/or department/grade level work beyond the designated meeting times such as….department/grade level meetings; Curricular work organized by school leadership teams; Professional learning community meetings outside the work day; Job-alike collaborative work for the visual and performing arts, CTE, ELL, SLPs, OT/PTs and librarians; Grade level/content area teams meeting in conjunction with librarians, counselors, and/or Special Education teachers; Education classes, trainings and/or workshops; and Professional book studies aligned with district instructional goals.” There are many more listed.

There is a rumor that the work must be done with others, on District property. This is not accurate. It must meet the underlined criteria above.

The best overall explanation of ALL of the extra days/hours is the 2 page Certificated Time Report, which is on pages 189 and 190. To see the IQ hours worksheet, click here. Reminder: Our full contract is available online (click here). If you have questions, please contact your NSEA Building Rep, or the NSEA office.

Together, we are creating great schools!

Here's Why We Support BZ DAVIS and JANET QUINN

2011-10-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

BZ DAVIS was on the School Board for 16 years. Her record is clear; she is one of the people responsible for making Northshore a great school district. She is thoughtful and as committed to our community's students as we are. She respects the perspective of the teachers, assistants, and others who work in the classroom with our students. BZ DAVIS values our knowledge, experience, and success with our community's students.

Her opponent, Dawn McCravey, does not try to tap the expertise of our teachers and other educators. Her views are shaped by the latest fads promoted by reformers—not actual professional practitioners in our classrooms. She is a proponent of a misguided "carrots and sticks" approach to teachers which is detrimental to our students. McCravey prefers to keep her known views limited to vague generalities. She would not meet with our Associations nor answer any written questions to disclose her views on education in Northshore.

JANET QUINN, on the School Board for over 5 years, is a thoughtful leader who has been involved in our schools in many capacities for over 15 years. She considers the views of all Northshore stakeholders carefully. Her opponent, Joe Marshall, has not been involved in Northshore's schools at all. Our district is better led by Janet, who has experience and a decent record—not an unknown with no experience or record .

ALL of the professional organizations/unions of Northshore's teachers, paradeucators, nurses, assistants, and office staff support BZ DAVIS and JANET QUINN—NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA. No Northshore professional organization or union supports their opponents. Be at the phone bank to let the voters know!

October 2011 President's Message

2011-10-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Colleague,

The 2011-2012 school year is off to a fast start. It’s hard to believe we’re already into October. I hope your year is starting out well.

THE ATTACKS ON YOU—AND US—CONTINUE.
Public education, educators, unions, State budgets, and the American Dream are under attack throughout the nation.   The media tells us that “bad teachers” are a huge problem, and the public conversation on education has become, “How can we get rid of bad teachers?” We want to change the public conversation to, “How can we work together to support our educators and schools?”

These attacks, lies, and misinformation will not simply go away if we ignore them.  We are being drowned out by money, and are possibly an election away from becoming Wisconsin, or Ohio, Michigan, or Idaho. We need to get better organized—to build a powerful community of educators at each school working together—and with parents. Let’s create an attractive public alternative to corporate “ed reform” efforts, based on the experience and expertise of real educators!

Let’s create a better future for ourselves and for the next generation!  There is cause for optimism as more and more people are beginning to stand up. The new Executive Board met to set the year’s goals and budget, and we had a successful and intense Saturday Leadership Training day with our Building Reps and leaders in September. Our top priorities this fall are keeping Northshore great and making our Association stronger. Here’s how:

IT’S YOUR VOICE vs. HER SIGNS AND MISINFORMATION. SHARE YOUR VOICE WITH OUR COMMUNITY.
NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA support BZ DAVIS and JANET QUINN for the upcoming School Board election. These two candidates value collaborative work and are passionate about keeping Northshore great. They respect educators’ perspectives and would best lead our district.

BZ and Janet need our help to win this election. Our community needs to hear YOUR voice. We are phone banking Monday through Thursday from October 17th to November 7th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm (No phoning on Halloween). We’ll be calling Northshore residents to spread the word about these two quality candidates. Come to our office on any of these days for 1 ½ hours, or however long you can. We’ll provide a script and snacks. Or come with your school colleagues on your school’s scheduled evening. Either way, please let your Building Rep know. Bring family or friends. An RSVP is not essential. See the “Political Action” section of our website, northshoreea.blogspot.com, for more information.

WEAVING A STRONG ORGANIZATION WITH ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS!
To withstand the attacks and move public education forward, we need a strong organization. We want to know what’s working well, what you’re passionate about, and what’s frustrating you—to get to know each other. Your voice, your thoughts, experiences and concerns are vital to us!

WEA locals around the State have decided to sit down and talk with a minimum of 12,000 members by December. Here in Northshore, our goal is to talk to at least 10% of our members by the Winter Break. Building Reps and Exec Board members have learned how to conduct one-on-one conversations and will be talking to their colleagues soon. If an Exec Board or Rep Council member asks to speak to you, please take the time to have this important conversation.

ORGANIZING SCHOOLS TO STRENGTHEN NSEA
NSEA’s strength comes from its members. There are so many ways you can get involved with NSEA at your building. You can become a Building Rep, act as a Department Communicator, or be the liaison to your PTA/PTSA. See your Building Rep for ways to get involved!

Thank you for your hard work and enthusiasm. We’re looking forward to another successful school year!

Tim Brittell, NSEA President

Read the full version of the October 2011 Northshore News here.

Register NOW for a Retirement Seminar!

2011-09-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

Registration is now open for the popular WEA Retirement Seminars. This year, seminars and registration will be run through the Cascade UniServ Council—not through the NSEA Office. Several seminars will be held throughout the year, but you do need to register in order to attend. More information can be found online at: http://www.weacascade.org/images/stories/trainings/flyer-and-registration-form-2011-12.pdf.

For Your Viewing Pleasure...

2011-09-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Think merit pay will improve our schools and make for better teachers? Think again!

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don't: Traditional rewards aren't always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories -- and maybe, a way forward.

Check out an animated illustration of Dan Pink's speech:

Tip of the Week: Save Money!

2011-09-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

NSEA TIP OF THE WEEK

September 6, 2011

SAVE BIG MONEY WITH A PRE-TAX TUITION ACCOUNT.

Save about 30% on any college, classes, and conferences through August 31, 2011: Use a Pre-Tax Tuition Account.
It is easy and there is no risk. Unused funds will be paid to you.
DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 1ST.

You can save about 30% on ANY and ALL work-related classes, conferences, and related materials (books, etc. used in the class) this school year by using the Pre-Tax Tuition Reimbursement Account (Article 29 of our contract). This is a negotiated benefit that has been in effect for several years.

If you are taking college classes, other work-related training/courses, or going to a work-related conference this school year (September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2012), you can get reimbursed on a PRE-TAX basis by the District from your salary. It will reimburse you for tuition, fees, and related materials (books, etc. used in the course). As no FICA, federal taxes, pension contributions, etc. will be deducted from this amount, that means a savings of about 30% for you. In other words, if your tuition is $1,000, and you get reimbursed for $1,000 WITHOUT TAXES WITHHELD, it will SAVE YOU ABOUT $300. (The exact percentage depends on your family’s tax rate, and your pension plan’s contribution rate.)

THERE IS NO RISK TO CREATING A PRE-TAX TUITION ACCOUNT. Any funds that you do not use for courses, etc. will be REFUNDED to you (minus taxes) on your August 2010 paycheck.

Here’s how to do this:

Estimate the amount of money you will spend on this between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2012
Fill out the Conversion Request form and turn It in to Lance Andahl landahl@nsd.org in the Human Resources Office by October 1st.
The amount of money that you put on the form will be deducted from your TRI pay (Time, Responsibility, and Incentive pay….locally negotiated pay of $7,073 to $14,476 annually that is funded from the local levy) over the next 12 months. You can deduct any amount up to a maximum of your TRI pay. The District holds your money, and will reimburse you for your expenses on a pre-tax basis.
You pay the college or conference as you normally would.
You submit proof of payment to Human Resources. You may do so up to 3 times per year. Your last submission must be by July 15, 2012 in order to receive reimbursement on a pre-tax basis.
Any remaining funds withheld by the District will be PAID to you in your August pay, minus taxes.

This Pre-Tax Tuition Reimbursement Program is part of our collective bargaining agreement, and will be in effect every year in the future, unless the contract changes or IRS rules change. It is Article 29 of the CBA, on page 73.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO RETIRE SOON, you will probably want to maximize your final average earnings (to maximize your pension) and thus will likely be better off by NOT getting any pre-tax reimbursement. (No pension contributions are paid on the amount that is not taxed. It does not count, then, for calculating your pension. If you are in Plan 1, your final 24 months of pay are averaged to determine your pension. If you are in Plans 2 and 3, your final 60 months of pay are used.)

Like us on Facebook:http://facebook.com/northshoreea

Welcome Back!

2011-09-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Dear NSEA Colleague,

Welcome back to school! I hope this finds you filled with the excitement that surrounds the start of school each year! I want to thank Jennifer Bollinger from Frank Love Elementary for allowing me to come into her kindergarten class today and help with her new students. It was a lot of fun and reinforced in my mind that sainthood should be extended to all kindergarten teachers!

We are elated that school has started! Having completed negotiations and our Contract Vote last June, school was able to start without any uncertainty. Our new contract has 47 changes that improve our schools and our profession! Yes, collective bargaining works to improve our schools and profession. THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT, we achieved the three goals set by our Building Reps in April, before we began negotiations.

We implemented as much of the NSEA Plan for Student Success as possible, given financial constraints. (If you haven’t read it, please check it out here: short version; long version)
We continued and enhanced the respect for our professional judgment and time—in a HUGE way. NSEA and the District agreed to, “…Share authority, responsibility, and accountability for decisions about instructional quality” via a groundbreaking Partnership on Instructional Quality. Together, with your participation, we’ll study and select a new Instructional Framework—a description of high quality instruction. Using that Framework, we’ll build a new evaluation system (to be implemented by 2013-2014) and create professional development to enable all staff to improve our instructional practices. And our new Technology Leadership Committee brings our voice to the table in ALL technology decisions—even telephones.
We protected our current compensation. Despite severe State cuts, we were able to maintain our annual salaries. This required agreeing to something that in normal times we would not have been willing to do—working more for the same salary: one additional SIP Day, and recording 18 Instructional Quality hours.

Our new two year Agreement is at the print shop, and you’ll be getting a copy by the end of September. In the meantime, you can read a summary of the changes here: http://www.weacascade.org/images/stories/nsea/taoverview.pdf. And you can refer to the full contract text on line here: http://www.weacascade.org/images/stories/nsea/2011-2013cba-printready-082411.pdf. The index, beginning on page 191 is a big help. Please refer to the Contract Page on our website for important documents, MOUs, and letters of agreement. We appreciate the leadership of our Superintendent, Larry Francois, who believes, like us, that educators are the education experts. And we appreciate the bargaining team he appointed, especially Laurie Ferwerda, Carolyn O’Keeffe, Sue Dedrick, and Kathleen Poole. As we said, “TOGETHER, WE ARE RESPECTED AND VALUED”—and we are moving forward together!

WHO ARE YOUR SCHOOL’s NSEA BUILDING REPS? Each school can elect 1 Building Rep for every 15 NSEA members staffed at the school. Be sure your school is fully represented. The Building Reps meet monthly to make important decisions that affect you—like the bargaining goals above. Your current (or last year’s) Building Reps have a description of what an NSEA Building Rep does. If you are interested in being a Building Rep, contact them—or contact the NSEA office. Building Reps and other NSEA leaders will meet on Saturday, Sept 17 for an exciting Fall Saturday Leadership Conference.

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, SEPT 9: Save about 30% on Childcare and on Health Care Out of Pocket Expenses by using Northshore’s Section 125 Plan. You can get reimbursed for these costs on a PRE-TAX basis, instead of paying for them with earnings that you have already you’ve paid income & FICA taxes on. You must submit your enrollment form by Friday, Sept. 9 Details and forms are here: http://www.nsd.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=45637&. (This is a negotiated benefit: Article 55.15)

FRIDAY SEPT 9 DEADLINE: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT CLOSES http://www.nsd.org/education/dept/dept.php?sectionid=1359

Lots of info at NSD’s Employee Home site. Find out about Pro-cert classes, new stipend payment info for Board Certified teachers, leave forms, etc: http://www.nsd.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=51877

NSEA’s web site is a great source of info, and is updated by Lydia King every few days. Make it a “favorite.” http://northshoreea.blogspot.com Please contact us, or your Building Reps, regarding any concerns. Welcome back!

Tim Brittell,NSEA President

Important Information for August

2011-08-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

The start of school is almost here! Below is an email sent from Tim Brittell to all members (home email addresses) in mid-August. If you are not receiving emails from NSEA at your home, please contact Lydia King.

Dear Colleague,

If you have been reading your emails from NSEA, and went to the June Contract Vote, there is nothing new in this email. But we thought we’d send out this update in case your summer (or this strange sunshine) has caused your memory of work to slip a little!

• BZ DAVIS and JANET QUINN for SCHOOL BOARD: Whether you know them or not, the 5 School Board members are some of the most important people in your life! They hire the Superintendent---and who they hire affects your worklife and school every day. Every key decision made by the District, and everything we negotiate, must be approved (or disapproved) by them.

NSEA leaders and leaders from NESPA and NEOPA interviewed the candidates back in mid July, and we sent you an email with the rationale for this important decision. (Dawn McCravey, the current School Board prez, against whom former School Board prez BZ Davis is running, refused to complete a questionnaire or be interviewed by us.) If you didn’t see that email from NSEA, PLEASE take a look at this link to the NSEA website: http://northshoreea.blogspot.com/p/political-action.html

BZ’s and Janet’s websites are up and running. You may wish to offer your name as an individual endorser, make a contribution, or offer to help. NSEA will also be offering you many opportunities to help. Visit their sites: http://www.bzdavis.com/ and http://janetquinn.net/. Ballots will be mailed out to our community on October 20. Please start talking to your neighbors and friends now, to encourage them to support BZ and Janet. The NSEA website (http://northshoreea.blogspot.com/p/political-action.html) offers info you can share.

• 18 INSTRUCTIONAL QUALITY HOURS: In the new Contract we ratified on June 15, we agreed that employees will document 18 “Instructional Quality Hours” in order to avoid a pay cut that would otherwise be caused by the 1.9% reduction in State salary funding. We also agreed to a Site Improvement Day on Friday, April 13. (This 18 IQ hours + 7.5 SIP Day hours is equivalent to 1.9% of compensation, and we thus maintained our pay with local levy funding.) Most of us already do more than 18 “Instructional Quality” hours, so this will not necessarily involve more work. But it will involve documentation and approval of that work in order to count towards these IQ hours.

Below is a link to the form to use, which includes a description of the activities that count as “Instructional Quality Hours.” Please note:

o These activities are beyond your regular daily work like lesson planning or correcting work. And the work must be outside of your work day.
o The extra work that you are normally paid for (like curriculum training) continues to be paid; the IQ hours do not replace any currently paid work. There is no change in this. As always, any professional development that you must have in order to do your work continues to be paid at the C-7 rate: $40.89. Paid hours don’t count as IQ hours; they are already paid.
o You can begin counting your hours for 2011-2012 NOW, as of August 15—this week. However, you do need your Principal’s approval of the specific activities. This approval is guaranteed for any of the activities listed on the form.
o There will be a continually updated list of activities and kinds of activities on NSD.org’s Teacher Leadership website under the Teacher Toolbox.

Click here for the form and details. You will be getting a paper copy of this form and your 2011-2012 Certificated Time Report with a complete explanation of all of your extra hours when work begins the last week of August.

• 15 TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION HOURS: There is no change in this. You can continue to document your 15 hours for: Tech PD; curriculum related tech integration work with a TOSA; outside coursework approved by principal/supervisor; lesson planning with technology integration; self-study using a tool like Atomic Learning; and the 1 hour automatically generated by your planning and documenting this. No change in uses or hours. The form for 2011-2012 is identical to last year’s form. Click here to see it.

• MANY EXCITING IMPROVEMENTS! Look for an NSEA meeting at your school in mid September, at which your Building Reps will distribute the new Contract, and show a brief PowerPoint on the most important changes. Please be there! (NSEA leaders, including BRs, will be meeting on Saturday, Sept. 17 to plan these meetings.) Also, right now you can read a summary of the contract changes we negotiated; the handout from the June Contract Vote Meeting is posted on the NSEA website: northshorea.blogspot.com. Scroll down to “Getting Ready for the New School Year,” and click on “Overview of the Tentative Agreement.”

• Check Out the NSEA website for videos, articles, and more! Have you seen the amazing videos of Matt Damon defending teachers? Or the video of Lawrence O’Donnell’s (MSNBC) blistering attack on using test scores to evaluate teachers? Check out our website for the videos: www.northshoreea.blogspot.com. We are also on Facebook!!

We are excited about the coming school year, and look forward to making it a great year—together!

Tim Brittell,
NSEA President

Matt Damon Stands Up for Teachers!

2011-08-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

Over the summer, Matt Damon spoke at the Save Our Schools rally in Washington, DC. Here are his thoughts on Ed Reform.

Check out the piece below, from Lawrence O'Donnell (MSNBC). He adds more insight to Damon's comments.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

And if you're looking for something more entertaining, watch Anderson Cooper and see why messing with Matt Damon is a bad idea.

Getting Read for the New School Year

2011-08-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe summer is almost over, but the 2011-2012 school year kicks off this month. Here are some resources that may be handy as you prepare for the new year:

2011-2012 NSD Calendar with NSEA Meeting Dates
2011-2012 NSEA Exec Board Info
Overview of the Tentative Agreement of the 2011-2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement (presented to and approved by members at the June 15 General Membership Meeting)
Information about IQ Hours: http://www.nsd.org/iqhours
Information about Tech Hours: http://www.nsd.org/nseatechpd

Over the summer, members from NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA unanimously decided to recommend BZ Davis and Janet Quinn for the NSD School Board. Click here to learn why.

How to contact NSEA

Tim Brittell, NSEA President
Email: tbrittell@washingtonea.org
Phone: 425-486-7101 ext. 110

Kraig Peck, WEA Staffperson
Email: kpeck@washingtonea.org
Phone: 425-486-7101 ext. 103

Lydia King, Administrative Assistant
Email: lking@washingtonea.org
Phone: 425-486-7010 ext. 111

Address:
18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101
Bothell, WA 98011
Fax: 425-486-7154

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Enjoy Your Summer!

2011-06-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

A big THANK YOU to the NSEA Exec Board, Rep Council, Bargaining Team and membership! It's been a busy year and we hope you have a fun, safe summer.

The NSEA office will be open with limited staffing throughout the summer. It may take a little longer than normal to get back to you, so please be patient!

Again, have a great summer!

NSEA Contact Info

Tim Brittell, NSEA President 425-486-7101 ext 110 tbrittell@washingtonea.org
Kraig Peck, WEA Staffperson 425-486-7101 ext 103 kpeck@washingtonea.org
Lydia King, Administrative Assistant 425-486-7101 ext 111 lking@washingtonea.org

2011-2012 Calendar

2011-06-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Click here for the 2011-2012 calendar.

TA Ratified!

2011-06-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

A substantial majority of NSEA's members attended the June 15th General Membership Meeting at Bothell High School. Those in attendance voted to ratify the tentative agreement by 95%.

Thank you to those who came! More details will be provided soon.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED!

2011-06-10T10:57:00.001-07:00

Important message from your NSEA Bargaining Team:

• TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED EARLY THIS MORNING.
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND VOTE AT NSEA CONTRACT VOTE MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15TH @ 4 PM. PLEASE BE THERE!

Dear NSEA Colleague,

Early this morning, we reached a tentative agreement with the admin/school board bargaining team on a new contract. Yesterday, we began the day at 7 am and concluded at 12:45 am today---after nearly 18 hours straight of negotiations. We are tired today, but pleased to recommend a tentative agreement to you. Details will be released at our meeting this coming Wednesday—not before.

The agreement is “tentative”—not final—until you vote to ratify it, and the School Board ratifies it.

Why should you be at our Contract Vote Meeting this coming Wednesday, June 15 @ 4 PM at Bothell High School’s gym?

• This tentative agreement has many changes affecting your compensation, work expectations, role in decision-making, and professional life. Some of these changes are complex. We will provide you with important information and answer your questions. Some of the information affects this summer---before a new contract will be printed. We will try to brief and to the point.

• We made difficult decisions in these negotiations, as is always the case. But ultimately, the decision is yours. As always, the decision will be made by those who are present to vote.

• The process that gives us a say in our professional lives is called collective bargaining for a good reason. It is our collective commitment to each other that gives us the ability to shape our professional lives this way. Attending a meeting such as this---every few years—is the minimal level of participation that signifies our collective commitment to each other. The number of educators in attendance is the best indicator to each other, our Association, and to the administration/school board that we have a collective commitment to each other.

We will provide more information about how the meeting will be conducted early next week. See you on Wednesday! THANK You for your continued support!

Your NSEA Negotiating Team,

Peggy Sherman, Gail Bauman, Patrick Holmes, Jon VandeMoortel, Jon Hedin, Chris Tracy, Julia Shirley, Kelly Griffin, Kraig Peck

Be There: June 15th

2011-06-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Please support your NSEA Bargaining Team!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15TH AT 4:00 PM!! BE THERE, PLEASE!

Whether or not we have completed negotiations, your presence at this meeting/vote is key to our success. If we have a tentative agreement to vote on, those attending will decide for everyone. If we have not completed negotiations, the number of NSEA members in attendance is the best indicator—both to your NSEA negotiating team and to the Administration/School Board team—of the degree to which NSEA members care about these issues and support our NSEA negotiators. A strong turnout will give us leverage in August, when we resume negotiations; a weak turnout will result in a weak contract.

We are pouring our hearts into this for all of us. Please do your part! See you at Bothell High School at 4:00 pm on June 15th!

Be sure to stay in the loop. Click here for bargaining updates.

"Like" Northshore EA on facebook and sign up to come to our General Membership Meeting on June 15th!

Looking for Bargaining News?

2011-05-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

We're busy at the bargaining table! Click on the Bargaining tab (above) for the latest news. Check our site often--we'll have regular bargaining updates posted on our site.

Your Building Rep will be giving you a TOGETHER WE ARE RESPECTED AND VALUED button and sign. Be sure to wear your button every day and hang your sign in your work space. If you need more copies of the sign or if you've lost your button, talk to your building rep.

Be There: May 17th

2011-05-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

TIRED OF THE ATTACKS ON TEACHERS AND PUBLIC EDUCATION?

OR…

READY FOR PAY CUTS AND LOSS OF JOB SECURITY AND HEALTH PLANS?

HELP STOP THE ATTACKS: BE THERE:

TUESDAY, MAY 17 @ 7:30 PM CASCADE HIGH SCHOOL

(801 East Casino Rd, Everett; About 20 minutes from Bothell Main St.)

WE HAVE INVITED 15 LEGISLATORS, AND MOST WILL BE THERE.

There is still a chance to influence YOUR future. The Legislature is still deciding YOUR future:

YOUR PAY: Proposals range from a few days fewer work, to a multi-year step freeze costing HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS for affected teachers, to a general reduction in pay of 3%,likely lasting forever, and also costing HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS in the course of a career. Keep in mind, though, that any budget cuts to Northshore that could impact pay would still be subject to negotiations.

YOUR JOB SECURITY: TODAY’s Seattle Time’s editorial states, “In the waning days of the Legislature’s Special Session, House Lawmakers think they have the votes for a last-ditch effort.” They are talking about the “End Teacher Job Security Bill” (our name for it) that would enable principals and administrators to decide whom to lay off—with no right to an appeal. We’d have the old system back: Keep your mouth shut to protect your job. And wouldn’t more senior (that is, expensive) teachers be laid off first—to save more jobs of less expensive teachers?

YOUR HEALTH BENEFITS: Legislators are considering a State takeover of all educator health benefits. Nice idea in theory, but their goal is to reduce the STATE’S costs---not your costs. If this passes, we’d likely pay even more for benefits, lose our ability to negotiate plans and pricing, and some would likely have to change doctors.

If you are not outraged, you are not awake to the biggest attack on teachers in your lifetime….so far.

Please be there this coming TUESDAY, MAY 17 @ 7:30 pm. Educators are coming from Northshore, Shoreline, Everett, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Bellingham and further north. Thousands will be there. Don’t miss this. It is an opportunity to make a difference in YOUR future, and in the future of PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Here is the link with directions to Cascade High School. Directions to Cascade High School, Everett: 20 minutes It’s only about 20 minutes from Bothell Main St.

Invite your co-workers, family and friends. And give your NSEA Building Rep a hand, by asking your colleagues to be there.

More information on these issues is at www.OurVoiceWashingtonea.org. Please go there to send an email to your Legislators AGAIN. Some of them have SHORT memories, and need to hear from you AGAIN. Remember: use your home email address, home computer, and personal cell phone for political communication; do not use district property.

Tip of the Week: WEA-RA is This Week!

2011-05-10T13:23:00.001-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

May 9-13, 2011

WEA-Rep Assembly is This Week!

This week in Tacoma, more than 1,000 of your colleagues from across the state will meet to participate in the Washington Education Association’s Representative Assembly. RA delegates will meet, speak, listen, debate and vote for two and a half days on important NBIs (new business items) that will shape WEA’s future.

NSEA is sending 8 delegates to the WEA-RA in Tacoma this year. Representing your interests are:

• Tom James, Kokanee
• Steve Johnson, Shelton View and current NSEA Vice President
• Sharon McLaughlin, Bothell HS
• Tim Rhoades, Crystal Springs
• Sheri Setzer, Canyon Park JH
• Peggy Sherman, Bear Creek and NSEA Bargaining Team Chair
• Julie Shirley, Woodinville High School and NSEA Bargaining Team member
• Barbara Stratton, Inglemoor HS and NSEA Exec Board member

Also attending Rep Assembly as WEA Board Members are:

• Tim Brittell, NSEA President
• Lynn Emerson, Crystal Springs and NSEA Secretary/Treasurer

We’ll send a WEA-RA overview next week and Building Reps will get a full report of what happened at WEA-RA at our Monday, May 16th Rep Council meeting. Thank you to all the WEA-RA delegates who are taking time away from their classrooms to attend this important meeting!

Tip of the Week: Elections Update

2011-05-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

May 2-6, 2011

NSEA Elections Update

There were no contested races for NSEA positions. Nominations closed and, at the April 18th Rep Council meeting, Building Reps approved the NSEA Officers/Exec Board/CMC nominees by acclamation. There will be no need to run an election this month.

The Officer/Exec Board/Contract Maintenance Committee positions filled are:

President: Tim Brittell
Vice President: Cathy Garrand (KJH)
Exec Board, Primary Elementary: Jaime Clarke (Ken Elem)
Exec Board, Junior High: Jon VandeMoortel (NJH)
Exec Board, Specialists: Donna Matthies (NJH)
Exec Board, At-Large: Gail Bauman (NJH)
Contract Maintenance Committee, Primary Elementary: Barb Pope (CC)

NSEA would like to thank outgoing Vice President Steve Johnson (SV) and outgoing board members Michelle Ward (WO) and Yvonne McCord (LJH) for their years of service and ongoing commitment to NSEA. Thank you for your leadership and insight. You will be missed!

The new NSEA Exec Board for 2011-2012 is as follows:

President: Tim Brittell
Vice President: Cathy Garrand (KJH)
Secretary/Treasurer: Lynn Emerson
Primary Elementary: Jaime Clarke (Ken Elem)
Intermediate Elementary: Justine Hurley (LW)
Junior High: Jon VandeMoortel (NJH)
Senior High: Zane Mills (IHS)
Special Ed: Barbara Stratton (IHS)
Specialists: Donna Matthies (NJH)
At-Large: Patrick Holmes (BHS)
At-Large: Gail Bauman (NJH)

The new NSEA Contract Maintenance Committee is as follows:

Primary Elementary: Barb Pope (CC)
Intermediate Elementary: Vacant
Junior High: Julia Smith (CPJH)
High School: Deirdre Duffy (BHS)
Specialists: Vacant
Special Ed: Julie Shirley (WHS)
Exec Board: Justine Hurley (LW)

Terms for Officers, Exec Board, and Contract Maintenance Committee begin on July 1st. Vacant Contract Maintenance Committee (CMC) positions (CMC Intermediate Elementary and CMC Specialists) will be appointed by the NSEA President, with approval from the NSEA Exec Board and Rep Council.

Tip of the Week: Getting Your 15 Tech Hours

2011-04-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

April 25-29, 2011

Getting Your 15 Tech Hours

DID YOU KNOW THAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE, FOR GETTING YOUR 15 HOURS COMPLETED?

INCLUDING LESSON PLANNING WITH TECH INTEGRATION.
INCLUDING ON-LINE LEARNING.

Fifteen Hours of Technology Integration Professional Development must be documented and submitted to Payroll by June 30 in order to get your full Responsibility pay. This is part of your Certificated Time Report for 60 hours of pay, negotiated locally and funded by our local levies.

But did you know that there are a RANGE OF ACTIVITIES that are available for you? Attending a class is only one of them. The others are:

Lesson Planning with Technology Integration.
Curriculum-related technology integration work with a TOSA.
Self study using a tool like Atomic Learning. It might be helpful to first view the How-To video on the district podcast page called Insite. To get there:

go to http://www.nsd.org/insite
click on the category “web tools”
then locate “[how-to] Atomic Learning”
The Atomic Learning log in page is located at https://www.atomiclearning.com/login/northshoresd Remember, you can narrow your search for tutorials specific to Mac Applications

Below is a link to the form you use for planning and submitting your 15 hours. These options are listed on the form.

http://www.nsd.org/education/page/download.php?fileinfo=VGVjaF9JbnRlZ3JhdGlvbl9QRF9Xb3Jrc2hlZXQucGRmOjo6L3d3dy9zY2hvb2xzL3NjL3JlbW90ZS9pbWFnZXMvZG9jbWdyLzE1NjE5ZmlsZTk5NTE4LnBkZg

Questions? Contact Tim Brittell at tbrittell@washingtonea.org or 425-486-7101 ext 110

Here is the link to the Certificated Time Report. The Tech Integration is D.2 on this report:

http://www.nsd.org/education/page/download.php?fileinfo=MjAxMC0xMV9DZXJ0aWZpZWRfVGltZV9SZXBvcnQucGRmOjo6L3d3dy9zY2hvb2xzL3NjL3JlbW90ZS9pbWFnZXMvZG9jbWdyLzE1NjE5ZmlsZTk5NTE2LnBkZg

Special Session Begins: Keep the Calls Coming!

2011-04-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

LEGISLATURE RESUMES IN “SPECIAL SESSION” TODAY…
TO DECIDE ON YOUR “SPECIAL” FUTURE: PAY, BENEFITS, CLASS SIZE, AND JOB SECURITY ARE AT STAKE.
UP TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF $$ LOSS IS POSSIBLE FOR EACH TEACHER.
AIRWAVES BLITZED IN SUPPORT OF PLAN TO ELIMINATE TEACHER JOB SECURITY.
CALL OR EMAIL AGAIN, PLEASE. KEEP THEM COMING, WEEKLY. DON’T LET UP.

Because the House and Senate could not agree on a final budget last week, the Legislature resumed today (Tuesday) for a “Special Session” to complete the budget. This could take anywhere from a couple of days to a month. Even the Legislators don’t know how long this will take. Details are at www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org.

HERE’S WHAT THE LEGISLATURE IS CONSIDERING RIGHT NOW: CHOPPING YOUR PAY, BENEFITS, JOB SECURITY, AND INCREASING YOUR CLASS SIZE:

$1600 PAY CUT: A “TEACHER TAX”. The average cut to a teacher would be about $1600. If not restored, these cuts would range from $466,000 in the career in of a newer teacher, top $349,000 for a mid-career teacher, and $178,000 for a senior teacher.
TAKING OVER OUR HEALTH PLANS. If enacted, this would result in higher costs, fewer choices, and possibly the need to change doctors. We would lose the voice we now have in designing the plans to meet our needs, through negotiations. The goal of the sponsors of this bill is not to improve our plans, or save us money, but to cut the State’s costs, and raise ours.
LARGER CLASSES BY CUTTING FUNDING FOR OVER 1,000 TEACHING JOBS. In addition to suspending the I-728 funds for lower classes, they are proposing to eliminate the existing funding for smaller K-4 class sizes–at a time when Washington students already have the third-worst class sizes in the country.
END TEACHER JOB SECURITY BILL: PRINCIPALS TO DECIDE WHO TO LAY OFF. Although we defeated this earlier in the Session, it’s back! If passed, we’d be laid off based on a rating derived from our evaluations, without any appeal rights. This would not affect only “bad” teachers. How about “expensive” teachers—those with more experience? How long would it take for any District to figure out how to save money? How about teachers who voice concerns to principals who have “all the answers”? Tell Legislators to “Vote NO on the Senate amendments to HB 1443.” Proponents of this Bill, a group called Stand for Children (funded by Gates and Broad Foundations), are blitzing the airwaves, asking the public to call Legislators. If YOU are not making your calls, Legislators will be swayed by this blitz.

HERE’S WHAT TO DO:

PLEASE CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS AGAIN: Even if you don’t know who they are, the Legislative Hotline operators will tell you. Call 1-800-562-6000 from your HOME or CELL phone, NOT from a school phone.
Go to OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org, and email your legislators AGAIN. You can also find out more. Get your spouse and friends to do the same. Or email them directly using this protocol: firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov .

HERE’S THE MESSAGE TO LEGISLATORS:
“Vote NO on the End Teacher Job Security Bill—the Senate amendments to HB 1443. Oppose cuts to educator pay. If cuts are necessary, cut days for teachers (and not low paid support professionals). Vote no on any State takeover of health benefits. Vote no on the permanent elimination of class size funds.”

Urgent "Air Support" is Needed!

2011-04-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Colleague,

Earlier today, we told you that we were on the road, on our way to Olympia. Our bus made it to Olympia! Now, we’re at the Capitol, meeting with our Legislators. We’re taking the day “in the trenches” working to get Legislators to make the commitments we need. While we’re “in the trenches,” can you provide us with some “air support?”

Public education, our schools, our compensation, and our union are UNDER ATTACK. We are not winning, and there is much to lose! TODAY: Please get on your CELL phone (during non-work time). Dial the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. (Don’t know who your Legislators are? That’s ok. They will tell you!) The message to leave is below.

We know it’s going to be bad. But, with your support, we CAN prevent the worst damage.

HERE’S THE MESSAGE TO LEGISLATORS FROM YOUR CELL PHONE: “Vote NO on the End Teacher Job Security Bill—the Senate amendments to HB 1443. Oppose cuts to educator pay. If cuts are necessary, cut days for teachers (and not low paid support professionals). Vote no on any State takeover of health benefits. Vote no on the permanent elimination of class size funds.” Take your time, and leave the FULL message for your House and Senate legislators.

If the Hotline is busy, try again later. Details are at www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org. You can also email your Legislators (even if you don’t know who they are) from www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org. From your HOME computer, on non-work time, please.

Tim Brittell,
NSEA President
www.northshoreea.blogspot.com

On the Road to Olympia

2011-04-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

THIS MORNING, YOUR COLLEAGUES ARE ON THE WAY TO OLYMPIA, TO PROTECT YOUR SCHOOL, PAY, AND BENEFITS!!

HAVE YOU MADE YOUR PHONE CALL TO OLYMPIA TODAY? ARE YOU “ON THE BUS?”

SEE BELOW…AND MAKE YOUR CALL TO THE HOTLINE FROM YOUR CELL PHONE (NOT SCHOOL PHONE) DURING NON-WORK TIME.

OR GO TO www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org, and send an email from your HOME email address.

EDUCATORS FROM NORTHSHORE, LAKE WASHINGTON, EDMONDS, AND SHORELINE EAs JUST LEFT FOR OLYMPIA. HERE’S WHAT THE LEGISLATOR IS CONSIDERING RIGHT NOW: CHOPPING YOUR PAY, BENEFITS, JOB SECURITY, AND INCREASING YOUR CLASS SIZE:

• $1600 PAY CUT: A “TEACHER TAX”. There are two different proposals: Freezing salary steps or a 3 percent cut in funding for all K-12 employees’ salaries (which would be negotiated locally and could result in fewer school days). The average cut to a teacher would be about $1600. If not restored, these cuts would range from $466,000 in the career in of a newer teacher, top $349,000 for a mid-career teacher, and $178,000 for a senior teacher. And don’t think a step freeze is better; it’s part of an effort to deconstruct our salary schedule to pave the way for pay based on student tests, supported by some legislators.

• TAKING OVER OUR HEALTH PLANS. If enacted, this would result in higher costs, fewer choices, and possibly the need to change doctors. We would lose the voice we now have in designing the plans to meet our needs, through negotiations. The goal of the sponsors of this bill is not to improve our plans, or save us money, but to cut the State’s costs, and raise ours.

• LARGER CLASSES BY CUTTING FUNDING FOR OVER 1,000 TEACHING JOBS. In addition to suspending the I-728 funds for lower classes, they are proposing to eliminate the existing funding for smaller K-4 class sizes–at a time when Washington students already have the third-worst class sizes in the country.

• END TEACHER JOB SECURITY BILL: PRINCIPALS TO DECIDE WHO TO LAY OFF. Although we defeated this earlier in the Session, it’s back! If passed, we’d be laid off based on a rating derived from our evaluations, without any appeal rights. This would not affect only “bad” teachers. How about “expensive” teachers—those with more experience? How long would it take for any District to figure out how to save money? How about teachers who voice concerns to principals who have “all the answers”? Tell Legislators to “Vote NO on the Senate amendments to HB 1443.”

HERE’S WHAT TO DO:

• CALL YOUR LEGISLATORS: Even if you don’t know who they are, the Legislative Hotline operators will tell you. Call 1-800-562-6000 from your HOME or CELL phone, NOT from a school phone.

• Go to OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org, and email your legislators AGAIN. You can also find out more. Get your spouse and friends to do the same. Or email them directly using this protocol: firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov .

HERE’S THE MESSAGE TO LEGISLATORS: “Vote NO on the End Teacher Job Security Bill—the Senate amendments to HB 1443. Oppose cuts to educator pay. If cuts are necessary, cut days for teachers (and not low paid support professionals). Vote no on any State takeover of health benefits. Vote no on the permanent elimination of class size funds.”

Tim, Kevin, Andi, and Eric
Presidents of NSEA, LWEA, EEA, and SEA

This Budget Will Hurt You

2011-04-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS HURT KIDS AND EDUCATORS
TELL THEM, “STOP THE ATTACK ON SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS.”

You've probably seen the headlines or heard the radio spots: "State Senate slashes education funding."

It's worse than that. The Senate budget proposal cuts $2,000 PER STUDENT. So if you have 25 students in your classroom, your school district will have $50,000 less to educate those kids. But the standards and expectations remain the same.

Outrageous, isn't it? Here's what legislators in Olympia are proposing, in either the House budget, the Senate budget, or both:

A 3 percent cut in funding for all K-12 employees' salaries (which would be negotiated locally and could result in fewer school days).
Freezing salary steps, which is a tax on every teacher with up to 16 years of experience and the first move toward basing our pay on student performance.
Cutting more than 1,000 teaching jobs by eliminating the existing funding for smaller K-4 class sizes -- at a time our students already have the third-worst class sizes in the country.
Taking over our health care plan---meaning higher costs and fewer choices for you.
Eliminating voter-approved cost-of-living adjustments (I-732) and funding for smaller class sizes (I-728).
Reducing incentive pay for National Board Certified teachers.
Cutting funding for Running Start, school breakfast, vocational programs and dozens of other education programs that benefit kids.
Slashing higher education funding, making college unaffordable for students from middle-class and working families.
Cutting pensions for teachers in Plan 1.

And the Senate passed a bill that forces schools to adopt a statewide teacher layoff policy that ignores local needs, eliminates local decision-making and links layoffs to evaluations.

As a teacher and a parent, I wish there were easy solutions. There aren't. We didn't cause the global economic crisis, nor did our students. And thanks to Tim Eyman, it's nearly impossible for the Legislature to raise revenue this year.

So what CAN we do? Go to www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org, learn more and then share your voice. Let legislators, the media and the public know how these budget cuts will hurt our students and harm our kids' future.

Tell them the truth. They need to hear it--NOW. www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org.

Thank you for all you do. Don’t give up! CONTINUE to contact your legislators. You can do that at www.OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org. Or you can CALL them at 1-800-562-6000. You don’t need to know who they are. These systems will tell you.

Tim Brittell, NSEA President

Political Action Needed: Call NOW to Prevent Pay Cuts

2011-04-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

• THE “END TEACHER JOB SECURITY” BILL MAY BE REVIVED TODAY! CALL NOW.

• CALL THE LEGISLATURE NOW FROM YOUR CELL PHONE. (NOT A SCHOOL PHONE). PLEASE CALL 1-800-562-6000. OR CALL TONIGHT, IF YOU CANNOT TODAY.

• THIS REVIVED BILL IS WORSE. IT WOULD CUT YOUR PAY, AND CREATE A PAY SYSTEM BASED ON YOUR EVALUATION.

We just learned this morning that Senators Tom and Zarelli may make their move on the “End Teacher Job Security Bill” TODAY. Please remember that this is the Legislature and anything can happen when expected, or several days later.

• This is the Bill that would require school districts to lay off teachers using a numeric rating from our evaluations. It is opposed even by the Principals, School Boards, and Superintendents Associations.

• The revived bill now eliminates any column requiring more than 45 credits (Masters and higher) except in mathematics, science or special education. It limits years of experience to eight, with an intent section indicating teachers with more years of experience do not impact student learning. While fiscal savings from this remain in compensation, 70% of the savings will be directed to performance by based on evaluations, and 30% based on the school accountability index.

• AND, IN ADDITION, IT WOULD REDUCE STATE FUNDING FOR ALL NORTHSHORE TEACHERS BETWEEN $1300 (FOR A NEW TEACHER) TO $2600 PER YEAR.

TODAY, these Senators are expected to amend a bill in the Senate, attaching their bill, described above (SB 5914), to a House Bill currently under consideration in the Senate (HB 1443)

From your cell phone during duty free time OR from home: Call 1-800-562-6000, and leave a message to your State Senator as follows:

“Please vote no on any attempt to amend SB 5914 to HB 1443. In these tough economic times it is inappropriate to eliminate the ability of a locally elected school board and their community to resolve issues brought forward due to budget shortfalls.”

The Hotline number is 1-800-562-6000. You can leave a Hotline message EVEN IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO YOUR SENATOR IS. THEY WILL TELL YOU.

Senator emails are last name.first name@leg.wa.gov. (But be sure to email from your HOME email/computer.) (Note: please see the political action tab for legislator contact info.)

Tim Brittell
NSEA President

Know More Abouth the Koch Brothers

2011-04-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a link you can access to find products purchased by ordinary consumers that you can refuse to purchase to deprive the Koch Bros., billionaire supporters of the nationwide anti-union, anti-public schools campaigns, of funding.

http://inspirationgreen.com/koch-brothers-products.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d99f63f7b4fe097%2C0

These corporations are closely held and are not publicly traded. This means all profits go to the Koch family trust. If you study related links closer, you’ll also find that Koch Bros.’ father was a principal founder of the John Birch society; they are also promoters of the Cato Institute (ultra-conservative “think tank” in D.C.) and the National Right to Work Foundation, among other anti-worker associations.

Enjoy Your Break

2011-04-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

The NSEA Office will be closed from Monday, April 4th through Friday, April 8th for Spring Break. We hope you take the time away from the classroom to recharge and gear up for the end of the school year.

Stay in Touch With NSEA

Did you know that you can keep in touch with NSEA through Facebook? Click the Facebook icon to the right so you can get quick updates any time.
Do you get emails from NSEA on your home (non-NSD) account? If not, we may not have your home contact info. Fill out a Keep Me in the Loop form (see your building rep) or email your contact info to Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org.

Mark Your Calendars!

NSEA's General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 15th at Bothell High School, starting at 4:00 pm. Plan to attend! If we have a TA, you'll vote on our new contract. Otherwise, we'll provide you with an update on negotiations. (This meeting is open to NSEA members only.)

Have a great break! Thank you for all you do!

WEA-Cascade Newsletter

2011-03-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

The latest edition of the WEA-Cascade newsletter is online. Click here to read about what's happening in our UniServ Council!

Blast from the past, Northshore ESP

2011-03-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Watch this short video about Northshore's gender-biased compensation model for paraeducators and other educational support professionals!

Why do 400 Northshore educators receive pay that is less than our lowest paid custodian?
Why are almost half of these educators denied more than 20 hours of work per week, and thus unable to earn a living wage or receive medical benefits?
Why does Northshore still compensate the women who are Educational Support Professionals on a gender-biased compensation model created in the 1960s?

Watch this video and let the School Board know that it's time to treat ALL Northshore Educators with RESPECT. Contact them at schoolboard@nsd.org.

Wear RED for EDUCATION...TOMORROW (Tuesday, March 22nd)

2011-03-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

WEAR RED ON TUESDAY (TOMORROW!). Why? Read below.
Check out two important articles on the NSEA website. Details below.

Dear Colleague,

"First they came for the communists and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me."

Those are the words of Martin Niemoller, a pastor, in reference to Germany in the 1930’s. Though we are not facing the horrors of 1930’s Germany, YOU and WE are under attack. What is going on?

Teacher-bashing is not only aimed at certificated teachers. It is aimed at all educators. Attacks on public education, public service employees, and unions are attacks on YOU. It’s not just happening in Wisconsin. It’s here. And it’s time for each of us to wake up and to understand what is happening. Before it’s too late.

“Why are these attacks happening? What can we do about it? And what do we stand for?”

These are the questions that NSEA, NESPA, and NEOPA members will be discussing at schools this week. Join a meeting, or start your own! Perhaps a gathering after school or during lunch will work for you. Talk with a colleague or a group of colleagues. Listen, learn, and share your thoughts.

TOMORROW, on Tuesday, March 22, we are all WEARING RED, and invite you to join in. Wearing RED is a way of focusing our own attention on the attacks, and fostering a dialog amongst ourselves---to answer the questions above. Don’t have anything red? See your building rep to get a piece of red ribbon.

Want to learn more? Check out the March newsletter (available online) that describes these attacks on educators, on public education, and our unions. And check out NSEA’s Plan for Student Success . Talk with your colleagues and NESPA and NEOPA members at your school next week about these issues.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!

Tim Brittell
President
Northshore Education Association
www.northshoreea.blogspot.com

Terminating Ineffective Teachers

2011-03-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Member,

The communication below is from NSEA to the to NSD Board Directors. It is in response to questions and discussion about ineffective teachers that have been sent recently to NSEA. We wanted you to see the information that we passed on to the board.

Tim

********

Dear Northshore School Board Member,

In light of recent discussions in Olympia and in the press about terminating ineffective teachers, here is info for you on the process and practice for terminating ineffective teachers in Northshore.

Northshore does not have a lot of "bad teachers". It does have some, as any organization of a large size would have employees who are not competent to do their work.

Northshore EA (NSEA) has counseled out about 6 teachers since August. All of these teachers would have faced action by the Human Resources (HR) Dept had they not resigned---either discipline or eventual probation. We encouraged them to resign after carefully reviewing each of their situations. We felt that Northshore HR was acting appropriately. We will not represent a member in an arbitration or hearing if they should not continue working--based on the facts. (If you want specific info about these employees, please consult with HR Exec. Dir. Laurie Ferwerda. Our conversations with these employees were confidential.)

Typically, we counsel out a handful of teachers each year. When I worked in Seattle for SEA, I can tell you that I personally counseled out more teachers than all of the Superintendents and HR Directors combined in the 12 years I was there. What we do in Northshore is pretty typical of the Associations in Washington.

NSD HR Exec. Director Laurie Ferwerda recently informed us that NSD has not had a need to do a non-renewal hearing in the last 14 years. And the one 14 years ago was canceled after the Assn successfully encouraged the teacher to resign immediately before the hearing.

Those who think there is a big problem with an abundance of "bad teachers" do not understand what is happening in our schools, and how to improve them.

* Focusing on "bad teachers" is not going to yield a huge increase in quality. The way to generate a huge increase in quality is to focus on the overwhelming proportion of the teachers in the "middle"---solid teachers who want to grow and do a great job for their students--and provide them with the opportunities to improve that they seek: professional development; time for observing others and being observed by peers and getting feedback; time to work together to prepare lessons based on data-supported methods; mentoring; etc. 99% of teachers are motivated to do anything they can to teach better. They don't need bigger carrots or sticks; they need these opportunities. They WANT these opportunities. These are things we negotiate over. Teachers need time to do this important work.

* The current process for removing "bad" teachers DOES work--but only for that. The current eval process does NOT work to create growth in quality for most teachers. Hopefully, the new eval process we will be creating with the administration over the next 2 years will work better. But it will do so only if it is used for that purpose---not simply for labeling and sorting teachers. To work, it needs supports such as those described above--the time and opportunities to improve quality.

* Those who blame the Assn don't understand the process, or what kind of organization we are. They do not understand unions---and probably don't want to.

Assns and unions represent the COLLECTIVE interests of our members. Our members are primarily interested in teaching kids well, and creating great schools. They are also interested in being treated fairly, making an adequate living, and playing a professional role--sharing in decisions--in their schools and districts.

Our members are not interested in protecting the jobs of their ineffective colleagues. They have to teach the students of these teachers; they have to work with other teachers in dept and grade level teams. It is frustrating and demoralizing to work with people who don't pull their weight; it makes their work harder, and doesn't further their goals of teaching kids well.

Thus, the Assn does NOT have an interest in keeping ineffective teachers on the job. Our interest is in ensuring that all teachers (including those who need to improve) are treated with respect; that they get a reasonable opportunity to improve; and that if they do not improve, that reasonable negotiated or statutory processes (the opportunity for a third party hearing, if needed) to remove them are utilized. This should not be controversial. Somehow, it works in much of the world, including top education countries like Finland, where all teachers are in unions.

Furthermore, a union leader who spends union resources (time and funds) trying to keep incompetent employees employed would face serious problems getting re-elected. It's simply not what the membership supports. And it's not what we support.

The huge focus on "bad teachers" by the corporate foundation-backed "reformers" is, we think, mainly a wedge in the attack on unions and public education. "Bad Teachers" are to public education what "Welfare Queens" were to the safety net. It's an attempt to discredit public education and education unions, just as Ronald Reagan discredited welfare and the safety net, which has been all but eliminated. There is just enough of a grain of truth in it to make it sound plausible.

NSEA supports and wants to improve the quality of instruction in our schools. That’s not a focus on “bad teachers.” That’s about improving our schools.

Here is the specific current process for identifying, assisting, and, if necessary, terminating incompetent teachers in Northshore:

1. Evaluation by the Principal using the State criteria. Essentially a principal must observe an employee at least twice for a minimum of 30 minutes each time, and write an observation report for each of the 2 observations. There are no caps on the number of observations or a time limit on their length. A Principal exercises their judgment and give an employee a “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory”. 60 minutes of observation is not onerous.

2. If an employee gets an Unsatisfactory from their Principal, they are put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). This Plan identifies their shortcomings, describes what they need to do to improve, and what help they will get. The administration contracts with a teacher or retired principal to assist them. NSEA is involved in the creation of the specific Plan to ensure that the plan is reasonable and specific, that the employee understands what they need to do, and that they get help. The PIP is generally rigorous and clear, and employees improve with the help they get. If they do not improve, the Association often encourages employees to consider other options at this point.

3. If the employee does not improve, and is evaluated Unsatisfactory by the Principal at the end of the Plan, the Principal may put them on Probation. This is for a period of 60 school days (about 3 months). It is a specific plan, much like a PIP. The District will utilize a second evaluator in addition to the Principal. An evaluator must meet with the employee at least twice monthly (for a minimum of 60 work days--about 3 months) to supervise and make a written record of the employee’s progress or lack of it. The Association will hire an impartial outside observer to help the employee. If this observer informs us, at the end of the probation, that the employee is not competent, the Association takes the matter no further. If the Association's observer believes that the employee has not been evaluated fairly, we will consider contesting a non-renewal (termination). (That has not happened in Northshore for at least 14 years.)

4. After a minimum of 60 work days on probation, an employee who, in the opinion of the evaluators (and supported by the Superintendent) remains Unsatisfactory may be non-renewed (terminated at the end of the school year). The employee may take this decision to an impartial hearing officer. Very few non-renewals are contested in Washington. There was only one last year in the entire state, according to the WEA General Counsel. They are hardly ever overturned because the process basically works---for the limited purpose of terminating ineffective teachers. It is because the process has clear safeguards for fairness and an opportunity to improve, it generally works for this purpose.

Our members are looking forward to collaborating with the administration to create a new evaluation system, based on the frameworks in the State law passed in the last Session (HB 6696), that will hopefully support growth for ALL teachers.

Northshore Education Association's Plan for Student Success

2011-03-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

We are the 1150 teachers of the Northshore School District’s students. We teach pre-school, elementary, junior high, and high school. We are librarians, counselors, school psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech learning pathologists, and athletic coaches. Together, we are the Northshore Education Association, NSEA. We dedicate our working lives to our community’s children. Most of us live in this community, and moved here for the same reason others did—our great schools.

The success of our students is our highest priority. Here are some of our core beliefs that, together, create a plan for the success of our students.

EDUCATE THE WHOLE CHILD.

Every child deserves a well rounded education. The Northshore Education Association believes that children deserve a strong academic foundation based upon our state standards. This includes standards for all subjects, not just math, science, social studies, reading, and writing. The standards for physical education, art, and music are equally important. STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) also address the needs of our children in the ever changing global economy. Our students need, and deserve, an educational environment that fosters: creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Additionally, students need sports, drama, music and after school activities.

Students of all ability levels should have access to courses and curriculum materials to meet their individual educational needs. A Northshore education should prepare students for success at the end of their K-12 experience, whether they are on a career or college path. Each student, no matter where they fall on the ability spectrum, should be educated and inspired to achieve their highest potential.

Children require support from a wide variety of professionals. Every child needs a full time nurse in every school. They also deserve a counselor or a social worker in all elementary schools. We are reminded on an almost daily basis of the need for early intervention to solve many social and behavioral problems facing students today.

OUR STUDENTS NEED CLASS SIZES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE FOR LEARNING.

The students of the Northshore School District deserve a class size that allows them to have individualized instruction. Washington now has the third highest class sizes in the nation and the Legislature is preparing to increase those numbers with the elimination of funding designated to reduce K-4 class sizes. The most effective instruction and assessment requires smaller class sizes. When a student gets individualized instruction, extra support, one-to-one instruction, and the opportunity to build a positive relationship with a teacher, their academic success is bolstered.

EFFECTIVE TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS ARE KEY TO STUDENT SUCCESS.

Students deserve the most effective teachers and principals for every school. Last year, with our support, the State legislature passed a law creating the framework for a new evaluation system. This Four Tier Evaluation System, for teachers and principals, is mandated to go into effect by 2014. The Northshore Education Association and the administration will work to tailor this system to meet Northshore’s needs when work is completed in the pilot school districts around the state later this year. This new evaluation system will help all teachers improve, and not just those who are struggling.

The Northshore Education Association believes that the education system is made up of professionals. Teachers and principals who are not meeting the standards of professional performance should be placed on a plan of improvement with assistance provided. If the teacher or principal does not improve, they should be removed from the profession. The Northshore Education Association has worked together with Northshore’s administration to implement high performance standards in a climate of respect, and with the due process rights agreed to in our collective bargaining agreement. This year alone the Association and administration have worked together to remove six teachers from classrooms. Additionally, the Association and administration jointly maintain a fund to provide assistance to any struggling teacher.

Northshore students deserve highly trained teachers. Our professional development program, agreed to through our collective bargaining process, is our commitment to providing high quality educators to our students. Additionally, the Washington Education Association’s Jump Start Program for National Board Certification has helped many Northshore teachers obtain this prestigious certification. Finally, the Northshore Education Association has, through the collective bargaining process, created a mentor program for teachers in our district. This program assists new and struggling teachers. This is another example of our commitment to providing a highly effective teacher for all students.

Our students deserve the best and brightest teachers we can attract. Mentor programs, fair and concise evaluation systems, professional development opportunities, and a professional compensation package comparable to other similarly educated professionals will draw and help us retain the best and brightest.
Teachers should be able to afford to reside in the Northshore School District, thus strengthening our entire community.

EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES ARE ESSENTIAL.

Students need the most effective current curriculum, sufficient textbooks, fully staffed libraries and other educational materials to reach their highest potential. The recent work of the Northshore Education Association and the Northshore School District to create the Curriculum Materials Adoption Committee, and our recent adoptions of new math, reading, and assessment programs is tangible evidence of our strong commitment to this. This committee was designed through the collective bargaining process and includes parent members. To educate the whole child requires specific materials to address the needs of all ability ranges. It also takes a wide range of supplemental materials to augment the adopted general curriculum materials.

Under current state funding formulas, districts can afford to refresh their curriculum once every 18 years. Northshore voters have approved our levies every year and for that we are thankful. However, due to state budget cuts, our local monies are being used to pay for things that have been identified as being the financial responsibility of the state.

TEACHERS NEED PROFESSIONAL TIME TO BE EFFECTIVE.

Northshore students deserve teachers that have enough time to meet the needs of all students. Teachers need time to observe each other and provide feedback about instructional practices, analyze assessment data and adapt plans to meet individual student needs, conference with students about how to meet their individual needs, and to communicate with parents in our ever changing electronic mediums. This work, along with lesson planning and grading, consume a great deal of time. As a community of parents, teachers, students, and educational professionals, we must have the critical conversation to determine where this time will be created in our school year.

The quality of instructional time is as important as its quantity. Seat time without high quality instruction does not produce success.

TESTING MUST BE USED APPROPRIATELY.

Students need instruction that is informed and driven by assessment. Assessments should be used to inform instruction and prepare students for their next academic challenge and to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses. Students should be able to demonstrate their learning and understanding in a variety of ways and need multiple sources of measure, not a single high-stakes test. Student test results are not an appropriate way to pay teachers or make staffing decisions. Instead, they should be used to drive instruction.

A BALANCE OF UNIFORM AND DIFFERENTIATED PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS BEST SERVES OUR STUDENTS.

Northshore students deserve schools that have their own unique identities and strengths. There needs to be a balance between district-wide uniformity and differences based on the diverse needs of our students. Our students need specialized programs for those who want to follow a career path, college path, struggle with learning, or excel at learning. We need to educate the whole child and every child. One size does not fit all students.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO PARTNERING WITH PARENTS.

Our students need parents talking and working collaboratively with our teachers, principals, and education support staff. Volunteering is not, and should not, be a parent’s only involvement in our schools. The Northshore Education Association has agreed to involve parents in the Curriculum and Materials Adoption Committee. We would like to explore ways to include parents on school leadership teams and other committees in our district.

Parents have the responsibility to their student to send children to school ready to learn. Mutually, we must monitor their progress and communicate with each other about concerns and how they could be best addressed. Together, we have the answers to the many different facets of raising children in the 21st century.

Together, we need to press our elected officials to fully fund education. Studies and the decision from the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS) lawsuit conclude that the State is not complying with the State Constitution, establishing its “paramount duty” to fully fund the education our children. For our children’s sake, this collaboration between District leaders, parents, and this Association to secure adequate funding must be ongoing and deep. We must restore cuts to our schools as the economy recovers and increase funding to the level mandated by our State Constitution.

QUALITY EDUCATION REQUIRES COOPERATION, NOT COMPETITION, AMONGST EDUCATORS.

Our students need collaboration modeled for them. We should be role models of collaboration between different interests. The Northshore Education Association is committed to carrying on our collaborative relationship with the administration in operating our school district. We share ideas through regularly scheduled meetings between Association and administration leaders. We provide feedback to one another for the purpose of improvement. The Association and administration have shared costs of important program reviews such as an evaluation of our special education program. We will soon collaborate on the development of our new evaluation system and a new collective bargaining agreement.

Our teachers need to do the same things: share good ideas with each other, mentor and provide feedback as a way to continually grow as educators, share effective teaching methods, materials and strategies, and collaborate to implement curriculum, professional development, and effective lessons. The expansion of our curriculum and the growing complexity of the work teachers do require more time to collaborate to prepare highest quality instruction for the students we serve. Reforms based on competition amongst educators would stifle this work

The Northshore Education Association is committed to continuing to provide the excellence in education that our students, their parents, and the entire community expects and deserves. Please feel free to contact the Northshore Education Association to discuss your views or to find out how you can become more involved. We value your voice and your assistance in providing a world class education for our children.

Click here to download a PDF version of the Plan.

Northshore News: March 2011 Edition

2011-03-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

TIRED OF TEACHER BASHING?

Could this be your school in the near future? Imagine a scripted Gates curriculum consisting only of English, math, and science. Assessments for 1/3 of class time. No pretense that teachers are professionals. We are human robots who compete for our pay and to keep our jobs. A climate of fear created by a punitive principal who monitors every minute, assisted by selected parents. NSEA exists in name only. Only those who can’t find better work stay more than a few years. Graduates of elite colleges teach for a couple of years to burnish their resumes, then flee.

This is not that far-fetched. Teachers and all public service employees are under attack. So are our schools and our unions. What’s behind it all? What can we do to turn around an increasingly perilous situation—nationally, in Washington, and even in Northshore?

We now face a confluence of various efforts to 1) weaken and destroy unions; 2) privatize our schools; and 3) remake our schools in the image of how some corporate leaders believe all organizations should be “reformed”. These three efforts are sometimes distinct, and sometimes allied. Public education, educators, and their unions are their common targets.

The current Great Recession is a perfect opportunity for scapegoating, particularly by those who created and benefit from the policies that caused this Recession. These policies include deregulation, trade and economic policies that hollowed out our economy, the obliteration of private sector unions, and other policies that have transferred wealth to the top as never before. Blaming educators, public employees, unions, and even immigrants for the current state of affairs is a time-tested way to keep the public from demanding policies and electing leaders that could jeopardize the continued flow of wealth upwards.

We are in the midst of a national effort to remake our society to benefit those at the top by sacrificing the middle class and the American Dream. As educators and as a union we need to stand together to defend the middle class and the American Dream—and not just for us, but for our children and the students we serve.

ARE OUR SCHOOLS FAILING?

If the public can be convinced that public education is generally a failure, then education, a $500 billion economic sector that is also the most unionized in the nation, can be remade, privatized, and de-unionized.

Some schools are failing. However, they work pretty well in communities with little poverty. Two of the three major international tests (the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the Trends in International Math and Science Study) break down student scores according to the poverty rate in each school. The most recent results from 2006 (the tests are given every 5 years) showed the following: students in U.S. schools where the poverty rate was less than 10% ranked 1st in reading and science, and 3rd in math. When the poverty rate was 10% to 25%, U.S. students still ranked 1st in reading and science, but as the poverty rate rose higher, students ranked lower and lower.

Twenty percent of all U.S. schools have poverty rates over 75%. The average ranking of American students reflects this. The crisis in education is in the schools where poverty is concentrated. It is first a crisis of poverty. However, blaming these under-resourced “failing schools” (which they are) is simpler and far less expensive than implementing policies that reduce poverty instead of increasing it. These policies would generally reduce the flow of wealth upwards. Using the real crisis of poverty-filled schools to persuade the public that our entire public education system is failing serves those who wish to undermine it.

Though public education is not failing, we are committed to improving our schools for every student. This effort must be led by educators to be successful. We must be willing to examine new ideas, whatever their source.

Shrinking or eliminating our education unions is part of a larger assault on unions. This assault has largely been successful in the private sector, where unionized employees are now only 7% of the workforce. The public sector remains at about 36%, and education unions are much of that. Our NEA is the nation’s largest union. We defend public education and services, and help elect those who defend them. We are the primary obstacle to the privatizers and corporate “reformers”, and we are one of the key obstacles to complete corporate domination of our nation. Thus, we are in the bull’s eye.

WHAT ABOUT BAD TEACHERS?

Yes, there are some bad teachers. However, the “bad teacher” is to education what Ronald Reagan’s “welfare queen” was to welfare, a cynical reframing of public opinion that eliminated much of our social safety net. The rant about “bad teachers” is an attempt to discredit public schools and the “bad unions” that “defend them.” If the public can be convinced that our schools are filled with “bad teachers,” then getting rid of them and their “bad unions” becomes the highest priority in “reforming” education.

Here in Washington, we are facing attacks like the “End Teacher Job Security Bill”—aka the ”Teacher Layoff Bill”—organized by the League of Education Voters (LEV) and Stand for Children. These corporate foundation-backed organizations popularize the mantra that “bad teachers” and the union that “defends them” are the problems. Northshore’s School Board President Dawn McCravey testified in Olympia in support of this bill, at the request of LEV.

LEV recently organized a small group of Woodinville parents (“Northshore Families for Better Schools”) who wish to intervene in our negotiations. (School Board member Todd Banks was at the first meeting led by the LEV organizer. Dawn McCravey was invited, but could not attend.) At their second meeting, they barred Tim Brittell, Kraig Peck, and two Northshore teachers, Cathy Garrand and Anne Davidson, (all residents and Northshore parents) at the driveway stating, “No teachers or union people allowed.” While there are undoubtedly sincere parents involved who would like to improve our schools, they have unfortunately adopted the LEV approach to organizing: driving a wedge between parents and educators. We don’t want such a wedge in Northshore, as happened in Seattle, Bellevue, and Issaquah. We want parents and educators working together for our schools and students.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE PUBLIC SUPPORTS US.

The Northshore community loves our schools, and supports Northshore educators, as do local communities nationally according to polling. Wisconsin has clarified the thinking of many people. For example, the public supports collective bargaining for public employees by a 2 to 1 margin. But we are facing a national attack with many strands. Even Obama supports one strand of this attack; he stands with the “corporate reformers” and their foundations. It will get worse if we do nothing, but we have the power to turn the tide—TOGETHER!

HOW CAN WE TURN THE TIDE, BETTER SERVE OUR STUDENTS, AND CONTINUE THE STRONG SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY?

WE NEED TO CLARIFY AND PUBLICIZE WHAT WE STAND FOR, AND INFORM THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. Northshore’s educators are dedicated professionals who give our hearts and souls to our schools and students. Our Association is a vehicle for improving our schools and profession. We are committed to the highest quality of education in Northshore’s schools. NSEA leaders, Bargaining Team, Executive Board, and Rep Council, have written and reviewed a document entitled “NORTHSHORE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION: A PLAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS.” You will receive a copy soon. Please read and discuss it with your colleagues, PTA, friends, and families. READ IT ONLINE HERE.

PLEASE WEAR RED ON TUESDAY, MARCH 22ND , TO SHOW YOUR OPPOSITION TO TEACHER BASHING AND ATTACKS ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEES &; UNIONS. The “Wear Red” Tuesdays are part of a national effort to turn the tide. Wearing red focuses attention and fosters a dialog amongst us. Dialog leads to action. Have meetings at school during the week of March 21st to discuss Teacher-Bashing, and the draft NSEA REFORM AGENDA FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION.

PLEASE ATTEND AN UPCOMING PUBLIC FORUM on the state of education in the Northshore School District. Date, time and location TBD. If you want to be a part of this forum, contact Tim.

WATCH FOR FREQUENT UPDATES TO YOUR HOME EMAIL ADDRESS FROM NSEA LEADERSHIP AND THE BARGAINING TEAM. If you are not getting home emails from NSEA, email Lydia King (lking@washingtonea.org) with your current address so we can update our address books.

To see a PDF of the March Northshore News, please click here.
To read the NSEA Plan for Student Success, please click here.

In Memoriam

2011-03-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Northshore Education Association was saddened to learn of the passing of two members of the Northshore family over Mid-Winter Break. Inglemoor High School Activities Director and Math Teacher, Tina MacRae died suddenly while on vacation with her family. Eastride Elementary Principal Stacy Murphy died after a lengthy battle with cancer. Our thoughts and condolences go to Tina and Stacy’s family, colleagues, and students. Tina and Stacy will be greatly missed.

Tired of Teacher Bashing?

2011-03-07T15:35:00.001-08:00

• TIRED OF TEACHER BASHING?
• SPEAK OUT (OR BE THERE TO SUPPORT THOSE SPEAKING) THIS COMING SATURDAY!

Dear Colleague,

Teacher bashing is growing. Wisconsin is joined by 20 other states where anti-teacher/anti-union forces have captured their Legislatures and Governor’s Mansions. It CAN happen here, as well.

Class sizes are also growing. Washington—not Wisconsin-- is leading the way on this. We now have the THIRD highest class sizes in the nation!

This coming Saturday is our chance to speak out. Our Legislators are holding meetings to hear from the public---from you, as well as from the teacher-bashers who will be there.

Northshore’s Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (Chair of the Senate Ed Committee) will be at the Northshore Senior Center (10201 East Riverside Drive Bothell, WA 98011) Saturday, March 12 from 10 to 11:30 am. (So will Rep. Derek Stanford and Rep Luis Moscoso.) No matter where you live, try to be at this meeting. (If you can’t make it, or prefer your own Legislative District, see the times BELOW for the other meetings.)

WHY BE THERE?

• Tell them about the large class sizes we are facing. Ask her to take the $50 million budgeted for high school graduation tests, and re-allocate it to reducting class sizes.
• THANK SEN McAULIFFE for working with educators to improve our schools. Sen. McAuliffe played a key role in defeating the “End Teacher Job Security Bill” –aka the “Teacher Layoff Bill”. The teacher-bashers promise to be at her meetings this Saturday to criticize and excoriate her. They want to revive this Bill. We need to be there to thank and support her.
• Tell the teacher bashers to work WITH us to improve our schools. Tell them what will help: reasonable class sizes; time, adequate curricula, ….Tell them your story or opinion.
• No, teachers are not the problem. We give our hearts and souls for our students. Attacking teachers and our union may be fashionable, but it will not improve our schools.

IT’S TIME TO SPEAK UP! The list other meetings THIS Saturday is below. Be there, please!

Tim Brittell
NSEA President

1ST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
March 12, 2011 10:00-11:30am
Northshore Senior Center
10201 East Riverside Drive
Bothell, WA 98011

March 12, 2011 12:30-2:00pm
Cathcart Elementary School
8201 188th Street SE
Snohomish, WA 98296

March 12, 2011 3:00-4:30pm
Mountlake Terrace Library
23300 58th Ave West
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Attending: Senator Rosemary McAuliffe
Representative Luis Moscoso
Representative Derek Standford

21ST LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
March 12, 2011 10:30 – 12:30pm
Rosehill Community Center
304 Lincoln Ave
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Attending: Senator Paull Shinn
Representative Mary Helen Roberts
Representative Marko Liias

32ND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
March 12, 2011 10:00am – 12:00pm
Third Place Commons
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Attending: Senator Maralyn Chase
Representative Cindy Ryu
Representative Ruth Kagi

45TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
March 12, 2011 10:30am
Woodinville City Hall
17301 133rd Ave NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
Attending: Senator Andy Hill
Representative Larry Springer

Be Heard: Saturday, March 12th

2011-03-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

Washington State is now 3rd in the nation for class size...and that's not good news. Only two states (California and Utah) have class sizes larger than we do here in Washington. It’s no wonder that in our recent bargaining survey, we heard over and over again that out of control class sizes are a major concern to Northshore teachers. You told us that overloaded classed negatively impact student learning, are a strain on resources, and don’t allow you the time you want and need to devote to each individual student.

Come to the upcoming Legislative Town Hall Meeting with Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, Rep. Derek Standford, and Rep. Luis Moscoso on Saturday, March 12th to tell our elected officials your story. Tell them how large class sizes impact student learning and your ability to teach. Let them know that our students and teachers need better. Lawmakers need to focus their efforts (including money and resources) on areas that will improve the quality of education for all of Washington’s students. One of the best ways to do this? Not by spending more on assessments for graduation requirements, but by reducing class sizes.

Come speak at the Town Hall Meeting and share your class size concerns!

Saturday March 12th
10:00-11:30 am
Northshore Senior Center
10201 East Riverside Drive
Bothell WA 98011

Can't make it to the Nortshore Senior Center? There are other Town Halls going on on March 12th:

12:30-2:00 pm
Cathcart Elementary
8201 188th Street SE
Snohomish, WA 98296
Attending: Senator Rosemary McAuliffe
Representative Luis Moscoso
Representative Derek Stanford

3:00-4:30
Mountlake Terrace Library
23300 58th Ave West
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
Attending: Senator Rosemary McAuliffe
Representative Luis Moscoso
Representative Derek Stanford

SIGN THE CITIZEN'S RESOLUTION ON CLASS SIZE! If class size matters to you, go to www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org and sign the resolution urging legislators to suspend the high school state assessment as a graduation requirement and use the resulting savings to protect K-4 students from the negative impact of severely overloaded classrooms.

Parents and community members: please use this link to sign the resolution.

THANK YOU for supporting Northshore's students!

Your Needs, Our Proposals

2011-03-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Your Bargaining Team is offering one last opportunity to hear from you before we begin formulating goals: RSVP to Lydia King……
Wednesday, March 9, after school

Dear Colleague,

We have interviewed over 500 NSEA members, and nearly 700 members responded to the Bargaining Survey! WOW! We are still reviewing all the responses, and are developing a fine-tuned understanding of our collective needs. THANK YOU to all who have participated.

We want to be sure that EVERYONE has had a full opportunity for input before we begin preparing our bargaining proposals. Our bargaining team represents YOU. And we will be counting on YOU to back us up with your support. Negotiations will begin April 22.

So if you would like one last opportunity for input on what we should attempt in these negotiations, our Bargaining Team would be glad to hear from you on Wednesday, March 9, between 3:30 to 6 pm at the NSEA office. If you would like 5, 10, or 15 minutes to suggest a goal, a proposal, or describe your needs, simply email Lydia King lking@washingtonea.org in order to set up a time to talk with the Bargaining Team.

This time will be particularly useful if you identify yourself as part of a “group” of like teachers or ESAs. If you haven’t already shared your thoughts, either to Tim or in writing to the team, this is your opportunity. (Many “groups” have provided info already: Learning center teachers, counselors, psychologists, Northshore Networks....If you are not sure, you decide.)

Who is our Bargaining Team? At the last NSEA Rep Council meeting, the following people were approved. Send them an email thanking them for taking on this awesome responsibility, if you feel like it!!

• Gail Bauman, Art Teacher, Northshore JH
• Kelly Griffin, Music Teacher, Moorlands Elem
• Jon Hedin, 4th Grade Teacher, Woodmoor Elem
• Patrick Holmes, Social Studies Teacher, Bothell HS
• Peggy Sherman, 5th Grade Teacher, Bear Creek Elem
• Julie Shirley, LC Teacher, Woodinville HS
• Chris Tracy, Librarian, Kenmore JH
• Jon VandeMoortel, English Teacher, Northshore JH

I will be serving as the Chief Spokesperson, as I did 3 years ago.

Kraig

Kraig Peck
WEA Cascade Council
Staffperson for NSEA & NESPA

Tip of the Week: Nominations are Open!

2011-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

March 1-4, 2011

NSEA Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for several NSEA leadership positions listed below. You can nominate yourself or someone else by completing a nomination form and submitting it to the NSEA Office by 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 31st. Please see the NSEA Bylaws for the duties of each open position.

OPEN POSITIONS

NSEA OFFICERS (2 year term)

• President
• Vice President

NSEA EXECUTIVE BOARD (2 year term)

• Primary Elementary
• Junior High
• Specialists
• At-Large

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE (3 year term)

• Primary Elementary
• Intermediate Elementary
• Specialists

If interested, please fill out the nomination form and send it to the NSEA Office by 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 31st. Contact Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org if you have any questions.

Job Security Going...Going...GONE? TAKE ACTION NOW

2011-02-15T05:00:00.003-08:00

The foundation-supported League of Education Voters, Stand for Children, and the State PTSA are inundating your Legislators with calls, emails, and visits. Their top priority right now is to pass HB1609 and SB5399, which would make your career as a teacher very tenuous. EVERY teacher is affected by this--new and experienced; great or merely good. Your Legislators will vote for these Bills, unless they hear from teachers. If these Bills pass:

EVERY TEACHER IN THE DISTRICT WOULD BE RATED BY THEIR PRINCIPAL, ASSIGNED A NUMERIC RANKING, AND LAID OFF BY THE RANK GIVEN TO YOU. With no due process rights. If it resulted in your termination, tough luck—and good luck getting another job in your lifetime!
IF LAID OFF, YOU WOULD HAVE NO RECALL RIGHTS. You’d simply have to apply elsewhere. But who would hire you?
COLLABORATION WOULD BECOME RARE. We would be competing against each other for our rankings. Would strong teachers share their strengths? Who would show their vulnerabilities, and ask for help? These Bills are “Teamacide” according to Rep. Derek Stanford.
ENROLLMENT DROPS AT YOUR SCHOOL COULD LEAD TO TERMINATION. Instead of moving to another school, you’d lose your job unless another school decided to hire you within 6 months. Back to the “Who-Do-You-Know System.” Best of luck to you. Especially if you work on the east side of Northshore, where enrollment is dropping.
THESE BILLS ARE SO ABSURD, they are opposed by the statewide Principals, Superintendents, Administrators, and School Board Members organizations. They make schools worse, and treat professionals like circus animals subject to the whims of their masters.

In Egypt, people are risking their lives for democracy. No need to risk your life, to keep teaching a real career. Just get on your HOME email, or your HOME or CELL phone now. Pass around your cell during lunch. Please…get ON this!

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

(via www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org or 800-562-6000)

AND CONTACT SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR ROSEMARY McAULIFFE

(mcauliffe.rosemary@leg.wa.gov)

Tell them: “Do not support HB1609 or SB5399. Work with teachers to improve our schools.”

Can We Defeat This Legislation?

2011-02-15T05:00:00.002-08:00

We have a decent chance of defeating these bills, if Legislators hear from you. We helped elect many Legislators, and most of those we have helped understand that the views of professional educators on education issues are thoughtful and credible--and in the best interests of our schools.

Our assistance in helping them win their election is not an ironclad guarantee that they will vote as we ask on everything. But WEA members (including Northshore educators) carefully interviewed and selected the candidates to assist (and which incumbents needed to be defeated) based on their voting records, what they have done with their lives, and their values. We usually pick right, but not always.

The funds that we use to assist or defeat candidates come from YOU. OVER HALF OF NSEA MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE $2.25 per month to WEA-PAC, the WEA Political Action Committee. This $2.25 per month is deducted from our monthly paycheck when we fill out a WEA-PAC Payroll Deduction Authorization Form. If you have not already filled one out, please do so; you’ll be asked within the next couple of weeks.

These funds help candidates buy yard signs and pay for printing and mailing. NSEA keeps a portion of the funds for local elections, like the School Board. Contributing to WEA-PAC is an EASY way to make a BIG difference. It’s a small investment with huge dividends.

And as this proposal to eliminate much of our job security illustrates, our careers depend on our ability to influence our elected decision-makers. Please contribute to WEA-PAC.

Lobbying Our Legislators to Protect Our Work & Schools

2011-02-15T05:00:00.001-08:00

NSEA members Cathy Garrand (KJH), Ken Mortland (NJH, Retired), and Tim Brittell joined our colleagues from NESPA, Shoreline, and Edmonds (the Cascade UniServ Council) to lobby our legislators in Olympia on Monday, January 31st. Our lobbying group was made up of classified and certificated members, men and women, Republican and Democrat, and retired and active members. We were truly a bipartisan group in every sense of the word.

We met with Senators Paul Shinn (D), Rosemary McAuliffe (D), Maralyn Chase (D) and Andy Hill (R) along with Representatives Sanford (D), Moscoso (D), Liias (D), Roberts (D), and Ryu (D). Representative Ruth Kagi (D) was a no-show to our confirmed meeting time; however, she has since contacted the Shoreline EA President, and informed him that she no longer supports the teacher layoff bill.

We discussed three key topics with each legislator:

The proposed teacher lay-off and transfer bill,
Delinking high stakes tests from graduation requirements (saving $46 million per year---funds that could be used for class size funding), and
The possibility of shortening the school year and the impact this would have for both classified and certificated personnel.

Our legislators were receptive to our point of view, with one exception: Senator Andy Hill (R) from the 45th District—Woodinville, Kirkland, Redmond. (Hill defeated Sen. Eric Oemig in a close race in November.) All others agreed with our views and expressed that they were opposed to the teacher layoff bill (SB 5399/HB 1609). All legislators except Hill also felt delinking the high stakes tests from graduation was a good idea to stave off possible cuts to K-4 class size money. There is no prediction right now where the possible move to shorten the school year will go.

YES, WE DO NEED TO CONTACT THEM ANYWAY!

This was good news indeed. But just because most of these Legislators expressed support, there is no guarantee that they won’t change their minds. On Monday, February 21, the Statewide PTSA is sending loads of parents to Olympia to get them to do just that. We need to keep the pressure on, if we expect to keep their support. In fact, all of our legislators stressed how important it is for them to hear from you.

Our message to them is simple: “Do not support HB1609 or SB5399. Work with teachers to improve our schools.” Please take time to send legislators an email (from your HOME email) or call them (from your HOME or CELL phone) on the Hotline 800-562-6000 to send them this message.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO TO OLYMPIA WITH OTHER EDUCATORS, email (from home) KRAIG PECK at kpeck@washingtonea.org. We will be lobbying 3-4 more times through April. NO experience is necessary, and your help is needed!

NSD Budget Update and More...

2011-02-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

GOOD NEWS! Supt. Larry Francois has informed us that the District’s budget projections for next year--which are based on the Governor’s proposed budget---do not include a reduction in staffing levels. In other words, Northshore is not projecting a financial need for layoffs. However, the Governor’s budget proposal has a lot of things in it that are not acceptable to us. For example, a 2 year salary freeze; pension cuts; and elimination of the $5,000 stipend for National Board Certified Teachers. So stay tuned, and get involved!

HOLD THE DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 12: This is the day that Legislators will hold “Town Hall” meetings, to hear from you and other constituents. Be there to tell them that our schools are already underfunded, and massive budget cuts are not acceptable. We’ll let you know locations and times as soon as we get them.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

2011-01-26T12:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the State Legislature is in session, your voice needs to be heard! Actions by lawmakers in Olympia directly impact our classrooms and our profession.

For information on how to contract your legislator, click on the POLITICAL ACTION tab at the top of this page.

Tip of the Week: Shared Decision Making Leadership Teams

2011-01-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

Jan 24-28, 2011

ARE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAMS IMPORTANT?

YES—IF WE MAKE THEM WORK.
Our Collective Bargaining Agreement, in Article 17 (pp. 19-21), creates our Shared Decision Making Leadership Teams (SDLT).

These are not “Input” or “Advisory” Teams. They are called “Shared Decision Making” Leadership Teams because they have real authority to make shared decisions. The idea behind them is that we are professionals whose commitment and expertise can create the best possible schools.

The role of SDLTs (with stipends) was first established in our 2006-2008 Agreement. Our current 2008-2011 Agreement revised and clarified this role on pages 19-21, and 60-62.

HERE IS THEIR ROLE, AS DESCRIBED IN OUR AGREEMENT:

SDLTs draft a written decision-making process for the school, to be submitted to the full staff for approval by October 1 of each year. This document is to include a) How decisions of varying kinds will be made (by consensus, voting, consulting, command/principal decision, etc ---by the full staff, or by Depts, or by the SDLT, or….) b) How SDLT members are accountable to the staff (e.g. Dept. meetings,...) c) Calendar of regular and open meetings; and d) How agendas will be made and how staff will be kept informed.
Most important decisions are covered under this staff-approved process. These decisions include: a) Those that affect student achievement, school climate, and effectiveness; b) Use of Building Discretionary Funds; Building Inservice Funds; Department Head days; and Substitute days for release time; c) Scheduling and use of Site Days; d) Professional development decisions; e) School operating principles; f) Input in staffing decisions and departmental issues (Note that this one is input—not final authority like the others); and g) Input in faculty meeting agendas (Again, this one is input only.). This decision-making process covers all school decisions, except those governed by law, School Board policies, District-wide course alignments across grade levels and schools; or other parts of our Collective Bargaining Agreement.

HOW IS THE SDLT ELECTED?

The SDLT consists of elected Dept. Heads: 6 in elementary; 9 in JH, and 12 in HS.
Department Heads are nominated (or self-nominated) by the certificated employees (not the Principals) at the school. NSEA Building Reps and the Principal cooperate to organize a secret ballot election. Terms are for one year, without term limits. This is an actual leadership role—not a lightweight role. As a result, the stipend---$2,615-- is significant (and includes all Dept. Head duties described on p. 62). NSEA encourages staff to elect Dept. Heads based on their leadership abilities--not by custom, seniority, or relationship.
Our Agreement states that elections are to be held by June 1. Because of staffing uncertainties that may be caused by State budget this year, this date may be extended.

Tip of the Week: Tech Hours

2011-01-24T12:37:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

January 24-28, 2011

Your Tech PD Hours

Are you concerned about getting your 15 technology integration hours needed by June? Try out Atomic Learning! It’s a great training resource that allows you to decide your professional development and at a time and on a day that works for you. Just remember that this must be done outside of the workday as it tracks the day and time you view the videos. It should also align with the tech goal setting you discussed with your building principal at the start of the year.

You can view and print your history on the program and submit it for tech hours. With all of the videos, it takes time to try it out on your own so be sure to document the video viewing and then the lesson planning or independent learning. For Example- 30min of iPhoto videos and 30min of trying it out and planning a lesson to use it with students. You should also include any after the lesson planning time or reflection around what you learned and how you will use this knowledge in the future. Be sure to go to the Employees Home Page on the district website and click on Tech PD Forms and Documents for more information about tech hours. Still confused or have questions call the NSEA office at (425) 486-7101 x110 (Tim) or x111 (Lydia).

It might be helpful to first view the How-To video on the district podcast page called Insite. To get there:
• go to http://www.nsd.org/insite
• click on the category “web tools”
• then locate “[how-to] AtomicLearning”

The Atomic Learning log in page is located at https://www.atomiclearning.com/login/northshoresd

Remember, you can narrow your search for tutorials specific to Mac Applications.

Tip of the Week: It's Tax Time

2011-01-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

January 18-21

It's Tax Time!

Your annual union dues may be tax deductible (please consult your financial advisor to determine if your dues are tax deductible). Below is the amount of dues for 2010 based on FTE:

.76-1.0: $1,000.00
.51-.75: $854.48
.26-.50: $505.12
.25 or less: $326.44

Substitute teachers and those who only worked a partial year or changed FTEs throughout the year will need to contact Chenoa Gray at 425-486-7101 ext. 101 for help.

Protect Our Schools & Students

2011-01-11T13:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Member,

Happy New Year! I hope this finds you well rested after the holiday break. It was nice to see a little snow over the holidays and it looks like January is going to provide a little more excitement for us before the month is over.

Prior to our break we learned of an unfortunate accident that impacted NSEA member Ryan Adams from Leota Junior High. Ryan had a tree fall through his home, trapping him, and destroying his possessions. When I asked for donations to help Ryan, I never anticipated the generous response that would come from NSEA members! To date nearly $5,600 has been raised to assist Ryan in getting back on his feet. Your generosity has meant the world to Ryan and to me. Thank you!

YOUR INVOLVEMENT WILL BE KEY
The legislative session opens this week and it appears to be one for the history books. The Great Recession continues to impact our lives and the State budget. The legislature came into special session in December to make even deeper cuts to the current fiscal year that ends in June. There will be further cuts in the next two year budget that will impact education even further. Our collective job is to limit the cuts to the smallest amount possible. Here is a sample of what the Governor has proposed in her balanced budget:

Suspension of I-728 (class size funding)
Suspension of I-732 (COLA for educators)
Freezing of all step increases on the state salary schedule
Elimination of K-4 class size reduction funding
Elimination of Federal Education Jobs Money (used to close the budget gap)
Elimination of all National Board Stipends

These are just a few of the proposals the Governor has made in the last month. There are more cuts to education in addition to those listed above. Now, the Senate and House will write their budget proposals, debate the course to be taken, and vote on a final budget. Another revenue forecast in March will certainly have an impact on the final outcome for our next two year budget.

We all need to commit to working together to influence the final budget that is produced. Please read further.

Tim Brittell
NSEA President

Enough Cuts Already—Time to Take Action!

2011-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

The Governor has proposed $2 BILLION in cuts to K-12 and higher education over the next 2 years! That’s on top of the $2 BILLION cut in the last Session, and another $311 million they cut in December. Proposals to cut at these levels are unprecedented, outrageous, and simply wrong. If passed by the Legislature, these cuts would permanently damage our students’ futures—and our own financial futures.

Education has already been cut to the bone—as most of us can see from our class sizes, lack of support for our struggling students, bloated workloads, and high insurance costs. Three work days per year—the Learning Improvement Days—have already been cut by the State. Since 2009, over 5,000 educator jobs have been cut, resulting in larger class sizes. Our Cost of Living Increases were eliminated for last year and for this year. I-728 class size funds have been eliminated. And the proportion of our medical benefits paid by the State has been declining, sending our out-of-pocket costs through the roof!

Now, the Governor and some Legislators have their sights set on more cuts: Cuts to our pensions; cuts to the remaining K-4 class size enhancements; no Cost-of-Living Allowance and a pay freeze for 2 years (no step increases, or increases based on education credits); a further reduction in the proportion of our health benefits paid by the State; elimination of the remaining “gifted” education funding; and the elimination of the $5,000 stipend for National Board Certified Teachers.

If enacted, these proposed cuts will set back K-12 by many years. Our workloads would increase further, adding to our hours of work each evening. Struggling students will get even less support. Our students would be hurt. Washington’s economic future would be jeopardized.

This Legislative Session starts this week, and ends in late April. These budget cuts are likely to be debated for months, with a final decision at the end of the Session.

What’s behind these proposals?
Washington relies primarily on consumer spending for its revenue—the sales tax and the Business and Occupation Tax, based on sales. With the Great Recession continuing, spending is way down, and the State is not collecting the taxes needed to pay for the minimal levels of education and services necessary.

The November election results severely worsened the situation. Our best hope had been that Initiative 1098 would pass; this would have increased revenues by several billion by taxing those currently pay only a small proportion of their income in State and local taxes—the 2% of Washingtonians whose individual income exceeds $200,000, or whose family income exceeds $400,000. Even though it would have reduced taxes for 98% of Washingtonians, it lost by a margin of 2 to 1. Had initiative 1098 passed, cuts such as this would not have been proposed.

To make matters worse, Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1053 also passed by a 2 to 1 majority. It requires that the Legislature pass any taxes—or close the billions in tax loopholes—by a 2/3 majority. Unfortunately, 2 out of 3 Legislators do not have the courage nor inclination to do the right thing. And the Republicans want to shrink government (read K-12 education, universities, etc.) even further, with even more tax cuts.

How Would Northshore Be Affected?
These are proposed cuts; they are not a done deal. It is clear that cuts will be made, but how deep the cuts will go depends on our collective efforts. Northshore is situated better than most school districts—with our increasing levy capacity and our supplemental levy. However, if the State cuts go deep enough, Northshore would need to offset the State cuts with local cuts.

The School Board will shortly begin its budget process. They will be budgeting based on a worst case scenario—based on the worst possible outcome in this Legislative Session.

We can either be spectators to the dismantling of our public education system, our pensions, and health care--or we can fight back. We will be fighting back to minimize the cuts. Please:

Stay in touch with your Building Rep for further info on what action to take.

Go to OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org now, and weekly, to find out what’s happening AND to communicate with the Governor and your Legislators! Again and again!

We Have a Collective Voice—Let’s Use It!

2011-01-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

Unsure which district you live in or who your legislators are? Please visit www.leg.wa.gov/legislature and click “Find Your Legislator” or use the Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000). Here’s how to contact your legislator by email.

1st Legislative District (Brier, Bothell, Maltby, Mountlake Terrace)
Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (D): rosemary.mcauliffe@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Luis Moscoso (D): luis.moscoso@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Derek Stanford (D): derek.stanford@leg.wa.gov

21st Legislative District (Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mukilteo)
Sen. Paull Shin (D): paull.shin@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Mary Helen Roberts (D): maryhelen.roberts@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Marko Liias (D): marko.liias@leg.wa.gov

32nd Legislative District (Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Woodway)
Sen. Maralyn Chase (D): maralyn.chase@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Ruth Kagi (D): ruth.kagi@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Cindy Ryu (D): cindy.ryu@leg.wa.gov

45th Legislative District (Carnation, Duvall, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville)
Sen. Andy Hill (R): andy.hill@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Roger Goodman (D): roger.goodman@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Larry Springer (D): larry.springer@leg.wa.gov

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please contact your legislators on your own (duty-free) time from your home phone, personal cell phone, or personal email account. DO NOT USE YOUR NSD EMAIL ACCOUNT OR PHONE NUMBER FOR POLITICAL ACTION.

Stay on top of what’s happening in Olympia this legislative session and send your lawmakers your thoughts on how things like funding and education reform will impact your profession. Visit WEA’s political advocacy website (from your home computer, using your personal email address) regularly:

OurVoiceWashingtonEA.org

Represent NSEA at WEA-Rep Assembly

2011-01-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

Nominations are now open for NSEA delegates to the Washington Education Association Representative Assembly (WEA-RA). All NSEA members are eligible to run for a delegate position to WEA or NEA-Rep Assembly. If you have never been involved with your Association, this is an excellent way to gain experience and learn more about how WEA and NEA operate.

This year’s WEA-RA will be held May 12-14 in Tacoma. NSEA can afford to send 6 delegates. If you’re interested, please contact Lydia King in the NSEA Office at lking@washingtonea.org for a nomination form (or click here).

Congratulations!

2011-01-11T13:37:00.001-08:00

NSEA is proud to recognize the following teachers who attained National Board Certification this school year:

Barbara Blakeslee, BHS
Clark Cox, WHS
Jacob Crouch, BHS
Deborah Engelbrekt-Stone, SV
Jeanne Flahiff, BHS
Rachel Frye, KO
Clark Hermes, NJH
Nicole Hollingshead, NJH
Tarilyn Isenhart, BHS
Paul Jensen, CPJH
Corey Martin, NJH
Danielle Meyer, CPJH
Erin Moody, BHS
Darcia Myers, Ken Elem
Rebecca Nielsen, NJH
Tom Nowak, SJH
Sandra Palmquist, CL
David Schneider, Ken Elem
Sydney Swenson Fee, WDMR
Jon Vandemoortel, NJH

National Board Certified Teachers have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. Here in Northshore, we have 70 National Board Certified teachers.

Tip of the Week: Nominations are Open!

2011-01-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

January 3-7, 2011

BECOME AN NSEA DELEGATE TO WEA-REP ASSEMBLY

WEA Representative Assembly: NSEA can send up to 6 delegates. No previous experience is needed. WEA-RA is the annual gathering of representatives from WEA affiliates around the state to decide on policy, positions, and the business of WEA. It’s a great way to see the “big picture” of what happens within WEA. This year’s RA will be held in Tacoma from May 12 through 14. NSEA will pay your expenses, including release time, travel to Tacoma, hotel accommodations (double occupancy), and meals. To be a nominee for WEA-RA, please complete the nomination form and return it to the NSEA Office by February 4, 2011 along with a signed delegate agreement form. Nominations will be accepted from the floor of our February 14th Rep Council meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org.

Thank You from Ryan Adams

2011-01-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Colleague,

Right before Winter Break, I emailed you about Ryan Adams, a Leota Junior High math teacher who was in need of help. In mid-December, a windstorm caused a tree to crash through Ryan’s house, leaving him homeless but physically unscathed.

I asked you to help out a fellow member and I am overwhelmed by the response. I would personally like to thank all of you who contributed money—your generosity amazes me. Ryan received over $5,500 from his Northshore colleagues, and he asked me to pass on the following message to you:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I can't begin to express what your gift means to me. The money is most definitely helpful and will go to extremely good use, there's no doubt about that. But more than the monetary value, I so greatly appreciate the thought behind the gift. A tree falling on my house is a burden but your actions have really lightened the load. For that especially, I thank you.

Now I will be able to replace my bed, dresser, night-stands, lights, clothes and shoes that were crushed by the tree, or damaged by the two days of rain that fell through what used to be a roof and ceiling. The Holidays had a special meaning this year. Not only because I survived a horrific ordeal, but because your generosity has allowed me to focus on what’s important.

This time has been difficult for me, but knowing I have the support of people like you certainly helps. Please know I won't forget your kind gesture. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
Ryan Adams
The Maltby Man
Teacher Leota Jr High

Thanks again for reaching out to a member in need!

Tim Brittell
President
Northshore Education Association
tbrittell@washingtonea.org
http://northshoreea.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

The NSEA Office will be closed until Monday, January 3rd.

Happy holidays! We hope you're able to spend some time with family, friends, and loved ones over the Winter Break. We'll have a lot of work to do when we get back, so be sure to relax and enjoy every minute.

Help Needed for Northshore Teacher

2010-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hello,

The windstorm that struck our area on Monday night nearly took the life of Ryan Adams, a math teacher at Leota Junior High. You may have seen the coverage on the local news yesterday. His house was the one destroyed in Maltby. Ryan was asleep in his bed when a giant tree sliced through his home trapping Ryan. He was able to reach a cell phone to call 911 for help. Ryan lost everything, making it out with just two shirts and two pairs of pants. He was without renters insurance at this time. Leota has started to collect money to help Ryan get back on his feet, so I thought that perhaps you would like to help.

If you are a building rep, or you are the person who wants to lead this effort at your building, we are hoping to collect money to assist him as well. If you want to help by making a cash donation that would be wonderful! Building reps, or a building designee, could collect the money and then get it to the NSEA office by 5:00 pm this Friday, December 17th, we could help make his holiday a bit brighter! I will be at the NSEA in Bothell from 2:30 – 5:00 on Friday accepting donations. The address of our office is 18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101, Bothell, 98011. If you would like to donate with a check, please make it out to Ryan Adams.

Ryan after being rescued, found what clothes he could and went to his leadership team meeting at school the following morning. You may know Ryan from his work raising funds for cancer research through the annual Relay for Life. He has raised literally tens of thousands of dollars. This is why it will be so hard for him to accept help because he is always the one helping others.

Thank you!

Tim Brittell
President
Northshore Education Association
(425) 486-7101 ext. 110
tbrittell@washingtonea.org
http://northshoreea.blogspot.com

Important and Urgent COMPUTER Deployment Update

2010-12-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Colleague,

NSEA has heard from many members with concerns about the District’s upcoming teacher work station purchases. We share your concerns about the need for choices between laptop and desktop, and for those getting laptops, the opportunity to get a keyboard, mouse, screen, and stand for those who wish. NSEA does not believe the cost for these essential workplace items should be the responsibility of the individual to purchase. We also do not believe that building funds will be adequate for this cost to be placed upon individual sites that may have already spent their past building technology funds. There will be no specified building technology funds in the future and a clear plan needs to be in place to support these costs.

We are frustrated that NSEA members worked so hard to pass the district’s bond and levy, and are now finding their professional needs ignored. Asking a teacher to purchase a keyboard, mouse, monitor, stand, etc. is not acceptable. Asking a teacher to utilize a non-supported keyboard or mouse, and then have to purchase one later, when the unsupported equipment expires, is not acceptable. Telling teachers to use phone books as stands is also not acceptable.

We have met with District leaders about these concerns, including Superintendent Francois, Assistant Superintendents O’Keeffe, Poole, and Dietrich (spelling), HR Executive Director Laurie Ferwerda, and spoken with Shelby Reynolds from Technology.

At our most recent meeting with the Asst Superintendents, on Friday, Dec. 10, we again asked for a response on the issue of keyboards, mouses, screens, and stands for those who will be getting laptops. The response was, “We are working on it.” NSEA believes the district is working to meet the needs as expressed by individual members so it is important for you to express your technology desire in the future deployment. Time is running out for you to do so.

• IF YOU WISH TO SELECT A DESKTOP COMPUTER (NOT A LAP TOP), YOU MUST SEND IN THE SURVEY TO THE TECH DEPT BY THIS FRIDAY, DEC 17. The link is: http://www.nsd.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=98879

• WE ARE AWAITING THE ADMINISTRATION’S RESPONSE REGARDING KEYBOARDS, MICE, SCREENS, AND STANDS. We are not recommending you buy anything at this time. Let’s allow the district time to problem solve before we decide our next response or if there needs to be a response other than thank you for listening and taking action.

Tim Brittell
President
Northshore Education Association

December 2010 Northshore News

2010-12-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

To view the December edition of the Northshore News, click here. All Northshore News articles are available below as well.

December President's Message

2010-12-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

Winter has certainly arrived early this year! I can’t remember the last time we had snow before Thanksgiving. At this time of year, my thoughts have swirled around things for which I am thankful for in my professional life.

First, I am thankful for the incredibly talented and dedicated people with who I work: staff members Kraig Peck and Lydia King; NSEA Officers Steve Johnson and Lynn Emerson; Exec Board members Gail Bauman, Patrick Holmes, Justine Hurley, Donna Matthies, Yvonne McCord, Zane Mills, Barbara Stratton, and Michelle Ward; all of the members of our Representative Council; members of various NSEA committees; the WEA Board of Directors and Executive Committee; and WEA President Mary Lindquist and Vice President Mike Regan.

Next, I am thankful for a community that votes to continue to support our teachers and students through the passage of bonds and levies—even in difficult economic times. These levies may well prove to be the lifeline to which we cling for the next couple of years.

I am also thankful for the members of our central office staff: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Executive Directors, TOSAs, Support Services Staff, and Central Office support staff. Without these individuals and our building principals, the work of our district would grind to a halt. Their vision and collaboration with our Association is a huge asset to our educational missions.

I am also fortunate to work with the most dedicated group of Educational Support Professionals and their leaders. These leaders include Peggy Sturm-Vanderpol and Pat Waldrop (NESPA) and Theresa Cussac and Linda Rainsberger (NEOPA). NESPA and NEOPA members provide the backbone of support that teachers rely on daily.

Additionally, I am thankful for all the bus drivers, custodians, and food service employees that work tirelessly to transport and nourish our students. Often, these are the adults many students first encounter on their way to school, or who they rely on for their only nourishment during the day.

Finally, but certainly not least, I am thankful for you! Northshore has, by far, the most talented teachers in the state. As I visit schools, I am constantly reminded of all the amazing work occurring daily in our classrooms. It is a privilege and an honor to be your elected representative as I travel the state and our region. You are well known and respected!

If not for each of these individuals and groups working in collaboration with each other, we would not be able to successfully navigate all of the difficult challenges we face. There are issues and obstacles in both our near and not-so-near futures. We must continue to work collaboratively to address how our district and students will be affected for all of us to succeed.

My best wishes to you and your families for a joyous holiday season. Be safe, and I will see you in 2011!

Tim Brittell

2010-2011 Calendar Changed Due to Snow Days

2010-12-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

The district’s calendar for the current school year has been revised due to the snowstorm at the end of November. Per our agreement with the district, any emergency days are added to the end of the school year. Because we lost two days of school, the last day for students is now Tuesday, June 21, 2011. The last day for teachers is Wednesday, June 22, 2011—a grading day for both secondary and elementary.

If we have future school delays due to weather, Northshore will be operating under a 2 hour delay—this is new for this school year.

Are You In the Loop?

2010-12-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Your NSEA Building Rep or Department Communicator will soon be giving you a “In the Loop” form that contains your current contact information from the WEA system. Please take a moment to review your contact info, make any necessary changes, and return the form to the person who gave it to you. Even if the information is correct, please return the form after you’ve reviewed it.

NSEA will use your contact info to keep you updated on bargaining issues and progress. Bargaining begins this Spring and may continue through August. Be sure to stay in the loop!

State Budget Crisis Continues to Worsen

2010-12-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Legislature met on Saturday December 11, 2001 to cut $1.2 billion from our state budget for the state fiscal year which ends in June of 2011. These cuts are to simply get us out of the shortfall for the current state fiscal year. Legislators will reconvene in the new legislative session in early January. When legislators return they will then have to cut approximately $4.5 billion from the state’s 2011-2013 biennium budget. This past weekend was simply the first of two blows headed for the public education and public services sectors of our state.

On Saturday, legislators cut $39 million from districts K-4 class size enhancement money and reclaimed $208 million in federal jobs money that educators lobbied congress to pass this past summer. This money was to help us get through the next two year but now that has been eliminated. Smaller class sizes make it easier to individualize instruction for all children. The small our classes the more we increase the chance that our students meet and exceed state standards.

Pro-public education legislators proposed amendments to lessen the cuts while acknowledging that these cuts, as well as ones to come in the near future, will hurt children and families. Senator Eric Oemig from the 45th legislative district proposed amendments to close tax loopholes to save the K-4 class money. The amendment was defeated. With the passage of Initiative 1053 making it harder to raise taxes, and the defeat of the High Income Tax Initiative this legislative session has few options other than to cut even deeper or vote to close tax loopholes.

Please watch your email over the coming months. We will need you to contact your legislators to protect our schools in the future!

News From NEWS

2010-12-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

On February 4, 2010 Superior court Judge John Erlick ruled the state of Washington is in violation of its constitutionally mandated “paramount duty” to amply provide for the education of all children. The court ordered the state to determine the actual costs of providing for all children with the knowledge and skills set forth in the States high academic standards and to fully fund that actual cost with stable and dependable State sources. There was no doubt in the mind of Judge Erlick that the State’s current financing system is failing in its constitutional duty. The case was argued for the Network For Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS) by Tom Ahearne of Foster Pepper. Ahearne was recently named as one of 2010’s most influential people because of the ruling in this case by Seattle Magazine.

The lawsuit was brought by the McCleary family of Jefferson County, the Venema family of Snohomish County and the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS). The Northshore School District joined the NEWS coalition of school districts, education associations, and community groups in 2009. This coalition now stands at 170 members and continues to grow.

The Washington Supreme Court this month confirmed that it will hear the State’s appeal of the successful NEWS trial judgment. This is good news because it means a speedier final resolution of the case since it will not be required to first be heard in the Court of Appeals. It is anticipated that the hearing will take place in the first quarter of 2011. Ahearne and the NEWS coalition stand ready to defend the victory gained in the lower court case.

With the current fiscal crisis that has engulfed our state it will be interesting to see the timeline set by the Supreme Court for the state to fully fund it’s “paramount duty”. We have seen several cuts to education funding since the time of the original ruling. Stay tuned for more news from NEWS!

Imagine Saving a Life

2010-12-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that every two minutes someone in Western Washington needs a blood transfusion?

Blood and tissue donations can help save a life. To give the ultimate gift this season, please visit the Puget Sound Blood Center at www.psbc.org or call 800-398-7888 for details on donating blood, platelets, and plasma.

NSEA strongly encourages you to take some time during Winter Break to donate blood, platelets, or plasma if you are able. You many never know the importance of this donation!

Tip of the Week: Academic Freedom

2010-12-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

WHO DECIDES WHAT I TEACH?

HOW I TEACH?

WHEN I TEACH IT?

AND WHOM I TEACH?

K-12 educators are professionals committed to our students. We have the education and daily experience to inform our practice by exercising professional judgment about how to meet our students’ needs. (And if we had sufficient TIME to collaborate and learn from each other, we’d be able to vastly improve our practice.) As professionals and as public employees, we must also be accountable for our effectiveness.

Please consult with NSEA for any reason. These issues are complex, and we will work together to resolve any issues.

Who decides WHAT I teach?

The State and School Board set standards and graduation requirements. In Northshore, decisions regarding new curriculum and instructional programs are made via the Curriculum Materials Adoption Committee (CMAC), a result of 2008 contract negotiations. Before any new or updated District requirement that an employee implement a curriculum, assessment, or instructional program (including an intervention program), such a requirement must be reviewed and recommended to the School Board by the CMAC. The CMAC consists of 7 teachers appointed by NSEA, 2 community members, and 2 administrators. Thus, WHAT we teach is largely a district-wide decision—a collective decision-- with a strong role for professional educators, who are a majority on the CMAC.

You may want to consult our Collective Bargaining Agreement (Article 22.12 on pp 54-55, and pages 140-142) for more details. If you have concerns about ANY new requirements (or are not sure if it has been recommended by the CMAC), please consult with NSEA or go to the CMAC section of the NSD website.
Within the constraints of State and School Board required standards, graduation requirements, funding limitations, and course alignments, the particular program offerings, grade level configurations, and block configurations* at a school are to be made by the staff using the shared decision making process. Depending on your school’s written decision-making process voted on by the staff each year (Article 17.3.1), this may be your Shared Decision Making Leadership Team (SDLT), your entire staff, or another agreed upon process. For more info, see Article 17 (pp 19-21) of our Agreement. *If a school’s desired block configuration adds to District staffing costs, it may need revision.
Our individual assignments (grade level or subject) are regulated by Article 39 on page 87 of our Agreement.

Who decides HOW I teach?

Individual teachers make decisions about HOW we teach the curricula adopted by the District. We have Academic Freedom, as described in Article 26 (p. 63 of our Agreement). Academic freedom is not without limitations. We are held accountable for educating our students to standards, or implementing their IEPs. As professionals, we welcome feedback from our administrators, colleagues, and students for ways to be more effective, and to implement research-supported best practices. Academic freedom is not an excuse to teach the same way we always have. It is the freedom to exercise our professional judgment—individually, and collectively at our schools—to be the best educators we can be.

Can I be directed by the Principal to implement a particular pedagogical practice? No. You can be held accountable to meet generally accepted levels of professionalism, but you cannot be required to implement specific practices. For example, your students should generally be able to explain the objective of a lesson (at an age appropriate level), and why they should understand it, if asked. However, you cannot be required to post your lesson objectives on the white board to achieve this generally accepted level of professional practice. Similarly, your teaching should actively engage your students. But you cannot be required to use particular technology in your lessons to engage them. How you engage them, and how you communicate with them are matters of academic freedom.

These distinctions are not always black and white. As we work to improve our profession, and as technology changes, the generally accepted levels of professionalism change. These changes need discussion amongst professionals, experimentation, collaboration, and learning. If you believe your professional judgment or academic freedom is unreasonably circumscribed, please consult with NSEA.

Who decides WHEN I teach something?

PACING GUIDES: These are guides intended to ensure that standards are met within the school year (or by testing dates). They are not directives for what is to be taught each day or week; they must be flexible enough so teachers can exercise their professional judgment re assessing learning, re-teaching, and the amount of time it actually takes to teach a concept. If pacing guides are part of a new curriculum or instructional program, they are subject to CMAC approval. Initially, they are best guesses, and are to be modified and refined as we learn what pacing actually works.

Who decides WHOM I teach?

In consultation with teachers and counselors, principals make the decision on what students are assigned to each class. Article 20.8 (p. 42) of our Agreement states, “To the extent possible, students shall be assigned to teachers and classes in an equitable manner by numbers, gender and students with special needs (e.g., CLC, LC, ELL students). If an affected teacher believes a problem exists with the equitable distribution of students, the teacher shall first discuss the issue with his or her building administrator. For Elementary schools, the school's draft student class lists and the current seat count summary report (numbers of students, gender, LC, CLC, Program 504 and alerts) shall be made available to Elementary employees upon request prior to mailing to parents.”

Article 20.4 (p. 38) of our Agreement states, “The District will strive to maintain reasonable employee workloads as it relates to the number of "special needs" students (i.e., special education contained learning center students, learning center students, and English Language Learner students) who are integrated within the regular educational program.”

Please feel free to contact your NSEA Building Rep, or the NSEA office for a consultation. Our conversation will be confidential. We will advise you of options, and will take action only if you decide you wish to pursue the matter.

**********

Northshore Education Association

18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101 Bothell, WA 98011

Phone: (425) 486-7101 Fax: (425) 486-7154

Tim Brittell, President: Ext. 110 tbrittell@washingtonea.org

Kraig Peck, WEA Staffperson: Ext. 103 kpeck@washingtonea.org

Lydia King, Admin Assistant: Ext. 111 lking@washingtonea.org

Like us on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Northshore-Education-Association/207239548256?ref=ts

Join WEA Retired!

2010-12-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

WEA-Retired

Kit Raney, WEA-Retired President

When you think about retirement, most likely your thoughts are about how many years until you can retire, your pension, or healthcare options. You should also want to think about WEA-Retired, that you can join NOW, which is working for you NOW, and is the only retired organization that is affiliated with WEA and NEA.

By joining WEA-Retired/NEA-Retired now, while you’re still an active association member, you’ll become a pre-retired member and receive publications from NEA-Retired and WEA-Retired. You will also be protected from any future dues increases. And, when you do retire, your membership will move seamlessly to that of an active member of NEA-Retired and WEA-Retired.

Membership in WEA-Retired\NEA-Retired keeps you a part of the largest profession/union advocating for public education and the welfare of its workforce.
You will always be eligible to use WEA/NEA member benefits.
You will have opportunities to work in partnership with WEA and NEA members to improve retirement benefits for both retirees and active members.
WEA-Retired and NEA- Retired members can help with your planning for your retirement.
As a WEA-Retired member you will continue to receive NEA “Today”, WEA “We”, NEA-Retired “This Active Life” and WEA-Retired “WE-Too”. Thus, you will be able to keep up on the issues of concern to your colleagues and remain an informed education voter.
Your retired membership will allow you to remain active in governance as long as you are not an administrator at the time of your retirement. You can continue to contribute actively to your profession locally and at state and national levels.
You will have friends at state and national levels to network with about your education and retiree interests.
If you choose to substitute when you retire, you will continue to be covered by the NEA liability insurance you now have as long as you maintain “continuous” membership. Becoming a pre-retired member ensures no lapse in membership.
You will remain one of the 3.2 million NEA\WEA voices advocating for students, public schools, and the welfare of retirees.

Retire from your position, not your profession. For $350 you become a lifetime member of NEA-Retired and WEA-Retired. It’s very easy to join. You can join using your credit card by going to www.washingtonea.org/retired/join.

You can also join by check for the full amount or by making 10 payments of $35. Some districts will do payroll deduction for the 10 payments. For a membership form and/or more information, please call Stacia Bilsland at 360-482-2431 or contact her at bilsland@techline.com.

Retirement Seminars are Coming...Sign Up NOW!

2010-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

NSEA will be hosting WEA-Retired’s popular Pre-Retirement Seminars in March. These one and a half day seminars fill up quickly, so be sure to get your completed registration form and payment sent to the NSEA Office soon to ensure your spot!

Dates for the Pre-Retirement Seminar are:

Friday, March 18th through Saturday, March 19th

Friday, March 25th through Saturday, March 26th

Details:

Seminars are open to NSEA members and their spouses ONLY.
Please click here for the registration form. NOTE: If you are having trouble accessing the form, please email Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org. Lydia will email the form to you.
Space is limited and registration by December 17, 2010 is required.
You will receive email confirmation of your registration status in January.
Payment is required with your completed registration form. Your check will NOT be cashed until the seminar.
Meals are provided--please indicate if you have any dietary restrictions on your registration form.
Seminars are held at the NSEA Office (see driving directions below)
Contact Lydia King at lking@washingtonea.org with questions.

Driving Directions to the NSEA Office:

18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101
Bothell, WA 98011

We are in the brand new two-story brick building on Bothell Way in downtown Bothell…located across the street from the Anderson Building/SAS and next to the Bothell Caffe Ladro. We are at the intersection of Bothell Way NE and Reder Way. Parking and the entrance to the building are in the back, off of Reder. We are on the ground floor.

Phone: (425) 486-7101
Fax: (425) 486-7154

November President's Message

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Members,

THANK YOU to the many NSEA members who made phone calls and knocked on doors for pro-ed initiatives and candidates over the last month!

Now that the election is over, it’s time to let the dust settle and for education associations around the state to evaluate what the new lay of the land looks like for us and the children we serve. It is a landscape that has changed dramatically. With no new revenue stream dedicated to education, with a pending $4.5 billion budget deficit, the rollback of taxes passed last year, and with new legislators, we face an uphill climb over the coming years. All of this coupled with the passage of I-1053 (Eyman’s initiative requiring a 2/3 vote of legislature to pass a tax—allowing a minority to block the funding we need) and we have the recipe for a difficult legislative session. With that said, we must play with the cards we are dealt, and do the best we can for ourselves and the children we teach.

Still, Northshore is doing better than many districts. Even with likely State cuts coming, Northshore will get $4 million this month from the Federal Education Jobs Fund, to be spent on “compensation and benefits” by the end of the next school year. Our regular levy will provide several million more in additional funding every year in each of coming 3 years. Our supplemental levy will provide an average of $2.5 million in each of the next 4 years. And the District has significant reserves. Though times are hard, that does not mean that there is “no money”. It means that we need to make the best of limited funds.

There are positive aspects to the mid-term election. Northshore and the Cascade UniServ Council backed two new candidates who won! Derek Stanford and Luis Moscoso both were elected in the First Legislative District (Bothell and South Sno County). Newcomer Cindy Ryu also won in the 21st Legislative District (Edmonds/Lynwood). At the state level, Democrats held onto control of both the House and Senate. In the 21st and 36th legislative districts Democrats were returned to office including: Marko Liias, Maralyn Chase, Mary Helen Roberts, Paul Shin and Ruth Kagi. At the federal level Patty Murray and Jay Inslee were both reelected! The one legislator in our area that lost was State Senator Eric Oemig.

We must do what we have always done in education, and that is to do the best we can with the resources we are given. AND to continue pressing for the resources we need to provide ALL students with education they need and deserve. And the compensation to attract and retain high quality educators. Students in Washington State continue to take and outscore students across the country on the SAT. While we rank at the bottom of states in both class size and our investment in students on a per pupil basis, we continue to outperform other states. This is a reflection on the high quality of teachers we have in Washington and here in Northshore. You are the reason we continue to succeed against the formidable obstacles.

I appreciate your hard work and on-going dedication to the profession and to the children of Northshore.

Sincerely,

Tim Brittell, President

Two Hour Delay for Snow/Weather

2010-11-16T08:59:00.002-08:00

New this year! The Northshore School District has recently moved to a 2-hour late start in case of snow or bad weather. To find out if Northshore Schools have a delayed start or are closed, check:

Local TV and radio stations
Public Schools Emergency Communications System Web site: www.schoolreport.org, click on "Northshore SD"
District Web site: www.nsd.org
District Information Line (425) 408-6001
Your school's main number; when the voice mail service answers, press "9"

Retire for Your Position, Not Your Profession

2010-11-16T08:59:00.001-08:00

By Ken Mortland, Cascade UniServ Rep to WEA Retired Board

What is WEA/NEA Retired? It is a band of current and former members of WEA and NEA, who have come together to achieve improvements in retirement benefits and stay involved in supporting public education. WEA Retired has its own elected officers and board, its own annual meeting, its own representatives on the WEA & NEA Boards and its own delegates to WEA & NEA RA’s. We sponsor pre-retirement seminars for active members who are planning to retire and need good, accurate, broad spectrum advice. We have our own scholarship program, Dollars for Scholars. And we have our own legislative program.

Why would I join WEA/NEA Retired? Essential there are two categories of reasons: what I can get and what I can do.

As a member of WEA/NEA Retired, I’m eligible to get many benefits: NEA MasterCard/Visa with no annual fee; NEA term life insurance; NEA subscription service; NEA/WEA Entertainment and Travel discounts; NEA Accidental Death Insurance; NEA endorsed auto & home owner insurance; and the attorney referral program. I will get numerous publications: WE (WEA); NEA Today; This Active Life (NEA Retired); WE Too (WEA Retired); WEA calendar book; consumer and retirement publications from both WEA and NEA.

As a member of WEA NEA Retired, I can do many things: be a voice for public education retirees in the state of Washington; work in partnership with WEA active members to improve public confidence in public education; help make retirement years the best they can be for WEA and NEA retired members; and help secure legislation which fully supports public education and active/retired public education employees.

You have an unparalleled opportunity right now. For $350, you can buy a life membership in WEA/NEA Retired. You will never have to pay dues to WEA/NEA Retired again. This price is not available indefinitely and has been increased several times in the last decade, so act now. If you can’t afford $350 at one time, there’s a coupon payment program available. This offer is not limited to retiring teachers. Active members can buy their life membership in WEA/NEA Retired and become “pre-retired” members. Right now, the population of pre-retired members exceeds the number of retired members by 20%.

If you are interested in joining WEA Retired, visit the WEA-Retired website. If you have questions, you can contact me, Ken Mortland, at kmort1130@aol.com.

What is the Status of Early Release?

2010-11-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

We will know more in March.

Superintendent Francois has informed NSEA that the administration and School Board do not wish to discuss calendar with a regular early release day for next year (2011-2012) with us. They haven’t ruled it out for subsequent years—but they have clearly not yet embraced this as an opportunity to ensure that we have time for collaboration, professional development, and simply getting our work done. The School Board has also stated that they are uninterested in any early release schedule that would reduce contact hours with students, particularly at the elementary level. The Board is taking this position in light of a move by the State Board of Education to increase student contact time. The question remains as to when the State Board of Education and the legislature will be able to afford to increase contact time and are they willing to wait until they can afford this change?

This decision still leaves NSEA with the option of pressing for a regularly scheduled early release day in the upcoming negotiations. That decision will be based on the bargaining input and surveys from you that will shape our bargaining efforts. The timing of negotiations, however, will make it difficult—though not impossible—to achieve a regular early release for next year, if NSEA members decide that this is our goal.

There is good news that is key to understanding the administration’s and School Board’s thinking—news that also informs our thinking about how to proceed next.

One impetus for considering a regular early release calendar was the unlikelihood that the State Board of Education would renew any district’s—including Northshore’s—5 day waiver (a reduction of 5 student days, from 180 to 175, which is what permits us to have 5 non-student days.) Because the State Board had informed the public that this was unlikely, a regularly scheduled early release calendar would have been our only option in order to continue to have time without students for collaboration, professional development, and simply getting our work done. With that understanding, 68% of the 600 NSEA members who responded to our Survey last Spring favored NSEA attempting to negotiate an early release calendar.

Both the administration and NSEA have now learned that the State Board has reconsidered their views, and that a 5 day waiver may be possible.

Thus, the administration and School Board have decided to proceed with a request to the State Board for a 5 day waiver for the next several years. There is no certainty that Northshore will be granted a waiver of 5 days (it could be less), or a waiver that would permit us to continue with Professional Days and Grading Days as we have for the past several years. This will not be known until March, 2011, when the State Board makes its decision.

NSEA will support a waiver request by Northshore to continue our current practice, in order to have this option available. If Northshore does not apply for it, it will not be an option.

After the State Board informs us of their decision, we will have the information we need to survey the NSEA membership about how to proceed. We’ll likely want to know whether you support the specific waiver that is granted (for x number of days, for x purposes) or whether you prefer that we seek, in negotiations, some configuration of regularly scheduled early release in the coming several years.

The possible loss of waiver days is not the only reason that many NSEA members support a regularly scheduled early release day. We have already lost both State-funded Learning Improvement days; one of them has been replaced with the IDEA Stimulus Day (from federal stimulus funds), but this will be the last year it is funded. And a regular (i.e., nearly weekly) early release is considered preferable for educational reasons by many people—by its regularity and by the net increase in non-student time over the option of waiver days. Bellevue, Snohomish, Lake Washington, and other districts in the area utilize a regular early release day.

We will keep you apprised of further developments on this. After the State Board makes a decision (possibly in March) we will know more.

Tip of the Week: Parent Communication and Conferencing

2010-11-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

November 15-19

PARENT COMMUNICATION AND CONFERENCING

Parent Communication

Parents can be your strongest allies when it comes to educating students. Here are some reminders and tips when it comes to communicating with parents:

Be accurate and professional. Make sure you are clear and concise in your communications. Keep your own record of all correspondence, including emails. The best way is to keep a copy of all written communication. You can also set up a phone log to keep track of phone messages.
Give parents advance notice. If you expect a response, be sure to send communication home far enough in advance for the material to be reviewed and responded to.Set up a system for keeping track of permission slips and materials that require a parent response.
Maintain a log. Use it to track things like discipline problems, feedback to your advice to parents, parents' suggestions for helping their children, discipline problems and your responses, safety hazards and your responses, requests for funds for instructional materials, requests for curriculum adjustments, incidents of vandalism or violence, difficulties with administrators and your responses, observations and evaluations and your responses, symptoms of student drug or alcohol abuse and your responses, indications of child abuse or neglect and your responses.
Parent visits: According to Article 24.2 of our CBA, visitation from parents or other educational patrons shall be requested at least one school day prior to the day of the desired visitation. The employee and principal must be notified in advance of the date and purpose of the visitation.

Effective Conferencing Tips

Parent communication is a significant part of your job. It is difficult to teach a child whose parents are not working with you as part of the team, and conferences provide crucial opportunities to update and strategize. Parent conference week is an exhausting time, but the following tips can help you immeasurably:

Don’t take parents by surprise. Throughout the year, you should be sending out regular updates about class activities as well as individual progress reports. If a student is floundering, give some warning before report cards and conference time.
Be well-organized. Have all the grades, student portfolios, and other documentation available. Keep specific dates of and notes about incidents or concerns involving your students. It’s very hard to reconstruct later, and it greatly enhances your credibility when you have these things in writing.
Use the student’s own input as well. Prior to the conference, have each child complete a self-evaluation form. It is interesting to see how kids think they are doing, where they feel they need help, and what they are most proud of.
Remember that parents are not objective about their children. You have to be diplomatic and tactful. Offer no criticism without a constructive suggestion or proposed strategy. Make sure that you point out positives, not just problems.
You don’t have to have all the answers. It’s okay to ask parents if they have any suggestions or insights. You need to enlist their support or you’re fighting a lonely and losing battle.
Ongoing dialogue relieves the pressure of parent conference time. Invite parents to call with questions; make sure your door is open; be accessible and supportive at all times.

Tip of the Week: Are You Overloaded?

2010-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

November 8-12, 2010

IS YOUR CLASSROOM OVERLOADED?

NSEA has heard from both Elementary and Secondary members about overload issues following the October 1st student count. October 1st is the day that the district does a headcount and determines who qualifies for overload pay. In our contract, general education overload triggers and compensation were changed (effective September 1, 2008) at grades 4-6 and secondary general ed. You are overloaded and eligible for relief/compensation based on the following formulas.

IMPORTANT: If you are currently overloaded, please click here to take a brief survey. The data you provide us about overload will be key in communicating with the administration about this issue.

**NOTE: Mainstreamed CLC students and ELL students count as 1.5 students for all classes (except music and library, in which only ELL students count as 1.5.)**

Elementary General Education
(See contract on pages 30-31.)

Half Day Kindergarten (overload is based on an average of am/pm sessions)
• at 24 students (average am/pm): $350 per trimester*
• at 25 students (average am/pm): $200 additional per student per trimester
Full Day Kindergarten and First Grade
• at 25 students: $350 per trimester*
• at 26 students: $200 additional per student per trimester
Second and Third Grade
• at 27 students: $350 per trimester*
• at 28 students: $200 additional per student per trimester
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade
• at 28 students: $350 per trimester*
• at 29 students: $200 additional per student per trimester
*Plus 1 substitute day or equal pay ($153) per trimester. If you want pay, you must request before 15 school days after each trimester.

ALSO, for all of the above, if there are more than 5 Special Ed students (including LC) and ELL students in class, you get an additional ½ sub day or equivalent pay ($76.50) per trimester. If you want pay, you must request before 15 school days after of each trimester.

District Assigned Split Classes: $500 per trimester plus 2 hours of paraeducator time (not provided for EAP). (Classes with additional students from splits for 60 minutes or less get $350 pre trimester, if creates overload, or $150 if already in overload.)

CLC students mainstreamed for lunch or non-academic activities: $150 per trimester, if creates overload.

Elementary Music and PE: $350 per trimester begins over 1,435 minutes of student contact time

Elementary Librarian: $350 per trimester begins over 1,125 of student contact time

Secondary General Education
(See contract language on pages 32-33.)
NOTE: Employees receive the higher of relief for their largest class size OR total case load.

Total number of pupils per day:
• at 151 students: $525 per semester and 1 ½ substitute days (or equivalent pay) per semester. Another $225 per semester for each five additional students (ie 156:1; 161:1, etc.).
OR (not both)
Number of students per largest class:
• at 32 students: $275 per semester (not repeated for multiple classrooms of 32 or more) and 1 ½ substitute days ($229.50) per semester
• at 33 students: $250 additional per semester
• at 34 students: $225 additional per semester
• at 35 students: $100 additional per student per semester
ALSO: If there are 10 or more total Special Ed (including LC) students and ELL students in your classes, you get an additional 1 day of substitute time (or equivalent pay) per semester.

**NOTE: Requests for pay instead of substitute time must be made within 30 school days from the end of the semester.***

Special Education
(See contract language on pages 33-38, which includes paraeducator staffing levels also.)

Early Childhood
• at 17 IEPs: $350 per trimester*
• at 18 IEPs: $150 per student per trimester
Kindergarten Transition
• at 21 IEPs: $350 per trimester*
• at 22 IEPs: $150 per student per trimester
Elementary and Secondary Contained Learning Center
• at 13 IEPs: $350 per trimester*; $525 per semester**
• at 14 IEPs: $150 per student per trimester; $225 per student per semester
Elementary Severe Profound CLC
• at 9 IEPs: $350 per trimester*
• at 10 IEPs: $150 per student per trimester
Secondary Severe Profound CLC
• at 9 IEPs: $525 per semester**
• at 10 IEPs: $225 per student per semester
Elementary Behavior and Autism, Secondary JHIP, and Project Hope
• at 11 IEPs: $350 per trimester*; $525 per semester**
• at 12 IEPs: $150 per student per trimester; $225 per student per semester
Elementary and Secondary Learning Centers
• at 31 IEPs: $350 per trimester*; $525 per semester**
• at 34 IEPs: $150 per student per trimester; $225 per student per semester
Elementary Integrated
• at 7 CLC and 15 General Ed students: $350 per trimester*
• at 8 CLC and 15 General Ed students: $150 per student per trimester

*plus 1 substitute day (or equivalent pay) per trimester. Requests for pay must be made within 15 school days from the end of the trimester.

**plus 1 ½ substitute day (or equivalent pay) per semester. Requests for pay must be made within 30 school days from the end of the semester.

Specialist Support ESAs
(See pages 37-38, which also includes paraeducator staffing levels. Caseloads are pro-rated for part-time staff.)
Occupational and Physical Therapist:
• Caseload is 30:1 or 20 hours per week. Pool of 80 hours to address overloads
Speech Language Pathologists:
• at 49 IEPs: $350 per trimester
• at 54 IEPs: $150 additional per trimester per each additional five IEPs
Secondary Counselors:
• ratio is 1:375, rounded to the nearest .2 FTE. Running start counts as i.5 student FTE.
School Psychologists:
• Refer to contract language (Article 20.2.4C)

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF THE OVERLOAD PROVISIONS APPLY TO OVERLOADS ANY TIME IN THE SCHOOL YEAR AFTER OCTOBER 1—NOT JUST THOSE IN OCTOBER

NESPA Needs YOUR Help!

2010-11-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

Update on NESPA negotiations:

NO PROGRESS MADE IN NEGOTIATIONS THIS WEEK. Contract expired August 31.
OUR CO-WORKERS NEED YOUR SUPPORT---THIS TUESDAY. PLEASE BE AT THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, NOV. 9, 4 TO 5 PM, at the Admin Center.
AND WEAR A “TOGETHER” BUTTON ON TUESDAY.

Dear NSEA Member,

On Monday, NESPA’s Negotiating Team met with the School Board/Admin Team for 3 hours. The School Board/Administration Team did not make any proposal for improvements on the major issues: inequitable pay; the 20 hour per week ceiling; job security; and access to the tech-supported computers they need to do their work effectively. NO PROGRESS WAS MADE. The School Board/Administration continues to propose a one year pay increase for about a dozen NESPA members; 3 years without raises for the rest; and no changes to the 20 hour ceiling. They have not yet recognized that Northshore’s compensation model is outdated, gender-biased, and unjust.

The School Board---or at least a majority of the 5 member School Board—is apparently hoping that NESPA members will just go away, that they will give up. This bodes ill for our own upcoming negotiations. If the School Board gets away with this, they will try the same with us.

We will not go away. Their inaction requires a major response from ALL of us---from YOU. From NESPA members, TEACHERS, and PARENTS.

This coming Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 5 PM, NESPA members, teachers, and parents will attend the School Board meeting. TOGETHER, we will tell the Board, “It’s TIME to RESPECT and VALUE Northshore’s Educational Support Professionals.” The School Board needs to see hundreds of teachers there, so they understand that support is GROWING.

Northshore has the funds to resolve these negotiations fairly. This month, the District is receiving $4 million in new funds from the Federal Education Jobs Fund, thanks to Senator Patty Murray! (Washington State is receiving over $200 million from this $10 billion program, passed in August.) No excuses are acceptable from the Board.

It’s time to make your voice heard! Please let your NSEA Building Rep know that you are coming, if possible.

THANK YOU in advance for committing to be there TOGETHER, and for urging others to do the same. See you Tuesday (11/9) at 4 PM.

Tim Brittell, NSEA President

Tip of the Week: Know Your Rights!

2010-11-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week
November 1-5, 2010
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

All union members have the right to representation if a meeting could lead to discipline or termination. Sometimes administrators suggest or offer that you get union representation for a meeting. That is DEFINITELY a tip that you should at least CONSULT with NSEA before proceeding with the meeting. Sometimes they don’t suggest or offer it. If you are unsure, ask, “Could this meeting lead to disciplinary action or termination?” Don’t assume that all will be well if you bare your soul; while we’d all like justice to prevail automatically, sometimes, it takes the help of people who are trained and know how the system works.

Under the Weingarten Rights (named after a court decision), you can tell an administrator the following:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any question.”

Your “union representative” can be anyone you choose: your Building Rep, the NSEA President (Tim Brittell), or the WEA UniServ Rep (Kraig Peck).

RULES TO APPLY WEINGARTEN

Rule #1: The employee must make a clear request for union representation before or during the interview.

The employee cannot be punished for making this request.

Rule #2: After the employee makes the request, the employer must choose from three options. The employer must either:

Grant the request and delay questioning until the union representative arrives or has the chance to consult privately with the employee; or
Deny the request to end the interview immediately; or
Give the employee a choice of (1) having the interview without representation or (2) ending the interview

Rule #3: If the employer denies the request for union representation, and continues to ask questions, he/she commits an unfair labor practice and the employee has the right to refuse to answer.

The employer may not discipline the employee for such a refusal.

If you are asked to attend a meeting that may lead to discipline or termination, we encourage you to ask for a union rep. Contact your building rep or the NSEA Office as soon as possible.

HOW TO CONTACT THE NORTHSHORE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Phone: (425) 486-7101

Tim Brittell, President: extension 110
Kraig Peck, UniServ Rep: extension 103
Lydia King, Administrative Assistant: extension 111

Email:

Tim Brittell: tbrittell@washingtonea.org
Kraig Peck: kpeck@washingtonea.org
Lydia King: lking@washingtonea.org

Fax: (425) 486-7154

Online: http://northshoreea.blogspot.com

Address: 18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101
Bothell, WA 98011

Tip of the Week: Be Tech Smart

2010-10-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

NSEA TIP OF THE WEEK
October 25-29, 2010
Be Tech Smart

…In Your Classroom:

Cell phones, iPods, and other portable tech devices are everywhere you go these days. But that doesn’t mean you have to allow them to disrupt your classroom.

In the Acceptable Use of Technology section of the Student Handbook, it states:

E. DISRUPTION OR INTERFERENCE WITH EDUCATIONAL PROCESS

Electronic Devices (including but not limited to cell phones, camera phones, personal digital assistants, pagers, entertainment devices, etc.): The misuse or inappropriate use of electronic devices such that, district programs, personal privacy or district HIB (harassment, intimidation and bullying) policy is violated, disrupted or interfered with will be considered a disruption to the educational process.

Some schools have also implemented strict rules about school-wide use of cell phones, iPods, etc. by students. If your school does not have such a policy, we at NSEA strongly encourage you to forbid the use of portable tech devises in your classroom. By doing so, you will protect yourself and your students from unwanted recording, photography, or other disruptive behavior.

…And Away From Work:

Many of us have Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter accounts. Others have personal blogs. While these social networking tools allow us to be more connected to friends and family, they also make our private lives more visible to parents, students, and employers. Google your name from time to time to see what comes up.

Be smart about what you post on your personal sites. If a photo or story you want to post could cause you or others embarrassment, could be incriminating, or is better off left private, don’t share it. If you feel you want to share information that may be more personal in nature, make your account off limits to the general public. Many sites allow you to make your account private, open only to those you personally invite.

Make sure you update your personal sites on your own time, using your own personal computer equipment. Remember that your NSD email account is the property of the Northshore School District and is not to be considered private or confidential.

Help Northshore Score!

2010-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

NSEA members are receiving a flyer from our NESPA colleagues titled Help Northshore Score.” NESPA members have been distributing these flyers at Pop Keeney football games, to parents and community members.

Please read it, and send the School Board and Superintendent a short email, “It’s time to respect and value Northshore’s Educational Support Professionals.”
Pass the flyer on to a parent (or to a neighbor or family member) and ask them to do the same. The School Board and Superintendent needs to hear from them.

Thank you for supporting our colleagues!
Tim Brittell, NSEA President

IMPORTANT LINKS:
To see the NESPA flyer, click here.
For information on how to contact the NSD School Board, click here.

Tip of the Week: Vote!

2010-10-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

October 18-22, 2010

YOUR VOTE MATTERS AND YOU HAVE A CHOICE:

VOTE FOR PRO-ED CANDIDATES AND INITIATIVES…

OR FACE MORE CUTS TO EDUCATION FUNDING

Who represents us matters. YOU get to decide.

Ballots for the November 2nd election are currently hitting mailboxes. When you get your ballot, take some time to review the candidates and initiatives and VOTE! This is an extremely important election: Who represents us in Olympia will decide the future for public education in Washington state. Who we send to Washington, DC will have a great deal of power that will either benefit education or make things even tougher for us.

There is a clear distinction between the candidates this year—on both the state and federal level.

Here are the WEA-PAC recommended candidates this election:

US SENATE: Patty Murray
Endorsed by WEA-PAC, The Seattle Times, The Seattle P-I, The Everett Herald, The Tacoma News Tribune, SEIU, IBEW, and many other groups, Murray has been a champion for public education. She was instrumental in the recent passage of the Federal Jobs bill—a bill that brought $4 million more to the Northshore School District at a time when funding is all but uncertain. Her opponent, Dino Rossi, a former state senator, has a history of voting against collective bargaining rights and supporting charter schools. His main interest is in cutting taxes…so much so that he doesn’t mention his position on public education on his website.

US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Adam Smith, Dennis Heck, Norm Dicks and Dave Reichert have all been recommended by WEA-PAC many times. These candidates have a history of supporting public education, and we need to send them back to DC to continue their work.

STATE SENATE (45th District): Eric Oemig
Senator Oemig fought hard for education last session. His actions saved us from further cuts to our K-4 class sizes. He led the successful fight to enable districts to pass a supplemental levy—something that will generate an average of $2.5 million for Northshore in each of the next four years. Eric also successfully led the fight for a reasonable teacher evaluation system—and BEAT BACK the one which would have resulted in evaluations based mainly on student test scores. His Republican opponent wants to cut taxes even further-- and that means more cuts to schools and benefits.

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Luis Moscoso and Derek Stanford
Both Derek Stanford and Luis Moscoso are strong, pro-ed candidates, recommended by WEA-PAC. We as educators need to support candidates like Derek and Luis who understand the need for stable education funding and who see teachers as education experts.

Initiatives will either help or hurt.

This year’s round of voter initiatives give you the chance to tell Olympia that you either support funding for public education or that business and special interest groups are your priority. Initiatives can be confusing as times, so here’s a simple run-down of each measure, including WEA-PAC’s position.

I-1053: Requires a 2/3 vote of the legislature or a vote of the people to raise taxes VOTE NO More info: Tim Eyman’s latest initiative would create gridlock in Olympia and would allow for minority rule on important funding issues.
I-1082: Privatizes worker’s comp VOTE NO More Info: I-1082 was written by the insurance industry, so it’s loaded with fine print that will help giants like AIG unfairly profit from Washington’s workers’ compensation system.
I-1098: Institutes a high-earners income tax dedicated to schools and health care; cuts property and B&O taxes VOTE YES More Info: Initiative 1098 will raise $2 billion per year to help us build a more vibrant economy and better opportunities for our children. The wealthiest 1.2% of Washingtonians will pay an income tax, while the vast majority of Washingtonians will pay less. I-1098 makes common-sense improvements to our tax system.
I-1100: Privatizes state liquor sales, repeals taxes and mark-up VOTE NO More info: These two ill-conceived initiatives, backed by special interests and big corporations, would privatize hard liquor sales in Washington State, and put our jobs, safety net, public safety and even our children at risk. Passage of either of these initiatives would result in a $300 million revenue loss for WA state.
Passage would result in a $300 million revenue loss for WA state.
I-1105: Privatizes state liquor sales, repeals all hard liquor taxes VOTE NO More info: These two ill-conceived initiatives, backed by special interests and big corporations, would privatize hard liquor sales in Washington State, and put our jobs, safety net, public safety and even our children at risk. Passage of either of these initiatives would result in a $300 million revenue loss for WA state.
I-1107: Repeals some tax increases passed during the 2010 session (on candy, gum, soda pop, bottled water, and Spam) VOTE NO More info: I-1107 would inflate big soda company profits at the expense of Washington children and families. It would repeal the small, mostly temporary tax on unnecessary items like candy, soda, bottled water and gum. The money raised – about $100 million per year – goes to fund schools, health care, and essential services for vulnerable seniors and kids.
R-52: Authorizes the sale of $500 million in bonds to retrofit schools and colleges, using bottled water tax VOTE YES More info: R-52 will help our kids succeed and create 30,000 new construction jobs. R-52 is a tough, commonsense measure that will get results and save taxpayers millions.

For a full list of WEA-PAC recommended candidates, please see the POLITICAL ACTION our website (http://northshoreea.blogspot.com). Please visit the POLITIAL ACTION section during duty-free time, using non-NSD equipment.

Bone Tired?

2010-10-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

This election is not just about politicians and taxes. It’s about you—and your students. It will help decide:

• When, if ever, will I get the class size my students need and the extra support they need?
• When will we ever get a COLA (cost of living adjustment) again?
• Will I always have to work evenings and weekends to help my students, or will funding be coming that will relieve my workload?

Some NSEA and NESPA members have already volunteered for phoning voters to pass I-1098 (education funding). Thank you!

Please help us beat back the tidal wave of BIG MONEY that is pouring into our community to defeat Sen. Eric Oemig, the Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

Why should you care? Here’s why: It’s not about Oemig, who will survive and probably enjoy life whether he wins or not. It’s about having an advocate for you in Olympia.

In the last Session, Sen. Oemig fought on your behalf. When Republicans and many weak Democrats wanted an “all cuts” budget (more devastating cuts to education, health care, etc---no revenue to minimize cuts), he fought back for our schools with some modest candy and pop taxes. This saved us from further cuts to our K-4 class sizes. He led the successful fight to enable districts to pass a supplemental levy—something that will generate an average of $2.5 million for Northshore in each of the next four years. And he successfully led the fight for a reasonable teacher evaluation system---and BEAT BACK the one which would have resulted in evaluations based mainly on student test scores. Sen. Oemig is not perfect. We have had our battles with Sen. Oemig, and we will continue to have some disagreements with him. He does listen, dialogs with us, has changed his earlier held positions, and he fights for us when we need him.

His Republican opponent wants to cut taxes even further-- and that means more cuts to schools and benefits. His opponent has received huge help from New York oil billionaire David Koch, one of the largest funders of the Tea Party movement.

There are two additional opportunities to do your part in deciding those questions above, on the mornings of Saturday, Oct 16 and Saturday, Oct 23.

Please join us between 9 and 10 am at the Lake Washington EA office at 10604 NE 38th Pl, Kirkland. We’ll pair up, and then doorbell from lists of voters until about 1 PM. Educators have credibility; voters listen. Feel free to bring family or friends. It’s actually fun!

Although you can simply show up, please call Tim if you can to let us know if you are coming. (425 486 7101 ext 110) Thank you for all you do!

Tip of the Week: Bargaining Interviews Start Soon

2010-10-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

October 11-15, 2010

WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL NEEDS?

BARGAINING INTERVIEWS START SOON

It’s YOUR Chance to be Heard!

Did you know?

Our current Collective Bargaining Agreement (contract) with the Northshore School District expires on August 31, 2011. NSEA’s team of bargainers will go to the table with the district in the spring to bargain a new contract. Though bargaining sessions with the district don’t start for months, NSEA is working all year to gather data and listen to members so that we are fully prepared when we go to the table.

We can’t represent you if we don’t hear from you.

Your voice is vital!

As we gather information, you’ll be involved in a number of ways, including (but not limited to!):

One-on-One Interviews: NSEA Executive Board members will be visiting schools to interview members in a one-on-one setting. Those interviewed are selected at random and interview questions are open-ended and designed to identify potential areas for bargaining.
Member Survey: After our interviews are complete, NSEA’s bargaining team will craft an all-member survey. Look for this survey early in 2011 and be sure to take the time to complete it.
Hearings: Short meetings with the bargaining team in late winter.

Member Interviews Start Soon: If Asked, Please Let Us Hear Your Thoughts!

One-on-one interviews with NSEA Executive Board members start at the end of October and run through early December. If you are randomly selected to be interviewed, please take the time to meet with the Exec Board member at your building. We understand that it’s difficult to sacrifice your planning time, but unless we hear from you, we won’t know if you have any concerns or ideas. Interviews will take approximately 10-15 minutes and you’ll be asked about potential improvements that could be made to the contract. While your participation in these interviews is voluntary, we urge you to participate—even if you’re new to the district, you haven’t been involved in the past, etc.

Your input is vital to our success at the bargaining table. Please become involved in this process!

Political Action Update

2010-10-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ballots will be mailed out to all registered voters in the coming days. Looking for information, like where WEA stands on a particular race? Head over to our POLITICAL ACTION tab (at the top of the page...or click here) for the latest political information. We've also listed upcoming political action opportunities for NSEA members.

Larger or Smaller Classes?

2010-10-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

• WE CAN WIN SMALLER CLASS SIZES!

• LET’S STOP FURTHER CUTS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL FUNDING FOR A CHANGE!

Initiative 1098---tax relief for most, and a modest tax on high incomes---is our best hope to address our worsening school funding situation. Its wealthy opponents are on the airwaves with a scare campaign full of misinformation. I-1098 would raise billions for our schools---and make our tax system much fairer for everyone. If they are successful in defeating I-1098, the prospects for school funding in the future are not good.

YOU can make a difference by making phone calls to supportive voters FROM YOUR HOME. We will provide a list and a script. It takes 1 ½ hours. From home.

Your Building Reps have a sign up sheet. Calling is next week, Wednesday thru Saturday. Please sign up this week, as your Building Rep will be turning in the sheet on Monday afternoon.

Also, we are doorbelling for Sen. Eric Oemig on Saturdays, Oct 16 and Saturday, October 23 in the morning. Sen Oemig is Vice Chair of the Senate Eduation Committee---and he is facing an opponent who is spending a fortune to defeat him. Why should you help Oemig? A) He led the effort in the last Session to pass a GOOD bill on teacher evaluation—defeating efforts to require that 50% of an evaluation be based on student test scores. Without Oemig, we’d have test-score based evaluations now. B) He led the effort to enable Districts to pass supplemental levies, which----thanks to our efforts and the generosity of Northshore voters---will raise an average of $2.5 million per year for the next 4 years. Much needed funds. Doorbelling is in pairs, with a list of supportive voters. It is actually fun!

PLEASE SIGN UP THIS WEEK. Or email Tim or Kraig (from your home email).

Ballots for the election will arrive in about a week. Thank you for all you do!

Tim Brittell, NSEA President
425-486-7101 ext 110
tbrittell@washingtonea.org

Kraig Peck, Uniserv Representative
425-486-7101 ext 103
kpeck@washingtonea.org

Tip of the Week: Gain-Sharing Victory

2010-10-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

NSEA Tip of the Week

October 4-8, 2010

GAIN-SHARING VICTORY!

Back in 2007, legislation was passed in Washington State that repealed “gain-sharing.” The WEA along with the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) sued the State of Washington over this repeal and have won their case. This is great news for NSEA members!

What is gain-sharing?

Gain-sharing was adopted as a benefit for members in retirement Plan 1 and Plan 3 so they could share in increases in pension fund investment returns. For gain-sharing to take effect, those investment returns had to exceed an average of 10% over the previous four years. Many NSEA and other WEA members switched to Plan 3 on the promise of gain-sharing, only to have this benefit revoked by the state.

What happened in court?

WEA argued that retirement benefits constitute a contract for deferred compensation, and that these benefits cannot be lessened in value after a member joins the retirement system. King County Superior Court Judge Richard Eadie ruled last month (September 10, 2010) that the Legislature has no ability to reserve the right to take away a pension benefit that is included in pension legislation. The court also ordered that the Department of Retirement Systems be enjoined from putting into effect any divestment of the gain-sharing benefit.

What happens now?

The State may choose to appeal this decision to the Washington State Supreme Court, so we’ll have to wait and see. But in the meantime, it’s great to know that the King County Superior Court opposes the end of this pension benefit. We’ll update you as we learn more!

Jay Inslee at the NSEA Office This Saturday!

2010-09-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Come join Congressional Rep Jay Inslee, State Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, and many of your colleagues this Saturday as we doorbell for Derek Stanford and Luis Muscoso!

Who represents us in Olympia will decide the future for public education in Washington state. Both Derek Stanford and Luis Muscoso are strong, pro-ed candidates, recommended by WEA-PAC. We as educators need to support candidates like Derek and Luis who understand the need for stable education funding and who see teachers as education experts.

Teachers have a trusted, respected voice in the community and your involvement can have a tremendous impact on the upcoming election. Please join us this Saturday. Details are below. If you are interested, please call Tim Brittell (425-486-7101 ext. 110) from your cell phone or email Tim (tbrittell@washingtonea.org) from your HOME computer.

We hope to see you this weekend!

YOU ARE INVITED!

What?

Doorbelling for 1st district state rep candidates Derek Stanford and Luis Muscoso

When?

This Saturday, October 2nd Show up between 9:00 and 9:30 am; doorbelling will run from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where?

Meet up at the WEA-Cascade UniServ Council Office (NSEA Office)—18704 Bothell Way NE, Suite 101 Bothell, WA (Driving directions are below).

More Details:

• Bring family/friends to doorbell with you!
• We’ll be doorbelling in pairs in the Bothell area

Driving Directions to the WEA-Cascade UniServ Council Office

We are in the brand new two-story brick building on Bothell Way in downtown Bothell…located across the street from the Anderson Building/SAS and next to the Bothell Caffe Ladro. We are at the intersection of Bothell Way NE and Reder Way. Parking and the entrance to the building are in the back, off of Reder. We are on the ground floor.