Education Association of Alexandria

MITCHELL 20 - The Movie

2012-02-28T15:38:00.000-05:00

The EAA Board has purchasedthe rights to exhibit “Mitchell 20” – an exciting movie illustrating that“Teacher Quality is the Answer!” Sponsoredby the NEA Priority Schools Campaign, this movie is being shown across Americato counter the assault on our profession. Please join us at 4:30 pm, Thursday, March 8^th at the MinnieHoward Auditorium to see the other side of the story! See the preview at www.mitchell20.com.Print the flyer and invite another ACPS staff member to see the movie with you!

WHO: AllACPS Staff

WHEN: 4:30p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2012

WHERE: Minnie Howard Auditorium

WHY: Because we deserve to see the other
side of the story!

COST: None – because EAA wants you to knowthat we do matter!

Volunteer opportunity at NEA RA

2012-02-24T13:21:00.000-05:00

The NEA is holding its annual Representative Assembly in Washington DC this year during the first week of July. If you are interested in volunteering to help this effort, please look at the Host Committee volunteer form found here.

Additional date for VEA Retirement Workshop

2012-02-23T11:01:00.001-05:00

VEA is hosting regional workshops to explain VRS and the benefits associated with your retirement in an easy to understand format. For Northern Virginia, the workshop will be hosted at the Fairfax Education Association office on March 20, 2012 from 4:30-6:00 pm in the Professional Development Center, 3917 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax VA 22030.

An additional date has been added in Fairfax: March 29, 2012 from 4:30-6:00 pm in the Professional Development Center, FEA Building, 3917 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax 22030.

This workshop is for VEA members only and space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please contact the FEA office at 703-352-7300 and make a reservation. You can also send an email to receptionist@fairfaxea.org.

Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women

2012-02-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

An annual two-day event, the JointConference on Concerns of Minorities and Women often attracts more than1000 education employees — active,retired, and student members; education support professionals; and highereducation faculty. Participants explorehuman and civil rights issues, education research, other critical matters affecting public school students and staff.

It is tentatively scheduled forthe two days prior to the NEA Convention in Washington, DC, June 28th and 29th,2012.

For more information, contactEAA President Gina Miller.

Reggie Smith Organizing School

2012-02-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

AboutReggie Smith

"Partrevival preacher, part cheerleader, smoothly intelligent and downright streetsmart."

That's the way the Suffolk Sun once described Reggie Smith,and the VEA's onetime director of leadership development was all that and a lotmore. In a 15-year career with the Association, the former elementary schoolprincipal left an indelible mark on thousands of educators and students.

Reggie was so sought after forhis motivational and self-esteem-boosting presentations that at his untimelydeath at age 45 in 1986, his calendar was already filling up for the 1987-88school year, both in Virginia and beyond. He was in demand as far away asCalifornia and Texas. He ran the VEA's Summer Leadership Academy, which nowbears his name, and instituted and taught numerous training programs for VEAmembers, always to an enthusiastic reception.

"Those of us who knew himas a friend, who heard him speak, who were warmed by his smiles, who wereinspired by his words, are better human beings because he passed our way,"recalls former VEA Executive Director David Johnson.

ContentStrands
You'll spend much of your time atthe Reggie Smith Organizing School in one of the following strands. When youregister, you'll need to pick one.

Compensation
For local Association leaders who are compensation chairs or compensation committee members, key Association officers, or Association activists interested in working for improved compensation for members. You'll cover a variety of compensation topics and have the chance to discuss compensation proposals with colleagues from across Virginia.
Emerging Leaders
If you are a newer or less experienced member, this training will teach you about the Association and prepare you to become more involved. You'll become familiar with the organization's structure, decision-making processes, leadership opportunities, and more. You'll also be provided with communications tips and do an analysis of your leadership potential. Training is provided by the Minority Leadership Training Cadre.
Effective Locals
If you have a role or interest in improving your local Association, this strand is for you. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of Association work, including membership recruitment, creating building-level teams, the vital role of the Association Representative, and more. You'll also learn how to quickly establish a local Association website and share effective strategies in use by local Associations around the state.
Organizing
You and your members have ideas about how schools should change. But are they being heard? It's time for educators to take back the profession. In this strand, you'll receive detailed training in how to move your local from a service culture to an organizing culture. You'll learn how to build the power to bring about the change you want to see. Topics include issue organizing, relational organizing, acting collectively, and more.
ESP Organizing
Education Support Professionals will tackle the content of the "Organizing" strand (above) in an environment designed to maximize the relevance to your issues and concerns. Along with your fellow ESPs, you'll study and practice organizing skills focused on ESP issues.
Educational Initiatives
Merit pay? Teacher evaluations based on student test scores? If you're a teacher leader, come learn how to turn these controversial topics into opportunities for local issue organizing. You'll review new guidelines for teacher performance and evaluation and the student growth model, and how both of these might affect teacher compensation and continuing contract in the future. The content will make you better prepared to advocate locally.

For more information, contact EAA President Gina Miller

Educational Opportunities through VEA

2012-02-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

Free Educational Opportunities From VEA!
Classes can come to your city/county or nearby location.

DIVERSITY /SOCIALJUSTICE
Participants in this seminar will explore the evolution ofdiversity and the impact of diversity in their locals, the VEA and NEA.Participants will also participate in the new NEA training entitled OurAssociation in Action: Creating Change through Social Justice.
—————————————————————————————————————
EMERGING LEADERS/BASIC LEADERSHIP SKILLS
This training is designed for new or inexperienced members who want to learnleadership skills, more about the Association, and how to become involved.Skills training for the seminar include effective communication and analysis ofone's leadership potential.
—————————————————————————————————————
SAFE SCHOOLS – CIVIL SCHOOLS:VEA/NEA Training on Bullying/Sexual Harassment Prevention and Intervention.This training session provides an overview of each of the following 3 sessions:

QUIT IT! is designed to assisteducators in addressing the problem of teasing and bullying in kindergartenthrough grade 3. Participants will increase their awareness of the problem ofbullying and sexual harassment in schools and identify ways to provideprevention and intervention programs.
Bully Proof is designed to assisteducators in addressing the problems of teasing and bullying among elementaryschool students. Participants examine their personal reactions to the issues ofteasing, bullying, and harassment and identify and encourage appropriateinterventions.
Flirting or Hurting? is designed toassist educators in addressing the issues of student-to-student sexual harassmentin grades 6 through 12. Participantslearn strategies to help raise student awareness
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Besidethese workshops, there are dozens organized around the following themes. Mostcan be brought to you through arrangements made by your local Associationpresident. Look on the VEA website — http://www.veanea.orgfor more details about the following workshops.

Effective Strategies for Educating Special Education Students
andEnglish Language Learners.

GLBT

Help During Your First Five Years

Strategies for Building Stronger Local Associations

Effective Association Governance

Education and Political Action

Legal Issues: What to Know and DO

Enhancing Your Professional Development

Retirement Planning

For more information, contact EAA President Gina Miller

Betty C. Robinson

2012-02-15T14:29:00.000-05:00

EAA and ACPS lost a friend recently. We join our colleagues at Patrick Henry in celebrating the life and memory of Betty Robinson, a PE teacher for 16 years and and an EAA member, who died on February 3rd. Please keep her family and the staff and students of Patrick Henry in your thoughts and prayers.

Gina A. Miller
EAA President

Back in BLACK!! Call to Action!

2012-02-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

DearMembership,

Our VEA state president Kitty Boitnott hasasked that we wear BLACK to school this Fridayto show our mourning due to the threat to our VRS and continuing contract. We have done this before when we wore black to a school boardmeeting. Itwas a sea of black!

We shouldsupport this effort to fight for the rights of those teachers yet to start withour school system. A threat to one of us is a threat toall of us!

Please sendus pictures of staff in black to post on the blog site to show our unity!

Thank you!

Gina A. Miller

President

Paramedic Joshua Weissman

2012-02-10T11:09:00.002-05:00

The members of the Education Association of Alexandria (VEA/NEA) extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paramedic Joshua Weissman who gave his life in service to our community. We mourn alongside our friends in Medic 206 and our brothers and sisters in the Alexandria Fire Fighters Local 2141. We are grateful for the service of all of the brave women and men of the Alexandria Fire Department.

Visit the AFD Local 2141 web page to post condolences at http://afdlocal2141.org

Delegates Elected; Officers Re-elected

2012-02-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

The EAA Board of Directors, at their January 19th meeting, certified the following elections. All of the individuals were elected by acclamation when no more candidates filed than there were positions available to be filled.

VEA Convention Delegates: Christina Bohringer, Mary Gaddis, Patricia Steen, Marshall Cook, Eric Payne, Nicole Demski, Elizabeth Frans, Jeff Cunningham, Gail Roberson, Melissa King, Christopher Speich, Lori Shabazz, Kim Blake-Wilcox, Lisa Alderton, Patrice Belotte, Derick Richard, Gina Miller, Deborah Lamar, Audrey Biggers, Dawn Lucas, Todd Barrett, and Denise O'Rourke.

NEA Convention Delegates: Christina Bohringer, Mary Gaddis, Gail Roberson, Melissa King, Kim Blake-Wilcox, Derick Richard, and Gina Miller.

EAA's officers were re-elected for an additional two-year term: President Gina Miller, Vice President Dawn Lucas, Treasurer Eric Payne, and Secretary Kim Blake-Wilcox.

Election notices for EAA Building Reps will be distributed in April.
If you have questions about EAA's elections, contact the Elections Committee Chair Kim Blake-Wilcox

ACPS Senior Staff Salary Schedule

2012-02-10T11:04:00.000-05:00

We have received requests from members to reprint the following salary schedule for senior ACPS staff that we obtained with a FOIA request. When reading the schedule, please note that the Tax Sheltered Annuities are in addition to the salary that is listed. We have also learned that at least one employee not partaking in the health plan received a $14,000 payout.

Last Name	First Name	Assignment Title	Date of Hire	Daily Wage Rate	Annual Salary	Tax Sheltered Annuity	Health Insurance
Brown	John	Executive Director	16-Nov-09	$573.46	$137,630.40	No	No
Byess	Margaret	Deputy Superintendent	1-Nov-06	$696.26	$167,102.40	$20,000.00	Yes
Henson	Madye	Deputy Superintendent	18-Jul-11	$687.50	$165,000.00	$20,000.00	Yes
Holmes	GwenCarol	Chief Academic Officer	16-May-11	$666.67	$160,000.80	$10,000.00	Yes
Hoover	Elizabeth	Executive Director	21-Aug-95	$562.22	$134,932.80	No	No
Ignacio	Tammy	Chief Administrative Officer	21-Aug-91	$562.22	134,932.80	No	Yes
Maxey	Suzanne	High School Principal	1-Jul-10	$625.00	$150,000.00	$10,000.00	No
North	Kevin	Chief Human Resources Officer	29-Aug-11	$666.67	$160,000.80	$26,000.00	No
Quenneville	Jane	Director	22-Sep-08	$495.05	$118,812.00	No	Yes
*Sherman	Morton	Superintendent	15-Aug-08	$1,041.67	$250,000.80	$40,000.00	Yes
Sina	Jean	Chief Financial Officer	1-Oct-09	$573.46	$137,630.40	No	Yes
Walsh	Margaret	Executive Director	1-Apr-93	$584.93	$140,383.20	No	Yes
Wilkins	Stephen	Compensation Strategist/Internal Lead Partner	13-Jul-09	$559.81	$134,354.40	No	No

*In addition, the Superintendent receives $650 monthly transportation allowance, $984 monthly VRS service buyback, and medical and dental premium contributions.

Attack on Continuing Contract - Action Request!

2012-02-06T14:15:00.001-05:00

Learn about the attacks on our continuing contracts. The threat is real. Imagine the power that could be gained if no one was safe from poor leadership. The power to change this is in OUR hands!

Act Now and Spread the Word! Follow this link: http://veadailyreports.com

EAA MEMBER ALERT!

2012-02-06T12:02:00.002-05:00

Dear EAA Members,

It is with sadness that I put this information on our site. It seems that in a time when cuts are occurring that impact our students, Dr. Sherman and our Human Resources are writing contracts that give some staff members deferred compensation. The FOIA request and the submitted information, as well as my speech on Saturday are below. I have sent this information to our school board chair. She stands behind Dr. Sherman and these contracts. EAA is extremely disappointed that in a time of cuts to positions, these highly paid Central Office staff did not forgo these bonuses. Please post your comments to our blog site and will forward them to our school board members.

Thank you.

Gina Miller, President
Education Association of Alexandria

REMARKS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY TO ALEXANDRIA SCHOOL BOARD
Saturday, February 5, 2012

Good morning Chairman Gorsuch, school board members and members of the community.

I am Gina Miller, the President of the Education Association of Alexandria and I am here today to discuss the proposed cuts to the budget. I do not envy anyone the job of creating a budget in these tough financial times, but I believe that the proposed cuts represent poor financial choices that will directly impact students. If we value the concept that all students deserve the opportunity to achieve, this is the wrong path for ACPS to go.

Let us start with the cutting of curriculum facilitators. Since this cut was proposed, I have received several emails and calls wondering how the many jobs that they do will get done. This job is not glamorous and yet vital to teachers. I ask you, who is going to run the grants tied to physical education, AP continuing education, assignment of librarians, providing resources to foreign language teachers, just to name a few? My real concern is that our leadership also has no idea how many moving pieces for which the curriculum facilitators are responsible. As it stands now, all those emails will remain unanswered. It just does not make sense.

The next area of cuts that really make no sense are the cuts to the number of Technology Integration Specialists, or TIS’s. Let me start by saying that we already do not have a dedicated TIS assigned to every building – that cut was made two years ago. TIS’s scramble and run around from building to building trying to meet whatever testing and integration needs present themselves. We have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on technology items, such as Smartboards, iPads, iTouches and iPods. Now the staff skilled enough to train teachers on how to use these tools is being reduced further. That does not even begin to discuss the issue of on-line testing that is now occurring quarterly, and Virginia moving to a completely on-line SOL testing system. Again, this cut directly impacts our students.

EAA also has significant concerns with the cuts to intersession, occupational and physical therapy staff and adult education. We have expressed these concerns several times to Dr. Sherman. It seems that we have money for International Baccalaureate and Success for All, but not enough money for a full STEP for the people who work with children every day. It is clear where and who is setting the priorities. The people who work directly with children are making all of the sacrifices, and no one else.

One place in the budget that has seen no cuts, but rather a growing budget, is Central Office. The salaries, benefits, and bonuses of which Mrs. Gorsuch has been made aware are staggering, considering this staff does not work with children. Why, in a time where we “can’t afford” to pay people who work with children, is this school division growing its Central Office? These six figure salaries come at the expense of ACPS staff and children. I implore you to look again at this budget and to come up with a better plan.

Thank you.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOIA) REQUEST

Dr. Henson,

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, and more specifically, Virginia Code section 2.2-3705.8 provides for public access to records of the position, job classification, salary or rate of pay, and records of allowances or reimbursements for expenses paid to any officer, official or employee of a public body whose annual rate of pay is greater than $10,000.

This letter serves as my Freedom of Information Act request for the recipient and amount of any bonus, deferred compensation or payment in lieu of insurance paid to Alexandria School employee in Calendar Year 2011, or the 2011-2012 School year. Please respond with the position, job classification, date of hire or length of service in the Alexandria Schools, salary or rate of pay, and allowance or reimbursements, bonus or deferred compensation paid to the following Alexandria School employees: Dr. Morton Sherman, Dr. Gwen Carol Holmes, Dr. Madye Henson, Margaret Byess, Stephen Wilkins, Dr. Margee Walsh, Dr. Elizabeth Hoover, Dr. John Brown, Kevin North, Dr. Jane Quinnville, and Tammy Ignacio and any other Alexandria School employee or official who was paid bonus, deferred compensation or payment in lieu of insurance. I understand that you are not required to provide me with the annual salary or earnings of school employees who earn $10,000 or less.

As provided by Virginia Code section 2.2-3704, I will accept access to records containing the requested information rather than requiring the creation of a separate document or the abstraction or summarization of information. However the excision of exempt fields of information from a database or the conversion of data from one available format to another is not deemed the creation, preparation or compilation of a new public record. I can accept delivery of the requested records electronically or access information on a website.

I am prepared to pay reasonable charges for copying, search and computer time expended in responding to this request. Please advise me in advance if such costs will exceed two hundred dollars ($200) or if payment must be made in advance.

I look forward to receiving your response to this request within five (5) working days as provided by Virginia Code section 2.2-3704.

Please make sure this information comes in hard copy on ACPS letterhead to the following address: 2857 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314-4512 or to Lisa Staib AND myself at the email addresses above.

Thank you,

Gina Miller
EAA President

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOIA) RESPONSE

Ms. Miller

This email is in response to the FOIA requests you made on January 24, 2012. Attached is the information you requested regarding the listed ACPS employees.

Madye Henson

Attachment:

Last Name	First Name	Assignment Title	Date of Hire	Daily Wage Rate	Contract Days	Tax Sheltered Annuity	Health Insurance
Brown	John	Executive Director	16-Nov-09	$573.46	240	No	No
Byess	Margaret	Deputy Superintendent	1-Nov-06	$696.26	240	$20,000.00	Yes
Henson	Madye	Deputy Superintendent	18-Jul-11	$687.50	240	$20,000.00	Yes
Holmes	GwenCarol	Chief Academic Officer	16-May-11	$666.67	240	$10,000.00	Yes
Hoover	Elizabeth	Executive Director	21-Aug-95	$562.22	240	No	No
Ignacio	Tammy	Chief Administrative Officer	21-Aug-91	$562.22	240	No	Yes
Maxey	Suzanne	High School Principal	1-Jul-10	$625.00	240	$10,000.00	No
North	Kevin	Chief Human Resources Officer	29-Aug-11	$666.67	240	$26,000.00	No
Quenneville	Jane	Director	22-Sep-08	$495.05	240	No	Yes
*Sherman	Morton	Superintendent	15-Aug-08	$1,041.67	240	$40,000.00	Yes
Sina	Jean	Chief Financial Officer	1-Oct-09	$573.46	240	No	Yes
Walsh	Margaret	Executive Director	1-Apr-93	$584.93	240	No	Yes
Wilkins	Stephen	Compensation Strategist/Internal Lead Partner	13-Jul-09	$559.81	240	No	No

*In addition, the Superintendent receives $650 monthly transportation allowance, $984 monthly VRS service buyback, and medical and dental premium contributions.

						30-Jan-12

VEA Retirement Workshop

2012-01-26T13:01:00.000-05:00

A Teacher's Letter to Obama: A Lesson in Irony

2012-01-20T12:08:00.000-05:00

Follow this link to read an interesting "letter to the President" from a teacher. Link

EAA ELECTIONS 2012 - Call to Election for EAA Officers and Council Reps

2012-01-06T15:57:00.004-05:00

The EAA Elections Committee today published its Call to Elections for EAA Officers and NOVA UniServ Council Reps. (The text of the call can be seen here.)

Positions to be filled are EAA President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Also offered are positions as EAA representatives to the NOVA UniServ Council. Again this year, we are using an automated EAA Election Candidate Filing Form (< Click on the text) to assist our process. Choosing this option will take you to an online form that will prompt you for the needed information and deliver the form to the EAA Office for you. We will send daily emails to acknowledge those who have filed their interest. You may also download the form and submit it to the EAA Office in writing (email, letter, or fax 703.370.8705).

Remember, the filing deadline is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

If you have questions, please email Kim Blake-Wilcox, Chair, EAA Elections Committee or call the EAA Office 703.370.1121.

Call to Election - Conventions 2012

2011-12-14T11:09:00.003-05:00

The EAA Elections Committee today published its Call to Elections for the 2012 Conventions.

Positions to be filled are Delegates and Alternates to VEA Delegate Assembly, and Delegates and Alternates to NEA Representative Assembly. Again this year, we are trying an automated EAA Election Candidate Filing Form to assist our process. Choosing this option will take you to an online form that will prompt you for the needed information and deliver the form to the EAA Office for you. We will send daily emails to acknowledge those who have filed their interest. You may also download the form and submit it to the EAA Office in writing (email, letter, or fax 703.370.8705).

Remember, the filing deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2012.

If you have questions, please email Kim Blake-Wilcox, Chair, EAA Elections Committee or call the EAA Office 703.370.1121.

EAA HOLIDAY PARTY

2011-12-08T14:00:00.002-05:00

Flyer

EAA HOLIDAY PARTY

Thursday, December 15, 2011

5:00 PM until 7:00 PM

Clyde's at Mark Center

Patio Room

1700 Beauregard Street

Holiday Shoe Drive

2011-11-23T13:21:00.001-05:00

One of our office neighbors, Alexandria Family Podiatry, is holding a Holiday Shoe Drive. They are asking for donations of gently-used or new shoes for those in need. Donations go to Soles4Souls, a shoe charity that collects gently worn shoes and monies to provide shoes to those in need. This is also a great way to recycle shoes.

If you would like to make donation of shoes, please drop them by the EAA Office and we will see that they get to our neighbors, or you may want to take them yourself to Alexandria Family Podiatry, 2843 Duke Street.

Thank you!

Meet & Confer Notes - October

2011-11-18T14:55:00.004-05:00

Here are the notes from our Meet and Confer meeting in October:

Old Business:

Stipend: Kevin North is meeting with his peers from the area to determine how to document the amounts and types of stipends. We asked that stipends be itemized so that staff can track the money that they are owed. There is a new payroll system coming in January 2013. Rather than spending money on an old system, the new system will give you this information.
Staff Development: 1^st: We are very concerned that staff meetings are being used to do staff development at the expense of vital communication. It is clear that staff is asked to do much more than 21 hours of PD. Please document the kind of PD you are asked to attend by leaving a comment below.
Division Professional Learning Council: Dr. Holmes will meeting with this committee in November. We will be looking for the follow-up about the use of the 21 hours.
Faculty Councils: All schools were directed to have a faculty council and we gave Dr. Sherman a complete list of schools and whether they have a faculty council.
Calendars: We asked that teacher workdays be marked differently than PD days.
Planning Times: EAA insists that planning time is personal planning time. However the answer is more complex than that depending on where you work. Please see your building rep if you have questions. Please document the kind of activities you are asked to attend or do during your planning times by leaving a comment below.

New Business:

Administrator Evaluations: All administrators will be evaluated by their staffs. Please note that these are important and must be filled out by all staff members. Principals will not be able to know who commented in the surveys.
iPad Pictures and filming: Coaches and administrators should be courteous to staff members by asking BEFORE they film staff members. It is the right of the school division to film staff, but everyone at the table felt that we need to be respectful of staff members.
Checklist: Dr. Holmes promises that the classrooms and teachers are not being identified but the schools are being tracked. In the latest C and I news, schools are tracked for improvement.
Paraprofessionals:

Paras are not expected to do PLPs.
Dr. Sherman stated that paraprofessionals are not being eliminated

Professional Learning days: Dr. Sherman has sent out the agenda for activities and learning.

EAA Update - November 2011

2011-11-18T14:51:00.000-05:00

Dear EAA Members and Friends,

First, I am so proud of the staff of ACPS. I have seen the time and energy you have given to your students and the demands of the new curriculum. I know we are being asked to work well beyond any reasonable expectation. Some schools are being asked to do even more than most.

We have brought all these issues to Dr. Sherman’s and Dr. Holmes’ attention and will continue to do so with vigor. I hope that you will continue to bring your concerns to your Building Reps and me. We may not be able to fix every situation but make no mistake; we will raise the issues and continue to raise the issues. Do not suffer in silence. This school division cannot afford your health or well-being to be sacrificed. Your students need you.

Being a member and a leader of EAA has brought me more pride than any other professional experience I have had. Thank you for all you do!

Take care,

Gina A. Miller

President

VEA REGIONAL RETIREMENT MEETINGS 2012

2011-11-16T14:18:00.001-05:00

Regional Retirement Meetings have been announced by VEA for 2012. The meeting closest to us is:

MARCH 20 - FAIRFAX
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Professional Development Center
FEA Building
3917 Old Lee Hwy
Fairfax, 22030

To see the dates and locations for other regional meetings, follow this LINK.

Tele-Town Hall Meeting with Senator Mark Warner, November 28th

2011-11-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

Senator Mark Warner is inviting all members of the Virginia Education Association to join him for a Tele-Town Hall Meeting on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. This is a rare opportunity for Senator Warner to hear directly from Virginia’s teachers on ESEA re-authorization, as well as other pre-K through 12 education-related topics.

Please join your colleagues from across the Commonwealth and take advantage of this opportunity to weigh in on important topics that impact you, your profession, and your students in a meaningful way.

Here’s what will happen:

On Monday, November 28^th, you will receive a call around 6:00 p.m. When you answer your phone, you will be placed into the live Tele-Town hall Meeting with Senator Warner.

I will also be on the call along with members of the VEA staff and members of the NEA Government Relations staff.

Questions? Please email Richmond_Office@warner.senate.gov or contact me at the VEA.

This special event is being coordinated by Senator Warner’s office and the VEA’s Office of Government Relations and Research as well as the Office of the VEA President.

Please mark your calendars for November 28^th at 6:00 p.m., and plan to join us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voices and your concerns heard about ESEA re-authorization and other matters of importance related to public education.

Thank you in advance for planning to participate in this important event.

Sincerely,

Kitty

Kitty J. Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT

President, Virginia Education Association

116 S. 3rd St., Richmond, VA 23219

804-648-5801 (office)

American Education Week - Visit to TC Williams

2011-11-15T13:08:00.001-05:00

Photos of visit to TC Williams HS by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel and US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to kick off American Education Week Link

VEA Award for Teaching Excellence

2011-10-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

Call for Nominations - Deadline February 1, 2012

VEA Award for Teaching Excellence. This is the highest award VEA offers for teaching excellence in the Commonwealth. The winner earns $500 and becomes Virginia's nominee for the NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. Learn more and download a nomination form here. (Word doc, save to your computer.) Deadline: February 1, 2012.

November VEA Instructional Conference Registration Has Begun

2011-10-07T13:18:00.000-04:00

Registration for the November VEA Instructional Conference is now up and online and can be accessed by going to the VEA website. Here is the direct link to register online for VEA's Instructional Conference http://www.regonline.com/veasinstructionalconference.

You can also go through VEA's website www.veanea.org and look for the VEA's Instructional Conference information to register.

Please register ASAP!

Thanks!

Kitty J. Boitnott, PhD, NBCT

President, Virginia Education Association

VEA E-Source, October 2011

2011-10-07T13:08:00.001-04:00

The October 2011 issue of VEA's E-Source newsletter is now available. It contains several items that will interest you. The titles are listed below:

Act Now! Sign Up for VEA's Instructional Conference, Nov. 18-19
Make Sure to Vote for Public Education on Nov. 8
Put the Lid on Classroom Disruptions
Apply to Win a School Lounge Makeover, Courtesy of California Casualty
Sparks Will Light Your Fire for Your Profession, VA
Make Plans to Celebrate American Education Week, Nov 13-19

Click on title above or here

Curry's Auto Service Appreciates Educators!

2011-10-04T12:42:00.001-04:00

Education Offer

If you work within the education sector in the DC Metro area, Curry's Auto Service is offering you:

A $20 Reward Card

PLUS

5% OFF any service at every visit!

All you have to do is bring along your official education ID to one of

our 8 convenient locations and we'll do the rest...

(Look for NEW Alexandria location - opening soon!)

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Forward this email to someone who is, or print out our exclusive thank you certificate and give it to your favorite teacher.

Curry's Teacher Certificate

Regulation for Use of 21 Hours

2011-10-04T09:01:00.001-04:00

Follow this link to a copy of ACPS Administrative Directive No. 11: Division Regulation for the Use of the Twenty-one (21) Additional Hours for SY2011-12. Link

PARA II Staffing

2011-10-04T08:54:00.001-04:00

Dear Members,

According to Dr. Jane Quinnville, there were ten special education paras that were reassigned this week. I asked what the funding formula was for this and this was the response from Dr. Holmes:

"I understand you have a question in regards to how paraprofessionals are staffed as a part of special education services outside of those paraprofessionals that are one-on-one with a student as called for in an IEP. The formula is that Para II staffing is based on Level II points (more than 50% of the time in special education) for every 20 points or 10 children at this level a Para II is assigned to the school. Para II's work with groups of students and are not specifically attached to individual teachers."

Please let me know if this is not the formula used in your building. Please consult your Special Education teacher to get these numbers. I am very concerned about the expectations for full inclusion when we do not properly staff our classrooms!

Thank you!

Gina Miller

Messages from the EAA President

2011-09-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

Click on an item below to read messages from Gina Miller:

EAA Update, September 2011

Notes from Meet and Confer Meeting, September 7, 2011

Notes from School Board Meeting, September 8, 2011

EAA Board of Directors Meeting

2011-09-09T11:15:00.001-04:00

There will be a meeting of the EAA Board of Directors in the EAA Office on Thursday, September 15th at 4:30 p.m.

EDUCATION 411 SYMPOSIUM

2011-09-09T11:14:00.001-04:00

Click here for a flyer for a symposium being sponsored by the Prince William Education Association that is open to all VEA members. The flyer describes the sessions available at the symposium and includes a registration form. Note the registration deadline of September 23^rd.

VEA-Retired Regional Fall Meeting

2011-09-09T11:09:00.002-04:00

Fun, fellowship and timely information are all available at the retiree regional meetings. Please register by filling out the registration form and mail with your check to VEA or AEA for Northern Va. Lunch is included or available.

10/27/11

Northern Va. Regional Meeting

10:00-2:00

Fort Myer Officers Club

214 Jackson Ave, Fort Myer, VA (Arlington)

Topic: What Active and Retired Members Need to know about Upcoming Legislation by Robley Jones, VEA Director of Government Relations

Cost: $19.00. (Lunch included)

RSVP by Oct.17^th*

^{*Call AEA at 703-379-1650 if you have questions*}

Regional Pre-Legislative Workshops

2011-09-09T11:03:00.004-04:00

The VEA Office of Government Relations will conduct nine regional pre-legislative workshops during the months of October and November. The purpose of these workshops is to provide local leaders with information on legislative issues which will be before the 2012 General Assembly.

The following items will be discussed:

1.         Overview of November Election
2.              Fiscal Condition of Commonwealth &
            Educational Funding Demands

3. Profile of Legislators and Committee Composition

4. VEA’s Legislative Agenda

5. Legislative Issues/Lobbying Strategy

Each local association will be entitled to send five (5) representatives. Dinner will be provided to the participants by VEA.

Contact EAA President Gina Miller (GinaEAA@gmail.com) if you are interested in attending. Registration deadline is September 13th.

Thursday NOVA (FAIRFAX), Hilton Garden Inn 6:00-9:00 p.m.

October 13* 3950 Fair Ridge Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033

MATT DAMON DEFENDS EDUCATORS!

2011-09-09T10:54:00.003-04:00

Actor and philanthropist Matt Damon joined educators and concerned citizens from across the country in Washington, DC on June 30 to urge national leaders to focus on education reform that provides a high-quality education for every student. Mr. Damon gave an inspiring speech to the crowd and later defended teachers to an aggressive reporter, and gave an interview in which he expressed dissatisfaction about current education policy. Later, MSNBC commentator Lawrence O’Donnell highlighted Matt Damon’s words in offering his own impassioned defense of educators.

Source: NEA Education Insider (Used with permission.)

NEA RA Highlights

2011-07-26T11:57:00.000-04:00

First-time RA Delegate LESLIE RIDLEY shares the highlights of the NEA RA that she attended the first week of July in Chicago. Read her comments here.

SAVE OUR SCHOOLS

2011-07-26T11:48:00.000-04:00

March & National Call to Action, July 28-30 click here

March & Rally Flyer, Washington DC, July 30 click here

Pension Protection, Using Test Scores to Evaluate Teachers, and Our Preeminent Challenge

2011-05-27T16:13:00.000-04:00

Read an interesting update on matters of interest to you about Richmond and the General Assembly from the head of VEA's Government Relations and Research Division. - click here

NEA Member Benefits - June 2011

2011-05-27T10:26:00.009-04:00

NEA Member Benefits Programs & Services - click here for listing
Sallie Mae Giveaway - for info on $2,000 monthly drawing thru August 2011, click here
Deals & Discounts

NEA Click & Save "Buy-lights" for June 2011 - click here
Save up to $25 with Hertz - At Airport or In Neighborhood - click here
Nice Place. Nice Price. - Red Roof Inn - click here

NEA Academy and Learning Bridges Offer Continuing Education Options for NEA Members - click here
Financial Assistance

Steps for Getting Your Finances Under Control - click here
The Right Time to Refinance - click here

King's Dominion Discounts for EAA Members

2011-05-20T13:58:00.002-04:00

EAA Members enjoy two discount packages from King's Dominion

UniServ Members & Family Days

June 19 - July 4

Flyer

Online Discount Tickets

Good-Any-Day

June 25 - July 10

July 23 - August 7

Flyer

VEA National Board "Jump Start" Seminar

2011-05-20T13:26:00.000-04:00

If you are in the process of pursuing certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), the Virginia Education Association (VEA) invites you to a National Board professional development opportunity in the summer of 2011.

August 8-11, 2011

Registration Ends July 8th

Flyer and Registration - Click Here

REGGIE SMITH DEADLINE EXTENDED

2011-05-20T13:12:00.003-04:00

REGGIE SMITH ORGANIZING SCHOOL

JULY 26-28, 2011

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

Learn more at http://www.veanea.org. Click on the "Reggie Smith Organizing School" link.

Registration EXTENDED - closes on May 24, 2011.
Register here.

2011-05-10T15:06:00.010-04:00

NEA Click & Save “Buy-lights” for May 2011

NEA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured “Buy-lights” for May!

GNC: Save 15% + free shipping (until 5/31/11)

ShoeBuy.com: Save 10% + free shipping (ongoing)

Brooks Brothers: Save 15% (ongoing)

Join the 190,000 NEA members already registered for NEA Click & Save. Go to www.neamb.com/clickandsave today!

EAA Update: Welcome to Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-02T15:31:00.001-04:00

Dear EAA Membership,

This the time of year that we take the time to say, “Thank you!” I think this time is for parents and administrators to acknowledge how much we do, but I need to say that the thanks should extend well beyond this week. It should be extended to every day that you feel tired and worn out, but you come to school because your students need you so much. Thanks for staying up late to grade papers or rewrite lesson plans. Thank you for buying a pair of shoes for a student that is just embarrassed by the shoes on their feet. The one you deserve because you love your students when they have taken every ounce of your patience. This is the kind of “thank you” that you should be getting every day.

In that spirit, VEA would like us to show public appreciation by wearing BLUE tomorrow! Please try to wear the color on Tuesday, May 3, 2011!

We are continuing to meet with Dr. Sherman and senior staff about the state of the school system. If you have concerns, please let me know at ginaEAA@gmail.com. We are continuing to watch the use of the 21 hours and are asking that all staff development and work with consultants have both an agenda and an evaluation. We need to start asking for these pieces of documentation if these folks do not provide them. We are going to be accountable for our students, no matter how they come to us, and others should be accountable, as well.

We have also met with Dr. Gregory Hutchings and have high hopes for the middle schools in 2011-2012. Hopefully all those issues that came to light when the middle schools were split will be addressed and those long-suffering staff will get the leadership that will guide all the schools to success.

Thank you, take care and have a great week!

Gina Miller, President

VEA Preserves Your Pension Benefit…Again

2011-04-29T15:40:00.003-04:00

Your activism guaranteed that, at least this year, local school divisions will not be allowed to reduce your salary by 5 percent as a contribution to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). That's a proposal VEA already had defeated during the regular General Assembly session. During the April "veto" session, VEA members again defeated the 5-percent proposal when it re-emerged from the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell. VEA has pointed out that shifting the 5-percent burden from the school employer to the school employee does nothing to improve the fiscal health of VRS overall. For more news on the 2011 General Assembly, click here.

REGGIE SMITH ORGANIZING SCHOOL

2011-04-29T15:20:00.002-04:00

WE'RE TAKING BACK

OUR PROFESSION

Join us and learn how to bring about the change you want to see in your school and in your local school division. We'll teach you the organizing skills that will allow you to act with knowledge and confidence to improve your working and learning conditions.

JULY 26-28, 2011
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

Learn more at http://www.veanea.org. Click on the "Reggie Smith Organizing School" link.

Registration closes on May 6, 2011.

Wearing Blue on May 3rd for National Teacher Day

2011-04-25T16:36:00.004-04:00

Time is short for implementing a New Business Item that was passed at our recent Delegate Assembly -- that VEA encourage members to wear blue to support public education on May 3, National Teacher Day, and that we assist local associations in gaining publicity for the observance.

We are using our internal communications vehicles to notify our members of the action--the VEA News, our website, our e-source newsletter and our Facebook page.

And with this email, we are encouraging our local associations to get involved to help publicize the day. Thank you for doing what you can to help publicize this event and to encourage our members to wear blue on May 3. That includes all of our members, teachers and education support professional alike.

Kitty Boitnott, PhD., NBCT

President

Virginia Education Association

EAA Update April 2011

2011-04-07T16:39:00.001-04:00

Dear Members,

First, we are almost there…..Spring Break! It has been a long year and I know we are all looking forward to time with family and friends. Please make sure you make plans to enjoy the quiet!

Now to the rest of business! The budget season is nearly over. We have some numbers to go over with Mrs. Byess. I believe that the compensation package for next year will result in a NET increase for most staff members, but we still have more numbers to flesh out. If you have questions about the plan, please see your building rep.

Special thanks to the building reps at TC Williams, Minnie Howard, Hammond Middle School, Lyles-Crouch and Polk for having building meetings. It is very important that we spread the word! Please, please make sure that you are keeping up and communicating with your members. If you would like Lisa or I to attend a meeting, please just let me know!

If you are interested in becoming more involved in EAA, please consider attending the Reggie Smith Organizing School Event in Richmond July 26-28, 2011 at the University Of Richmond. If you have interest, please contact me at ginaEAA@gmail.com. The specifics can be found at http://www.veanea.org

We have had some victories! Meet and Confer have asked for two years to find a way to take the SOL mastery off teachers’ plates. As we all know, SOL mastery is not data-driven, never used to guide instruction and just a huge amount of time. I am hoping we can show these same skills on IAPs in some form in the future.

Meet and Confer is working on the following issues: Evaluations for all administrators by their schools’ staff, agendas and evaluations for all staff development (every session), and attaching test scores to teacher evaluations. Our big goal for the rest of the year will be making sure that every employee works to assure that classroom staff receives prompt, correct and complete information so they can focus on the real work of student achievement for all students. Please send your concerns to me if you would like us to discuss something with Dr. Sherman and his senior staff.

Special thanks to all the building reps who send email notes saying that you cannot attend EAA meetings. I really appreciate the emails. Please keep it up!

Thank you and have a great Spring Break!

Gina

ACTIVISM & BULLYING

2011-03-10T12:51:00.000-05:00

VEA Northern Region Training will be held in Fairfax on Saturday, March 26th. You can find the flyer for the training and registration here. RSVP by Wednesday, March 23rd.

Remarks to Alexandria School Board on February 24th

2011-02-25T15:19:00.001-05:00

Remarks by EAA President Gina Miller to the School Board can be found here.

Remarks to the School Board by Christina Bohringer, EAA Building Rep at Samuel W. Tucker ES, for herself and her colleague, Alicia Foley, can be found here.

2011 Regional VRS Retirement Meetings

2011-02-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

A listing of dates, times, and locations for 2011 Regional VRS Retirement Meetings, sponsored by VEA, can be found here.

Spring Reading & Instructional Issues Conference

2011-02-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

The Spring Reading & Instructional Issues Conference will be held on March 5th, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the Mason Inn, George Mason University. A flyer and registration form can be found here, and a listing of the Keynote and Workshops can be found here.

February Insurance Special

2011-02-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

Request a no-obligation Quote from the NEA Auto and Home Insurance program and you will be entered to win a Best Buy Gift Card. See form here.

Proposed salary scales

2011-02-23T16:47:00.000-05:00

A more comprehensive report from ACPS, detailing next year’s proposed salary scales and the impact of these changes, can be found by clicking here. Be patient, it is a large file and may require a little time to open.

EAA All-Member Meeting

2011-02-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

The EAA All-Member Meeting tomorrow, Thursday, February 24, will begin at 4:00 PM in the Auditorium of TC Williams High School.

Revised Compensation Proposal

2011-02-18T12:28:00.003-05:00

Dear EAA Members:

As a result of the February 9^th, 10^th and 17^th meetings between EAA and Dr. Sherman, the compensation proposal has changed. Your EAA Board of Directors has voted to support this revised proposal. The School Board has final approval. The revised proposal is here. A more comprehensive report will come out next week detailing next year’s salary scales and the impact of these changes.

There will be an ALL MEMBER meeting at TC Williams on Thursday February 24, 2011 at 4pm. You are encouraged to come and ask questions about this proposal. The exact location within TC Williams has not been finalized. We will post the location of the meeting on the EAA blog site and follow-up with an email to membership.

This message has also been emailed to building reps for distribution to all members.

Thank you and take care,

Gina

EAA Update - February 15th

2011-02-15T15:25:00.000-05:00

Dear EAA Membership,

In my last update I suggested that EAA members should attend the work session on Compensation and Salary this Thursday, February 17, 2011. The school board has changed the agenda. It is now a work session on the CIP budget. The regular school board meeting, and work session on February 24, 2011 at 7:00pm will be the meeting to attend. There will be a public hearing at this school board meeting and the school board will be considering compensation scenarios in the work session.

We are asking that each building have a speaker come and convey the perspective of their staff. We would like several EAA members from each building to stand with their speaker as a show of strength. Our specific message to the school board is yet to be determined. It could be either one of support for the Superintendent’s new compensation package or rejection of the plan proposed. We are in the midst of talks with Dr. Sherman about the proposed salary, benefits and additional time for 2011 and 2012. Our position remains the same: any additional time must be compensated. We are meeting with Dr. Sherman later this week and will send information out as soon as possible following the meeting so you can tailor your school’s public hearing speech. If you have questions or would like help with your speech, please feel free to email me or Lisa Staib (lstaib@veanea.org, (703) 370-1121) for help.

For those who do not know, Dr. Sherman and I have a very tenuous relationship. There have been several challenging conversations and I have never stepped away from representing this organization with zeal.

Thank you and take care,

Gina

EAA Elections Report 2011

2011-02-11T11:45:00.001-05:00

You will find the committee report on the results of the 2011 EAA Elections here.

Save School Jobs!

2011-02-11T11:40:00.001-05:00


Urge your Delegate to Vote Against SB966

The House will be voting on SB966 in the days ahead. This well-intended bill will have the unintended consequence of eliminating the jobs of art, music and physical education teachers. Please write your delegate urging opposition to SB966. Click "Take Action!" Take Action!

Education Association of Alexandria

MITCHELL 20 - The Movie

Volunteer opportunity at NEA RA

Additional date for VEA Retirement Workshop

Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women

Reggie Smith Organizing School

ContentStrandsYou'll spend much of your time atthe Reggie Smith Organizing School in one of the following strands. When youregister, you'll need to pick one.

Educational Opportunities through VEA

Betty C. Robinson

Back in BLACK!! Call to Action!

Paramedic Joshua Weissman

Delegates Elected; Officers Re-elected

ACPS Senior Staff Salary Schedule

Attack on Continuing Contract - Action Request!

EAA MEMBER ALERT!

VEA Retirement Workshop

A Teacher's Letter to Obama: A Lesson in Irony

EAA ELECTIONS 2012 - Call to Election for EAA Officers and Council Reps

Call to Election - Conventions 2012

EAA HOLIDAY PARTY

Holiday Shoe Drive

Meet & Confer Notes - October

EAA Update - November 2011

VEA REGIONAL RETIREMENT MEETINGS 2012

Tele-Town Hall Meeting with Senator Mark Warner, November 28th

American Education Week - Visit to TC Williams

VEA Award for Teaching Excellence

November VEA Instructional Conference Registration Has Begun

VEA E-Source, October 2011

Curry's Auto Service Appreciates Educators!

Regulation for Use of 21 Hours

PARA II Staffing

Messages from the EAA President

EAA Board of Directors Meeting

EDUCATION 411 SYMPOSIUM

VEA-Retired Regional Fall Meeting

Regional Pre-Legislative Workshops

MATT DAMON DEFENDS EDUCATORS!

NEA RA Highlights

SAVE OUR SCHOOLS

Pension Protection, Using Test Scores to Evaluate Teachers, and Our Preeminent Challenge

NEA Member Benefits - June 2011

King's Dominion Discounts for EAA Members

VEA National Board "Jump Start" Seminar

REGGIE SMITH DEADLINE EXTENDED

EAA Update: Welcome to Teacher Appreciation Week

VEA Preserves Your Pension Benefit…Again

REGGIE SMITH ORGANIZING SCHOOL

Wearing Blue on May 3rd for National Teacher Day

EAA Update April 2011

ACTIVISM & BULLYING

Remarks to Alexandria School Board on February 24th

2011 Regional VRS Retirement Meetings

Spring Reading & Instructional Issues Conference

February Insurance Special

Proposed salary scales

EAA All-Member Meeting

Revised Compensation Proposal

EAA Update - February 15th

EAA Elections Report 2011

Save School Jobs!

ContentStrands
You'll spend much of your time atthe Reggie Smith Organizing School in one of the following strands. When youregister, you'll need to pick one.