var g_txt=[
{t:"Periodicals",p:1,x:130,y:1511,w:-63,h:16},
{t:"Postage Paid",p:1,x:130,y:1494,w:-77,h:16},
{t:"Lansing, MI",p:1,x:130,y:1478,w:-70,h:16},
{t:"August 2009 | Vol. 86 | Issue 5",p:1,x:37,y:1303,w:244,h:22},
{t:"www.mea.org",p:1,x:1116,y:289,w:101,h:22},
{t:"Take part in Labor Day events p. 11 | Morale killer p. 10 | Special MESSA insert",p:1,x:21,y:1580,w:1216,h:47},
{t:"Make this ",p:1,x:1000,y:381,w:232,h:75},
{t:"Your ",p:1,x:965,y:433,w:293,h:174},
{t:"Best ",p:1,x:974,y:570,w:285,h:174},
{t:"Year ",p:1,x:965,y:708,w:293,h:174},
{t:"Ever!",p:1,x:937,y:845,w:292,h:174},
{t:"p. 8",p:1,x:1135,y:994,w:83,h:75},
{t:"Your right to bargain health insurance threatened p. 5 | Visit www.mea.org for updates",p:1,x:20,y:5,w:1218,h:47},
{t:" ",p:2,x:28,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"2 ",p:2,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:2,x:57,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Letter to members »",p:2,x:186,y:69,w:616,h:99},
{t:"from the executive office",p:2,x:28,y:22,w:267,h:35},
{t:"Dear Members,",p:2,x:195,y:232,w:120,h:21},
{t:"As MEA union members, we’re proud of the hard work we’ve collectively accomplished to bargain decent jobs, ",p:2,x:195,y:257,w:860,h:21},
{t:"fair pay and good working conditions in public education. Our students’ learning environments are better because ",p:2,x:186,y:282,w:886,h:21},
{t:"of the small class size provisions negotiated into contracts and because of professional development secured at ",p:2,x:186,y:307,w:866,h:21},
{t:"the bargaining table.",p:2,x:186,y:332,w:159,h:21},
{t:"We’re proud of our affliation with MEA—and we hope you are, too.",p:2,x:195,y:357,w:517,h:21},
{t:"We recognize that you face tremendous challenges—resources are strained and bargaining is tough. At the ",p:2,x:195,y:382,w:834,h:21},
{t:"state level, you face pressure to give up bargaining rights. At this writing, Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, a ",p:2,x:186,y:407,w:851,h:21},
{t:"prospective gubernatorial candidate in 2010, has proposed placing all public employees—including you—in a ",p:2,x:186,y:432,w:857,h:21},
{t:"statewide health plan (see Page 5). Under Dillon’s proposal, you would no longer have the right to collectively ",p:2,x:186,y:457,w:849,h:21},
{t:"negotiate a health plan with your school district.",p:2,x:186,y:482,w:369,h:21},
{t:"The proposal is part of a broader budget battle that always seems to end with proposals that bash school employees.",p:2,x:195,y:507,w:874,h:21},
{t:"Now, more than ever, we must stand strong as proud union members. Advocacy on behalf of students—often at ",p:2,x:195,y:532,w:872,h:21},
{t:"the bargaining table—makes public education stronger and more effective.",p:2,x:186,y:557,w:580,h:21},
{t:"Every time we fght privatization, we struggle for the rights of students to be safe and feel comfortable with the ",p:2,x:195,y:582,w:852,h:21},
{t:"same bus driver they’ve grown to know and love. When we battle for smaller class size, we push for students to ",p:2,x:186,y:607,w:863,h:21},
{t:"have the time and attention they need to learn to read or multiply numbers. Even as we bargain for better wages ",p:2,x:186,y:632,w:871,h:21},
{t:"for our members, we ensure that our students’ bumps and fears can be soothed by a school secretary who isn’t ",p:2,x:186,y:657,w:868,h:21},
{t:"preoccupied with worry over how to feed a family and pay the bills.",p:2,x:186,y:682,w:516,h:21},
{t:"Our fght is their fght, and we should be proud of what our union membership means for the kids we teach and ",p:2,x:195,y:707,w:870,h:21},
{t:"nurture.",p:2,x:186,y:732,w:62,h:21},
{t:"The cover story in this issue (Page 8) focuses on how to make this school year the best year ever.",p:2,x:195,y:757,w:752,h:21},
{t:"As you approach the fresh start that fall always brings, we ask you to think about how the MEA helps you along ",p:2,x:195,y:782,w:862,h:21},
{t:"the way. This can be a great year, but it takes all of us—as individuals and collectively as union members—to ",p:2,x:186,y:807,w:849,h:21},
{t:"make that happen. ",p:2,x:186,y:832,w:152,h:21},
{t:"Clockwise from left:",p:2,x:781,y:932,w:129,h:22},
{t:"The Rev. Jesse Jackson appeared at ",p:2,x:791,y:957,w:278,h:21},
{t:"a Lansing rally co-sponsored by MEA ",p:2,x:781,y:982,w:283,h:21},
{t:"in June.",p:2,x:781,y:1007,w:60,h:21},
{t:"Kenowa Hills teachers and educa-",p:2,x:791,y:1032,w:257,h:21},
{t:"tion support professionals ratifed new ",p:2,x:781,y:1057,w:289,h:21},
{t:"contracts.",p:2,x:781,y:1082,w:74,h:21},
{t:"Thirty-three high school seniors ",p:2,x:791,y:1107,w:241,h:21},
{t:"and college students received MEA ",p:2,x:781,y:1132,w:269,h:21},
{t:"scholarships for the new school year. ",p:2,x:781,y:1157,w:281,h:21},
{t:"For details on the program, go to ",p:2,x:781,y:1182,w:250,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/scholarship .",p:2,x:781,y:1207,w:192,h:21},
{t:"Iris K. Salters",p:2,x:37,y:365,w:82,h:17},
{t:"President",p:2,x:37,y:382,w:56,h:17},
{t:"Steven B. Cook",p:2,x:37,y:546,w:91,h:17},
{t:"Vice President",p:2,x:37,y:564,w:86,h:17},
{t:"Peggy McLellan",p:2,x:37,y:729,w:95,h:17},
{t:"Secretary-Treasurer",p:2,x:37,y:747,w:115,h:17},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:755,y:1243,w:0,h:13},
{t:"On the go",p:2,x:236,y:1151,w:0,h:89},
{t:"Photo contest!",p:2,x:37,y:1329,w:124,h:25},
{t:"Enter to win  ",p:2,x:37,y:1357,w:80,h:21},
{t:"prizes. Details ",p:2,x:37,y:1379,w:90,h:21},
{t:"at www.mea.org/",p:2,x:37,y:1402,w:103,h:21},
{t:"contests.",p:2,x:37,y:1424,w:54,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:579,y:1543,w:0,h:13},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:1067,y:1543,w:0,h:13},
{t:" ",p:3,x:1213,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:3,x:1115,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"3",p:3,x:1227,y:1594,w:9,h:21},
{t:"what’s inside for you",p:3,x:995,y:22,w:221,h:35},
{t:"« Contents",p:3,x:740,y:69,w:329,h:99},
{t:"Executive Director » Lu Battaglieri",p:3,x:186,y:1442,w:182,h:16},
{t:"Director of Communications » Doug Pratt",p:3,x:186,y:1459,w:220,h:16},
{t:"Editor » Karen Schulz",p:3,x:186,y:1476,w:114,h:16},
{t:"Communications Consultant » Rosemary Carey",p:3,x:186,y:1492,w:251,h:16},
{t:"Media Relations Specialist » Kerry Birmingham",p:3,x:186,y:1509,w:252,h:16},
{t:"Publications Specialist » Shantell Coats Crispin",p:3,x:186,y:1526,w:256,h:16},
{t:"Proofreader-Graphics Editor » Sue Garyet",p:3,x:186,y:1542,w:219,h:16},
{t:"The MEA Voice ISSN 1077-4564 is an offcial publication of the Michigan Education Association, 1216 Kendale ",p:3,x:483,y:1411,w:589,h:17},
{t:"Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823. Opinions stated in the MEA Voice do not necessarily refect the offcial position ",p:3,x:483,y:1429,w:589,h:17},
{t:"of the MEA unless so identifed. Published by Michigan Education Association, Box 2573, East Lansing, MI ",p:3,x:483,y:1448,w:589,h:17},
{t:"48826-2573. Periodicals postage paid at East Lansing and additional mailing offces. Payment of the active ",p:3,x:483,y:1467,w:589,h:17},
{t:"membership fee entitles a member to receive the MEA Voice. Of each annual fee whether for active or affliate ",p:3,x:483,y:1486,w:589,h:17},
{t:"membership, $12.93 is for a year’s subscription. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the MEA Voice, Box ",p:3,x:483,y:1504,w:589,h:17},
{t:"2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573 or via e-mail at webmaster@mea.org . Allow at least three weeks for change ",p:3,x:483,y:1523,w:589,h:17},
{t:"of address to take effect. MEA Voice telephone: 517-332-6551 or 800-292-1934. Circulation this issue: 163,434 ",p:3,x:483,y:1542,w:589,h:17},
{t:"18",p:3,x:222,y:1011,w:111,h:119},
{t:"16",p:3,x:672,y:1011,w:111,h:119},
{t:"10",p:3,x:196,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"7",p:3,x:494,y:1316,w:41,h:89},
{t:"22",p:3,x:982,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"In every issue",p:3,x:632,y:254,w:117,h:25},
{t:"Editor’s note, 4",p:3,x:632,y:282,w:112,h:21},
{t:"10 fast reads, 6",p:3,x:632,y:307,w:117,h:21},
{t:"Bulletin board, 13",p:3,x:632,y:332,w:135,h:21},
{t:"Member profle, 16",p:3,x:632,y:357,w:144,h:21},
{t:"Generation Next, 22",p:3,x:632,y:382,w:151,h:21},
{t:"More inside",p:3,x:632,y:429,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Legislative news, 5",p:3,x:632,y:457,w:137,h:21},
{t:"Member voice, 14",p:3,x:632,y:482,w:133,h:21},
{t:"Good news, 18",p:3,x:632,y:507,w:110,h:21},
{t:"Special MESSA insert",p:3,x:632,y:532,w:157,h:21},
{t:"On the cover",p:3,x:632,y:579,w:108,h:25},
{t:"Your best year ever, 8",p:3,x:632,y:607,w:161,h:21},
{t:"Morale killer, 10 ",p:3,x:632,y:632,w:125,h:21},
{t:"Labor Day events, 11",p:3,x:632,y:657,w:159,h:21},
{t:"Periodicals",p:3,x:226,y:656,w:-20,h:5},
{t:"Postage Paid",p:3,x:226,y:651,w:-24,h:5},
{t:"Lansing, MI",p:3,x:226,y:646,w:-21,h:5},
{t:"August 2009 | Vol. 86 | Issue 5",p:3,x:197,y:592,w:75,h:7},
{t:"www.mea.org",p:3,x:532,y:277,w:31,h:7},
{t:"Take part in Labor Day events p.11 | Morale killer p. 10 | Special MESSA insert",p:3,x:192,y:678,w:377,h:14},
{t:"Make this ",p:3,x:496,y:305,w:72,h:23},
{t:"Your ",p:3,x:486,y:321,w:91,h:54},
{t:"Best ",p:3,x:488,y:364,w:88,h:54},
{t:"Year ",p:3,x:486,y:407,w:91,h:54},
{t:"Ever!",p:3,x:477,y:449,w:87,h:54},
{t:"p. 8",p:3,x:538,y:496,w:25,h:23},
{t:"Your right to bargain health insurance threatened | Visit www.mea.org for updates",p:3,x:192,y:189,w:377,h:14},
{t:"Cover photo",p:3,x:873,y:254,w:101,h:25},
{t:"Waverly teacher Bill Cecil ",p:3,x:873,y:282,w:194,h:21},
{t:"believes that this will be ",p:3,x:873,y:307,w:183,h:21},
{t:"his best school year ever. ",p:3,x:873,y:332,w:193,h:21},
{t:"Read his tips to help you ",p:3,x:873,y:357,w:191,h:21},
{t:"have a great year, too, ",p:3,x:873,y:382,w:169,h:21},
{t:"on page 8. Photo by Rod ",p:3,x:873,y:407,w:192,h:21},
{t:"Sanford.",p:3,x:873,y:432,w:63,h:21},
{t:"Read the MEA Voice maga-",p:3,x:873,y:482,w:176,h:22},
{t:"zine online in our interactive",p:3,x:873,y:507,w:193,h:22},
{t:"viewer at www.mea.org/voice.",p:3,x:873,y:532,w:196,h:22},
{t:" ",p:4,x:28,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"4 ",p:4,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:4,x:57,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Editor’s note »",p:4,x:186,y:69,w:445,h:99},
{t:"Dear Readers,",p:4,x:195,y:1082,w:93,h:21},
{t:"Thousands of members weighed in on",p:4,x:195,y:1107,w:251,h:21},
{t:"the new recycled paper used in the April",p:4,x:186,y:1132,w:266,h:21},
{t:"Voice magazine. Nearly all wanted us to",p:4,x:186,y:1157,w:264,h:21},
{t:"continue using eco-friendly paper and",p:4,x:186,y:1182,w:253,h:21},
{t:"ink—and so we will. Here’ s a sampling ",p:4,x:186,y:1207,w:273,h:21},
{t:"of the members who wrote to us.—Editor ",p:4,x:186,y:1232,w:286,h:21},
{t:"Karen Schulz.",p:4,x:186,y:1257,w:90,h:21},
{t:"———",p:4,x:303,y:1282,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Dear Editor,",p:4,x:195,y:1307,w:79,h:21},
{t:"Selfshly speaking, I like the new look",p:4,x:195,y:1332,w:247,h:21},
{t:"and feel of our professional journal.",p:4,x:186,y:1357,w:237,h:21},
{t:"Glossy printed pages refect light, are",p:4,x:186,y:1382,w:249,h:21},
{t:"sometimes harder to read and harder on",p:4,x:186,y:1407,w:268,h:21},
{t:"the eyes.",p:4,x:186,y:1432,w:58,h:21},
{t:"Wayne E. Lawton",p:4,x:195,y:1457,w:111,h:21},
{t:"MEA-Retired",p:4,x:195,y:1482,w:82,h:21},
{t:"Lake City",p:4,x:195,y:1507,w:60,h:21},
{t:"———",p:4,x:303,y:1532,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Dear Editor,",p:4,x:496,y:1082,w:79,h:21},
{t:"I love the fact that the MEA V oice is ",p:4,x:496,y:1107,w:247,h:21},
{t:"printed on recycled paper with soy ink.",p:4,x:487,y:1132,w:255,h:21},
{t:"Keep up the good work!",p:4,x:487,y:1157,w:156,h:21},
{t:"Dee Tomshany",p:4,x:496,y:1182,w:95,h:21},
{t:"Dexter CFMOP",p:4,x:496,y:1207,w:92,h:21},
{t:"———",p:4,x:603,y:1232,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Dear Editor,",p:4,x:496,y:1257,w:79,h:21},
{t:"I just received the new MEA V oice (April ",p:4,x:496,y:1282,w:273,h:21},
{t:"2009) printed on 100 percent post-",p:4,x:487,y:1307,w:234,h:21},
{t:"consumer paper. I like it! Much easier to",p:4,x:487,y:1332,w:271,h:21},
{t:"read—no glare!",p:4,x:487,y:1357,w:109,h:21},
{t:"Mary Ann Bittner",p:4,x:496,y:1382,w:111,h:21},
{t:"MEA-Retired",p:4,x:496,y:1407,w:82,h:21},
{t:"Belleville",p:4,x:496,y:1432,w:60,h:21},
{t:"———",p:4,x:603,y:1457,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Dear Editor,",p:4,x:496,y:1482,w:79,h:21},
{t:"Congratulations! What took you so",p:4,x:496,y:1507,w:229,h:21},
{t:"long? I hope you plan on continuing with",p:4,x:487,y:1532,w:269,h:21},
{t:"subsequent issues. The eco-friendly",p:4,x:787,y:1457,w:238,h:21},
{t:"paper and ink are just fne.",p:4,x:787,y:1482,w:180,h:21},
{t:"Linda Lindner",p:4,x:797,y:1507,w:91,h:21},
{t:"Coldwater OPT ",p:4,x:797,y:1532,w:100,h:21},
{t:"When I set out to report and write this issue’s cover ",p:4,x:186,y:249,w:415,h:61},
{t:"story (Page 8, Best Year Ever!), I knew it’d be a chal-",p:4,x:228,y:282,w:394,h:21},
{t:"lenge. Times are tough all over right now—and I wanted to ",p:4,x:186,y:307,w:442,h:21},
{t:"give readers hope.",p:4,x:186,y:332,w:138,h:21},
{t:"Can this new school year be great despite the diffcult ",p:4,x:195,y:357,w:406,h:21},
{t:"times in which we live?",p:4,x:186,y:382,w:171,h:21},
{t:"I researched the topic online and with colleagues, learn-",p:4,x:195,y:407,w:421,h:21},
{t:"ing about proven strategies for success. I came across ",p:4,x:186,y:432,w:412,h:21},
{t:"headlines like this one: “Teaching profession under siege.” ",p:4,x:186,y:457,w:445,h:21},
{t:"Hoping to interview members, I sent an e-mail to col-",p:4,x:186,y:482,w:398,h:21},
{t:"leagues and local association leaders. I was blown away ",p:4,x:186,y:507,w:423,h:21},
{t:"with the initial response—several described my task as ",p:4,x:186,y:532,w:416,h:21},
{t:"“impossible.”",p:4,x:186,y:557,w:100,h:21},
{t:"“I think this might be a real tough one for you!” wrote one.",p:4,x:195,y:582,w:436,h:21},
{t:"And another: “It is hard to be optimistic when ESP ",p:4,x:195,y:607,w:383,h:21},
{t:"members all over the state are losing their jobs…teachers ",p:4,x:186,y:632,w:437,h:21},
{t:"are feeling bad that there isn’t much they can do to help ",p:4,x:186,y:657,w:427,h:21},
{t:"because they are getting cut, too.”",p:4,x:186,y:682,w:258,h:21},
{t:"And then I talked with Bill Cecil, a Waverly teacher and former Michigan Teacher of the Year. We ",p:4,x:195,y:707,w:727,h:21},
{t:"met a few weeks ago, where I asked him if it was possible to have a great year amid the chaos of ",p:4,x:186,y:732,w:729,h:21},
{t:"dwindling budgets, swelling class sizes and privatization threats.",p:4,x:186,y:757,w:480,h:21},
{t:"His response: “Instead of saying ‘Woe is us,’ we need to ask, ‘What can we do?’ ... I feel my job ",p:4,x:195,y:782,w:717,h:21},
{t:"is more important today than when I frst started.”",p:4,x:186,y:807,w:374,h:21},
{t:"Hope was back. For my story—and maybe for you, too.",p:4,x:195,y:832,w:414,h:21},
{t:"Karen Schulz",p:4,x:195,y:907,w:99,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:195,y:932,w:132,h:21},
{t:"800-292-1934",p:4,x:195,y:957,w:110,h:21},
{t:"Come tweet with ",p:4,x:37,y:607,w:105,h:21},
{t:"us—follow MEA  ",p:4,x:37,y:629,w:106,h:21},
{t:"on Twitter:",p:4,x:37,y:652,w:63,h:21},
{t:"www.twitter.com/",p:4,x:37,y:682,w:104,h:21},
{t:"MEAOnline",p:4,x:37,y:704,w:66,h:21},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:4,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"interact with us",p:4,x:28,y:22,w:165,h:35},
{t:"On the Web",p:4,x:37,y:1354,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Our letter policy ",p:4,x:37,y:1382,w:100,h:21},
{t:"is online at ",p:4,x:37,y:1404,w:72,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/voice .",p:4,x:37,y:1427,w:121,h:21},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:4,x:1156,y:668,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Facebook contest! ",p:4,x:37,y:882,w:115,h:21},
{t:"Become a fan of ",p:4,x:37,y:904,w:103,h:21},
{t:"MEA on Facebook ",p:4,x:37,y:927,w:109,h:21},
{t:"for a chance to win ",p:4,x:37,y:949,w:121,h:21},
{t:"a new Netbook or ",p:4,x:37,y:972,w:108,h:21},
{t:"MEA merchandise! ",p:4,x:37,y:994,w:119,h:21},
{t:"Go to www.mea.org/",p:4,x:37,y:1017,w:121,h:21},
{t:"facebook.",p:4,x:37,y:1039,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Tell us what you’re doing to make this year your best yet! Five ",p:4,x:582,y:905,w:472,h:25},
{t:"members will win a copy of Cecil’s book, “Best Year Ever.” ",p:4,x:582,y:930,w:447,h:25},
{t:"Comment online at www.mea.org/facebook for a chance to win.",p:4,x:582,y:955,w:479,h:25},
{t:"LETTERS TO THE EDITOR",p:4,x:186,y:1018,w:269,h:40},
{t:"Waverly teacher ",p:4,x:1087,y:707,w:109,h:22},
{t:"Bill Cecil and MEA ",p:4,x:1087,y:729,w:119,h:22},
{t:"Voice Editor Karen ",p:4,x:1087,y:752,w:123,h:22},
{t:"Schulz.",p:4,x:1087,y:774,w:46,h:22},
{t:" ",p:5,x:1213,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:5,x:1115,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"5",p:5,x:1227,y:1594,w:9,h:21},
{t:"legislative news",p:5,x:1048,y:22,w:168,h:35},
{t:"Hot summer in Lansing ",p:5,x:365,y:69,w:724,h:99},
{t:"drags into fall",p:5,x:640,y:161,w:429,h:99},
{t:"Your right to bargain health insurance threatened",p:5,x:186,y:278,w:721,h:45},
{t:"Slashing school employee health ",p:5,x:483,y:374,w:268,h:61},
{t:"coverage and bargaining rights. ",p:5,x:512,y:407,w:241,h:21},
{t:"Reforming failing schools. And yet ",p:5,x:483,y:432,w:261,h:21},
{t:"another state budget battle.",p:5,x:483,y:457,w:206,h:21},
{t:"These topics and more made for ",p:5,x:493,y:482,w:259,h:21},
{t:"a long, hot summer at the state ",p:5,x:483,y:507,w:249,h:21},
{t:"Capitol—with debates promising ",p:5,x:483,y:532,w:258,h:21},
{t:"to stretch into the start of the new ",p:5,x:483,y:557,w:268,h:21},
{t:"school year. MEA members need to ",p:5,x:483,y:582,w:283,h:21},
{t:"stay up-to-date on what is going on ",p:5,x:483,y:607,w:279,h:21},
{t:"in Lansing and share their voices ",p:5,x:483,y:632,w:262,h:21},
{t:"with legislators who’ll make critical ",p:5,x:483,y:657,w:274,h:21},
{t:"decisions this fall.",p:5,x:483,y:682,w:139,h:21},
{t:"Perhaps the most troubling pro-",p:5,x:493,y:707,w:249,h:21},
{t:"posal came in mid-July when House ",p:5,x:483,y:732,w:288,h:21},
{t:"Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford ",p:5,x:483,y:757,w:255,h:21},
{t:"Township, proposed a statewide ",p:5,x:483,y:782,w:255,h:21},
{t:"health care plan for public workers, ",p:5,x:483,y:807,w:282,h:21},
{t:"including school employees. The ",p:5,x:483,y:832,w:261,h:21},
{t:"proposal would eliminate the ability ",p:5,x:483,y:857,w:280,h:21},
{t:"of local associations to collectively ",p:5,x:483,y:882,w:270,h:21},
{t:"bargain health insurance, strip-",p:5,x:483,y:907,w:245,h:21},
{t:"ping members of hard-fought rights ",p:5,x:483,y:932,w:283,h:21},
{t:"that date to passage of the Public ",p:5,x:483,y:957,w:267,h:21},
{t:"Employment Relations Act in 1965. ",p:5,x:483,y:982,w:282,h:21},
{t:"The law allows public employees to ",p:5,x:483,y:1007,w:280,h:21},
{t:"collectively bargain wages, hours ",p:5,x:483,y:1032,w:261,h:21},
{t:"and other terms of employment.",p:5,x:483,y:1057,w:251,h:21},
{t:"Dillon’s plan is anti-union, anti-col-",p:5,x:493,y:1082,w:271,h:21},
{t:"lective bargaining, and anti-public ",p:5,x:483,y:1107,w:271,h:21},
{t:"school employee.",p:5,x:483,y:1132,w:136,h:21},
{t:"At press time, the proposal ",p:5,x:493,y:1157,w:215,h:21},
{t:"had not yet been assigned a bill ",p:5,x:483,y:1182,w:253,h:21},
{t:"number. (For the latest news ",p:5,x:483,y:1207,w:229,h:21},
{t:"about Dillon’s effort, check ",p:5,x:483,y:1232,w:213,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org or the MEA Votes blog ",p:5,x:483,y:1257,w:288,h:21},
{t:"at www.meavotes.org.)",p:5,x:483,y:1282,w:176,h:21},
{t:"In a press conference July 15, ",p:5,x:493,y:1307,w:242,h:21},
{t:"Dillon told reporters that a state-run ",p:5,x:483,y:1332,w:283,h:21},
{t:"health plan for all public employ-",p:5,x:483,y:1357,w:257,h:21},
{t:"ees—more than 400,000 people ",p:5,x:483,y:1382,w:260,h:21},
{t:"who work in public schools, local ",p:5,x:483,y:1407,w:263,h:21},
{t:"governments, universities, state ",p:5,x:483,y:1432,w:251,h:21},
{t:"government and retirees—would ",p:5,x:483,y:1457,w:260,h:21},
{t:"save $700,000 to $900,000.",p:5,x:483,y:1482,w:224,h:21},
{t:"In subsequent meetings with MEA, ",p:5,x:493,y:1507,w:278,h:21},
{t:"Dillon told MEA Executive Director ",p:5,x:483,y:1532,w:272,h:21},
{t:"Lu Battaglieri the savings would ",p:5,x:786,y:382,w:252,h:21},
{t:"come in reduced administrative ",p:5,x:786,y:407,w:252,h:21},
{t:"costs. However, the administrative ",p:5,x:786,y:432,w:271,h:21},
{t:"costs for all the groups targeted ",p:5,x:786,y:457,w:251,h:21},
{t:"do not add up to anywhere near ",p:5,x:786,y:482,w:255,h:21},
{t:"Dillon’s projected savings, so the ",p:5,x:786,y:507,w:260,h:21},
{t:"fgures raise many questions.",p:5,x:786,y:532,w:228,h:21},
{t:"“There is no way this plan will de-",p:5,x:795,y:557,w:264,h:21},
{t:"liver on its promise to save millions ",p:5,x:786,y:582,w:277,h:21},
{t:"without drastically cutting benefts ",p:5,x:786,y:607,w:271,h:21},
{t:"and shifting increased costs to em-",p:5,x:786,y:632,w:274,h:21},
{t:"ployees,” said MEA President Iris K. ",p:5,x:786,y:657,w:286,h:21},
{t:"Salters.",p:5,x:786,y:682,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Dillon’s proposal drew criticism, as ",p:5,x:795,y:707,w:275,h:21},
{t:"well, from other labor unions repre-",p:5,x:786,y:732,w:276,h:21},
{t:"senting public workers. Thousands ",p:5,x:786,y:757,w:278,h:21},
{t:"of letters were sent to legislators, ",p:5,x:786,y:782,w:259,h:21},
{t:"urging them to oppose the plan.",p:5,x:786,y:807,w:250,h:21},
{t:"Health insurance wasn’t the only ",p:5,x:795,y:832,w:260,h:21},
{t:"hot topic in Lansing this summer. ",p:5,x:786,y:857,w:265,h:21},
{t:"Following several months of work ",p:5,x:795,y:882,w:264,h:21},
{t:"with Rep. Tim Melton, D-Pontiac, ",p:5,x:786,y:907,w:264,h:21},
{t:"and other legislators, an MEA-",p:5,x:786,y:932,w:236,h:21},
{t:"supported school reform packaged ",p:5,x:786,y:957,w:278,h:21},
{t:"passed the House in June. The ",p:5,x:786,y:982,w:249,h:21},
{t:"measures would work to improve ",p:5,x:786,y:1007,w:262,h:21},
{t:"schools that, by any defnition, are ",p:5,x:786,y:1032,w:273,h:21},
{t:"failing to provide students with a ",p:5,x:786,y:1057,w:257,h:21},
{t:"quality education, while ensuring ",p:5,x:786,y:1082,w:263,h:21},
{t:"that the rights of school employ-",p:5,x:786,y:1107,w:251,h:21},
{t:"ees would be protected. Now in ",p:5,x:786,y:1132,w:252,h:21},
{t:"the Senate, the bills will likely ",p:5,x:786,y:1157,w:234,h:21},
{t:"become subject to ongoing budget ",p:5,x:786,y:1182,w:276,h:21},
{t:"negotiations.",p:5,x:786,y:1207,w:99,h:21},
{t:"All this promises to be part of ",p:5,x:795,y:1233,w:234,h:21},
{t:"another contentious budget pro-",p:5,x:786,y:1258,w:252,h:21},
{t:"cess, as the Legislature looks to ",p:5,x:786,y:1283,w:252,h:21},
{t:"plug massive projected holes in the ",p:5,x:786,y:1308,w:281,h:21},
{t:"school aid and general funds.",p:5,x:786,y:1333,w:232,h:21},
{t:"“By preparing students for the ",p:5,x:795,y:1358,w:242,h:21},
{t:"jobs Michigan needs, investment in ",p:5,x:786,y:1383,w:282,h:21},
{t:"public education is a proven way to ",p:5,x:786,y:1408,w:281,h:21},
{t:"revive Michigan’s struggling econ-",p:5,x:786,y:1433,w:265,h:21},
{t:"omy—especially when compared ",p:5,x:786,y:1458,w:265,h:21},
{t:"to risky business tax incentives ",p:5,x:786,y:1483,w:246,h:21},
{t:"that aren’t proven to create jobs,” ",p:5,x:786,y:1508,w:267,h:21},
{t:"Salters said. ",p:5,x:786,y:1533,w:100,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:5,x:1118,y:1304,w:100,h:25},
{t:"For the latest news, ",p:5,x:1098,y:1332,w:123,h:21},
{t:"subscribe to the ",p:5,x:1120,y:1354,w:102,h:21},
{t:"MEA Votes political ",p:5,x:1102,y:1377,w:120,h:21},
{t:"newsletter at ",p:5,x:1138,y:1399,w:84,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/votes .",p:5,x:1096,y:1422,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Stay informed ",p:5,x:1133,y:857,w:88,h:21},
{t:"and active: Visit ",p:5,x:1119,y:879,w:103,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org or the ",p:5,x:1098,y:902,w:124,h:21},
{t:"MEA Votes blog at ",p:5,x:1109,y:924,w:113,h:21},
{t:"www.meavotes.org .",p:5,x:1101,y:947,w:117,h:21},
{t:"PROPOSED STATE-RUN ",p:5,x:195,y:686,w:262,h:42},
{t:"HEALTH PLAN FOR ",p:5,x:195,y:729,w:210,h:42},
{t:"PUBLIC EMPLOYEES",p:5,x:195,y:771,w:231,h:42},
{t:" ",p:5,x:195,y:830,w:18,h:30},
{t:"All public workers would",p:5,x:223,y:830,w:203,h:30},
{t:"receive the same health ",p:5,x:223,y:860,w:201,h:30},
{t:"insurance run by the state.",p:5,x:223,y:890,w:224,h:30},
{t:" ",p:5,x:195,y:929,w:18,h:30},
{t:"Employees would not recoup",p:5,x:223,y:929,w:238,h:30},
{t:"money they’ve already lost",p:5,x:223,y:959,w:223,h:30},
{t:"by accepting lower salaries,",p:5,x:223,y:989,w:234,h:30},
{t:"reduced benefts and higher",p:5,x:223,y:1019,w:234,h:30},
{t:"out-of-pocket costs.",p:5,x:223,y:1049,w:171,h:30},
{t:" ",p:5,x:195,y:1089,w:18,h:30},
{t:"There is no way the plan",p:5,x:223,y:1089,w:201,h:30},
{t:"will save millions without",p:5,x:223,y:1119,w:208,h:30},
{t:"drastically cutting benefts",p:5,x:223,y:1149,w:223,h:30},
{t:"and shifting increased costs",p:5,x:223,y:1179,w:236,h:30},
{t:"to employees.",p:5,x:223,y:1209,w:116,h:30},
{t:" ",p:5,x:195,y:1248,w:18,h:30},
{t:"The state isn’t capable of",p:5,x:223,y:1248,w:210,h:30},
{t:"managing the programs ",p:5,x:223,y:1278,w:199,h:30},
{t:"it has, as evidenced by ",p:5,x:223,y:1308,w:190,h:30},
{t:"the current economic and",p:5,x:223,y:1338,w:217,h:30},
{t:"budget crisis.",p:5,x:223,y:1368,w:113,h:30},
{t:" ",p:5,x:195,y:1408,w:19,h:35},
{t:"Taking away bargaining ",p:5,x:223,y:1412,w:196,h:30},
{t:"rights for health care ",p:5,x:223,y:1442,w:179,h:30},
{t:"benefts is not going to ",p:5,x:223,y:1472,w:190,h:30},
{t:"make Michigan solvent.",p:5,x:223,y:1502,w:196,h:30},
{t:" ",p:6,x:28,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"6 ",p:6,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:6,x:57,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Dignity ",p:6,x:799,y:1265,w:198,h:96},
{t:"A MATTER OF ",p:6,x:815,y:1271,w:60,h:13},
{t:"TH E",p:6,x:810,y:1535,w:13,h:8},
{t:"MEA",p:6,x:829,y:1535,w:16,h:8},
{t:"A N D",p:6,x:851,y:1536,w:12,h:6},
{t:"T H E",p:6,x:869,y:1536,w:12,h:6},
{t:"E D U C A T",p:6,x:887,y:1535,w:27,h:8},
{t:"I",p:6,x:916,y:1536,w:1,h:6},
{t:"O N",p:6,x:919,y:1536,w:8,h:6},
{t:"P R O F E S S",p:6,x:932,y:1535,w:30,h:8},
{t:"I",p:6,x:965,y:1536,w:1,h:6},
{t:"O N",p:6,x:968,y:1536,w:8,h:6},
{t:"10 fast reads »",p:6,x:186,y:69,w:470,h:99},
{t:"1. ",p:6,x:515,y:222,w:150,h:172},
{t:"COME TWEET WITH US:  ",p:6,x:626,y:247,w:355,h:40},
{t:"Are you on Twitter? ",p:6,x:626,y:290,w:280,h:38},
{t:"Follow MEA at ",p:6,x:626,y:331,w:213,h:38},
{t:"www.twitter.com/MEAOnline .",p:6,x:515,y:373,w:394,h:38},
{t:"in brief",p:6,x:28,y:22,w:76,h:35},
{t:"FAST FACTS:",p:6,x:37,y:481,w:102,h:22},
{t:"6",p:6,x:37,y:526,w:21,h:60},
{t:"Number of ",p:6,x:37,y:584,w:75,h:19},
{t:"issues of this ",p:6,x:37,y:609,w:89,h:19},
{t:"magazine you'll ",p:6,x:37,y:634,w:106,h:19},
{t:"receive this ",p:6,x:37,y:659,w:79,h:19},
{t:"school year.",p:6,x:37,y:684,w:77,h:19},
{t:"70",p:6,x:37,y:751,w:42,h:60},
{t:"Percentage of ",p:6,x:37,y:809,w:95,h:19},
{t:"MEA members ",p:6,x:37,y:834,w:102,h:19},
{t:"who planned to ",p:6,x:37,y:859,w:106,h:19},
{t:"work a summer ",p:6,x:37,y:884,w:107,h:19},
{t:"job, according to ",p:6,x:37,y:909,w:114,h:19},
{t:"an online poll.",p:6,x:37,y:934,w:94,h:19},
{t:"5. ",p:6,x:335,y:1366,w:99,h:102},
{t:"A MATTER OF DIGNITY: If you’d like to ",p:6,x:411,y:1381,w:329,h:22},
{t:"learn about MEA",p:6,x:411,y:1407,w:133,h:21},
{t:"’s history, request a free ",p:6,x:546,y:1407,w:199,h:21},
{t:"copy of “A Matter of Dignity ,” a booklet that ",p:6,x:411,y:1432,w:359,h:21},
{t:"documents the struggles and achievements of school",p:6,x:335,y:1457,w:425,h:21},
{t:"employees. A companion DVD is also available at",p:6,x:335,y:1482,w:392,h:21},
{t:"no charge. Contact MEA Communications toll-free,",p:6,x:335,y:1507,w:405,h:21},
{t:"800-292-1934.",p:6,x:335,y:1532,w:123,h:21},
{t:"4. ",p:6,x:632,y:966,w:81,h:102},
{t:"THE MEA ADVANTAGE: ",p:6,x:695,y:981,w:208,h:22},
{t:"Just a reminder that the MEA",p:6,x:695,y:1007,w:195,h:21},
{t:"membership card that you",p:6,x:695,y:1032,w:176,h:21},
{t:"received last year is valid through Dec.",p:6,x:632,y:1057,w:261,h:21},
{t:"31, 2010. Your card provides discounts",p:6,x:632,y:1082,w:264,h:21},
{t:"on everything from oil changes to",p:6,x:632,y:1107,w:224,h:21},
{t:"vacations, so be sure to use it. If you",p:6,x:632,y:1132,w:246,h:21},
{t:"can’t fnd your card, call 800-292-1934,",p:6,x:632,y:1157,w:271,h:21},
{t:"ext. 3308 to request a replacement. New",p:6,x:632,y:1182,w:271,h:21},
{t:"members will receive their cards within a",p:6,x:632,y:1207,w:277,h:21},
{t:"few weeks of joining the association.",p:6,x:632,y:1232,w:247,h:21},
{t:"3. ",p:6,x:335,y:866,w:92,h:102},
{t:"HIGHER ED BARGAINING CONFERENCE: The 2009 Higher ",p:6,x:404,y:881,w:470,h:22},
{t:"Education Bargaining Conference is Oct. 2-3 in Big Rapids. For ",p:6,x:404,y:907,w:481,h:21},
{t:"details, go to www.mea.org/conferences.",p:6,x:404,y:932,w:298,h:21},
{t:"2. ",p:6,x:335,y:491,w:82,h:102},
{t:"MOM APPROVED? ",p:6,x:396,y:506,w:162,h:22},
{t:"Never put in electronic ",p:6,x:396,y:532,w:158,h:21},
{t:"form anything that ",p:6,x:396,y:557,w:133,h:21},
{t:"you wouldn’t want viewed by ",p:6,x:335,y:582,w:200,h:21},
{t:"a million people, including ",p:6,x:335,y:607,w:186,h:21},
{t:"your colleagues, students ",p:6,x:335,y:632,w:179,h:21},
{t:"and supervisors—and your ",p:6,x:335,y:657,w:192,h:21},
{t:"mother. As a school employee, ",p:6,x:335,y:682,w:209,h:21},
{t:"you’re held to high standards ",p:6,x:335,y:707,w:205,h:21},
{t:"for public behavior and online ",p:6,x:335,y:732,w:209,h:21},
{t:"activities. Go to www.mea.org ",p:6,x:335,y:757,w:206,h:21},
{t:"for tips for staying in bounds ",p:6,x:335,y:782,w:203,h:21},
{t:"when you’re online.",p:6,x:335,y:807,w:131,h:21},
{t:"JUPITERIMAGES",p:6,x:1067,y:827,w:0,h:13},
{t:"On the Web",p:6,x:37,y:1304,w:100,h:25},
{t:"See Photo Story: ",p:6,x:37,y:1332,w:112,h:21},
{t:"From Begging ",p:6,x:37,y:1354,w:97,h:21},
{t:"to Bargaining ",p:6,x:37,y:1377,w:96,h:21},
{t:"at www.mea.org/",p:6,x:37,y:1399,w:110,h:21},
{t:"bargaining",p:6,x:37,y:1422,w:72,h:21},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:7,x:1113,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"7",p:7,x:1227,y:1594,w:10,h:21},
{t:"6. ",p:7,x:335,y:191,w:92,h:102},
{t:"BIG AWARD: A media center ",p:7,x:404,y:206,w:224,h:22},
{t:"educational assistant from Constantine ",p:7,x:404,y:232,w:295,h:21},
{t:"was named 2008-09 Michigan ",p:7,x:404,y:257,w:235,h:21},
{t:"School Support Person of the Year in late May. ",p:7,x:335,y:282,w:353,h:21},
{t:"Deb Nihart is a member of the Constantine ",p:7,x:335,y:307,w:327,h:21},
{t:"Educational Support Personnel Association. ",p:7,x:335,y:332,w:332,h:21},
{t:"For information about this year’s award, go to ",p:7,x:335,y:357,w:344,h:21},
{t:"www.michigan.gov/mde, click on “Programs” and ",p:7,x:335,y:382,w:374,h:21},
{t:"then “Michigan School Support Staff Person of the ",p:7,x:335,y:407,w:383,h:21},
{t:"Year.” To read more, go to www.mea.org/voice .",p:7,x:335,y:432,w:346,h:21},
{t:"FAST FACTS:",p:7,x:1106,y:481,w:102,h:22},
{t:"1,459",p:7,x:1129,y:526,w:89,h:60},
{t:"Number of ",p:7,x:1147,y:584,w:75,h:19},
{t:"fans of MEA on ",p:7,x:1117,y:609,w:105,h:19},
{t:"Facebook as of ",p:7,x:1118,y:634,w:104,h:19},
{t:"July 20, 2009.",p:7,x:1122,y:659,w:96,h:19},
{t:"157K+",p:7,x:1116,y:701,w:101,h:60},
{t:"Number of MEA ",p:7,x:1111,y:759,w:111,h:19},
{t:"members as of ",p:7,x:1120,y:784,w:102,h:19},
{t:"June 30, 2009.",p:7,x:1116,y:809,w:102,h:19},
{t:"10. ",p:7,x:335,y:1441,w:139,h:102},
{t:"MEA STUDY: Millions of dollars in tax breaks are having ",p:7,x:451,y:1456,w:426,h:22},
{t:"mixed results in the push to help certain Michigan businesses ",p:7,x:451,y:1482,w:470,h:21},
{t:"create jobs and spur economic growth, according to a study ",p:7,x:451,y:1507,w:455,h:21},
{t:"commissioned by MEA. To learn more, go to www.mea.org/investing . ",p:7,x:335,y:1532,w:515,h:21},
{t:"9. ",p:7,x:335,y:1066,w:80,h:102},
{t:"NEW STUDENT CHAIR: ",p:7,x:395,y:1081,w:206,h:22},
{t:"Keane Nacional, a sophomore at ",p:7,x:395,y:1107,w:220,h:21},
{t:"the University of Michigan, will ",p:7,x:395,y:1132,w:212,h:21},
{t:"serve as chairperson of Student MEA Sept. ",p:7,x:335,y:1157,w:289,h:21},
{t:"1 through Aug. 31, 2010. Student MEA is ",p:7,x:335,y:1182,w:278,h:21},
{t:"a preprofessional organization for people ",p:7,x:335,y:1207,w:279,h:21},
{t:"preparing for the teaching profession in ",p:7,x:335,y:1232,w:272,h:21},
{t:"any of the higher education institutions ",p:7,x:335,y:1257,w:270,h:21},
{t:"of Michigan. Nacional was elected by ",p:7,x:335,y:1282,w:254,h:21},
{t:"student members attending the Student ",p:7,x:335,y:1307,w:274,h:21},
{t:"MEA Professional Development Conference ",p:7,x:335,y:1332,w:290,h:21},
{t:"earlier this year. For information about ",p:7,x:335,y:1357,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Student MEA, including membership ($27 ",p:7,x:335,y:1382,w:285,h:21},
{t:"per year), go to www.mea.org/smea .",p:7,x:335,y:1407,w:238,h:21},
{t:"8. ",p:7,x:335,y:941,w:92,h:102},
{t:"VOICES OF MICHIGAN EDUCATION: Check out “Voices of ",p:7,x:404,y:956,w:452,h:22},
{t:"Michigan Education,” an MEA-sponsored radio program that airs ",p:7,x:404,y:982,w:491,h:21},
{t:"monthly on WJR News Talk 760 AM and stations statewide. Go to ",p:7,x:404,y:1007,w:496,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/radio for program schedules and podcasts of recent shows.",p:7,x:335,y:1032,w:548,h:21},
{t:"7. ",p:7,x:718,y:491,w:78,h:102},
{t:"GREAT ",p:7,x:777,y:506,w:63,h:22},
{t:"TEACHER: An ",p:7,x:777,y:531,w:112,h:22},
{t:"Okemos teacher ",p:7,x:777,y:557,w:108,h:21},
{t:"is the 2009-10 Michigan ",p:7,x:718,y:582,w:165,h:21},
{t:"Teacher of the Year. Robert ",p:7,x:718,y:607,w:178,h:21},
{t:"Stephenson is active in ",p:7,x:718,y:632,w:156,h:21},
{t:"the Okemos Education ",p:7,x:718,y:657,w:149,h:21},
{t:"Association, where he serves ",p:7,x:718,y:682,w:191,h:21},
{t:"as frst vice president. To learn ",p:7,x:718,y:707,w:205,h:21},
{t:"how to nominate a teacher ",p:7,x:718,y:732,w:178,h:21},
{t:"for the 2010-11 award, go ",p:7,x:718,y:757,w:175,h:21},
{t:"to www.michigan.gov/mde, ",p:7,x:718,y:782,w:181,h:21},
{t:"click on “Programs” and then ",p:7,x:718,y:807,w:197,h:21},
{t:"“Michigan Teacher of the ",p:7,x:718,y:832,w:167,h:21},
{t:"Year.” To read a story about ",p:7,x:718,y:857,w:183,h:21},
{t:"this, go to www.mea.org/voice.",p:7,x:718,y:882,w:200,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:7,x:734,y:455,w:0,h:13},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:7,x:197,y:918,w:0,h:13},
{t:"COUR",p:7,x:1067,y:1418,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTO",p:7,x:1067,y:1390,w:0,h:13},
{t:"8 ",p:8,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:8,x:57,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"COVER STOR Y",p:8,x:28,y:22,w:149,h:35},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:8,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:8,x:926,y:122,w:132,h:21},
{t:"Best year ever!",p:8,x:186,y:67,w:590,h:114},
{t:"Is it possible to have a great year with all the ",p:8,x:186,y:196,w:670,h:45},
{t:"doom and gloom in the world? Yes, we can!",p:8,x:186,y:241,w:636,h:45},
{t:"No matter where you work or ",p:8,x:186,y:949,w:249,h:61},
{t:"what you do, chances are good ",p:8,x:223,y:982,w:242,h:21},
{t:"that you will face some challenges ",p:8,x:186,y:1007,w:264,h:21},
{t:"this year.",p:8,x:186,y:1032,w:67,h:21},
{t:"Budget cuts. Privatization. Layoffs. ",p:8,x:195,y:1057,w:261,h:21},
{t:"High dropout rates. Parental apathy . ",p:8,x:186,y:1082,w:273,h:21},
{t:"Legislative attacks.",p:8,x:186,y:1107,w:140,h:21},
{t:"Crowded classrooms. Declining ",p:8,x:195,y:1132,w:237,h:21},
{t:"enrollment. Broken equipment. Poor ",p:8,x:186,y:1157,w:277,h:21},
{t:"administrative support. Curriculum ",p:8,x:186,y:1182,w:263,h:21},
{t:"changes.",p:8,x:186,y:1207,w:68,h:21},
{t:"Low pay. School board antics. Wage ",p:8,x:195,y:1232,w:271,h:21},
{t:"freezes. Unfair labor practices.",p:8,x:186,y:1257,w:230,h:21},
{t:"Expired contract. Insurance cuts.",p:8,x:195,y:1282,w:249,h:21},
{t:"Not to mention the greater recession ",p:8,x:195,y:1307,w:275,h:21},
{t:"and external pressures.",p:8,x:186,y:1332,w:176,h:21},
{t:"It’s enough to depress even the ",p:8,x:195,y:1357,w:237,h:21},
{t:"most upbeat, glass-is-half-full school ",p:8,x:186,y:1382,w:276,h:21},
{t:"employee.",p:8,x:186,y:1407,w:77,h:21},
{t:"Even so, it’s still possible to make ",p:8,x:195,y:1432,w:251,h:21},
{t:"the new school year your best year ",p:8,x:186,y:1457,w:262,h:21},
{t:"yet—for yourself and the students ",p:8,x:487,y:957,w:256,h:21},
{t:"you work with. But it’s going to take ",p:8,x:487,y:982,w:267,h:21},
{t:"willpower and perseverance.",p:8,x:487,y:1007,w:213,h:21},
{t:"There’s just one question that ",p:8,x:496,y:1032,w:229,h:21},
{t:"needs to be answered: Do you have ",p:8,x:487,y:1057,w:276,h:21},
{t:"it in you?",p:8,x:487,y:1082,w:67,h:21},
{t:"Veteran teacher Bill Cecil thinks so.",p:8,x:496,y:1107,w:265,h:21},
{t:"Cecil was the Michigan Teacher of ",p:8,x:496,y:1132,w:258,h:21},
{t:"the Year for 2003-04. While on leave ",p:8,x:487,y:1157,w:277,h:21},
{t:"from his job in the Waverly school dis-",p:8,x:487,y:1182,w:282,h:21},
{t:"trict, he spent the year meeting with ",p:8,x:487,y:1207,w:271,h:21},
{t:"other educators, legislators, commu -",p:8,x:487,y:1232,w:271,h:21},
{t:"nity members and college students ",p:8,x:487,y:1257,w:265,h:21},
{t:"preparing for a teaching career . He ",p:8,x:487,y:1282,w:264,h:21},
{t:"wanted to help spread an “epidemic ",p:8,x:487,y:1307,w:275,h:21},
{t:"of hope and determination” across ",p:8,x:487,y:1332,w:262,h:21},
{t:"the state.",p:8,x:487,y:1357,w:69,h:21},
{t:"He believed then, as he does ",p:8,x:496,y:1382,w:221,h:21},
{t:"now, that it’s a great time to work in ",p:8,x:487,y:1407,w:267,h:21},
{t:"education.",p:8,x:487,y:1432,w:79,h:21},
{t:"“We have to frst believe we can ",p:8,x:496,y:1457,w:249,h:21},
{t:"achieve before we can meet and ",p:8,x:787,y:957,w:254,h:21},
{t:"master the many challenges we ",p:8,x:787,y:982,w:247,h:21},
{t:"face in education today,” said Cecil, ",p:8,x:787,y:1007,w:279,h:21},
{t:"who wrote a book called “Best Year ",p:8,x:787,y:1032,w:275,h:21},
{t:"Ever” that shares proven strategies ",p:8,x:787,y:1057,w:271,h:21},
{t:"for teachers who want to improve ",p:8,x:787,y:1082,w:259,h:21},
{t:"every year.",p:8,x:787,y:1107,w:81,h:21},
{t:"“Instead of saying, ‘Woe is us,’ ",p:8,x:797,y:1132,w:231,h:21},
{t:"we need to ask, ‘What can we do?’ ",p:8,x:787,y:1157,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Instead of waiting, we need to em-",p:8,x:787,y:1182,w:255,h:21},
{t:"power ourselves and do something,” ",p:8,x:787,y:1207,w:276,h:21},
{t:"he said. “I feel my job is more impor -",p:8,x:787,y:1232,w:274,h:21},
{t:"tant today than when I frst started.”",p:8,x:787,y:1257,w:270,h:21},
{t:"One of the cheapest, most ef-",p:8,x:797,y:1282,w:229,h:21},
{t:"fective ways to have a successful ",p:8,x:787,y:1307,w:260,h:21},
{t:"year is to build strong relationships ",p:8,x:787,y:1332,w:274,h:21},
{t:"within your department, building or ",p:8,x:787,y:1357,w:277,h:21},
{t:"district, he says.",p:8,x:787,y:1382,w:125,h:21},
{t:"This can take many forms—",p:8,x:797,y:1407,w:212,h:21},
{t:"everything from team-teaching ",p:8,x:787,y:1432,w:232,h:21},
{t:"to mentoring to a supportive ",p:8,x:787,y:1457,w:213,h:21},
{t:"Online extra",p:8,x:37,y:1329,w:103,h:25},
{t:"27 tips for starting ",p:8,x:37,y:1357,w:119,h:21},
{t:"the year off right!",p:8,x:37,y:1379,w:109,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/voice",p:8,x:37,y:1407,w:119,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:8,x:1068,y:906,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Staff at Waterford’s ",p:8,x:37,y:832,w:131,h:22},
{t:"Kettering High ",p:8,x:37,y:854,w:95,h:22},
{t:"School work hard to ",p:8,x:37,y:877,w:133,h:22},
{t:"function as a team.",p:8,x:37,y:899,w:124,h:22},
{t:"“For the frst week, tears would come to my eyes every time I talked to other teachers...”",p:8,x:186,y:1522,w:901,h:35},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:9,x:1115,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"9",p:9,x:1227,y:1594,w:9,h:21},
{t:"COVER STOR Y",p:9,x:1078,y:22,w:149,h:35},
{t:"administration—and it can cross over ",p:9,x:186,y:207,w:282,h:21},
{t:"multiple employee groups. Valuing ",p:9,x:186,y:232,w:261,h:21},
{t:"the contributions of all colleagues—",p:9,x:186,y:257,w:269,h:21},
{t:"expressing gratitude to the school ",p:9,x:186,y:282,w:254,h:21},
{t:"custodian or sending a note to a ",p:9,x:186,y:307,w:243,h:21},
{t:"paraprofessional whose work is ",p:9,x:186,y:332,w:235,h:21},
{t:"appreciated—are simple ways to ",p:9,x:186,y:357,w:247,h:21},
{t:"strengthen relationships.",p:9,x:186,y:382,w:185,h:21},
{t:"At Waterford’s Kettering High ",p:9,x:195,y:407,w:225,h:21},
{t:"School, staff members work hard ",p:9,x:186,y:432,w:256,h:21},
{t:"to function as a team. It doesn’t ",p:9,x:186,y:457,w:245,h:21},
{t:"cost money—and students reap the ",p:9,x:186,y:482,w:277,h:21},
{t:"benefts.",p:9,x:186,y:507,w:65,h:21},
{t:"“We all are equal parts,” said ",p:9,x:195,y:532,w:221,h:21},
{t:"Principal Josh Wenning.",p:9,x:186,y:557,w:180,h:21},
{t:"And, when problems arise, they get ",p:9,x:195,y:582,w:268,h:21},
{t:"resolved collaboratively .",p:9,x:186,y:607,w:174,h:21},
{t:"Last year, when the budget crunch ",p:9,x:195,y:632,w:263,h:21},
{t:"and student enrollment shifts resulted ",p:9,x:186,y:657,w:286,h:21},
{t:"in crowded classrooms—too many ",p:9,x:186,y:682,w:261,h:21},
{t:"students and not enough desks, ",p:9,x:186,y:707,w:243,h:21},
{t:"books or teachers—tensions ran high ",p:9,x:186,y:732,w:282,h:21},
{t:"for a few weeks.",p:9,x:186,y:757,w:120,h:21},
{t:"But, communication among ",p:9,x:195,y:782,w:212,h:21},
{t:"Wenning, Waterford Education ",p:9,x:186,y:807,w:231,h:21},
{t:"Association leaders and school staff ",p:9,x:186,y:832,w:270,h:21},
{t:"helped minimize damage. That com-",p:9,x:186,y:857,w:274,h:21},
{t:"munication may not have been pos-",p:9,x:186,y:882,w:267,h:21},
{t:"sible if building staff didn’t work well ",p:9,x:186,y:907,w:273,h:21},
{t:"together. Within a few weeks, more ",p:9,x:186,y:932,w:263,h:21},
{t:"teachers were hired and student ",p:9,x:186,y:957,w:245,h:21},
{t:"schedules were shifted.",p:9,x:186,y:982,w:177,h:21},
{t:"The next challenge, though, was ",p:9,x:195,y:1007,w:245,h:21},
{t:"supporting the new employees. ",p:9,x:186,y:1032,w:237,h:21},
{t:"Research shows that 40 percent of ",p:9,x:186,y:1057,w:264,h:21},
{t:"new teachers leave the profession ",p:9,x:186,y:1082,w:256,h:21},
{t:"within their frst fve years on the job.",p:9,x:487,y:207,w:276,h:21},
{t:"Teachers like Andrew Knuuti and ",p:9,x:496,y:232,w:251,h:21},
{t:"Ashley Hettinger .",p:9,x:487,y:257,w:125,h:21},
{t:"They started after the school year ",p:9,x:496,y:282,w:252,h:21},
{t:"began, which presented extra chal-",p:9,x:487,y:307,w:262,h:21},
{t:"lenges. They didn’t even have their ",p:9,x:487,y:332,w:264,h:21},
{t:"own classrooms—Knuuti stuffed all ",p:9,x:487,y:357,w:267,h:21},
{t:"of his materials into a backpack and ",p:9,x:487,y:382,w:274,h:21},
{t:"Hettinger had a rolling cart.",p:9,x:487,y:407,w:205,h:21},
{t:"Neither teacher had much time to ",p:9,x:496,y:432,w:257,h:21},
{t:"prepare lessons, and students came ",p:9,x:487,y:457,w:275,h:21},
{t:"to their classes with varying skills. ",p:9,x:487,y:482,w:254,h:21},
{t:"And, they faced the normal frst-year ",p:9,x:487,y:507,w:276,h:21},
{t:"obstacles of organization and class -",p:9,x:487,y:532,w:264,h:21},
{t:"room management.",p:9,x:487,y:557,w:147,h:21},
{t:"“For the frst week, tears would ",p:9,x:496,y:582,w:235,h:21},
{t:"come to my eyes every time I talked ",p:9,x:487,y:607,w:271,h:21},
{t:"to other teachers,” Hettinger said. ",p:9,x:487,y:632,w:256,h:21},
{t:"“I’d stay at work until 5:30 or 6 p.m. ",p:9,x:487,y:657,w:273,h:21},
{t:"and then read and plan until I went ",p:9,x:487,y:682,w:267,h:21},
{t:"to bed. It was the true job interview—",p:9,x:487,y:707,w:281,h:21},
{t:"either you pass or you fail.”",p:9,x:487,y:732,w:204,h:21},
{t:"Wiser, more experienced teachers ",p:9,x:496,y:757,w:257,h:21},
{t:"shared their worksheets, answered ",p:9,x:487,y:782,w:263,h:21},
{t:"endless questions and generally ",p:9,x:487,y:807,w:242,h:21},
{t:"made her feel welcome.",p:9,x:487,y:832,w:180,h:21},
{t:"“It would have been a nightmare ",p:9,x:496,y:857,w:247,h:21},
{t:"without them,” Hettinger said. “I ",p:9,x:487,y:882,w:245,h:21},
{t:"don’t think I would have survived.”",p:9,x:487,y:907,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Joe Austin, who has taught at ",p:9,x:496,y:932,w:224,h:21},
{t:"Kettering for several years and is a ",p:9,x:487,y:957,w:260,h:21},
{t:"union leader, described the building ",p:9,x:487,y:982,w:272,h:21},
{t:"this way: “We’ve always had the idea ",p:9,x:487,y:1007,w:277,h:21},
{t:"that we’re all in it together",p:9,x:487,y:1032,w:193,h:21},
{t:".”",p:9,x:677,y:1032,w:12,h:21},
{t:"Secretary Noreen Lintz, agreed.",p:9,x:496,y:1057,w:237,h:21},
{t:"“I’ve never felt beneath anybody",p:9,x:496,y:1082,w:242,h:21},
{t:",” ",p:9,x:734,y:1082,w:17,h:21},
{t:"she said. “We all work together .”",p:9,x:487,y:1107,w:241,h:21},
{t:"After being on the job a few months, ",p:9,x:496,y:1132,w:275,h:21},
{t:"Knuuti said he stopped trying to emu -",p:9,x:487,y:1157,w:280,h:21},
{t:"late the “ideal” teacher and discov -",p:9,x:487,y:1182,w:262,h:21},
{t:"ered his unique style.",p:9,x:487,y:1207,w:161,h:21},
{t:"“I learned to be me,” he said.",p:9,x:496,y:1232,w:222,h:21},
{t:"Kettering counselor Jeff ",p:9,x:496,y:1257,w:180,h:21},
{t:"Frankowiak—also new last year—is ",p:9,x:487,y:1282,w:268,h:21},
{t:"looking forward to the new year . The ",p:9,x:487,y:1307,w:273,h:21},
{t:"staff survived last year because of ",p:9,x:487,y:1332,w:255,h:21},
{t:"their passion, he said.",p:9,x:487,y:1357,w:165,h:21},
{t:"“We were thrown a lot of curve-",p:9,x:496,y:1382,w:233,h:21},
{t:"balls,” Frankowiak said. “Through ",p:9,x:487,y:1408,w:257,h:21},
{t:"it all, our desire to help and inspire ",p:9,x:487,y:1433,w:262,h:21},
{t:"students was there.” ",p:9,x:487,y:1458,w:159,h:21},
{t:"Tell us what you’re ",p:9,x:1105,y:1182,w:117,h:21},
{t:"doing to make ",p:9,x:1131,y:1204,w:90,h:21},
{t:"this year your best ",p:9,x:1106,y:1227,w:116,h:21},
{t:"yet—fve members ",p:9,x:1101,y:1249,w:121,h:21},
{t:"will win a copy of ",p:9,x:1113,y:1272,w:109,h:21},
{t:"Bill Cecil’ s book, ",p:9,x:1118,y:1294,w:104,h:21},
{t:"“Best Year Ever .” ",p:9,x:1114,y:1317,w:108,h:21},
{t:"Comment online ",p:9,x:1118,y:1339,w:103,h:21},
{t:"at www.mea.org/",p:9,x:1115,y:1362,w:103,h:21},
{t:"facebook for a ",p:9,x:1132,y:1384,w:90,h:21},
{t:"chance to win.",p:9,x:1129,y:1407,w:90,h:21},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:9,x:472,y:1468,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Waverly teacher  ",p:9,x:62,y:1432,w:109,h:22},
{t:"Bill Cecil.",p:9,x:107,y:1454,w:61,h:22},
{t:"“I feel my job is more important today than when I frst started.” ",p:9,x:186,y:1522,w:622,h:35},
{t:"“We all work together.”",p:9,x:829,y:1522,w:225,h:35},
{t:"Survival Kit",p:9,x:791,y:672,w:112,h:35},
{t:"Looking for ways to inspire colleagues ",p:9,x:800,y:707,w:252,h:21},
{t:"and friends?",p:9,x:791,y:732,w:82,h:21},
{t:"Assemble a back-to-school survival kit. ",p:9,x:800,y:757,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Fill a small bag with goodies that are ",p:9,x:791,y:782,w:248,h:21},
{t:"fun, uplifting and tasty. Each bag in-",p:9,x:791,y:807,w:243,h:21},
{t:"cludes an explanation of the signifcance ",p:9,x:791,y:832,w:272,h:21},
{t:"of each item. Here are some examples of ",p:9,x:791,y:857,w:268,h:21},
{t:"kit ingredients and their explanations—",p:9,x:791,y:882,w:264,h:21},
{t:"feel free to make up your own!",p:9,x:791,y:907,w:197,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:932,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Life Savers: For when you’ve had ",p:9,x:819,y:932,w:219,h:22},
{t:"one of those days",p:9,x:819,y:957,w:113,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:982,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Hugs and Kisses: To make every-",p:9,x:819,y:982,w:214,h:22},
{t:"thing worthwhile",p:9,x:819,y:1007,w:109,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1032,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Pipe cleaner: Flexibility is important ",p:9,x:819,y:1032,w:244,h:22},
{t:"for a successful year",p:9,x:819,y:1057,w:135,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1082,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Animal crackers: Eat these when ",p:9,x:819,y:1082,w:223,h:22},
{t:"you think your work site is a zoo",p:9,x:819,y:1107,w:206,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1132,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Jingle bell: Ring for help if you need ",p:9,x:819,y:1132,w:239,h:22},
{t:"it. We’re here to help one another",p:9,x:819,y:1157,w:215,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1182,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Smiley sticker: Try hard to wear a ",p:9,x:819,y:1182,w:225,h:22},
{t:"happy face",p:9,x:819,y:1207,w:71,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1232,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Clothespin: Hang in there!",p:9,x:819,y:1232,w:174,h:22},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1257,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Pencil: To remind you to list your ",p:9,x:819,y:1257,w:217,h:22},
{t:"blessings every day",p:9,x:819,y:1282,w:127,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1307,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Penny: You are a priceless part of ",p:9,x:819,y:1307,w:224,h:22},
{t:"(name of school)",p:9,x:819,y:1332,w:109,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1357,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Band-Aid: For when things get a ",p:9,x:819,y:1357,w:215,h:22},
{t:"little rough",p:9,x:819,y:1382,w:71,h:21},
{t:"○ ",p:9,x:791,y:1407,w:20,h:24},
{t:"Mounds: For the mounds of stuff  ",p:9,x:819,y:1407,w:221,h:22},
{t:"you do",p:9,x:819,y:1432,w:41,h:21},
{t:"10 ",p:10,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:10,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"REDFORD TOWNSHIP—Poor district planning is likely ",p:10,x:186,y:756,w:422,h:22},
{t:"to blame for bungled bargaining in the Redford Union ",p:10,x:186,y:782,w:413,h:21},
{t:"school district, where teachers have gone years without ",p:10,x:186,y:807,w:424,h:21},
{t:"a new contract.",p:10,x:186,y:832,w:115,h:21},
{t:"And despite a victory by the Redford Union Education ",p:10,x:195,y:857,w:414,h:21},
{t:"Association (RUEA) in its fght to undo the district’ s ",p:10,x:186,y:882,w:392,h:21},
{t:"2007 decision to impose a contract, members say mo -",p:10,x:186,y:907,w:415,h:21},
{t:"rale reached a new low this summer.",p:10,x:186,y:932,w:278,h:21},
{t:"“The mood here is depressed,” said teacher Lisa ",p:10,x:195,y:957,w:376,h:21},
{t:"Hildebrandt. “We feel hopeless. We feel like we don’t ",p:10,x:186,y:982,w:406,h:21},
{t:"have any power.”",p:10,x:186,y:1007,w:130,h:21},
{t:"Said Kathie Yadach, a speech pathologist: “W e’re ",p:10,x:195,y:1032,w:378,h:21},
{t:"running out of patience, time, and suggestions for ",p:10,x:186,y:1057,w:383,h:21},
{t:"solutions.”",p:10,x:186,y:1082,w:79,h:21},
{t:"A fnancial analysis by MEA ’s Arch Lewis, a research ",p:10,x:195,y:1107,w:402,h:21},
{t:"consultant, found that the Redford Union district isn’t ",p:10,x:186,y:1132,w:410,h:21},
{t:"facing a fnancial crisis, but rather a planning crisis. ",p:10,x:186,y:1157,w:397,h:21},
{t:"Employee compensation is lower than comparable dis -",p:10,x:186,y:1182,w:415,h:21},
{t:"tricts and administrative spending is disproportionate, ",p:10,x:186,y:1207,w:412,h:21},
{t:"Lewis found. The district has repeatedly overspent.",p:10,x:186,y:1232,w:382,h:21},
{t:"The last contract expired Aug. 31, 2005. On April 27, ",p:10,x:195,y:1257,w:410,h:21},
{t:"2007, the district prematurely declared impasse—a ",p:10,x:186,y:1282,w:397,h:21},
{t:"move usually reserved for the point in bargaining when ",p:10,x:186,y:1307,w:421,h:21},
{t:"further discussion would be futile—and unexpectedly ",p:10,x:186,y:1332,w:410,h:21},
{t:"imposed a new contract.",p:10,x:186,y:1357,w:185,h:21},
{t:"The imposed contract froze pay for some RUEA mem -",p:10,x:195,y:1382,w:412,h:21},
{t:"bers until 2010 and instituted a $150 monthly premium ",p:10,x:186,y:1407,w:429,h:21},
{t:"for employees covered by the district’s self-insured ",p:10,x:186,y:1432,w:389,h:21},
{t:"health plan. RUEA has more than 260 members, mostly ",p:10,x:186,y:1457,w:432,h:21},
{t:"teachers.",p:10,x:186,y:1482,w:69,h:21},
{t:"District offcials have repeatedly cited the cost of health",p:10,x:195,y:1507,w:413,h:21},
{t:"insurance during budget talks. And while the district has",p:10,x:186,y:1532,w:424,h:21},
{t:"operated in the red for many years, the 2009-10 budget ",p:10,x:637,y:757,w:430,h:21},
{t:"includes nearly $320,000 in surpluses.",p:10,x:637,y:782,w:293,h:21},
{t:"Earlier this year, the Wayne County MEA/NEA won a ",p:10,x:646,y:807,w:398,h:21},
{t:"ruling from an administrative law judge in a Michigan ",p:10,x:637,y:832,w:408,h:21},
{t:"Employment Relations Commission (MERC) case against ",p:10,x:637,y:857,w:436,h:21},
{t:"the Redford Union school district. The judge said the ",p:10,x:637,y:882,w:407,h:21},
{t:"district had committed unfair labor practices. The district ",p:10,x:637,y:907,w:437,h:21},
{t:"was ordered to bargain in good faith, to restore the terms",p:10,x:637,y:932,w:426,h:21},
{t:"and conditions of employment applicable prior to April ",p:10,x:637,y:957,w:417,h:21},
{t:"27, 2007, and to repay with interest money that employ -",p:10,x:637,y:982,w:428,h:21},
{t:"ees have paid for insurance.",p:10,x:637,y:1007,w:212,h:21},
{t:"Yet, the district chose not to follow the judge’s order and ",p:10,x:646,y:1032,w:425,h:21},
{t:"appealed the decision. And, some say relations between ",p:10,x:637,y:1057,w:427,h:21},
{t:"the two sides took an ugly turn after the MERC ruling.",p:10,x:637,y:1082,w:401,h:21},
{t:"Police were called to a June school board meeting be -",p:10,x:646,y:1107,w:411,h:21},
{t:"cause picketing teachers and their supporters were loud ",p:10,x:637,y:1132,w:432,h:21},
{t:"and the noise had reportedly disrupted the meeting. ",p:10,x:637,y:1157,w:400,h:21},
{t:"And, the local president, special education teacher Steve ",p:10,x:637,y:1182,w:437,h:21},
{t:"Losey, was involuntarily transferred to a part-time posi -",p:10,x:637,y:1207,w:414,h:21},
{t:"tion in an alternative education program, even though ",p:10,x:637,y:1232,w:412,h:21},
{t:"the two sides had previously agreed that such moves ",p:10,x:637,y:1257,w:406,h:21},
{t:"weren’t allowed and the program doesn’t serve students ",p:10,x:637,y:1282,w:429,h:21},
{t:"with special needs.",p:10,x:637,y:1307,w:143,h:21},
{t:"At press time, RUEA members said it was hard to ",p:10,x:646,y:1332,w:381,h:21},
{t:"imagine how the dispute will end.",p:10,x:637,y:1357,w:251,h:21},
{t:"“One of the ways to provide a good education to stu -",p:10,x:646,y:1382,w:398,h:21},
{t:"dents is to have quality and contented teachers,” said ",p:10,x:637,y:1407,w:413,h:21},
{t:"James Aren, who works in the district’s adolescent day ",p:10,x:637,y:1432,w:419,h:21},
{t:"treatment program. “Everybody says education is the ",p:10,x:637,y:1457,w:407,h:21},
{t:"key to turning the economy around. Well, how can you ",p:10,x:637,y:1482,w:418,h:21},
{t:"tell kids that education is important when you treat some",p:10,x:637,y:1507,w:425,h:21},
{t:"of the most educated people they know like this?” ",p:10,x:637,y:1532,w:378,h:21},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:10,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:10,x:926,y:122,w:132,h:21},
{t:"Morale killer:  ",p:10,x:186,y:69,w:462,h:99},
{t:"Bungled bargaining",p:10,x:186,y:161,w:600,h:99},
{t:"Redford Union teachers pay dearly",p:10,x:186,y:288,w:508,h:45},
{t:"association buzz",p:10,x:28,y:22,w:176,h:35},
{t:"More than 200 members and supporters of the Redford Union Education Association picketed at a June school board meeting, part of an ",p:10,x:186,y:682,w:884,h:22},
{t:"“SOS: Settle Over Summer” campaign to end a years’-long bargaining dispute.",p:10,x:186,y:704,w:506,h:22},
{t:"AARON SHEPOSH/FOR MEA",p:10,x:643,y:634,w:0,h:13},
{t:"AARON SHEPOSH/FOR MEA",p:10,x:197,y:634,w:0,h:13},
{t:" ",p:11,x:1213,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:11,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"11",p:11,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"Given the challenges we face in ",p:11,x:186,y:449,w:281,h:61},
{t:"Michigan, it’s more important ",p:11,x:222,y:482,w:239,h:21},
{t:"than ever for us to stand together ",p:11,x:186,y:507,w:270,h:21},
{t:"as proud union members.",p:11,x:186,y:532,w:207,h:21},
{t:"That’s why MEA urges mem-",p:11,x:195,y:557,w:229,h:21},
{t:"bers to show their Union Pride ",p:11,x:186,y:582,w:248,h:21},
{t:"by walking together in the Detroit ",p:11,x:186,y:607,w:268,h:21},
{t:"Labor Day Parade or the Mackinac ",p:11,x:186,y:632,w:283,h:21},
{t:"Bridge Walk.",p:11,x:186,y:657,w:101,h:21},
{t:"These two events on Monday, ",p:11,x:195,y:682,w:241,h:21},
{t:"Sept. 7, provide a great chance ",p:11,x:186,y:707,w:255,h:21},
{t:"for members and their families to ",p:11,x:186,y:732,w:270,h:21},
{t:"show that Michigan’s public school ",p:11,x:186,y:757,w:284,h:21},
{t:"employees are proud to stand ",p:11,x:186,y:782,w:243,h:21},
{t:"together for each other, their com-",p:11,x:186,y:807,w:273,h:21},
{t:"munities and, especially, for their ",p:11,x:186,y:832,w:269,h:21},
{t:"students.",p:11,x:186,y:857,w:73,h:21},
{t:"To show our unity, members at-",p:11,x:195,y:882,w:251,h:21},
{t:"tending the two events are encour-",p:11,x:186,y:907,w:276,h:21},
{t:"aged to wear special “Proud Union ",p:11,x:186,y:932,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Member” T-shirts, which are on ",p:11,x:186,y:957,w:258,h:21},
{t:"sale for just $5 at www.mea.org/",p:11,x:186,y:982,w:255,h:21},
{t:"merchandise through Aug. 21.",p:11,x:186,y:1007,w:245,h:21},
{t:"Members who attend the events ",p:11,x:195,y:1032,w:262,h:21},
{t:"will also be in the running to win ",p:11,x:186,y:1057,w:263,h:21},
{t:"some great prizes, including a va-",p:11,x:186,y:1082,w:269,h:21},
{t:"cation package, a new computer, ",p:11,x:186,y:1107,w:270,h:21},
{t:"iPods and more.",p:11,x:186,y:1132,w:131,h:21},
{t:"To participate in the parade or ",p:11,x:195,y:1157,w:245,h:21},
{t:"bridge walk and get in the running ",p:11,x:186,y:1182,w:279,h:21},
{t:"for these door prizes, be sure to ",p:11,x:186,y:1207,w:258,h:21},
{t:"check in on Sept. 7 at the offcial ",p:11,x:186,y:1232,w:268,h:21},
{t:"rally points at each event.",p:11,x:186,y:1257,w:204,h:21},
{t:"In Detroit, parade marchers ",p:11,x:195,y:1282,w:223,h:21},
{t:"will gather on the west side of ",p:11,x:186,y:1307,w:238,h:21},
{t:"Woodward Ave. at Selden St. begin-",p:11,x:186,y:1332,w:282,h:21},
{t:"ning at 7:30 a.m.—the parade will ",p:11,x:186,y:1357,w:276,h:21},
{t:"step off at 9:30 toward downtown’s ",p:11,x:186,y:1382,w:280,h:21},
{t:"Hart Plaza. For the Mackinac ",p:11,x:186,y:1407,w:236,h:21},
{t:"Bridge Walk, MEA members will ",p:11,x:186,y:1432,w:259,h:21},
{t:"gather at the St. Ignace Welcome ",p:11,x:186,y:1457,w:267,h:21},
{t:"Center beginning at 7:30 a.m.",p:11,x:186,y:1482,w:237,h:21},
{t:"Look for large MEA fags at both ",p:11,x:195,y:1507,w:259,h:21},
{t:"locations to assist you in fnding ",p:11,x:186,y:1532,w:258,h:21},
{t:"the rally points.",p:11,x:487,y:707,w:122,h:21},
{t:"For more information about either ",p:11,x:496,y:732,w:271,h:21},
{t:"event, go to www.mea.org/laborday . ",p:11,x:487,y:757,w:281,h:21},
{t:"Plan now to attend one of these ",p:11,x:787,y:707,w:255,h:21},
{t:"great Labor Day events and show ",p:11,x:787,y:732,w:267,h:21},
{t:"your Union Pride! ",p:11,x:787,y:757,w:143,h:21},
{t:"Celebrate Labor Day at ",p:11,x:369,y:69,w:720,h:99},
{t:"Detroit Labor Day Parade or ",p:11,x:219,y:161,w:870,h:99},
{t:"Mackinac Bridge Walk",p:11,x:367,y:253,w:702,h:99},
{t:"Show your Union Pride, have fun and win great prizes!",p:11,x:186,y:370,w:800,h:45},
{t:"association buzz",p:11,x:1040,y:22,w:176,h:35},
{t:"Who: ",p:11,x:506,y:468,w:54,h:35},
{t:"All MEA members and their families",p:11,x:599,y:468,w:355,h:35},
{t:"What:  ",p:11,x:506,y:513,w:67,h:35},
{t:"Labor Day Parade and Mackinac Bridge Walk",p:11,x:599,y:513,w:452,h:35},
{t:"When: ",p:11,x:506,y:557,w:66,h:35},
{t:"Monday, Sept. 7",p:11,x:599,y:557,w:155,h:35},
{t:"Where: ",p:11,x:506,y:601,w:75,h:35},
{t:"Detroit and St. Ignace",p:11,x:599,y:601,w:219,h:35},
{t:"Why: ",p:11,x:506,y:646,w:52,h:35},
{t:"TO SHOW OUR UNION PRIDE!",p:11,x:599,y:646,w:281,h:35},
{t:" ",p:12,x:28,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"12 ",p:12,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:12,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Taking care of you »",p:12,x:186,y:69,w:633,h:99},
{t:"member wellness",p:12,x:28,y:22,w:184,h:35},
{t:"MESSA Choices, Choices II ",p:12,x:533,y:199,w:413,h:45},
{t:"members: fnd docs in your network",p:12,x:533,y:244,w:524,h:45},
{t:"MESSA Choices and MESSA Choices II are built upon Blue Cross ",p:12,x:542,y:307,w:530,h:21},
{t:"Blue Shield of Michigan’s PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) ",p:12,x:533,y:332,w:524,h:21},
{t:"network, Michigan’s largest. More than 80 percent of Michigan",p:12,x:533,y:357,w:499,h:21},
{t:"physicians are in the network and 95 percent “participate” with ",p:12,x:533,y:382,w:517,h:21},
{t:"the Blues for billing purposes. It’ s always best to try to use provid",p:12,x:533,y:407,w:518,h:21},
{t:"-",p:12,x:1057,y:407,w:6,h:21},
{t:"ers who “participate” with your plan. Nonparticipating providers ",p:12,x:533,y:432,w:520,h:21},
{t:"haven’t agreed to accept MESSA/Blue’ s approved payment as ",p:12,x:533,y:457,w:503,h:21},
{t:"payment in full—and, they can bill you for extra charges and fees",p:12,x:533,y:482,w:516,h:21},
{t:"that will come out of your own pocket.",p:12,x:533,y:507,w:300,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:12,x:37,y:1404,w:100,h:25},
{t:"www.messa.org ",p:12,x:37,y:1432,w:99,h:21},
{t:"MESSA wins national recognition",p:12,x:483,y:970,w:379,h:35},
{t:"MESSA ’s chronic disease management programs earned full Disease",p:12,x:493,y:1007,w:555,h:21},
{t:"Management Accreditation from a Washington, D.C.-based health care ",p:12,x:483,y:1032,w:582,h:21},
{t:"accrediting organization that establishes standards for quality and ex",p:12,x:483,y:1057,w:552,h:21},
{t:"-",p:12,x:1043,y:1057,w:6,h:21},
{t:"cellence for the health care industry.",p:12,x:483,y:1082,w:297,h:21},
{t:"The Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) accredited",p:12,x:493,y:1107,w:552,h:21},
{t:"MESSA ’s three chronic disease management programs—asthma, dia -",p:12,x:483,y:1132,w:567,h:21},
{t:"betes and cardiovascular. These programs support MESSA members ",p:12,x:483,y:1157,w:566,h:21},
{t:"by helping them better manage their health conditions, improving their",p:12,x:483,y:1182,w:569,h:21},
{t:"quality of life and reducing costs.",p:12,x:483,y:1207,w:266,h:21},
{t:"Previously, MESSA secured URAC Case Management Accreditation ",p:12,x:493,y:1232,w:554,h:21},
{t:"of its medical case management program. MESSA has also received",p:12,x:483,y:1257,w:549,h:21},
{t:"national recognition of its East Lansing-based Member Service Center",p:12,x:483,y:1282,w:559,h:21},
{t:"by The Center for Customer-Driven Quality™ at Purdue University and ",p:12,x:483,y:1307,w:577,h:21},
{t:"BenchmarkPortal.",p:12,x:483,y:1332,w:146,h:21},
{t:"“MESSA strives for continuous quality improvement and innovation",p:12,x:493,y:1357,w:539,h:21},
{t:"in our member support programs,” said MESSA Executive Director",p:12,x:483,y:1382,w:536,h:21},
{t:"Cynthia Williams. “This new accreditation is further proof that our pro",p:12,x:483,y:1407,w:557,h:21},
{t:"-",p:12,x:1048,y:1407,w:6,h:21},
{t:"grams and business operations compare favorably when benchmarked",p:12,x:483,y:1432,w:572,h:21},
{t:"to the best practices of our peers nationally .”",p:12,x:483,y:1457,w:364,h:21},
{t:"For information about chronic disease support, call MESSA",p:12,x:493,y:1482,w:476,h:21},
{t:"Member Education at 800-336-0022 and select prompt 3, or go to",p:12,x:483,y:1507,w:537,h:21},
{t:"www.messa.org. ",p:12,x:483,y:1532,w:137,h:21},
{t:"Breathe easy with MESSA",p:12,x:186,y:672,w:252,h:35},
{t:"’s asthma program",p:12,x:431,y:672,w:188,h:35},
{t:"Asthma health education offers a practical, proven ",p:12,x:195,y:707,w:412,h:21},
{t:"approach to effectively manage asthma-related health ",p:12,x:186,y:732,w:438,h:21},
{t:"issues. MESSA ’s award-winning Asthma Education ",p:12,x:186,y:757,w:412,h:21},
{t:"and Member Support Program can help MESSA ",p:12,x:186,y:782,w:393,h:21},
{t:"members and their dependents by providing current ",p:12,x:186,y:807,w:428,h:21},
{t:"information, encouragement and guidance to help ",p:12,x:186,y:832,w:410,h:21},
{t:"reach asthma health goals. For free materials and ",p:12,x:186,y:857,w:405,h:21},
{t:"other information, contact MESSA Member Education ",p:12,x:186,y:882,w:437,h:21},
{t:"by calling 800-336-0022 and selecting prompt 3.",p:12,x:186,y:907,w:398,h:21},
{t:"Key facts",p:12,x:187,y:975,w:120,h:40},
{t:" In the past four years, educa-",p:12,x:187,y:1032,w:263,h:22},
{t:"tion employees with MESSA ",p:12,x:215,y:1057,w:227,h:21},
{t:"coverage have helped their ",p:12,x:215,y:1082,w:220,h:21},
{t:"employers and taxpayers save ",p:12,x:215,y:1107,w:245,h:21},
{t:"more than $500 million by ",p:12,x:215,y:1132,w:216,h:21},
{t:"choosing plan options that ",p:12,x:215,y:1157,w:215,h:21},
{t:"preserve quality coverage with ",p:12,x:215,y:1182,w:246,h:21},
{t:"less cost.",p:12,x:215,y:1207,w:73,h:21},
{t:" Annual rate increases for the ",p:12,x:187,y:1232,w:263,h:22},
{t:"past four years have averaged ",p:12,x:215,y:1257,w:244,h:21},
{t:"less than 5 percent, far lower ",p:12,x:215,y:1282,w:237,h:21},
{t:"than the competition and the ",p:12,x:215,y:1307,w:236,h:21},
{t:"industry average in Michigan. ",p:12,x:215,y:1332,w:240,h:21},
{t:"For 2009-10, statewide rates ",p:12,x:215,y:1357,w:235,h:21},
{t:"increased 4.9 percent.",p:12,x:215,y:1382,w:181,h:21},
{t:" About 85 percent of MESSA ",p:12,x:187,y:1407,w:257,h:22},
{t:"members are MEA members. ",p:12,x:215,y:1432,w:240,h:21},
{t:"The rest are represented by ",p:12,x:215,y:1457,w:226,h:21},
{t:"other unions or are nonrepre-",p:12,x:215,y:1482,w:235,h:21},
{t:"sented employees.",p:12,x:215,y:1507,w:149,h:21},
{t:"JUPITERIMAGES",p:12,x:197,y:634,w:0,h:13},
{t:"JUPITERIMAGES",p:12,x:1067,y:914,w:0,h:13},
{t:" ",p:13,x:1213,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:13,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"13",p:13,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"« Bulletin board",p:13,x:573,y:69,w:495,h:99},
{t:"how-to tips",p:13,x:1102,y:22,w:118,h:35},
{t:"New to your school?",p:13,x:481,y:232,w:293,h:45},
{t:"Ask these questions!",p:13,x:476,y:277,w:303,h:45},
{t:"To make your frst few months easier, get the answers to these questions ",p:13,x:351,y:332,w:548,h:21},
{t:"by the end of the frst two weeks.",p:13,x:342,y:357,w:247,h:21},
{t:"1. ",p:13,x:342,y:382,w:19,h:21},
{t:"Where and how do I secure supplies?",p:13,x:370,y:382,w:281,h:21},
{t:"2. ",p:13,x:342,y:407,w:19,h:21},
{t:"What are the procedures for taking a class to an assembly?",p:13,x:370,y:407,w:442,h:21},
{t:"3. ",p:13,x:342,y:432,w:19,h:21},
{t:"When am I responsible for locking my room or offce?",p:13,x:370,y:432,w:399,h:21},
{t:"4. ",p:13,x:342,y:457,w:19,h:21},
{t:"What machines are available for me to use (copier, computer, VCR/DVD, ",p:13,x:370,y:457,w:547,h:21},
{t:"laminator, etc.)?",p:13,x:370,y:482,w:119,h:21},
{t:"5. ",p:13,x:342,y:507,w:19,h:21},
{t:"What do I do with any money I collect?",p:13,x:370,y:507,w:289,h:21},
{t:"6. ",p:13,x:342,y:532,w:19,h:21},
{t:"To whom do I report serious problems with a student’s health or ",p:13,x:370,y:532,w:482,h:21},
{t:"behavior?",p:13,x:370,y:557,w:71,h:21},
{t:"7. ",p:13,x:342,y:582,w:19,h:21},
{t:"What should I do in case of a medical emergency involving a student or ",p:13,x:370,y:582,w:541,h:21},
{t:"colleague?",p:13,x:370,y:607,w:78,h:21},
{t:"8. ",p:13,x:342,y:632,w:19,h:21},
{t:"How do I handle a fght between students?",p:13,x:370,y:632,w:319,h:21},
{t:"9. ",p:13,x:342,y:657,w:19,h:21},
{t:"How do I report a disciplinary problem?",p:13,x:370,y:657,w:294,h:21},
{t:"10. How do I arrange for a substitute?",p:13,x:342,y:682,w:281,h:21},
{t:"11. How do I apply for personal, professional, vacation or sick leave?",p:13,x:342,y:707,w:512,h:21},
{t:"12. What is my salary and what deductions are taken?",p:13,x:342,y:732,w:404,h:21},
{t:"13. How do I make arrangements for a feld trip?",p:13,x:342,y:757,w:362,h:21},
{t:"14. Where is my personnel fle and what is in it?",p:13,x:342,y:782,w:357,h:21},
{t:"15. Where do I go if I am having trouble?",p:13,x:342,y:807,w:304,h:21},
{t:"16. How do I know if I am doing a good job?",p:13,x:342,y:832,w:329,h:21},
{t:"2009 Instruction and ",p:13,x:646,y:1004,w:210,h:38},
{t:"Professional Development",p:13,x:647,y:1042,w:263,h:35},
{t:"Conference",p:13,x:648,y:1077,w:116,h:35},
{t:"Never before have there been so many de-",p:13,x:648,y:1107,w:321,h:27},
{t:"mands on teachers and education support ",p:13,x:648,y:1138,w:324,h:21},
{t:"professionals. If you’re looking for new ideas ",p:13,x:649,y:1163,w:336,h:21},
{t:"and skills to meet these demands, plan to at-",p:13,x:649,y:1182,w:338,h:27},
{t:"tend MEA",p:13,x:650,y:1213,w:74,h:21},
{t:"’s 2009 Instruction and Professional ",p:13,x:723,y:1211,w:275,h:21},
{t:"Development Conference Dec. 3-5 in ",p:13,x:650,y:1238,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Kalamazoo. For details, go to www.mea.org/ipd.",p:13,x:651,y:1257,w:353,h:27},
{t:"MEA President Iris K. Salters writes a ",p:13,x:294,y:1372,w:282,h:21},
{t:"monthly column published in The ",p:13,x:294,y:1397,w:258,h:21},
{t:"Detroit News, now on the fourth ",p:13,x:296,y:1422,w:243,h:21},
{t:"Wednesday of the month. To read her ",p:13,x:295,y:1447,w:288,h:25},
{t:"most recent column, go to www.mea.org.",p:13,x:295,y:1472,w:305,h:27},
{t:"What Works and  ",p:13,x:406,y:1042,w:224,h:31},
{t:"How to Make It Happen",p:13,x:311,y:1066,w:313,h:32},
{t:"Instruction and Professional Development Conference",p:13,x:314,y:932,w:308,h:28},
{t:"December 3-5, 2009  ",p:13,x:475,y:957,w:62,h:12},
{t:"  Radisson Plaza, Kalamazoo",p:13,x:543,y:956,w:79,h:12},
{t:"Te Detroit News",p:13,x:605,y:1396,w:276,h:61},
{t:"14 ",p:14,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:14,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"by Judith Kramer",p:14,x:929,y:100,w:129,h:21},
{t:"Teacher, Lansing Eastern High School",p:14,x:775,y:122,w:284,h:21},
{t:"‘You were there  ",p:14,x:186,y:69,w:520,h:99},
{t:"for me. You had my back.’",p:14,x:186,y:161,w:800,h:99},
{t:"member voice",p:14,x:28,y:22,w:150,h:35},
{t:"“Quitting high school is not just",p:14,x:186,y:826,w:271,h:30},
{t:"quitting on yourself, it’ s quitting ",p:14,x:186,y:856,w:272,h:30},
{t:"on your country",p:14,x:186,y:886,w:135,h:30},
{t:".”  ",p:14,x:317,y:886,w:25,h:30},
{t:"— President ",p:14,x:337,y:886,w:114,h:30},
{t:"Barack Obama, Feb. 24, 2009,",p:14,x:186,y:916,w:258,h:30},
{t:"1st Joint Congressional Address",p:14,x:186,y:946,w:272,h:30},
{t:"When I wrote these words on my ",p:14,x:195,y:982,w:250,h:21},
{t:"chalkboard, I knew I would get a ",p:14,x:186,y:1007,w:249,h:21},
{t:"range of reactions during class dis-",p:14,x:186,y:1032,w:263,h:21},
{t:"cussions. Many students seemed ",p:14,x:186,y:1057,w:255,h:21},
{t:"inspired to become a part of the ",p:14,x:186,y:1082,w:245,h:21},
{t:"rebuilding of America. Others were ",p:14,x:186,y:1107,w:266,h:21},
{t:"apathetic, experiencing an enor-",p:14,x:186,y:1132,w:242,h:21},
{t:"mous disconnect between the role of ",p:14,x:186,y:1157,w:282,h:21},
{t:"education and a brighter future for ",p:14,x:186,y:1182,w:264,h:21},
{t:"their lives.",p:14,x:186,y:1207,w:76,h:21},
{t:"Lansing Eastern High School’s ",p:14,x:195,y:1232,w:231,h:21},
{t:"graduation rate stands at 71 percent. ",p:14,x:186,y:1257,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Poverty is an inescapable reality with ",p:14,x:186,y:1282,w:281,h:21},
{t:"the number of our students qualify-",p:14,x:186,y:1307,w:266,h:21},
{t:"ing for free or reduced lunch at 57 ",p:14,x:186,y:1332,w:264,h:21},
{t:"percent, an artifcially low number ",p:14,x:186,y:1357,w:260,h:21},
{t:"because many do not sign up. Parent ",p:14,x:186,y:1382,w:286,h:21},
{t:"participation at conferences last fall ",p:14,x:186,y:1407,w:271,h:21},
{t:"was a dismal 25 percent. Not exactly ",p:14,x:186,y:1432,w:282,h:21},
{t:"a great foundation for self-actualiza-",p:14,x:186,y:1457,w:270,h:21},
{t:"tion on Maslow’s hierarchy, yet we ",p:14,x:186,y:1482,w:260,h:21},
{t:"teachers are held accountable.",p:14,x:186,y:1507,w:232,h:21},
{t:"But amidst the punitive nature of ",p:14,x:195,y:1532,w:252,h:21},
{t:"NCLB sanctions, such as threatened ",p:14,x:487,y:832,w:280,h:21},
{t:"reconstitution of our high school, my ",p:14,x:487,y:857,w:279,h:21},
{t:"value as a teacher was restored in a ",p:14,x:487,y:882,w:274,h:21},
{t:"completely unexpected way.",p:14,x:487,y:907,w:211,h:21},
{t:"It was Daniel's response to the ",p:14,x:496,y:932,w:233,h:21},
{t:"Obama quote that took me by sur-",p:14,x:487,y:957,w:257,h:21},
{t:"prise. Daniel had recently become ",p:14,x:487,y:982,w:262,h:21},
{t:"my \"go-to student\" when discussions ",p:14,x:487,y:1007,w:281,h:21},
{t:"got a bit slow, so I was disappointed ",p:14,x:487,y:1032,w:274,h:21},
{t:"when he didn’t have much to say this ",p:14,x:487,y:1057,w:286,h:21},
{t:"time. As he fled out of my room, he ",p:14,x:487,y:1082,w:274,h:21},
{t:"paused briefy.",p:14,x:487,y:1107,w:109,h:21},
{t:"“You know, I would have dropped ",p:14,x:496,y:1132,w:257,h:21},
{t:"out if it weren’t for you,” he said in ",p:14,x:487,y:1157,w:263,h:21},
{t:"his usual pithy manner. “Really?” ",p:14,x:487,y:1182,w:254,h:21},
{t:"I said, not trying to conceal my disbe-",p:14,x:487,y:1207,w:282,h:21},
{t:"lief. This didn’t make sense to me ",p:14,x:487,y:1232,w:258,h:21},
{t:"because he had sabotaged my efforts ",p:14,x:487,y:1257,w:286,h:21},
{t:"at every turn, both inside the class-",p:14,x:487,y:1282,w:264,h:21},
{t:"room and out during his freshman ",p:14,x:487,y:1307,w:262,h:21},
{t:"and sophomore years.",p:14,x:487,y:1332,w:167,h:21},
{t:"As Daniel’s teacher consultant, I ",p:14,x:496,y:1357,w:241,h:21},
{t:"worked with his general education",p:14,x:487,y:1382,w:256,h:21},
{t:"teachers to help him fnd success in",p:14,x:487,y:1407,w:272,h:21},
{t:"their classes. Daniel became a cagey",p:14,x:487,y:1432,w:278,h:21},
{t:"user of my services once his intuitive",p:14,x:487,y:1457,w:276,h:21},
{t:"“street smarts” helped him quickly",p:14,x:487,y:1482,w:261,h:21},
{t:"understand the extent of services I",p:14,x:487,y:1507,w:259,h:21},
{t:"could provide. He routinely came",p:14,x:487,y:1532,w:249,h:21},
{t:"to me with reports of how he and a",p:14,x:787,y:307,w:261,h:21},
{t:"particular teacher could not get along,",p:14,x:787,y:332,w:286,h:21},
{t:"how he would certainly fail, and how",p:14,x:787,y:357,w:273,h:21},
{t:"he needed a schedule change.",p:14,x:787,y:382,w:232,h:21},
{t:"One such occasion involved his",p:14,x:797,y:407,w:236,h:21},
{t:"biology teacher , known for clear ",p:14,x:787,y:432,w:237,h:21},
{t:"boundaries and high expectations",p:14,x:787,y:457,w:254,h:21},
{t:"both behaviorally and academically",p:14,x:787,y:482,w:264,h:21},
{t:". ",p:14,x:1044,y:482,w:9,h:21},
{t:"She approached me with several",p:14,x:787,y:507,w:245,h:21},
{t:"concerns. Daniel hadn’t completed",p:14,x:787,y:532,w:263,h:21},
{t:"assignments, demanded a seat reas -",p:14,x:787,y:557,w:271,h:21},
{t:"signment, and carved his name into",p:14,x:787,y:582,w:270,h:21},
{t:"the newly installed lab counter in her",p:14,x:787,y:607,w:277,h:21},
{t:"room. In short, he was failing while",p:14,x:787,y:632,w:261,h:21},
{t:"also making life miserable for both his",p:14,x:787,y:657,w:285,h:21},
{t:"teacher and himself. It was too late in",p:14,x:787,y:682,w:281,h:21},
{t:"the semester to change his class, so",p:14,x:787,y:707,w:272,h:21},
{t:"we arrived at a number of accommo -",p:14,x:787,y:732,w:272,h:21},
{t:"dations. Despite these efforts, Daniel",p:14,x:787,y:757,w:275,h:21},
{t:"ultimately failed the class.",p:14,x:787,y:782,w:193,h:21},
{t:"In a way, I felt that I had failed, too.",p:14,x:797,y:807,w:263,h:21},
{t:"Students like Daniel rarely give ",p:14,x:797,y:832,w:235,h:21},
{t:"teachers the sense that they are get-",p:14,x:787,y:857,w:274,h:21},
{t:"ting through to them in any mean-",p:14,x:787,y:882,w:257,h:21},
{t:"ingful way. We tend to feel used up, ",p:14,x:787,y:907,w:272,h:21},
{t:"exhausted, and often unsure about ",p:14,x:787,y:932,w:268,h:21},
{t:"why we continue trying to make the ",p:14,x:787,y:957,w:271,h:21},
{t:"connections students crave, but ",p:14,x:787,y:982,w:245,h:21},
{t:"don't know how to seek directly, each ",p:14,x:787,y:1007,w:285,h:21},
{t:"and every day.",p:14,x:787,y:1032,w:108,h:21},
{t:"Such students fll the halls of ",p:14,x:797,y:1058,w:221,h:21},
{t:"Eastern and the sea of urban high ",p:14,x:787,y:1083,w:260,h:21},
{t:"schools across the country.",p:14,x:787,y:1108,w:203,h:21},
{t:"So when I asked Daniel exactly ",p:14,x:797,y:1133,w:237,h:21},
{t:"how I had helped prevent him from ",p:14,x:787,y:1158,w:270,h:21},
{t:"quitting high school, he simply said, ",p:14,x:787,y:1183,w:275,h:21},
{t:"“You were there for me. You had my ",p:14,x:787,y:1208,w:277,h:21},
{t:"back.”",p:14,x:787,y:1233,w:49,h:21},
{t:"Not only did I want to cry from glee, ",p:14,x:797,y:1258,w:273,h:21},
{t:"but I was humbled by this expression ",p:14,x:787,y:1283,w:285,h:21},
{t:"of gratitude in light of the annoyance ",p:14,x:787,y:1308,w:280,h:21},
{t:"I often felt by Daniel's incessant re-",p:14,x:787,y:1333,w:264,h:21},
{t:"quests. Wanting Daniel to know what ",p:14,x:787,y:1358,w:281,h:21},
{t:"it has meant to me to have been part ",p:14,x:787,y:1383,w:282,h:21},
{t:"of his journey toward greater matu-",p:14,x:787,y:1408,w:263,h:21},
{t:"rity, success and, eventually, gradu-",p:14,x:787,y:1433,w:268,h:21},
{t:"ation from high school, I offered an ",p:14,x:787,y:1458,w:268,h:21},
{t:"equally simple response.",p:14,x:787,y:1483,w:186,h:21},
{t:"“Thank you for reminding me why I ",p:14,x:797,y:1508,w:271,h:21},
{t:"do this job.” ",p:14,x:787,y:1533,w:96,h:21},
{t:"Judith Kramer is a ",p:14,x:37,y:832,w:119,h:22},
{t:"Lansing teacher.",p:14,x:37,y:854,w:106,h:22},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:14,x:48,y:794,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:15,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"15",p:15,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"In two years, I will be eligible for retirement.",p:15,x:195,y:300,w:385,h:30},
{t:"In two years, I will be 65 and have 25 years under my belt. I got ",p:15,x:195,y:332,w:417,h:21},
{t:"a late start in the teaching profession. While my colleagues sit ",p:15,x:186,y:357,w:413,h:21},
{t:"around the teachers’ lounge contemplating the travel and many ",p:15,x:186,y:382,w:421,h:21},
{t:"other things that retired teachers do, I fnd myself excitedly shar-",p:15,x:186,y:407,w:425,h:21},
{t:"ing information I received from the latest conference, visualizing ",p:15,x:186,y:432,w:426,h:21},
{t:"how I can use that information in the future.",p:15,x:186,y:457,w:290,h:21},
{t:"You see, I don’t want to retire. I like my students and I enjoy ",p:15,x:195,y:482,w:413,h:22},
{t:"being around them. I like learning new things and, most of all, I ",p:15,x:186,y:507,w:425,h:22},
{t:"get excited about the new toys in technology. I’m like a little kid at ",p:15,x:186,y:532,w:436,h:21},
{t:"Christmas playing with his toys.",p:15,x:186,y:557,w:210,h:21},
{t:"Granted, I complain probably as much as most. The fun new ",p:15,x:195,y:582,w:397,h:21},
{t:"toys in technology eat up enormous amounts of time. I don’t have ",p:15,x:186,y:607,w:431,h:21},
{t:"the confdence I should have in my teaching because I’m continu-",p:15,x:186,y:632,w:429,h:21},
{t:"ally trying new things. And, as with new things, sometimes they ",p:15,x:186,y:657,w:420,h:21},
{t:"go well and sometime they don’t.",p:15,x:186,y:682,w:215,h:21},
{t:"Some days I feel that I’m the greatest teacher there is, and there ",p:15,x:195,y:707,w:426,h:21},
{t:"are days when I wouldn’t want my own children in my class. But ",p:15,x:186,y:732,w:422,h:21},
{t:"that’s what makes teaching exciting for me—the constant chal-",p:15,x:186,y:757,w:422,h:21},
{t:"lenge to be good and reach out and change kids’ lives.",p:15,x:186,y:782,w:357,h:21},
{t:"Perhaps the most exciting aspect of teaching for me is when ",p:15,x:195,y:807,w:410,h:21},
{t:"I’m able to reach students and infuence them in a positive ",p:15,x:186,y:832,w:401,h:21},
{t:"manner. I’ve received letters from former students that attest to",p:15,x:186,y:857,w:418,h:21},
{t:"how I have impacted their lives. Many have gone on to become ",p:15,x:186,y:882,w:423,h:21},
{t:"teachers themselves. Whenever I run into former students, I am ",p:15,x:186,y:907,w:430,h:21},
{t:"overjoyed to see and learn about them—often, they’re excited ",p:15,x:186,y:932,w:418,h:21},
{t:"to see me, too.",p:15,x:186,y:957,w:94,h:21},
{t:"While some retired teachers come back to work as a substitute ",p:15,x:195,y:982,w:413,h:21},
{t:"teacher, others pursue jobs in the private sector. Now, why would ",p:15,x:186,y:1007,w:426,h:21},
{t:"I want to do either of those things? Subs typically earn less than ",p:15,x:186,y:1032,w:424,h:21},
{t:"the salary I currently receive; jobs in the private sector have an ",p:15,x:186,y:1057,w:415,h:21},
{t:"even more rigid schedule than I enjoy.",p:15,x:186,y:1082,w:247,h:21},
{t:"Another reason that I’m not ready to retire yet is my affliation ",p:15,x:195,y:1107,w:407,h:21},
{t:"with the education association. Service to my colleagues—and ",p:15,x:637,y:932,w:417,h:21},
{t:"my chosen profession—brings me profound joy. I serve as presi-",p:15,x:637,y:957,w:422,h:21},
{t:"dent of the Manistee Education Association and I’m active in the ",p:15,x:637,y:982,w:426,h:21},
{t:"MEA. Improving the work environment of our school family—and ",p:15,x:637,y:1007,w:426,h:21},
{t:"the learning environment for our kids—is enough to keep me on ",p:15,x:637,y:1032,w:423,h:21},
{t:"the job for years to come.",p:15,x:637,y:1057,w:164,h:21},
{t:"I know that retirement will sound good someday. But it’s not ",p:15,x:646,y:1082,w:395,h:21},
{t:"time yet. ",p:15,x:637,y:1107,w:60,h:21},
{t:"member voice ",p:15,x:1069,y:22,w:165,h:35},
{t:"by John Mencarelli",p:15,x:196,y:100,w:142,h:21},
{t:"Teacher, Manistee High School",p:15,x:196,y:122,w:232,h:21},
{t:"Retirement draws ",p:15,x:532,y:69,w:558,h:99},
{t:"near, but I’m not ready",p:15,x:378,y:161,w:691,h:99},
{t:"John Mencarelli ",p:15,x:1087,y:857,w:104,h:22},
{t:"(still) loves his job.",p:15,x:1087,y:879,w:121,h:22},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:15,x:1067,y:903,w:0,h:13},
{t:"The MEA Voice magazine has added a ",p:15,x:195,y:1282,w:260,h:21},
{t:"new feature this year – Member Voice, ",p:15,x:186,y:1307,w:264,h:21},
{t:"space set aside for members like you to ",p:15,x:186,y:1332,w:274,h:21},
{t:"write about what you do to serve public ",p:15,x:186,y:1357,w:271,h:21},
{t:"school students at all levels.",p:15,x:186,y:1382,w:193,h:21},
{t:"Writers whose stories are published will ",p:15,x:195,y:1407,w:275,h:21},
{t:"receive $200. The Voice will feature all ",p:15,x:186,y:1432,w:266,h:21},
{t:"types of members – teachers, education ",p:15,x:186,y:1457,w:278,h:21},
{t:"support professionals, higher education ",p:15,x:186,y:1482,w:276,h:21},
{t:"faculty and staff, students and retirees.",p:15,x:186,y:1507,w:269,h:21},
{t:"Interested?",p:15,x:195,y:1532,w:75,h:21},
{t:"Here’s what you need to do:",p:15,x:496,y:1282,w:183,h:21},
{t:"Think about what inspires you. Or, frus-",p:15,x:496,y:1307,w:269,h:21},
{t:"trates you. Or, why you do what you do.",p:15,x:487,y:1332,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Next, start writing. What is your main ",p:15,x:496,y:1357,w:258,h:21},
{t:"point? What is a small moment, or ",p:15,x:487,y:1382,w:239,h:21},
{t:"specifc story or example that best il -",p:15,x:487,y:1407,w:253,h:21},
{t:"lustrates your point? The maximum ",p:15,x:487,y:1432,w:244,h:21},
{t:"word length is about 400 words, so ",p:15,x:487,y:1457,w:243,h:21},
{t:"please try to stay within that range. ",p:15,x:487,y:1482,w:248,h:21},
{t:"When you’ve completed a draft of your ",p:15,x:487,y:1507,w:264,h:21},
{t:"story, share it with a family member or ",p:15,x:487,y:1532,w:267,h:21},
{t:"friend or coworker. Sometimes, it helps ",p:15,x:787,y:1282,w:268,h:21},
{t:"to have someone read your article before ",p:15,x:787,y:1307,w:280,h:21},
{t:"submission.",p:15,x:787,y:1332,w:81,h:21},
{t:"Finally, send your essay to MEA Voice ",p:15,x:797,y:1357,w:255,h:21},
{t:"Editor Karen Schulz at kschulz@mea.org. ",p:15,x:787,y:1382,w:286,h:21},
{t:"Include your name and telephone number ",p:15,x:787,y:1407,w:286,h:21},
{t:"for verifcation purposes.",p:15,x:787,y:1432,w:167,h:21},
{t:"The deadlines for upcoming issues of ",p:15,x:797,y:1457,w:258,h:21},
{t:"the Voice are: Sept. 30, Nov. 30, Jan. 30, ",p:15,x:787,y:1482,w:278,h:21},
{t:"and March 30. Schulz will contact you if ",p:15,x:787,y:1507,w:277,h:21},
{t:"your article is selected for publication. ",p:15,x:787,y:1532,w:266,h:22},
{t:"Want to earn some extra cash?",p:15,x:212,y:1166,w:857,h:89},
{t:" ",p:16,x:28,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"16 ",p:16,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:16,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Darrell Humphrey: ",p:16,x:186,y:69,w:579,h:99},
{t:"A special educator.",p:16,x:186,y:161,w:595,h:99},
{t:"Darrell Humphrey is a special ",p:16,x:788,y:299,w:268,h:61},
{t:"educator.",p:16,x:824,y:332,w:75,h:21},
{t:"And, it’s not just because he ",p:16,x:798,y:357,w:234,h:21},
{t:"works with students who have ",p:16,x:788,y:382,w:246,h:21},
{t:"special needs.",p:16,x:788,y:407,w:113,h:21},
{t:"Humphrey works at the Lyle A. ",p:16,x:798,y:432,w:253,h:21},
{t:"Torrant Center in Jackson. A veter -",p:16,x:788,y:457,w:279,h:21},
{t:"an teacher, Humphrey’s students ",p:16,x:788,y:482,w:273,h:21},
{t:"are between the ages of 15 and ",p:16,x:788,y:507,w:260,h:21},
{t:"19. They all have severe, multiple ",p:16,x:788,y:532,w:277,h:21},
{t:"impairments, including seizure ",p:16,x:788,y:557,w:254,h:21},
{t:"disorders, cerebral palsy, hearing ",p:16,x:788,y:582,w:273,h:21},
{t:"or visual impairments.",p:16,x:788,y:607,w:174,h:21},
{t:"But, they also have a teacher",p:16,x:798,y:632,w:230,h:21},
{t:"who has dedicated his profession -",p:16,x:788,y:657,w:275,h:21},
{t:"al career—38 years and count -",p:16,x:788,y:682,w:252,h:21},
{t:"ing—to helping them reach their",p:16,x:788,y:707,w:257,h:21},
{t:"fullest potential. Over the past four ",p:16,x:788,y:732,w:283,h:21},
{t:"years, that work has taken a cre -",p:16,x:788,y:757,w:264,h:21},
{t:"ative turn with a multicultural fair",p:16,x:788,y:782,w:264,h:21},
{t:".",p:16,x:1058,y:782,w:5,h:21},
{t:"Humprey’s students—and others ",p:16,x:798,y:807,w:272,h:21},
{t:"at the Torrant Center, too—have ",p:16,x:788,y:832,w:262,h:21},
{t:"created wall murals and other art",p:16,x:788,y:857,w:261,h:21},
{t:"that showcases different cul -",p:16,x:788,y:882,w:232,h:21},
{t:"tures. They’ve tasted ethnic foods. ",p:16,x:788,y:907,w:282,h:21},
{t:"They’ve experienced fddlers ",p:16,x:788,y:932,w:236,h:21},
{t:"and African drummers. They’ve",p:16,x:788,y:957,w:250,h:21},
{t:"watched movies with cultural ",p:16,x:788,y:982,w:239,h:21},
{t:"themes.",p:16,x:788,y:1007,w:63,h:21},
{t:"The art projects that the students ",p:16,x:798,y:1032,w:273,h:21},
{t:"created are especially signifcant",p:16,x:788,y:1057,w:257,h:21},
{t:"considering the students’ physi -",p:16,x:788,y:1082,w:257,h:21},
{t:"cal and cognitive needs. Some",p:16,x:788,y:1107,w:241,h:21},
{t:"students have minimal use of ",p:16,x:788,y:1132,w:242,h:21},
{t:"their hands, but Humphrey and",p:16,x:788,y:1157,w:251,h:21},
{t:"his colleagues have manipulated",p:16,x:788,y:1182,w:258,h:21},
{t:"their fngers and hands to paint, ",p:16,x:788,y:1207,w:264,h:21},
{t:"mold clay and dye fabrics. Music",p:16,x:788,y:1232,w:261,h:21},
{t:"has proven to be a good tool for ",p:16,x:788,y:1257,w:261,h:21},
{t:"engaging students.",p:16,x:788,y:1282,w:150,h:21},
{t:"“The arts provide a way for the",p:16,x:798,y:1307,w:242,h:21},
{t:"students to participate in their ",p:16,x:788,y:1332,w:247,h:21},
{t:"learning, even if it’ s just a tactile ",p:16,x:788,y:1357,w:264,h:21},
{t:"experience,” Humphrey said.",p:16,x:788,y:1382,w:232,h:21},
{t:"Last spring, Humphrey won an ",p:16,x:798,y:1407,w:254,h:21},
{t:"MEA award for his work—the ",p:16,x:788,y:1432,w:241,h:21},
{t:"Elizabeth Siddall Award, given at ",p:16,x:788,y:1457,w:267,h:21},
{t:"the MEA ’s Human Rights Award ",p:16,x:788,y:1482,w:262,h:21},
{t:"dinner in May.",p:16,x:788,y:1507,w:115,h:21},
{t:"The award recognizes MEA ",p:16,x:798,y:1532,w:225,h:21},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:16,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:16,x:926,y:122,w:132,h:21},
{t:"member profile",p:16,x:28,y:22,w:163,h:35},
{t:"Darrell Humphrey ",p:16,x:37,y:682,w:117,h:22},
{t:"won an MEA Human ",p:16,x:37,y:704,w:128,h:22},
{t:"Rights Award.",p:16,x:37,y:727,w:87,h:22},
{t:"PHOTOS: ",p:16,x:37,y:778,w:61,h:17},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:16,x:37,y:796,w:134,h:17},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:17,x:1103,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"17",p:17,x:1216,y:1594,w:20,h:21},
{t:"members who have developed ",p:17,x:186,y:307,w:251,h:21},
{t:"and implemented programs that",p:17,x:186,y:332,w:255,h:21},
{t:"have enhanced international or ",p:17,x:186,y:357,w:256,h:21},
{t:"intercultural awareness among",p:17,x:186,y:382,w:242,h:21},
{t:"educators and their students. As ",p:17,x:186,y:407,w:268,h:21},
{t:"a classroom teacher, Elizabeth ",p:17,x:186,y:432,w:250,h:21},
{t:"Siddall’s professional and per-",p:17,x:186,y:457,w:242,h:21},
{t:"sonal commitment will long be an",p:17,x:186,y:482,w:265,h:21},
{t:"inspiration to both students and ",p:17,x:186,y:507,w:262,h:21},
{t:"colleagues. She dedicated her en -",p:17,x:186,y:532,w:275,h:21},
{t:"ergies to the development of great-",p:17,x:186,y:557,w:281,h:21},
{t:"er understanding between people ",p:17,x:186,y:582,w:276,h:21},
{t:"of all races, cultures, creeds and ",p:17,x:186,y:607,w:269,h:21},
{t:"nations. Her life demonstrated ",p:17,x:186,y:632,w:250,h:21},
{t:"a commitment to international",p:17,x:186,y:657,w:237,h:21},
{t:"understanding.",p:17,x:186,y:682,w:119,h:21},
{t:"If you visit Humphrey on the job,",p:17,x:195,y:707,w:258,h:21},
{t:"you need to be prepared for just ",p:17,x:186,y:732,w:265,h:21},
{t:"about anything.",p:17,x:186,y:757,w:122,h:21},
{t:"You might be in the classroom ",p:17,x:195,y:782,w:250,h:21},
{t:"singing songs. Or poolside, get -",p:17,x:186,y:807,w:253,h:21},
{t:"ting splashed by his students, ",p:17,x:186,y:832,w:246,h:21},
{t:"who spend time in the water each",p:17,x:186,y:857,w:267,h:21},
{t:"week because it’s therapeutic—",p:17,x:186,y:882,w:255,h:21},
{t:"not to mention fun. Humphrey ",p:17,x:186,y:907,w:250,h:21},
{t:"dons swim trunks, too, along with",p:17,x:186,y:932,w:264,h:21},
{t:"other staff and volunteers, to help ",p:17,x:186,y:957,w:277,h:21},
{t:"the students in the pool.",p:17,x:186,y:982,w:191,h:21},
{t:"Or, you may walk the halls, ad -",p:17,x:195,y:1007,w:249,h:21},
{t:"miring the student artwork and ",p:17,x:186,y:1032,w:254,h:21},
{t:"listening to Humphrey describe ",p:17,x:186,y:1057,w:258,h:21},
{t:"how each piece related to a lesson ",p:17,x:186,y:1082,w:284,h:21},
{t:"on culture.",p:17,x:186,y:1107,w:85,h:21},
{t:"Humphrey acknowledged that ",p:17,x:195,y:1132,w:248,h:21},
{t:"the MEA award is nice, but he",p:17,x:186,y:1157,w:238,h:21},
{t:"said he’s just doing his job. At the ",p:17,x:186,y:1182,w:277,h:21},
{t:"Torrant Center, he works year-",p:17,x:186,y:1207,w:241,h:21},
{t:"round for several years with the ",p:17,x:186,y:1232,w:258,h:21},
{t:"same students.",p:17,x:186,y:1257,w:120,h:21},
{t:"“I love my job,” he said. “I love",p:17,x:195,y:1282,w:244,h:21},
{t:"the fact that the students can ",p:17,x:186,y:1307,w:243,h:21},
{t:"show physical appreciation (with ",p:17,x:186,y:1332,w:268,h:21},
{t:"a smile or a hug) and the staff is ",p:17,x:186,y:1357,w:266,h:21},
{t:"such a strong team. I like the fact ",p:17,x:186,y:1382,w:276,h:21},
{t:"that kids with such severe disabili",p:17,x:186,y:1407,w:265,h:21},
{t:"-",p:17,x:458,y:1407,w:6,h:21},
{t:"ties have caring people and we ",p:17,x:186,y:1432,w:255,h:21},
{t:"can provide much-needed support ",p:17,x:186,y:1457,w:285,h:21},
{t:"for their parents. We become part ",p:17,x:186,y:1482,w:277,h:21},
{t:"of their family.” ",p:17,x:186,y:1507,w:127,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:17,x:1118,y:1304,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Nominate a ",p:17,x:1148,y:1332,w:74,h:21},
{t:"colleague for an ",p:17,x:1120,y:1354,w:102,h:21},
{t:"MEA award.",p:17,x:1146,y:1377,w:73,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/awards",p:17,x:1087,y:1407,w:133,h:21},
{t:"18 ",p:18,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:18,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"good news",p:18,x:28,y:22,w:111,h:35},
{t:"Award-winning custodians »",p:18,x:186,y:69,w:873,h:99},
{t:"Custodians save jobs—and then prove themselves",p:18,x:186,y:177,w:732,h:45},
{t:"HORTON—A team of school custodians that successfully ",p:18,x:186,y:731,w:435,h:22},
{t:"fought off efforts to outsource their jobs two years ago ",p:18,x:186,y:757,w:406,h:21},
{t:"has won a national award for school cleanliness.",p:18,x:186,y:782,w:362,h:21},
{t:"The custodial team at Hanover-Horton Middle/High ",p:18,x:195,y:807,w:393,h:21},
{t:"School was a runner up in the frst-ever National ",p:18,x:186,y:832,w:372,h:21},
{t:"C.L.E.A.N. Award contest. The award is given by The ",p:18,x:186,y:857,w:405,h:21},
{t:"Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), the National ",p:18,x:186,y:882,w:399,h:21},
{t:"Education Association Health Information Network ",p:18,x:186,y:907,w:387,h:21},
{t:"(NEA HIN), and the Centers for Disease Control and ",p:18,x:186,y:932,w:400,h:21},
{t:"Prevention (CDC).",p:18,x:186,y:957,w:136,h:21},
{t:"“We were shocked,” said John Smith, a custodian who’s ",p:18,x:195,y:982,w:427,h:21},
{t:"worked in the district for more than 25 years.",p:18,x:186,y:1007,w:338,h:21},
{t:"C.L.E.A.N. is an acronym that stands for Custodial ",p:18,x:195,y:1032,w:381,h:21},
{t:"Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide. It rec-",p:18,x:186,y:1057,w:417,h:21},
{t:"ognizes the contributions that custodians make to public ",p:18,x:186,y:1082,w:429,h:21},
{t:"health in their schools, communities and their profession.",p:18,x:186,y:1107,w:431,h:21},
{t:"Individual custodians at four other schools were also ",p:18,x:195,y:1132,w:397,h:21},
{t:"recognized; the Hanover-Horton group was the only ",p:18,x:186,y:1157,w:391,h:21},
{t:"team. The awards were given at the NEA ’s National ",p:18,x:186,y:1182,w:387,h:21},
{t:"Education Support Professionals Conference in Florida ",p:18,x:637,y:732,w:414,h:21},
{t:"earlier this year.",p:18,x:637,y:757,w:118,h:21},
{t:"The Hanover-Horton team consists of Smith, Cindy ",p:18,x:646,y:782,w:385,h:21},
{t:"Fisher, Angela Guisinger, Gary Reska and Kathie Reason. ",p:18,x:637,y:807,w:434,h:21},
{t:"They all are members of the Hanover-Horton Educational ",p:18,x:637,y:832,w:433,h:21},
{t:"Support Personnel Association.",p:18,x:637,y:857,w:234,h:21},
{t:"Two years ago, the custodians were threatened with ",p:18,x:646,y:882,w:392,h:21},
{t:"outsourcing when the district considered fring them and ",p:18,x:637,y:907,w:430,h:21},
{t:"hiring a private company to do their work. The district ",p:18,x:637,y:932,w:406,h:21},
{t:"decided not to privatize their jobs—restructuring the ",p:18,x:637,y:957,w:396,h:21},
{t:"cleaning program to emphasize cleanliness and sanita-",p:18,x:637,y:982,w:413,h:21},
{t:"tion helped the district reduce costs.",p:18,x:637,y:1007,w:274,h:21},
{t:"The effort has been so successful that other schools ",p:18,x:646,y:1032,w:395,h:21},
{t:"now visit Hanover-Horton to learn how they, too, can im-",p:18,x:637,y:1057,w:421,h:21},
{t:"prove, Guisinger said.",p:18,x:637,y:1082,w:163,h:21},
{t:"Applicants for the C.L.E.A.N. Award provided informa-",p:18,x:646,y:1107,w:410,h:21},
{t:"tion on their worksite, cleaning responsibilities, how ",p:18,x:637,y:1132,w:395,h:21},
{t:"they have demonstrated leadership for school cleanli-",p:18,x:637,y:1157,w:406,h:21},
{t:"ness achievements, evidence of collaboration, and how ",p:18,x:637,y:1182,w:424,h:21},
{t:"their work has enhanced the image of the custodian. ",p:18,x:637,y:1207,w:405,h:21},
{t:"Applications were evaluated on originality, creativity, ",p:18,x:637,y:1232,w:397,h:21},
{t:"ability to sustain results, evidence of teamwork, and ",p:18,x:637,y:1257,w:397,h:21},
{t:"program impact.",p:18,x:637,y:1282,w:126,h:21},
{t:"The top C.L.E.A.N. Award went to a custodian in ",p:18,x:646,y:1307,w:367,h:21},
{t:"Washington. The other runners-up were in Alabama, ",p:18,x:637,y:1332,w:399,h:21},
{t:"Indiana and South Carolina.",p:18,x:637,y:1357,w:209,h:21},
{t:"C.L.E.A.N. Award runners-up received a $2,000",p:18,x:646,y:1382,w:366,h:21},
{t:"cash award and a trip to the NEA event in March. The",p:18,x:637,y:1407,w:410,h:21},
{t:"top recipient received $5,000, products and supplies",p:18,x:637,y:1432,w:403,h:21},
{t:"for his school, and a school celebration on National",p:18,x:637,y:1457,w:389,h:21},
{t:"C.L.E.A.N. Day.",p:18,x:637,y:1482,w:119,h:21},
{t:"For details on the 2010 C.L.E.A.N. Award, go to ",p:18,x:646,y:1507,w:361,h:21},
{t:"www.neahin.org/programs/cleanaward.html . ",p:18,x:637,y:1532,w:328,h:21},
{t:"Top left:",p:18,x:37,y:582,w:51,h:22},
{t:"Angela Guisinger, ",p:18,x:37,y:607,w:115,h:22},
{t:"a custodian at ",p:18,x:37,y:629,w:95,h:22},
{t:"Hanover-Horton ",p:18,x:37,y:652,w:105,h:22},
{t:"Middle/High ",p:18,x:37,y:674,w:80,h:22},
{t:"School.",p:18,x:37,y:697,w:47,h:22},
{t:"Top right:",p:18,x:37,y:732,w:60,h:22},
{t:"Custodian Cindy ",p:18,x:37,y:757,w:107,h:22},
{t:"Fisher cleans a ",p:18,x:37,y:779,w:102,h:22},
{t:"classroom.",p:18,x:37,y:802,w:71,h:22},
{t:"Below:",p:18,x:37,y:832,w:42,h:22},
{t:"The award-winning ",p:18,x:37,y:857,w:125,h:22},
{t:"Hanover-Horton ",p:18,x:37,y:879,w:105,h:22},
{t:"Middle/High ",p:18,x:37,y:902,w:80,h:22},
{t:"School custodians, ",p:18,x:37,y:924,w:125,h:22},
{t:"left to right: John ",p:18,x:37,y:947,w:113,h:22},
{t:"Smith and Gary ",p:18,x:37,y:969,w:101,h:22},
{t:"Reska (back row); ",p:18,x:37,y:992,w:120,h:22},
{t:"Kathie Reason, ",p:18,x:37,y:1014,w:99,h:22},
{t:"Angela Guisinger ",p:18,x:37,y:1037,w:112,h:22},
{t:"and Cindy Fisher.",p:18,x:37,y:1059,w:110,h:22},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:18,x:643,y:699,w:0,h:13},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:18,x:197,y:699,w:0,h:13},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:18,x:620,y:1543,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:19,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"19",p:19,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"« Your money",p:19,x:649,y:69,w:420,h:99},
{t:"financial tips",p:19,x:1081,y:22,w:137,h:35},
{t:"3 things to do this month",p:19,x:632,y:564,w:373,h:45},
{t:"1. ",p:19,x:632,y:632,w:19,h:21},
{t:"Browse the MEA Financial Services Web ",p:19,x:660,y:632,w:308,h:21},
{t:"site—www.meafs.com—to learn about your benefts ",p:19,x:660,y:657,w:392,h:21},
{t:"with MEA Financial Services.",p:19,x:660,y:682,w:216,h:21},
{t:"2. ",p:19,x:632,y:707,w:19,h:21},
{t:"Simplify investment decisions by identifying your MEA ",p:19,x:660,y:707,w:409,h:21},
{t:"Financial Services area rep—go to www.meafs.com ",p:19,x:660,y:732,w:387,h:21},
{t:"and click on “Find my agent/representative.”",p:19,x:660,y:757,w:336,h:21},
{t:"3. ",p:19,x:632,y:782,w:19,h:21},
{t:"Jump-start your fnancial security by purchasing the ",p:19,x:660,y:782,w:395,h:21},
{t:"maximum allowed years of retirement service. ",p:19,x:660,y:807,w:349,h:21},
{t:"www.meafs.com",p:19,x:1102,y:372,w:115,h:21},
{t:"Do you have a ",p:19,x:1134,y:507,w:88,h:21},
{t:"question about your ",p:19,x:1098,y:529,w:123,h:21},
{t:"money? Send it to ",p:19,x:1111,y:552,w:111,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org . ",p:19,x:1111,y:574,w:111,h:21},
{t:"We’ll feature member ",p:19,x:1095,y:597,w:127,h:21},
{t:"questions in upcoming ",p:19,x:1087,y:619,w:135,h:21},
{t:"issues—and MEA ",p:19,x:1113,y:642,w:108,h:21},
{t:"Financial Services will ",p:19,x:1089,y:664,w:132,h:21},
{t:"provide answers!",p:19,x:1118,y:687,w:102,h:21},
{t:"Ask MEA Financial Services",p:19,x:186,y:181,w:409,h:45},
{t:"Q",p:19,x:186,y:220,w:33,h:66},
{t:"How can I prepare for my children’s education?",p:19,x:228,y:256,w:385,h:22},
{t:"A",p:19,x:186,y:270,w:30,h:66},
{t:"While saving for college has always been a challenge, it’ll be",p:19,x:225,y:307,w:393,h:21},
{t:"easier to accomplish your goal if you start now . Even small amounts ",p:19,x:186,y:332,w:438,h:21},
{t:"invested wisely can grow to meaningful savings.",p:19,x:186,y:357,w:314,h:21},
{t:"First, decide how much time you have and the size of your savings",p:19,x:195,y:382,w:427,h:21},
{t:"goal. Then, choose the type of education savings vehicle that best",p:19,x:186,y:407,w:426,h:21},
{t:"fts your plans. You have options, including an education IRA, a 529",p:19,x:186,y:432,w:436,h:21},
{t:"Plan, or mutual funds.",p:19,x:186,y:457,w:145,h:21},
{t:"A 529 Plan—named after the federal tax code that governs",p:19,x:195,y:481,w:402,h:22},
{t:"such programs—may offer tax and estate planning benefts along",p:19,x:186,y:507,w:430,h:21},
{t:"with no income restrictions for participation and no age limit for ac",p:19,x:186,y:532,w:436,h:21},
{t:"-",p:19,x:616,y:532,w:6,h:21},
{t:"count holders, depending on the state where you live. Contributions",p:19,x:186,y:557,w:436,h:21},
{t:"to 529s aren’t eligible as a tax deduction on federal income tax but",p:19,x:186,y:582,w:434,h:21},
{t:"earnings on investment contributions and withdrawals made for",p:19,x:186,y:607,w:416,h:21},
{t:"qualifed higher education expenses are free from federal taxes.",p:19,x:186,y:632,w:412,h:21},
{t:"There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and ",p:19,x:195,y:656,w:414,h:22},
{t:"college savings plans. There are important distinctions be -",p:19,x:186,y:681,w:407,h:22},
{t:"tween these two plans—for example, prepaid plans usually lock in",p:19,x:186,y:707,w:432,h:21},
{t:"tuition prices, while college savings plans do not. Consult a fnan -",p:19,x:186,y:732,w:423,h:21},
{t:"cial adviser to help decide which option best suits your needs.",p:19,x:186,y:757,w:402,h:21},
{t:"Want to learn more? Go to www.meafs.com, or contact your MEA ",p:19,x:195,y:782,w:411,h:21},
{t:"Financial Services representative.",p:19,x:186,y:807,w:218,h:21},
{t:"JUPITERIMAGES",p:19,x:643,y:527,w:0,h:13},
{t:"South Lyon students will ben-",p:19,x:195,y:1107,w:221,h:21},
{t:"eft from a $5,000 Learning & ",p:19,x:186,y:1132,w:227,h:21},
{t:"Leadership Grant to two teachers ",p:19,x:186,y:1157,w:253,h:21},
{t:"awarded from the NEA Foundation.",p:19,x:186,y:1182,w:266,h:21},
{t:"The grant will help pay for a “Math ",p:19,x:195,y:1207,w:265,h:21},
{t:"Summit,” a year-long effort to boost ",p:19,x:186,y:1232,w:271,h:21},
{t:"student achievement in math, par-",p:19,x:186,y:1257,w:259,h:21},
{t:"ticularly Algebra 1.",p:19,x:186,y:1282,w:140,h:21},
{t:"Amy Wild of South Lyon High ",p:19,x:195,y:1307,w:224,h:21},
{t:"School and Lisa Kudwa of Centennial ",p:19,x:186,y:1332,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Middle School won the grant. Fifteen ",p:19,x:186,y:1357,w:281,h:21},
{t:"secondary math teachers will par-",p:19,x:186,y:1382,w:253,h:21},
{t:"ticipate in the program. They will ",p:19,x:186,y:1407,w:250,h:21},
{t:"share best instructional practices, ",p:19,x:186,y:1432,w:258,h:21},
{t:"work on curriculum articulations from ",p:19,x:186,y:1457,w:286,h:21},
{t:"grades seven through twelve, discuss ",p:19,x:186,y:1482,w:285,h:21},
{t:"research and learning resources, ",p:19,x:186,y:1507,w:252,h:21},
{t:"analyze data, and utilize backward ",p:19,x:186,y:1532,w:264,h:21},
{t:"design to ensure tight alignment ",p:19,x:487,y:1257,w:246,h:21},
{t:"of curriculum, instruction, and ",p:19,x:487,y:1282,w:233,h:21},
{t:"assessment.",p:19,x:487,y:1307,w:92,h:21},
{t:"The goal of the summit is to in-",p:19,x:496,y:1332,w:233,h:21},
{t:"crease student math achievement, ",p:19,x:487,y:1357,w:265,h:21},
{t:"especially in Algebra 1, which is part ",p:19,x:487,y:1382,w:280,h:21},
{t:"of the Michigan high school gradua-",p:19,x:487,y:1407,w:271,h:21},
{t:"tion requirements.",p:19,x:487,y:1432,w:137,h:21},
{t:"The South Lyon grant was one of 28 ",p:19,x:496,y:1457,w:275,h:21},
{t:"grants totaling $113,000 announced ",p:19,x:487,y:1482,w:280,h:21},
{t:"by the NEA Foundation in the spring. ",p:19,x:487,y:1507,w:284,h:21},
{t:"The grants support educators’ ideas ",p:19,x:487,y:1532,w:275,h:21},
{t:"to improve teaching and learning or ",p:19,x:787,y:1107,w:272,h:21},
{t:"professional development efforts.",p:19,x:787,y:1132,w:248,h:21},
{t:"Since 1999, the NEA Foundation ",p:19,x:797,y:1157,w:253,h:21},
{t:"has funded 62 grants for Michigan ",p:19,x:787,y:1182,w:265,h:21},
{t:"educators and given out more than ",p:19,x:787,y:1207,w:268,h:21},
{t:"$6 million to individuals and groups ",p:19,x:787,y:1232,w:273,h:21},
{t:"across the country.",p:19,x:787,y:1257,w:142,h:21},
{t:"Grants are awarded four times a",p:19,x:797,y:1282,w:241,h:21},
{t:"year—and you can’t win one if you",p:19,x:787,y:1307,w:260,h:21},
{t:"don’t apply . The next NEA Foundation ",p:19,x:787,y:1332,w:284,h:21},
{t:"grant deadline is Oct. 15. Y ou must ",p:19,x:787,y:1357,w:264,h:21},
{t:"complete an online application pro",p:19,x:787,y:1382,w:260,h:21},
{t:"-",p:19,x:1042,y:1382,w:5,h:21},
{t:"cess. To guide members through the ",p:19,x:787,y:1407,w:274,h:21},
{t:"process, the NEA Foundation created",p:19,x:787,y:1432,w:282,h:21},
{t:"an instructional video.",p:19,x:787,y:1457,w:165,h:21},
{t:"Both the application and the in-",p:19,x:797,y:1482,w:238,h:21},
{t:"structional video can be found at ",p:19,x:787,y:1507,w:251,h:21},
{t:"www.neafoundation.org/grants . ",p:19,x:787,y:1532,w:232,h:21},
{t:"Michigan teachers win  ",p:19,x:365,y:855,w:725,h:99},
{t:"NEA Foundation grant",p:19,x:407,y:946,w:662,h:99},
{t:"More cash available—apply now!",p:19,x:186,y:1047,w:336,h:35},
{t:"Making Cents:",p:19,x:44,y:325,w:125,h:30},
{t:"Defnitions for ",p:19,x:44,y:354,w:108,h:25},
{t:"the fnancially ",p:19,x:44,y:379,w:108,h:25},
{t:"challenged",p:19,x:44,y:404,w:82,h:25},
{t:"Roth IRA: A Roth ",p:19,x:44,y:431,w:124,h:22},
{t:"IRA is an Individual ",p:19,x:44,y:457,w:126,h:21},
{t:"Retirement ",p:19,x:44,y:482,w:72,h:21},
{t:"Account. ",p:19,x:44,y:507,w:57,h:21},
{t:"Contributions are ",p:19,x:44,y:532,w:112,h:21},
{t:"made from after -",p:19,x:44,y:557,w:106,h:21},
{t:"tax earned income, ",p:19,x:44,y:582,w:122,h:21},
{t:"and your account ",p:19,x:44,y:607,w:111,h:21},
{t:"earnings build tax-",p:19,x:44,y:632,w:122,h:21},
{t:"free. The max con -",p:19,x:44,y:657,w:115,h:21},
{t:"tribution this year ",p:19,x:44,y:682,w:115,h:21},
{t:"is $5,000 (if you’re ",p:19,x:44,y:707,w:120,h:21},
{t:"turning 50 by the ",p:19,x:44,y:732,w:111,h:21},
{t:"end of the year , you ",p:19,x:44,y:757,w:124,h:21},
{t:"can contribute an ",p:19,x:44,y:782,w:114,h:21},
{t:"extra $1,000).",p:19,x:44,y:807,w:89,h:21},
{t:"20 ",p:20,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:20,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"The truth about ",p:20,x:186,y:69,w:487,h:99},
{t:"privatization »",p:20,x:186,y:161,w:445,h:99},
{t:"research gems",p:20,x:28,y:22,w:158,h:35},
{t:"Western Michigan University has been the place for teacher ",p:20,x:665,y:1310,w:464,h:20},
{t:"education since 1903. Our graduate programs in education are ",p:20,x:665,y:1329,w:489,h:20},
{t:"designed to train educators to face today’s challenges. ",p:20,x:665,y:1349,w:424,h:20},
{t:"Choose from online options or regional  ",p:20,x:665,y:1378,w:313,h:20},
{t:"sites in the following locations:",p:20,x:665,y:1398,w:239,h:20},
{t:"Visit www.wmich.edu/offcampus/educate",p:20,x:665,y:1510,w:343,h:20},
{t:"Invest in yourself.",p:20,x:667,y:1226,w:353,h:59},
{t:"Western Michigan University",p:20,x:1022,y:1485,w:153,h:16},
{t:"Regional sites and ",p:20,x:1049,y:1499,w:102,h:16},
{t:"Online Education",p:20,x:1054,y:1513,w:90,h:16},
{t:"Your success is our goal.",p:20,x:1014,y:1202,w:164,h:19},
{t:"Online Master’s Degrees Offered:",p:20,x:203,y:1296,w:240,h:19},
{t:"Master in the Art of Teaching with a Focus on:",p:20,x:203,y:1315,w:292,h:19},
{t:"•",p:20,x:203,y:1333,w:8,h:19},
{t:"Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, K–12",p:20,x:219,y:1333,w:276,h:19},
{t:"•",p:20,x:203,y:1352,w:8,h:19},
{t:"Reading & Literacy, K–6",p:20,x:219,y:1352,w:150,h:19},
{t:"•",p:20,x:203,y:1371,w:8,h:19},
{t:"Elementary Mathematics, K–5",p:20,x:219,y:1371,w:189,h:19},
{t:"•",p:20,x:203,y:1390,w:8,h:19},
{t:"Middle Level Mathematics, 6–8",p:20,x:219,y:1390,w:198,h:19},
{t:"For more information call toll-free 1-877-984-7277 or ",p:20,x:154,y:1414,w:343,h:19},
{t:"visit us online at www.marygrovemat.com/MEA",p:20,x:163,y:1432,w:321,h:19},
{t:"Marygrove College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA).The North Central Association is located at",p:20,x:77,y:1514,w:521,h:11},
{t:"30 North LaSalle Street,Suite 2400,Chicago , IL 60602.Phone:312-263-0456,Fax: 312-263-7462,http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org",p:20,x:77,y:1524,w:498,h:11},
{t:"Attention MEA Teachers!",p:20,x:211,y:1208,w:260,h:29},
{t:"Marygrove College & Teachscape are proud to Offer ",p:20,x:113,y:1235,w:460,h:24},
{t:"4 Online Master’s Degree Programs.",p:20,x:183,y:1258,w:314,h:24},
{t:"MEA 7/09",p:20,x:564,y:1537,w:36,h:9},
{t:"Teachscape MEA Voice ad final 7.09  7/6/09  12:21 PM  Page 1",p:20,x:64,y:1138,w:600,h:18},
{t:"Howell Custodians",p:20,x:186,y:296,w:183,h:35},
{t:"In August 2007, the Howell Board of Education an-",p:20,x:195,y:357,w:397,h:21},
{t:"nounced it intended to save money through privatiza-",p:20,x:186,y:382,w:413,h:21},
{t:"tion. The district targeted the custodians, hiring Grand ",p:20,x:186,y:407,w:424,h:21},
{t:"Rapids Building Services to replace them. Some of ",p:20,x:186,y:432,w:398,h:21},
{t:"the district employees had been on the job for over 30 ",p:20,x:186,y:457,w:424,h:21},
{t:"years. Forty custodians were fred with a combined total ",p:20,x:186,y:482,w:436,h:21},
{t:"service to the schools of more than 450 years.",p:20,x:186,y:507,w:357,h:21},
{t:"The board promised to save the district $1.7 million ",p:20,x:195,y:532,w:405,h:21},
{t:"over three years, or $566,667 each year.",p:20,x:186,y:557,w:315,h:21},
{t:"Did it?",p:20,x:195,y:606,w:52,h:22},
{t:"Howell Public Schools",p:20,x:195,y:652,w:188,h:30},
{t:"Operations and Maintenance Comparison",p:20,x:195,y:682,w:342,h:29},
{t:"School Year",p:20,x:195,y:734,w:93,h:27},
{t:"Total ",p:20,x:317,y:720,w:42,h:27},
{t:"Expenditure",p:20,x:317,y:748,w:94,h:27},
{t:"Difference from ",p:20,x:458,y:720,w:130,h:27},
{t:"Prior Year",p:20,x:458,y:748,w:80,h:27},
{t:"2004-05",p:20,x:195,y:785,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$5,583,305",p:20,x:317,y:785,w:86,h:26},
{t:"$165,517",p:20,x:458,y:785,w:72,h:26},
{t:"2005-06",p:20,x:195,y:821,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$5,667,090",p:20,x:317,y:821,w:86,h:26},
{t:"$83,785",p:20,x:458,y:821,w:62,h:26},
{t:"2006-07",p:20,x:195,y:858,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$5,642,514",p:20,x:317,y:858,w:86,h:26},
{t:"($24,576)",p:20,x:458,y:858,w:74,h:26},
{t:"2007-08",p:20,x:195,y:895,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$6,001,745",p:20,x:317,y:895,w:86,h:26},
{t:"$359,231",p:20,x:458,y:895,w:72,h:26},
{t:"Michigan Department of Education databases show ",p:20,x:195,y:957,w:404,h:21},
{t:"that these savings have yet to materialize. In the school ",p:20,x:186,y:982,w:431,h:21},
{t:"year ending June 30, 2008, after fring all the em-",p:20,x:186,y:1007,w:386,h:21},
{t:"ployees and paying the replacements less, the total ",p:20,x:186,y:1032,w:401,h:21},
{t:"Operations and Maintenance bill at Howell increased ",p:20,x:186,y:1057,w:414,h:21},
{t:"$359,231. The year before privatization, total mainte-",p:20,x:186,y:1082,w:413,h:21},
{t:"nance costs had actually fallen $24,576.",p:20,x:186,y:1107,w:315,h:21},
{t:"Petoskey Food Service",p:20,x:637,y:296,w:229,h:35},
{t:"Two years ago, the Petoskey Board of Education an",p:20,x:646,y:357,w:396,h:21},
{t:"-",p:20,x:1052,y:357,w:6,h:21},
{t:"nounced a plan to save money through privatization.",p:20,x:637,y:382,w:406,h:21},
{t:"The frst target was food service, where multi-national ",p:20,x:646,y:407,w:428,h:21},
{t:"food giant Chartwells had been providing food service",p:20,x:637,y:432,w:414,h:21},
{t:"managers for 15 years. The board’ s new savings plan ",p:20,x:637,y:457,w:427,h:21},
{t:"involved hiring Chartwells to provide all of the food",p:20,x:637,y:482,w:388,h:21},
{t:"service employees, allowing the district to fre 13",p:20,x:637,y:507,w:375,h:21},
{t:"cooks and cook helpers.",p:20,x:637,y:532,w:188,h:21},
{t:"Pay rates fell from between $10 and $14.08 to be-",p:20,x:646,y:557,w:392,h:21},
{t:"tween $7.75 and $10.20. Chartwells promised to save ",p:20,x:637,y:582,w:424,h:21},
{t:"the district $250,000 a year after it took over the whole ",p:20,x:637,y:607,w:429,h:21},
{t:"operation.",p:20,x:637,y:632,w:77,h:21},
{t:"Did it?",p:20,x:646,y:681,w:52,h:22},
{t:"Public Schools of Petoskey",p:20,x:647,y:727,w:233,h:30},
{t:"Food Service (School Lunch Fund) Comparison",p:20,x:647,y:757,w:381,h:29},
{t:"School Year",p:20,x:647,y:809,w:93,h:27},
{t:"Total ",p:20,x:769,y:795,w:42,h:27},
{t:"Expenditure",p:20,x:769,y:823,w:94,h:27},
{t:"Difference from ",p:20,x:909,y:795,w:130,h:27},
{t:"Prior Year",p:20,x:909,y:823,w:80,h:27},
{t:"2004-05",p:20,x:647,y:860,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$1,040,581",p:20,x:769,y:860,w:86,h:26},
{t:"$57,710",p:20,x:909,y:860,w:62,h:26},
{t:"2005-06",p:20,x:647,y:896,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$1,057,915",p:20,x:769,y:896,w:86,h:26},
{t:"$17,334",p:20,x:909,y:896,w:62,h:26},
{t:"2006-07",p:20,x:647,y:933,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$1,071,392",p:20,x:769,y:933,w:86,h:26},
{t:"$13,477",p:20,x:909,y:933,w:62,h:26},
{t:"2007-08",p:20,x:647,y:970,w:65,h:26},
{t:"$1,021,821",p:20,x:769,y:970,w:86,h:26},
{t:"($49,571)",p:20,x:909,y:970,w:74,h:26},
{t:"Michigan Department of Education databases show ",p:20,x:646,y:1032,w:404,h:21},
{t:"that these savings never materialized. After fring all the ",p:20,x:637,y:1057,w:433,h:21},
{t:"employees and paying the replacements less, the food ",p:20,x:637,y:1082,w:426,h:21},
{t:"service bill at Petoskey fell $49,571, not $250,000. ",p:20,x:637,y:1107,w:401,h:21},
{t:"For more ",p:20,x:37,y:907,w:56,h:21},
{t:"information, ",p:20,x:37,y:929,w:79,h:21},
{t:"contact MEA ",p:20,x:37,y:952,w:80,h:21},
{t:"Researcher ",p:20,x:37,y:974,w:72,h:21},
{t:"Greg Steimel at ",p:20,x:37,y:997,w:98,h:21},
{t:"gsteimel@mea.org .",p:20,x:37,y:1019,w:119,h:21},
{t:"by Greg Steimel",p:20,x:940,y:100,w:118,h:21},
{t:"MEA Researcher",p:20,x:932,y:122,w:126,h:21},
{t:" ",p:21,x:1213,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:21,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"21",p:21,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
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{t:".",p:21,x:235,y:486,w:4,h:19},
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{t:"Math Assemblies (PK-12) Helping ",p:21,x:37,y:543,w:231,h:20},
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{t:"EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES",p:21,x:37,y:690,w:269,h:25},
{t:"Do you advise the newspaper or yearbook?",p:21,x:37,y:720,w:284,h:20},
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{t:"at Macomb University Center . For more ",p:21,x:37,y:840,w:255,h:19},
{t:"information, go to www.mipamsu.org and ",p:21,x:37,y:860,w:267,h:19},
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{t:"HEALTH/WELLNESS",p:21,x:37,y:1073,w:169,h:25},
{t:"Help with anxiety , depression, ",p:21,x:37,y:1103,w:202,h:20},
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{t:"Visit goodepsych.com. MESSA, Community ",p:21,x:335,y:224,w:281,h:19},
{t:"Blue, BCBS. 734-223-4202.",p:21,x:335,y:244,w:186,h:19},
{t:"FOR SALE",p:21,x:335,y:271,w:85,h:25},
{t:"Beautiful Lake Huron waterfront lot in",p:21,x:335,y:301,w:257,h:20},
{t:"Cheboygan. View freighters, Bois Blanc ",p:21,x:335,y:321,w:255,h:20},
{t:"Island, Poe Reef lighthouse. Private wooded",p:21,x:335,y:341,w:287,h:19},
{t:"setting, upscale homes, paved road, electric",p:21,x:335,y:361,w:288,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:616,y:361,w:5,h:19},
{t:"ity/gas available. $150,000. T eacher owned. ",p:21,x:335,y:381,w:285,h:19},
{t:"Call 517-270-0427.",p:21,x:335,y:401,w:129,h:19},
{t:"VACATION/RESORTS",p:21,x:335,y:428,w:170,h:25},
{t:"Traverse City Sunsets! Cute 2 bdrm, 1 ",p:21,x:335,y:458,w:251,h:20},
{t:"bath cottage on Lake Leelanau. Excellent",p:21,x:335,y:478,w:267,h:19},
{t:"swimming, golf, fshing. Non-smokers.",p:21,x:335,y:498,w:250,h:19},
{t:"No pets, linens. $1,195/wk. $200/night.",p:21,x:335,y:518,w:261,h:19},
{t:"269-375-9709.",p:21,x:335,y:538,w:100,h:19},
{t:"Caseville on Saginaw Bay",p:21,x:335,y:564,w:170,h:20},
{t:". Private lakefront ",p:21,x:501,y:564,w:116,h:20},
{t:"homes. Booking now for summer weeks,",p:21,x:335,y:584,w:266,h:19},
{t:"spring, fall, winter weekends. 989-550-0911, ",p:21,x:335,y:604,w:292,h:19},
{t:"989-874-5181. DLFC102@AVCI.NET .",p:21,x:335,y:624,w:241,h:19},
{t:"Benzie County , Antel’s Vacation Rentals. ",p:21,x:335,y:650,w:271,h:20},
{t:"Booking for the 2009-10 season. Y ear-",p:21,x:335,y:670,w:246,h:19},
{t:"round, Morningside Cottage on Little Platte",p:21,x:335,y:690,w:279,h:19},
{t:"Lake, 200 ft. of frontage, 2 miles to Lake",p:21,x:335,y:710,w:264,h:19},
{t:"Michigan/Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.",p:21,x:335,y:730,w:290,h:19},
{t:"Furnished, 2 bdrm/queen, freplace,",p:21,x:335,y:750,w:237,h:19},
{t:"carpeted, washer/dryer , wooded/secluded, ",p:21,x:335,y:770,w:275,h:19},
{t:"boat/motor, canoe, grill/picnic table, cable,",p:21,x:335,y:790,w:276,h:19},
{t:"smoke/pet-free. Details call 231-882-5567,",p:21,x:335,y:810,w:282,h:19},
{t:"e-mail mrantel2002@yahoo.com. Web site: ",p:21,x:335,y:830,w:280,h:19},
{t:"AntelsVacationRentals.",p:21,x:335,y:850,w:148,h:19},
{t:"Maui, Hawaii Vacation. Privately owned ",p:21,x:335,y:876,w:260,h:20},
{t:"deluxe condo. Spectacular oceanfront views,",p:21,x:335,y:896,w:291,h:19},
{t:"fully equipped, amenities, 2 bdrm/2 bath.",p:21,x:335,y:916,w:272,h:19},
{t:"Booking 2009-10. 734-528-2163.",p:21,x:335,y:936,w:224,h:19},
{t:"Across from Mackinac Island near St.",p:21,x:335,y:962,w:253,h:20},
{t:"Ignace on water . Big! Family room, 3 ",p:21,x:335,y:982,w:241,h:20},
{t:"bdrm/2 bath, washer/dryer/microwave/deck/",p:21,x:335,y:1002,w:289,h:19},
{t:"boat/hot tub. $900/wk. 586-784-9334,",p:21,x:335,y:1022,w:254,h:19},
{t:"248-229-0428 or ja2465@wowway.com for ",p:21,x:335,y:1042,w:281,h:19},
{t:"pictures.",p:21,x:335,y:1062,w:56,h:19},
{t:"Harrisville. Lake Huron Beachfront. 1-3 ",p:21,x:335,y:1088,w:264,h:20},
{t:"bdrm cottages, completely furnished.",p:21,x:335,y:1108,w:243,h:19},
{t:"Downtown 1 bdrm $425, 2 bdrm $850, 3",p:21,x:335,y:1128,w:272,h:19},
{t:"bdrm (near Sturgeon Point) $1,000. Bring",p:21,x:335,y:1148,w:275,h:19},
{t:"only linens. Sat.–Sat. 313-882-8145 or",p:21,x:632,y:184,w:254,h:19},
{t:"www.pretty-lake.com .",p:21,x:632,y:204,w:137,h:19},
{t:"Rogers City, Lake Huron furnished ",p:21,x:632,y:230,w:230,h:20},
{t:"cottages. Clean, smoke/pet-free. Sandy",p:21,x:632,y:250,w:256,h:20},
{t:"beach. Brochure available. $625–$650",p:21,x:632,y:270,w:256,h:19},
{t:"weekly. 989-734-4561. 248-651-5290.",p:21,x:632,y:290,w:256,h:19},
{t:"772-219-1146 (winter).",p:21,x:632,y:310,w:155,h:19},
{t:"Oscoda Area (Greenbush). 3 bdrm home ",p:21,x:632,y:336,w:268,h:20},
{t:"on Lake Huron. Fully furnished, 2 full bath",p:21,x:632,y:356,w:278,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:904,y:356,w:5,h:19},
{t:"rooms, sugar sand beach, clean, smoke/pet",p:21,x:632,y:376,w:286,h:19},
{t:"free. 517-546-7307. $800 to $1,450.",p:21,x:632,y:396,w:245,h:19},
{t:"Hutchinson Island, FL. Oceanfront. ",p:21,x:632,y:422,w:235,h:20},
{t:"Beautiful view, 7th foor condo. Many ",p:21,x:632,y:442,w:241,h:19},
{t:"amenities. 2bdrm, 2 bath. Booking 2009-10.",p:21,x:632,y:462,w:293,h:19},
{t:"269-375-9709.",p:21,x:632,y:482,w:100,h:19},
{t:"South Haven, MI. 2 bdrm, 1 bath, sleeps ",p:21,x:632,y:508,w:270,h:20},
{t:"5. Near beach, lighthouse and downtown.",p:21,x:632,y:528,w:273,h:19},
{t:"$100 nightly, $850 weekly, monthly. E-mail: ",p:21,x:632,y:548,w:282,h:19},
{t:"fourwinns@yahoo.com .",p:21,x:632,y:568,w:148,h:19},
{t:"August Dates Available! Beautiful 3 bdrm, ",p:21,x:632,y:594,w:277,h:20},
{t:"fully equipped cabin on the Straits of",p:21,x:632,y:614,w:240,h:19},
{t:"Mackinac (Cheboygan). Enjoy swimming,",p:21,x:632,y:634,w:270,h:19},
{t:"hiking, rock collecting, along with spec",p:21,x:632,y:654,w:253,h:19},
{t:"-",p:21,x:879,y:654,w:5,h:19},
{t:"tacular tourist attractions. Nonsmoking. Call",p:21,x:632,y:674,w:285,h:19},
{t:"313-278-4849 for brochure.",p:21,x:632,y:694,w:186,h:19},
{t:"Hutchinson Island, FL. Direct oceanfront ",p:21,x:632,y:720,w:270,h:20},
{t:"deluxe condo. Privately owned, fully",p:21,x:632,y:740,w:234,h:19},
{t:"equipped, 2 bdrm, 2 bath. Booking 3 mos.",p:21,x:632,y:760,w:280,h:19},
{t:"rentals Sept.-Nov . 2009, Jan.-March 2010. ",p:21,x:930,y:184,w:279,h:19},
{t:"Call 248-391-0776.",p:21,x:930,y:204,w:129,h:19},
{t:"Lakeview Cottages Resort. Weekly rentals ",p:21,x:930,y:230,w:273,h:20},
{t:"on beautiful Long Lake, Cheboygan. Sandy",p:21,x:930,y:250,w:279,h:19},
{t:"beach, fshing, swimming, boating. $550.",p:21,x:930,y:270,w:271,h:19},
{t:"517-630-0601 or cjpletch@springcom.com .",p:21,x:930,y:290,w:282,h:19},
{t:"Fairhope Ala. on Mobile Bay",p:21,x:930,y:316,w:190,h:20},
{t:". Beautifully ",p:21,x:1115,y:316,w:80,h:20},
{t:"renovated and completely furnished cottage,",p:21,x:930,y:336,w:291,h:19},
{t:"short walk to bluff and beach, Municipal",p:21,x:930,y:356,w:263,h:19},
{t:"Pier, shopping and restaurants. 1 bdrm,",p:21,x:930,y:376,w:260,h:19},
{t:"living-dining, fully equipped kitchen, tiled",p:21,x:930,y:396,w:269,h:19},
{t:"bath, washer/dryer , TV, utilities included, ",p:21,x:930,y:416,w:263,h:19},
{t:"nonsmoking, $1,050/month. Brochure.",p:21,x:930,y:436,w:256,h:19},
{t:"504-394-7139 or C.H. Weatherly, 5439 ",p:21,x:930,y:456,w:254,h:19},
{t:"Sutton Place, New Orleans, LA 70131.",p:21,x:930,y:476,w:252,h:19},
{t:"Our ad policy, rates and schedule can be ",p:21,x:930,y:532,w:253,h:21},
{t:"found online at www.mea.org/voice. Ad ",p:21,x:930,y:554,w:240,h:21},
{t:"deadline for the October issue is Aug. 14. Rate",p:21,x:930,y:577,w:288,h:21},
{t:"is $1 per word. Mail ad and check to MEA ",p:21,x:930,y:599,w:256,h:21},
{t:"Voice Classifeds, PO Box 2573, E. Lansing, ",p:21,x:930,y:622,w:267,h:21},
{t:"MI 48826-2573. For further information or ",p:21,x:930,y:644,w:261,h:21},
{t:"questions, e-mail voiceads@mea.org .",p:21,x:930,y:667,w:231,h:21},
{t:"grow",p:21,x:357,y:1334,w:62,h:29},
{t:"Endorsement",p:21,x:249,y:1358,w:155,h:29},
{t:"Are you interested in obtaining ",p:21,x:259,y:1394,w:148,h:14},
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{t:"MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.",p:21,x:360,y:1534,w:235,h:11},
{t:"@",p:21,x:114,y:1277,w:63,h:97},
{t:"Educational Technology",p:21,x:71,y:1219,w:441,h:94},
{t:"MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF EDUCATION",p:21,x:171,y:1260,w:340,h:58},
{t:"VISIT EDUTECH.MSU.EDU OR CONTACT US TODAY 517-432-9259 ",p:21,x:245,y:1511,w:352,h:24},
{t:"09101-MSU-ETP_MEAvoice_Ad_v2.indd   1",p:21,x:12,y:1598,w:245,h:20},
{t:"7/2/09   9:54:01 AM",p:21,x:536,y:1598,w:109,h:20},
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{t:"CE1923",p:21,x:649,y:1533,w:43,h:15},
{t:"MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ",p:21,x:703,y:891,w:443,h:44},
{t:"EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP",p:21,x:663,y:933,w:515,h:44},
{t:"For more information contact the",p:21,x:933,y:1037,w:250,h:19},
{t:"Office of Graduate Admission",p:21,x:960,y:1058,w:223,h:19},
{t:"graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu",p:21,x:938,y:1078,w:245,h:19},
{t:"www.cuaa.edu • 888-282-2338",p:21,x:941,y:1099,w:243,h:19},
{t:"Educate Your Ambition",p:21,x:745,y:813,w:350,h:40},
{t:" ",p:22,x:28,y:22,w:6,h:35},
{t:"22 ",p:22,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"AUGUST 2009",p:22,x:67,y:1594,w:118,h:21},
{t:"When I found the note, carefully tucked into ",p:22,x:186,y:899,w:390,h:61},
{t:"a pile of papers turned in for grading, I was ",p:22,x:231,y:932,w:354,h:21},
{t:"perplexed. I hadn’t assigned an essay or a pen-pal ",p:22,x:186,y:957,w:413,h:21},
{t:"letter, but there was a full, hand-written page from a ",p:22,x:186,y:982,w:425,h:21},
{t:"student I enjoyed very much.",p:22,x:186,y:1007,w:230,h:21},
{t:"As I read it, I understood how my mom must have ",p:22,x:195,y:1032,w:409,h:21},
{t:"felt each time I teased her that I was the favorite ",p:22,x:186,y:1057,w:394,h:21},
{t:"among my siblings. The note began, “Who’s the best ",p:22,x:186,y:1082,w:431,h:21},
{t:"student in the class?” and went on to explain how the",p:22,x:186,y:1107,w:422,h:21},
{t:"author—a mature, bright, well-rounded student—",p:22,x:186,y:1132,w:393,h:21},
{t:"longed to be the “best student” and lamented that ",p:22,x:186,y:1157,w:412,h:21},
{t:"others may hold that spot in my estimation.",p:22,x:186,y:1182,w:341,h:21},
{t:"The note got me thinking. Do I really have favorites ",p:22,x:195,y:1207,w:415,h:21},
{t:"or was it pre-adolescent emotions making this child ",p:22,x:186,y:1232,w:420,h:21},
{t:"feel underappreciated? Had I not praised enough or ",p:22,x:186,y:1257,w:423,h:21},
{t:"was there natural competition brewing? And, what",p:22,x:186,y:1282,w:394,h:21},
{t:"makes the best student?",p:22,x:186,y:1307,w:192,h:21},
{t:"I ruminated on these thoughts for a time. I had to ",p:22,x:195,y:1332,w:404,h:21},
{t:"respond.",p:22,x:186,y:1357,w:69,h:21},
{t:"To this magnifcent, questioning child and any oth",p:22,x:195,y:1382,w:394,h:21},
{t:"-",p:22,x:599,y:1382,w:6,h:21},
{t:"ers who really “get it” from our time together in Room ",p:22,x:186,y:1407,w:437,h:21},
{t:"120, here is my reply:",p:22,x:186,y:1432,w:172,h:21},
{t:"In our classroom, there is space for 20-some best ",p:22,x:195,y:1457,w:406,h:21},
{t:"students.",p:22,x:186,y:1482,w:72,h:21},
{t:"The best student is one who learns, loves and ",p:22,x:195,y:1507,w:375,h:21},
{t:"grows. She shows respect, gives her best effort,",p:22,x:186,y:1532,w:375,h:21},
{t:"shows encouragement and loves learning. The best",p:22,x:637,y:907,w:406,h:21},
{t:"student listens with keen ears and an open heart. ",p:22,x:637,y:932,w:404,h:21},
{t:"He’s prepared more often than not and more often",p:22,x:637,y:957,w:399,h:21},
{t:"than others. The best student is ready to learn and ",p:22,x:637,y:982,w:414,h:21},
{t:"willingly refects her understanding. She knows the ",p:22,x:637,y:1007,w:415,h:21},
{t:"difference between arguing and discussing and sens",p:22,x:637,y:1032,w:416,h:21},
{t:"-",p:22,x:1063,y:1032,w:6,h:21},
{t:"es when and when not to do either. The best student ",p:22,x:637,y:1057,w:431,h:21},
{t:"smiles early and often.",p:22,x:637,y:1082,w:178,h:21},
{t:"The best student is friends to everyone but doesn’t ",p:22,x:646,y:1107,w:414,h:21},
{t:"require the approval of anyone. He is the example. ",p:22,x:637,y:1132,w:414,h:21},
{t:"The best student teaches the teacher",p:22,x:637,y:1157,w:294,h:21},
{t:".",p:22,x:937,y:1157,w:5,h:21},
{t:"She understands that a teacher is a cheerleader ",p:22,x:646,y:1182,w:394,h:21},
{t:"and a coach—not a boss or a judge. The best stu",p:22,x:637,y:1207,w:390,h:21},
{t:"-",p:22,x:1037,y:1207,w:6,h:21},
{t:"dent fgures out routines quickly . He enjoys the ques -",p:22,x:637,y:1232,w:431,h:21},
{t:"tioning more than the answering.",p:22,x:637,y:1257,w:260,h:21},
{t:"The best student sets high expectations for herself. ",p:22,x:646,y:1282,w:417,h:21},
{t:"The best student makes me proud, but makes him",p:22,x:637,y:1307,w:402,h:21},
{t:"-",p:22,x:1048,y:1307,w:6,h:21},
{t:"self prouder. She doesn’t require a teacher to learn,",p:22,x:637,y:1332,w:409,h:21},
{t:"but values learning from her teacher",p:22,x:637,y:1357,w:287,h:21},
{t:".",p:22,x:930,y:1357,w:5,h:21},
{t:"The best student is organized, responsible, ac",p:22,x:646,y:1382,w:363,h:21},
{t:"-",p:22,x:1019,y:1382,w:6,h:21},
{t:"countable, remarkable, memorable.",p:22,x:637,y:1407,w:283,h:21},
{t:"Most of all, the best student is unstoppable. ",p:22,x:646,y:1432,w:351,h:21},
{t:"The best student",p:22,x:186,y:69,w:508,h:99},
{t:"by Walt Sutterlin",p:22,x:923,y:99,w:136,h:24},
{t:"Teacher, Dimondale Elementary",p:22,x:810,y:124,w:254,h:24},
{t:"generation next",p:22,x:28,y:22,w:166,h:35},
{t:"Generation Next columns are written by MEA members who are in ",p:22,x:642,y:1468,w:422,h:21},
{t:"their frst fve years of teaching. Authors are paid for their columns. ",p:22,x:642,y:1491,w:422,h:21},
{t:"If you’re interested in writing a column, e-mail your resume, with ",p:22,x:642,y:1513,w:422,h:21},
{t:"writing sample, to Editor Karen Schulz at kschulz@mea.org.",p:22,x:642,y:1536,w:383,h:21},
{t:"WALT ",p:22,x:37,y:296,w:56,h:35},
{t:"SUTTERLIN ",p:22,x:37,y:331,w:110,h:35},
{t:"is a fourth-",p:22,x:37,y:366,w:112,h:35},
{t:"grade ",p:22,x:37,y:401,w:63,h:35},
{t:"teacher at ",p:22,x:37,y:436,w:108,h:35},
{t:"Dimondale ",p:22,x:37,y:471,w:110,h:35},
{t:"Elementary ",p:22,x:37,y:506,w:117,h:35},
{t:"School. He ",p:22,x:37,y:541,w:109,h:35},
{t:"earned his ",p:22,x:37,y:576,w:109,h:35},
{t:"bachelor’s ",p:22,x:37,y:611,w:109,h:35},
{t:"degree from ",p:22,x:37,y:646,w:127,h:35},
{t:"Oakland ",p:22,x:37,y:681,w:86,h:35},
{t:"University .",p:22,x:37,y:716,w:101,h:35},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:22,x:197,y:864,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Security for families",p:24,x:88,y:1533,w:214,h:33},
{t:"Award-winning member service 800.336.0013",p:24,x:773,y:1537,w:397,h:26},
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