var g_txt=[
{t:"Periodicals",p:1,x:469,y:1348,w:63,h:16},
{t:"Postage Paid",p:1,x:469,y:1364,w:77,h:16},
{t:"Lansing, MI",p:1,x:469,y:1381,w:70,h:16},
{t:"February 2009 | Vol. 86 | Issue 3",p:1,x:37,y:1575,w:258,h:22},
{t:"Big win in Pinckney",p:1,x:639,y:1358,w:579,h:70},
{t:"Redefning retirement",p:1,x:589,y:1433,w:629,h:94},
{t:"Sweeping applause for custodian",p:1,x:571,y:1531,w:661,h:65},
{t:"www.mea.org",p:1,x:1116,y:101,w:101,h:22},
{t:"TEACHING THE ",p:1,x:56,y:582,w:530,h:104},
{t:"DIGITAL",p:1,x:56,y:617,w:581,h:262},
{t:"GENERATION",p:1,x:72,y:795,w:843,h:218},
{t:"2 ",p:2,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:2,x:57,y:1594,w:140,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:"Each new year is a new beginning, but we can’t escape the fact that 2009 is bringing with it lots of ",p:2,x:225,y:224,w:760,h:61},
{t:"new challenges. Our economy is struggling, and the solutions often seem uncertain. But one thing is ",p:2,x:253,y:257,w:758,h:21},
{t:"clear: strong public schools and our ability to provide a world-class education are key to Michigan’s future ",p:2,x:224,y:282,w:797,h:21},
{t:"prosperity.",p:2,x:224,y:307,w:77,h:21},
{t:"In this issue, you will read about the vital role technology must play in our classrooms. Across the state, ",p:2,x:234,y:332,w:778,h:21},
{t:"innovative educators are using technology to reach, teach and engage students in a myriad of new ways. ",p:2,x:224,y:357,w:789,h:21},
{t:"MEA members are blazing trails using podcasts, sophisticated interactive software, and real-time comput-",p:2,x:224,y:382,w:793,h:21},
{t:"er-generated feedback that can show them which students are stumbling over which problems.",p:2,x:224,y:407,w:715,h:21},
{t:"Along the way, we are teaching our students to build solar cells that can provide light when the power ",p:2,x:234,y:432,w:764,h:21},
{t:"goes out. We are guiding them to create digital storybooks. We are empowering them with the knowledge ",p:2,x:224,y:457,w:791,h:21},
{t:"to program robots, design green buildings, and harness the power of the wind. All of this will truly prepare ",p:2,x:224,y:482,w:797,h:21},
{t:"these students for the 21st century workplace.",p:2,x:224,y:507,w:348,h:21},
{t:"But those who use it in their classrooms will tell you that at its core, technology is just a tool. It can bring ",p:2,x:234,y:532,w:784,h:21},
{t:"amazing results, but only when it is integrated into the curriculum that we want our students to master.",p:2,x:224,y:557,w:770,h:21},
{t:"Technology can help a student visualize a calculus problem, provide real world applications for science ",p:2,x:234,y:582,w:777,h:21},
{t:"exploration and draw in even the most reluctant students. In many ways, it levels the playing feld and al-",p:2,x:224,y:607,w:786,h:21},
{t:"lows for success for all types of learners. As educators, we must harness the value of new advances and ",p:2,x:224,y:632,w:785,h:21},
{t:"use them—not to dazzle—but, as the members in this issue show, to truly teach.",p:2,x:224,y:657,w:606,h:21},
{t:"You will fnd examples on these pages that you’ll likely want to replicate in your own schools. You will see ",p:2,x:234,y:682,w:788,h:21},
{t:"ideas that spark your own creative senses. And we’re hoping you’ll be inspired to try something new your-",p:2,x:224,y:707,w:790,h:21},
{t:"self. We are not at a place, yet, where every student has access to the same resources and the same level ",p:2,x:224,y:732,w:798,h:21},
{t:"of technology. But every student needs to be exposed—and every student deserves to be engaged in 21st ",p:2,x:224,y:757,w:798,h:21},
{t:"century learning.",p:2,x:224,y:782,w:126,h:21},
{t:"But in order to truly make a difference, it must be available to all students. ",p:2,x:234,y:807,w:561,h:21},
{t:"Clockwise from left:",p:2,x:781,y:934,w:129,h:21},
{t:"Participants at MEA ’s Instruction and ",p:2,x:781,y:966,w:247,h:21},
{t:"Professional Development (IPD) Conference ",p:2,x:781,y:988,w:286,h:21},
{t:"dance during the keynote speech.",p:2,x:781,y:1011,w:218,h:21},
{t:"Staff from Horizon Elementary School in ",p:2,x:781,y:1043,w:263,h:21},
{t:"Holt presented a session at IPD about year-",p:2,x:781,y:1065,w:282,h:21},
{t:"round schools (pictured left to right are: ",p:2,x:781,y:1088,w:265,h:21},
{t:"Sarah Scott, Ramona Berkey, Debbie Weihl, ",p:2,x:781,y:1110,w:285,h:21},
{t:"Lisa Ross and David Hornak).",p:2,x:781,y:1133,w:192,h:21},
{t:"IPD Keynoter Adolph Brown III (left) is ",p:2,x:781,y:1165,w:247,h:21},
{t:"greeted by MEA member Harold Bragg ",p:2,x:781,y:1187,w:251,h:21},
{t:"following his speech.",p:2,x:781,y:1210,w:137,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:771,y:1243,w:0,h:13},
{t:"On the go",p:2,x:236,y:1151,w:0,h:89},
{t:"Share ",p:2,x:68,y:1179,w:55,h:25},
{t:"your photos",p:2,x:37,y:1204,w:99,h:25},
{t:"Submit photos of ",p:2,x:37,y:1232,w:109,h:21},
{t:"you on the job or ",p:2,x:37,y:1254,w:105,h:21},
{t:"at an association ",p:2,x:37,y:1277,w:111,h:21},
{t:"function. Each ",p:2,x:37,y:1299,w:93,h:21},
{t:"issue, we’ll publish ",p:2,x:37,y:1322,w:123,h:21},
{t:"a few photos of ",p:2,x:37,y:1344,w:98,h:21},
{t:"MEA members on ",p:2,x:37,y:1367,w:110,h:21},
{t:"the go. E-mail your ",p:2,x:37,y:1389,w:121,h:21},
{t:"digital image(s) to ",p:2,x:37,y:1412,w:119,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org . ",p:2,x:37,y:1434,w:116,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:622,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:2,x:1069,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{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:1443,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:1493,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:1543,w:219,h:16},
{t:"The MEA Voice ISSN 0883-573X-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: 164,896",p:3,x:483,y:1542,w:584,h:17},
{t:"10",p:3,x:196,y:1011,w:111,h:119},
{t:"22",p:3,x:935,y:1011,w:111,h:119},
{t:"19",p:3,x:196,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"16",p:3,x:494,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"14",p:3,x:987,y:1316,w:83,h:89},
{t:"In every issue",p:3,x:632,y:204,w:117,h:25},
{t:"Editor’s note, 4",p:3,x:632,y:232,w:112,h:21},
{t:"10 fast reads, 6",p:3,x:632,y:257,w:117,h:21},
{t:"Member profle, 22",p:3,x:632,y:282,w:144,h:21},
{t:"Bulletin board, 9",p:3,x:632,y:307,w:125,h:21},
{t:"Generation Next, 30",p:3,x:632,y:332,w:151,h:21},
{t:"More inside",p:3,x:632,y:379,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Humor in the workplace, 19",p:3,x:632,y:407,w:210,h:21},
{t:"Association buzz, 20",p:3,x:632,y:432,w:155,h:21},
{t:"Union pride, 21",p:3,x:632,y:457,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Region elections, 25",p:3,x:632,y:480,w:154,h:24},
{t:"Classifeds, 29",p:3,x:632,y:505,w:110,h:24},
{t:"On the cover",p:3,x:632,y:554,w:108,h:25},
{t:"Digital generation, 10",p:3,x:632,y:582,w:160,h:21},
{t:"Big win in Pinckney, 8",p:3,x:632,y:607,w:166,h:21},
{t:"Redefning retirement, 16",p:3,x:632,y:632,w:193,h:21},
{t:"Sweeping applause, 22",p:3,x:632,y:657,w:175,h:21},
{t:"February 2009 | Vol. 86 | Issue 3",p:3,x:197,y:676,w:80,h:7},
{t:"Big win in Pinckney",p:3,x:384,y:608,w:179,h:21},
{t:"Redefining retirement",p:3,x:369,y:632,w:195,h:29},
{t:"Sweeping applause for custodian",p:3,x:363,y:662,w:200,h:20},
{t:"www.mea.org",p:3,x:532,y:219,w:31,h:7},
{t:"TEACHING THE ",p:3,x:203,y:368,w:164,h:32},
{t:"DIGITAL",p:3,x:203,y:379,w:180,h:81},
{t:"GENERATION",p:3,x:208,y:434,w:261,h:67},
{t:"Cover photo",p:3,x:910,y:204,w:101,h:25},
{t:"Matt McGuire teach-",p:3,x:910,y:232,w:155,h:21},
{t:"es robotics at Grosse ",p:3,x:910,y:257,w:161,h:21},
{t:"Pointe South High ",p:3,x:910,y:282,w:141,h:21},
{t:"School. McGuire, ",p:3,x:910,y:307,w:134,h:21},
{t:"who started teach-",p:3,x:910,y:332,w:139,h:21},
{t:"ing in 1994, says ",p:3,x:910,y:357,w:133,h:21},
{t:"he’s jealous of the ",p:3,x:910,y:382,w:139,h:21},
{t:"technology available ",p:3,x:910,y:407,w:156,h:21},
{t:"to students today: ",p:3,x:910,y:432,w:138,h:21},
{t:"“I would have loved ",p:3,x:910,y:457,w:152,h:21},
{t:"to have had half the ",p:3,x:910,y:482,w:154,h:21},
{t:"equipment that my ",p:3,x:910,y:507,w:147,h:21},
{t:"students have ac-",p:3,x:910,y:532,w:133,h:21},
{t:"cess to.” Photo by ",p:3,x:910,y:557,w:141,h:21},
{t:"Rod Sanford.",p:3,x:910,y:582,w:99,h:21},
{t:"4 ",p:4,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:4,x:57,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"interact with us",p:4,x:28,y:22,w:165,h:35},
{t:"Editor’s note »",p:4,x:186,y:69,w:445,h:99},
{t:"As a student-journalist at Central Michigan University 20 years ago, I had a cranky professor ",p:4,x:186,y:199,w:716,h:61},
{t:"who predicted that the Internet would transform the way news gets collected and distributed.",p:4,x:217,y:232,w:696,h:21},
{t:"I couldn’t imagine gathering and reporting stories with anything but a trusty, albeit clunky, word ",p:4,x:195,y:257,w:717,h:21},
{t:"processor. I couldn’t foresee editing or designing newspaper pages without ",p:4,x:186,y:282,w:564,h:21},
{t:"spending hours hunched over a light table, physically arranging lines of text, ",p:4,x:186,y:307,w:577,h:21},
{t:"photos and ads on the page to ensure everything was straight.",p:4,x:186,y:332,w:466,h:21},
{t:"Twenty years later, I can’t imagine life without the Internet. Or e-mail, ",p:4,x:195,y:357,w:520,h:21},
{t:"Facebook, a wireless laptop, cell phone, desktop publishing or digital cameras.",p:4,x:186,y:382,w:591,h:21},
{t:"I use technology every day.",p:4,x:195,y:407,w:202,h:21},
{t:"And you do, too.",p:4,x:195,y:432,w:123,h:21},
{t:"A few weeks ago, I sent an e-mail to local association presidents: Tell me how ",p:4,x:195,y:457,w:585,h:21},
{t:"technology is used in your school or district. (In the “olden” days, I would’ve ",p:4,x:186,y:482,w:576,h:21},
{t:"made dozens of phone calls to get the same information.)",p:4,x:186,y:507,w:432,h:21},
{t:"The frst responses came within minutes. In just a few days, I heard from ",p:4,x:195,y:532,w:552,h:21},
{t:"scores of educators from all over the state about their use of blogs, wikis, Ning, ",p:4,x:186,y:557,w:596,h:21},
{t:"interactive white boards and other cool stuff. A couple members even sent ",p:4,x:186,y:582,w:563,h:21},
{t:"links to podcasts explaining how technology helps them. And, I learned a few ",p:4,x:186,y:607,w:583,h:21},
{t:"new terms—who knew about wordles, vokis or NEOs?",p:4,x:186,y:632,w:402,h:21},
{t:"Many of the teachers I interviewed told me that they’re trying to do more than teach students ",p:4,x:195,y:657,w:700,h:21},
{t:"information—they’re trying to engage them. They’re turning them into active learners.",p:4,x:186,y:682,w:640,h:21},
{t:"Here at the MEA Voice, we’re trying to do the same thing.",p:4,x:195,y:707,w:430,h:21},
{t:"We’re using podcasts, social media (are you a fan of MEA on Facebook yet?), digital storytelling ",p:4,x:195,y:732,w:718,h:21},
{t:"and reader-submitted photos and story ideas.",p:4,x:186,y:757,w:341,h:21},
{t:"Just as you want to get students excited about whatever you teach them, we want to capture ",p:4,x:195,y:782,w:697,h:21},
{t:"your attention with content that informs and inspires.",p:4,x:186,y:807,w:396,h:21},
{t:"I invite you to visit our revamped Web site at www.mea.org/members. We’re posting fresh content ",p:4,x:195,y:832,w:730,h:21},
{t:"daily.",p:4,x:186,y:857,w:38,h:21},
{t:"My journalism teacher would be proud.",p:4,x:195,y:882,w:294,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:195,y:957,w:132,h:21},
{t:"800-292-1934",p:4,x:195,y:982,w:110,h:21},
{t:"LETTER",p:4,x:186,y:1097,w:70,h:35},
{t:"Dear Editor,",p:4,x:195,y:1157,w:79,h:22},
{t:"I received my December Voice. Typically, I throw them away. ",p:4,x:195,y:1182,w:402,h:21},
{t:"I do not read them because of the negative articles. I am at ",p:4,x:186,y:1207,w:404,h:21},
{t:"school all day with teachers complaining about the students, ",p:4,x:186,y:1232,w:416,h:21},
{t:"how much money they make, or whatever else bugs them that ",p:4,x:186,y:1257,w:419,h:21},
{t:"day. I do not want to come home and have to read about it, too.",p:4,x:186,y:1282,w:425,h:21},
{t:"I became a teacher for the love of children and the desire to ",p:4,x:195,y:1307,w:406,h:21},
{t:"help children and their families.",p:4,x:186,y:1332,w:216,h:21},
{t:"With all that said, I loved the story about Brenda Love (“The ",p:4,x:195,y:1357,w:406,h:21},
{t:"Love bus,” December 2008 issue). I would enjoy more articles ",p:4,x:186,y:1382,w:417,h:21},
{t:"of this nature, showing people going above and beyond the call ",p:4,x:186,y:1407,w:430,h:21},
{t:"of duty.",p:4,x:186,y:1432,w:49,h:21},
{t:"The Love bus, and more articles like it, need to be your cover ",p:4,x:195,y:1457,w:409,h:21},
{t:"stories to help bring people back to reality. We should be thank-",p:4,x:186,y:1482,w:429,h:21},
{t:"ful for our jobs.",p:4,x:186,y:1507,w:102,h:21},
{t:"Lynn Evans, Title 1 teacher, Engadine",p:4,x:195,y:1532,w:250,h:22},
{t:"We love letters",p:4,x:646,y:1147,w:150,h:35},
{t:"Have something you’d like to share about an article you read in ",p:4,x:646,y:1207,w:416,h:21},
{t:"the magazine?",p:4,x:646,y:1232,w:95,h:21},
{t:" » Letters must be 150 words or fewer. Include address and ",p:4,x:646,y:1257,w:393,h:21},
{t:"telephone number for verifcation purposes only. Letters are ",p:4,x:665,y:1282,w:391,h:21},
{t:"subject to editing. Items submitted to the MEA Voice may be ",p:4,x:665,y:1307,w:397,h:21},
{t:"published or distributed in print or electronic forms. Letters ",p:4,x:665,y:1332,w:392,h:21},
{t:"will be published as space allows.",p:4,x:665,y:1357,w:223,h:21},
{t:" » The deadline to submit letters for the next issue of the MEA ",p:4,x:646,y:1382,w:409,h:21},
{t:"Voice is Friday, Feb. 20.",p:4,x:665,y:1407,w:152,h:21},
{t:"Questions? Call 517-333-6239.",p:4,x:656,y:1432,w:206,h:21},
{t:" » By e-mail: kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:646,y:1457,w:208,h:22},
{t:" » By fax: 517-337-5414",p:4,x:646,y:1482,w:164,h:22},
{t:" » By mail: Letters to the Editor, MEA Voice, 1216 Kendale Blvd., ",p:4,x:646,y:1507,w:423,h:22},
{t:"PO Box 2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573",p:4,x:665,y:1532,w:285,h:21},
{t:"On the Web—Look for this icon throughout ",p:4,x:496,y:972,w:463,h:35},
{t:"the magazine for online extras. »",p:4,x:496,y:1007,w:351,h:34},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:4,x:913,y:120,w:136,h:24},
{t:"Become a ",p:4,x:37,y:607,w:68,h:22},
{t:"fan of MEA ",p:4,x:37,y:629,w:72,h:22},
{t:"on Facebook. ",p:4,x:37,y:652,w:90,h:22},
{t:"www.mea.org/",p:4,x:37,y:674,w:89,h:22},
{t:"facebook",p:4,x:37,y:697,w:60,h:22},
{t:"This is my Voki, an avatar I created online. ",p:4,x:781,y:582,w:278,h:22},
{t:"It’s a virtual character. Create your own at ",p:4,x:781,y:604,w:279,h:22},
{t:"www.voki.com.",p:4,x:781,y:627,w:95,h:22},
{t:"MEA Voice ",p:4,x:37,y:1279,w:98,h:25},
{t:"Online",p:4,x:37,y:1304,w:56,h:25},
{t:"Question of the ",p:4,x:37,y:1332,w:103,h:21},
{t:"Week—visit ",p:4,x:37,y:1357,w:84,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org to ",p:4,x:37,y:1382,w:106,h:21},
{t:"take our weekly ",p:4,x:37,y:1407,w:104,h:21},
{t:"poll.",p:4,x:37,y:1432,w:28,h:21},
{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:"As the economy worsens and ",p:5,x:186,y:374,w:253,h:61},
{t:"costs increase, funding for pub-",p:5,x:218,y:407,w:247,h:21},
{t:"lic education has decreased.",p:5,x:186,y:432,w:222,h:21},
{t:"Many school districts have chosen ",p:5,x:195,y:457,w:271,h:21},
{t:"to stretch their resources and bal-",p:5,x:186,y:482,w:262,h:21},
{t:"ance their budgets on the backs ",p:5,x:186,y:507,w:255,h:21},
{t:"of school employees. Even worse, ",p:5,x:186,y:532,w:265,h:21},
{t:"many are convinced that fring MEA ",p:5,x:186,y:557,w:282,h:21},
{t:"members and hiring private com-",p:5,x:186,y:582,w:259,h:21},
{t:"panies will save them money while ",p:5,x:186,y:607,w:272,h:21},
{t:"maintaining the same high level of ",p:5,x:186,y:632,w:270,h:21},
{t:"service, quality and expertise that ",p:5,x:186,y:657,w:264,h:21},
{t:"they have come to expect from MEA ",p:5,x:186,y:682,w:285,h:21},
{t:"members.",p:5,x:186,y:707,w:78,h:21},
{t:"While educational support profes-",p:5,x:195,y:732,w:261,h:21},
{t:"sionals are the current targets of ",p:5,x:186,y:757,w:255,h:21},
{t:"most of these attempts, it is increas-",p:5,x:186,y:782,w:280,h:21},
{t:"ingly evident that teachers and other ",p:5,x:186,y:807,w:287,h:21},
{t:"education association members ",p:5,x:186,y:832,w:251,h:21},
{t:"are soon to follow. The services of ",p:5,x:186,y:857,w:265,h:21},
{t:"substitute teachers, social workers ",p:5,x:483,y:382,w:271,h:21},
{t:"and school psychologists are now ",p:5,x:483,y:407,w:264,h:21},
{t:"being provided by private companies ",p:5,x:483,y:432,w:290,h:21},
{t:"in some school districts.",p:5,x:483,y:457,w:186,h:21},
{t:"The battle to save members’ jobs ",p:5,x:493,y:482,w:261,h:21},
{t:"and protect their rights is under way, ",p:5,x:483,y:507,w:288,h:21},
{t:"and it will be won at the local level ",p:5,x:483,y:532,w:269,h:21},
{t:"by local associations that understand ",p:5,x:483,y:557,w:291,h:21},
{t:"the need to join together and act as ",p:5,x:483,y:582,w:279,h:21},
{t:"one to protect all members’ interests.",p:5,x:483,y:607,w:287,h:21},
{t:"“In a time of divide and conquer, ",p:5,x:493,y:632,w:260,h:21},
{t:"it’s time to stand and unite,” said ",p:5,x:483,y:657,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Donna Lutke, director of feld ser-",p:5,x:483,y:682,w:259,h:21},
{t:"vices for MEA.",p:5,x:483,y:707,w:111,h:21},
{t:"MEA support is available for locals ",p:5,x:493,y:732,w:270,h:21},
{t:"that want to build coalitions. A free ",p:5,x:483,y:757,w:273,h:21},
{t:"resource guide includes tips and ",p:5,x:483,y:782,w:258,h:21},
{t:"suggestions from staff and leaders ",p:5,x:483,y:807,w:270,h:21},
{t:"around the state. Your local MEA ",p:5,x:483,y:832,w:259,h:21},
{t:"UniServ director can also help. ",p:5,x:483,y:857,w:244,h:21},
{t:"« In brief",p:5,x:786,y:69,w:283,h:99},
{t:"your news now",p:5,x:1063,y:22,w:155,h:35},
{t:"On the Web",p:5,x:1118,y:1154,w:100,h:25},
{t:"To obtain the ",p:5,x:1134,y:1182,w:88,h:21},
{t:"coalition building ",p:5,x:1104,y:1207,w:118,h:21},
{t:"resource guide, ",p:5,x:1118,y:1232,w:104,h:21},
{t:"contact Teri ",p:5,x:1142,y:1257,w:80,h:21},
{t:"Battaglieri at ",p:5,x:1131,y:1282,w:91,h:21},
{t:"tbattaglieri@ ",p:5,x:1132,y:1307,w:90,h:21},
{t:"mea.org or ",p:5,x:1150,y:1332,w:72,h:21},
{t:"800-292-1934, ",p:5,x:1123,y:1357,w:99,h:21},
{t:"or download the ",p:5,x:1114,y:1382,w:108,h:21},
{t:"information at ",p:5,x:1125,y:1407,w:97,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/bfcl .",p:5,x:1099,y:1432,w:119,h:21},
{t:"United we stand: Coalition ",p:5,x:186,y:177,w:704,h:75},
{t:"building helps all members",p:5,x:186,y:252,w:704,h:75},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:5,x:1069,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Why create a coalition?",p:5,x:789,y:388,w:236,h:35},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:429,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To increase credibility, visibility",p:5,x:807,y:431,w:204,h:21},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:455,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To fght privatization",p:5,x:807,y:458,w:134,h:21},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:482,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To bargain better contracts",p:5,x:807,y:484,w:177,h:21},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:509,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To elect education-friendly school ",p:5,x:807,y:511,w:222,h:21},
{t:"board members",p:5,x:807,y:534,w:102,h:21},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:558,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To share information",p:5,x:807,y:560,w:134,h:21},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:585,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To respond to education policy/",p:5,x:807,y:587,w:202,h:21},
{t:"legislation (e.g., AYP, NCLB)",p:5,x:807,y:610,w:181,h:21},
{t:"‣ ",p:5,x:789,y:635,w:13,h:27},
{t:"To become more powerful",p:5,x:807,y:637,w:164,h:21},
{t:"3 questions to think about",p:5,x:789,y:678,w:261,h:35},
{t:"before forming a coalition",p:5,x:789,y:711,w:263,h:35},
{t:"1. What are the unifying issues and ",p:5,x:789,y:754,w:238,h:21},
{t:"goals?",p:5,x:807,y:777,w:42,h:21},
{t:"2. What outcomes do you hope to see from ",p:5,x:789,y:804,w:281,h:21},
{t:"this coalition?",p:5,x:807,y:826,w:92,h:21},
{t:"3. What obstacles might you encounter?",p:5,x:789,y:853,w:263,h:21},
{t:"In Livingston County, members from several local associations work together to monitor privatization efforts. Last fall, the group ",p:5,x:186,y:924,w:836,h:22},
{t:"attended an MEA-sponsored Anti-Privatization Symposium. Due to the success of that event, four more are planned around the state—",p:5,x:186,y:946,w:873,h:22},
{t:"in Kalamazoo, Southfeld, Flint and St. Ignace. For more information, contact your MEA UniServ director.",p:5,x:186,y:969,w:671,h:22},
{t:"6 ",p:6,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:6,x:57,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"in brief",p:6,x:28,y:22,w:76,h:35},
{t:"10 fast reads »",p:6,x:186,y:69,w:470,h:99},
{t:"FAST FACTS:",p:6,x:37,y:481,w:102,h:22},
{t:"2.4",p:6,x:37,y:526,w:52,h:60},
{t:"Number of ",p:6,x:37,y:582,w:71,h:21},
{t:"weeks MEA ",p:6,x:37,y:607,w:76,h:21},
{t:"members ",p:6,x:37,y:632,w:64,h:21},
{t:"spend in a year ",p:6,x:37,y:657,w:104,h:21},
{t:"on professional ",p:6,x:37,y:682,w:104,h:21},
{t:"development ",p:6,x:37,y:707,w:87,h:21},
{t:"activities not ",p:6,x:37,y:732,w:89,h:21},
{t:"offered by their ",p:6,x:37,y:757,w:103,h:21},
{t:"school.",p:6,x:37,y:782,w:45,h:21},
{t:"6.6",p:6,x:37,y:826,w:52,h:60},
{t:"Mean number ",p:6,x:37,y:882,w:93,h:21},
{t:"of hours MEA ",p:6,x:37,y:907,w:89,h:21},
{t:"members ",p:6,x:37,y:932,w:64,h:21},
{t:"spend grading ",p:6,x:37,y:957,w:98,h:21},
{t:"assignments ",p:6,x:37,y:982,w:88,h:21},
{t:"weekly.",p:6,x:37,y:1007,w:46,h:21},
{t:"1. ",p:6,x:186,y:153,w:168,h:181},
{t:"AWARD-",p:6,x:312,y:182,w:95,h:35},
{t:"WINNING ",p:6,x:312,y:227,w:121,h:35},
{t:"TEACHERS: ",p:6,x:312,y:272,w:147,h:35},
{t:"Wendy Schmitt and ",p:6,x:186,y:317,w:231,h:34},
{t:"Colleen Scott Keiser won ",p:6,x:186,y:362,w:293,h:34},
{t:"Excellence Awards from ",p:6,x:186,y:407,w:280,h:34},
{t:"MEA. Schmitt, a high school career ",p:6,x:186,y:451,w:414,h:34},
{t:"and technical education teacher in ",p:6,x:186,y:496,w:406,h:34},
{t:"White Lake, and Keiser, social studies ",p:6,x:186,y:541,w:443,h:34},
{t:"teacher in Webberville, received ",p:6,x:186,y:586,w:373,h:34},
{t:"the awards at the Instruction and ",p:6,x:632,y:410,w:387,h:34},
{t:"Professional Development Conference ",p:6,x:632,y:454,w:439,h:34},
{t:"in December. If you’d like to read ",p:6,x:632,y:499,w:390,h:34},
{t:"about these great teachers, go to ",p:6,x:632,y:544,w:382,h:34},
{t:"www.mea.org/awards.",p:6,x:632,y:589,w:239,h:34},
{t:"2. ",p:6,x:186,y:816,w:92,h:102},
{t:"STUDENT MEA REBATE: If you’re in your ",p:6,x:256,y:831,w:324,h:22},
{t:"frst year of teaching and you were a mem-",p:6,x:256,y:857,w:321,h:21},
{t:"ber of Student MEA, you can get a rebate of ",p:6,x:256,y:882,w:334,h:21},
{t:"$20 for each year you were a student member (up to a ",p:6,x:186,y:907,w:416,h:21},
{t:"maximum of four years, or $80). All you need to do to ",p:6,x:186,y:932,w:407,h:21},
{t:"get your cash is fll out a form and mail it to the National ",p:6,x:186,y:957,w:425,h:21},
{t:"Education Association. Go to www.mea.org/smea to ",p:6,x:186,y:982,w:387,h:21},
{t:"download and print the Student Rebate Application.",p:6,x:186,y:1007,w:390,h:21},
{t:" SMEA Conference: March 28 ",p:6,x:248,y:1054,w:297,h:26},
{t:"3. ",p:6,x:632,y:691,w:78,h:102},
{t:"ASPIRING ",p:6,x:691,y:707,w:68,h:22},
{t:"LEADERS: ",p:6,x:691,y:732,w:67,h:22},
{t:"The 2009 ",p:6,x:691,y:757,w:64,h:21},
{t:"Minority and Women ",p:6,x:632,y:782,w:136,h:21},
{t:"Leadership Program ",p:6,x:632,y:807,w:135,h:21},
{t:"(MIP) is April 4, a ",p:6,x:632,y:832,w:117,h:21},
{t:"day set aside for ",p:6,x:632,y:857,w:112,h:21},
{t:"aspiring association ",p:6,x:632,y:882,w:137,h:21},
{t:"leaders. Register ",p:6,x:632,y:907,w:114,h:21},
{t:"by March 20. Go ",p:6,x:632,y:932,w:109,h:21},
{t:"to www.mea.org/",p:6,x:632,y:957,w:107,h:21},
{t:"conferences for  ",p:6,x:632,y:982,w:106,h:21},
{t:"details. ",p:6,x:632,y:1007,w:71,h:22},
{t:"4. ",p:6,x:506,y:1141,w:92,h:102},
{t:"LISTEN TO MEA’S NEW RADIO SHOW: Voices of ",p:6,x:575,y:1156,w:383,h:22},
{t:"Michigan Education is a new radio program that offers ",p:6,x:575,y:1182,w:411,h:21},
{t:"listeners insight into issues and events that are at the ",p:6,x:575,y:1207,w:402,h:21},
{t:"forefront of the state’s current educational climate and future. ",p:6,x:506,y:1232,w:466,h:21},
{t:"MEA sponsors the program, which airs monthly on News Talk ",p:6,x:506,y:1257,w:466,h:21},
{t:"760 and affliates of the Michigan Talk Network. The program is hosted by ",p:6,x:506,y:1282,w:560,h:21},
{t:"Mark Gilman, a radio and newspaper journalist who is president of Decus ",p:6,x:506,y:1307,w:556,h:21},
{t:"Communications, a strategic marketing and communications company. ",p:6,x:506,y:1332,w:540,h:21},
{t:"For more information, go to www.mea.org/radio . ",p:6,x:506,y:1357,w:360,h:21},
{t:"5. ",p:6,x:483,y:1416,w:78,h:102},
{t:"ESP CONFERENCE: The annual ESP Conference is March 20-21 in Dearborn. This ",p:6,x:542,y:1432,w:530,h:22},
{t:"year’s theme is “25 Years of Making a Difference.” You won’t want to miss this ",p:6,x:542,y:1457,w:517,h:21},
{t:"event, featuring workshops and speakers to help educational support personnel. ",p:6,x:542,y:1482,w:528,h:21},
{t:"The early bird deadline is Feb. 27. For details, go to www.mea.org/conferences . ",p:6,x:483,y:1507,w:532,h:22},
{t:"student michigan education association",p:6,x:188,y:757,w:422,h:43},
{t:"Student MEA",p:6,x:213,y:695,w:205,h:63},
{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:"FAST FACTS:",p:7,x:1115,y:481,w:102,h:22},
{t:"42",p:7,x:1177,y:526,w:42,h:60},
{t:"percent",p:7,x:1120,y:576,w:100,h:45},
{t:"The percentage ",p:7,x:1118,y:632,w:104,h:21},
{t:"of MEA ",p:7,x:1173,y:657,w:48,h:21},
{t:"members who ",p:7,x:1128,y:682,w:94,h:21},
{t:"reported class ",p:7,x:1126,y:707,w:96,h:21},
{t:"size increases ",p:7,x:1127,y:732,w:95,h:21},
{t:"this year.",p:7,x:1159,y:757,w:59,h:21},
{t:"$1,593",p:7,x:1124,y:809,w:96,h:50},
{t:"Mean dollar ",p:7,x:1141,y:857,w:81,h:21},
{t:"value of ",p:7,x:1166,y:882,w:56,h:21},
{t:"donations by ",p:7,x:1135,y:907,w:87,h:21},
{t:"MEA members ",p:7,x:1126,y:932,w:96,h:21},
{t:"to charitable ",p:7,x:1135,y:957,w:87,h:21},
{t:"organizations ",p:7,x:1130,y:982,w:92,h:21},
{t:"in the past ",p:7,x:1147,y:1007,w:74,h:21},
{t:"year.",p:7,x:1188,y:1032,w:30,h:21},
{t:"10. ",p:7,x:186,y:1191,w:139,h:102},
{t:"ART EXHIBIT: MEA members are invited ",p:7,x:302,y:1206,w:314,h:22},
{t:"to submit original works of art for the ",p:7,x:302,y:1232,w:280,h:21},
{t:"45th annual MEA/Michigan Art Education ",p:7,x:302,y:1257,w:317,h:21},
{t:"Association Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition. Entries ",p:7,x:186,y:1282,w:428,h:21},
{t:"will be accepted Feb. 23 to March 7 at MEA head-",p:7,x:186,y:1307,w:380,h:21},
{t:"quarters. The 2009 exhibit will be open to the pub-",p:7,x:186,y:1332,w:383,h:21},
{t:"lic weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 9 through ",p:7,x:186,y:1357,w:397,h:21},
{t:"May 4, excluding weekends and April 10. Selected pieces ",p:7,x:186,y:1382,w:439,h:21},
{t:"will be purchased for display in MEA facilities. For more ",p:7,x:186,y:1407,w:422,h:21},
{t:"information, go to www.mea.org/awards/art . ",p:7,x:186,y:1432,w:344,h:22},
{t:"6. ",p:7,x:186,y:191,w:92,h:102},
{t:"CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: A lawsuit chal-",p:7,x:255,y:206,w:316,h:22},
{t:"lenging the denial of survivor benefts by the ",p:7,x:255,y:232,w:332,h:21},
{t:"Michigan Public School Employees Retirement ",p:7,x:255,y:257,w:352,h:21},
{t:"System to the spouse of a deceased school employee ",p:7,x:186,y:282,w:401,h:21},
{t:"who left school employment after vesting in the retire -",p:7,x:186,y:307,w:397,h:21},
{t:"ment system, but before retirement age, is pending in the",p:7,x:186,y:332,w:432,h:21},
{t:"Ingham County Circuit Court. The plaintiff seeks to have ",p:7,x:186,y:357,w:419,h:21},
{t:"the lawsuit become a class action, but needs information ",p:7,x:186,y:382,w:427,h:21},
{t:"concerning others who may be in a similar situation.",p:7,x:186,y:407,w:391,h:21},
{t:"If you or someone you know may be in a similar situ-",p:7,x:195,y:432,w:395,h:21},
{t:"ation, you may contact the attorney for the plaintiff in ",p:7,x:186,y:457,w:401,h:21},
{t:"that case for further information. Please contact Eva ",p:7,x:186,y:482,w:394,h:21},
{t:"Cantarella at 248-335-5000. MEA is not sponsoring this ",p:7,x:186,y:507,w:424,h:21},
{t:"litigation, but will fle a friend of the court brief on behalf ",p:7,x:186,y:532,w:424,h:21},
{t:"of the plaintiff. For more information, go to www.mea.org.",p:7,x:186,y:557,w:426,h:21},
{t:"7. ",p:7,x:882,y:191,w:78,h:102},
{t:"LOBBY DAY: All ",p:7,x:941,y:206,w:101,h:22},
{t:"MEA members are ",p:7,x:941,y:232,w:121,h:21},
{t:"invited to par-",p:7,x:941,y:257,w:93,h:21},
{t:"ticipate in the association’s ",p:7,x:882,y:282,w:185,h:21},
{t:"2009 Lobby Day Feb. 18 in ",p:7,x:882,y:307,w:175,h:21},
{t:"Lansing. Meet with legisla-",p:7,x:882,y:332,w:178,h:21},
{t:"tors. Get updates on current ",p:7,x:882,y:357,w:187,h:21},
{t:"legislation and gain valu-",p:7,x:882,y:382,w:169,h:21},
{t:"able information about pub-",p:7,x:882,y:407,w:185,h:21},
{t:"lic education funding. You ",p:7,x:882,y:432,w:174,h:21},
{t:"must sign up to participate. ",p:7,x:882,y:457,w:187,h:21},
{t:"For more information, go to ",p:7,x:882,y:482,w:181,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/conferences .",p:7,x:882,y:507,w:171,h:21},
{t:"8. ",p:7,x:186,y:616,w:92,h:102},
{t:"CASH AVAILABLE: Grants of up to $3,000 are available to local ",p:7,x:256,y:631,w:484,h:22},
{t:"MEA affliates to provide professional development activities to help ",p:7,x:256,y:657,w:508,h:21},
{t:"close achievement gaps among students. The MEA Professional ",p:7,x:256,y:682,w:485,h:21},
{t:"Growth and Development Grant program supports member-driven school ",p:7,x:186,y:707,w:554,h:21},
{t:"improvement activities that impact student achievement including, but not ",p:7,x:186,y:732,w:563,h:21},
{t:"limited to, conferences, workshop and in-service sessions, research and other ",p:7,x:186,y:757,w:589,h:21},
{t:"projects. The grants are specifcally targeted to assist non-Title 1 schools ",p:7,x:186,y:782,w:547,h:21},
{t:"that have not made Adequate Yearly Progress for two or more consecu-",p:7,x:186,y:807,w:535,h:21},
{t:"tive years and are in the corrective action phase. For more information, go ",p:7,x:186,y:832,w:560,h:21},
{t:"to www.mea.org/awards, or call Joan Mapson, director of the Professional ",p:7,x:186,y:857,w:552,h:21},
{t:"Development/Human Rights Department at 800-292-1934, ext. 5506. ",p:7,x:186,y:882,w:550,h:22},
{t:"9. ",p:7,x:483,y:941,w:78,h:102},
{t:"MORE CASH: You can now apply online for the popular NEA Foundation ",p:7,x:542,y:957,w:463,h:22},
{t:"grants—$2,000 or $5,000. The grants support public school educators’ ideas ",p:7,x:542,y:982,w:513,h:21},
{t:"to improve teaching and learning. Each year, the NEA Foundation awards about ",p:7,x:542,y:1007,w:522,h:21},
{t:"150 grants to educators nationwide. Over the past 10 years, the foundation has awarded ",p:7,x:483,y:1032,w:585,h:21},
{t:"more than $4.1 million to support efforts to boost student achievement. For more infor-",p:7,x:483,y:1057,w:568,h:21},
{t:"mation, go to www.neafoundation.org . ",p:7,x:483,y:1082,w:267,h:22},
{t:"LIQUID LIBRAR",p:7,x:1069,y:917,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Y",p:7,x:1069,y:840,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MIRIAM GARCIA/MEA",p:7,x:1069,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Find more fast reads on our MEA Facebook page at ",p:7,x:253,y:1507,w:334,h:22},
{t:"www.mea.org/facebook. Become a fan to get updates.",p:7,x:253,y:1529,w:345,h:22},
{t:"8 ",p:8,x:28,y:1594,w:15,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:8,x:57,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"bargaining",p:8,x:28,y:22,w:113,h:35},
{t:"Pinckney teachers get ",p:8,x:186,y:69,w:708,h:99},
{t:"their MESSA back—",p:8,x:186,y:160,w:629,h:99},
{t:"and help their district save BIG",p:8,x:186,y:252,w:562,h:55},
{t:"PINCKNEY – With their new contract, ",p:8,x:186,y:332,w:243,h:21},
{t:"Pinckney teachers notched a major win in ",p:8,x:186,y:357,w:275,h:21},
{t:"their fght for quality health insurance.",p:8,x:186,y:382,w:254,h:21},
{t:"They got their MESSA back.",p:8,x:195,y:407,w:176,h:21},
{t:"“When we did our initial survey before ",p:8,x:195,y:432,w:258,h:21},
{t:"we started bargaining, the No. 1 thing ",p:8,x:186,y:457,w:260,h:21},
{t:"that members cared about was health",p:8,x:186,y:482,w:249,h:21},
{t:"care,” said Mimi Katakowski, president ",p:8,x:186,y:507,w:267,h:21},
{t:"of the Pinckney Education Association. ",p:8,x:186,y:532,w:263,h:21},
{t:"“They wanted to maintain the same level ",p:8,x:186,y:557,w:278,h:21},
{t:"of benefts or get MESSA back. This is a",p:8,x:186,y:582,w:258,h:21},
{t:"big victory.”",p:8,x:186,y:607,w:80,h:21},
{t:"Teachers in the Livingston County district ",p:8,x:195,y:632,w:274,h:21},
{t:"lost their MESSA-provided insurance in ",p:8,x:186,y:657,w:259,h:21},
{t:"2006. The district was showcased by some ",p:8,x:186,y:682,w:283,h:21},
{t:"administrators and school board members ",p:8,x:186,y:707,w:282,h:21},
{t:"as a model for other districts to follow to ",p:8,x:186,y:732,w:269,h:21},
{t:"get rid of MESSA, a target because of its ",p:8,x:186,y:757,w:268,h:21},
{t:"relation to MEA.",p:8,x:186,y:782,w:103,h:21},
{t:"At the time, the alternative health insurer ",p:8,x:493,y:332,w:275,h:21},
{t:"promised huge savings. Last year, however, ",p:8,x:483,y:357,w:287,h:21},
{t:"the rates went through the roof—the ",p:8,x:483,y:382,w:246,h:21},
{t:"district’s insurance bill soared nearly ",p:8,x:483,y:407,w:246,h:21},
{t:"35 percent.",p:8,x:483,y:432,w:73,h:21},
{t:"“That’s when panic ensued,” said Rondy ",p:8,x:493,y:457,w:268,h:21},
{t:"Murray, the MEA UniServ director who works ",p:8,x:483,y:482,w:289,h:21},
{t:"with Pinckney.",p:8,x:483,y:507,w:93,h:21},
{t:"Teachers were in the process of bargain-",p:8,x:493,y:532,w:265,h:21},
{t:"ing a new contract to replace one that had ",p:8,x:483,y:557,w:282,h:21},
{t:"expired in 2007. And while health care was ",p:8,x:483,y:582,w:285,h:21},
{t:"the top issue for teachers, they didn’t know ",p:8,x:483,y:607,w:286,h:21},
{t:"if it was possible to get MESSA back.",p:8,x:483,y:632,w:241,h:21},
{t:"Until those rates came in.",p:8,x:493,y:657,w:168,h:21},
{t:"“We said, ‘You know, MESSA ’s got lower ",p:8,x:493,y:682,w:260,h:21},
{t:"rates,’” Katakowski said, who added that ",p:8,x:483,y:707,w:273,h:21},
{t:"it wasn’t an easy sell, even though the cost ",p:8,x:483,y:732,w:287,h:21},
{t:"savings to the district were clear.",p:8,x:483,y:757,w:217,h:21},
{t:"School boards and administrators are ",p:8,x:493,y:782,w:257,h:21},
{t:"under intense pressure to cut health care ",p:8,x:781,y:332,w:281,h:21},
{t:"benefts and, in many places, to get rid",p:8,x:781,y:357,w:256,h:21},
{t:"of MESSA-provided insurance. Critics ",p:8,x:781,y:382,w:254,h:21},
{t:"describe MESSA as “an arm of the MEA,” ",p:8,x:781,y:407,w:278,h:21},
{t:"even though the two entities run distinc",p:8,x:781,y:432,w:260,h:21},
{t:"-",p:8,x:1049,y:432,w:6,h:21},
{t:"tive operations regulated by state and ",p:8,x:781,y:457,w:259,h:21},
{t:"federal agencies.",p:8,x:781,y:482,w:112,h:21},
{t:"In Pinckney, the district moved ahead ",p:8,x:791,y:507,w:249,h:21},
{t:"with another health plan for other employee ",p:8,x:781,y:532,w:289,h:21},
{t:"groups while it continued to negotiate ",p:8,x:781,y:557,w:251,h:21},
{t:"with the teachers. Despite pressure to also ",p:8,x:781,y:582,w:283,h:21},
{t:"agree to that plan, teachers resisted, partly ",p:8,x:781,y:607,w:288,h:21},
{t:"because it didn’t cover physicians that ",p:8,x:781,y:632,w:258,h:21},
{t:"many teachers use at Sparrow Hospital in ",p:8,x:781,y:657,w:276,h:21},
{t:"Lansing or at the University of Michigan in ",p:8,x:781,y:682,w:282,h:21},
{t:"Ann Arbor, Katakowski said.",p:8,x:781,y:707,w:181,h:21},
{t:"The teachers held frm—if they had ",p:8,x:791,y:732,w:238,h:21},
{t:"to switch insurance again, they wanted ",p:8,x:781,y:757,w:261,h:21},
{t:"MESSA. Teachers engaged in a community ",p:8,x:781,y:782,w:280,h:21},
{t:"outreach campaign, too, that included pick-",p:8,x:781,y:807,w:288,h:21},
{t:"eting at school board meetings, marching ",p:8,x:781,y:832,w:278,h:21},
{t:"in local parades and other activities.",p:8,x:781,y:857,w:240,h:21},
{t:"Plus, they had good numbers on their side. ",p:8,x:791,y:882,w:283,h:21},
{t:"The MESSA plan will save the district more ",p:8,x:781,y:907,w:283,h:21},
{t:"than $334,000 this year.",p:8,x:781,y:932,w:160,h:21},
{t:"“For the district, MESSA was the fscally ",p:8,x:791,y:957,w:265,h:21},
{t:"responsible choice,” said Katakowski, a ",p:8,x:781,y:982,w:263,h:21},
{t:"third-grade teacher.",p:8,x:781,y:1007,w:131,h:21},
{t:"The MESSA plan that employees negoti",p:8,x:791,y:1032,w:253,h:21},
{t:"-",p:8,x:1050,y:1032,w:6,h:21},
{t:"ated in their new contract is Choices II, a ",p:8,x:781,y:1057,w:280,h:21},
{t:"PPO plan that covers a network of health",p:8,x:781,y:1082,w:266,h:21},
{t:"care providers who deliver services to ",p:8,x:781,y:1107,w:255,h:21},
{t:"members through a discounted fee ar -",p:8,x:781,y:1132,w:257,h:21},
{t:"rangement. Plan members typically have ",p:8,x:781,y:1157,w:277,h:21},
{t:"lower out-of-pocket expenses and ad",p:8,x:781,y:1182,w:240,h:21},
{t:"-",p:8,x:1028,y:1182,w:6,h:21},
{t:"ditional covered services in exchange for ",p:8,x:781,y:1207,w:277,h:21},
{t:"using network providers.",p:8,x:781,y:1232,w:160,h:21},
{t:"In Pinckney, teachers will actually have ",p:8,x:791,y:1257,w:260,h:21},
{t:"somewhat higher out-of-pocket costs. For ",p:8,x:781,y:1282,w:276,h:21},
{t:"example, their former plan didn’t have any ",p:8,x:781,y:1307,w:282,h:21},
{t:"prescription co-pays; now, they’ll pay $10 ",p:8,x:781,y:1333,w:275,h:21},
{t:"for generic prescription drugs and $20 for ",p:8,x:781,y:1358,w:278,h:21},
{t:"brand names.",p:8,x:781,y:1383,w:90,h:21},
{t:"The new contract expires in 2010.",p:8,x:791,y:1408,w:219,h:21},
{t:"“The teachers in Pinckney understand ",p:8,x:791,y:1433,w:251,h:21},
{t:"there are a lot of people who don’t have ",p:8,x:781,y:1458,w:262,h:21},
{t:"any health care right now,” Murray said. ",p:8,x:781,y:1483,w:266,h:21},
{t:"“They’re glad to have it and they were will-",p:8,x:781,y:1508,w:280,h:21},
{t:"ing to help pay for it.” ",p:8,x:781,y:1533,w:147,h:21},
{t:"Members of the Pinckney bargaining team, Row 1- (left to right) Stacey Ignagni, high ",p:8,x:186,y:821,w:552,h:22},
{t:"school media specialist; Sue Dewey, 6th grade math and science teacher; Row 2- (left to ",p:8,x:186,y:843,w:575,h:22},
{t:"right) Pat Sharon, chief negotiator and 3rd grade teacher; Lori Scott, 8th grade history ",p:8,x:186,y:866,w:564,h:22},
{t:"teacher; Craig Hagen, 7th grade science teacher; Mimi Katakowski, 3rd grade teacher; ",p:8,x:186,y:888,w:565,h:22},
{t:"Tom Carr, 4th grade teacher.",p:8,x:186,y:911,w:184,h:22},
{t:"KEVIN W",p:8,x:771,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:". FOWLER/FOR MEA",p:8,x:771,y:1502,w:0,h:13},
{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:"how-to tips",p:9,x:1102,y:22,w:118,h:35},
{t:" « Bulletin board",p:9,x:553,y:69,w:516,h:99},
{t:"A new learning opportunity",p:9,x:238,y:221,w:269,h:35},
{t:"If you want to learn how addressing social ",p:9,x:248,y:257,w:318,h:21},
{t:"justice and human rights issues can affect student ",p:9,x:194,y:282,w:384,h:21},
{t:"learning and success, check out a new learning ",p:9,x:194,y:307,w:363,h:21},
{t:"opportunity from MEA. The Social Justice Institute ",p:9,x:194,y:332,w:381,h:21},
{t:"is July 30-31 at Saginaw Valley State University. For ",p:9,x:194,y:357,w:391,h:21},
{t:"more information, go to www.mea.org/conferences.",p:9,x:194,y:382,w:379,h:21},
{t:"7 tips for making the ",p:9,x:723,y:246,w:209,h:35},
{t:"paraprofessional-teacher",p:9,x:699,y:281,w:258,h:35},
{t:"relationship work",p:9,x:739,y:316,w:175,h:35},
{t:"A good working relationship between the classroom parapro-",p:9,x:626,y:357,w:396,h:21},
{t:"fessional and the teacher can help students. Here are some ",p:9,x:616,y:382,w:393,h:21},
{t:"tips for paraprofessionals to ensure success:",p:9,x:616,y:407,w:293,h:21},
{t:"1. Have clear expectations. How can you best support the ",p:9,x:616,y:432,w:379,h:21},
{t:"teaching and learning in your classroom?",p:9,x:635,y:457,w:270,h:21},
{t:"2. If you’re a paraprofessional, know your job description. What ",p:9,x:616,y:482,w:417,h:21},
{t:"are you required to do? What are you “allowed” to do?",p:9,x:635,y:507,w:349,h:21},
{t:"3. Find out specifcally what the teacher needs to have done—",p:9,x:616,y:532,w:412,h:21},
{t:"grading, clerical support, tutoring, classroom management.",p:9,x:635,y:557,w:391,h:21},
{t:"4. How do your strengths and experiences mesh with the teach-",p:9,x:616,y:582,w:416,h:21},
{t:"er’s skills? How can you pool your talents to help students?",p:9,x:635,y:607,w:383,h:21},
{t:"5. Review your evaluation form with your teacher before evalu-",p:9,x:616,y:632,w:410,h:21},
{t:"ation time comes. Talk about each area and make sure you ",p:9,x:635,y:657,w:388,h:21},
{t:"both understand the requirements, expectations and issues ",p:9,x:635,y:682,w:393,h:21},
{t:"to be covered.",p:9,x:635,y:707,w:90,h:21},
{t:"6. Remember, if you’re feeling awkward about the parapro-",p:9,x:616,y:732,w:387,h:21},
{t:"teacher relationship, the teacher probably is, too. Choose a ",p:9,x:635,y:757,w:389,h:21},
{t:"quiet time and place to talk about your perceptions.",p:9,x:635,y:782,w:338,h:21},
{t:"7. Keep in mind that many teachers, especially new ones, have ",p:9,x:616,y:807,w:416,h:21},
{t:"no idea how to supervise or work with another adult. They ",p:9,x:635,y:832,w:379,h:21},
{t:"don’t teach this subject in college. And if you’re the one with ",p:9,x:635,y:857,w:399,h:21},
{t:"the most experience, you could be pretty intimidating to a ",p:9,x:635,y:882,w:380,h:21},
{t:"new teacher.",p:9,x:635,y:907,w:82,h:21},
{t:"FREE program to help  ",p:9,x:267,y:929,w:224,h:42},
{t:"your school!",p:9,x:268,y:974,w:124,h:35},
{t:"Keys to Excellence for Your Schools ",p:9,x:278,y:1006,w:230,h:27},
{t:"(KEYS) is a comprehensive research-based, ",p:9,x:220,y:1040,w:288,h:21},
{t:"data-driven program for continuous school ",p:9,x:221,y:1067,w:284,h:21},
{t:"improvement. Developed by NEA, KEYS can help ",p:9,x:222,y:1094,w:315,h:21},
{t:"your school identify strengths, address weak-",p:9,x:222,y:1121,w:296,h:21},
{t:"nesses, measure progress, and create a culture ",p:9,x:223,y:1148,w:314,h:21},
{t:"of continuous improvement. For more informa-",p:9,x:224,y:1176,w:303,h:21},
{t:"tion, contact Bob Harris ",p:9,x:380,y:1197,w:159,h:21},
{t:"(bharris@mea.org ) ",p:9,x:383,y:1220,w:126,h:25},
{t:"in MEA ’s Professional ",p:9,x:384,y:1250,w:142,h:23},
{t:"Development and Human ",p:9,x:385,y:1278,w:168,h:21},
{t:"Rights Department, ",p:9,x:386,y:1305,w:132,h:21},
{t:"800-292-1934.",p:9,x:389,y:1332,w:99,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:9,x:1118,y:1254,w:100,h:25},
{t:"We have lots of ",p:9,x:1120,y:1282,w:102,h:21},
{t:"job-related tips ",p:9,x:1117,y:1307,w:105,h:21},
{t:"on our Web site ",p:9,x:1119,y:1332,w:103,h:21},
{t:"at www.mea.org. ",p:9,x:1111,y:1357,w:111,h:21},
{t:"Click on Members ",p:9,x:1103,y:1382,w:119,h:21},
{t:"and then New ",p:9,x:1129,y:1407,w:93,h:21},
{t:"Member Tips.",p:9,x:1132,y:1432,w:86,h:21},
{t:"Report assaults immediately",p:9,x:541,y:1372,w:286,h:35},
{t:"If you are involved in a job-related assault, report the incident promptly ",p:9,x:551,y:1407,w:471,h:21},
{t:"to your immediate supervisor. Write a summary of the incident as soon as ",p:9,x:541,y:1432,w:484,h:21},
{t:"possible listing all particulars of the situation, including names, witnesses, ",p:9,x:541,y:1457,w:499,h:21},
{t:"date, time, location and general conditions. In addition to providing this ",p:9,x:541,y:1482,w:475,h:21},
{t:"information to your boss, give it to your local association.",p:9,x:541,y:1507,w:373,h:21},
{t:"Should you follow directives",p:9,x:743,y:943,w:281,h:34},
{t:"that you don’t like?",p:9,x:743,y:981,w:192,h:34},
{t:"From time to time, you may receive an admin-",p:9,x:716,y:1017,w:299,h:21},
{t:"istrative directive or order that you don’t like or ",p:9,x:705,y:1043,w:310,h:21},
{t:"don’t believe is proper.",p:9,x:703,y:1070,w:147,h:29},
{t:"Nevertheless, you have an obligation to follow ",p:9,x:711,y:1098,w:302,h:21},
{t:"that order and grieve later. The only exception ",p:9,x:701,y:1124,w:301,h:30},
{t:"is if it would cause imminent danger to the ",p:9,x:699,y:1151,w:285,h:21},
{t:"health and safety of you or others.",p:9,x:698,y:1178,w:222,h:21},
{t:"Grieving (fling a grievance concerning an ",p:9,x:706,y:1206,w:277,h:21},
{t:"administrative failure to follow the contract) is ",p:9,x:695,y:1232,w:309,h:21},
{t:"not immoral, illegal, unethical, unprofessional ",p:9,x:693,y:1259,w:306,h:21},
{t:"or even personal. If you think the situation war-",p:9,x:692,y:1286,w:309,h:37},
{t:"rants it, fle a grievance. It is your right.",p:9,x:691,y:1313,w:259,h:21},
{t:"10 ",p:10,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:10,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"COVER STOR Y",p:10,x:28,y:22,w:149,h:35},
{t:"Once upon a time, technology was taught primarily in ",p:10,x:186,y:1224,w:427,h:61},
{t:"computer class.",p:10,x:220,y:1257,w:119,h:21},
{t:"Now, not only is technology taught in virtually every sub-",p:10,x:195,y:1282,w:421,h:21},
{t:"ject at all grade levels, educators are increasingly using ",p:10,x:186,y:1307,w:418,h:21},
{t:"technology as an instructional tool.",p:10,x:186,y:1332,w:260,h:21},
{t:"“Technology is everywhere,” says Ric Wiltse, execu-",p:10,x:195,y:1357,w:389,h:21},
{t:"tive director of the Michigan Association of Computer ",p:10,x:186,y:1382,w:402,h:21},
{t:"Users in Learning, a group that helps teachers integrate ",p:10,x:186,y:1407,w:423,h:21},
{t:"technology.",p:10,x:186,y:1432,w:84,h:21},
{t:"Elementary students use special computer programs to ",p:10,x:195,y:1457,w:419,h:21},
{t:"learn the sounds produced by different instruments. High ",p:10,x:186,y:1482,w:437,h:21},
{t:"school physics students use their cell phones to learn how ",p:10,x:186,y:1507,w:442,h:21},
{t:"wireless communications work. Future teachers (college ",p:10,x:186,y:1532,w:426,h:21},
{t:"students now) use blogs and wikis to share their own ",p:10,x:632,y:1232,w:401,h:21},
{t:"writing—so they can someday help their own students do ",p:10,x:632,y:1257,w:435,h:21},
{t:"the same.",p:10,x:632,y:1282,w:74,h:21},
{t:"“Teachers are teaching the digital generation,” explained ",p:10,x:642,y:1307,w:430,h:21},
{t:"Troy Hicks, assistant professor of English Language and ",p:10,x:632,y:1332,w:422,h:21},
{t:"Literature at Central Michigan University, where he in-",p:10,x:632,y:1357,w:404,h:21},
{t:"structs preservice teachers.",p:10,x:632,y:1382,w:206,h:21},
{t:"Teaching technology is important because students ",p:10,x:642,y:1407,w:390,h:21},
{t:"today need to be ready for jobs that rely on technology. In ",p:10,x:632,y:1432,w:436,h:21},
{t:"Michigan, students are required to take an online course ",p:10,x:632,y:1457,w:430,h:21},
{t:"or learning experience, or have the online learning experi-",p:10,x:632,y:1482,w:433,h:21},
{t:"ence incorporated into each of the required credits of the ",p:10,x:632,y:1507,w:434,h:21},
{t:"Michigan Merit Curriculum.",p:10,x:632,y:1532,w:206,h:21},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:10,x:1218,y:1150,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Using 21st ",p:10,x:930,y:676,w:185,h:60},
{t:"century ",p:10,x:930,y:735,w:139,h:60},
{t:"tools to give ",p:10,x:930,y:793,w:215,h:60},
{t:"students ",p:10,x:930,y:851,w:154,h:60},
{t:"the skills ",p:10,x:930,y:910,w:161,h:60},
{t:"they need ",p:10,x:930,y:968,w:175,h:60},
{t:"to succeed",p:10,x:930,y:1027,w:189,h:60},
{t:"Matt McGuire teaches robotics in Grosse Pointe.",p:10,x:781,y:1168,w:312,h:22},
{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:"So, what better way to demonstrate ",p:11,x:195,y:382,w:269,h:21},
{t:"how to use technology than to use it ",p:11,x:186,y:407,w:275,h:21},
{t:"to deliver instruction?",p:11,x:186,y:432,w:159,h:21},
{t:"Like many other teachers, Kathy ",p:11,x:195,y:457,w:247,h:21},
{t:"Ebrahimi from Wyandotte uses a ",p:11,x:186,y:482,w:249,h:21},
{t:"ceiling-mounted projector to show ",p:11,x:186,y:507,w:260,h:21},
{t:"students lessons, photos and more. ",p:11,x:186,y:532,w:272,h:21},
{t:"She used a PowerPoint presentation ",p:11,x:186,y:557,w:277,h:21},
{t:"when she taught her earth science ",p:11,x:186,y:582,w:265,h:21},
{t:"students about volcanos—compared ",p:11,x:186,y:607,w:281,h:21},
{t:"to a static drawing, the active volcano ",p:11,x:186,y:632,w:286,h:21},
{t:"that erupted during the presentation ",p:11,x:186,y:657,w:277,h:21},
{t:"was more a more eye-catching visual.",p:11,x:186,y:682,w:283,h:21},
{t:"Ebrahimi also uses a program with ",p:11,x:195,y:707,w:264,h:21},
{t:"her physics students that gives each a ",p:11,x:186,y:732,w:291,h:21},
{t:"unique set of problems to solve. The ",p:11,x:186,y:757,w:278,h:21},
{t:"online program keeps students from ",p:11,x:186,y:782,w:277,h:21},
{t:"copying each other’s work. But, it al-",p:11,x:186,y:807,w:274,h:21},
{t:"lows them to collaborate—a student ",p:11,x:186,y:832,w:275,h:21},
{t:"struggling to fgure out an equation, ",p:11,x:186,y:857,w:272,h:21},
{t:"for example, might view similar (but ",p:11,x:186,y:882,w:273,h:21},
{t:"not identical) problems completed by ",p:11,x:186,y:907,w:285,h:21},
{t:"other students.",p:11,x:186,y:932,w:112,h:21},
{t:"“Technology is a tool to help you ",p:11,x:195,y:957,w:247,h:21},
{t:"teach better,” Ebrahimi said. “You ",p:11,x:186,y:982,w:259,h:21},
{t:"have to make sure you’re using it the ",p:11,x:186,y:1007,w:282,h:21},
{t:"right way. We have to be careful to not ",p:11,x:186,y:1032,w:291,h:21},
{t:"let technology replace good teaching.”",p:11,x:186,y:1057,w:288,h:21},
{t:"Wiltse agrees—technology alone will ",p:11,x:493,y:382,w:277,h:21},
{t:"not prepare students.",p:11,x:483,y:407,w:161,h:21},
{t:"“Technology is useless unless it’s in ",p:11,x:493,y:432,w:271,h:21},
{t:"the hands of a teacher,” he said. “The ",p:11,x:483,y:457,w:291,h:21},
{t:"key is the teacher.”",p:11,x:483,y:482,w:144,h:21},
{t:"DON’T FEAR TECHNOLOGY",p:11,x:483,y:521,w:264,h:35},
{t:"Educators of all experience levels ",p:11,x:493,y:557,w:254,h:21},
{t:"and all subjects incorporate technol-",p:11,x:483,y:582,w:274,h:21},
{t:"ogy into their classrooms, though the ",p:11,x:483,y:607,w:282,h:21},
{t:"fear of the unknown can keep some ",p:11,x:483,y:632,w:275,h:21},
{t:"from trying new things.",p:11,x:483,y:657,w:172,h:21},
{t:"Okemos teacher Dawn Reed, who ",p:11,x:791,y:382,w:260,h:21},
{t:"previously worked in Charlotte, has ",p:11,x:781,y:407,w:267,h:21},
{t:"used Web 2.0 tools with her students. ",p:11,x:781,y:432,w:288,h:21},
{t:"She helped her speech students ",p:11,x:781,y:457,w:248,h:21},
{t:"develop podcasts, something she ",p:11,x:781,y:482,w:255,h:21},
{t:"had never done herself. Her lack of ",p:11,x:781,y:507,w:270,h:21},
{t:"podcasting experience didn’t stop ",p:11,x:781,y:532,w:258,h:21},
{t:"her, though, and she’s led several ",p:11,x:781,y:557,w:257,h:21},
{t:"professional development workshops ",p:11,x:781,y:582,w:282,h:21},
{t:"to teach other teachers how to use ",p:11,x:781,y:607,w:264,h:21},
{t:"Students in Mark ",p:11,x:781,y:1357,w:112,h:22},
{t:"Davids’ physics class ",p:11,x:781,y:1379,w:140,h:22},
{t:"at Grosse Pointe ",p:11,x:781,y:1402,w:110,h:22},
{t:"South High School ",p:11,x:781,y:1424,w:120,h:22},
{t:"use their cellular ",p:11,x:781,y:1447,w:114,h:22},
{t:"phones to learn ",p:11,x:781,y:1469,w:104,h:22},
{t:"about sound and ",p:11,x:781,y:1492,w:110,h:22},
{t:"vibration.",p:11,x:781,y:1514,w:61,h:22},
{t:"COUR",p:11,x:1069,y:1318,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTOS",p:11,x:1069,y:1289,w:0,h:13},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:11,x:946,y:71,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:11,x:935,y:94,w:132,h:21},
{t:"continued on 12",p:11,x:875,y:657,w:99,h:21},
{t:"Want to ",p:11,x:1152,y:954,w:71,h:25},
{t:"learn more ",p:11,x:1126,y:979,w:97,h:25},
{t:"about using ",p:11,x:1118,y:1004,w:106,h:25},
{t:"technology ",p:11,x:1126,y:1029,w:98,h:25},
{t:"in your ",p:11,x:1159,y:1054,w:64,h:25},
{t:"classroom? ",p:11,x:1124,y:1079,w:100,h:25},
{t:"The 2009 Michigan ",p:11,x:1100,y:1107,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Association for ",p:11,x:1126,y:1129,w:95,h:21},
{t:"Computer Users in ",p:11,x:1103,y:1152,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Learning (MACUL) ",p:11,x:1106,y:1174,w:115,h:21},
{t:"Conference is a ",p:11,x:1122,y:1197,w:99,h:21},
{t:"great place to hone ",p:11,x:1099,y:1219,w:123,h:21},
{t:"your skills. The event ",p:11,x:1089,y:1242,w:133,h:21},
{t:"is March 18-20 in ",p:11,x:1107,y:1264,w:114,h:21},
{t:"Detroit. MEA is a ",p:11,x:1115,y:1287,w:106,h:21},
{t:"major sponsor of the ",p:11,x:1091,y:1309,w:131,h:21},
{t:"event, hosting the ",p:11,x:1106,y:1332,w:115,h:21},
{t:"Student Technology ",p:11,x:1099,y:1354,w:123,h:21},
{t:"Showcase. For more ",p:11,x:1096,y:1377,w:126,h:21},
{t:"information, go to ",p:11,x:1107,y:1399,w:114,h:21},
{t:"www.macul.org.",p:11,x:1121,y:1422,w:96,h:21},
{t:"12 ",p:12,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:12,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"COVER STOR Y",p:12,x:28,y:22,w:149,h:35},
{t:"podcasts, wikis and blogs.",p:12,x:186,y:1057,w:196,h:21},
{t:"“A lot of teachers are concerned ",p:12,x:195,y:1082,w:248,h:21},
{t:"they have to know everything about ",p:12,x:186,y:1107,w:270,h:21},
{t:"technology before they use it,” Reed ",p:12,x:186,y:1132,w:278,h:21},
{t:"said. “...It’s OK to know you’re learn-",p:12,x:186,y:1157,w:274,h:21},
{t:"ing with the students. It creates a col-",p:12,x:186,y:1182,w:282,h:21},
{t:"laborative environment.”",p:12,x:186,y:1207,w:184,h:21},
{t:"Mary Saffron, a high school business ",p:12,x:195,y:1232,w:282,h:21},
{t:"and English teacher in Fraser, said ",p:12,x:186,y:1257,w:264,h:21},
{t:"students process information differ-",p:12,x:186,y:1282,w:266,h:21},
{t:"ently than they once did. Her students ",p:12,x:186,y:1307,w:292,h:21},
{t:"are active on social networking sites ",p:12,x:186,y:1332,w:274,h:21},
{t:"such as MySpace and they fnd and ",p:12,x:186,y:1357,w:275,h:21},
{t:"listen to music online, in addition to ",p:12,x:186,y:1382,w:272,h:21},
{t:"other online profciencies. But, they ",p:12,x:186,y:1407,w:272,h:21},
{t:"don’t always understand how to use ",p:12,x:186,y:1432,w:274,h:21},
{t:"the Internet for learning or how to ",p:12,x:186,y:1457,w:256,h:21},
{t:"successfully research information.",p:12,x:186,y:1482,w:256,h:21},
{t:"That’s where good teaching enters ",p:12,x:195,y:1507,w:262,h:21},
{t:"the picture, Saffron said. And, that’s ",p:12,x:186,y:1532,w:275,h:21},
{t:"where it can get diffcult.",p:12,x:483,y:1057,w:185,h:21},
{t:"Often, teachers lack quality profes-",p:12,x:493,y:1082,w:262,h:21},
{t:"sional development to learn how to ",p:12,x:483,y:1107,w:266,h:21},
{t:"teach students proper online research ",p:12,x:483,y:1132,w:290,h:21},
{t:"methods. Lack of equipment and ",p:12,x:483,y:1157,w:254,h:21},
{t:"Internet access and insuffcient tech ",p:12,x:483,y:1182,w:278,h:21},
{t:"support can also prevent teachers ",p:12,x:483,y:1207,w:260,h:21},
{t:"from using technology.",p:12,x:483,y:1232,w:169,h:21},
{t:"“You’re asking teachers to change ",p:12,x:493,y:1257,w:261,h:21},
{t:"the way they teach and that’s a peda-",p:12,x:483,y:1282,w:281,h:21},
{t:"gogical evolvement,” said Saffron, ",p:12,x:483,y:1307,w:259,h:21},
{t:"who has served as a technology ",p:12,x:483,y:1332,w:243,h:21},
{t:"coach to her colleagues in addition to ",p:12,x:483,y:1357,w:286,h:21},
{t:"teaching graduate courses at Wayne ",p:12,x:483,y:1382,w:277,h:21},
{t:"State University.",p:12,x:483,y:1407,w:120,h:21},
{t:"“For many teachers, there’ s too ",p:12,x:493,y:1432,w:253,h:21},
{t:"much,” Saffron said. “It’ s com-",p:12,x:483,y:1457,w:245,h:21},
{t:"ing too fast. They don’t have time",p:12,x:483,y:1482,w:257,h:21},
{t:"to learn and feel comfortable with",p:12,x:483,y:1507,w:259,h:21},
{t:"what they have before the next thing",p:12,x:483,y:1532,w:281,h:21},
{t:"comes along.",p:12,x:781,y:1057,w:103,h:21},
{t:"“Obviously, you can’t be up to ",p:12,x:791,y:1082,w:236,h:21},
{t:"speed on everything. It’ s the world in ",p:12,x:781,y:1107,w:290,h:21},
{t:"which our students are living. W",p:12,x:781,y:1132,w:243,h:21},
{t:"e’re ",p:12,x:1030,y:1132,w:33,h:21},
{t:"training these kids for jobs that",p:12,x:781,y:1157,w:234,h:21},
{t:"don’t exist today. Teachers need to... ",p:12,x:781,y:1182,w:288,h:21},
{t:"understand and be familiar with the",p:12,x:781,y:1207,w:271,h:21},
{t:"bigger picture.”",p:12,x:781,y:1232,w:118,h:21},
{t:"WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN",p:12,x:781,y:1271,w:280,h:35},
{t:"Teaching how technology works can ",p:12,x:791,y:1307,w:275,h:21},
{t:"engage students in a way that read-",p:12,x:781,y:1332,w:268,h:21},
{t:"ing or lecturing may not, said Mark ",p:12,x:781,y:1357,w:267,h:21},
{t:"Davids, a physics teacher at Grosse ",p:12,x:781,y:1382,w:272,h:21},
{t:"Pointe South High School.",p:12,x:781,y:1407,w:196,h:21},
{t:"Davids created a three-week pro-",p:12,x:791,y:1432,w:249,h:21},
{t:"gram to teach the physics of cell ",p:12,x:781,y:1457,w:248,h:21},
{t:"phones and wireless communications. ",p:12,x:781,y:1482,w:292,h:21},
{t:"It’s a popular unit, even though it ",p:12,x:781,y:1507,w:252,h:21},
{t:"teaches old physics principles.",p:12,x:781,y:1532,w:230,h:21},
{t:"Teacher Mark Davids says that modern ",p:12,x:335,y:231,w:254,h:22},
{t:"technology—like cellular telephones—",p:12,x:335,y:254,w:259,h:22},
{t:"can help interest students in old physics ",p:12,x:335,y:276,w:265,h:22},
{t:"principles.",p:12,x:335,y:299,w:68,h:22},
{t:"COUR",p:12,x:1069,y:998,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTOS",p:12,x:1069,y:969,w:0,h:13},
{t:"On the Web",p:12,x:37,y:1279,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Read about ",p:12,x:37,y:1307,w:75,h:21},
{t:"the Michigan ",p:12,x:37,y:1329,w:85,h:21},
{t:"Association for ",p:12,x:37,y:1352,w:95,h:21},
{t:"Computer Users in ",p:12,x:37,y:1374,w:118,h:21},
{t:"Learning (MACUL) ",p:12,x:37,y:1397,w:115,h:21},
{t:"at www.mea.org.",p:12,x:37,y:1419,w:102,h:21},
{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:"“Most physics teachers will teach",p:13,x:195,y:232,w:258,h:21},
{t:"physics that’s 400 years old,” ",p:13,x:186,y:257,w:238,h:21},
{t:"Davids said. “Like Newton’ s law. It’s ",p:13,x:186,y:282,w:288,h:21},
{t:"old stuff.”",p:13,x:186,y:307,w:75,h:21},
{t:"What’s old is new again when you ",p:13,x:195,y:332,w:257,h:21},
{t:"use cellular technology to teach ",p:13,x:186,y:357,w:242,h:21},
{t:"about sound and vibration, Davids ",p:13,x:186,y:382,w:262,h:21},
{t:"said. Students learn how a cell phone ",p:13,x:186,y:407,w:287,h:21},
{t:"changes a user’s voice from a sound ",p:13,x:186,y:432,w:279,h:21},
{t:"wave into a coded radio signal and ",p:13,x:186,y:457,w:265,h:21},
{t:"then back into a sound wave, prac-",p:13,x:186,y:482,w:265,h:21},
{t:"ticing with cell phones and walkie-",p:13,x:186,y:507,w:258,h:21},
{t:"talkies.",p:13,x:186,y:532,w:52,h:21},
{t:"Matt McGuire, also at South High ",p:13,x:195,y:557,w:255,h:21},
{t:"in Grosse Pointe, teaches a robot-",p:13,x:186,y:582,w:254,h:21},
{t:"ics class, where students build and ",p:13,x:186,y:607,w:269,h:21},
{t:"program small robots to perform ",p:13,x:186,y:632,w:247,h:21},
{t:"simple tasks. This is the frst year for ",p:13,x:483,y:232,w:279,h:21},
{t:"the course and McGuire hopes his ",p:13,x:483,y:257,w:264,h:21},
{t:"students learn helpful skills.",p:13,x:483,y:282,w:209,h:21},
{t:"“These students, in their lifetime, are ",p:13,x:493,y:307,w:283,h:21},
{t:"going to see society catch up with sci-",p:13,x:483,y:332,w:285,h:21},
{t:"ence fction,” McGuire said. “They’re ",p:13,x:483,y:357,w:283,h:21},
{t:"going to have robots in their everyday ",p:13,x:483,y:382,w:285,h:21},
{t:"lives. I would like to think this class is ",p:13,x:483,y:407,w:285,h:21},
{t:"preparing them to be on the control-",p:13,x:483,y:432,w:273,h:21},
{t:"ling side of robotics.”",p:13,x:483,y:457,w:158,h:21},
{t:"Technology changes rapidly—and ",p:13,x:493,y:482,w:259,h:21},
{t:"so, too, must school employees.",p:13,x:483,y:507,w:240,h:21},
{t:"Ongoing professional development to ",p:13,x:493,y:532,w:283,h:21},
{t:"keep up with changing technology is ",p:13,x:483,y:557,w:279,h:21},
{t:"key—and not just for teachers.",p:13,x:483,y:582,w:231,h:21},
{t:"Many educational support profes-",p:13,x:493,y:607,w:253,h:21},
{t:"sionals use technology on a daily ",p:13,x:483,y:632,w:251,h:21},
{t:"basis, too.",p:13,x:781,y:232,w:76,h:21},
{t:"Online attendance programs are ",p:13,x:791,y:257,w:247,h:21},
{t:"widely used by support personnel. ",p:13,x:781,y:282,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Electronic databases are utilized ",p:13,x:781,y:307,w:247,h:21},
{t:"in school libraries and cafeterias. ",p:13,x:781,y:332,w:252,h:21},
{t:"Classroom paraprofessionals need ",p:13,x:781,y:357,w:262,h:21},
{t:"to use computers and, sometimes, ",p:13,x:781,y:382,w:265,h:21},
{t:"augmentative communication devices ",p:13,x:781,y:407,w:288,h:21},
{t:"for students whose verbal communi-",p:13,x:781,y:432,w:274,h:21},
{t:"cation is limited.",p:13,x:781,y:457,w:122,h:21},
{t:"TECHNOLOGY ISN’T PERFECT",p:13,x:781,y:496,w:286,h:35},
{t:"McGuire, the robotics instructor in ",p:13,x:791,y:532,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Grosse Pointe, said he uses a lot of ",p:13,x:781,y:557,w:268,h:21},
{t:"technology over the course of a day. ",p:13,x:781,y:582,w:274,h:21},
{t:"And, it isn’t always perfect.",p:13,x:781,y:607,w:201,h:21},
{t:"A few weeks ago, McGuire’s physics ",p:13,x:791,y:632,w:276,h:21},
{t:"students performed an experiment to ",p:13,x:781,y:657,w:284,h:21},
{t:"learn about Newton’s second law of ",p:13,x:781,y:682,w:271,h:21},
{t:"motion—F=ma, or the net force on ",p:13,x:781,y:707,w:267,h:21},
{t:"an object is equal to the mass of the ",p:13,x:781,y:732,w:277,h:21},
{t:"object multiplied by its acceleration.",p:13,x:781,y:757,w:270,h:21},
{t:"The electronic sensors used in ",p:13,x:791,y:782,w:234,h:21},
{t:"the experiment were faulty, produc-",p:13,x:781,y:807,w:266,h:21},
{t:"ing inaccurate results that led some ",p:13,x:781,y:832,w:273,h:21},
{t:"students to determine that F=2ma, a ",p:13,x:781,y:857,w:280,h:21},
{t:"major error.",p:13,x:781,y:882,w:86,h:21},
{t:"“I’d come to the same conclusion",p:13,x:791,y:907,w:255,h:21},
{t:"with the same information,” McGuire",p:13,x:781,y:932,w:280,h:21},
{t:"said.",p:13,x:781,y:957,w:36,h:21},
{t:"And that’s why a teacher is impor-",p:13,x:791,y:982,w:255,h:21},
{t:"tant—to guide students to learn ac-",p:13,x:781,y:1007,w:266,h:21},
{t:"curate information, he said. McGuire ",p:13,x:781,y:1032,w:281,h:21},
{t:"determined the problem was with the ",p:13,x:781,y:1057,w:285,h:21},
{t:"sensors—and not student error.",p:13,x:781,y:1082,w:238,h:21},
{t:"“Don’t put all your faith in technol-",p:13,x:791,y:1107,w:259,h:21},
{t:"ogy,” McGuire warns. “There’s a lot to ",p:13,x:781,y:1132,w:288,h:21},
{t:"be said about the human brain... It’s ",p:13,x:781,y:1157,w:278,h:21},
{t:"nice to have all this technology, but ",p:13,x:781,y:1182,w:268,h:21},
{t:"there are some times when I just go ",p:13,x:781,y:1207,w:273,h:21},
{t:"back to old-school pencil and paper.",p:13,x:781,y:1232,w:273,h:21},
{t:"“Technology is not the be all and ",p:13,x:791,y:1257,w:250,h:21},
{t:"end all. It’s just another tool.” ",p:13,x:781,y:1282,w:225,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:13,x:1118,y:1154,w:100,h:25},
{t:"Can technology ",p:13,x:1123,y:1182,w:98,h:21},
{t:"substitute for ",p:13,x:1134,y:1204,w:88,h:21},
{t:"one-on-one ",p:13,x:1148,y:1227,w:74,h:21},
{t:"contact with ",p:13,x:1141,y:1249,w:81,h:21},
{t:"parents?",p:13,x:1164,y:1272,w:54,h:21},
{t:"Share your ",p:13,x:1153,y:1307,w:69,h:21},
{t:"thoughts at ",p:13,x:1146,y:1329,w:76,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org—",p:13,x:1119,y:1352,w:99,h:21},
{t:"and get tips for ",p:13,x:1122,y:1374,w:99,h:21},
{t:"connecting with ",p:13,x:1119,y:1397,w:102,h:21},
{t:"parents.",p:13,x:1167,y:1419,w:51,h:21},
{t:"Matt McGuire’s ",p:13,x:781,y:1407,w:100,h:22},
{t:"students take robots ",p:13,x:781,y:1429,w:137,h:22},
{t:"they made for a test ",p:13,x:781,y:1452,w:134,h:22},
{t:"drive during class.",p:13,x:781,y:1474,w:119,h:22},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:13,x:771,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:"14 ",p:14,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:14,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"job training",p:14,x:28,y:22,w:121,h:35},
{t:"The power of possibility »",p:14,x:186,y:69,w:800,h:99},
{t:"ALPENA—Roy Smith’s students have ",p:14,x:781,y:307,w:276,h:21},
{t:"an impressive record when it comes",p:14,x:781,y:332,w:268,h:21},
{t:"to getting a job after graduation from",p:14,x:781,y:357,w:271,h:21},
{t:"Alpena Community College.",p:14,x:781,y:382,w:205,h:21},
{t:"They all get hired—with salaries start",p:14,x:791,y:407,w:274,h:21},
{t:"-",p:14,x:1058,y:407,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ing around $40,000. Some earn as",p:14,x:781,y:432,w:260,h:21},
{t:"much as $100,000 after completing",p:14,x:781,y:457,w:268,h:21},
{t:"their apprenticeship.",p:14,x:781,y:482,w:153,h:21},
{t:"“Better than a teacher ,” says Smith, ",p:14,x:791,y:507,w:265,h:21},
{t:"noting the irony .",p:14,x:781,y:532,w:116,h:21},
{t:"Smith trains the next generation of",p:14,x:791,y:557,w:255,h:21},
{t:"utility technicians, linemen who build",p:14,x:781,y:582,w:276,h:21},
{t:"overhead and underground utility",p:14,x:781,y:607,w:247,h:21},
{t:"structures. Students spend about 15",p:14,x:781,y:632,w:272,h:21},
{t:"hours a week in a classroom, learn",p:14,x:781,y:657,w:258,h:21},
{t:"-",p:14,x:1034,y:657,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ing about electrical theory , safety and ",p:14,x:781,y:682,w:275,h:21},
{t:"transmission and distribution systems",p:14,x:781,y:707,w:280,h:21},
{t:"and more. Then, they apply what",p:14,x:781,y:732,w:245,h:21},
{t:"they’ve learned in an outdoor laboratory",p:14,x:781,y:757,w:294,h:21},
{t:"on the college campus, a feld where",p:14,x:781,y:782,w:273,h:21},
{t:"they practice planting, climbing and",p:14,x:781,y:807,w:267,h:21},
{t:"removing 40-foot utility polls. Students",p:14,x:781,y:832,w:284,h:21},
{t:"learn to drive and operate utility trucks",p:14,x:781,y:857,w:285,h:21},
{t:"and other heavy equipment. The hours",p:14,x:781,y:882,w:289,h:21},
{t:"they log in the course count toward",p:14,x:781,y:907,w:261,h:21},
{t:"part of their trade apprenticeship.",p:14,x:781,y:932,w:249,h:21},
{t:"“This is the perfect job for people who",p:14,x:791,y:957,w:283,h:21},
{t:"don’t want to grow up,” Smith said.",p:14,x:781,y:982,w:261,h:21},
{t:"Students need to be in good physi -",p:14,x:791,y:1007,w:253,h:21},
{t:"cal condition, able to work in elevated",p:14,x:781,y:1032,w:280,h:21},
{t:"sites, and have good color vision to",p:14,x:781,y:1057,w:259,h:21},
{t:"succeed. Students also need a good",p:14,x:781,y:1082,w:269,h:21},
{t:"driving record to qualify for their com",p:14,x:781,y:1107,w:275,h:21},
{t:"-",p:14,x:1049,y:1107,w:5,h:21},
{t:"mercial driver",p:14,x:781,y:1132,w:101,h:21},
{t:"’ s license, a requirement ",p:14,x:881,y:1132,w:183,h:21},
{t:"before operating utility vehicles.",p:14,x:781,y:1157,w:235,h:21},
{t:"The two-semester program was ",p:14,x:791,y:1182,w:233,h:21},
{t:"developed about 18 years ago to meet",p:14,x:781,y:1207,w:284,h:21},
{t:"the utility industry’ s need for trained ",p:14,x:781,y:1232,w:264,h:21},
{t:"entry-level employees. It was the frst",p:14,x:781,y:1257,w:274,h:21},
{t:"college certifcate program offered",p:14,x:781,y:1282,w:253,h:21},
{t:"in Michigan designed specifcally to",p:14,x:781,y:1307,w:264,h:21},
{t:"prepare men and women to install and",p:14,x:781,y:1332,w:287,h:21},
{t:"repair business and residential electri",p:14,x:781,y:1357,w:278,h:21},
{t:"-",p:14,x:1052,y:1357,w:5,h:21},
{t:"cal, telephone and telegraph transmis",p:14,x:781,y:1382,w:281,h:21},
{t:"-",p:14,x:1056,y:1382,w:5,h:21},
{t:"sion systems.",p:14,x:781,y:1407,w:99,h:21},
{t:"The program attracts mostly men,",p:14,x:791,y:1432,w:251,h:21},
{t:"though Smith said there are many op",p:14,x:781,y:1457,w:276,h:21},
{t:"-",p:14,x:1051,y:1457,w:5,h:21},
{t:"portunities for women in the industry",p:14,x:781,y:1482,w:273,h:21},
{t:". ",p:14,x:1047,y:1482,w:9,h:21},
{t:"Fresh high school graduates work",p:14,x:781,y:1507,w:250,h:21},
{t:"alongside students pursuing second",p:14,x:781,y:1532,w:268,h:21},
{t:"Program trains next generation of utility workers",p:14,x:186,y:179,w:861,h:55},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:14,x:771,y:1142,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Todd Artley (left) ",p:14,x:37,y:1257,w:111,h:22},
{t:"and Roy Smith ",p:14,x:37,y:1279,w:95,h:22},
{t:"teach future utility ",p:14,x:37,y:1302,w:124,h:22},
{t:"technicians at ",p:14,x:37,y:1324,w:95,h:22},
{t:"Alpena Community ",p:14,x:37,y:1347,w:123,h:22},
{t:"College.",p:14,x:37,y:1369,w:52,h:22},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:15,x:1103,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"15",p:15,x:1216,y:1594,w:20,h:21},
{t:"careers. Students must invest about",p:15,x:186,y:207,w:267,h:21},
{t:"$1,000 to purchase their own safety",p:15,x:186,y:232,w:268,h:21},
{t:"hat, harness, boots, gloves and glasses.",p:15,x:186,y:257,w:294,h:21},
{t:"Demand is high—about 120 individu -",p:15,x:195,y:282,w:275,h:21},
{t:"als apply each year for 44 spots—partly",p:15,x:186,y:307,w:294,h:21},
{t:"due to the good wages and job outlook",p:15,x:186,y:332,w:286,h:21},
{t:"in the industry . Powerline mechanic ",p:15,x:186,y:357,w:264,h:21},
{t:"ranks among the top-paying blue collar",p:15,x:186,y:382,w:290,h:21},
{t:"jobs in the United States.",p:15,x:186,y:407,w:187,h:21},
{t:"Smith is one of three instructors for",p:15,x:195,y:432,w:261,h:21},
{t:"the course; Rick Arbic and T odd Artley ",p:15,x:186,y:457,w:285,h:21},
{t:"also teach in the program. In addition",p:15,x:186,y:482,w:279,h:21},
{t:"to the two-semester certifcate program, ",p:15,x:186,y:507,w:293,h:21},
{t:"the college offers a certifcate program",p:15,x:186,y:532,w:284,h:21},
{t:"for electrical apprentices and associate",p:15,x:186,y:557,w:289,h:21},
{t:"degrees for future utility workers.",p:15,x:186,y:582,w:243,h:21},
{t:"Artley, a master electrician, said he",p:15,x:195,y:607,w:259,h:21},
{t:"loves passing on his knowledge to his",p:15,x:186,y:632,w:278,h:21},
{t:"students.",p:15,x:186,y:657,w:68,h:21},
{t:"“I really do enjoy the teaching,” Artley",p:15,x:195,y:682,w:281,h:21},
{t:"said. “I was lucky to get into this trade",p:15,x:186,y:707,w:283,h:21},
{t:"and I want to teach others.”",p:15,x:186,y:732,w:206,h:21},
{t:"Student Jeff Purol worked in a prison",p:15,x:195,y:757,w:275,h:21},
{t:"for seven years before entering the util",p:15,x:186,y:782,w:284,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:464,y:782,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ity technician program. He grew up in",p:15,x:186,y:807,w:281,h:21},
{t:"a rural northern Michigan community",p:15,x:186,y:832,w:278,h:21},
{t:", ",p:15,x:456,y:832,w:9,h:21},
{t:"loving time spent outdoors. His career",p:15,x:186,y:857,w:282,h:21},
{t:"switch was fueled by growth in the util",p:15,x:186,y:882,w:283,h:21},
{t:"-",p:15,x:462,y:882,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ity industry .",p:15,x:186,y:907,w:82,h:21},
{t:"“There’s a future in it,” Purol said.",p:15,x:195,y:932,w:252,h:21},
{t:"“It’ s very challenging.”",p:15,x:186,y:957,w:166,h:21},
{t:"Students start climbing poles on the",p:15,x:195,y:982,w:267,h:21},
{t:"third day of class and continue through",p:15,x:186,y:1007,w:291,h:21},
{t:"the program, regardless of weather",p:15,x:186,y:1032,w:259,h:21},
{t:". ",p:15,x:438,y:1032,w:9,h:21},
{t:"Icy conditions are the worst, making",p:15,x:186,y:1057,w:268,h:21},
{t:"climbing and maneuvering electrical",p:15,x:186,y:1082,w:270,h:21},
{t:"lines diffcult, but students must learn",p:15,x:186,y:1107,w:281,h:21},
{t:"to do it.",p:15,x:186,y:1132,w:55,h:21},
{t:"“There is zero room for mistakes,”",p:15,x:195,y:1157,w:254,h:21},
{t:"Smith said. “If you make a mistake,",p:15,x:186,y:1182,w:264,h:21},
{t:"you could kill a co-worker",p:15,x:186,y:1207,w:189,h:21},
{t:".”",p:15,x:370,y:1207,w:12,h:21},
{t:"Students practice rescuing injured co-",p:15,x:195,y:1232,w:284,h:21},
{t:"workers from the tops of utility poles,",p:15,x:186,y:1257,w:273,h:21},
{t:"using heavy mannequins that they",p:15,x:186,y:1282,w:255,h:21},
{t:"secure with a harness and lower to the",p:15,x:186,y:1307,w:286,h:21},
{t:"ground.",p:15,x:186,y:1332,w:57,h:21},
{t:"In a struggling economy , students ",p:15,x:195,y:1357,w:249,h:21},
{t:"beneft from consumers’ continuing",p:15,x:186,y:1382,w:264,h:21},
{t:"demand for cellular telephones, cable",p:15,x:186,y:1407,w:281,h:21},
{t:"television and other technology reliant",p:15,x:186,y:1432,w:281,h:21},
{t:"on utility infrastructure.",p:15,x:186,y:1457,w:172,h:21},
{t:"“Our graduates are in high demand",p:15,x:195,y:1482,w:264,h:21},
{t:"and they’ll have opportunities to get a",p:15,x:186,y:1507,w:278,h:21},
{t:"job,” Smith said, proudly",p:15,x:186,y:1532,w:184,h:21},
{t:". ",p:15,x:364,y:1532,w:9,h:21},
{t:"Utility tech students ",p:15,x:930,y:1107,w:133,h:22},
{t:"at Alpena Community ",p:15,x:930,y:1129,w:140,h:22},
{t:"College spend part ",p:15,x:930,y:1152,w:125,h:22},
{t:"of their time in an ",p:15,x:930,y:1174,w:119,h:22},
{t:"outdoor lab on the ",p:15,x:930,y:1197,w:122,h:22},
{t:"college campus.",p:15,x:930,y:1219,w:105,h:22},
{t:"16 ",p:16,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:16,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"retiree spotlight",p:16,x:28,y:22,w:171,h:35},
{t:"This is retirement? »",p:16,x:186,y:69,w:637,h:99},
{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:"DAVISON—Jackie Reinertson rede-",p:16,x:781,y:907,w:266,h:21},
{t:"fnes what it means to retire.",p:16,x:781,y:932,w:212,h:21},
{t:"The retired teacher jokingly describes ",p:16,x:791,y:957,w:283,h:21},
{t:"herself as “a little ADHD” because ",p:16,x:781,y:982,w:260,h:21},
{t:"she’s constantly on the go. Whether on ",p:16,x:781,y:1007,w:292,h:21},
{t:"a vacation to the Middle East, starting ",p:16,x:781,y:1032,w:283,h:21},
{t:"an after-school reading program for ",p:16,x:781,y:1057,w:267,h:21},
{t:"poor children or working out on her ",p:16,x:781,y:1082,w:267,h:21},
{t:"exercise bike, Reinertson doesn’t see ",p:16,x:781,y:1107,w:280,h:21},
{t:"an end to her busy lifestyle. At 78, and ",p:16,x:781,y:1132,w:292,h:21},
{t:"in excellent health, she doesn’t really ",p:16,x:781,y:1157,w:278,h:21},
{t:"see a need to slow down.",p:16,x:781,y:1182,w:189,h:21},
{t:"“I need to be doing something,” she ",p:16,x:791,y:1207,w:277,h:21},
{t:"says.",p:16,x:781,y:1232,w:37,h:21},
{t:"On a snowy morning a few weeks ",p:16,x:791,y:1257,w:255,h:21},
{t:"ago, Reinertson greeted a visitor at ",p:16,x:781,y:1282,w:265,h:21},
{t:"her front door. Her ranch-style house, ",p:16,x:781,y:1307,w:287,h:21},
{t:"festooned with a wreath of pink feath-",p:16,x:781,y:1332,w:283,h:21},
{t:"ers, was the meeting place to talk ",p:16,x:781,y:1357,w:256,h:21},
{t:"about retirement.",p:16,x:781,y:1382,w:129,h:21},
{t:"But, frst, some green tea and a tour ",p:16,x:791,y:1407,w:277,h:21},
{t:"of her inviting home, flled with an ",p:16,x:781,y:1432,w:259,h:21},
{t:"eclectic mix of furnishings, baubles ",p:16,x:781,y:1457,w:270,h:21},
{t:"and works of art—many collected ",p:16,x:781,y:1482,w:257,h:21},
{t:"during trips to far-fung places in Asia ",p:16,x:781,y:1507,w:286,h:21},
{t:"and Africa.",p:16,x:781,y:1532,w:82,h:21},
{t:"Long to-do list keeps educator busy",p:16,x:186,y:179,w:638,h:55},
{t:"Mother .",p:16,x:866,y:290,w:118,h:60},
{t:"Grandmother .",p:16,x:817,y:365,w:216,h:60},
{t:"Educator .",p:16,x:850,y:440,w:150,h:60},
{t:"Student.",p:16,x:859,y:515,w:134,h:60},
{t:"World traveler .",p:16,x:808,y:590,w:235,h:60},
{t:"Curious observer",p:16,x:786,y:665,w:279,h:60},
{t:".",p:16,x:1055,y:665,w:9,h:60},
{t:"Collector .",p:16,x:849,y:740,w:152,h:60},
{t:"Reader .",p:16,x:865,y:815,w:121,h:60},
{t:"COUR",p:16,x:771,y:701,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTOS",p:16,x:771,y:672,w:0,h:13},
{t:"What is ",p:16,x:37,y:596,w:51,h:21},
{t:"MEA-Retired?",p:16,x:37,y:619,w:86,h:21},
{t:"MEA-Retired is ",p:16,x:37,y:650,w:92,h:21},
{t:"an affliate of ",p:16,x:37,y:672,w:83,h:21},
{t:"the MEA and ",p:16,x:37,y:693,w:77,h:21},
{t:"the National ",p:16,x:37,y:714,w:76,h:21},
{t:"Education ",p:16,x:37,y:735,w:63,h:21},
{t:"Association. The ",p:16,x:37,y:757,w:101,h:21},
{t:"group lobbies ",p:16,x:37,y:778,w:85,h:21},
{t:"to maintain ",p:16,x:37,y:799,w:72,h:21},
{t:"and improve ",p:16,x:37,y:820,w:78,h:21},
{t:"retirement and ",p:16,x:37,y:842,w:94,h:21},
{t:"health benefts ",p:16,x:37,y:863,w:93,h:21},
{t:"for school ",p:16,x:37,y:884,w:64,h:21},
{t:"employees, ",p:16,x:37,y:905,w:72,h:21},
{t:"mentors ",p:16,x:37,y:927,w:53,h:21},
{t:"students ",p:16,x:37,y:948,w:55,h:21},
{t:"and school ",p:16,x:37,y:969,w:69,h:21},
{t:"personnel, runs ",p:16,x:37,y:990,w:97,h:21},
{t:"preretirement ",p:16,x:37,y:1012,w:88,h:21},
{t:"seminars, and ",p:16,x:37,y:1033,w:88,h:21},
{t:"provides many ",p:16,x:37,y:1054,w:91,h:21},
{t:"networking ",p:16,x:37,y:1075,w:71,h:21},
{t:"opportunities.",p:16,x:37,y:1097,w:84,h:21},
{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:"There’s a living room that’s been ",p:17,x:195,y:607,w:248,h:21},
{t:"transformed into an English study. ",p:17,x:186,y:632,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Bookshelves fll most of one wall, ",p:17,x:186,y:657,w:252,h:21},
{t:"though she explains there are books ",p:17,x:186,y:682,w:277,h:21},
{t:"in every room in the house. An avid ",p:17,x:186,y:707,w:271,h:21},
{t:"reader (preferably nonfction because ",p:17,x:186,y:732,w:287,h:21},
{t:"“I want to learn something,” she ",p:17,x:186,y:757,w:247,h:21},
{t:"explains), Reinertson taught reading ",p:17,x:186,y:782,w:277,h:21},
{t:"for many years in the Grand Blanc ",p:17,x:186,y:807,w:263,h:21},
{t:"school district and at Mott Community ",p:17,x:186,y:832,w:290,h:21},
{t:"College.",p:17,x:186,y:857,w:59,h:21},
{t:"A sunroom is decorated with south-",p:17,x:195,y:882,w:267,h:21},
{t:"west furnishings. A bedroom-turned-",p:17,x:186,y:907,w:276,h:21},
{t:"offce features decorative masks from ",p:17,x:186,y:932,w:285,h:21},
{t:"many countries.",p:17,x:186,y:957,w:120,h:21},
{t:"And in her bedroom, the ceiling ",p:17,x:195,y:982,w:243,h:21},
{t:"is covered with wallpaper of green ",p:17,x:186,y:1007,w:260,h:21},
{t:"leaves.",p:17,x:186,y:1032,w:51,h:21},
{t:"“I always wanted to sleep under a ",p:17,x:195,y:1057,w:258,h:21},
{t:"tree,” Reinertson explains.",p:17,x:186,y:1082,w:198,h:21},
{t:"Reinertson’s life so far has been col-",p:17,x:195,y:1107,w:272,h:21},
{t:"orful, to say the least.",p:17,x:186,y:1132,w:160,h:21},
{t:"She earned several academic de-",p:17,x:195,y:1157,w:251,h:21},
{t:"grees, including a doctorate when ",p:17,x:186,y:1182,w:259,h:21},
{t:"she was 50 from the University of ",p:17,x:186,y:1207,w:256,h:21},
{t:"Michigan, where she attended classes ",p:17,x:186,y:1232,w:291,h:21},
{t:"at the same time as one of her four ",p:17,x:186,y:1257,w:268,h:21},
{t:"children.",p:17,x:186,y:1282,w:66,h:21},
{t:"“I’ve been going to school forever",p:17,x:195,y:1307,w:250,h:21},
{t:",” ",p:17,x:441,y:1307,w:17,h:21},
{t:"Reinertson says. “I like going to ",p:17,x:186,y:1332,w:238,h:21},
{t:"school. It’s a habit. It’s a real blessing.”",p:17,x:186,y:1357,w:289,h:21},
{t:"In the 1960s, she worked as an ele-",p:17,x:493,y:607,w:270,h:21},
{t:"mentary and junior high school teach-",p:17,x:483,y:632,w:286,h:21},
{t:"er. From 1968 to 1994, she was a ",p:17,x:483,y:657,w:260,h:21},
{t:"professor at Mott Community College. ",p:17,x:483,y:682,w:286,h:21},
{t:"She’s taught as an adjunct professor ",p:17,x:483,y:707,w:278,h:21},
{t:"or lecturer at Oakland University and ",p:17,x:483,y:732,w:281,h:21},
{t:"the University of Michigan-Flint. Most ",p:17,x:483,y:757,w:285,h:21},
{t:"recently, she performed educational ",p:17,x:483,y:782,w:274,h:21},
{t:"testing of children serviced by the ",p:17,x:483,y:807,w:258,h:21},
{t:"Mott Children’s Health Center. This ",p:17,x:483,y:832,w:267,h:21},
{t:"year, she’s on to a new job at an after-",p:17,x:483,y:857,w:284,h:21},
{t:"school program.",p:17,x:483,y:882,w:121,h:21},
{t:"For decades, she’s worked multiple ",p:17,x:493,y:907,w:270,h:21},
{t:"jobs. She loves what she does. Plus, ",p:17,x:483,y:932,w:277,h:21},
{t:"she needed to support her family and ",p:17,x:483,y:957,w:287,h:21},
{t:"help her children get through college. ",p:17,x:483,y:982,w:287,h:21},
{t:"She retired from Mott Community ",p:17,x:483,y:1007,w:256,h:21},
{t:"College, but she’s worked part-",p:17,x:483,y:1032,w:231,h:21},
{t:"time for years to support another ",p:17,x:483,y:1057,w:250,h:21},
{t:"passion—travel.",p:17,x:483,y:1082,w:120,h:21},
{t:"“I just love it!” Reinertson said, who’s ",p:17,x:493,y:1107,w:283,h:21},
{t:"active in MEA-Retired, an affliate of ",p:17,x:483,y:1132,w:274,h:21},
{t:"the MEA.",p:17,x:483,y:1157,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Reinertson travels with friends (fellow ",p:17,x:493,y:1182,w:281,h:21},
{t:"retiree Doris Cook is a frequent com -",p:17,x:483,y:1207,w:272,h:21},
{t:"panion) and with family. She has eight ",p:17,x:483,y:1232,w:288,h:21},
{t:"grandchildren—including three pair of ",p:17,x:483,y:1257,w:289,h:21},
{t:"twins—and each received a trip with ",p:17,x:483,y:1282,w:276,h:21},
{t:"grandma when they turned 12.",p:17,x:483,y:1307,w:233,h:21},
{t:"“It’ s my bid for world peace,” ",p:17,x:493,y:1332,w:216,h:21},
{t:"Reinertson explains, “so my ",p:17,x:483,y:1357,w:207,h:21},
{t:"grandchildren know that people are the",p:17,x:781,y:607,w:292,h:21},
{t:"same all over—we all just talk funny",p:17,x:781,y:632,w:267,h:21},
{t:".”",p:17,x:1041,y:632,w:12,h:21},
{t:"With her grandchildren, Reinertson ",p:17,x:791,y:657,w:269,h:21},
{t:"traveled to the Netherlands to see the ",p:17,x:781,y:682,w:287,h:21},
{t:"house where Anne Frank lived. She ",p:17,x:781,y:707,w:272,h:21},
{t:"went whitewater rafting in the Grand ",p:17,x:781,y:732,w:277,h:21},
{t:"Canyon. She climbed the Alps in ",p:17,x:781,y:757,w:250,h:21},
{t:"Austria. And then she did it again in ",p:17,x:781,y:782,w:275,h:21},
{t:"Switzerland. She visited Paris. And, ",p:17,x:781,y:807,w:270,h:21},
{t:"last year, she took her youngest two ",p:17,x:781,y:832,w:271,h:21},
{t:"grandchildren to England on a Harry ",p:17,x:781,y:857,w:279,h:21},
{t:"Potter-themed getaway.",p:17,x:781,y:882,w:175,h:21},
{t:"Reinertson doesn’t have any plans ",p:17,x:791,y:907,w:263,h:21},
{t:"to slow down. As you read this, she’s ",p:17,x:781,y:932,w:280,h:21},
{t:"fresh back from a trip to Egypt, ",p:17,x:781,y:957,w:237,h:21},
{t:"Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel.",p:17,x:781,y:982,w:241,h:21},
{t:"“If I completely retired, I’d be right ",p:17,x:791,y:1007,w:263,h:21},
{t:"here, reading all the time,” Reinertson ",p:17,x:781,y:1032,w:291,h:21},
{t:"said, sitting in the sunroom. Besides, ",p:17,x:781,y:1057,w:283,h:21},
{t:"she jokes, “I’m not dead yet.”",p:17,x:781,y:1082,w:222,h:21},
{t:"After talking about her life for more ",p:17,x:791,y:1107,w:267,h:21},
{t:"than three hours, Reinertson, with a ",p:17,x:781,y:1132,w:275,h:21},
{t:"glint in her eye and slight grin, leans ",p:17,x:781,y:1157,w:277,h:21},
{t:"forward and asks: “So, what would ",p:17,x:781,y:1182,w:265,h:21},
{t:"you put in my obituary?”",p:17,x:781,y:1207,w:183,h:21},
{t:"Mother. Grandmother. Educator. ",p:17,x:791,y:1232,w:246,h:21},
{t:"Student. World traveler. Curious ob-",p:17,x:781,y:1257,w:267,h:21},
{t:"server. Collector of eclectic and found ",p:17,x:781,y:1282,w:287,h:21},
{t:"objects. Reader.",p:17,x:781,y:1307,w:121,h:21},
{t:"But retired? Not really. Just rede-",p:17,x:791,y:1332,w:247,h:21},
{t:"fned. ",p:17,x:781,y:1357,w:47,h:21},
{t:"Who can join ",p:17,x:1138,y:596,w:84,h:21},
{t:"MEA-Retired?",p:17,x:1133,y:619,w:86,h:21},
{t:"All current ",p:17,x:1155,y:650,w:67,h:21},
{t:"and retired ",p:17,x:1151,y:672,w:71,h:21},
{t:"public school ",p:17,x:1138,y:693,w:83,h:21},
{t:"employees are ",p:17,x:1130,y:714,w:92,h:21},
{t:"eligible to join, ",p:17,x:1129,y:735,w:92,h:21},
{t:"including those ",p:17,x:1126,y:757,w:95,h:21},
{t:"who’ve retired ",p:17,x:1132,y:778,w:90,h:21},
{t:"from schools in ",p:17,x:1125,y:799,w:96,h:21},
{t:"other states.",p:17,x:1142,y:820,w:77,h:21},
{t:"What does ",p:17,x:1153,y:901,w:69,h:21},
{t:" it cost?",p:17,x:1168,y:923,w:51,h:21},
{t:"Lifetime ",p:17,x:1169,y:955,w:52,h:21},
{t:"membership ",p:17,x:1143,y:976,w:78,h:21},
{t:"is $400.",p:17,x:1171,y:997,w:47,h:21},
{t:"Where can I ",p:17,x:1145,y:1078,w:77,h:21},
{t:"learn more?",p:17,x:1144,y:1100,w:75,h:21},
{t:"www.mea.org/",p:17,x:1134,y:1132,w:84,h:21},
{t:"MEA-Retired",p:17,x:1144,y:1153,w:75,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:17,x:771,y:570,w:0,h:13},
{t:"18 ",p:18,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:18,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"member wellness",p:18,x:28,y:22,w:184,h:35},
{t:"Taking care of you »",p:18,x:186,y:69,w:633,h:99},
{t:"Medical case management can help with catastrophic",p:18,x:195,y:822,w:543,h:35},
{t:"illness, injury",p:18,x:195,y:857,w:133,h:35},
{t:"Experiencing a catastrophic illness or injury can be a challenging, life-changing ",p:18,x:205,y:907,w:528,h:21},
{t:"event. MESSA offers a special medical case management program tailored to meet ",p:18,x:195,y:932,w:545,h:21},
{t:"the medical needs of members who may need extraordinary care. MCM is designed ",p:18,x:195,y:957,w:543,h:21},
{t:"to help MESSA members navigate through complex medical situations while giving ",p:18,x:195,y:982,w:545,h:21},
{t:"them and their family support from MESSA and direct involvement in the man-",p:18,x:195,y:1007,w:514,h:21},
{t:"agement of their health care. With MESSA ’s MCM program, a medical coordinator ",p:18,x:195,y:1032,w:532,h:21},
{t:"(usually a registered nurse) is assigned to work with the member and the member’s ",p:18,x:195,y:1057,w:550,h:21},
{t:"family, the physician team and the healthcare facility to develop the most appropri-",p:18,x:195,y:1082,w:548,h:21},
{t:"ate course of treatment for the patient’s condition. For more information, call MESSA ",p:18,x:195,y:1107,w:555,h:21},
{t:"Health Care Resources department, 800-441-4626.",p:18,x:195,y:1132,w:331,h:21},
{t:"You’re invited: 24th annual Great Lakes",p:18,x:186,y:196,w:394,h:35},
{t:"Wellness Conference",p:18,x:186,y:231,w:212,h:35},
{t:"The Great Lakes Wellness Conference—June 23-26 at the Crystal ",p:18,x:195,y:282,w:430,h:21},
{t:"Mountain Resort in northern Michigan—is just one way MESSA ",p:18,x:186,y:307,w:416,h:21},
{t:"makes a difference in the lives of our members. Join us to learn ",p:18,x:186,y:332,w:418,h:21},
{t:"how to start or reinvigorate a worksite wellness team, while hav-",p:18,x:186,y:357,w:422,h:21},
{t:"ing some fun, exercising and learning the latest nutrition and ",p:18,x:186,y:382,w:407,h:21},
{t:"ftness trends.",p:18,x:186,y:407,w:93,h:21},
{t:"Start each day with a variety of ftness activities—from the lat-",p:18,x:195,y:432,w:418,h:21},
{t:"est Zumba exercise dance craze to a variety of wellness breakout ",p:18,x:186,y:457,w:428,h:21},
{t:"sessions for the health of your body, mind and spirit.",p:18,x:186,y:482,w:343,h:21},
{t:"Each day is different and all four days offer networking opportu-",p:18,x:195,y:507,w:420,h:21},
{t:"nities, ftness classes, and the opportunity to learn how to start or ",p:18,x:186,y:532,w:435,h:21},
{t:"rejuvenate an existing wellness school program.",p:18,x:186,y:557,w:314,h:21},
{t:"Featured topics include: nutrition, raw foods demonstration, ",p:18,x:195,y:582,w:396,h:21},
{t:"refexology, meditation, spirituality related to health, cancer pre-",p:18,x:186,y:607,w:421,h:21},
{t:"vention, warning signs of substance abuse, care for the caregiver, ",p:18,x:186,y:632,w:436,h:21},
{t:"CPR training, the latest information on cardiovascular disease ",p:18,x:186,y:657,w:413,h:21},
{t:"prevention, Zumba, training for a triathlon, and hints on going ",p:18,x:186,y:682,w:413,h:21},
{t:"green.",p:18,x:186,y:707,w:40,h:21},
{t:"MESSA offers a limited number of scholarships to the conference. ",p:18,x:195,y:732,w:431,h:21},
{t:"Go to www.messa.org for more information. Scholarship applica-",p:18,x:186,y:757,w:420,h:21},
{t:"tions are due April 7.",p:18,x:186,y:782,w:136,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:18,x:37,y:1404,w:100,h:25},
{t:"www.messa.org ",p:18,x:37,y:1432,w:99,h:21},
{t:"Why is MESSA different?",p:18,x:781,y:791,w:241,h:35},
{t:"MESSA ’s comprehensive, quality coverages ",p:18,x:791,y:832,w:282,h:21},
{t:"and tradition of outstanding, personal-",p:18,x:781,y:857,w:256,h:21},
{t:"ized service have protected generations of ",p:18,x:781,y:882,w:279,h:21},
{t:"Michigan school employees.",p:18,x:781,y:907,w:182,h:21},
{t:"As a not-for-proft membership associa-",p:18,x:791,y:932,w:262,h:21},
{t:"tion created by school employees, MESSA ’s ",p:18,x:781,y:957,w:280,h:21},
{t:"focus is on serving members’ unique needs. ",p:18,x:781,y:982,w:291,h:21},
{t:"Comprehensive coverage helps keep mem-",p:18,x:781,y:1007,w:279,h:21},
{t:"bers healthy so they can focus on helping ",p:18,x:781,y:1032,w:274,h:21},
{t:"students achieve. MESSA coverage also ",p:18,x:781,y:1057,w:262,h:21},
{t:"gives members important peace of mind ",p:18,x:781,y:1082,w:268,h:21},
{t:"and fnancial security for their families.",p:18,x:781,y:1107,w:259,h:21},
{t:"MESSA is the #1 health plan for Michigan ",p:18,x:791,y:1132,w:275,h:21},
{t:"education employees for many reasons. ",p:18,x:781,y:1157,w:261,h:21},
{t:"MESSA sets the standard high for quality ",p:18,x:781,y:1182,w:272,h:21},
{t:"and service. MESSA puts members frst. ",p:18,x:781,y:1207,w:264,h:21},
{t:"MESSA is the best value, and puts a strong ",p:18,x:781,y:1232,w:286,h:21},
{t:"focus on member health and promotion.",p:18,x:781,y:1257,w:261,h:21},
{t:"MESSA ’s Member Education Department ",p:18,x:791,y:1282,w:265,h:21},
{t:"serves all MESSA members with a broad ",p:18,x:781,y:1307,w:266,h:21},
{t:"spectrum of health education and support ",p:18,x:781,y:1332,w:280,h:21},
{t:"programs, including:",p:18,x:781,y:1357,w:136,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:18,x:781,y:1382,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Healthy	Expectations,	a	support	program	",p:18,x:800,y:1382,w:270,h:21},
{t:"for expectant mothers",p:18,x:800,y:1407,w:142,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:18,x:781,y:1432,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Asthma	Management",p:18,x:800,y:1432,w:139,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:18,x:781,y:1457,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Diabetes	Management",p:18,x:800,y:1457,w:146,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:18,x:781,y:1482,w:13,h:21},
{t:"Cardiovascular	Health	Management	",p:18,x:800,y:1482,w:239,h:21},
{t:"Program",p:18,x:800,y:1507,w:55,h:21},
{t:"•	",p:18,x:781,y:1532,w:13,h:21},
{t:"KidSource,	a	newsletter	for	parents.",p:18,x:800,y:1532,w:233,h:21},
{t:"Save money on your prescriptions",p:18,x:186,y:1172,w:341,h:35},
{t:"MESSA ’s health care plans include a prescriptions-by-mail delivery pharmacy service ",p:18,x:195,y:1207,w:559,h:21},
{t:"managed by Medco Health.",p:18,x:186,y:1232,w:177,h:21},
{t:"If you take prescription medication on an ongoing basis for a chronic condition, you ",p:18,x:195,y:1257,w:548,h:21},
{t:"can save money on your prescriptions by ordering them from Medco By Mail. Medco By ",p:18,x:186,y:1282,w:565,h:21},
{t:"Mail can fll up to a 90-day supply.",p:18,x:186,y:1307,w:227,h:21},
{t:"Costs vary, but if your health plan has a $5 ",p:18,x:195,y:1332,w:286,h:21},
{t:"generic/$10 brand name co-payment, for example, ",p:18,x:186,y:1357,w:335,h:21},
{t:"your Medco By Mail co-payment is reduced to $2. ",p:18,x:186,y:1382,w:323,h:21},
{t:"If you have the $10 generic/$20 brand name co-",p:18,x:186,y:1407,w:315,h:21},
{t:"payment, your Medco By Mail co-payment will be $20 ",p:18,x:186,y:1432,w:350,h:21},
{t:"generic/$40 brand name for a three-month supply.",p:18,x:186,y:1457,w:331,h:21},
{t:"One you are enrolled, you can refll your prescrip-",p:18,x:195,y:1482,w:318,h:21},
{t:"tions online and receive free standard shipping.",p:18,x:186,y:1507,w:313,h:21},
{t:"For more information, go to www.messa.org.",p:18,x:195,y:1532,w:285,h:21},
{t:"STEVE WOODS/STOCK.XCHNG",p:18,x:1069,y:748,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:"professional development",p:19,x:937,y:22,w:273,h:35},
{t:"« Did you hear the one ",p:19,x:369,y:67,w:720,h:99},
{t:"about the educator who had fun at work?",p:19,x:208,y:167,w:861,h:69},
{t:"Taking humor seriously in the workplace",p:19,x:186,y:241,w:522,h:45},
{t:"Sing the instructions to a work task.",p:19,x:186,y:349,w:264,h:62},
{t:"Walk into work with a cooler that ",p:19,x:220,y:382,w:228,h:21},
{t:"says “Human Head” on the side.",p:19,x:186,y:407,w:223,h:21},
{t:"Use a hand or fnger puppet all day to ",p:19,x:195,y:432,w:263,h:21},
{t:"convey your messages.",p:19,x:186,y:457,w:156,h:21},
{t:"That’s part of the homework assignment ",p:19,x:195,y:482,w:275,h:21},
{t:"for those who attended a Humor in the ",p:19,x:186,y:507,w:262,h:21},
{t:"Workplace training at MEA ’s Instruction ",p:19,x:186,y:532,w:268,h:21},
{t:"and Professional Development Conference.",p:19,x:186,y:557,w:287,h:21},
{t:"And if there’s ever a good time for hu-",p:19,x:195,y:582,w:259,h:21},
{t:"mor in our workplace, it’s now!",p:19,x:186,y:607,w:210,h:21},
{t:"“We’ve done the session many times,” ",p:19,x:195,y:632,w:258,h:21},
{t:"said Michele Israel, UniServ director and ",p:19,x:186,y:657,w:274,h:21},
{t:"co-presenter, “and it seems everyone has a ",p:19,x:186,y:682,w:292,h:21},
{t:"good time just letting go and having fun.”",p:19,x:186,y:707,w:281,h:21},
{t:"The session description warns partici-",p:19,x:195,y:732,w:259,h:21},
{t:"pants that they’ll be laughing out loud ",p:19,x:186,y:757,w:266,h:21},
{t:"and the fun starts the minute they walk in ",p:19,x:186,y:782,w:291,h:21},
{t:"the door. With a collection of hats, masks ",p:19,x:186,y:807,w:284,h:21},
{t:"and boas available, anyone can become a ",p:19,x:186,y:832,w:289,h:21},
{t:"freman, a clown or a birthday cake.",p:19,x:186,y:857,w:243,h:21},
{t:"To make the transformation complete, ",p:19,x:195,y:882,w:264,h:21},
{t:"everyone gets a new name courtesy of ",p:19,x:186,y:907,w:263,h:21},
{t:"“Captain Underpants and the Perilous ",p:19,x:186,y:932,w:266,h:21},
{t:"Plot of Professor Poopypants,” a chil-",p:19,x:186,y:957,w:255,h:21},
{t:"dren’s book by Dav Pilkey.",p:19,x:186,y:982,w:174,h:21},
{t:"“Everyone has a good laugh when they ",p:19,x:195,y:1007,w:268,h:21},
{t:"discover Poopsie Liverchunks or Snotty ",p:19,x:186,y:1032,w:269,h:21},
{t:"Burger Lips has signed up for the ses-",p:19,x:186,y:1057,w:263,h:21},
{t:"sion,” Israel chuckled.",p:19,x:186,y:1082,w:153,h:21},
{t:"Even though the silliness continues ",p:19,x:195,y:1107,w:248,h:21},
{t:"with funny movie clips and workplace ",p:19,x:186,y:1132,w:262,h:21},
{t:"anecdotes, there is a serious objective ",p:19,x:186,y:1157,w:266,h:21},
{t:"to the session—learn how to use humor ",p:19,x:186,y:1182,w:279,h:21},
{t:"effectively in a workplace that may be ",p:19,x:186,y:1207,w:264,h:21},
{t:"anything but fun at times.",p:19,x:186,y:1232,w:180,h:21},
{t:"Co-presenter Rosemary Carey, MEA ",p:19,x:195,y:1257,w:244,h:21},
{t:"communications consultant, said, “We ",p:19,x:186,y:1282,w:269,h:21},
{t:"share pointers on using humor, like keep-",p:19,x:186,y:1307,w:284,h:21},
{t:"ing it positive and being appropriate. But ",p:19,x:186,y:1332,w:288,h:21},
{t:"with tight school budgets and staff cuts, ",p:19,x:186,y:1357,w:285,h:21},
{t:"we encourage members to engage their ",p:19,x:186,y:1382,w:274,h:21},
{t:"sense of humor—and by the way, every-",p:19,x:186,y:1407,w:277,h:21},
{t:"one has a sense of humor.”",p:19,x:186,y:1432,w:186,h:21},
{t:"At the December conference, partici-",p:19,x:195,y:1457,w:251,h:21},
{t:"pants created a fun activity for their co-",p:19,x:186,y:1482,w:275,h:21},
{t:"workers and for students.",p:19,x:186,y:1507,w:174,h:21},
{t:"The result? Did you know that bowling ",p:19,x:195,y:1532,w:264,h:21},
{t:"Clockwise from top:",p:19,x:1087,y:333,w:121,h:21},
{t:"Dundee Education ",p:19,x:1087,y:364,w:113,h:21},
{t:"Association members ",p:19,x:1087,y:385,w:134,h:21},
{t:"Leah Christnagel ",p:19,x:1087,y:407,w:106,h:21},
{t:"(left) and Holly ",p:19,x:1087,y:428,w:93,h:21},
{t:"LaBarge had fun at ",p:19,x:1087,y:449,w:119,h:21},
{t:"MEA ’s Instruction ",p:19,x:1087,y:470,w:109,h:21},
{t:"and Professional ",p:19,x:1087,y:492,w:106,h:21},
{t:"Development ",p:19,x:1087,y:513,w:83,h:21},
{t:"Conference in ",p:19,x:1087,y:534,w:89,h:21},
{t:"December, where ",p:19,x:1087,y:555,w:109,h:21},
{t:"they attended a ",p:19,x:1087,y:577,w:99,h:21},
{t:"session about humor ",p:19,x:1087,y:598,w:130,h:21},
{t:"in the workplace.",p:19,x:1087,y:619,w:105,h:21},
{t:"MEA trainers ",p:19,x:1087,y:650,w:81,h:21},
{t:"Rosemary Carey ",p:19,x:1087,y:671,w:103,h:21},
{t:"(left) and Michele ",p:19,x:1087,y:692,w:111,h:21},
{t:"Israel encourage ",p:19,x:1087,y:713,w:108,h:21},
{t:"MEA members to ",p:19,x:1087,y:735,w:105,h:21},
{t:"learn how to use ",p:19,x:1087,y:756,w:104,h:21},
{t:"humor effectively at ",p:19,x:1087,y:777,w:127,h:21},
{t:"work.",p:19,x:1087,y:798,w:33,h:21},
{t:"Members, including ",p:19,x:1087,y:829,w:123,h:21},
{t:"Corey Cramb ",p:19,x:1087,y:850,w:83,h:21},
{t:"(far left) of the ",p:19,x:1087,y:872,w:94,h:21},
{t:"Huron Education ",p:19,x:1087,y:893,w:104,h:21},
{t:"Association, tried ",p:19,x:1087,y:914,w:110,h:21},
{t:"assorted hats, ",p:19,x:1087,y:935,w:90,h:21},
{t:"masks and other silly ",p:19,x:1087,y:957,w:133,h:21},
{t:"gear as part of the ",p:19,x:1087,y:978,w:117,h:21},
{t:"workshop.",p:19,x:1087,y:999,w:62,h:21},
{t:"9 good things ",p:19,x:838,y:1056,w:234,h:55},
{t:"about humor:",p:19,x:841,y:1110,w:221,h:55},
{t:"Reduces stress",p:19,x:916,y:1168,w:146,h:34},
{t:"Boosts immunity",p:19,x:900,y:1210,w:161,h:34},
{t:"Relieves pain",p:19,x:933,y:1251,w:129,h:34},
{t:"Decreases anxiety",p:19,x:890,y:1293,w:172,h:34},
{t:"Provokes thought",p:19,x:896,y:1335,w:166,h:34},
{t:"Inspires creativity",p:19,x:890,y:1376,w:172,h:34},
{t:"Reduces confict",p:19,x:903,y:1418,w:158,h:34},
{t:"Builds relationships",p:19,x:868,y:1460,w:193,h:34},
{t:"Brings joy, comfort and peace",p:19,x:785,y:1501,w:279,h:34},
{t:"Learn more",p:19,x:1121,y:1179,w:97,h:25},
{t:"Would you like ",p:19,x:1131,y:1207,w:91,h:21},
{t:"to learn how to ",p:19,x:1126,y:1229,w:95,h:21},
{t:"have fun at work? ",p:19,x:1107,y:1252,w:114,h:21},
{t:"Contact Rosemary ",p:19,x:1106,y:1274,w:116,h:21},
{t:"Carey at MEA ",p:19,x:1136,y:1297,w:86,h:21},
{t:"(800-292-1934 or ",p:19,x:1111,y:1319,w:111,h:21},
{t:"rcarey@mea.org ) ",p:19,x:1113,y:1342,w:108,h:21},
{t:"to learn how staff ",p:19,x:1108,y:1364,w:113,h:21},
{t:"at your worksite ",p:19,x:1120,y:1387,w:101,h:21},
{t:"can receive this ",p:19,x:1120,y:1409,w:101,h:21},
{t:"free training.",p:19,x:1137,y:1432,w:81,h:21},
{t:"with a small frozen turkey and wa-",p:19,x:483,y:1207,w:238,h:21},
{t:"ter glasses makes for a fun staff ",p:19,x:483,y:1232,w:229,h:21},
{t:"Thanksgiving celebration? Or that ",p:19,x:483,y:1257,w:237,h:21},
{t:"students love it when their teachers host ",p:19,x:483,y:1282,w:284,h:21},
{t:"Funny Tie or Pajama Day?",p:19,x:483,y:1307,w:174,h:21},
{t:"It’ s true that humor is contagious and ",p:19,x:493,y:1332,w:264,h:21},
{t:"regardless of participants’ moods when ",p:19,x:483,y:1357,w:276,h:21},
{t:"they walk in the door, they walk out armed ",p:19,x:483,y:1382,w:292,h:21},
{t:"with ideas, activities and a License to ",p:19,x:483,y:1407,w:264,h:21},
{t:"Laugh certifcate to make their workplace ",p:19,x:483,y:1432,w:288,h:21},
{t:"a fun place to be.",p:19,x:483,y:1457,w:120,h:21},
{t:"Both Carey and Israel agree that a smile ",p:19,x:493,y:1482,w:282,h:21},
{t:"is a curvy thing that straightens every-",p:19,x:483,y:1507,w:267,h:21},
{t:"thing out. ",p:19,x:483,y:1532,w:71,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:19,x:1069,y:729,w:0,h:13},
{t:"20 ",p:20,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:20,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"association buzz",p:20,x:28,y:22,w:176,h:35},
{t:"New MEA members  ",p:20,x:186,y:68,w:633,h:99},
{t:"work toward frst contract",p:20,x:186,y:160,w:791,h:99},
{t:"by Rosemary Carey",p:20,x:915,y:100,w:145,h:21},
{t:"Communications consultant, MEA",p:20,x:809,y:122,w:255,h:21},
{t:"PORTLAND—“Why wouldn’t we join ",p:20,x:186,y:307,w:272,h:21},
{t:"MEA? It makes perfect sense. They",p:20,x:186,y:332,w:264,h:21},
{t:"understand the education issues we",p:20,x:186,y:357,w:271,h:21},
{t:"face.”",p:20,x:186,y:382,w:44,h:21},
{t:"And that’s why Kim Stephens, ",p:20,x:195,y:407,w:225,h:21},
{t:"newly elected president of the",p:20,x:186,y:432,w:224,h:21},
{t:"Portland Education Support Personnel",p:20,x:186,y:457,w:288,h:21},
{t:"Association, and her 57 colleagues",p:20,x:186,y:482,w:262,h:21},
{t:"became MEA members on Sept. 25,",p:20,x:186,y:507,w:274,h:21},
{t:"2008. The new unit represents aides",p:20,x:186,y:532,w:276,h:21},
{t:"and secretaries and they’re preparing",p:20,x:186,y:557,w:281,h:21},
{t:"to bargain their frst contract.",p:20,x:186,y:582,w:217,h:21},
{t:"Stephens, an aide in a special",p:20,x:195,y:607,w:225,h:21},
{t:"education classroom, has worked for",p:20,x:186,y:632,w:276,h:21},
{t:"Portland Public Schools for nine years.",p:20,x:186,y:657,w:290,h:21},
{t:"During that time, she twice served on",p:20,x:186,y:682,w:280,h:21},
{t:"the negotiation team with the group’ s ",p:20,x:186,y:707,w:276,h:21},
{t:"former union.",p:20,x:186,y:732,w:101,h:21},
{t:"“I wanted to be on the bargaining",p:20,x:195,y:757,w:251,h:21},
{t:"team to learn about negotiations. I",p:20,x:186,y:782,w:256,h:21},
{t:"had to wait two years for a four -hour ",p:20,x:186,y:807,w:268,h:21},
{t:"bargaining training and I learned",p:20,x:186,y:832,w:245,h:21},
{t:"nothing useful. I knew there had to be",p:20,x:186,y:857,w:286,h:21},
{t:"something better for my members,”",p:20,x:186,y:882,w:268,h:21},
{t:"said Stephens.",p:20,x:186,y:907,w:110,h:21},
{t:"That frustration prompted Stephens",p:20,x:195,y:932,w:268,h:21},
{t:"to contact MEA organizer David Crim",p:20,x:186,y:957,w:277,h:21},
{t:"last summer. When the vote come to ",p:20,x:186,y:982,w:273,h:21},
{t:"decide whether to go with MEA or stay",p:20,x:186,y:1007,w:288,h:21},
{t:"with their former union, there was only",p:20,x:186,y:1032,w:289,h:21},
{t:"one dissenting vote.",p:20,x:186,y:1057,w:149,h:21},
{t:"Now, with the help of their MEA",p:20,x:493,y:682,w:236,h:21},
{t:"UniServ director , Jonathan Harmon, ",p:20,x:483,y:707,w:266,h:21},
{t:"Stephens and the rest of the bargaining",p:20,x:483,y:732,w:296,h:21},
{t:"team are putting together bargaining",p:20,x:483,y:757,w:274,h:21},
{t:"proposals for their frst MEA contract.",p:20,x:483,y:782,w:280,h:21},
{t:"Stephens commented, “Jonathan has",p:20,x:493,y:807,w:284,h:21},
{t:"already gotten us a fnancial analysis",p:20,x:483,y:832,w:275,h:21},
{t:"of the district and we’re going to be",p:20,x:483,y:857,w:264,h:21},
{t:"costing out our proposals. W e never ",p:20,x:483,y:882,w:267,h:21},
{t:"had that ability before. MEA has been",p:20,x:483,y:907,w:283,h:21},
{t:"so helpful.”",p:20,x:483,y:932,w:86,h:21},
{t:"These new MEA members are hop -",p:20,x:493,y:957,w:261,h:21},
{t:"ing that this round of bargaining will",p:20,x:483,y:982,w:269,h:21},
{t:"successfully address inequities in",p:20,x:483,y:1007,w:251,h:21},
{t:"salary increases and beneft eligibil",p:20,x:483,y:1032,w:262,h:21},
{t:"-",p:20,x:739,y:1032,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ity. Stephens noted that for the last 10",p:20,x:483,y:1057,w:285,h:21},
{t:"years, the aides have seen only an 11",p:20,x:781,y:682,w:283,h:21},
{t:"percent salary increase while other",p:20,x:781,y:707,w:261,h:21},
{t:"employees and the administration have ",p:20,x:781,y:732,w:293,h:21},
{t:"enjoyed a 25 percent increase over the",p:20,x:781,y:757,w:292,h:21},
{t:"same period.",p:20,x:781,y:782,w:97,h:21},
{t:"Harmon said the new group is getting",p:20,x:791,y:807,w:282,h:21},
{t:"support from the teachers and they are",p:20,x:781,y:832,w:293,h:21},
{t:"also excited about training opportuni",p:20,x:781,y:857,w:274,h:21},
{t:"-",p:20,x:1049,y:857,w:5,h:21},
{t:"ties at MEA conferences.",p:20,x:781,y:882,w:187,h:21},
{t:"At this point, however , nothing can ",p:20,x:791,y:907,w:258,h:21},
{t:"dampen the enthusiasm of being an",p:20,x:781,y:932,w:272,h:21},
{t:"MEA member .",p:20,x:781,y:957,w:105,h:21},
{t:"“I go to buildings every day and it’",p:20,x:791,y:982,w:255,h:21},
{t:"s ",p:20,x:1039,y:982,w:12,h:21},
{t:"exciting to see the members so excited",p:20,x:781,y:1007,w:291,h:21},
{t:"and interested. That’ s a refreshing ",p:20,x:781,y:1032,w:255,h:21},
{t:"change,” beamed Stephens. ",p:20,x:781,y:1057,w:219,h:21},
{t:"WATERFORD—The EA-ESP rivalry is ",p:20,x:186,y:1182,w:280,h:21},
{t:"alive and well in some districts.",p:20,x:186,y:1207,w:233,h:21},
{t:"Regrettably, it’s leading to some ",p:20,x:195,y:1232,w:242,h:21},
{t:"terrible ends. Bitterness. Hostility. ",p:20,x:186,y:1257,w:256,h:21},
{t:"Jealousy.",p:20,x:186,y:1282,w:67,h:21},
{t:"Not exactly the warm fuzzy feel-",p:20,x:195,y:1307,w:239,h:21},
{t:"ings that most of us want to have ",p:20,x:186,y:1332,w:252,h:21},
{t:"when we think about our work or our ",p:20,x:186,y:1357,w:281,h:21},
{t:"coworkers.",p:20,x:186,y:1382,w:81,h:21},
{t:"But that’s not the case in Waterford, ",p:20,x:195,y:1407,w:275,h:21},
{t:"where teachers and support person-",p:20,x:186,y:1432,w:273,h:21},
{t:"nel work together in a coalition that ",p:20,x:186,y:1457,w:268,h:21},
{t:"some describe as a “big family.”",p:20,x:186,y:1482,w:242,h:21},
{t:"Read this story on the Web",p:20,x:214,y:1504,w:231,h:25},
{t:"at www.mea.org",p:20,x:278,y:1529,w:103,h:22},
{t:"ROD SANFORD/FOR MEA",p:20,x:1069,y:654,w:0,h:13},
{t:"COUR",p:20,x:1069,y:1545,w:0,h:13},
{t:"TESY PHOTO",p:20,x:1069,y:1516,w:0,h:13},
{t:"EA-ESP rivalry? Not in Waterford ",p:20,x:186,y:1092,w:889,h:84},
{t:"Members of the ",p:20,x:1087,y:532,w:104,h:22},
{t:"Portland Education ",p:20,x:1087,y:554,w:127,h:22},
{t:"Support Personnel ",p:20,x:1087,y:577,w:123,h:22},
{t:"Association are ",p:20,x:1087,y:599,w:103,h:22},
{t:"working toward ",p:20,x:1087,y:622,w:103,h:22},
{t:"their frst contract.",p:20,x:1087,y:644,w:123,h:22},
{t:"Members of ",p:20,x:1087,y:1282,w:80,h:22},
{t:"the Waterford ",p:20,x:1087,y:1304,w:93,h:22},
{t:"Education ",p:20,x:1087,y:1327,w:68,h:22},
{t:"Association and ",p:20,x:1087,y:1349,w:105,h:22},
{t:"the Michigan ",p:20,x:1087,y:1372,w:87,h:22},
{t:"Education Support ",p:20,x:1087,y:1394,w:122,h:22},
{t:"Professional ",p:20,x:1087,y:1417,w:85,h:22},
{t:"Association III ",p:20,x:1087,y:1439,w:96,h:22},
{t:"worked together ",p:20,x:1087,y:1462,w:110,h:22},
{t:"to elect three ",p:20,x:1087,y:1484,w:91,h:22},
{t:"new school board ",p:20,x:1087,y:1507,w:117,h:22},
{t:"members.",p:20,x:1087,y:1529,w:64,h:22},
{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},
{t:"association buzz",p:21,x:1040,y:22,w:176,h:35},
{t:"Chesaning teachers ",p:21,x:480,y:67,w:609,h:99},
{t:"show union pride",p:21,x:540,y:159,w:529,h:99},
{t:"As a proud union member, I know we all must be ac-",p:21,x:186,y:824,w:418,h:61},
{t:"tive participants in our communities.",p:21,x:217,y:857,w:274,h:21},
{t:"We need to get involved in the charitable activities that ",p:21,x:195,y:882,w:413,h:21},
{t:"happen in our towns. We need to be a group that people ",p:21,x:186,y:907,w:429,h:21},
{t:"think of when they’re wondering how to get the help they ",p:21,x:186,y:932,w:430,h:21},
{t:"need to get a project done. We need to attend student ",p:21,x:186,y:957,w:410,h:21},
{t:"sporting events, concerts and fundraisers.",p:21,x:186,y:982,w:315,h:21},
{t:"All those things are why my colleagues are proud of ",p:21,x:195,y:1007,w:391,h:21},
{t:"being part of the Chesaning Education Association—and ",p:21,x:186,y:1032,w:429,h:21},
{t:"why I’m proud to volunteer my time as their local presi-",p:21,x:186,y:1057,w:413,h:21},
{t:"dent. Negotiating for fair wages and benefts that allow my ",p:21,x:186,y:1082,w:440,h:21},
{t:"members to raise families in our community is certainly ",p:21,x:186,y:1107,w:420,h:21},
{t:"important. But that’s not the main reason why any of us ",p:21,x:186,y:1132,w:421,h:21},
{t:"got into this profession. We got into education because we ",p:21,x:186,y:1157,w:441,h:21},
{t:"cared about kids and wanted to help students succeed.",p:21,x:186,y:1182,w:417,h:21},
{t:"That’s why we wear our union colors on our sleeves. ",p:21,x:195,y:1207,w:395,h:21},
{t:"In Chesaning, we literally do, with four different styles ",p:21,x:186,y:1232,w:404,h:21},
{t:"of shirts to meet our members’ preferences. Our proud ",p:21,x:186,y:1257,w:416,h:21},
{t:"members wear their red shirts on the frst Friday of each ",p:21,x:186,y:1282,w:427,h:21},
{t:"month. It’s a show of solidarity.",p:21,x:186,y:1307,w:230,h:21},
{t:"We get involved with local school board elections and ",p:21,x:195,y:1332,w:404,h:21},
{t:"meet with board members for dinner several times each ",p:21,x:186,y:1357,w:425,h:21},
{t:"year to maintain great relationships. We partner with ",p:21,x:186,y:1382,w:396,h:21},
{t:"community business leaders and serve as ushers at the ",p:21,x:186,y:1407,w:422,h:21},
{t:"famous Chesaning Showboat Music Festival.",p:21,x:186,y:1432,w:334,h:21},
{t:"We talk about that pride with each other and with our ",p:21,x:195,y:1457,w:404,h:21},
{t:"families, friends and neighbors.",p:21,x:186,y:1482,w:236,h:21},
{t:"There are locals all over the state working hard to build ",p:21,x:195,y:1507,w:416,h:21},
{t:"union pride. Everyone does it a little differently in their ",p:21,x:186,y:1532,w:409,h:21},
{t:"community. That’s what makes us all strong.",p:21,x:632,y:832,w:333,h:21},
{t:"In Ypsilanti, teachers and support personnel formed a ",p:21,x:642,y:857,w:410,h:22},
{t:"coalition that cannot be stopped in its efforts to make the ",p:21,x:632,y:882,w:432,h:21},
{t:"schools great. Ypsilanti members work to elect friends of ",p:21,x:632,y:907,w:427,h:21},
{t:"public education to the school board. They bargain so ",p:21,x:632,y:932,w:409,h:21},
{t:"that everyone benefts. They reach out to the community ",p:21,x:632,y:957,w:429,h:21},
{t:"to show how every employee in the district works hard for ",p:21,x:632,y:982,w:435,h:21},
{t:"students—from classroom teachers to support staff who ",p:21,x:632,y:1007,w:425,h:21},
{t:"stay into the wee hours of the morning to ensure school is ",p:21,x:632,y:1032,w:438,h:21},
{t:"ready for students the next day.",p:21,x:632,y:1057,w:236,h:21},
{t:"Need more examples?",p:21,x:642,y:1082,w:167,h:21},
{t:"MEA members in Grand Rapids rallied for safer schools ",p:21,x:642,y:1107,w:415,h:22},
{t:"where students can focus on learning.",p:21,x:632,y:1132,w:287,h:21},
{t:"Cass City’s members advertise and reach out to the ",p:21,x:642,y:1157,w:389,h:22},
{t:"community to show the dedication of the teachers to the ",p:21,x:632,y:1182,w:427,h:21},
{t:"students and the district.",p:21,x:632,y:1207,w:187,h:21},
{t:"Pinckney’s members march in parades and lobby the ",p:21,x:642,y:1232,w:405,h:22},
{t:"school board to reinforce their value to the community, ",p:21,x:632,y:1257,w:415,h:21},
{t:"especially in fghting back outsourcing.",p:21,x:632,y:1282,w:291,h:21},
{t:"Members at Battle Creek’s Kellogg Community College ",p:21,x:642,y:1307,w:411,h:22},
{t:"worked together with the community to elect a board that ",p:21,x:632,y:1332,w:434,h:21},
{t:"cares about the preparation members provide area stu-",p:21,x:632,y:1357,w:415,h:21},
{t:"dents and the job training they provide area workers.",p:21,x:632,y:1382,w:395,h:21},
{t:"Utica’s members raise PAC funds like mad so we can ",p:21,x:642,y:1407,w:405,h:22},
{t:"support friends of public education.",p:21,x:632,y:1432,w:268,h:21},
{t:"We’re in a unique position to show the value of orga-",p:21,x:642,y:1457,w:393,h:21},
{t:"nized labor to our communities because advocating for ",p:21,x:632,y:1482,w:417,h:21},
{t:"our members’ working conditions and our students’ learn-",p:21,x:632,y:1507,w:435,h:21},
{t:"ing conditions are one in the same. ",p:21,x:632,y:1532,w:269,h:21},
{t:"by Andrew Reger",p:21,x:208,y:100,w:129,h:21},
{t:"Teacher, Chesaning Middle School",p:21,x:208,y:122,w:249,h:21},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:21,x:1069,y:757,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Chesaning Education Association president Andrew Reger (center) and his colleagues wear",p:21,x:483,y:774,w:589,h:22},
{t:"red shirts with their union logo on the frst Friday of each month as a show of solidarity",p:21,x:483,y:796,w:562,h:22},
{t:".",p:21,x:1037,y:796,w:3,h:22},
{t:"22 ",p:22,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:22,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"member profile",p:22,x:28,y:22,w:163,h:35},
{t:"Sweeping applause »",p:22,x:186,y:69,w:662,h:99},
{t:"by Karen Schulz",p:22,x:936,y:100,w:122,h:21},
{t:"Editor, MEA Voice",p:22,x:926,y:122,w:132,h:21},
{t:"Member Profle",p:22,x:37,y:1154,w:131,h:25},
{t:"Our readers ",p:22,x:37,y:1182,w:76,h:21},
{t:"like stories ",p:22,x:37,y:1204,w:71,h:21},
{t:"about education ",p:22,x:37,y:1227,w:104,h:21},
{t:"employees. Do you ",p:22,x:37,y:1249,w:116,h:21},
{t:"know someone we ",p:22,x:37,y:1272,w:114,h:21},
{t:"should profle? ",p:22,x:37,y:1294,w:94,h:21},
{t:"What’s their job? ",p:22,x:37,y:1317,w:107,h:21},
{t:"What makes them ",p:22,x:37,y:1339,w:115,h:21},
{t:"interesting? Send ",p:22,x:37,y:1362,w:112,h:21},
{t:"your ideas to Editor ",p:22,x:37,y:1384,w:123,h:21},
{t:"Karen Schulz at ",p:22,x:37,y:1407,w:100,h:21},
{t:"kschulz@mea.org .",p:22,x:37,y:1429,w:112,h:21},
{t:"PETOSKEY—Jeff Engler has a lot of ",p:22,x:483,y:907,w:272,h:21},
{t:"fans at Sheridan Elementary School in ",p:22,x:483,y:932,w:291,h:21},
{t:"Petoskey.",p:22,x:483,y:957,w:70,h:21},
{t:"And, one Friday afternoon last fall, ",p:22,x:493,y:982,w:263,h:21},
{t:"they turned out for a rare stage per-",p:22,x:483,y:1007,w:267,h:21},
{t:"formance. Engler, whose day job as a ",p:22,x:483,y:1032,w:284,h:21},
{t:"custodian sometimes gets him “vol-",p:22,x:483,y:1057,w:268,h:21},
{t:"unteered” for some unexpected roles, ",p:22,x:483,y:1082,w:288,h:21},
{t:"played the father fgure in a small ",p:22,x:483,y:1107,w:256,h:21},
{t:"student play.",p:22,x:483,y:1132,w:95,h:21},
{t:"“I was pretty nervous,” laughs ",p:22,x:493,y:1157,w:230,h:21},
{t:"Engler, recalling the 20-minute skit.",p:22,x:483,y:1182,w:266,h:21},
{t:"The acting bug didn’t bite Engler, ",p:22,x:493,y:1207,w:254,h:21},
{t:"which is probably a good thing, he ",p:22,x:483,y:1232,w:263,h:21},
{t:"admits. After all, he’s perfectly happy ",p:22,x:483,y:1257,w:283,h:21},
{t:"with his current gig.",p:22,x:483,y:1282,w:148,h:21},
{t:"“I enjoy coming to work every day,” ",p:22,x:493,y:1307,w:269,h:21},
{t:"Engler said.",p:22,x:483,y:1332,w:88,h:21},
{t:"He dutifully cleans toilets, windows, ",p:22,x:493,y:1357,w:272,h:21},
{t:"carpets and desks, and he volunteers ",p:22,x:483,y:1382,w:287,h:21},
{t:"for a long list of extras. Around the ",p:22,x:483,y:1407,w:263,h:21},
{t:"same time as the student play, Engler ",p:22,x:483,y:1432,w:286,h:21},
{t:"volunteered to spend several hours on ",p:22,x:483,y:1457,w:291,h:21},
{t:"a Saturday hanging a giant American ",p:22,x:483,y:1482,w:283,h:21},
{t:"fag in the school gymnasium.",p:22,x:483,y:1507,w:224,h:21},
{t:"For Engler, and many other education ",p:22,x:493,y:1532,w:282,h:21},
{t:"employees, the job is about helping ",p:22,x:781,y:907,w:265,h:21},
{t:"students. Clean classrooms, bath-",p:22,x:781,y:932,w:249,h:21},
{t:"rooms and other school facilities are ",p:22,x:781,y:957,w:270,h:21},
{t:"necessary to keep students healthy ",p:22,x:781,y:982,w:263,h:21},
{t:"and safe.",p:22,x:781,y:1007,w:68,h:21},
{t:"“Jeff’s phenomenal,” says Engler’s ",p:22,x:791,y:1032,w:264,h:21},
{t:"supervisor, Denny YoungeDyke. “He ",p:22,x:781,y:1057,w:276,h:21},
{t:"could train all custodians how to be a ",p:22,x:781,y:1082,w:285,h:21},
{t:"custodian.”",p:22,x:781,y:1107,w:86,h:21},
{t:"Nationwide, public school facili-",p:22,x:791,y:1132,w:239,h:21},
{t:"ties are cared for by about 350,000 ",p:22,x:781,y:1157,w:271,h:21},
{t:"custodians, accounting for about 16 ",p:22,x:781,y:1182,w:276,h:21},
{t:"percent of the education workforce.",p:22,x:781,y:1207,w:267,h:21},
{t:"In Petoskey, Engler tends to 34,000 ",p:22,x:791,y:1232,w:278,h:21},
{t:"square feet of classrooms, halls,",p:22,x:781,y:1257,w:241,h:21},
{t:"offces and other rooms. He starts",p:22,x:781,y:1282,w:254,h:21},
{t:"work at 6 a.m. and fnishes around",p:22,x:781,y:1307,w:262,h:21},
{t:"2:30 p.m.",p:22,x:781,y:1332,w:74,h:21},
{t:"The starting wage for custodians ",p:22,x:791,y:1357,w:248,h:21},
{t:"in Petoskey is $10.38. Engler, who’s ",p:22,x:781,y:1382,w:275,h:21},
{t:"worked in the district 18 years, earns ",p:22,x:781,y:1407,w:283,h:21},
{t:"just over $14 an hour.",p:22,x:781,y:1432,w:164,h:21},
{t:"Engler has a small offce, a narrow ",p:22,x:791,y:1457,w:263,h:21},
{t:"space that was once part of a teach-",p:22,x:781,y:1482,w:273,h:21},
{t:"ers lounge, though most of his day is ",p:22,x:781,y:1507,w:281,h:21},
{t:"spent cleaning and maintaining other ",p:22,x:781,y:1532,w:285,h:21},
{t:"Petoskey custodian draws rave reviews ",p:22,x:186,y:180,w:638,h:50},
{t:"for ability, attitude—and acting",p:22,x:186,y:230,w:511,h:50},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:22,x:1069,y:878,w:0,h:13},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:23,x:1103,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"23",p:23,x:1216,y:1594,w:20,h:21},
{t:"areas in the building. He uses a roll-",p:23,x:186,y:707,w:272,h:21},
{t:"ing cart, flled with cleaning supplies.",p:23,x:186,y:732,w:278,h:21},
{t:"Third-grade teacher Laurie ",p:23,x:195,y:757,w:205,h:21},
{t:"Grundman said Engler, a graduate of ",p:23,x:186,y:782,w:281,h:21},
{t:"Petoskey Public Schools himself, is ",p:23,x:186,y:807,w:269,h:21},
{t:"part of the team at Sheridan.",p:23,x:186,y:832,w:215,h:21},
{t:"“The kids love him,” she said. “He ",p:23,x:195,y:857,w:265,h:21},
{t:"has a passion. We’re so fortunate to ",p:23,x:186,y:882,w:272,h:21},
{t:"have him.”",p:23,x:186,y:907,w:82,h:21},
{t:"Engler, 46, is known for his loyalty ",p:23,x:195,y:932,w:259,h:21},
{t:"to the school district. His popular ",p:23,x:186,y:957,w:253,h:21},
{t:"football tailgates draw an enthusias-",p:23,x:186,y:982,w:269,h:21},
{t:"tic crowd. An Army veteran, Engler ",p:23,x:186,y:1007,w:266,h:21},
{t:"is active in his local association, ",p:23,x:186,y:1032,w:243,h:21},
{t:"the Petoskey Educational Support ",p:23,x:483,y:707,w:258,h:21},
{t:"Personnel Association.",p:23,x:483,y:732,w:170,h:21},
{t:"In addition to serving students, ",p:23,x:493,y:757,w:236,h:21},
{t:"Engler has a positive rapport with the ",p:23,x:483,y:782,w:283,h:21},
{t:"teachers in his building.",p:23,x:483,y:807,w:180,h:21},
{t:"Pam Pynnonen Moyer, a physi-",p:23,x:493,y:832,w:235,h:21},
{t:"cal education teacher at Sheridan, ",p:23,x:483,y:857,w:263,h:21},
{t:"heaps praises on Engler. Once, Engler ",p:23,x:483,y:882,w:290,h:21},
{t:"offered to repaint a rusted sports ",p:23,x:483,y:907,w:250,h:21},
{t:"equipment rack. When he was done ",p:23,x:483,y:932,w:277,h:21},
{t:"with the project, Pynnonen Moyer was ",p:23,x:483,y:957,w:291,h:21},
{t:"delighted to see that he had painted it ",p:23,x:483,y:982,w:290,h:21},
{t:"purple, her favorite color.",p:23,x:483,y:1007,w:187,h:21},
{t:"“He doesn’t do anything halfway,” ",p:23,x:493,y:1032,w:259,h:21},
{t:"she said.",p:23,x:781,y:707,w:67,h:21},
{t:"Another teacher, Karry Swanson, ",p:23,x:791,y:732,w:251,h:21},
{t:"said Engler noticed that the fnish on ",p:23,x:781,y:757,w:280,h:21},
{t:"her aged wood desk was faking off. ",p:23,x:781,y:782,w:273,h:21},
{t:"So, to her surprise, he relaquered the ",p:23,x:781,y:807,w:286,h:21},
{t:"desk. Engler vacuums her frst-grade ",p:23,x:781,y:832,w:282,h:21},
{t:"classroom mid-day, which helps keep ",p:23,x:781,y:857,w:287,h:21},
{t:"the foor tidier, an important consid-",p:23,x:781,y:882,w:268,h:21},
{t:"eration with frst-graders who spend ",p:23,x:781,y:907,w:274,h:21},
{t:"a lot of time seated on the foor for ",p:23,x:781,y:932,w:262,h:21},
{t:"stories and other activities, she said.",p:23,x:781,y:957,w:272,h:21},
{t:"“My kids have a cleaner, safer en-",p:23,x:791,y:982,w:255,h:21},
{t:"vironment to learn in because of Mr. ",p:23,x:781,y:1007,w:276,h:21},
{t:"Engler,” Swanson said. ",p:23,x:781,y:1032,w:176,h:22},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:23,x:1069,y:682,w:0,h:13},
{t:"24 ",p:24,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:24,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"10 questions",p:24,x:28,y:22,w:134,h:35},
{t:"10 questions  ",p:24,x:186,y:69,w:441,h:99},
{t:"with Richard A. Levins",p:24,x:186,y:161,w:687,h:99},
{t:"1. ",p:24,x:186,y:320,w:60,h:66},
{t:"How do you defne “middle class”?",p:24,x:231,y:354,w:283,h:25},
{t:"In what I call a “middle class economy",p:24,x:195,y:382,w:255,h:21},
{t:",” most of the people ",p:24,x:457,y:382,w:145,h:21},
{t:"have most of the money . Its opposite, sometimes called a",p:24,x:186,y:407,w:382,h:21},
{t:"“banana republic,” is one where a few people have most of the",p:24,x:186,y:432,w:415,h:21},
{t:"money and everyone else has very little. Unfortunately",p:24,x:186,y:457,w:354,h:21},
{t:", we are ",p:24,x:550,y:457,w:57,h:21},
{t:"moving away from the middle class economy and toward the",p:24,x:186,y:482,w:399,h:21},
{t:"banana republic model.",p:24,x:186,y:507,w:156,h:21},
{t:"2. ",p:24,x:186,y:545,w:60,h:66},
{t:"Who built the middle class in America?",p:24,x:231,y:579,w:320,h:25},
{t:"Labor unions. The economic textbook I used to teach from",p:24,x:195,y:607,w:386,h:21},
{t:"says that even a well-functioning economy does not guarantee",p:24,x:186,y:632,w:421,h:21},
{t:"a fair distribution of income. In other words, we can’t take the",p:24,x:186,y:657,w:417,h:21},
{t:"middle class for granted. Someone has to make sure we have a ",p:24,x:186,y:682,w:441,h:21},
{t:"middle class society. Labor unions have played that role.",p:24,x:186,y:707,w:384,h:21},
{t:"3. ",p:24,x:186,y:745,w:60,h:66},
{t:"How?",p:24,x:231,y:779,w:43,h:25},
{t:"In 1929, right before the Great Depression, 1 percent of ",p:24,x:195,y:807,w:370,h:21},
{t:"Americans had almost a quarter of the income and wealth. As ",p:24,x:186,y:832,w:414,h:21},
{t:"labor unions became stronger, they negotiated better wages and ",p:24,x:186,y:857,w:430,h:21},
{t:"benefts that led to a more middle class income pattern. By the ",p:24,x:186,y:882,w:422,h:21},
{t:"1970s, only 10 percent of the income and wealth were in the ",p:24,x:186,y:907,w:404,h:21},
{t:"hands of the top 1 percent. But, now unions are weaker and we ",p:24,x:186,y:932,w:422,h:21},
{t:"are back where we were in 1929.",p:24,x:186,y:957,w:213,h:21},
{t:"4. ",p:24,x:186,y:996,w:60,h:66},
{t:"Is a strong middle class important now?",p:24,x:231,y:1029,w:324,h:25},
{t:"A strong middle class is more important than ever . A middle ",p:24,x:195,y:1057,w:410,h:21},
{t:"class society has the buying power to get our economy grow -",p:24,x:186,y:1082,w:409,h:21},
{t:"ing again. But that buying cannot be fueled by more debt that",p:24,x:186,y:1107,w:414,h:21},
{t:"weakens the middle class. It has to be fueled by strong, union-",p:24,x:186,y:1132,w:419,h:21},
{t:"negotiated, wages that strengthen the middle class.",p:24,x:186,y:1157,w:349,h:21},
{t:"5. ",p:24,x:186,y:1196,w:60,h:66},
{t:"Are unions like the MEA relevant today?",p:24,x:231,y:1229,w:325,h:25},
{t:"Absolutely. We need a quality education system to build",p:24,x:195,y:1257,w:372,h:21},
{t:"and maintain a healthy middle class. Unions like MEA make",p:24,x:186,y:1282,w:400,h:21},
{t:"sure the resources necessary to maintain quality are there.",p:24,x:186,y:1307,w:391,h:21},
{t:"Otherwise, we substitute “cheap” for “quality” and the middle",p:24,x:186,y:1332,w:416,h:21},
{t:"class continues to decline.",p:24,x:186,y:1357,w:177,h:21},
{t:"6. ",p:24,x:186,y:1396,w:60,h:66},
{t:"If MEA members could do one thing to help ‘win",p:24,x:231,y:1404,w:397,h:25},
{t:"the war for the middle class,’ what should it be?",p:24,x:231,y:1429,w:393,h:25},
{t:"I think MEA is taking great leadership in promoting “union",p:24,x:195,y:1457,w:389,h:21},
{t:"pride” and a positive image of unions. If the public doesn’t",p:24,x:186,y:1482,w:394,h:21},
{t:"begin to see unions in a more positive light, I am not optimistic",p:24,x:186,y:1507,w:422,h:21},
{t:"over the future of our economy .",p:24,x:186,y:1532,w:208,h:21},
{t:"7. ",p:24,x:632,y:695,w:60,h:66},
{t:"Why should education employees join/belong to ",p:24,x:677,y:704,w:385,h:25},
{t:"unions?",p:24,x:677,y:729,w:62,h:25},
{t:"There are two reasons. First, education employees deserve fair ",p:24,x:642,y:757,w:418,h:21},
{t:"wages and benefts so they can continue to provide quality edu-",p:24,x:632,y:782,w:425,h:21},
{t:"cation. Second, unions work toward making sure there are quality ",p:24,x:632,y:807,w:440,h:21},
{t:"jobs for our students when they graduate. What’s the sense of ",p:24,x:632,y:832,w:416,h:21},
{t:"preparing students for jobs that have been shipped overseas by ",p:24,x:632,y:857,w:429,h:21},
{t:"the time they graduate?",p:24,x:632,y:882,w:159,h:21},
{t:"8. ",p:24,x:632,y:920,w:60,h:66},
{t:"How does outsourcing affect the middle class?",p:24,x:677,y:954,w:380,h:25},
{t:"Outsourcing is basically a way to make union organizing more ",p:24,x:642,y:982,w:417,h:21},
{t:"diffcult. It results in lower wages, poor benefts and a weaker ",p:24,x:632,y:1007,w:415,h:21},
{t:"middle class.",p:24,x:632,y:1032,w:89,h:21},
{t:"9. ",p:24,x:632,y:1071,w:60,h:66},
{t:"What is the strongest argument against ",p:24,x:677,y:1079,w:317,h:25},
{t:"outsourcing/privatization?",p:24,x:677,y:1104,w:208,h:25},
{t:"As a professional economist, what passes as “free trade” makes ",p:24,x:642,y:1132,w:427,h:21},
{t:"no sense to me. Simply shopping around the world for workers with ",p:24,x:632,y:1157,w:441,h:21},
{t:"the lowest standard of living and, therefore, the lowest wages is ",p:24,x:632,y:1182,w:423,h:21},
{t:"not “trade” as economists normally think of it. Our goal should not ",p:24,x:632,y:1207,w:440,h:21},
{t:"be lower wages and a lower standard of living; it should be higher ",p:24,x:632,y:1232,w:436,h:21},
{t:"wages and the higher standard of living that brings about.",p:24,x:632,y:1257,w:385,h:21},
{t:"10. ",p:24,x:632,y:1296,w:90,h:66},
{t:"Looking ahead, how do you think the middle ",p:24,x:707,y:1304,w:360,h:25},
{t:"class will fare under the new administration",p:24,x:707,y:1329,w:357,h:25},
{t:"in Washington?",p:24,x:632,y:1354,w:123,h:25},
{t:"That’s up to us. On the eve of his election, President Obama ",p:24,x:642,y:1382,w:399,h:21},
{t:"said: “This victory alone is not the change we seek—it is only the ",p:24,x:632,y:1407,w:439,h:21},
{t:"chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we",p:24,x:632,y:1432,w:430,h:21},
{t:"go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.”",p:24,x:632,y:1457,w:412,h:21},
{t:"Either we work through our unions to do our part in rebuild",p:24,x:642,y:1482,w:393,h:21},
{t:"-",p:24,x:1047,y:1482,w:6,h:21},
{t:"ing the middle class, or we continue to watch our middle class",p:24,x:632,y:1507,w:421,h:21},
{t:"slip away. ",p:24,x:632,y:1532,w:72,h:21},
{t:"Levins is ",p:24,x:37,y:571,w:90,h:35},
{t:"a keynote ",p:24,x:37,y:606,w:102,h:35},
{t:"speaker ",p:24,x:37,y:641,w:86,h:35},
{t:"at the ",p:24,x:37,y:676,w:63,h:35},
{t:"2009 MEA ",p:24,x:37,y:711,w:101,h:35},
{t:"Bargaining, ",p:24,x:37,y:746,w:118,h:35},
{t:"Political ",p:24,x:37,y:781,w:87,h:35},
{t:"Action ",p:24,x:37,y:816,w:67,h:35},
{t:"and Public ",p:24,x:37,y:851,w:109,h:35},
{t:"Relations ",p:24,x:37,y:886,w:97,h:35},
{t:"Conference ",p:24,x:37,y:921,w:120,h:35},
{t:"Feb. 5-7 in ",p:24,x:37,y:956,w:111,h:35},
{t:"Detroit.",p:24,x:37,y:991,w:75,h:35},
{t:"Economist Richard Levins and MEA President Iris K. Salters are ",p:24,x:632,y:632,w:411,h:22},
{t:"working together to promote union pride.",p:24,x:632,y:654,w:266,h:22},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:24,x:1069,y:610,w:0,h:13},
{t:"Richard Levins is professor emeritus of applied economics at the University of Minnesota. He is an award-winning author whose ar-",p:24,x:186,y:257,w:860,h:21},
{t:"ticles have appeared in major newspapers, leading industry publications and professional journals.",p:24,x:186,y:282,w:651,h:21},
{t:"On the Web",p:24,x:37,y:1379,w:100,h:25},
{t:"www.mea.org/",p:24,x:37,y:1407,w:86,h:21},
{t:"conferences",p:24,x:37,y:1429,w:74,h:21},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:25,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"25",p:25,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"2009 region elections",p:25,x:983,y:22,w:229,h:35},
{t:" Candidates in March ",p:25,x:411,y:69,w:679,h:99},
{t:"region elections",p:25,x:569,y:161,w:500,h:99},
{t:"Typically, very few MEA members ",p:25,x:186,y:449,w:275,h:61},
{t:"exercise their right to vote in re-",p:25,x:214,y:482,w:237,h:21},
{t:"gion elections.",p:25,x:186,y:507,w:107,h:21},
{t:"It’s too bad because the elections ",p:25,x:195,y:532,w:255,h:21},
{t:"determine who represents you on the ",p:25,x:186,y:557,w:285,h:21},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors or at the MEA ",p:25,x:186,y:582,w:289,h:21},
{t:"or NEA representative assembles, the ",p:25,x:186,y:607,w:286,h:21},
{t:"top decision-making bodies of the ",p:25,x:186,y:632,w:259,h:21},
{t:"state and national organizations.",p:25,x:186,y:657,w:242,h:21},
{t:"If you’d like to vote in the elections",p:25,x:195,y:682,w:259,h:21},
{t:"in March, read on to learn more",p:25,x:186,y:707,w:239,h:21},
{t:"about the voting procedures and the",p:25,x:186,y:732,w:273,h:21},
{t:"candidates running for positions in",p:25,x:186,y:757,w:260,h:21},
{t:"your region.",p:25,x:186,y:782,w:89,h:21},
{t:"Vote electronically!",p:25,x:186,y:822,w:196,h:35},
{t:"Are you a member of regions ",p:25,x:195,y:857,w:222,h:21},
{t:"2,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13, or 14?",p:25,x:186,y:882,w:239,h:21},
{t:"If yes, then you will vote online in ",p:25,x:195,y:907,w:253,h:21},
{t:"MEA ’s region elections!",p:25,x:186,y:932,w:172,h:21},
{t:"Voting in region elections is more ",p:25,x:195,y:957,w:253,h:21},
{t:"convenient, secure and faster! ",p:25,x:186,y:982,w:231,h:21},
{t:"Your vote counts!",p:25,x:186,y:255,w:326,h:55},
{t:"Why? Read on to fnd out why region elections are important",p:25,x:186,y:318,w:838,h:44},
{t:"Region election information",p:25,x:186,y:1072,w:279,h:35},
{t:"Following is a description of the election ",p:25,x:195,y:1107,w:275,h:21},
{t:"procedures to be followed in the regions. ",p:25,x:186,y:1132,w:276,h:21},
{t:"This process complies with relevant",p:25,x:186,y:1157,w:233,h:21},
{t:"federal laws. (See positions to be elected ",p:25,x:186,y:1182,w:279,h:21},
{t:"following this section.)",p:25,x:186,y:1207,w:148,h:21},
{t:"Election dates",p:25,x:186,y:1247,w:143,h:35},
{t:"1. The region at-large election shall be ",p:25,x:186,y:1282,w:266,h:21},
{t:"conducted on March 3, 4, and 5, 2009.",p:25,x:205,y:1307,w:252,h:21},
{t:"2. If your unit is not scheduled to work ",p:25,x:186,y:1332,w:262,h:21},
{t:"during the above days, the election",p:25,x:205,y:1357,w:229,h:21},
{t:"shall be conducted on March 10, 11 ",p:25,x:205,y:1382,w:244,h:21},
{t:"and 12, 2009.",p:25,x:205,y:1407,w:91,h:21},
{t:"3. If inclement weather or another emer -",p:25,x:186,y:1432,w:272,h:21},
{t:"gency interrupts the election listed as",p:25,x:205,y:1457,w:246,h:21},
{t:"above, it shall be completed on the next",p:25,x:205,y:1482,w:260,h:21},
{t:"consecutive workday(s), but no later ",p:25,x:205,y:1507,w:247,h:21},
{t:"than March 24.",p:25,x:205,y:1532,w:99,h:21},
{t:"Absentee balloting",p:25,x:483,y:1072,w:186,h:35},
{t:"(From the region council constitution, ",p:25,x:493,y:1107,w:255,h:21},
{t:"Article VIII, Sec. 3, f.) The region at-large ",p:25,x:483,y:1132,w:278,h:21},
{t:"election is an on-site election. However",p:25,x:483,y:1157,w:255,h:21},
{t:", ",p:25,x:745,y:1157,w:8,h:21},
{t:"eligible voters who are not able to vote on ",p:25,x:483,y:1182,w:283,h:21},
{t:"site during the election period may notify ",p:25,x:483,y:1207,w:279,h:21},
{t:"their local association president of their ",p:25,x:483,y:1232,w:273,h:21},
{t:"need to vote by absentee ballot. The re",p:25,x:483,y:1257,w:250,h:21},
{t:"-",p:25,x:742,y:1257,w:6,h:21},
{t:"quest must be in writing, must include the ",p:25,x:483,y:1282,w:290,h:21},
{t:"specifc reason necessitating an absentee",p:25,x:483,y:1307,w:274,h:21},
{t:"ballot and must be received no later than ",p:25,x:483,y:1332,w:282,h:21},
{t:"Feb. 21 by the local association president. ",p:25,x:483,y:1357,w:287,h:21},
{t:"Eligible voters requesting an absentee ",p:25,x:483,y:1382,w:262,h:21},
{t:"ballot and complying with the above",p:25,x:483,y:1407,w:237,h:21},
{t:"requirements shall be mailed an absentee",p:25,x:483,y:1432,w:275,h:21},
{t:"ballot by the local association election ",p:25,x:483,y:1457,w:262,h:21},
{t:"committee. An absentee ballot must be",p:25,x:483,y:1482,w:256,h:21},
{t:"returned by U.S. mail and received by the ",p:25,x:483,y:1507,w:280,h:21},
{t:"local association no later than the last day",p:25,x:483,y:1532,w:280,h:21},
{t:"of the election. Late absentee ballots shall",p:25,x:781,y:1082,w:278,h:21},
{t:"be unopened and set aside as void ballots.",p:25,x:781,y:1107,w:280,h:21},
{t:"Eligible voters",p:25,x:781,y:1147,w:143,h:35},
{t:"Voter eligibility listings will be created ",p:25,x:791,y:1182,w:250,h:21},
{t:"from information received by the MEA ",p:25,x:781,y:1207,w:245,h:21},
{t:"Membership Department from the local as -",p:25,x:781,y:1232,w:278,h:21},
{t:"sociations by Dec. 31, 2008. If you have new ",p:25,x:781,y:1257,w:289,h:21},
{t:"dues paying members, you may add them ",p:25,x:781,y:1282,w:272,h:21},
{t:"manually to the MEA listing you receive.",p:25,x:781,y:1307,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Correction",p:25,x:781,y:1347,w:107,h:35},
{t:"The September Voice had the Region 15 ",p:25,x:791,y:1382,w:269,h:21},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate listed as 2 ",p:25,x:781,y:1407,w:267,h:21},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms. It should have been ",p:25,x:781,y:1432,w:284,h:21},
{t:"3 positions, 3 yr. terms.",p:25,x:781,y:1457,w:156,h:21},
{t:"Candidates in March Region ",p:25,x:826,y:1504,w:249,h:25},
{t:"Elections, pages 26-28. ",p:25,x:837,y:1529,w:213,h:25},
{t:"Polls for the online election open ",p:25,x:483,y:632,w:250,h:21},
{t:"at 8 a.m., Wednesday, March 4 ",p:25,x:483,y:657,w:240,h:21},
{t:"and close at midnight, Wednesday, ",p:25,x:483,y:682,w:267,h:21},
{t:"March 11. To vote, simply log onto ",p:25,x:483,y:707,w:263,h:21},
{t:"https://www.mymea.org/onlinevoting ",p:25,x:483,y:732,w:270,h:21},
{t:"and follow the prompts. If you ",p:25,x:483,y:757,w:228,h:21},
{t:"have any problems, please call ",p:25,x:483,y:782,w:236,h:21},
{t:"517-337-5440 during business hours ",p:25,x:483,y:807,w:288,h:21},
{t:"or leave a message after hours.",p:25,x:483,y:832,w:234,h:21},
{t:"Locals in the above regions wishing ",p:25,x:493,y:857,w:270,h:21},
{t:"to continue using paper ballots must ",p:25,x:483,y:882,w:279,h:21},
{t:"request paper ballots through their ",p:25,x:483,y:907,w:265,h:21},
{t:"Region Elections chair no later than ",p:25,x:483,y:932,w:272,h:21},
{t:"Friday, Feb. 13.",p:25,x:483,y:957,w:118,h:21},
{t:"If you are not in the regions listed ",p:25,x:493,y:982,w:255,h:21},
{t:"above, then you will receive a paper ",p:25,x:781,y:932,w:274,h:21},
{t:"ballot with instructions from your local ",p:25,x:781,y:957,w:289,h:21},
{t:"association election committee.",p:25,x:781,y:982,w:235,h:21},
{t:"26 ",p:26,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:26,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"REGION 2",p:26,x:37,y:184,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Feb. 5, 2009; 6:00 p.m.; ",p:26,x:37,y:214,w:254,h:17},
{t:"Fellows Creek Golf Club, 2936 S. Lotz Road, ",p:26,x:37,y:232,w:261,h:17},
{t:"Canton",p:26,x:37,y:250,w:40,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:26,x:37,y:267,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 2 ",p:26,x:37,y:285,w:266,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms; Nancy Strachan, Wayne-",p:26,x:37,y:302,w:268,h:17},
{t:"Westland EA; Rebecca Smith, Van Buren EA",p:26,x:37,y:320,w:254,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:26,x:37,y:337,w:250,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:37,y:355,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; Katherine Murphy, Van Buren EA",p:26,x:37,y:372,w:222,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:37,y:390,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Falisadoll ",p:26,x:37,y:407,w:288,h:17},
{t:"Green, Van Buren EA",p:26,x:37,y:425,w:120,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:26,x:37,y:442,w:247,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11; ",p:26,x:37,y:460,w:254,h:17},
{t:"Veronica Coker, Van Buren EA; Nekole Smith, Van ",p:26,x:37,y:477,w:289,h:17},
{t:"Buren EA",p:26,x:37,y:495,w:54,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:37,y:512,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Joseph ",p:26,x:37,y:530,w:273,h:17},
{t:"Batts, Van Buren EA",p:26,x:37,y:547,w:116,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:26,x:37,y:565,w:257,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:37,y:582,w:282,h:17},
{t:"#EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:26,x:37,y:600,w:281,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; Katherine Murphy, Van Buren EA",p:26,x:37,y:617,w:271,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:37,y:635,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; David Smith, River Rouge EA",p:26,x:37,y:652,w:222,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:37,y:670,w:268,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:37,y:687,w:83,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:37,y:705,w:290,h:17},
{t:"terms; Patrick Rawson, Wayne-Westland M; Sally ",p:26,x:37,y:722,w:283,h:17},
{t:"Smith, Redford Union P; Chris DuBois, South ",p:26,x:37,y:740,w:265,h:17},
{t:"Redford O",p:26,x:37,y:757,w:57,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:37,y:775,w:282,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:26,x:37,y:792,w:239,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:26,x:37,y:810,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:37,y:827,w:273,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1position, thru ",p:26,x:37,y:845,w:276,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Patrick Rawson, Wayne-Westland M",p:26,x:37,y:862,w:259,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:26,x:37,y:880,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 8/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:37,y:897,w:273,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions, thru ",p:26,x:37,y:915,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:37,y:932,w:266,h:17},
{t:"REGION 3",p:26,x:37,y:970,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Mar. 19, 2009; 6:00 p.m.; ",p:26,x:37,y:1000,w:262,h:17},
{t:"Weber’s Inn, Ann Arbor",p:26,x:37,y:1018,w:132,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:26,x:37,y:1035,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 2 ",p:26,x:37,y:1053,w:266,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms: Connie Curry, Napoleon EA; ",p:26,x:37,y:1070,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Percy Brown, Ypsilanti P",p:26,x:37,y:1088,w:140,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:26,x:37,y:1105,w:250,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:37,y:1123,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; Linda Carter, Ann Arbor EA",p:26,x:37,y:1140,w:189,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:37,y:1158,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Elsie ",p:26,x:37,y:1175,w:273,h:17},
{t:"Aranda, Adrian EA; Marla Grant, Jackson ISD EP; ",p:26,x:335,y:184,w:287,h:17},
{t:"Richard Davis, Ypsilanti CFMOPT",p:26,x:335,y:202,w:190,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:26,x:335,y:219,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/11; Yvonne Taylor, ",p:26,x:335,y:237,w:282,h:17},
{t:"Ypsilanti EA; James Brousseau, Milan EA; ",p:26,x:335,y:254,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Mary Schwartz, Jackson ISD EP; Brian Bozen, ",p:26,x:335,y:272,w:267,h:17},
{t:"Saline EA",p:26,x:335,y:289,w:55,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:26,x:335,y:307,w:259,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Lavern ",p:26,x:335,y:324,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Smith-Mingas, Ypsilanti EA; Jean Yoder, Jackson ",p:26,x:335,y:342,w:282,h:17},
{t:"ISD EP",p:26,x:335,y:359,w:41,h:17},
{t:"EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:26,x:335,y:377,w:273,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Elsie Aranda, Adrian EA; Yvonne ",p:26,x:335,y:394,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Taylor, Ypsilanti EA; Marla Grant, Jackson ISD EP",p:26,x:335,y:412,w:283,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:429,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Leslie Rollins, Manchester EA",p:26,x:335,y:447,w:226,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:464,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Bonnie Truhn, Willow Run EA",p:26,x:335,y:482,w:224,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:335,y:499,w:284,h:17},
{t:"term; Michael Jenkins, Western CFMT",p:26,x:335,y:517,w:217,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:335,y:534,w:276,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:552,w:61,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:335,y:569,w:282,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:587,w:61,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:604,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:622,w:279,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:639,w:264,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:657,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:674,w:266,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:692,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:709,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:727,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:335,y:744,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:762,w:83,h:17},
{t:"REGION 4",p:26,x:335,y:799,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Jan. 29, 2009; 7:00 p.m.; Old ",p:26,x:335,y:830,w:284,h:17},
{t:"Country Buffet, Battle Creek",p:26,x:335,y:847,w:161,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:26,x:335,y:865,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;1 ",p:26,x:335,y:882,w:262,h:17},
{t:"position, thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term; ",p:26,x:335,y:900,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Vivian Davis, Albion EA",p:26,x:335,y:917,w:133,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:26,x:335,y:935,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Danielle Fulayter, ",p:26,x:335,y:952,w:283,h:17},
{t:"Lakeview-Battle Creek EA",p:26,x:335,y:970,w:146,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:335,y:987,w:255,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Julie ",p:26,x:335,y:1005,w:260,h:17},
{t:"Tripicchio, Lakeview-Battle Creek EA; Anna ",p:26,x:335,y:1022,w:251,h:17},
{t:"Isabell Nazar, Homer EA",p:26,x:335,y:1040,w:139,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:26,x:335,y:1057,w:257,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 4 positions*, thru 3/31/11; ",p:26,x:335,y:1075,w:254,h:17},
{t:"Julie Tripicchio, Lakeview-Battle Creek EA; Anna ",p:26,x:335,y:1092,w:282,h:17},
{t:"Isabell Nazar, Homer EA",p:26,x:335,y:1110,w:139,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:335,y:1127,w:268,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR; 1 position, thru 8/31/11; NNR; 1 ",p:26,x:335,y:1145,w:265,h:17},
{t:"position*, thru 8/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:335,y:1162,w:170,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:184,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:202,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 ",p:26,x:632,y:219,w:264,h:17},
{t:"yr. term; NNR; 1 position, thru 8/31/09; NNR; ",p:26,x:632,y:237,w:271,h:17},
{t:"1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:254,w:263,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:272,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:289,w:276,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:307,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:324,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/1l; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:342,w:78,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:359,w:266,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:377,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:394,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR; 2 ",p:26,x:632,y:412,w:267,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:429,w:263,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:447,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:464,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:482,w:273,h:17},
{t:"REGION 5",p:26,x:632,y:519,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: March 18, 2009; 6:00 p.m.; ",p:26,x:632,y:550,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Van Buren Conference Center, Lawrence",p:26,x:632,y:567,w:229,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:26,x:632,y:585,w:205,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:26,x:632,y:602,w:258,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Millie Lambert, Kalamazoo ",p:26,x:632,y:620,w:274,h:17},
{t:"EA; Randy Borden, Portage EA",p:26,x:632,y:637,w:175,h:17},
{t:"#EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:26,x:632,y:655,w:281,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; Iris Salters, Kalamazoo EA",p:26,x:632,y:672,w:234,h:17},
{t:"EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:26,x:632,y:690,w:273,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Mary Cooper, New Buffalo EA; ",p:26,x:632,y:707,w:259,h:17},
{t:"Deborah Hamilton, Portage T; Randy Borden, ",p:26,x:632,y:725,w:261,h:17},
{t:"Portage EA",p:26,x:632,y:742,w:63,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:632,y:760,w:282,h:17},
{t:"terms; Jacquelyn Anderson, White Pigeon EA; Sue ",p:26,x:632,y:777,w:291,h:17},
{t:"Pagen, New Buffalo EA; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; ",p:26,x:632,y:795,w:276,h:17},
{t:"William Rudman*, Lake MI CC EA",p:26,x:632,y:812,w:195,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:632,y:830,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:847,w:61,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 yr. ",p:26,x:632,y:865,w:290,h:17},
{t:"terms; Deb Allen, Colon P; Silvia Henry-Walton, ",p:26,x:632,y:882,w:276,h:17},
{t:"Benton Harbor O; Lajuana Spaulding, Berrien ",p:26,x:632,y:900,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Springs CMOT",p:26,x:632,y:917,w:82,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, ",p:26,x:632,y:935,w:253,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Ronnie Brown, Benton Harbor ",p:26,x:632,y:952,w:258,h:17},
{t:"CGMT; Lisa Bromilow, Berrien Springs CMOP; ",p:26,x:632,y:970,w:265,h:17},
{t:"1 position*, 3 yr. term; Ronnie Brown, Benton ",p:26,x:632,y:987,w:268,h:17},
{t:"Harbor CGMT; Lisa Bromilow, Berrien Springs ",p:26,x:632,y:1005,w:264,h:17},
{t:"CMOP; Deborah Hamilton, Portage T",p:26,x:632,y:1022,w:209,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1040,w:276,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Lisa Bromilow, Berrien Springs CMOP; ",p:26,x:632,y:1057,w:279,h:17},
{t:"Deborah Hamilton, Portage T",p:26,x:632,y:1075,w:166,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1092,w:290,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Ronnie Brown, Benton Harbor CGMT",p:26,x:632,y:1110,w:265,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1127,w:272,h:17},
{t:"3/31/10; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:1145,w:83,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1162,w:280,h:17},
{t:"8/31/10; Ronnie Brown, Benton Harbor CGMT",p:26,x:632,y:1180,w:265,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1197,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/10; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:1215,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1232,w:281,h:17},
{t:"3/31/10; NNR",p:26,x:632,y:1250,w:83,h:17},
{t:"REGION 6",p:26,x:632,y:1287,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:26,x:632,y:1318,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:26,x:632,y:1336,w:266,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Michael La Buhn, Armada EA",p:26,x:632,y:1353,w:286,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:26,x:632,y:1371,w:250,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:632,y:1388,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Jonathon Fielbrandt, Warren EA; 1 ",p:26,x:930,y:184,w:257,h:17},
{t:"position*, 3 yr. term; Dorothy Derrow, East ",p:26,x:930,y:202,w:246,h:17},
{t:"China EA",p:26,x:930,y:219,w:52,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:930,y:237,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 5 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Norma ",p:26,x:930,y:254,w:283,h:17},
{t:"Macklin, Warren Woods EA; Kris Kyllonen, Port ",p:26,x:930,y:272,w:273,h:17},
{t:"Huron EA; Jonathon Fielbrandt, Warren EA; Ken ",p:26,x:930,y:289,w:279,h:17},
{t:"Krause, Fitzgerald EA; Bonnie Middledorf, Grosse ",p:26,x:930,y:307,w:287,h:17},
{t:"Pt. EA; 1 position*, thru 8/31/11; Cathy Murray, ",p:26,x:930,y:324,w:281,h:17},
{t:"Port Huron EA",p:26,x:930,y:342,w:82,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:26,x:930,y:359,w:247,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Eric ",p:26,x:930,y:377,w:275,h:17},
{t:"Longaski, East China EA",p:26,x:930,y:394,w:139,h:17},
{t:"#EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:26,x:930,y:412,w:281,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Michele Shagena, Port Huron EA",p:26,x:930,y:429,w:271,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:447,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term; Krett Kujat, ",p:26,x:930,y:464,w:255,h:17},
{t:"Memphis EA",p:26,x:930,y:482,w:72,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:499,w:282,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term; Denise Mead, ",p:26,x:930,y:517,w:266,h:17},
{t:"East China OP",p:26,x:930,y:534,w:82,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, ",p:26,x:930,y:552,w:254,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; Jan Schmorrow, Marysville O; ",p:26,x:930,y:569,w:254,h:17},
{t:"1 position*, thru 8/31/10; Pam Augustyn, ",p:26,x:930,y:587,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Marysville O",p:26,x:930,y:604,w:69,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:622,w:284,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Barb Campau, Mt Clemens O",p:26,x:930,y:639,w:221,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:657,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Donald Goddard, Memphis EA",p:26,x:930,y:674,w:228,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:692,w:280,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Bette Reed, Marysville O",p:26,x:930,y:709,w:196,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:727,w:287,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Pam Augustyn, Marysville O",p:26,x:930,y:744,w:215,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:26,x:930,y:762,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Gerald Varty, Marysville C",p:26,x:930,y:779,w:200,h:17},
{t:"REGION 7",p:26,x:930,y:817,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: March 26, 2009; 6:30 p.m.; ",p:26,x:930,y:847,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., ",p:26,x:930,y:865,w:245,h:17},
{t:"Waterford",p:26,x:930,y:882,w:54,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:26,x:930,y:900,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 3 ",p:26,x:930,y:917,w:266,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms; Tom Brenner, Novi EA; ",p:26,x:930,y:935,w:262,h:17},
{t:"Cathy Perini Korreck, Rochester EA; Gerald Faye, ",p:26,x:930,y:952,w:285,h:17},
{t:"Oakland Community College EA",p:26,x:930,y:970,w:181,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:930,y:987,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 4 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Lynda ",p:26,x:930,y:1005,w:279,h:17},
{t:"Min, Bloomfeld Hills EA; Elnora Hawkins, ",p:26,x:930,y:1022,w:246,h:17},
{t:"Pontiac EA; Jean Yuen, Southfeld CFGMPT; Matt ",p:26,x:930,y:1040,w:287,h:17},
{t:"Gonzales, Royal Oak EA",p:26,x:930,y:1057,w:136,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:26,x:930,y:1075,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/09; Drew Campbell, ",p:26,x:930,y:1092,w:292,h:17},
{t:"Waterford CFMT; Barbara Radabaugh, Bloomfeld ",p:26,x:930,y:1110,w:285,h:17},
{t:"Hills OP",p:26,x:930,y:1127,w:47,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:930,y:1145,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position, 3 yr. term; Drew ",p:26,x:930,y:1162,w:255,h:17},
{t:"Campbell, Waterford CFMT",p:26,x:930,y:1180,w:154,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:26,x:930,y:1197,w:247,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Robert ",p:26,x:930,y:1215,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Spencer, Clarkston EA",p:26,x:930,y:1232,w:127,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:26,x:930,y:1250,w:255,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/09; Janet ",p:26,x:930,y:1267,w:283,h:17},
{t:"Ackerman, South Lyon EA; Larry Smart, Troy EA; ",p:26,x:930,y:1285,w:282,h:17},
{t:"Walter Krell, Avondale EA; Matt Gonzales, Royal ",p:26,x:930,y:1302,w:279,h:17},
{t:"Oak EA; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Matt Gonzales, ",p:26,x:930,y:1320,w:274,h:17},
{t:"Royal Oak EA; Walter Krell, Avondale EA; Cindy ",p:26,x:930,y:1337,w:275,h:17},
{t:"Shankin, Troy EA",p:26,x:930,y:1355,w:97,h:17},
{t:"2009 region elections",p:26,x:28,y:22,w:229,h:35},
{t:"Region elections »",p:26,x:186,y:69,w:579,h:99},
{t:"KEY:",p:26,x:642,y:1430,w:52,h:30},
{t:"# ",p:26,x:686,y:1468,w:17,h:22},
{t:"Elected by acclamation.",p:26,x:717,y:1468,w:196,h:22},
{t:"NNR ",p:26,x:658,y:1490,w:45,h:22},
{t:"No nomination(s) received.",p:26,x:717,y:1490,w:220,h:22},
{t:"* ",p:26,x:689,y:1513,w:15,h:22},
{t:"This is a Minority 3-1(g) position.",p:26,x:717,y:1513,w:273,h:22},
{t:"INSTRUCTORS WANTED",p:26,x:167,y:1212,w:296,h:33},
{t:"Michigan PLS (Performance Learning Systems®) and",p:26,x:92,y:1245,w:445,h:25},
{t:"Marygrove College, announce part-time openings ",p:26,x:108,y:1267,w:417,h:24},
{t:"for professional instructors in the following locations:",p:26,x:96,y:1289,w:436,h:24},
{t:"Alpena • Gaylord • Petoskey • Cheboygan",p:26,x:108,y:1311,w:413,h:28},
{t:"Muskegon • Holland • Benton Harbor",p:26,x:132,y:1335,w:365,h:28},
{t:"Three Rivers • Monroe • Niles • Monroe ",p:26,x:121,y:1360,w:392,h:28},
{t:"Ironwood (Western UP) • Menominee ",p:26,x:132,y:1384,w:371,h:28},
{t:"Requirements: Must have M.A. Degree, valid Michigan Teaching",p:26,x:61,y:1410,w:506,h:23},
{t:"Certificate, 3 - 5 years teaching experience, have taken ",p:26,x:129,y:1431,w:441,h:23},
{t:"at least one PLS course.",p:26,x:205,y:1451,w:194,h:23},
{t:"Apply by calling Leo",p:26,x:221,y:1472,w:168,h:24},
{t:"at 1-800-295-1515",p:26,x:228,y:1494,w:154,h:24},
{t:"Monday - Thursday 7 - 9 p.m.",p:26,x:177,y:1516,w:248,h:24},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:27,x:1103,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"27",p:27,x:1216,y:1594,w:20,h:21},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:27,x:37,y:184,w:265,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Brooke ",p:27,x:37,y:202,w:292,h:17},
{t:"Davis, Clarkston EA",p:27,x:37,y:219,w:111,h:17},
{t:"#EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:37,y:237,w:281,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Kim Simmons, Clarkston EA ; ",p:27,x:37,y:254,w:256,h:17},
{t:"1 position, thru 8/31/11; Mary Ston, Oakland ",p:27,x:37,y:272,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Community College EA",p:27,x:37,y:289,w:130,h:17},
{t:"EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:37,y:307,w:273,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Debra Shoultz, Bloomfeld Hills OP ",p:27,x:37,y:324,w:287,h:17},
{t:"; Barbara Pollis, Royal Oak EA",p:27,x:37,y:342,w:173,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:359,w:266,h:17},
{t:"8/31/10; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:377,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:394,w:268,h:17},
{t:"3/31/10; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:412,w:83,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:429,w:284,h:17},
{t:"term; Debbie Olevenick, Berkley P",p:27,x:37,y:447,w:196,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:464,w:282,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; 2 positions*, thru 8/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:482,w:263,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:499,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:517,w:273,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:534,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Tina Jiminez, Pontiac O; Debbie Haines, ",p:27,x:37,y:552,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Pontiac P; Monica Collins, Pontiac P",p:27,x:37,y:569,w:210,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:587,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 8/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:604,w:273,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 5 positions, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:622,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:639,w:279,h:17},
{t:"REGION 8",p:27,x:37,y:677,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Feb. 18, 2009; 6:15 p.m.; ",p:27,x:37,y:707,w:262,h:17},
{t:"MEA Headquarters",p:27,x:37,y:725,w:107,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:27,x:37,y:742,w:205,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:27,x:37,y:760,w:258,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Barry Goode, Brighton EA; Ed ",p:27,x:37,y:777,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Bryant, Lansing Community College EA",p:27,x:37,y:795,w:224,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:27,x:37,y:812,w:242,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 ",p:27,x:37,y:830,w:257,h:17},
{t:"yr. term; Linda Kelley, Lansing EA; Cynthia ",p:27,x:37,y:847,w:249,h:17},
{t:"Schneider, MSU APA ESP; Jerry Swartz, ",p:27,x:37,y:865,w:233,h:17},
{t:"Lansing EA",p:27,x:37,y:882,w:64,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:27,x:37,y:900,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Gaylon Barham, ",p:27,x:37,y:917,w:286,h:17},
{t:"East Lansing EA; Gloria Todman, Lansing EA; ",p:27,x:37,y:935,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Karen Bates, Lansing P; John Penn, Haslett EA",p:27,x:37,y:952,w:271,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:37,y:970,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Gloria ",p:27,x:37,y:987,w:267,h:17},
{t:"Todman, Lansing EA",p:27,x:37,y:1005,w:117,h:17},
{t:"EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:37,y:1022,w:273,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; Steve Cook, Lansing P, Jordan ",p:27,x:37,y:1040,w:258,h:17},
{t:"Johnson, Lansing P; 1 position, thru 8/31/09; ",p:27,x:37,y:1057,w:267,h:17},
{t:"Pam Kliewer, Okemos EA; Jordan Johnson, ",p:27,x:37,y:1075,w:248,h:17},
{t:"Lansing P",p:27,x:37,y:1092,w:56,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:1110,w:271,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR; 2 ",p:27,x:37,y:1127,w:267,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:1145,w:265,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:1162,w:61,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:1180,w:268,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:1197,w:273,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:1215,w:290,h:17},
{t:"terms; Linda Hyde, St. Johns O; Donna Anderson, ",p:27,x:37,y:1232,w:289,h:17},
{t:"Hartland OP; 1 position*, thru 8/31/09; Nancy ",p:27,x:37,y:1250,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Rutkowski, Hartland OP",p:27,x:37,y:1267,w:136,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:1285,w:282,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:1302,w:61,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 6 positions, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:1320,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:1337,w:279,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:1355,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; Sandy Paesens, Bellevue EA",p:27,x:37,y:1372,w:196,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:37,y:1390,w:272,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; 1 position, thru 8/31/09; NNR; 1 ",p:27,x:37,y:1407,w:271,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; ",p:27,x:37,y:1425,w:288,h:17},
{t:"NNR",p:27,x:37,y:1442,w:27,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions, thru ",p:27,x:37,y:1460,w:272,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:37,y:1477,w:273,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 ",p:27,x:37,y:1495,w:271,h:17},
{t:"yr. terms; Barb Burgess, Bellevue CFMOP; Linda ",p:27,x:37,y:1512,w:281,h:17},
{t:"Hyde, St. Johns O",p:27,x:37,y:1530,w:103,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:335,y:184,w:274,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; 3 positions, thru 8/31/09; NNR; ",p:27,x:335,y:202,w:265,h:17},
{t:"3 positions, 3yr. terms; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:219,w:271,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR; 2 positions*, thru 8/31/09; NNR; ",p:27,x:335,y:237,w:287,h:17},
{t:"2 positions*, 3 yr. terms; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:254,w:174,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:272,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Lorri Piggott, St. Johns O",p:27,x:335,y:289,w:199,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 5 positions, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:307,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:324,w:279,h:17},
{t:"REGION 9",p:27,x:335,y:362,w:61,h:21},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:27,x:335,y:392,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 2 ",p:27,x:335,y:410,w:266,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms; Sue Maturkanich, Grand ",p:27,x:335,y:427,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Rapids EA; Julie Brill, Kentwood EA",p:27,x:335,y:445,w:206,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:27,x:335,y:462,w:258,h:17},
{t:"position, thru 8/31/11; Cynthia Pierce, Lowell, ",p:27,x:335,y:480,w:271,h:17},
{t:"EA; Elizabeth Miller, Forest Hills EA; Doug Haan, ",p:27,x:335,y:497,w:285,h:17},
{t:"Rockford EA; Becky Black, Wayland Union EA",p:27,x:335,y:515,w:263,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:27,x:335,y:532,w:250,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:335,y:550,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; Bonita Harvey, Jenison EA",p:27,x:335,y:567,w:184,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:27,x:335,y:585,w:242,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:602,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/10; Dennis Branson, Grand Rapids EA; ",p:27,x:335,y:620,w:259,h:17},
{t:"Debra Irvin, Kentwood EA; Pamela Seales, Grand ",p:27,x:335,y:637,w:285,h:17},
{t:"Rapids EA",p:27,x:335,y:655,w:59,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:335,y:672,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 4 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Renee ",p:27,x:335,y:690,w:281,h:17},
{t:"Sandora, West Ottawa EA; Theresa Dudley, Grand ",p:27,x:335,y:707,w:286,h:17},
{t:"Rapids O; Susan Jarrell, Grand Rapids CC O; ",p:27,x:335,y:725,w:260,h:17},
{t:"Alicia Matthes, Grand Rapids O",p:27,x:335,y:742,w:180,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:27,x:335,y:760,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:777,w:218,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:335,y:795,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/09 and1 ",p:27,x:335,y:812,w:278,h:17},
{t:"position*, 3 yr. term; Tim Funk, Grand Rapids O",p:27,x:335,y:830,w:275,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:27,x:335,y:847,w:247,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; ",p:27,x:335,y:865,w:248,h:17},
{t:"Jennifer Jones, Grand Rapids EA",p:27,x:335,y:882,w:187,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:335,y:900,w:255,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Renee ",p:27,x:335,y:917,w:281,h:17},
{t:"Sandora, West Ottawa EA; Jennifer Jones, Grand ",p:27,x:335,y:935,w:281,h:17},
{t:"Rapids EA; Joy Kooyer, Holland EA; Cynthia ",p:27,x:335,y:952,w:255,h:17},
{t:"Pierce, Lowell EA",p:27,x:335,y:970,w:100,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:27,x:335,y:987,w:265,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; ",p:27,x:335,y:1005,w:248,h:17},
{t:"Jennifer Jones, Grand Rapids EA",p:27,x:335,y:1022,w:187,h:17},
{t:"EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:335,y:1040,w:273,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09; Susan Jarrell, Grand Rapids CC O",p:27,x:335,y:1057,w:275,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:335,y:1075,w:268,h:17},
{t:"term; Heather Lehman Genson, Carson City ",p:27,x:335,y:1092,w:252,h:17},
{t:"Crystal EA",p:27,x:335,y:1110,w:58,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1127,w:266,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:1145,w:247,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1162,w:266,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; T. Ann Cunningham, Carson City ",p:27,x:335,y:1180,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Crystal EA",p:27,x:335,y:1197,w:58,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1215,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:1232,w:83,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:335,y:1250,w:284,h:17},
{t:"term; Pam Grice, Montcalm CC CMOP",p:27,x:335,y:1267,w:218,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 4 positions, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1285,w:279,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 4 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 2 ",p:27,x:335,y:1302,w:279,h:17},
{t:"positions*, thru 8/31/09; NNR; 2 positions*, 3 ",p:27,x:335,y:1320,w:273,h:17},
{t:"yr. terms; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:1337,w:85,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1355,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:1372,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1390,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:1407,w:259,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:335,y:1425,w:274,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR",p:27,x:335,y:1442,w:67,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:335,y:1460,w:282,h:17},
{t:"term; Pam Grice, Montcalm CC CMOP",p:27,x:335,y:1477,w:218,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 4 positions, thru ",p:27,x:335,y:1495,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 4 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 ",p:27,x:335,y:1512,w:279,h:17},
{t:"position*, thru 8/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:184,w:277,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:202,w:254,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 6 positions, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:632,y:219,w:282,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:237,w:239,h:17},
{t:"REGION 10",p:27,x:632,y:274,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:27,x:632,y:305,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; ",p:27,x:632,y:322,w:254,h:17},
{t:"1 position, 3 yr. term; Lee Maxwell, North ",p:27,x:632,y:340,w:243,h:17},
{t:"Branch EA",p:27,x:632,y:357,w:60,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:632,y:375,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Barbara ",p:27,x:632,y:392,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Bracey, Flint EA",p:27,x:632,y:410,w:91,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:632,y:427,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Ethel ",p:27,x:632,y:445,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Johnson, Flint EA",p:27,x:632,y:462,w:100,h:17},
{t:"EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:632,y:480,w:273,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; Sandra Cawood, Carman-Ainsworth ",p:27,x:632,y:497,w:286,h:17},
{t:"EA; Chandra Forward, Flint EA",p:27,x:632,y:515,w:174,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:532,w:266,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:550,w:83,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:632,y:567,w:276,h:17},
{t:"term; Gwen Gulley, Westwood Heights EA",p:27,x:632,y:585,w:236,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:602,w:266,h:17},
{t:"8/31/10; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:620,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:637,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Denise Brewer, Lapeer ISD EA",p:27,x:632,y:655,w:228,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:632,y:672,w:254,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09 and 1 position, 3 yr. term; Mary ",p:27,x:632,y:690,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Donnelly, Lakeville O",p:27,x:632,y:707,w:119,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:725,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR ",p:27,x:632,y:742,w:251,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:760,w:280,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:777,w:254,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:795,w:284,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Donnal Peasley, Lapeer T",p:27,x:632,y:812,w:199,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:830,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:847,w:273,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:865,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:882,w:259,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:900,w:272,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:917,w:83,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:632,y:935,w:282,h:17},
{t:"term and 1 position, thru 8/31/09; Mary Donnelly, ",p:27,x:632,y:952,w:291,h:17},
{t:"Lakeville O",p:27,x:632,y:970,w:63,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:632,y:987,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:1005,w:61,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:27,x:632,y:1022,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:632,y:1040,w:83,h:17},
{t:"REGION 11",p:27,x:632,y:1077,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Apr. 20, 2009; 6:00 p.m.; ",p:27,x:632,y:1108,w:260,h:17},
{t:"Damon’s in Saginaw",p:27,x:632,y:1126,w:115,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:27,x:632,y:1143,w:205,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:27,x:930,y:184,w:258,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Kathy Kurtis Daniels, Tuscola ",p:27,x:930,y:202,w:288,h:17},
{t:"ISD EA",p:27,x:930,y:219,w:41,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:27,x:930,y:237,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Ruth Hausbeck, ",p:27,x:930,y:254,w:275,h:17},
{t:"Saginaw Twp. EA",p:27,x:930,y:272,w:97,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:27,x:930,y:289,w:265,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Febe ",p:27,x:930,y:307,w:280,h:17},
{t:"Garcia, Carsonville-Pt. Sanilac EA",p:27,x:930,y:324,w:193,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:27,x:930,y:342,w:257,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:359,w:282,h:17},
{t:"#EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:27,x:930,y:377,w:281,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; Peggy McLellan, Reese EA",p:27,x:930,y:394,w:235,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions*, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:412,w:286,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Jenifer Almassy, Reese EA; Febe Garcia, ",p:27,x:930,y:429,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Carsonville-Pt. Sanilac EA",p:27,x:930,y:447,w:149,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position thru ",p:27,x:930,y:464,w:272,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Barbara Giles, Breckenridge EA",p:27,x:930,y:482,w:235,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 5 positions thru ",p:27,x:930,y:499,w:270,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:517,w:273,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 ",p:27,x:930,y:534,w:266,h:17},
{t:"yr. term; Diane Griggs, Birch Run CMOPT; 1 ",p:27,x:930,y:552,w:256,h:17},
{t:"position*, 3 yr. term; Steve Griggs, Birch Run ",p:27,x:930,y:569,w:264,h:17},
{t:"CMOPT",p:27,x:930,y:587,w:43,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:604,w:279,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:622,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:639,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:657,w:273,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 5 positions, 3 ",p:27,x:930,y:674,w:263,h:17},
{t:"yr. terms; Judy Daley, Harbor Beach EA; David ",p:27,x:930,y:692,w:268,h:17},
{t:"Justin, Breckenridge EA; Jane Reif, Cass City ",p:27,x:930,y:709,w:263,h:17},
{t:"EA; David Jaroch, Breckenridge EA; Alexis Ervin, ",p:27,x:930,y:727,w:283,h:17},
{t:"Buena Vista EA; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Febe ",p:27,x:930,y:744,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Garcia, Carsonville Pt. Sanilac EA",p:27,x:930,y:762,w:193,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:779,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Jenifer Almassy, Reese EA",p:27,x:930,y:797,w:206,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:814,w:266,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:832,w:273,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:27,x:930,y:849,w:280,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; 2 positions, thru 8/31/09; NNR; ",p:27,x:930,y:867,w:265,h:17},
{t:"2 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:884,w:275,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:902,w:254,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:27,x:930,y:919,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:27,x:930,y:937,w:273,h:17},
{t:"REGION 12",p:27,x:930,y:974,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Feb. 19, 2009; 5:45 p.m.; The ",p:27,x:930,y:1005,w:287,h:17},
{t:"H Hotel, Midland",p:27,x:930,y:1022,w:98,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:27,x:930,y:1040,w:205,h:17},
{t:"MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:27,x:930,y:1057,w:258,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Viola Collin, Midland City EA; ",p:27,x:930,y:1075,w:289,h:17},
{t:"Kevin Stapish, Bay City EA",p:27,x:930,y:1092,w:154,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:27,x:930,y:1110,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/09 ",p:27,x:930,y:1127,w:244,h:17},
{t:"and 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Rodrigo Barassi, ",p:27,x:930,y:1145,w:258,h:17},
{t:"Essexville EA",p:27,x:930,y:1162,w:75,h:17},
{t:"MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ",p:27,x:724,y:1293,w:445,h:44},
{t:"EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP",p:27,x:684,y:1335,w:521,h:44},
{t:"Office of Graduate Admission",p:27,x:981,y:1419,w:224,h:19},
{t:"4090 Geddes Road",p:27,x:1059,y:1440,w:145,h:19},
{t:"Ann Arbor, MI 48105",p:27,x:1047,y:1461,w:158,h:19},
{t:"graduate.admissions@cuaa.edu",p:27,x:969,y:1496,w:235,h:19},
{t:"www.cuaa.edu • 888-282-2338",p:27,x:974,y:1517,w:231,h:19},
{t:"Educate Your Ambition",p:27,x:788,y:1213,w:306,h:35},
{t:"Concordia University’s School of Education",p:27,x:761,y:1271,w:358,h:22},
{t:"28 ",p:28,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:28,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"Region elections »",p:28,x:186,y:69,w:579,h:99},
{t:"2009 region elections",p:28,x:28,y:22,w:229,h:35},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing Minority ",p:28,x:37,y:184,w:287,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Donald Tilley, ",p:28,x:37,y:202,w:271,h:17},
{t:"Bay City EA; Rosa Johnson, Mt. Pleasant EA; Amy ",p:28,x:37,y:219,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Guzman, Midland City EA",p:28,x:37,y:237,w:147,h:17},
{t:"MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing Minority ",p:28,x:37,y:254,w:289,h:17},
{t:"3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:272,w:225,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:37,y:289,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Rosa ",p:28,x:37,y:307,w:261,h:17},
{t:"Johnson, Mt. Pleasant EA",p:28,x:37,y:324,w:146,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:28,x:37,y:342,w:257,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:359,w:282,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:37,y:377,w:276,h:17},
{t:"term; John Hoefing, Whittemore-Prescott EA",p:28,x:37,y:394,w:257,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:412,w:266,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:429,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:37,y:447,w:270,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:464,w:61,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:482,w:282,h:17},
{t:"8/31/10; Debra Smith, Farwell OP",p:28,x:37,y:499,w:196,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:37,y:517,w:284,h:17},
{t:"term; Teresa Mackie, Farwell OP",p:28,x:37,y:534,w:184,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:552,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR; 1 ",p:28,x:37,y:569,w:267,h:17},
{t:"position*, thru 8/31/09; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:37,y:587,w:279,h:17},
{t:"term; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:604,w:61,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:622,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:639,w:273,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:657,w:266,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:674,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:692,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 ",p:28,x:37,y:709,w:279,h:17},
{t:"position, thru 8/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:727,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:744,w:254,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:762,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:37,y:779,w:273,h:17},
{t:"REGION 13",p:28,x:37,y:817,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:37,y:847,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:28,x:37,y:865,w:266,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Cheryl Lake, Orchard View EA",p:28,x:37,y:882,w:286,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-",p:28,x:37,y:900,w:250,h:17},
{t:"Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:37,y:917,w:274,h:17},
{t:"term; Sue Federico, Fruitport EA",p:28,x:37,y:935,w:186,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:37,y:952,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Pauline ",p:28,x:37,y:970,w:288,h:17},
{t:"McDowell, Muskegon Heights EA; Joy Robinson, ",p:28,x:37,y:987,w:280,h:17},
{t:"Muskegon Heights EA; Barbara Webber, ",p:28,x:37,y:1005,w:231,h:17},
{t:"Muskegon City OP",p:28,x:37,y:1022,w:104,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:37,y:1040,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Pauline ",p:28,x:37,y:1057,w:276,h:17},
{t:"McDowell, Muskegon Heights EA",p:28,x:37,y:1075,w:188,h:17},
{t:"#EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 1 position, ",p:28,x:37,y:1092,w:281,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/11; William Papo, Ferris State Univ",p:28,x:37,y:1110,w:262,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:37,y:1127,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; William Cunningham, Kaleva-Norman ",p:28,x:37,y:1145,w:273,h:17},
{t:"Dickson EA; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; Michael ",p:28,x:37,y:1162,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Sweet, Walkerville EA; William Cunningham, ",p:28,x:335,y:184,w:258,h:17},
{t:"Kaleva-Norman Dickson EA",p:28,x:335,y:202,w:156,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:335,y:219,w:274,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR; ",p:28,x:335,y:237,w:75,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:254,w:274,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:272,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, ",p:28,x:335,y:289,w:252,h:17},
{t:"thru 8/31/09 and 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; Karla ",p:28,x:335,y:307,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Hilliard, Manistee P; Sheila Kaminski, Manistee P",p:28,x:335,y:324,w:286,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:335,y:342,w:282,h:17},
{t:"terms; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:359,w:67,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:335,y:377,w:282,h:17},
{t:"term; Cheryl Buter, Fruitport FT",p:28,x:335,y:394,w:180,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:412,w:280,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position*, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:429,w:254,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:447,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:464,w:273,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:482,w:272,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; Michelle Sweet, Walkerville EA ; 2 ",p:28,x:335,y:499,w:256,h:17},
{t:"positions, 3 yr. terms; Michael Sweet, Walkerville ",p:28,x:335,y:517,w:285,h:17},
{t:"EA; Michelle Sweet, Walkerville EA",p:28,x:335,y:534,w:200,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:552,w:264,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 1 position, 3 yr. term; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:569,w:247,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:587,w:266,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:604,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:622,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 ",p:28,x:335,y:639,w:279,h:17},
{t:"position, thru 8/31/10; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:657,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:674,w:83,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:692,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:709,w:273,h:17},
{t:"REGION 14",p:28,x:335,y:747,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Apr. 15, 2009; 6:00 p.m.; BJ’s ",p:28,x:335,y:777,w:287,h:17},
{t:"– 990 North Center (Old 27 North) Gaylord",p:28,x:335,y:795,w:247,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:335,y:812,w:205,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:335,y:830,w:268,h:17},
{t:"term; Chad Coolman, Rogers City EA; Dana Crudo, ",p:28,x:335,y:847,w:292,h:17},
{t:"Johannesburg-Lewiston EA",p:28,x:335,y:865,w:153,h:17},
{t:"EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:882,w:268,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Chad Coolman, Rogers City EA; 1 ",p:28,x:335,y:900,w:250,h:17},
{t:"position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:917,w:170,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:935,w:274,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; Tracy McMahon, Johannesburg-Lewiston ",p:28,x:335,y:952,w:290,h:17},
{t:"CFMOPT; 1 position*, thru 8/31/10; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:970,w:239,h:17},
{t:"ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:987,w:282,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:1005,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:1022,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/09; NNR; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms; NNR; 1 ",p:28,x:335,y:1040,w:279,h:17},
{t:"position, thru 8/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:1057,w:270,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:1075,w:83,h:17},
{t:"EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:1092,w:272,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:1110,w:273,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:335,y:1127,w:278,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR; 1 position*, thru 8/31/10; NNR",p:28,x:335,y:1145,w:273,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:632,y:184,w:280,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:632,y:202,w:83,h:17},
{t:"MAHE EA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:632,y:219,w:275,h:17},
{t:"8/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:632,y:237,w:83,h:17},
{t:"MAHE EA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, thru ",p:28,x:632,y:254,w:277,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; NNR",p:28,x:632,y:272,w:83,h:17},
{t:"REGION 15",p:28,x:632,y:309,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Mar. 2, 2009; 7:00 p.m.; MEA ",p:28,x:632,y:340,w:285,h:17},
{t:"- Traverse City Offce",p:28,x:632,y:357,w:117,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:632,y:375,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; 1 ",p:28,x:632,y:392,w:266,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Chris Korbel, Traverse Bay ",p:28,x:632,y:410,w:270,h:17},
{t:"ISD EA",p:28,x:632,y:427,w:41,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:632,y:445,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Connie ",p:28,x:632,y:462,w:284,h:17},
{t:"Boylan, Traverse City OP; Dan Bennett, Bellaire ",p:28,x:632,y:480,w:275,h:17},
{t:"EA",p:28,x:632,y:497,w:16,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:632,y:515,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position, thru 8/31/09 and 1 ",p:28,x:632,y:532,w:275,h:17},
{t:"position, 3 yr. term; Deb Larson, Bellaire EA",p:28,x:632,y:550,w:253,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 ",p:28,x:632,y:567,w:264,h:17},
{t:"yr. terms; Diane Bennett, Bellaire EA; Tom Eley, ",p:28,x:632,y:585,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Bellaire EA; Mystena Miller, Mancelona EA",p:28,x:632,y:602,w:245,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:632,y:620,w:280,h:17},
{t:"terms; Diane Bennett, Bellaire EA; Frank Moser, ",p:28,x:632,y:637,w:279,h:17},
{t:"Forest Area EA; Mystena Miller, Mancelona EA",p:28,x:632,y:655,w:266,h:17},
{t:"REGION 16",p:28,x:632,y:692,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Apr. 1, 2009; 7:00 p.m.; MEA ",p:28,x:632,y:723,w:283,h:17},
{t:"– Sault Ste. Marie Offce",p:28,x:632,y:741,w:141,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:632,y:758,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate; ",p:28,x:632,y:776,w:254,h:17},
{t:"1 position, 3 yr. term; Robert Cameron, ",p:28,x:632,y:793,w:229,h:17},
{t:"Tahquamenon EA",p:28,x:632,y:811,w:99,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:632,y:828,w:276,h:17},
{t:"term; Randall Griffs, Tahquamenon EA",p:28,x:632,y:846,w:224,h:17},
{t:"REGION 17",p:28,x:632,y:883,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Apr. 21, 2009; 6:30 p.m.; TBD",p:28,x:632,y:914,w:285,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:632,y:931,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:632,y:949,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; Rae Ann ",p:28,x:632,y:966,w:282,h:17},
{t:"Loy, Negaunee EA",p:28,x:632,y:984,w:103,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing ",p:28,x:632,y:1001,w:267,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Louise ",p:28,x:632,y:1019,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Levi, Negaunee EA",p:28,x:632,y:1036,w:108,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:632,y:1054,w:282,h:17},
{t:"terms; Cecile Lenca, Stephenson EA; Lisa Talon, ",p:28,x:632,y:1071,w:282,h:17},
{t:"North Dickinson EA; Ed Williams, Iron Mt. EA; ",p:28,x:632,y:1089,w:270,h:17},
{t:"1 position*, 3 yr. term; Sarah Marshall, Iron Mt. ",p:28,x:632,y:1106,w:279,h:17},
{t:"ISD EA",p:28,x:632,y:1124,w:41,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, 3 ",p:28,x:632,y:1141,w:266,h:17},
{t:"yr. terms; Dean Dompierre, Ishpeming EA; Patti ",p:28,x:632,y:1159,w:276,h:17},
{t:"LaPistoe, Menominee ISD EA; Jackie Backlund, ",p:28,x:632,y:1176,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Norway Vulcan EA; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; ",p:28,x:632,y:1194,w:266,h:17},
{t:"Jared Koski, Marquette-Alger RESA ",p:28,x:632,y:1211,w:206,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*, thru ",p:28,x:632,y:1229,w:290,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Terri Rugg, Breitung Twp. EA",p:28,x:632,y:1246,w:220,h:17},
{t:"#EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate-Representing ",p:28,x:632,y:1264,w:257,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11; ",p:28,x:632,y:1281,w:254,h:17},
{t:"Cecile Lenca, Stephenson EA; Sarah Marshall, ",p:28,x:632,y:1299,w:270,h:17},
{t:"Iron Mt. EA; Jackie Backlund, Norway Vulcan ",p:28,x:632,y:1316,w:263,h:17},
{t:"EA; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11; Dean Dompierre, ",p:28,x:632,y:1334,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Ishpeming EA",p:28,x:632,y:1351,w:79,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions, thru ",p:28,x:632,y:1369,w:288,h:17},
{t:"3/31/11; Carl Bengry, Marquette CFMT; Patti ",p:28,x:632,y:1386,w:262,h:17},
{t:"Juidici, Negaunee FOP; Cindy Deiter, Dickinson ",p:28,x:930,y:184,w:276,h:17},
{t:"Iron ISD PT",p:28,x:930,y:202,w:67,h:17},
{t:"#MAHE EA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:930,y:219,w:285,h:17},
{t:"term; Nancy Love, Bay De Noc CC EA",p:28,x:930,y:237,w:215,h:17},
{t:"#MAHE EA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:930,y:254,w:287,h:17},
{t:"term; Brian Black, Bay De Noc CC EA",p:28,x:930,y:272,w:216,h:17},
{t:"REGION 18",p:28,x:930,y:309,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates’ Night: Feb. 11, 2009; 6:00 p.m.; ",p:28,x:930,y:340,w:262,h:17},
{t:"Paul’s Restaurant, Silver City",p:28,x:930,y:357,w:166,h:17},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:930,y:375,w:205,h:17},
{t:"#MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:930,y:392,w:244,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term; David ",p:28,x:930,y:410,w:266,h:17},
{t:"Martinson, Gogebic-Ont. ISD EA",p:28,x:930,y:427,w:184,h:17},
{t:"#EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions, 3 ",p:28,x:930,y:445,w:264,h:17},
{t:"yr. terms; Kris Schourek, Hancock EA; Nancy ",p:28,x:930,y:462,w:262,h:17},
{t:"Clark, Houghton-Portage EA, Mike Benda, Adams ",p:28,x:930,y:480,w:286,h:17},
{t:"Twp. EA",p:28,x:930,y:497,w:46,h:17},
{t:"#ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 ",p:28,x:930,y:515,w:266,h:17},
{t:"yr. term; Stephen Elenich, Copper Country ISD ",p:28,x:930,y:532,w:271,h:17},
{t:"CFMOPT",p:28,x:930,y:550,w:50,h:17},
{t:"#ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position, 3 ",p:28,x:930,y:567,w:265,h:17},
{t:"yr. term; Stephen Elenich, Copper Country ISD ",p:28,x:930,y:585,w:271,h:17},
{t:"CFMOPT",p:28,x:930,y:602,w:50,h:17},
{t:"REGION 50",p:28,x:930,y:640,w:69,h:21},
{t:"Candidates for Positions to be Elected",p:28,x:930,y:670,w:205,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 3 positions, 3 yr. ",p:28,x:930,y:688,w:288,h:17},
{t:"terms; Michael Graves, Reg. 7; Pam Faunce, Reg. ",p:28,x:930,y:706,w:290,h:17},
{t:"3; Susan Russell, Reg. 7; Sharon Mason, Reg. ",p:28,x:930,y:723,w:269,h:17},
{t:"8; Linda Robinson, Reg. 13; James Sparapani, ",p:28,x:930,y:741,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Reg. 17; Richard Davis, Reg. 3; Steve Byrd, ",p:28,x:930,y:758,w:256,h:17},
{t:"Reg. 3; Silvia Henry-Walton, Reg. 5; Deborah ",p:28,x:930,y:776,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Hamilton, Reg. 5; Alicia Matthes, Reg. 9; Susan ",p:28,x:930,y:793,w:281,h:17},
{t:"Jarrell, Reg. 9; Terri McDermott, Reg. 15; Brenda ",p:28,x:930,y:811,w:288,h:17},
{t:"Mortensen, Reg. 15; Barbara Webber, Reg. 13; ",p:28,x:930,y:828,w:273,h:17},
{t:"Terry Johnson, Reg. 14; Leo Sell, Reg. 8; Drew ",p:28,x:930,y:846,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Campbell, Reg. 7; Joe Nazem, Reg. 7; Theresa ",p:28,x:930,y:863,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Dudley, Reg. 9; Connie Boylan, Reg. 15; Larry ",p:28,x:930,y:881,w:268,h:17},
{t:"Hankins, Reg. 3; Marla Grant, Reg. 3; Ronnie ",p:28,x:930,y:898,w:266,h:17},
{t:"Brown, Reg. 5; Roy Cartwright, Reg. 2; Maureen ",p:28,x:930,y:916,w:280,h:17},
{t:"Boettcher, Reg. 2; Donnal Peasley, Reg. 10; ",p:28,x:930,y:933,w:256,h:17},
{t:"Laura Tanis, Reg. 9; Gay Heintzelman, Reg. 8",p:28,x:930,y:951,w:262,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:930,y:968,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 8 positions*, 3 yr. terms; Richard ",p:28,x:930,y:986,w:290,h:17},
{t:"Davis, Reg. 3; Joyce Moore, Reg. 3; Steve Byrd, ",p:28,x:930,y:1003,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Reg. 3; Marla Grant, Reg. 3; Ronnie Brown, Reg. ",p:28,x:930,y:1021,w:285,h:17},
{t:"5; Terri McDermott, Reg. 15; Jordan Johnson, ",p:28,x:930,y:1038,w:267,h:17},
{t:"Reg. 8; Cynthia Schneider, Reg. 8; Pam Faunce, ",p:28,x:930,y:1056,w:282,h:17},
{t:"Reg. 3; Larry Hankins, Reg. 3; Silvia Henry-",p:28,x:930,y:1073,w:252,h:17},
{t:"Walton, Reg. 5; Theresa Dudley, Reg. 9; Brenda ",p:28,x:930,y:1091,w:278,h:17},
{t:"Mortensen, Reg. 15",p:28,x:930,y:1108,w:113,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:930,y:1126,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru 8/31/2011; ",p:28,x:930,y:1143,w:270,h:17},
{t:"Joyce Moore, Reg. 3; Marla Grant, Reg. 3; ",p:28,x:930,y:1161,w:245,h:17},
{t:"Pam Faunce, Reg. 3; Steve Byrd, Reg. 3; Larry ",p:28,x:930,y:1178,w:272,h:17},
{t:"Hankins, Reg. 3; Terri McDermott, Reg. 15; ",p:28,x:930,y:1196,w:254,h:17},
{t:"Brenda Mortensen, Reg. 15; Jordan Johnson, ",p:28,x:930,y:1213,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Reg. 8; Cynthia Schneider, Reg. 8; Aileen ",p:28,x:930,y:1231,w:243,h:17},
{t:"Adragna, Reg. 7",p:28,x:930,y:1248,w:92,h:17},
{t:"ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing ",p:28,x:930,y:1266,w:263,h:17},
{t:"Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/2010; ",p:28,x:930,y:1283,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Joyce Moore, Reg. 3; Marla Grant, Reg. 3; Pam ",p:28,x:930,y:1301,w:275,h:17},
{t:"Faunce, Reg. 3; Larry Hankins, Reg. 3; Linda ",p:28,x:930,y:1318,w:264,h:17},
{t:"Browne, Reg. 7; Terri McDermott, Reg. 15; ",p:28,x:930,y:1336,w:250,h:17},
{t:"Brenda Mortensen, Reg. 15; Steve Byrd, Reg. 3; ",p:28,x:930,y:1353,w:282,h:17},
{t:"Crystal Kinard, Reg. 3 ",p:28,x:930,y:1371,w:130,h:17},
{t:"Small class sizes ",p:28,x:311,y:1290,w:96,h:17},
{t:"Close contact with faculty advisors ",p:28,x:311,y:1305,w:197,h:17},
{t:"Evening, weekend, and summer courses ",p:28,x:311,y:1320,w:226,h:17},
{t:"State-of-the-art library and research services ",p:28,x:311,y:1335,w:249,h:17},
{t:"Integrated technology in the classrooms ",p:28,x:311,y:1350,w:224,h:17},
{t:" Award-winning faculty ",p:28,x:307,y:1353,w:134,h:32},
{t:"(989) 774-3975  or   tepd@cmich.edu ",p:28,x:262,y:1513,w:224,h:19},
{t:"Teacher Education  ",p:28,x:279,y:1198,w:307,h:49},
{t:"and Professional Development ",p:28,x:268,y:1236,w:316,h:32},
{t:"Graduate Degree Programs ",p:28,x:268,y:1386,w:174,h:19},
{t:"M.A. in Elementary Education: Classroom Teaching ",p:28,x:268,y:1405,w:285,h:17},
{t:"M.A. in Elementary Education: Early Childhood ",p:28,x:268,y:1420,w:259,h:17},
{t:"M.A. in Middle Level Education ",p:28,x:268,y:1435,w:175,h:17},
{t:"M.A. in Secondary Education ",p:28,x:268,y:1450,w:163,h:17},
{t:"M.A. in Reading & Literacy K-12 ",p:28,x:268,y:1465,w:180,h:17},
{t:"M.A. in Educational Technology ",p:28,x:268,y:1480,w:178,h:17},
{t:"Enhance your skills as a classroom teacher, school team ",p:28,x:263,y:1264,w:292,h:16},
{t:"member, community leader, and education advocate.   ",p:28,x:263,y:1276,w:282,h:16},
{t:"CMU is an AA/EO institution (see http://www.cmich.edu/aaeo/). ",p:28,x:281,y:1530,w:292,h:15},
{t:"www.tepd.cmich.edu ",p:28,x:295,y:1494,w:162,h:23},
{t:"TEPD Ad - Final Choice ",p:28,x:75,y:2143,w:143,h:17},
{t:"page 1",p:28,x:75,y:2160,w:41,h:17},
{t:"Cyan",p:28,x:525,y:2160,w:30,h:17},
{t:"Magenta",p:28,x:503,y:2160,w:52,h:17},
{t:"Yellow",p:28,x:516,y:2160,w:39,h:17},
{t:"Black",p:28,x:523,y:2160,w:31,h:17},
{t:"Cyan",p:28,x:525,y:2160,w:30,h:17},
{t:"Magenta",p:28,x:503,y:2160,w:52,h:17},
{t:"Yellow",p:28,x:516,y:2160,w:39,h:17},
{t:"Black",p:28,x:523,y:2160,w:31,h:17},
{t:"Monday, November 03, 2008 15:05",p:28,x:340,y:2143,w:215,h:17},
{t:"KEY:",p:28,x:642,y:1430,w:52,h:30},
{t:"# ",p:28,x:686,y:1468,w:17,h:22},
{t:"Elected by acclamation.",p:28,x:717,y:1468,w:196,h:22},
{t:"NNR ",p:28,x:658,y:1490,w:45,h:22},
{t:"No nomination(s) received.",p:28,x:717,y:1490,w:220,h:22},
{t:"* ",p:28,x:689,y:1513,w:15,h:22},
{t:"This is a Minority 3-1(g) position.",p:28,x:717,y:1513,w:273,h:22},
{t:"MEA VOICE ",p:29,x:1105,y:1594,w:99,h:21},
{t:"29",p:29,x:1217,y:1594,w:19,h:21},
{t:"TOURS",p:29,x:37,y:184,w:60,h:25},
{t:"Tour Homesites of L.I. Wilder. Free ",p:29,x:37,y:212,w:248,h:20},
{t:"brochures for 2009 tours. Private ",p:29,x:37,y:238,w:230,h:19},
{t:"tours available. L.H. Site Tours. Fax: ",p:29,x:37,y:263,w:248,h:19},
{t:"810-633-9027, lhsitetours@email.com , ",p:29,x:37,y:288,w:264,h:19},
{t:"www.lhsitetours.homestead.com .",p:29,x:37,y:313,w:219,h:19},
{t:"TEACHING AIDS",p:29,x:37,y:352,w:138,h:25},
{t:"Math Assemblies K-12 by Michigan’s ",p:29,x:37,y:381,w:266,h:20},
{t:"Professor of the Year 1989-90. Helping ",p:29,x:37,y:406,w:280,h:20},
{t:"students LOVE math; encouraging ",p:29,x:37,y:432,w:236,h:19},
{t:"curiosity and persistence. Early elem: ",p:29,x:37,y:457,w:258,h:19},
{t:"30 min; others: 50 min. Teacher ",p:29,x:37,y:482,w:224,h:19},
{t:"inservice. Classroom visits. Family ",p:29,x:37,y:507,w:235,h:19},
{t:"programs. “Math with Hart: The Joy, ",p:29,x:37,y:532,w:251,h:19},
{t:"Wonder, and Fun of Mathematics” ",p:29,x:37,y:557,w:238,h:19},
{t:"visit www.mathwithhart.com, e-mail: ",p:29,x:37,y:582,w:246,h:19},
{t:"william@mathwithhart.com . 586-286-2018.",p:29,x:37,y:607,w:292,h:19},
{t:"Teaching Michigan History? Looking ",p:29,x:37,y:640,w:255,h:20},
{t:"for unique, hands-on activities that ",p:29,x:37,y:666,w:241,h:19},
{t:"meet the GLCEs? GLLKA is accepting ",p:29,x:37,y:691,w:257,h:19},
{t:"registrations for the Great Lakes Maritime ",p:29,x:37,y:716,w:284,h:19},
{t:"Education Workshop (July 8–12). This ",p:29,x:37,y:741,w:264,h:19},
{t:"living history/learning/vacation offers ",p:29,x:37,y:766,w:250,h:19},
{t:"graduate credits (CMU) or SB-CEUs ",p:29,x:37,y:791,w:249,h:19},
{t:"(Eastern UP ISD). Program is held at a ",p:29,x:37,y:816,w:266,h:19},
{t:"lighthouse on a northern Lake Michigan ",p:29,x:37,y:841,w:275,h:19},
{t:"island. For information contact GLLKA: ",p:29,x:37,y:866,w:267,h:19},
{t:"231-436-5580, e-mail: info@gllka.com , ",p:29,x:37,y:891,w:266,h:19},
{t:"Web: www.gllka.com.",p:29,x:37,y:916,w:142,h:19},
{t:"VACATION/RESORTS",p:29,x:37,y:955,w:170,h:25},
{t:"Benzie County, Antel’s Vacation ",p:29,x:37,y:984,w:226,h:20},
{t:"Rentals. Booking for the 2009 season. ",p:29,x:37,y:1009,w:267,h:20},
{t:"Year-round, Morningside Cottage on ",p:29,x:37,y:1035,w:249,h:19},
{t:"Little Platte Lake, 200 ft. of frontage, 2 ",p:29,x:37,y:1060,w:265,h:19},
{t:"miles to Lake Michigan/Sleeping Bear ",p:29,x:37,y:1085,w:260,h:19},
{t:"National Lakeshore, 15 miles to skiing ",p:29,x:37,y:1110,w:263,h:19},
{t:"at Crystal Mountain. Furnished, 2 bdrm/",p:29,x:37,y:1135,w:273,h:19},
{t:"queen, freplace, carpeted, washer/",p:29,x:37,y:1160,w:241,h:19},
{t:"dryer, wooded/secluded, boat/motor, ",p:29,x:37,y:1185,w:252,h:19},
{t:"canoe, grill/picnic table, cable, smoke/",p:29,x:37,y:1210,w:261,h:19},
{t:"pet-free. Details call 231-882-5567, e-mail ",p:29,x:37,y:1235,w:291,h:19},
{t:"mrantel2002@yahoo.com .",p:29,x:37,y:1260,w:176,h:19},
{t:"Maui, Hawaii Vacation. Privately owned ",p:29,x:37,y:1294,w:277,h:20},
{t:"deluxe condo. Spectacular oceanfront ",p:29,x:37,y:1319,w:262,h:19},
{t:"views, fully equipped, amenities, ",p:29,x:37,y:1344,w:225,h:19},
{t:"2 bdrm/2 bath. Booking 2008-09. ",p:29,x:37,y:1369,w:235,h:19},
{t:"734-528-2163.",p:29,x:37,y:1394,w:104,h:19},
{t:"Harrisville—Lake Huron Beachfront. ",p:29,x:335,y:186,w:259,h:20},
{t:"Clean, desirable 3 bdrm, fully equipped ",p:29,x:335,y:211,w:274,h:19},
{t:"family homes. Quiet, safe, private, ",p:29,x:335,y:236,w:235,h:19},
{t:"scenic, memorable vacation. Sun.–Sun. ",p:29,x:335,y:261,w:275,h:19},
{t:"$1,000–$2,000 weekly. Brochures ",p:29,x:335,y:286,w:239,h:19},
{t:"mailed. 989-724-5584.",p:29,x:335,y:311,w:159,h:19},
{t:"Gulf Shores, AL. Deluxe condo. ",p:29,x:335,y:345,w:222,h:20},
{t:"Spectacular gulf front sunset views. ",p:29,x:335,y:371,w:245,h:19},
{t:"Beautifully decorated, fully equipped, ",p:29,x:335,y:395,w:258,h:19},
{t:"amenities, 3 bdrm/2.5 bath. Teacher ",p:29,x:335,y:420,w:253,h:19},
{t:"discounts on weekend, weekly, monthly, ",p:29,x:335,y:445,w:277,h:19},
{t:"seasonal. Retired teacher owned. ",p:29,x:335,y:470,w:231,h:19},
{t:"269-535-1431, cnelson@mei.net .",p:29,x:335,y:495,w:224,h:19},
{t:"Gulf Shores, AL. Gated destination ",p:29,x:335,y:529,w:243,h:20},
{t:"resort. Too cute. Retired teacher owned. ",p:29,x:335,y:555,w:277,h:19},
{t:"3 bdrm/2 bath charming beach cottage ",p:29,x:335,y:580,w:272,h:19},
{t:"duplex. Resort amenities. Teacher ",p:29,x:335,y:605,w:235,h:19},
{t:"discounts on weekend, weekly, monthly, ",p:29,x:335,y:630,w:277,h:19},
{t:"seasonal and golf-packs. 269-535-1431, ",p:29,x:335,y:655,w:278,h:19},
{t:"cnelson@mei.net .",p:29,x:335,y:680,w:118,h:19},
{t:"Marco Island, FL. Spacious 1 bdrm ",p:29,x:335,y:714,w:249,h:20},
{t:"condo at Angler’s Cove in Marco ",p:29,x:335,y:739,w:224,h:19},
{t:"Bay Resort. Sleeps 5. Waterfront site ",p:29,x:335,y:764,w:253,h:19},
{t:"with pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, ",p:29,x:335,y:789,w:238,h:19},
{t:"chickee bar restaurant. Book week, ",p:29,x:335,y:814,w:245,h:19},
{t:"month, season. Reasonable rates. Free ",p:29,x:335,y:839,w:270,h:19},
{t:"brochure. Teacher-owned. Phone Andy: ",p:29,x:335,y:864,w:275,h:19},
{t:"248-889-2837. E-mail: ckozicki@aol.com .",p:29,x:335,y:889,w:280,h:19},
{t:"Beautiful spot for a color tour. 3 bdrm, ",p:29,x:335,y:923,w:274,h:20},
{t:"fully equipped cabin just footsteps away ",p:29,x:335,y:948,w:275,h:19},
{t:"from the Straits of Mackinac (Cheboygan), ",p:29,x:335,y:973,w:292,h:19},
{t:"non-smoking. Brochure. 313-278-4849.",p:29,x:335,y:998,w:271,h:19},
{t:"Maine Oceanfront (mid-coast). 2 bdrm ",p:29,x:335,y:1032,w:273,h:20},
{t:"home, country kitchen, dining room, ",p:29,x:335,y:1058,w:252,h:19},
{t:"large living room, deck, 50 ft. dock, near ",p:29,x:335,y:1083,w:280,h:19},
{t:"beaches, 2 hrs/Boston. From $875/wk. ",p:29,x:335,y:1108,w:270,h:19},
{t:"Teacher-owner. 978-667-3039.",p:29,x:335,y:1133,w:212,h:19},
{t:"Higgins Lakefront Summer Rental. ",p:29,x:335,y:1167,w:248,h:20},
{t:"North shore area. Lakefront home. ",p:29,x:335,y:1192,w:239,h:19},
{t:"Walking distance to Dairy Queen and ",p:29,x:335,y:1217,w:255,h:19},
{t:"marina. Hard, sandy bottom. Large ",p:29,x:335,y:1242,w:242,h:19},
{t:"shallow area is great for kids! Sleeps 8-10 ",p:29,x:335,y:1267,w:286,h:19},
{t:"comfortably. 2 full bathrooms. Just bring ",p:29,x:335,y:1292,w:279,h:19},
{t:"linens and pillows. Great place to bring ",p:29,x:335,y:1317,w:268,h:19},
{t:"families together. $1,350/week. Rents ",p:29,x:335,y:1342,w:261,h:19},
{t:"Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call ",p:29,x:335,y:1367,w:262,h:19},
{t:"810-835-5017.",p:29,x:335,y:1392,w:104,h:19},
{t:"Across from Mackinac Island near ",p:29,x:632,y:186,w:243,h:20},
{t:"St. Ignace on water. Big! Family ",p:29,x:632,y:211,w:224,h:20},
{t:"room, 3 bdrm/2 bath, washer/dryer/",p:29,x:632,y:236,w:243,h:19},
{t:"microwave/deck/boat/hot tub. $900/",p:29,x:632,y:261,w:246,h:19},
{t:"wk. 586-784-9334, 248-229-0428 or ",p:29,x:632,y:286,w:252,h:19},
{t:"ja465@wowway.com for pictures.",p:29,x:632,y:311,w:223,h:19},
{t:"Lakefront log cabin on lake near ",p:29,x:632,y:345,w:231,h:20},
{t:"Evart, MI. Very quiet, beautiful view, ",p:29,x:632,y:370,w:252,h:20},
{t:"sleeps 6, loons, herons, fshing, ",p:29,x:632,y:395,w:219,h:19},
{t:"swimraft, rowboat, dock, $70/day, ",p:29,x:632,y:420,w:234,h:19},
{t:"3-day minimum, 815-758-6589 or ",p:29,x:632,y:445,w:236,h:19},
{t:"tb0jwi1@wpo.cso.niu.edu .",p:29,x:632,y:470,w:174,h:19},
{t:"Educators Bed & Breakfast Travel ",p:29,x:632,y:504,w:240,h:20},
{t:"Network. $40 a night for two! 6,000 B&Bs ",p:29,x:632,y:529,w:291,h:20},
{t:"worldwide. “Perfect Hosts!” Alta and ",p:29,x:632,y:555,w:251,h:19},
{t:"Robert, Traverse City, MI #10574. See ",p:29,x:632,y:580,w:263,h:19},
{t:"our complete membership directory and ",p:29,x:632,y:605,w:278,h:19},
{t:"join online at www.educatorstravel.com . ",p:29,x:632,y:630,w:270,h:19},
{t:"PO Box 5279, Eugene, OR 97405, ",p:29,x:632,y:655,w:240,h:19},
{t:"800-377-3480. Celebrating 20 years! ",p:29,x:632,y:680,w:253,h:19},
{t:"Educators hosting educators since 1986.",p:29,x:632,y:705,w:278,h:19},
{t:"Harrisville. Lake Huron Beachfront. 1-3 ",p:29,x:930,y:186,w:280,h:20},
{t:"bdrm cottages, completely furnished. ",p:29,x:930,y:211,w:258,h:19},
{t:"Downtown 1 bdrm $425, 2 bdrm $850, 3 ",p:29,x:930,y:236,w:287,h:19},
{t:"bdrm (near Sturgeon Point) $1,000. Bring ",p:29,x:930,y:261,w:291,h:19},
{t:"only linens. Sat.-Sat. 313-882-8145 or ",p:29,x:930,y:286,w:262,h:19},
{t:"www.pretty-lake.com .",p:29,x:930,y:311,w:142,h:19},
{t:"Rogers City, Lake Huron furnished ",p:29,x:930,y:345,w:245,h:20},
{t:"cottages. Clean, smoke/pet-free. Sandy ",p:29,x:930,y:370,w:272,h:20},
{t:"beach. Brochure available. $625–$650 ",p:29,x:930,y:395,w:271,h:19},
{t:"weekly. 989-734-4561. 248-651-5290. ",p:29,x:930,y:420,w:264,h:19},
{t:"772-219-1146 (winter).",p:29,x:930,y:445,w:157,h:19},
{t:"Cedar Lake Home. Harrisville-",p:29,x:930,y:479,w:210,h:20},
{t:"Greenbush. Northeast Michigan. 3 bdrm, ",p:29,x:930,y:504,w:286,h:20},
{t:"modern fully equipped. Weekly summer ",p:29,x:930,y:530,w:276,h:19},
{t:"Sun. to Sun. $1,150/week. Search ",p:29,x:930,y:555,w:238,h:19},
{t:"www.homeaway.com property #164419 ",p:29,x:930,y:580,w:271,h:19},
{t:"for photos and more information. ",p:29,x:930,y:605,w:228,h:19},
{t:"989-736-8264.",p:29,x:930,y:630,w:104,h:19},
{t:"classifieds",p:29,x:1107,y:22,w:113,h:35},
{t:"« Classifieds",p:29,x:669,y:69,w:400,h:99},
{t:"“Just like MESSA”? ",p:29,x:651,y:779,w:365,h:55},
{t:"It’s never true",p:29,x:651,y:834,w:247,h:55},
{t:"by Cynthia Williams",p:29,x:651,y:905,w:146,h:21},
{t:"Executive director, MESSA",p:29,x:651,y:930,w:197,h:21},
{t:"Out-of-state and for-proft insurance ",p:29,x:651,y:966,w:296,h:61},
{t:"companies are promising education ",p:29,x:685,y:999,w:274,h:21},
{t:"employees the moon to leave the safety and ",p:29,x:651,y:1024,w:334,h:21},
{t:"security of their MESSA health plans. Their ",p:29,x:651,y:1049,w:326,h:21},
{t:"salespeople always claim their coverage and ",p:29,x:651,y:1074,w:337,h:21},
{t:"service is “just like MESSA.” But it’s never true.",p:29,x:651,y:1099,w:355,h:21},
{t:"Two years ago in Holland, teachers were imposed upon and lost ",p:29,x:660,y:1143,w:484,h:21},
{t:"MESSA for six months. One family had out-of-pocket costs so high they ",p:29,x:651,y:1168,w:539,h:21},
{t:"qualifed for a state assistance program. Another was astounded by the ",p:29,x:651,y:1193,w:538,h:21},
{t:"bills for her prenatal care—bills that had been covered by MESSA for her ",p:29,x:651,y:1218,w:552,h:21},
{t:"frst child. Holland teachers fought hard and won MESSA back.",p:29,x:651,y:1243,w:475,h:21},
{t:"It’s no surprise that Holland teachers and other school employees ",p:29,x:660,y:1286,w:497,h:21},
{t:"come back to MESSA. For almost 50 years, we have designed ",p:29,x:651,y:1311,w:470,h:21},
{t:"unique beneft plans to meet the special needs of our members. We ",p:29,x:651,y:1336,w:515,h:21},
{t:"provide outstanding personalized and hassle-free service. And our ",p:29,x:651,y:1361,w:501,h:21},
{t:"comprehensive coverage has helped generations of MESSA members ",p:29,x:651,y:1386,w:527,h:21},
{t:"stay healthy—and provided them with peace of mind when they’re not.",p:29,x:651,y:1411,w:532,h:21},
{t:"It’s our mission, and it’s why we don’t have to claim to be “just like ",p:29,x:660,y:1455,w:502,h:21},
{t:"MESSA.” We set the standard for quality because we are MESSA. ",p:29,x:651,y:1480,w:495,h:21},
{t:"Ads for the April 2009 issue must be received by Feb. 20. $.85/word; $17 minimum; ",p:29,x:37,y:1459,w:544,h:21},
{t:"65-word limit. Ad must be prepaid by check or money order and submitted in writing to ",p:29,x:37,y:1484,w:566,h:21},
{t:"MEA Classifed, PO Box 2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573. Include your name, address, ",p:29,x:37,y:1509,w:581,h:21},
{t:"phone number and ad category.",p:29,x:37,y:1534,w:204,h:21},
{t:"30 ",p:30,x:28,y:1594,w:26,h:21},
{t:"FEBRUARY 2009",p:30,x:67,y:1594,w:140,h:21},
{t:"Teacher’s passion ",p:30,x:186,y:67,w:562,h:99},
{t:"rekindled »",p:30,x:186,y:159,w:354,h:99},
{t:"generation next",p:30,x:28,y:22,w:166,h:35},
{t:"Generation Next columns are written by MEA members who are in their frst fve years of teaching. Authors are paid for their columns. If ",p:30,x:186,y:1515,w:887,h:21},
{t:"you’re interested in writing a column, e-mail your resume, with writing sample, to Editor Karen Schulz at kschulz@mea.org",p:30,x:186,y:1538,w:795,h:21},
{t:".",p:30,x:970,y:1538,w:4,h:21},
{t:"I ",p:30,x:186,y:874,w:23,h:62},
{t:"remember going with my mom to her ",p:30,x:198,y:882,w:243,h:21},
{t:"classroom during the summer so she ",p:30,x:198,y:907,w:245,h:21},
{t:"could clean and organize for the new school ",p:30,x:186,y:932,w:290,h:21},
{t:"year. While we were there, I would make my ",p:30,x:186,y:957,w:285,h:21},
{t:"little sister be my “student” while I wrote on ",p:30,x:186,y:982,w:292,h:21},
{t:"the board and created worksheets for her to ",p:30,x:186,y:1007,w:289,h:21},
{t:"do as homework.",p:30,x:186,y:1032,w:109,h:21},
{t:"I knew that education was my passion. ",p:30,x:195,y:1057,w:258,h:21},
{t:"There was never a doubt in my mind that I ",p:30,x:186,y:1082,w:280,h:21},
{t:"wanted to teach—until I graduated from ",p:30,x:186,y:1107,w:272,h:21},
{t:"college and moved to Virginia for my frst ",p:30,x:186,y:1132,w:272,h:21},
{t:"teaching job.",p:30,x:186,y:1157,w:85,h:21},
{t:"My frst teaching job taught me a tough ",p:30,x:195,y:1182,w:263,h:21},
{t:"lesson: Not all schools, school systems or ",p:30,x:186,y:1207,w:273,h:21},
{t:"states are equal.",p:30,x:186,y:1232,w:110,h:21},
{t:"On my frst day of school in Virginia, I ",p:30,x:195,y:1257,w:248,h:21},
{t:"was given a binder full of important staff ",p:30,x:186,y:1282,w:274,h:21},
{t:"documents.",p:30,x:186,y:1307,w:76,h:21},
{t:"As I fipped through the binder, I real-",p:30,x:195,y:1332,w:245,h:21},
{t:"ized that I had been “volunteered” to be ",p:30,x:186,y:1357,w:265,h:21},
{t:"the Student Council Adviser, Junior Class ",p:30,x:186,y:1382,w:271,h:21},
{t:"Adviser, After School Program Field Trip ",p:30,x:186,y:1407,w:260,h:21},
{t:"Coordinator, and Spanish Club Assistant.",p:30,x:186,y:1432,w:269,h:21},
{t:"The fun didn’t end there.",p:30,x:195,y:1457,w:161,h:21},
{t:"I was also given bulletin boards to do, ",p:30,x:493,y:882,w:253,h:21},
{t:"game duties and lunch duties to serve. ",p:30,x:483,y:907,w:259,h:21},
{t:"Somewhere between all that, I was sup-",p:30,x:483,y:932,w:261,h:21},
{t:"posed to put together interesting lesson ",p:30,x:483,y:957,w:264,h:21},
{t:"plans, create materials and teach!",p:30,x:483,y:982,w:228,h:21},
{t:"Overwhelmed, I asked my mentor-teacher ",p:30,x:493,y:1007,w:274,h:21},
{t:"about the local union and why nothing was ",p:30,x:483,y:1032,w:285,h:21},
{t:"being done to make the school environment ",p:30,x:483,y:1057,w:288,h:21},
{t:"better for the staff.",p:30,x:483,y:1082,w:125,h:21},
{t:"I learned very quickly that Virginia was a ",p:30,x:493,y:1107,w:270,h:21},
{t:"Right to Work state and some of the rights ",p:30,x:483,y:1132,w:280,h:21},
{t:"and benefts I had assumed were uniform ",p:30,x:483,y:1157,w:275,h:21},
{t:"throughout the education arena were not.",p:30,x:483,y:1182,w:270,h:21},
{t:"Right to Work refers to laws that weaken ",p:30,x:493,y:1207,w:268,h:21},
{t:"collective bargaining rights by allow-",p:30,x:483,y:1232,w:243,h:21},
{t:"ing employees to not pay dues but still ",p:30,x:483,y:1257,w:256,h:21},
{t:"receive representation from a union. Weak ",p:30,x:483,y:1282,w:278,h:21},
{t:"unions aren’t able to negotiate fair working ",p:30,x:483,y:1307,w:287,h:21},
{t:"conditions.",p:30,x:483,y:1332,w:71,h:21},
{t:"During my frst two years, I planned ",p:30,x:493,y:1357,w:236,h:21},
{t:"prom, senior trip, senior banquet, two feld ",p:30,x:483,y:1382,w:282,h:21},
{t:"trips for the after school program, two ",p:30,x:483,y:1407,w:253,h:21},
{t:"pep rallies, various fundraisers and three ",p:30,x:483,y:1432,w:274,h:21},
{t:"spirit weeks. For two of the four semesters ",p:30,x:483,y:1457,w:280,h:21},
{t:"I taught there, I didn’t have a planning ",p:30,x:781,y:882,w:259,h:21},
{t:"period because we had too many students ",p:30,x:781,y:907,w:279,h:21},
{t:"and not enough teachers to teach all the ",p:30,x:781,y:932,w:269,h:21},
{t:"sections of Spanish.",p:30,x:781,y:957,w:132,h:21},
{t:"I was completely burned out. I began ",p:30,x:791,y:982,w:244,h:21},
{t:"searching the Internet for online accounting ",p:30,x:781,y:1007,w:291,h:21},
{t:"programs. I was ready to give up my dream ",p:30,x:781,y:1032,w:286,h:21},
{t:"of teaching for a cubicle.",p:30,x:781,y:1057,w:163,h:21},
{t:"Then my luck changed.",p:30,x:791,y:1082,w:149,h:21},
{t:"I learned the Spanish teacher from my ",p:30,x:791,y:1107,w:254,h:21},
{t:"high school back in Michigan planned to ",p:30,x:781,y:1132,w:269,h:21},
{t:"retire at the end of the year. I started sub-",p:30,x:781,y:1157,w:274,h:21},
{t:"mitting my resume in January and fnally ",p:30,x:781,y:1182,w:270,h:21},
{t:"got an interview in June.",p:30,x:781,y:1207,w:159,h:21},
{t:"I am so thankful to say I got the job. I love ",p:30,x:791,y:1232,w:279,h:21},
{t:"my new school—and the union that stands ",p:30,x:781,y:1257,w:288,h:21},
{t:"up for my rights and the students I teach. ",p:30,x:781,y:1282,w:276,h:21},
{t:"Michigan is not a Right to Work state—and ",p:30,x:781,y:1307,w:290,h:21},
{t:"I hope our state never becomes one.",p:30,x:781,y:1332,w:234,h:21},
{t:"My role as teacher is respected and any ",p:30,x:791,y:1357,w:262,h:21},
{t:"extra-curricular involvement is voluntary. I ",p:30,x:781,y:1382,w:281,h:21},
{t:"can focus most of my energy and attention ",p:30,x:781,y:1407,w:283,h:21},
{t:"on my students and my class, which is the ",p:30,x:781,y:1432,w:282,h:21},
{t:"way it should have been all along. ",p:30,x:781,y:1457,w:226,h:21},
{t:"JILLIAN ",p:30,x:37,y:1001,w:64,h:30},
{t:"DAVIDSON ",p:30,x:37,y:1031,w:88,h:30},
{t:"is a Spanish ",p:30,x:37,y:1061,w:105,h:30},
{t:"teacher at ",p:30,x:37,y:1091,w:92,h:30},
{t:"Ogemaw ",p:30,x:37,y:1121,w:76,h:30},
{t:"Heights High ",p:30,x:37,y:1151,w:110,h:30},
{t:"School in ",p:30,x:37,y:1181,w:82,h:30},
{t:"West Branch. ",p:30,x:37,y:1211,w:117,h:30},
{t:"She earned ",p:30,x:37,y:1241,w:100,h:30},
{t:"a bachelor’s ",p:30,x:37,y:1271,w:109,h:30},
{t:"degree from ",p:30,x:37,y:1301,w:109,h:30},
{t:"Saginaw ",p:30,x:37,y:1331,w:75,h:30},
{t:"Valley State ",p:30,x:37,y:1361,w:104,h:30},
{t:"University .",p:30,x:37,y:1391,w:87,h:30},
{t:"KAREN SCHULZ/MEA",p:30,x:1069,y:850,w:0,h:13},
{t:"by Jillian Davidson",p:30,x:904,y:99,w:155,h:24},
{t:"Teacher, Ogemaw Heights High School",p:30,x:754,y:124,w:312,h:24},
{t:"For as long ",p:30,x:193,y:504,w:168,h:47},
{t:"as I can ",p:30,x:193,y:566,w:124,h:47},
{t:"remember, ",p:30,x:193,y:629,w:164,h:47},
{t:"I wanted ",p:30,x:193,y:691,w:134,h:47},
{t:"to be a ",p:30,x:193,y:754,w:109,h:47},
{t:"teacher.",p:30,x:193,y:816,w:114,h:47},
{t:"MESSA ’s Healthy Expectations is here for you!",p:32,x:263,y:986,w:552,h:34},
{t:"Starting a family is one of life’s most exciting and life-changing experiences. ",p:32,x:263,y:1039,w:735,h:25},
{t:"MESSA ’s Healthy Expectations program provides personalized help and support. ",p:32,x:263,y:1083,w:769,h:25},
{t:"Specially-trained MESSA nurse health coaches help address almost any concern an ",p:32,x:263,y:1119,w:802,h:25},
{t:"expectant mom might have. They’re also prepared to provide additional support for  ",p:32,x:263,y:1154,w:801,h:25},
{t:"a high-risk pregnancy.",p:32,x:263,y:1190,w:209,h:25},
{t:"Healthy Expectations. Just one more special way MESSA helps our members.",p:32,x:263,y:1237,w:737,h:25},
{t:"MESSA members can enroll in Healthy Expectations by calling our award-winning ",p:32,x:263,y:1284,w:785,h:25},
{t:"Member Service Center at 800.336.0013.",p:32,x:263,y:1320,w:407,h:25},
{t:"Award-winning member service 800.336.0013",p:32,x:656,y:1553,w:471,h:27},
{t:"So you’re having a baby…",p:32,x:105,y:191,w:769,h:104},
0];
var g_links=[
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:1,x:1116,y:101,w:112,h:22},
{t:"mailto:kschulz@mea.org",p:2,x:37,y:1434,w:106,h:21},
{t:"mailto:webmaster@mea.org",p:3,x:745,y:1523,w:101,h:17},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:3,x:532,y:219,w:34,h:7},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/members.",p:4,x:528,y:832,w:163,h:21},
{t:"mailto:kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:195,y:957,w:146,h:21},
{t:"mailto:kschulz@mea.org",p:4,x:746,y:1457,w:114,h:22},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:4,x:37,y:674,w:90,h:22},
{t:"http://www.voki.com",p:4,x:781,y:627,w:96,h:22},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:4,x:37,y:1382,w:86,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/bfcl",p:5,x:1099,y:1432,w:116,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/awards.",p:6,x:632,y:589,w:263,h:34},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/smea",p:6,x:403,y:982,w:139,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:6,x:653,y:957,w:86,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/radio",p:6,x:705,y:1357,w:140,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/conferences",p:6,x:814,y:1507,w:160,h:22},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/awards/art",p:7,x:318,y:1432,w:177,h:22},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:7,x:507,y:557,w:89,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/conferences",p:7,x:882,y:507,w:173,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/awards",p:7,x:207,y:857,w:149,h:21},
{t:"http://www.neafoundation.org",p:7,x:570,y:1082,w:150,h:22},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/facebook.",p:7,x:253,y:1529,w:159,h:22},
{t:"http://www.mea.org/conferences.",p:9,x:375,y:382,w:208,h:21},
{t:"mailto:bharris@mea.org",p:9,x:389,y:1220,w:110,h:25},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:9,x:1131,y:1357,w:84,h:21},
{t:"http://www.macul.org",p:11,x:1121,y:1422,w:99,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:12,x:56,y:1419,w:82,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:13,x:1119,y:1352,w:85,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:17,x:1134,y:1132,w:85,h:21},
{t:"http://www.messa.org",p:18,x:225,y:757,w:97,h:21},
{t:"http://www.messa.org",p:18,x:37,y:1432,w:101,h:21},
{t:"http://www.messa.org",p:18,x:376,y:1532,w:97,h:21},
{t:"mailto:rcarey@mea.org",p:19,x:1113,y:1342,w:98,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:20,x:299,y:1529,w:89,h:22},
{t:"mailto:kschulz@mea.org",p:22,x:37,y:1429,w:109,h:21},
{t:"http://www.mea.org",p:24,x:37,y:1407,w:87,h:21},
{t:"https://www.mymea.org/onlinevoting",p:25,x:483,y:732,w:288,h:21},
{t:"mailto:admissions@cuaa.edu",p:27,x:1041,y:1496,w:175,h:19},
{t:"http://www.cuaa.edu",p:27,x:974,y:1517,w:105,h:19},
{t:"mailto:tepd@cmich.edu",p:28,x:386,y:1513,w:95,h:19},
{t:"http://www.cmich.edu/aaeo",p:28,x:428,y:1530,w:129,h:15},
{t:"http://www.tepd.cmich.edu",p:28,x:295,y:1494,w:169,h:23},
{t:"mailto:lhsitetours@email.com",p:29,x:130,y:288,w:160,h:19},
{t:"http://www.lhsitetours.homestead.com",p:29,x:37,y:313,w:225,h:19},
{t:"http://www.mathwithhart.com",p:29,x:76,y:582,w:150,h:19},
{t:"mailto:william@mathwithhart.com",p:29,x:37,y:607,w:192,h:19},
{t:"mailto:info@gllka.com",p:29,x:180,y:891,w:105,h:19},
{t:"http://www.gllka.com",p:29,x:73,y:916,w:107,h:19},
{t:"mailto:mrantel2002@yahoo.com",p:29,x:37,y:1260,w:176,h:19},
{t:"mailto:cnelson@mei.net",p:29,x:431,y:495,w:119,h:19},
{t:"mailto:cnelson@mei.net",p:29,x:335,y:680,w:115,h:19},
{t:"mailto:ckozicki@aol.com",p:29,x:481,y:889,w:123,h:19},
{t:"mailto:ja465@wowway.com",p:29,x:632,y:311,w:130,h:19},
{t:"mailto:tb0jwi1@wpo.cso.niu.edu",p:29,x:632,y:470,w:177,h:19},
{t:"http://www.educatorstravel.com",p:29,x:726,y:630,w:166,h:19},
{t:"http://www.pretty-lake.com",p:29,x:930,y:311,w:142,h:19},
{t:"http://www.homeaway.com",p:29,x:930,y:580,w:140,h:19},
{t:"mailto:kschulz@mea.org",p:30,x:849,y:1538,w:106,h:21},
0];