MEA Voice Magazine - October 2008
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Periodicals
Postage Paid
Lansing, MI
October 2008 | Vol. 86 | Issue 1
Obama
for president
10 must-keep documents
Take our AYP quiz
Have you had your shots?
www.mea.org
2
OCTOBER 2008
Letter to members »
from the executive office
Dear MEA member,
National decisions about No Child Left Behind. State decisions about curriculum. Local decisions
about which textbooks to buy.
At every level, public education is affected by the politicians who make these critical decisions.
Politicians who care about the success of public school students make a point of looking to educators
for input on these decisions. To ensure a strong future for public schools and Michigan’s economy, we
need forward-thinking leaders in elected offce.
That’s why the Michigan Education Association will work this fall to elect friends of public educa-
tion from both parties at every level of government. Education is a bi-partisan issue. We need to have
serious discussions with Democrats and Republicans about the necessary steps to guarantee a great
public education for Michigan’s children.
At the national level, we believe Sen. Barack Obama will best serve our nation’s public schools, bring-
ing educators to the table to help make decisions that impact both students and school employees.
He wants to fx the fawed No Child Left Behind Act so it helps struggling schools meet the law’s high
goals, rather than punishing those that fall short.
While the spotlight is on the presidential race, we cannot lose sight of the state and local races that
affect our schools every day. From the state Capitol to the local school board, having MEA members
share their education expertise with decision makers will lead to great results for our students and our
schools.
None of us got into the education profession to be involved in politics. We do what we do because we
want our students to be prepared for a full and rich life ahead. But to have the greatest impact on the
most students, we have to engage politically. Whether it’s voting, volunteering, contributing or running
for offce, the political work we engage in together as school employees is critical to the future success
of our students and our state.
Photos, clockwise from left:
Member Chuck Hobbs, a school librarian
from Athens, throws out a ceremonial frst
pitch at the Detroit Tigers’ game Aug. 10;
members attended the NEA Representative
Assembly in Washington, D.C., in July;
Ed Sarpolus, director of MEA Government
Affairs, reacts during a Summer Leadership
Conference forum on the election featuring
Republican Rusty Hills (left) and Democrat
Mark Brewer (right).
Share your
photos
Submit photos of
you on the job or
at an association
function. Each
issue, we’ll
publish a few
photos of MEA
members on the
go. E-mail your
digital image(s) to
kschulz@mea.org .
(Just one or two
photos at a time,
please!)
Iris K. Salters
President
Steven B. Cook
Vice President
Peggy McLellan
Secretary-Treasurer
DOUG PRA
TT/MEA
DOUG PRA
TT/MEA
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
MEA VOICE
3
what’s inside for you
« Contents
Executive Director » Lu Battaglieri
Director of Communications » Doug Pratt
Editor » Karen Schulz
Communications Consultant » Rosemary Carey
Publications Specialist » Shantell Coats Crispin
Proofreader-Graphics Editor » Sue Garyet
The MEA Voice ISSN 0883-573X-is an offcial publication of the Michigan Education Association, 1216 Kendale
Blvd., East Lansing, MI 48823. Opinions stated in the MEA Voice do not necessarily refect the offcial position
of the MEA unless so identifed. Published by Michigan Education Association, Box 2573, East Lansing, MI
48826-2573. Periodicals postage paid at East Lansing and additional mailing offces. Payment of the active
membership fee entitles a member to receive the MEA Voice. Of each annual fee whether for active or affliate
membership, $12.93 is for a year’s subscription. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the MEA Voice, Box
2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573 or via e-mail at webmaster@mea.org . Allow at least three weeks for change
of address to take effect. MEA Voice telephone: 517/332-6551 or 800/292-1934. Circulation this issue: 162,233
6
8
14
20
30
On the cover
Obama for president, 12
10 must-keep documents, 9
Take our AYP quiz, 10
Immunizations aren’t just for kids, 23
More inside
Talking politics, 14
Pinckney custodians land contract, 20
Local Presidents Academy, 24
Region elections, 25
Classifed ads, 29
In every issue
Editor’s note, 4
10 questions, 8
Member profle, 22
Generation Next, 30
Cover photo
Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack
Obama at the Lansing Center, Aug. 4,
2008. Photo by MEA member Kevin W.
Fowler, Lansing Community College.
KEVIN W
. FOWLER/FOR MEA
4
OCTOBER 2008
interact with us
Editor’s note »
Shalonda Owens isn’t a writer by trade. She’
s an elementary teacher
.
With a story to tell.
A
few months ago, Owens sent me an e-mail after
reading a feature in the MEA Voice that we call
“Generation Next.” It’s a column written by and for MEA
members who are in their frst fve years of teaching. It’s
one of my favorite parts of the magazine.
We regularly solicit members to write the column and
Owens offered a submission.
“My favorite part about teaching is June, July and
August,” Owens wrote.
Oh, no, I thought. She’s going to tell me how she loves
summer because she isn’t teaching. That she doesn’t
have to deal with the heavy demands of her principal or
parents, constant questions from children, or the never-
ending to-do list that probably keeps her up late at night
the rest of the year.
Boy was I wrong.
What unfolded was a wonderful essay from a teacher
who spends her summers teaching children of migrant
workers. As it turns out, Owens loves her summer months
because she’s doing what she loves—teaching.
I spent half a day with Owens this summer, joining her and her students on a feld trip to a farm where many of her
students’ parents work. When I met her, Owens told me that teaching was only part of her summer agenda. She was
taking college classes, too, working toward her master’s degree.
“Pile it on,” she said. “I’m always busy.”
You’ll fnd Owens’ essay in this issue—on page 30.
As the new editor of the MEA Voice, I invite you to contribute to this magazine. Send me your story ideas, or even
your own Generation Next essay.
You don’t have to be a writer. You just need to have a good story.
kschulz@mea.org
800-292-1934
We love letters
Have something you’d like to share about an article you read in
the magazine?
»
Letters must be 150 words or fewer. Include address and
telephone number for verifcation purposes only. Letters are
subject to editing. Items submitted to the MEA Voice may be
published or distributed in print or electronic forms. Letters
will be published as space allows.
»
The deadline to submit letters for the next issue of the MEA
Voice is Monday, Oct. 20.
Questions? Call 517-333-6239.
»
By e-mail: kschulz@mea.org
»
By fax: 517-337-5414
»
By mail: Letters to the Editor, MEA Voice, 1216 Kendale Blvd.,
PO Box 2573, East Lansing, MI 48826-2573
Upcoming stories
Even as you read this, we’re working on future issues of the
magazine. We’re always looking for members to profle or
interview for stories. Some upcoming topics include:
»
Challenges of educating homeless children—and
programs/efforts to reach transient students.
»
Distance learning/virtual classes, especially at the college
level.
»
Making the most of retirement.
»
MEA members who go above and beyond what’ s required to
serve students.
If you’d like to be interviewed for a story about one of these
subjects, call Editor Karen Schulz at 800-292-1934, or send
her an e-mail, kschulz@mea.org
.
Teacher Shalonda Owens accompanied students to Zelenka Nursery in
Grand Haven, where many of their parents worked during the summer .
by Karen Schulz
On the Web—Look for this icon throughout the magazine for online extras.
»
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
Become a
fan of MEA
on Facebook.
Just search
for “Michigan
Education
Association”
and add us to
your Pages.
MEA VOICE
5
LANSING—
From the time
he was in sixth
grade, J.J.
Mayers says
he knew he
wouldn’t fnish
high school.
Yet, he wanted to earn his
diploma—a smart student,
he dreamed of a career in
science.
So, in his junior year, Mayers
enrolled in the High School
Diploma Completion Initiative
at Lansing Community
College. And he thrived,
completing 19 credits his
frst semester. Last spring,
he earned his high school
diploma and he’s taking
college classes this fall. He’s
considering a job in chemistry .
“We need to think outside the box about
students,” said Tracey Taylor, director of
the program. “This is high school reform.”
Mayers didn’t drop out because he found a
way to continue his course work in an envi -
ronment better suited to his learning needs.
Not all students do.
The latest data compiled by the state
shows thousands of students leave high
school permanently before graduation.
Of approximately 140,000 frst-time
ninth-graders in the fall of 2003, 21,185
left school permanently at some point be-
tween their freshman year and what would
have been their on-time graduation in
spring of 2007, according to the Center for
Educational Performance and Information,
the state agency that tracks the data.
While this data, released in late August,
sheds light on the scope of the dropout cri-
sis, it doesn’t help educators, parents and
policymakers fx the problem.
For months, MEA with several partner
groups has sponsored public hearings on
the dropout crisis. Dozens of education
employees—teachers, support staff, higher
education faculty and staff—have partici-
pated in the hearings.
Taylor participated in the Lansing hearing
last spring, highlighting what works in
LCC’s program.
Her testimony, along with that of dozens
of others, will be compiled and delivered to
Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature
at the Dropout Prevention Leadership
Summit Oct. 20 in Lansing.
“We urge our leaders... to use this impor -
tant input we’ve collected statewide to guide
their policy decisions about the dropout
crisis,” said MEA President Iris K. Salters.
Solutions are necessary, she said, and
local communities must work together with
public schools to identify what will work
best for students.
“Parents, educators and other community
members all share a common goal—to
ensure students get a great education that
prepares them for a bright future,” Salters
said. “We can and will work together toward
that goal.”
« In brief
your news now
On the Web
To learn
more about
the dropout
crisis, go to
www.mea.org/
dropouts.
J.J. Mayers graduated
from Holt High School
after enrolling in an
alternative program
at Lansing Community
College. Mayers, now
19, said the college
learning environment was
conducive to his needs—
and he successfully
earned a diploma.
New dropout stats help identify problem
› Now, it’s time for solutions
‹
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
6
OCTOBER 2008
in brief
10 fast reads »
1.
K-12 school districts received
small funding increases for this
school year, ranging from $56
to $112 more per student, depending on
the school district. The base foundation
grant this year is $8,489, an increase of
0.6 percent. Lawmakers agreed to add
some additional $15 million for grants
to districts with high dropout rates.
The money can be used to pay for new
schools or to reorganize existing schools.
Schools that graduate less than 70 per
-
cent of students in four years can apply
for competitive grants.
2.
With the new school year
under way, educators are
reminded to save receipts
for classroom supplies purchased with
their own money. At press deadline,
legislation was pending in the U.S.
House of Representatives to extend the
educator expense deduction through
the 2008 tax year. The deduction al-
lows those who work at least 900 hours
during a school year as a teacher , in-
structor, counselor, principal or aide to
deduct up to $250 of the cost of books,
supplies, equipment and software used
in the classroom. Janice and John
Denzer (left), who work in the Brighton
and Hartland school districts, respec -
tively, purchased supplies for their
students over the summer at Staples in
Brighton. The average teacher spends
$443 per year on classroom supplies,
so saving receipts for tax purposes can
offset part of the personal expense.
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
3.
Michigan students will beneft
from a renewed focus on arts and
creativity in the state’s schools.
The National Endowment for the Arts named
Michigan one of fve multidisciplinary
“dream teams” and sent state education
and arts leaders to a summer conference to
learn how to infuse arts education into the
Michigan Merit Curriculum. The Michigan
team will consider how cultural institutions
might help local school districts in arts/
creativity curriculum development, student
services and professional development. The
Michigan Merit Curriculum includes a one-
credit minimum graduation requirement for
all students in the visual, performing and
applied arts. “The arts open minds of young
people to creativity and imagination,” said
Bob Harris, a Professional Development and
Human Rights consultant at MEA who is on
the state team.
4.
Rising food prices are
pinching school nutri-
tion programs, prompting
districts to hike school lunch prices
for students. Many food items criti -
cal to providing balanced, nutritious
school meals saw double-digit price
increases last year, according to
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Double-digit increases on staples
such as milk, rice and pasta, cheese
and bread contributed to the pricing
dilemma. Whole grain items, fresh
fruits and vegetables and low-fat
snacks also have contributed to
higher costs, according to the School
Nutrition Association. The estimated
average cost to prepare a school
lunch? About $2.70 to $3.10, up
about 9 percent.
MORGUEFILE.COM
FAST FACTS:
100
Number of
online courses
offered in
2007-08 by
the Michigan
Virtual School,
an online
instructional
provider to
more than 400
public and
private middle
and high
schools.
14,229
School districts
in the United
States.
Looking for quality professional development? Attend an MEA conference—offerings are listed online at www.mea.org/conferences .
MEA VOICE
7
5.
“Raccoon Tune” by Nancy Shaw,
a whimsical tale about raccoons
rifing through neighborhood
trash in search of a delicious dinner, is
the selection for the Library of Michigan’s
2008 Michigan Reads! The program high-
lights the importance of early childhood
literacy by encouraging parents, caregiv-
ers, teachers and librarians to read to
young children. Check your school or public
library for a copy of the book, a resource
guide, bookmarks and other goodies from
the state. For more information, go to
www.michigan.gov/michiganreads
.
6.
Hudsonville teacher Jennifer Haberling,
right, is the 2008-09 Michigan Teacher
of the Year. Haberling, an MEA member
who works at Baldwin Middle School, is pictured
with Hudsonville Education Association president
Becky Schipper. Nominations for the 2009-10
Michigan Teacher of the Year are due Nov. 3. Go to
www.michigan.gov/mtoy for details.
7.
Hourly wages for school bus driv-
ers, secretaries and other educa-
tional support personnel remained
lower than many private sector workers in
2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Average hourly wage rate, 2006
8.
The Great Lakes Center
for Education Research &
Practice funds the Think
Twice project. It monitors and
responds to education research
and reports released by right-wing
think tanks such as the Mackinac
Center for Public Policy. The goal
of Think Twice is to ensure that
decisions made about educa -
tion are based on sound, credible
academic research and NOT on
opinion disguised as research.
To learn more about Think Twice
or to sign up to receive Think
Twice Weekly Reports, go to
www.greatlakescenter.org.
10.
MEA won three awards of merit at the annual conference of the State Education Editors, a professional group of
communications experts from NEA
’ s state affliates. MEA
’ s awards included Best Editorial, Best W
eb Site, and Best
Design-Marketing Materials for the MEA Advantage T
oolkit, a collection of materials to help current and prospective
members understand what they get for their dues.
9.
MEA Scholarship Fund Trustees chair Mary Christian (left) and MEA President
Iris K. Salters congratulate the Utica team of T erry LaJeunesse (from left), T om
Hellebuyck, Dave Kenewell and Brian Cecil for winning the men’
s division in the
MEA Scholarship Fund Golf Outing. The fund provides scholarships for college students.
DENNIS KEENON/MEA
FAST FACTS:
60%
Estimated
number of
mothers with
children under
the age of
6 who work
outside the
home.
2.9
million
Projected
number
of public
high school
graduates in
2008-09, a
peak.
DENNIS KEENON/MEA
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
2008 Statistical Abstract
REPRINTED COUR
TESY OF HENR
Y HOL
T
.
By private industry workers
Cafeteria workers
$10.70
Noninstructional aides
$11.75
Instructional aides
$11.77
Custodians
$13.20
Bus drivers
$14.82
Leisure and hospitality
$9.75
T
rade, transportation, utilities
$15.40
Manufacturing
$16.80
Construction workers
$20.02
By school employees
8
OCTOBER 2008
With Adolph Brown , the keynote speaker at
MEA ’s Instruction and Professional Development Conference
10 questions is a regular
department in the Voice
magazine. Have an idea for
someone we should interview?
E-mail your suggestion to
kschulz@mea.org.
1�
On your Web site
(www.docspeaks.com), you call
yourself a master teacher and
motivator. Why have you chosen
this as your life’s work?
I was born a teacher and grew to become
the educator I was meant to be. I have
chosen this path as one who not only
encourages and facilitates the learning
process, but as someone who also inspires
others to tap into their inner resources.
2�
How do you describe your
presentation style?
Every presentation is unique. I pour my
heart and soul into each presentation to
ensure that it’s upbeat, energetic, witty,
and based on solid research and the best
practices available. I provide tried-and-
true, fundamental skills and strategies that
solid educators know and practice to get
effective results in the classroom.
3�
Your appearance at last year’s
conference was a big hit—how will
you follow that up—what are you
going to talk about?
The title of my presentation this year is:
Doing Whatever It Takes to Make You Great!
4�
Do you think educators need
motivation? Why?
Motivation alone is never enough. There
are no simple or foolproof formulas
for teaching. As educators, we must
continually try and learn.
5�
What motivates you?
My wife, Marla, and family are my greatest
teachers and inspiration. They insist that I
practice what I teach and give me plenty of
opportunities to do so.
6�
You reportedly receive a lot
of mail—hundreds of letters
from students, educators and
parents—every year. What are all
these people writing about? What
do you tell them?
The most common request of educators
involves issues surrounding classroom
management, the least taught subject to
new educators today. Young people often
inquire about the positive changes I have
made in my life since my tumultuous
childhood. I give educators real-life
strategies to connect with and inspire
young people.
7�
Who was your favorite teacher?
Why?
My third grade teacher, Susan Tolley, now
a retired school administrator, was my
favorite teacher. She was a “happy” teacher
whose eyes always smiled. I remember her
to be a warm, open, inviting educator who
believed that all students can succeed.
She wrote the foreword to my latest book,
Real Talk: Lessons in Uncommon Sense for
Educators and Parents, A Refresher Course
for Educators and Parents.
8�
What’s the biggest challenge
facing teachers and educational
support professionals today?
The declining family unit, followed closely
by establishing and maintaining ongoing
and lasting relationships with young
people. And, stable and continuous funding
for public education.
9�
If educators could do just one
thing to help students learn more
effectively, what would it be?
Engage all young learners through the
development of differentiated learning
strategies.
10�
Any other wisdom to share
with those who can’t make it to
this year’s conference?
Never give up—we need you!
2008 MEA
Instruction and
Professional
Development
Conference
What:
MEA ’s premier
professional
development
event.
When:
Dec. 4-6, 2008.
Where:
Hyatt Regency,
Dearborn.
Who can attend:
All MEA members
are invited.
Please join us!
More information:
www.mea.org/
ipd, or call
800-292-1934.
10 questions »
featured interview
On the Web
www.mea.org/ipd
DENNIS KEENON/MEA
MEA VOICE
9
how-to tips
« Enter to win $443
Help us help you!
Beginning with this issue of the MEA Voice,
readers will fnd space devoted to on-the-
job tips for new and not-so-new members.
It’s a grab bag, of sorts, designed to help
all types of education employees.
Our frst order of business is to give a
catchy name to this feature—and we’d
like your help! What should we call this
department of the magazine?
Think of an idea and e-mail it to us. If
we choose your suggestion, you’ll receive
a Target gift certifcate for $443, the
amount the average teacher spends on
classroom supplies in a year!
E-mail your ideas to kschulz@mea.org
by Monday, Oct. 20. In your subject
line, please note “help.” The winner
will be announced in our next issue in
December.
Quick, where’s your teaching cer-
tifcate? When does it expire?
It is a teacher’s professional responsibil-
ity to always know where their certifcate is
and when it expires.
Depending on the type of certifcate
that you’ve been issued by the Michigan
Department of Education and when, you
may have some work to do to maintain your
certifcate.
For example, if this is your sixth year in
the classroom and you have a provisional
certifcate, your certifcate expires June 30,
2009. That’s your deadline to complete 18
credits in a planned program from an ap-
proved teacher preparation institute if you
want to advance to a professional license.
Minimally, you may complete nine credits
if you only want to renew the provisional
certifcate (which buys you three extra years
to earn the nine remaining hours).
Teachers with a professional license must
renew their license every fve years; there
are no extensions. To renew, a teacher must
complete six college credits or18 continuing
education credits approved by the state, or
a combination of both.
How important is it to stay on top
of your licensing requirements?
If you want to teach, it’s critical, says
Frank Ciloski, a consultant in MEA
’ s
Professional Development and Human
Rights Department. School districts can
lose state funding if they employ uncerti -
fed teachers. Tenured teachers who let
their certifcation expire have no tenure
rights until their certifcation is reinstated,
Ciloski said.
“Every year, a few hundred teachers let
their certifcates expire,” he said.
If you want to continue teaching, don’t let
it be you.
Have certifcation questions? Call MEA
’s Ciloski
Frank Ciloski, a retired high school science teacher from Durand, has joined MEA
’ s
Professional Development and Human Rights Department. He specializes in teacher
certifcation issues.
Ciloski most recently worked for the Michigan Department of Education as supervisor
of client services, the arm of the department that issues teaching certifcates.
If you have certifcation questions, call Ciloski at 800-292-1934, ext. 6213.
When you get paid, do you know how
much salary you should be making
and what all those deductions are for?
You need to know.
The contract bargained by your local
is the frst source of information. It’ll
tell you what salary and benefts you
are entitled to. If you have specifc
questions, talk to your association rep.
Here’s some basic information about
your paycheck:
»
GROSS PAY is the total amount the dis-
trict pays you based on the salary sched-
ule negotiated by your local association.
»
FEDERAL INCOME TAX is the amount
deducted from your pay and withheld by
the IRS. The percentage taken from your
gross pay depends on your tax bracket
and the number of withholdings you
requested.
»
FICA pays your Social Security taxes.
Check this fgure and make sure the
amount deducted is right. This number
affects your retirement benefts.
»
RETIREMENT contributions go to the
state retirement system. A percentage
contribution is made for you.
»
DEDUCTIONS are chosen by you and
could include tax-sheltered annuities,
additional insurance coverage and your
association dues.
»
NET PAY is the amount of money you
take home.
Keep these in a safe place:
10 documents you may need
Maintain easily accessible personal fle(s)
at home or at school with important
documents such as:
1.
Licenses and/or certifcates.
2.
Diplomas.
3.
Transcripts of credits and degrees.
4.
Record of job-related seminars,
workshops, conferences.
5.
Employee contracts, including any
supplemental contracts.
6.
Log of tax-deductible job-related
expenses.
7.
Yearly salary notice provided by
your employer.
8.
All evaluation records.
9.
Record of assaults, violence or
workplace thefts.
10.
Information about insurance and
retirement.
Teachers: Stay on top of your certifcation
How to read your paycheck
On the Web
We have lots of
job-related tips
on our Web site
at www.mea.org.
Click on Members
and then New
Member Tips.
While there, you
can sign up to re-
ceive tip sheets by
e-mail during the
school year, too.
10
OCTOBER 2008
helping members
What’s your AYP IQ? »
How much
do you know
about AYP?
Take this quick
quiz—and
then read on
to learn more
about this
accountability
measure.
(Answer key below.)
1. AYP stands for ____________.
❍ a. Annual Yearly Progress
❍ b. A Year of Progression
❍ c. Adequate Yearly Progress
2. AYP is based on __________ and
__________ at elementary, middle
and high schools.
❍ a. Math and science
❍ b. English language arts and math
❍ c. Science and social studies
3. Besides test scores from the Michigan
Educational Assessment Program, what
other factors decide if a school has
made suffcient progress?
❍ a. The percentage of students tested
❍ b. Attendance rates in elementary and
middle schools
❍ c. Graduation rates in high schools
❍ d. All of the above
4. It’s not enough for schools and districts
to show overall improvement; certain
subgroups of students must also
show progress. In Michigan, how many
students constitute a subgroup?
❍ a. 100
❍ b. 50
❍ c. 30
5. Only schools that receive Title 1 funds
are subject to sanctions.
❍ a. True
❍ b. False
6. Some schools that don’t improve could
have to __________.
❍ a. Allow students to transfer to other
schools
❍ b. Provide or pay for special tutoring
❍ c. Restructure
❍ d. All of the above
7. A school that doesn’t make AYP for three
years must continue to implement its
revised school improvement plan and
spend at least __________ percent
of its Title 1 funds on professional
development to address the academic
problems that caused it to be identifed.
❍ a. 1
❍ b. 5
❍ c. 10
8. A school that is identifed for school
improvement, corrective action or
restructuring must make AYP for
__________ consecutive years before
it is no longer identifed or subject to
sanctions.
❍ a. 1
❍ b. 2
❍ c. 5
9. Employees cannot collectively bargain
issues related to AYP or No Child Left
Behind (NCLB).
❍ a. True
❍ b. False
Answers:
1, c. 2, b. 3, d. 4, c. 5, a.
6, d. 7, c. 8, b. 9, b.
Need help deciphering what your school or district is doing to improve academic
achievement? Call MEA ’s Professional Development and Human Rights Department at
800-292-1934. Ask for consultant Bob Harris.
MORGUEFILE.COM
MEA VOICE
11
»
Adequate Yearly progress (AYP) is one
of the cornerstones of the federal No
Child Left Behind Act. In Michigan, it’s
a measure of student achievement on
the Michigan Educational Assessment
Program tests.
»
The law required states to develop goals
for adequate yearly progress, gradually
raising the bar so 100 percent of stu -
dents are profcient in English language
arts and math by 2013-14.
»
In addition to MEAP scores, other
indicators are factored in to determine
whether a school has made suffcient
progress. For elementary and middle
schools, attendance rates are used. For
high schools, graduation rates are used.
»
AYP applies to each district and school
in the state; however, NCLB sanctions
for schools that do not make adequate
progress for two or more years in a row
only apply to districts and schools that
receive Title 1 funds. Title 1 funds are
federal dollars provided to schools with
high numbers or high percentages of
poor children.
»
Schools must ensure that certain
subgroups of students are making
adequate progress. If they do not, then
the school as a whole cannot make A YP.
The subgroups include racial/ethnic
minorities, students with disabilities,
students with limited English prof
-
ciency, and those who are economically
disadvantaged. In Michigan, a sub -
group is counted if there are at least
30 students.
»
Schools that don’t make AYP for two
consecutive years are identifed for
improvement. A school must meet AYP
requirements for two years in a row to
no longer be identifed for improvement.
Last school year, the Lansing and
Grand Rapids school districts made
headlines when each threatened
to displace teachers in schools that
hadn’t made adequate yearly progress
for several years.
Schools that repeatedly do not make
suffcient progress can do many things
to improve student academic achieve -
ment, including replacing school staff
“relevant to the failure to make A YP”
and restructuring. In some cases, a
school could be closed.
However, schools can also choose
other options, including implementing
new research-based curriculum and
providing related professional develop -
ment for staff.
Although districts must comply with
NCLB, the law doesn’t require schools
to violate terms of collective bargain -
ing agreements. That means that your
contract terms must be followed, even
if a district chooses to make extreme
changes.
School districts are encouraged to
invite staff and parents in developing a
restructuring plan.
Read your contract. If you have
questions about how your contract
terms relate to NCLB, ask your local
president or MEA UniServ director .
6 things you need
to know about AYP
and your school:
1.
Did your school make AYP last
year?
2.
If not, why not?
3.
Does your school receive Title 1
funds?
4.
If your school receives Title 1
funds and it didn’t make AYP for
two or more consecutive years,
what is your school or district do -
ing to ensure improvement this
year? And, is your local associa-
tion collaborating with your school
or district to understand the
needs of your students?
5.
What are your school’s require-
ments this year—how well must
students perform in order for your
school to make AYP?
6.
What resources are available in
your school or district to help you
support academic improvement?
For answers to these and other
questions you may have, ask your
school improvement team. Don’t
know who’s on the school improve-
ment team? Ask your principal, build -
ing administrator, or local association
president. By law, staff must be rep-
resented on your school’s improve-
ment team.
NEA offers principles
to improve NCLB
The No Child Left Behind Act established
goals everyone supports: high standards
and accountability for the learning of all
children.
But, the law falls short of its goals for
many reasons. NEA offers suggestions to
fx the law so that it helps build stronger
public schools for all students.
To learn more, go to www .nea.org/esea .
On the Web
www.mea.org/nclb
» Podcast with Bob
Harris, MEA ’s AYP
expert. Listen
to an interview
with Harris, a
consultant in
MEA ’s Professional
Development and
Human Rights
Department.
» Michigan is part of
a pilot program to
measure student
academic growth.
What does it mean
for your students?
» Info about
supplemental
services. What are
they? Who gets
them?
» Download a list of
FREE resources to
help your school.
Some districts have tried to displace
staff—is yours next?
AYP Primer: Key facts you need to know
MORGUEFILE.COM
MORGUEFILE.COM
12
OCTOBER 2008
ELECTION 2008
MEA recommends Obama
Sen. Barack Obama’s profle reads like a how-to book
on achieving the American dream.
Born in Hawaii to parents of differing backgrounds—
his mother was native to Kansas and his father was from
Kenya—Obama worked his way through college. He
put law school and corporate life on hold to help people
whose lives were devastated when steel plants closed in
Chicago in the 1980s. The experience taught him that im -
proving the lives of people would require changes in the
laws and the political arena.
Obama earned his law degree from Harvard and later
served for eight years in the Illinois state Senate. He won
election to the U.S. Senate in 2004.
Now, he’s the Democratic candidate for president.
Vetted by members like you from across the United
States, the MEA recommends Obama as the best candi-
date for president.
Obama’s views on top education issues more closely
align with positions supported by the National Education
Association than do those of his rival, Sen. John McCain.
(See comparison chart, page 13.)
Much is at stake in this election—the future of
Michigan’s students as well as the future of your job as an
education employee, said MEA President Iris K. Salters.
“It’s important that we make a difference in this elec-
tion,” she said.
Whether you’re a current or retired worker from a K-12
school, a college or university, the policies and plans of
the next president—and other elected offcials—trickle
down to you.
Many MEA members understand the link and they’ve
been working to help elect Obama.
P. Christina Montague, a school social worker in Ann
Arbor, was one of Obama’s early supporters in Michigan.
Montague, a longtime activist, leads an independent
grassroots group called Michiganders for Obama. She
praised Obama, citing his call for individuals with all
points of view to work together to create a stronger nation.
“Sen. Obama wants us to pull together as Americans,”
Montague said. “He wants us to forget about labels. W e
might be members of the Republican or Democratic
parties, but we’re all Americans. We need to work togeth-
er. What’s good for Republicans is good for Democrats,
and vice versa.”
Added Sigrid Grace, a member of the Almont Education
Association: “Sen. Obama is willing to encourage change
and innovation, but he still understands the basic things
that are critical for fairness and progress.”
President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act,
a sore spot for many education employees, is a constant
reminder that the president infuences the working lives of
K-12 teachers.
While most MEA members appreciate one of the law’s
primary goals—to help boost student achievement—they
disagree with how the law is implemented. The law allows
the imposition of sanctions, for example, effectively hurt-
ing the very schools that need the most help.
Obama supports fundamental reforms to the law to ensure
it helps schools. Obama’s education plan includes ideas
for early childhood, K-12 and higher education. T o read his
plan, go to www.barackobama.com/issues/education.
To help elect Obama, be sure to vote T uesday, Nov. 4.
Sen. Barack
Obama gave a
policy speech
about energy in
August in Lansing.
Candidate
needs your
support
Nov. 4
Sigrid Grace, a
member from
Rochester, served
as a delegate to
the Democratic
National
Convention.
She cheered for
Obama at the
National Education
Association’s
Representative
Assembly in July.
DOUG PRA
TT/MEA
KEVIN W
. FOWLER/FOR MEA
On the Web
www.barack
obama.com/
issues/education
MEA VOICE
13
ELECTION 2008
Compare the candidates
On the issues.
Sen. Barack Obama (D)
National Education
Association
Sen. John McCain (R)
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
Overhaul—“The fact is, No
Child Left Behind has done more
to stigmatize and demoralize
our students and teachers in
struggling schools than it has
to marshal the talent and the
determination and the resources
to turn them around. That’s
what’s wrong with No Child Left
Behind, and that’s what we must
change in a fundamental way.”
—Manchester, NH, 11/22/07
Overhaul—The law’s goals
are vitally important. However,
Congress must shift away
from the law’s one-size-fts-all
accountability system and its
emphasis on punishment, to one
that involves signifcant input
from educators and supports
educators in improving student
learning, rewards success, and
provides meaningful assistance
to schools most in need of help.
Tweak—“No Child Left
Behind—everybody likes to
criticize it. It needs to be fxed,
but it was a great beginning.
It was a great way of gauging
performance.”
—PBS, “The Charlie Rose Show,”
11/27/07
Pay Teachers Based on Student Test Scores;
Pay Teachers Based on Other Factors
Opposes traditional pay for test
scores, but supports some forms
of enhanced compensation
Opposes pay for test scores,
but supports some forms of
enhanced compensation
Supports pay for test scores
Private School Vouchers
Opposes
Opposes
Supports
Charter Schools
Supports
Supports public charter
schools with certain quality
assurance provisions
Supports
Change NCLB’s Use of a Single Standardized
Test to Measure Student Success
Supports
Supports
Unknown*
Improve Quality of Tests
Supports
Supports
Supports testing changes for
students with disabilities and
English language learners
Reduce Class Size
Supports
Supports
Opposes
Expand Early Childhood Education
Supports
Supports
Unknown*
Increase Federal Education Funding
Supports
Supports
Opposed bills to increase
funding, but says he supports
adequate funding
Pay Teachers a Starting Salary of $40,000 and
Education Support Professionals a Living W age
Supports
Supports
Unknown*
Increase Student Aid for College (Pell Grants)
Supports
Supports
Opposes
Increase Minimum Wage
Supports
Supports
Opposes
Sponsor Bill to Repeal GPO/WEP
Yes
Supports bill
No
Expand Healthcare, Create Universal Health
Insurance
Supports
Supports
Supports expanding health care,
opposes universal insurance
Privatize Social Security
Opposes
Opposes
Partially supports
Protect Education Employee Rights to Organize
(EFCA)
Supports
Supports
Opposes
Protect Women from Pay Discrimination
(Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act)
Supports
Supports
Opposes
*No public information found
On the Web
Learn more at
http://education
votes.nea.org
14
OCTOBER 2008
ELECTION 2008
Grassroots effort works
to get out the vote
The Webbers, members of the
Muskegon Clerical/Classroom
Assistants Association, are reach -
ing out to other educational support
personnel across their county to get
out the vote. They’re part of a team
of support staff and retirees trained
by MEA to encourage members to
vote Nov. 4.
The cadre is modeled after a similar
effort in 2006 that used education
support professionals to boost elec -
tion turnout. Their work was success -
ful—27 percent more support staff
members voted in that election.
“It was just phenomenal,” said
Dennis Friel, the Midwest regional
director for the National Education
Association. “This group will make a
difference again this year
.”
Getting all types of members to un -
derstand how politics impacts their
work is part of the team’s goal. Barb
Webber, who translates written words
into Braille for a visually impaired
student, said it isn’t always easy with
the members she talks with.
“We do have a voice and we need
to step up,” she said.
Members of the cadre are available
to meet with groups of members
to talk about the election. They will
answer questions, explain volunteer
opportunities and help raise money
for MEA’s political action committee
(PAC).
They’ll also ask members about
the issues they care about, provide
members with information about
MEA-recommended candidates
and lend any other support that’ s
needed locally.
The grassroots effort is an effective
member-engagement tool, said MEA
President Iris K. Salters.
“Reaching out to members in -
dividually or in small groups is a
winning strategy,” she said. “It is
important that we make a difference
in this election—and this group of
volunteers is an important part of
our efforts to elect candidates who
support public education and the is
-
sues important to members.”
Jim and Barb Webber of Muskegon are part of a special cadre of MEA members
trained to help get out the vote in the Nov. 4 election. The Webbers work as
education support personnel in Muskegon Public Schools.
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
MEA Cadre members—including Educational Support Professional and
retirees—from across the state are trained to work with their peers to
boost election turnout.
MUSKEGON—Jim and Barb Webber’s joint mission this election year is no small feat.
“We want everybody to vote,” said Jim W ebber, a health care aide in Muskegon
Public Schools.
If you’d like to invite a cadre member from your area to speak to your local association, please contact Linda Myers,
MEA ’s campaign consultant, at 800-292-1934, or lmyers@mea.org.
MEA VOICE
15
ELECTION 2008
Re-elect Levin
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin has been an advocate for education since he was frst elected when he
supported Congress’ creation of the U.S. Department of Education to promote excellence and equal
access in public schools.
Three decades later, Levin is one of the most effective senators in the nation—and MEA proudly
recommends him for a sixth term.
MEA recommends U.S. Sen. Carl Levin for sixth term
» Democrat is an advocate for children, education «
Sen. Levin’s commitment to the
people of Michigan is obvious,”
said MEA President Iris K. Salters.
“He’s a strong supporter of public ed-
ucation and we need him to continue
to advocate in Washington for public
education students and the issues
that MEA members care about.”
First elected in 1978, Levin believes
providing children with a quality edu-
cation is one of the basic responsi-
bilities of families and communities.
That’s why he’s worked throughout
his Senate career to ensure that the
federal, state and local governments
work to meet educational challenges.
Arguably the biggest challenge fac-
ing education today is the issue of
achievement. While Levin wants to
hold schools accountable for student
progress, he also believes the federal
legislation aimed at doing that—the
No Child Left Behind Act—isn’t ad-
equately funded. He has pledged to
work toward full funding.
Levin wants to increase federal edu-
cation funding and target the money
to recruit and train teachers, reduce
class size, repair school facilities,
integrate new technology in class-
rooms, provide after-school programs
and hold schools accountable for
students’ educational progress.
Levin believes higher education is
key to opportunity in America. High
costs make it tough for working fami-
lies to afford to send their children to
college. Since 2001, college tuition
has risen by 46 percent. Levin has
voted repeatedly for amendments to
increase Pell Grant funding, though
the increases have been rejected by
the Republican Congress.
Levin was named one of America’s
10 best senators by Time magazine
in 2006. He is a 1984 recipient of
MEA
’ s Distinguished Service Award,
the association’s highest honor, given
to those who have made outstanding
contributions to further the cause of
public education in Michigan and the
nation.
COUR
TESY PHOTO
For specifc information about Levin’s education record or ideas that he supports, go to www.carllevin.com .
“
On the Web
www.carllevin.com
16
OCTOBER 2008
ELECTION 2008
ImPACt
And, fnally, the ask: Please give to MEA-PAC
The top reason members cite for not giving to PAC? They’re never asked.
So, we can’t let this opportunity slip by: Would you please consider giving to
MEA-PAC?
Stitched into the center of this issue is an envelope. We hope you’ll use it to
send a contribution to support state and local candidates who support issues
that you care about, including education and the economy.
Any amount will help, so please consider what you can do
to help ensure that public education wins at the ballot box.
No. 1 reason members don’t give:
No one asks them to
Novi teacher Brett Meyer has a lofty goal for his political action fundraising—
100 percent participation.
He wants every one of his 450 or so colleagues to contribute to the MEA
’s
political action committee, which in turn supports pro-public education candi-
dates running for local and state political offce.
“I’ve had people give me a dollar,” Meyer says. “I’ve had some give it to me
in change. It’s something—and I’ll take it!”
Since 1999, Novi’s PAC participation has ranged from 47 percent to 93 per-
cent. Many local associations dream of similarly high rates.
Alicia Greenough, a Petoskey teacher, is
doing her frst PAC drive this year. In July,
she attended a workshop by Meyer at MEA ’s
Summer Leadership Conference to learn
how to run a successful fundraiser.
“It’ s very intimidating because we’re ask-
ing for money,” Greenough said. “People
don’t always understand what it’s for.”
Meyer encouraged Greenough and others,
telling them that a successful PAC drive is
easy if you understand how to put it togeth-
er and if leaders help members understand
how their contributions will help.
Too often, people don’t give because
they’re not asked. In fact, the top reason
that members don’t give is they’re never
asked.
“PAC is not a four-letter word,” Meyer
said.
Teachers, support personnel and higher
education members care about the stu-
dents they serve—and, Meyer said, that’s a
good reason to cite when explaining PAC.
“Some members need to be convinced as
to why they need to give,” he said. “We are
(employees) in the public school system. We
care about education issues.”
Meyer suggested local leaders answer fve
key questions when putting together a PAC
campaign:
1. What’s your goal? Think of a number,
whether you’re shooting for a total for all
contributions or a certain participation
fgure.
2. What’s the theme?
3. What do the members need to know?
Consider information that will help them
understand why their contribution is
needed.
4. What’s the time frame? Determine start
and end dates; Meyer recommends a
relatively short time frame so that mem-
bers don’t feel like you’re involved in a
never-ending PAC drive.
5. How do we get the word out?
Communication is important, so you
need to fgure out how to spread the
word about your efforts.
PAC FAQ
What is PAC?
PAC stands for Political Action Committee.
It’ s how our association raises campaign
funds for the candidates and issues that
mean the most to public education.
How is my PAC money used?
Federal campaign fnance laws do not al-
low your MEA dues to be used for PAC. PAC
money must be contributed separately and
it is completely voluntary. MEA-PAC money
may only be used to support statewide
and local candidates. Money is given to
candidates who are recommended by MEA
members like you based on the candidates’
positions on issues pertaining to public
education and public school employees.
PAC money is used to support Republican
and Democratic candidates who support
public education.
What about federal
candidates?
The NEA ’s PAC is called The Fund for
Children and Public Education. Members
may contribute to the fund if they want
their money to help federal candidates,
including those running for Congress.
How much should I donate
to PAC?
The recommended donation is $40, but you
can give any amount. Give what you can
afford, even if it’s just $1.
Based on PAC
contributions
given between
June 1, 2007, and
May 31, 2008:
Average
contribution per
MEA member:
$2.96
Average
contribution
among all NEA
members:
$1.61
Total raised
by MEA:
$304,131
Michigan’s
ranking among
the states:
3
Source: MEA/NEA
Did you know?
Forty percent of all MEA-PAC money collected is
returned to your local MEA coordinating council.
The money can be used to support candidates in
local races, including people running for school
board, city council and judge seats. To fnd out
how to access this money for a local election, you
need to contact the chair of your coordinating
council or your MEA UniServ director.
Need help? Call MEA!
Do you need help planning your local PAC drive? Local leaders should contact their local MEA
UniServ director or MEA ’s campaign consultant Linda Myers (lmyers@mea.org) for help.
Local presidents and PAC chairs may request a free copy of “PAC Plan of Attack,” a booklet
with tips and suggestions for a successful campaign by e-mailing Myers or Teri Battaglieri
(tbattaglieri@mea.org ).
Alicia Greenough,
a Petoskey teacher ,
is doing her frst
PAC drive this year .
“It’ s very
intimidating
because we’re
asking for
money. People
don’t always
understand
what it’s for.”
MEA VOICE
17
ELECTION 2008
MEA recommends
On the Web
www.meavotes.org
President and Vice President
Barack Obama and Joe Biden
U.S. Senate
Carl Levin
U.S. House
1
Bart Stupak
5
Dale Kildee
6
Fred Upton
8
Robert Alexander
9
Gary Peters
12
Sander Levin
13
Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick
14
John Conyers, Jr.
15
John Dingell
Michigan House
2
LaMar Lemmons, Jr.
3
Bettie Cook Scott
5
Bert Johnson
6
Fred Durhal, Jr.
7
Jimmy Womack
9
Shanelle Jackson
10
Gabe Leland
11
David Nathan
12
Rashida Tlaib
13
Andrew Kandrevas
15
Gino Polidori
16
Bob Constan
17
Andy Dillon
18
Richard LeBlanc
20
Marc Corriveau
22
Douglas Geiss
23
Deb Kennedy
24
Sarah Roberts
25
Jon Switalski
26
Marie Donigan
28
Lesia Liss
29
Tim Melton
30
Tory Rocca
31
Fred Miller
32
Jennifer Haase
33
Andrew Prasiloski
34
Woodrow Stanley
35
Vincent Gregory
37
Vicki Barnett
42
Harold Haugh
43
Gail Haines
44
Eileen Kowall
46
James Marleau
49
Lee Gonzales
51
Paul Scott
52
Pam Byrnes
Michigan House (cont.)
53
Rebekah Warren
55
Kathy Angerer
56
Kate Ebli
57
Dudley Spade
59
Carol Higgins
60
Robert Jones
62
Kate Segal
65
Mike Simpson
67
Barb Byrum
68
Joan Bauer
69
Mark Meadows
70
Mike Huckleberry
75
Robert Dean
76
Roy Schmidt
78
Judy Truesdell
83
John Espinoza
84
Terry Brown
91
Mary Valentine
92
Doug Bennett
95
Andy Coulouris
96
Jeff Mayes
97
Tim Moore
98
Garnet Lewis
101
Dan Scripps
103
Joel Sheltrown
104
Roman Grucz
106
Andy Neumann
107
Gary McDowell
109
Steve Lindberg
110
Michael Lahti
Michigan House*
4
Coleman Young II
8
George Cushingberry
21
Todd LaJoy
21
Dian Slavens
39
Amy Peterman
59
Matt Lori
62
Greg Moore
66
Donna Anderson
73
Bruce Hawley
73
Tom Pearce
86
Dave Hildenbrand
106
Peter Pettalia
4th District Court of Appeals
Paula Manderfeld
Ingham County 30th Circuit Court
Rosemarie Elizabeth Aquilina
William Edward Collette
Janelle A. Lawless
The MEA is proud to
recommend the candidates
listed here for elected
offce. Members like you
have evaluated these
candidates as well as their
answers to questions about
education-related issues.
Some candidates and/or races are not
listed because they were not screened
before this publication went to press.
Candidates for statewide offce, including
State Board of Education, University of
Michigan Board of Regents, Michigan
State University Board of Trustees, Wayne
State University Board of Governors
and the Michigan Supreme Court, are
considered by the MEA-PAC Statewide
Screening and Recommendation
Committee. That committee planned to
meet in mid-September.
For the latest information on
recommended candidates, contact
your local MEA UniServ offce or visit
www.meavotes.org .
*
These candidates are deemed
"acceptable" by local screening and
recommending committees.
18
OCTOBER 2008
ELECTION 2008
Warren Woods elementary school
teacher Jennifer Haase is losing
lots of tread on a pair of 10-year -old
sneakers in her bid to win a House
seat in Michigan’s 32nd District.
Haase, a Democrat, hit the ground
running—and walking in those sneak-
ers—in late March when she decided
to seek the term-limited seat.
“That weekend I started going
door-to-door in my neighborhood in
Richmond, and I haven’t stopped
since,” she said.
Her goal is to visit 20,000 house-
holds in the sprawling district that
covers a good portion of northern
Macomb County and four townships
in St. Clair County.
By mid-July, Haase already had
knocked on more than 9,000 doors
in the district, going neighborhood to
neighborhood, house to house, see-
ing and hearing frsthand about the
day-to-day struggles of families in the
32nd District.
“You don’t realize how many houses
are empty until you start campaign-
ing door to door,” said Haase, 33, a
lifelong resident of Macomb County.
“People have lost their jobs. These
are everyday people struggling to
make it to the next day. You just want
to do anything you can to help them
out after hearing their stories.”
The idea of running for state rep-
resentative hit Haase after parent-
teacher conferences at Westwood
Elementary last November.
“I saw so many parents who had
lost their jobs. Their children were
suffering in school. The kids’ grades
were dropping, and they just seemed
sad. I couldn’t sit back without doing
something.”
Haase believes a teacher’s voice is
needed in the legislative debate in
Lansing. She is running on a platform
of creating jobs, strengthening educa-
tion and protecting the environment.
“There’s a direct link between
strengthening our education system
and creating jobs and helping the
state’s economy,” she said. “States
with educated workforces attract
businesses. I will fght to make our
schools stronger, to expand access to
high-quality preschools, to give stu-
dents the tools they need to succeed
and make higher education available
to all residents.”
On the campaign trail, Haase said
she’s being well received by voters.
“They respect the fact that I’m a
teacher and not a politician. They ap-
preciate that my husband and I are a
working-class family just like them.”
Win or lose, Haase says running for
the House “has been one of the best
experiences of my life.”
“Voters are ready for change. They’re
looking for help, and like them, I’m
just a regular person who cares about
the problems we’re all facing. I have
the passion and desire to help these
people and help the state.”
Haase still has a few thousand
doors to knock on in the 32nd District
before the Nov. 4 general election. “I
just hope my tennis shoes hold out,”
she laughed.
About Jennifer Haase
»
Ten-year MEA member who teaches at Westwood
Elementary School in the Warren Woods district. Has
served as a building representative for four years.
»
MEA ’s recommended candidate for state representative
in the 32nd District. Also endorsed by the American
Federation of Teachers, Michigan Professional
Firefghters Union and several trade unions.
»
Married to Robert Haase, a Sterling Heights frefghter/
paramedic, who is vice president of Sterling Heights
Firefghters Local 1557. They reside in Richmond.
»
Graduated from Eisenhower High School in Utica in 1993;
bachelor’s degree majoring in elementary education from
Alma College in 1997; master’s degree in reading and
language arts from Oakland University in 2006.
“I’m just a regular person who cares about the
problems we’re all facing. I have the passion and
desire to help...people and help the state.”
From conferences to
the campaign trail
by Dennis Keenon
Retired Editor, MEA Voice
Teacher Jennifer
Haase plans to visit
20,000 households
in her quest for
the House of
Representatives.
COUR
TESY PHOTO
On the Web
www.jennifer
haase08.org
MEA VOICE
19
member benefits
« Outstanding service
More than 83,000 Michigan education employees
wake up every day thankful for their health and
for their comprehensive MESSA coverage. For years
our members have been telling us that it is the peace
of mind and the feeling of fnancial security that make
MESSA different from other health plans. MESSA is
unique: our members know through experience that
MESSA ’s comprehensive coverage and personalized
service can’t be matched by any other health plan.
MESSA is a Michigan success story. We provide out-
standing service and comprehensive, quality coverage
at competitive rates. Our members know they’re getting
the best. In our member surveys we regularly earn a 98
percent satisfaction score. As a not-for-proft member-
ship organization, we are able to place the interests of
our members and their families frst. Every member
of the MESSA Board of Trustees is a current or former
education employee.
Cutting red tape and minimizing hassles are two key
drivers of MESSA member loyalty. Providing outstand-
ing personalized service has always been a hallmark of
MESSA ’s commitment to its members. In 2007, MESSA
’s
Member Service Center was recognized as a “Center of
Excellence” by The Center for Customer–Driven Quality™
at Purdue University and BenchmarkPortal for superior
performance and outstanding customer service. MESSA
has also long promoted strong member education and
wellness programs, including:
›
Men’s and Women’s Health Management programs
that help members and their families improve their
health.
›
Asthma, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Management
programs that help members manage chronic con -
ditions and improve their quality of life.
›
A statewide network of local feld representatives.
›
A partnership with the health experts at Mayo Clinic
that provides health tools and trustworthy informa -
tion at www.messa.org.
The unmatched coverage, outstanding personalized
service, sense of security and peace of mind MESSA
provides Michigan educators and their families are
even more important today than they were in 1960.
As we look to the future, MESSA remains committed
to providing the quality, comprehensive coverage and
outstanding service that MESSA members of all ages
want and deserve.
MESSA puts education employees frst
by Cynthia Williams
MESSA Executive Director
Cynthia Williams
Dear Abby advises that we avoid
religion and politics for polite con-
versation topics. Sometimes we have
to break the rules.
We’ve learned the hard way that
politics rules our professional lives. A
politician’s vote can establish the cur-
riculum we teach, the food we serve,
or the amount of money our school
district will get.
In this crucial political year, we’re
the best ambassadors for public
education and for our students. If we
don’t take the opportunity to insert
politics and education into our con -
versations, who will?
Keeping political talk a conversation,
rather than a confrontation, is easy.
Just keep these guidelines in mind:
Polite political talk?
You can do it with these easy tips
« Talking politics
by Rosemary Carey
Communications Consultant, MEA
» Keep your focus on education issues.
It’s what you know best.
» Know the issues and how candidates feel about them.
Solid facts or personal experience are more persuasive than emotion.
» Respect the other person’ s political position.
They’re entitled to have one different than yours.
» It’s not what you say but how you say it.
You don’t want to ruin the chances of ever having a civil conversation
with this person again just because of your tone.
» Let educating others be your goal.
If you enter every conversation with the idea of changing someone’
s
mind, you may be disappointed.
We can’t afford to pass up any opportunity to infuence the vote of our col-
leagues, our friends, our family or our neighbors. Our futures and those of our
students are at stake.
And that’s the message we need to convey every chance we get.
On the Web
www.meavotes.org
Engage in
the political
conversation
on the MEA
Votes blog.
20
OCTOBER 2008
Shortly after voting
to join MEA—and
before they negotiated
their frst contract—
Pinckney custodians
were threatened with
privatization.
With MEA ’s help, the 31 custodians
fought back—and won. They kept
their jobs and settled the contract,
voting just weeks before school
started on a two-year pact.
“These people really stepped up
to the plate to stay employed by the
school district,” said Amy Gross, a
Pinckney custodian, referring to her
colleagues who agreed to some con-
tractual changes to help the district
make ends meet.
Members of the Pinckney Building
and Grounds Staff Association
switched medical plans and accept-
ed slightly lower wages in the deal.
The package was much better than
proposals the district had offered. At
one point, the district called for a 15
percent wage cut, said Brad Gibson,
a Brighton teacher hired by MEA to
help negotiate the contract.
“It was pretty drastic,” Gibson said of
the district’s early offer.
In the end, the custodians were
thankful to keep their jobs. For
months, district offcials told the
custodians that they were taking bids
from private contractors that they
said could save the district about
$400,000, said Gross, secretary-trea-
surer of the new local association.
Pinckney had experience with
privatization. Years earlier, the district
had hired an outside company to
clean and maintain its facilities. The
scheme didn’t last long, however.
Dissatisfed with the setup, the district
brought the jobs back in house.
So, when privatization was proposed
this time around, the custodians
reminded school offcials and com-
munity members about the pitfalls of
privatization. MEA supported the local
efforts, providing expert counsel to
manage the crisis and fnancial aid for
community relations.
Keeping the custodians on staff
resulted in substantial savings, Gross
said. The custodians helped the
district save $430,000; they saved
the district a projected $100,000 by
implementing smarter work strategies.
The new contract includes some
positive language dealing with senior-
ity, layoffs and recall, and members’
attendance at professional conferenc-
es. They also were able to get rid of a
cap on their medical premium.
“We’re still Pinckney Pirates,” said
Gross, who has 25 years’ experience
in the district.
Custodians (left
to right) Michael
Bishop, Amy Gross
and Jeff Hammon
are leaders in
Pinckney Building
and Grounds Staff
Association. The
group successfully
fought a
privatization bid in
their district.
Pinckney
custodians landed
their frst contract
as MEA members,
averting the
privatization of
their jobs.
association buzz
Local roundup »
Pinckney custodians land frst contract
as MEA members
Spread the
news!
Tell us about your
local association’s
bargaining wins
or other union-
related news
developments.
Each issue, we’ll
feature updates
from across the
state. E-mail
your idea(s) to
kschulz@mea.org .
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
MEA VOICE
21
« Leadership training
working for you
Local Presidents Academy aims to engage,
serve MEA members like you
“I learned more in the Local Presidents
Academy than I have in 20 years as an MEA
member,” said Henry-Walton, president of
the Benton Harbor Secretarial Association.
“The training helped me understand what
I need to do to become a more effective
leader and to get more participation from
members.”
In fact, Henry-Walton is participating
again this year in the Local Presidents
Academy, part of MEA ’s Building Full
Capacity Locals initiative.
“I don’t know how MEA ever survived
without Building Full Capacity Locals,”
she said. “It’s been just fantastic.”
The goal of the Local Presidents Academy
is to develop well-trained, strong local
leaders who have the time and resources
needed to effectively do their jobs and the
skills to mentor up-and-coming leaders in
their locals.
Forty-six local presidents are training in
the academy this year, including 15 who
participated in 2007-08.
Lyman Robertson, president of the
Vandercook Lake EA, is back for a second
year. His goal has been to get new mem-
bers involved in association activities and
running a PAC drive.
“I’ve focused on helping new members
fnd niches where they can ft in with
association activities,” he said. “We’ve
been trying to make them feel comfortable
about getting involved. Last year, we ran a
PAC drive for really the frst time, and we
went from two members contributing to 42
members making donations.
“The training I’ve received in the Local
Presidents Academy has been very
helpful.”
Steve Byrd, president of the Manchester
ESP local, joined the academy this year.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “My No. 1
goal is to get more member participation
at the grassroots level, to get them in-
volved all the time, not just when there’s a
crisis. I want to get my members fred up.”
With the Local Presidents Academy, BFCL
program coordinator Teri Battaglieri wants
to “build on what we started last year, a
network of dynamic, strong, well-trained
local presidents who are focused on ac-
tively engaging their members and provid-
ing the best service possible to them.”
Vandercook Lake EA President Lyman Robertson (left) and Manchester ESP President Steve Byrd are
participating in the 2008-09 Local Presidents Academy to stimulate member participation in their
locals. This marks Robertson’s second year in the academy.
Silvia Henry-Walton, president of the Benton
Harbor Secretarial Association: “I applied for
the Local Presidents Academy because I want
to become a better president and get more
participation from my members.”
by Dennis Keenon
Retired Editor, MEA Voice
For more information about Building Full Capacity Locals or the Local Presidents Academy,
contact Teri Battaglieri at tbattaglieri@mea.org or call 800-292-1934.
Silvia Henry-Walton
said participating in
MEA ’s inaugural Local
Presidents Academy
last year “was like
eating an energy bar
.”
DENNIS KEENON/MEA
22
OCTOBER 2008
MEA member’s job
nurtures plants, people »
member profile
EAST LANSING—Ann Hancock is a self-described “plant geek.”
She has a way of making plants come alive for visitors and master gardeners
alike at the Michigan State University Horticulture Demonstration Gardens
where she works as a horticulturist.
Her love for her job—and the volunteers who help her in the garden every
week—is obvious. Just ask her.
“I’m one of the luckiest people in the world,” Hancock gushes. “I can’t be-
lieve they pay me to do this.”
Her work environment isn’t traditional in education—she spends countless
hours walking paths lined with cone fowers, pots teeming with annuals and
beds flled with colorful foliage. Picking pesky Japanese beetles from plants
is done amidst thousands of blooming roses.
Hancock, who oversees the Judith DeLapa Perennial Garden, is a member
of the Administrative Professionals Association at MSU, a group that repre-
sents an array of university staff. She’s one of about 9,800 higher education
employees statewide who belong to MEA.
Hancock helps the plants come alive—literally and fguratively. She has a
tendency to describe them like people, referring to invasive loosestrife as
“thugs” and two varieties of intermingling phlox as a “big bunch of happy
people at a cocktail party.”
While searching for copper and green Japanese beetles, she tells a visitor
that traps hung in many homeowners’ gardens to kill the pesky bugs actually
attract them.
“The beetles come from all over because it’s an orgy—a really good time,”
Hancock explains with a laugh.
Summer is prime time for the public gardens, but Hancock’s job extends
year-round. Her position is funded through donations and fundraising.
Hancock holds bachelor’s and masters degrees in botany. She earned an as-
sociate’s degree in landscape design.
In addition to nurturing plants in the MSU gardens, Hancock tends to the
needs of plant-loving people, too. She teaches master gardening classes,
indulges volunteers with sweets and freshly brewed coffee, and oversees a
popular plant sale every year.
More than 100 volunteers help in the gardens, including many graduates of
Hancock’s classes.
One late summer morning, a couple
dozen volunteers spread out over the
gardens, deadheading plants, yanking
weeds and debugging fowers. They
praised Hancock, attributing much of
the garden’s beauty to her hard work.
“It’s art,” said Ruby Grimes of Bath.
“It’s natural art. It’s an atmosphere
that makes you appreciate nature.”
Added Midge Morrow, a retired
teacher and master gardener: “Ann’s
just fabulous.”
‘I can’t believe they pay me to do this’
Member
Profle
Our readers
like stories
about education
employees. Do you
know someone
we should profle?
What’s their job?
What makes
them interesting?
Send your
ideas to Editor
Karen Schulz at
kschulz@mea.org .
by Karen Schulz
Editor, MEA Voice
Ann Hancock (right) works with volunteers Rita Richardson
(left) and Karla Barber in a garden at Michigan State University.
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
MEA VOICE
23
Smart strategies
curb health costs
Health costs for those with chronic illness
are much higher than for those who do not
have chronic disease—$12,000 annually
compared to $560.
Preventive care and health promotion ef -
forts are likely the single wisest investment
for cutting health care costs long-term.
Health researchers have found:
»
Regular screening for colorectal cancer
can reduce the number of people who die
from the disease by 30 percent.
»
Regular mammograms every one to two
years can reduce the risk of dying by 16
percent for women over 40.
»
Cutting cholesterol levels by 10 percent
may result in an estimated 30 percent
reduction in the incidence of coronary
heart disease.
»
Controlling your blood sugar levels
reduces the risk of developing diabetic
complications such as eye, kidney and
nerve disease by 40 percent.
Reducing health care costs requires
smarter strategies—making better lifestyle
choices, preventing and avoiding serious
disease, and better management of chronic
conditions when they do occur .
MESSA
’
s unique member health educa-
tion and health condition management
programs—diabetes, asthma and cardio -
vascular management—provide support for
members who want to take an active role in
improving and better managing their health.
MESSA members who have questions or
need support with a health challenge can
call 800-336-0022 for assistance from a
specially trained MESSA nurse.
« Taking care of you
member wellness
Take charge of your health with free MESSA service
Want to quit smoking, lose weight or
exercise more? Coping with diabetes,
high blood pressure or another chronic disease?
You can learn more about these and other health matters through a joint
effort between MESSA and the prestigious Mayo Clinic.
MESSA members may access a free online portal—EmbodyHealth—by
signing up at www.messa.org. The portal features interactive tools and
programs, podcasts by Mayo Clinic experts, and relevant, accurate health
information on a variety of topics.
The site is customized to address specifc health management goals for
members, and users can personalize it based on their individual health
objectives or concerns.
To prevent serious diseases, health offcials
are encouraging kids and adults to keep up
with their immunizations. Check with your
health plan before scheduling immuniza-
tions to fnd out if a vaccine is a covered
expense. MESSA is bringing an adult immu-
nization rider to market. It will be available
beginning Jan. 1.
The following recommendations are in ad-
dition to routine childhood immunizations
(for kids) and in addition to fu vaccines
(for adults).
Tetanus-Diphtheria (TD)
After the age of seven, immunization for
tetanus and diphtheria must be supple-
mented with a booster shot every 10 years.
MESSA
’s Medical Case Management nurses
can help MESSA members with serious illness
During an average year for a health
plan, about 20 percent of the popula-
tion incurs about 80 percent of the
medical expenditures.
For those individuals with a serious
illness or condition, MESSA
’ s medical
case management program can help
ensure access to the best medical
services and providers.
MESSA, a health insurance plan
serving the education community,
identifes members with a serious
illness or condition to work with the
medical case management team. The
goal is to help school employees or
their family members return to health
as soon as possible.
Nurses work with members and their
families to help ensure the right care
at the right time. MESSA nurses also
work to coordinate care with other in-
surers and to make sure the appropri-
ate insurer pays for needed medical
services.
More than 150 MESSA members are
enrolled in the medical case man-
agement program, bringing peace of
mind to those individuals and their
families.
If you have questions about MESSA
’s
medical case management program,
call 800-336-0013.
Hepatitis B
This vaccine is for adults in high-risk
groups, such as healthcare workers and
persons with multiple sex partners. It’s also
recommended for teenagers who did not
receive it as an infant. The vaccine is usu-
ally administered in three doses given over
a six-month period.
Pneumococcal vaccine
This vaccine is for adults age 65 and
older, and those with diabetes and chronic
heart, lung, liver or kidney disorders. A
single shot may be suffcient, unless
you’re at particular risk for pneumococcal
complications.
Hepatitis A
This vaccine is for international travelers
and for people who work in countries with
intermediate or high rates of hepatitis A
virus infection.
Chicken Pox
Health offcials recommend two doses of
this vaccine for people 13 years and older
who haven’t had the disease.
—Dr. Steve TePastte, MESSA medical director
Immunizations aren’t just for kids
(Sources: Centers for Disease Control,
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, MESSA)
On the Web
www.messa.org
24
OCTOBER 2008
Secretive Mackinac Center refuses
to disclose fnanciers
research gem
Founded 21years ago by Republican activists and fnanced by insurance
companies, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy has positioned itself
as a research institute, maneuvering into the news media in Michigan and,
increasingly, the nation.
To intelligently judge the material the center produces, as well as the
“research” credited to it by news sources, one must know its background—
and its fnancial backers.
MEA research reveals millions from
conservative foundations, individuals
Founding
The Mackinac Center was created in
1987 by Dykema Gossett attorney Richard
D. McLellan, then-Sen. John Engler and
Amerisure general council D. Joseph Olson.
The insurance and chemical industries
provided initial funding.
Its creation was driven by the insurance
industry’s call for product liability reform, its
interest in purchasing the Accident Fund, a
state agency selling workers compensation
insurance, and by Dow Corning’s concern
over silicone breast implant liability
.
Mission
The center describes itself as “a non -
partisan research and educational insti -
tute.” But, its “research” accepts several
controversial opinions as fact: school
choice improves schools, right-to-work
laws help workers, and privatization saves
money, just to name a few. As its new
president, Joe Lehman recently said:
“We will continue to show how to fx
Michigan’s fundamentals by expanding
school choice, modernizing labor laws,
aligning state spending to its core priori -
ties, protecting property rights...”
The group’s board of directors refects its
conservative roots and represents a who’s-
who in Republican politics. Past board
members include: William Rosenberg,
who worked in the Bush, Reagan, Milliken
and Engler administrations; Republican
National Committee Chairman Robert
Teeter, a pollster for the Nixon, Ford and
Bush campaigns; and, Amway president
and past Republican candidate for gover-
nor, Dick DeVos.
Funding
The Mackinac Center steadfastly refuses
to disclose its sponsors.
“We do have a strong desire to protect the
privacy of our contributors,” said Michael
Jahr, director of communications for the
Mackinac Center. Jahr cited two reasons
for secrecy—donor privacy and concerns
expressed by some contributors that they
might face intimidation for contributing to
the organization.
The center is, in fact, funded by right
wing conservative foundations, includ -
ing those created by Wal-Mart, Coors and
Amway families, as well as several oil,
insurance and automotive corporations,
according to documents on fle with the
Internal Revenue Services.
Jahr said the center’s budget last year
totaled about $4 million.
Between 2002 and 2006, more than $7
million was given to the Mackinac Center
from conservative foundations established
by the heirs to corporate fortunes and lead -
ing Republican contributors, according to
MEA research. (See accompanying infor-
mation box for highlights.)
It’s no coincidence that these foundations
agree with the Mackinac Center’s conser-
vative research.
Editor’s note: This article is the frst in an occasional series intended to shed light on anti-union, anti-MEA efforts by outside organizations.
Their work often impacts your local association’ s bargaining and advocacy efforts and, by extension, your work to serve students.
Big donors to the
Mackinac Center 2002-06
1. Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow
Foundation, MI
Who are they?
Widow of the founder of Dow
Chemical.
How much?
$2,055,500
2. Herrick Foundation, MI
Who are they?
Grandson of Tecumseh Engine
founder.
How much?
$900,000
3. Rodney Fund, Mich.
Who are they?
Founder of Detroit Forming,
Mackinac Center board
member.
How much?
$744,500.
4. Dunn’s Foundation for
the Advancement of Right
Thinking, FL
Who are they?
Investment company founder.
How much?
$576,000.
5. Ruth and Lovett Peters
Foundation, OH
Who are they?
Procter & Gamble heirs.
How much?
$525,000.
(Please note: The Mackinac Center does not
disclose its funding sources. The information
included here was culled from fnancial
documents fled with the Internal Revenue
Service by various nonproft entities.)
Exposed »
On the Web
The Think
Twice project
of the Great
Lakes Center
for Education
Research &
Practice reviews
think tank
research on
public education
issues and
policies. Online at
www.greatlakes
center.org.
by Greg Steimel
MEA Researcher
MEA VOICE
25
Region election information
Congratulations to the following regions that are taking
part in the extended online elections pilot for 2009:
Regions 4, 5, 7, 8 and 14 participated in the 2008
Online Pilot and have signed on again for 2009. Also
participating this year are regions 9, 11, 12 and 13.
Following is a description of the election procedures to
be followed in the regions. This process complies with
relevant federal laws. (See positions to be elected starting
on page 27.)
Election dates
1.
The region at-large election shall be conducted on
March 3, 4 and 5, 2009.
2.
If your unit is not scheduled to work during the above
days, the election shall be conducted on March 10,
11 and 12, 2009.
3.
If inclement weather or another emergency inter
-
rupts the election listed above, it shall be completed
on the next consecutive workday(s), but no later than
March 24.
The candidates for the region at-large positions shall be
printed in the January edition of the MEA Voice.
Persons interested in running for a position should
contact their region elections chairperson or nomina
-
tions chair.
Absentee balloting
(From the Region Council Constitution, Article VIII,
Sec. 3.f.) The region at-large election is an on-site elec-
tion. However, eligible voters who are not able to vote
on site during the election period may notify their local
mea business
« Region elections
association president of their need to vote by absentee
ballot. The request must be in writing, include the specifc
reason necessitating an absentee ballot and be received
no later than Feb. 21 by the local association president.
Eligible voters requesting an absentee ballot and comply-
ing with the above requirements shall be mailed an ab-
sentee ballot by the local association election committee.
An absentee ballot must be returned by U.S. mail and
received by the local association no later than the last day
of the election. Late absentee ballots shall be unopened
and set aside as void ballots.
Eligible voters
Voter eligibility listings will be created from information
received by the MEA Membership Department from the
local associations by Dec. 31, 2008.
26
OCTOBER 2008
Attention ESP members : 2009 Region 50 statewide
election for ESP only
mea business
Region elections »
Region 50—NEA Representative Assembly, ESP Delegate At Large Nomination Form
Supply the following information regarding the nominee. Remember, the consent of a candidate must be secured
before that name is placed on any ballot.
NAME
HOME ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
HOME PHONE
WORK PHONE
LOCAL ESP ASSOCIATION
Nomination form must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2008. Mail to: Deb Strachan, MEA, PO Box 2573,
East Lansing, MI 48826-2573. Nomination forms postmarked after Dec. 31, 2008 will not be accepted.
The named candidate is nominated for the following position(s):
❏
ESP NEA RA at-large delegate: 3 positions (3 yr. term, 9/1/09 - 8/31/12)
❏
ESP NEA RA at-large delegate representing Minority 3-1(g): 8 positions (3 yr. term, 9/1/09 - 8/31/12)
❏
ESP NEA RA at-large delegate representing Minority 3-1(g): 2 positions (Immed. thru 8/31/11)
❏
ESP NEA RA at-large delegate representing Minority 3-1(g): 1 position (Immed. thru 8/31/10)
Biographical statements of no more than 150 words may be submitted. Statement must be in paragraph form;
pictures and lists are not accepted.
ESP members of the MEA are entitled to send delegates
to the National Education Association Representative
Assembly. Next year, the RA will be held in San Diego,
Calif., July 1-6, 2009. Expenses to attend the NEA
convention are reimbursed in accordance with the
adopted state delegate expense policy.
All Michigan ESP candidates for NEA statewide at-
large delegate seats run as delegates for Region 50. All
Michigan ESP members vote as part of Region 50 in
electing their statewide at-large delegates to the NEA RA.
The NEA procedures require that these statewide dele-
gates and alternates be elected by secret ballot. Elections
will be conducted at the region level and the results for-
warded to the MEA for the fnal election count.
Each nominated candidate may submit a biographi-
cal statement of no more than 150 words to be printed
and distributed with the ballots to the regions. Statement
must be in paragraph form and will be printed as
received. Photos and lists will not be printed. It is
preferred that biographical statements be e-mailed to
dstrachan@mea.org, or statements can be mailed to the
MEA Executive Offce c/o Deb Strachan, PO Box 2573,
East Lansing, MI 48826-2573.
Any MEA ESP member in good standing is eligible to
be nominated or may nominate himself/herself at the
region nominations meeting or by using the nomination
form below. Additional forms may be obtained from your
region president or region election chairperson. Candidate
consent must be secured before that name is placed on
any ballot.
If you wish to nominate yourself or someone else, obtain
the consent of the candidate, fll in the nomination form
and mail it directly to Deb Strachan at MEA Headquarters
no later than Dec. 31, 2008. Nominations postmarked
after Dec. 31, 2008 will not be accepted. This will be your
last chance to submit a nomination. Names of nominees
will be placed on a ballot that will be distributed to all ESP
locals through the region at-large elections process in
March.
If you have any questions, contact your region elections
chairperson, or for further clarifcation call Deb Strachan
at MEA Headquarters 800-292-1934, ext. 5411, before
Dec. 15, 2008.
SPECIAL ATTENTION TO ESP
REGION 50 STATEWIDE ELECTIONS
A CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
MEA VOICE
27
Following are the positions to be elected
for each region. Listings may continue in
the next column or on the following page.
REGION 2
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-
Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, thru 3/31/2011
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 6 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position, thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Chuck Portelli (Interim)
cportelli@mea.org
REGION 3
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-
Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms;
1 position*, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/09
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*,
thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
Election Co-Chairs: Pam Schultz,
pschultz@mymea.org; Steve Byrd,
sbyrd@mcs.k12.mi.us
REGION 4
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA
Delegate;1 position, thru 8/31/09; 1 position,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 4 positions*, thru 3/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/11;
1 position*, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/09
1 position, 3 yr. term; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/1l
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
Election Chairs: Ray Foster,
rfoster@dkschools.org
REGION 5
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/11; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms; 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, thru 8/31/09;
1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/10
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/10
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*,
thru 3/31/10
Elections Chair: Anne Good, aogood@charter .net
REGION 6
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-
Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 5 positions*, 3 yr. terms;
1 position*, thru 8/31/11
MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/09
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, thru 8/31/10
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Linda Russell,
lmruss148@aol.com
REGION 7
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
3 positions, 3 yr. terms
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 4 positions*, 3 yr. terms
1 position*, thru 8/31/09; 1 position,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 8/31/09;
1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/09; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/10
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/10
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms; 2 positions*, thru 8/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 4 positions,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 5 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 2 positions*, thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Elnora Hawkins,
ehawkins@pontiac.k12.mi.us
REGION 8
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-
Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms;
1 position*, thru 8/31/11
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/11; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, thru 8/31/09;
1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 6 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position, thru 8/31/09;
1 position, 3 yr. term; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms; 3 positions, thru 8/31/09;
3 positions, 3yr. terms; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11; 2 positions*, thru 8/31/09;
2 positions*, 3 yr. terms
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 6 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Lance Little, Llittle@mea.org
REGION 9
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-
Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*,
3 yr. term; 2 positions*, thru 8/31/10
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 6 positions*, 3 yr. terms;
1 position*, thru 8/31/09; 1 position*,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/09
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/11; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 4 positions, thru 8/31/09;
4 positions, 3 yr. terms; 2 positions*,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 4 positions, thru 8/31/09;
4 positions, 3 yr. terms; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, thru 8/31/09;
1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 6 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
Elections Chair: Michele Thomas,
michelle.thomas@kentwoodps.org
28
OCTOBER 2008
mea business
Region elections »
REGION 10
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position, 3 yr. term; 1 position,
thru 8/31/10
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms;
1 position*, thru 8/31/09; 1 position*,
3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/09; 1 position,
3 yr. term
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Cindy Rex,
crex@lakevileschools.org
REGION 11
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions*,
thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 6 positions
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 3 positions, thru 8/31/11;
1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 5 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms; 2 positions, thru 8/31/09;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Kathy Daniels,
kdaniels@mea.org
REGION 12
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms;
1 position*, thru 8/31/09; 1 position*,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA NEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/09;
1 position, 3 yr. term; 1 position, thru 8/31/10;
1 position*, thru 8/31/09; 1 position*,
3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms;
1 position, thru 8/31/11; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Not available
REGION 13
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate-
Representing Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*,
3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, 3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA/ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate;
1 position, thru 8/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position, thru 8/31/09;
1 position, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 2 positions,
thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms; 2 positions, thru 8/31/09;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms
1 position*, 3 yr. term; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/09; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 4 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term; 2 positions, thru 8/31/09;
2 positions, 3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms;
1 position, thru 8/31/10; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Michael Sweet,
msweet@mymea.org
REGION 14
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, thru 8/31/10
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
thru 8/31/09; 2 positions, 3 yr. terms;
1 position, thru 8/31/11; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
thru 8/31/11; 1 position*, thru 8/31/10
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11
MAHE EA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
thru 8/31/11
MAHE EA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
thru 3/31/11
Elections Chair: Terry Johnson,
terrjohnson@mea.org
REGION 15
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 2 positions*, 3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position, thru 8/31/09;
1 position, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 2 positions,
3 yr. terms
EA NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms
Elections Chair: Harvey Miller,
hmiller@netonecom.net
REGION 16
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA Board of Directors/NEA RA Delegate;
1 position, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
Elections Chair: Not available
REGION 17
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA At-Large Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms; 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11; 1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP MEA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position*,
thru 3/31/11
EA NEA RA Cluster Alternate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 3 positions*, thru 3/31/11;
1 position*, thru 3/31/11
ESP NEA RA Cluster Alternate; 3 positions,
thru 3/31/11
MAHE EA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
MAHE EA RA Cluster Alternate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
Elections Chair: Barb Jason Buchkoe,
bbuchkoe@gwinn.k12.mi.us
REGION 18
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
MEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 1 position*, 3 yr. term
EA MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms
ESP MEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
ESP NEA RA Cluster Delegate; 1 position,
3 yr. term
Elections Chair: Not available
REGION 50
ESP NEA RA At-Large
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED
ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate; 3 positions,
3 yr. terms
ESP NEA RA At-Large Delegate-Representing
Minority 3-1(g); 8 positions*, 3 yr. terms;
2 positions*, thru 8/31/2011; 1 position*,
thru 8/31/2010
Key:
* Representative of Minority 3-1(g)
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MEA VOICE
29
reference
« Classifieds
TOURS
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brochures for 2009 tours. Private
tours available. L.H. Site T ours. Fax:
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FOR SALE
Bronston, KY . Condo on Lake Cumberland at
Woodson Bend Resort. 2 bdrm, 2 bath, newly
furnished and painted, golf cart storage.
$81,500. Includes extended warranty .
Special discount for MEA & MEA-Retired
members. 502-429-6744, Rod.
FOR SALE
Attention Michigan Teachers. As service
to all MEA members, Midwest Pools, Inc. is
having a Fall Clearance Sale. Midwest Pools
specializes in fberglass pool installation
and distribution. We also offer vinyl in-
ground pool installations as an alternative.
Come see our End of the Season specials
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Five Acre Parcel for Sale in Allegan
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VACATION/RESORTS
Benzie County, Antel's Vacation Rentals.
Booking for the 2008-09 seasons. Y ear-
round, Morningside Cottage on Little Platte
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Furnished, 2 bdrm/queen, freplace,
carpeted, washer/dryer, wooded/secluded,
boat/motor, canoe, grill/picnic table, cable,
smoke/pet-free. Details call 231-882-5567,
e-mail mrantel2002@yahoo.com .
Maui, Hawaii Vacation. Privately owned
deluxe condo. Spectacular oceanfront views,
fully equipped, amenities, 2 bdrm/2 bath.
Booking 2008-09. 734-528-2163.
Harrisville—Lake Huron Beachfront.
Clean, desirable 3 bdrm, fully equipped
family homes. Quiet, safe, private,
scenic, memorable vacation. Sun.–Sun.
$1,000–$2,000 weekly. Brochures mailed.
989-724-5584.
VACATION/RESORTS
Gulf Shores, AL. Deluxe condo. Spectacular
gulf front sunset views. Beautifully
decorated, fully equipped, amenities,
3 bdrm/2.5 bath. Teacher discounts on
weekend, weekly, monthly, seasonal.
Retired teacher owned. 269-535-1431,
cnelson@mei.net .
Gulf Shores, AL. Gated destination resort.
Too cute. Retired teacher owned. 3 bdrm/2
bath charming beach cottage duplex. Resort
amenities. Teacher discounts on weekend,
weekly, monthly, seasonal and golf-packs.
269-535-1431,cnelson@mei.net .
Gaylord, MI. Lakefront cabin for weekly
rental on all-sports Big Bradford Lake. Fully
furnished with private dock. Lake has quiet
hours. www.4jsresort.com or 989-732-5012.
Marco Island, FL. Spacious 1 bdrm condo
at Angler's Cove in Marco Bay Resort. Sleeps
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tennis courts, chickee bar restaurant. Book
week, month, season. Reasonable rates.
Free brochure. Teacher-owned. Phone Andy:
248-889-2837.E-mail: ckozicki@aol.com .
Rogers City, Lake Huron furnished
cottages. Clean, smoke/pet-free. Sandy
beach. Brochure available. $625–$650
weekly. 989-734-4561. 248-651-5290.
772-219-1146 (winter).
Traverse City . Very clean, 2 bdrm cottage on
Silver Lake. Sleeps 6. TV , microwave, coffee
maker, gas grill. All you need are linens and
pillows. Decks, dock and crystal clear water
.
Close to shopping, restaurants, golf. No
smoking or pets. $900/week. 231-946-6844.
LynnBrin@yahoo.com .
VACATION/RESORTS
Anna Maria Island Condo, Bradenton
Beach. 2 bdrm/2 bath. Heated pool, close to
Bridge St. Pier, shopping and restaurants.
Across street from condo-owned beach.
Throw away the car keys and take the
free trolley! Fully equipped. February and
March require monthly rental. Remaining
dates are by the week. Sleeps 6. Check
www.ownerdirect.com ID# 69496 for
pictures. marileegreene@chartermi.net
,
989-686-7334.
Lake Michigan—Victorian Cottage in
Manistee, MI. Exclusive Lake Mich. Assn.
Tennis court. Private beach. 4 bdrm, 3 bath.
231-464-5545 or 517-803-6583.
Manistee Lake, Kalkaska County , MI.
Clean lakefront units, centrally located.
Open dates for spring/summer . Lease
available for year-round. A week starts
at $500. www.manisteelake.com or call
231-587-9587.
Fairhope, Alabama on Mobile Bay .
Beautifully renovated and completely
furnished cottage, short walk to bluff
and beach, Municipal Pier, shopping and
restaurants. 1 bdrm, living-dining, fully
equipped kitchen, tiled bath, washer/dryer
,
TV, utilities included, non-smoking, $1,050/
month. Brochure. 504-394-7139 or C.H.
Weatherly, 5439 Sutton Place, New Orleans,
LA 70131.
Beautiful spot for a color tour
. 3 bdrm,
fully equipped cabin just footsteps away
from the Straits of Mackinac (Cheboygan),
non-smoking. Brochure. 313-278-4849.
Harrisville—Lake Huron Beachfront.
1-3 bdrm cottages, completely furnished.
Downtown 1 bdrm $425, 2 bdrm $825, 3
bdrm (near Sturgeon Point) $1,000. Bring
only linens. Sat.–Sat. 313-882-8145 or
www.pretty-lake.com
INSTRUCTORS WANTED
Michigan PLS (Performance Learning Systems®) and
Marygrove College, announce part-time openings
for professional instructors in the following locations:
Jackson • Okemos • Benton Harbor • Battle Creek •
Muskegon • Holland • Ludington • Petoskey •
Alpena• Sault Ste. Marie • Ironwood (Western UP) •
Monroe • Adrian • Three Rivers • Niles
Requirements: Must have M.A. Degree, valid Michigan Teaching
Certificate, 3 - 5 years teaching experience, have taken at least
one PLS course.
Apply by calling Leo Sensabaugh
at 1-800-295-1515
Monday - Friday 7 - 9 p.m.
Online Master’s Degrees Offered:
Master in the Art of Teaching with a Focus on:
•
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, K-12
•
Reading & Literacy, K-6
•
Elementary Mathematics, K-5
•
Middle Level Mathematics, 6-8
For more information call toll-free 1-877-984-7277 or
visit us online at www.marygrovemat.com
Marygrove College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA).The North Central
Association is located at 30 North LaSalle Street,Suite 2400,Chicago , IL 60602.Phone:312-263-0456,Fax: 312-263-7462,
http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
Marygrove College has Partnered with
Teachscape to Offer 4 Online
Master’s Degree Programs.
MEA 8/08
MEA Voice ad final 8/20/08 9:50 AM Page 1
30
OCTOBER 2008
Summer job taught
me valuable lessons »
generation next
I spend my summer teaching in the
Summer Migrant Program in the West
Ottawa Public Schools.
Being a part of the Summer Migrant
Program has been the most rewarding
experience of my professional career.
Prior to coming to West Ottawa and
being a part of this program, I never
knew the story of a migrant family.
The week prior to the students’ arriv-
al, we talked with staff members who
are former migrant workers them-
selves, learning about migrant life and
visiting the camps where many of the
migrant families would live.
Visiting the camps made a deep
impact on me personally. Some of
the camps were decent apartments,
while others were rows of substan-
dard trailers that would house more
than one family for the summer. I was
saddened by seeing the places where
some of my students would live. I was
also concerned about how moving
from state to state would affect their
attitude about coming to summer
school.
My concerns were delightfully put to
rest once school began.
My class was the nicest group of
students. Most of my students were
there every day and enjoyed being
in school, which was surprising for
the summer. As with any class, their
academic performance varied. I had
some students who were working well
above grade level and others who
spoke limited English.
But the thing that set this group
of students apart from my previous
classes was that they understood the
value of doing well in school. The
students who spoke limited English
worked hard to learn to read and
speak English. I tried to speak to them
with my limited “Spanglish,” and they
responded to me in English. This
showed me how serious they were
about learning English.
Community is important to my
students. Most of them had gone to
Migrant Camp together for years. They
helped each other in the classroom
as well as on the playground. When
they were allowed to pick partners for
group work there was never a student
or two looking sad because no one
wanted to work with him or her. They
often talked about seeing each other
on the weekends and after school.
The students valued the school com-
munity I wanted to establish for us,
which was key. Whenever a problem
arose in the class, they were honest
and truly wanted to solve the problem.
This made for a great learning and
teaching environment.
As an educator, the time that I spend
working with the students in the
Migrant Program is very fulflling. I am
a better teacher because of my sum-
mer experience.
I’m a better teacher because of experience in Migrant Program
by Shalonda Owens
KAREN SCHULZ/MEA
Generation Next columns are written by MEA members who are in their frst fve years of teaching. Authors are paid
for their columns. If you’re interested in writing a column, e-mail your resume, with writing sample, to Editor Karen
Schulz at kschulz@mea.org .
SHALONDA
OWENS is
a teacher at
Great Lakes
Elementary
School, part
of the West
Ottawa Public
Schools in
Holland.
The Saginaw
native earned
a bachelor’s
degree
from Grand
Valley State
University.
More photos
and a video
of Shalonda
Owens and her
students at
mea.org/owens .
“There are three good
reasons to be a teacher—
June, July and August.”
That’s a familiar saying,
attributed to some unknown
author. But it might as well
be my motto, but not for the
reasons you may think.
It’s no accident that MESSA has earned the strong loyalty of generations of
Michigan educational employees. MESSA is truly unique. We consistently
earn a 98 percent satisfaction grade from our members. We’re member-
owned and member-governed. MESSA is a Michigan success story because
we put members first. Our East Lansing-based Member Service Center has
won national recognition for the outstanding service it provides.
MESSA gives our members important peace of mind and financial security
for their families—a sense of security no other health plan provides.
MESSA helps to minimize hassles in today’s health care system. Speak to a
human being in our award-winning Member Service Center: 800.336.0013
Award-winning Member Service Center 800.336.0013
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