February 2014 Focus BW
Content
focus
on educators
focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
FEBRUARY 2014
Volume XXII, Number 6
In this Issue - Good Teaching Conf Info/Photos - PEA Scholarships - School Board Breakfast - CTA/NEA News
Imagine being a probationary teacher for your entire career. Would you ever feel comfortable challenging your principal? Would you be willing to advocate for additional services for special education students at IEP meetings? Would you feel safe declining a request to serve on a “voluntary” committee that met in the evening or on the weekend? Would you use your sick days if your principal frowned upon teachers who used “too many”? What if a parent or student made a false claim against you? What if your administrator simply didn’t like you? What would it be like if you could be dismissed for NO CAUSE?
Our union believes every child deserves a great teacher and a great public school. So does the California legislature. They passed laws granting due process rights for teachers so we could STAND UP for our schools and our students without fear of reprisal. Due process rights ensure we have a fair hearing before dismissal to ensure the charges are valid and not arbitrary or capricious. Furthermore, due process rights ensure the most experienced teachers are not dismissed simply because they are the most expensive. The corporate donors behind the lawsuit are launching a massive public media campaign. We don’t have the millions of dollars, but we have the people and we have the relationships. We must talk to everyone we know – family, friends, neighbors, parents, and community members. We must tell them what “permanent status” and due process rights mean to us. Explain what would happen to our schools if teachers who were willing to advocate for their students could be dismissed without cause. There is a lot at stake. Let’s hope the judicial system is fair and public school teachers and students prevail.
President’s Message
Dear Colleagues, There’s another attack on public school teachers. This time a corporate-backed lawsuit is challenging our employee rights. The wealthy “reformers” who have tried and repeatedly failed to sway voters at the ballot box and influence lawmakers in the legislative system are now taking to the courts. The lawsuit is Vergara v. State of California. It is funded by Silicon Valley billionaires who are trying to influence public schools by challenging teachers’ permanent status and due process rights.
That’s what would happen if California teachers lost their due process rights. An administrator who simply didn’t like you could end your career and you would have no right to a fair hearing. No recourse. You’d be an “at-will” employee - at the will of your employer and administrators. Perhaps you have wonderful principals now, but what if they leave? What if they retire? What if they get promoted? What if you move or change schools? Your teaching career should not be left in the hands of In solidarity, wonderful or antagonistic administrators, without any due process Dawn Cova protections.
PEA Leadership 2013-2014
President Dawn Cova Rancho Medanos/PEA Office Elementary Vice President Tammy Carr Highlands Elementary Secondary Vice President Shelly Bascomb Rancho Medanos Secretary Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary Treasurer Gale Higgins Stoneman Elementary Committee Chairs: Grievance Committee Chris Coan - Willow Cove John Kleinjans – Pittsburg High Negotiations Team Mark Maselli - Chair Political Action Committee Iris Contreras - Chair Elections Chair Ruth Foster Human Rights Committee Tasharie Ameral Women’s Issues Committee Allison Azevedo - Chair O-Team Chair Shelly Bascomb CTA State Council Representative Iris Contreras – PEA Alternate vacant CTA Director District C Terri Jackson NEA Director for California, District 3 Greg Bonaccorsi Technical Editor Susan Harrison – PEA Site Secretary
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar
February 19 March 19 April 16 May 21 June 4 ***********************************
School Board Meeting Calendar
February 12 February 26 March 12 March 26 April 16 May 7 May 21 June 4 June 25 ***********************************
Are you getting your PEA information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep meeting and then report back to you is vital in the communication chain of our Association. Roll call at January 22nd Rep Council Meeting: Foothill – present Heights – present Highlands – present Los Medanos – present Marina Vista – present Parkside – present Stoneman – present Willow Cove – absent MLK Jr. – present Hillview - present Rancho Medanos –present PHS - present Black Diamond – present Adult Ed. – absent
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Focus on Educators is a publication of the Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA 159 East 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-0199 fax: (925) 432-4854 email: [email protected] website: www.peateachers.org
Please give your personal email address to your Site Rep in order to stay connected!
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“Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of man…" -Horace Mann 2
UPCOMING 2013-2014 CTA CONFERENCES/EVENTS Equity and Human Rights Conference February 28-March 2, 2014 Marriott Hotel Irvine, CA ALCOSTA Lobby Day April 22, 2014 Ann Katsburg – Sacramento WHO Awards Luncheon April 26, 2014 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Scott’s Restaurant – Jack London Square, Oakland
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CTA/Alcosta School Board Breakfast
Saturday, February 8 was the Annual CTA/Alcosta School Board Breakfast at the Hilton in Pleasanton. Association leaders, teachers, and School Board Trustees from around Alameda and Contra Costa counties joined together to discuss current issues in education and opportunities to collaborate to make a difference for our public schools. The theme was Working Together for a Common Goal and the keynote speaker was Dublin Mayor and teacher Tim Sbranti, who had the room in laughter many times while discussing his experiences as an association leader and elected official. It was an enjoyable Saturday morning that proved worth braving the rain.
Read Across Pittsburg is March 6!
We are seeking volunteers to read at various preschool and Head Start locations around Pittsburg! Slots are available between 3:00-4:00. If you’re interested in reading to our future students, please email Tammy Carr at [email protected] by Friday, February 21. Pictured (L to R): Pittsburg School Board President George Miller, PEA President Dawn Cova (Rancho Medanos JHS), Tom Edwards (Martin Luther King, Jr JHS), Michell Redfoot (Willow Cove), and Pittsburg School Board Vice President Duane Smith.
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PEA Teachers Helping Pittsburg Families
PEA SCHOLARSHIPS
PEA Scholarship Achievement Applications are available for graduating high school seniors who will be attending an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2014. You must be the son or daughter of a parent who is a current member of the PEA/CTA/NEA. You may request a scholarship application form from your site rep. Scholarship forms must be returned to the PEA Office (159 East 4th Street) no later than Monday, April 7, 2014 On Sunday, January 26th and Monday, January 27th, students and parents were able to get help signing up for health care insurance at the Pittsburg High cafeteria. During the two days, 116 families in Pittsburg were provided with information about health care options by union members of SEIU and PEA. Of the 116 families attending the event, 48 of the families found out about the event from their teacher or by a phone call made to their home by the District’s teleparent system. These families were able to resolve a major issue for themselves as a result of the information and services provided at the event. Some families enrolled in a health insurance plan, some of those received government assistance in paying for the insurance, and some families found out they are eligible for California’s Medical program, a free health care service. Five teachers helped these families during the two days of the event, Dawn Cova, PEA President, Bertha Ramos,
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Rancho Medanos teacher, John Kleinjans, PHS teacher, Jessica Garay, and Jim Vaughan, Black Diamond teachers. There will be another event held on Saturday, March 1st, at the Pittsburg Library (80 Power Ave.) from 10am until 3pm. Teachers interested in helping out are asked to contact Jim Vaughan about volunteering. If you do participate, not only will you receive a PEA t-shirt, but you will have a most rewarding experience seeing our families get health care some of them for the first time!
I learned from Rick Morris’ session that students need to be talking more, and become more self-directed. He wrote several books on it you can check out (http://www.newmanagement.com/). I recommend attending CTA conferences to anyone who would like to go. There are several ones throughout the year, and it’s nice to get out of our classrooms/schools and meet new teachers.
Pictured (L to R): Jim Vaughan (Black Diamond HS), Bertha Ramos (Ranchos Medanos), PEA President Dawn Cova (Rancho Medanos JHS), and John Kleinjans, (PHS)
Respectfully submitted, Kristen Maio (Rancho Medanos JHS)
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CTA President Dean Vogel opened the session I attended with a short welcoming talk at the pre-conference workshop presented at the “CTA Good Teaching Conference North” on Friday, January 10 on the subject of “The Educator’s Guide to Saving and Investing for Retirement.” He told an amusing story of the time when he was a young teacher and he wanted to know about the salesmen that came on campus selling investments. The more seasoned teacher gave him this advice, “Look at their shoes and the car they drive,” as if that was the key information needed to evaluate the salesman’s expertise and knowledge in investing. Mr. Vogel is committed to the idea that all California teachers become informed investors and retirement planners. The workshop was information packed six hours. Some key points were: • Teacher’s need to save and invest all during their careers in order to meet the shortfall between our school retirement funds and our expenses upon retirement. Teachers need to be informed before investing. Time is an important consideration when investing. Analyze the fees you will be charged before you invest. Diversify your investments.
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CTA Good Teaching Conference ~ North
Most of the time we tend to stay in our classrooms, or attend a few meetings and never leave our own school. It’s only natural. We are all creatures of habit. We forget there is a world of teaching going on all around at other schools, in other cities, in other districts. I decided to go to the CTA Good Teaching Conference to meet new people and to get out of my comfort zone. Going to the CTA conference was not only educational but it was also enlightening as well. It was great to be in a room filled with hundreds of other teachers from all over Northern California. There were two key takeaways I had from the weekend. We’re not all as different as we think, and the students should be talking more and we should be talking less. During the session(s) I attended was that no matter where we come from, what grade or age we teach, or who our students are, the questions and concerns all tended to be the same. How can we better serve our students? What’s the best strategy? Also, there was a lot of ambivalence about Common Core, and uncertainty of what the future holds for us and for our students.
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Re-balance your investment portfolio according to where you are in your career.
can picture what they are hearing. This keeps students engaged and gives them a mental picture of what is happening in the story. If you too would like this type of inspiration and want more information about his program you can go to www.CreateLearning.com. It is worth checking out! My other favorite workshop was “Teacher Geek is Common Core Chic”. I loved this one for its tech savvy. The presenter, Tammy Dunbar, drew on the Common Core most used action verbs in the standards to build her presentation Those verbs were explain, analyze, compare, identify, write, summarize, present, and research. She showed us how to make strategic use of digital media for CCSS. Each action verb used had a series of how to work on that standard using technology. Of course, you’re probably thinking what I was thinking, how do I get this technology? Mrs. Dunbar made use of Donors Chose, writing grants for funds to buy the technology needed, entering contests, and students bringing their own devices. The idea is “Beg, borrow, or buy tech.” What I took away from this, besides envy, was that this is the same as the drawing presentation by Mr. Pearson. It allows the teacher and student to use creativity in the classroom and keeps kids engaged in their learning. Some of the best apps/sites I liked were Googlevoice or Remind 101 that can keep you in contact with parents, Dan Meyer that posts math challenges you could use from your own computer, BBC bite size that has many games for multiplication as well as science to bring that hands on experience, Read/Write/Think that walks through how to make compare and contrast maps, Pinterest to create a board about an idea or have students explore a topic, Bookcreator app that makes a book with voice so students can record what they wrote, Bighugelabs to make presentations writing out summaries in different ways, SimpleMind that works on main idea with details, and Triple Entendre that works on research skills to find good sources. The tools she used in her classroom frequently were iPads, digital cameras (on phones and other devices), and desktop computers. Watching her presentation was like your mind just spinning and spinning over all the possibilities but to grasp onto something it takes one step at a time. To learn more information about Tammy Dunbar you can go to her website teachergeekischic.com. This was a great conference and I urge you all to attend in the future. In fact, go to a CTA conference. There are so many opportunities to build on what you already know and to inspire you to push further past your comfort level. That’s what I feel this did for me.
Respectfully submitted, Tammy Carr, PEA Vice President Elementary (Highlands Elementary)
CTA recommends the following web sites to help us with investment information: CTAinvest.org; 403bCompare.com; CALSTRS.com; CALPERS.com; National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) NAPFA.org (888-3336659) ; Financial Planning Association (FPA) fpanet.org 800322-4237; [email protected]; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA); FINRA Brokercheck www.finra.org/brokercheck; FINRA Investors www.finra.org/investors
Respectfully submitted, Ruth Foster (Foothill Elementary)
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In the “Drawing Out the Best in Common Core” workshop I felt great enthusiasm for the presenter, Jon Pearson, as did many of the participants. He was very engaging and surprising in his presentation. Mr. Pearson seemed to be a bit comic relief and teacher all in one. He used different voices as he would go or give us things to do that made us giggle or laugh out loud. It brought that sense of joy you can feel bubbling up in your body while in the classroom. The most important things I learned from him were that successful teachers have clarity and understanding, mystery and surprise. Mr. Pearson showed all of us that drawing pictures draws attention. Yes, this may sound like a simple thing, but it was so much more valuable than one can realize. Even if you feel you draw poorly, he emphasized drawing happy and naming a picture after it is done. Mr. Pearson gave us what we needed to be reminded of, there is and should always be creativity in education. Here are some of my favorite sayings from that presentation, “Words go in, words go out – pictures stay in, turn yourself all about”, “The world comes to us in experiences not words”, “Everything can be a little bit fun if you bring your aliveness”, “Inspiration, play, and work, work, work”, and “To go from the verbal to the visceral you use drawings.” Mr. Pearson gave us very good strategies to use with lessons that help students to retain details and make connections to their learning. One of the strategies was using the old T-chart. After reading, students make a T-chart and write down all they recall, in any order. Then they draw icons with symbols for each of those things to recall that information strongly. He also spoke of Air Sculpture: as you read to the students they draw in the air in a square, so they
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NEWS ….
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and WRONGS!
Allegations of Potentially Criminal Misconduct
If you are accused of conduct that might be criminal in nature (physical contact with a student, computer hacking, computer porn, use of illegal substances, etc.), do NOT talk to law enforcement or anyone else, including administrators, colleagues, your union rep, friends, or family members about what happened. You have no right to confidentiality with any of them. Always speak first with an attorney because your communications will be confidential. Contact the Union immediately for a referral to CTA Group Legal Services attorney or consult an attorney of your own choosing. • •
Vergara v. State of California
What you need to know: The lawsuit alleges due process protections in the California Education Code governing teacher dismissals, attainment of permanent status, and layoffs are unconstitutional and should be eliminated. This lawsuit is baseless and meritless, and does nothing to address the real problems facing our schools. The problems we face with layoffs are not because of Education Code provisions or local collective bargaining agreements, but lack of funding. The real needs facing our students today are adequate resources, smaller class sizes, parental involvement and quality teacher training. Contrary to what the lawsuit claims, not one teacher in California has a job for life. In fact, teachers can be fired in the first two years for no reason at all. Current law ensures experienced teachers are not dismissed for arbitrary, unfair or unjustifiable reasons, and ensure that budget-based layoffs are implemented in an objective manner that is free of favoritism. The lawsuit ignores all research that shows teaching experience contributes to student learning. Studies show that teacher experience enhances teacher effectiveness and increases productivity at all grade levels in reading and in math. This lawsuit will make it harder to attract and retain quality teachers in our schools. In cities, we already lose 50 percent of teachers before their fifth year due to burnout and frustration in an underfunded school system. Eroding teacher rights is not the solution. The case was brought by a group called Students Matter, founded by wealthy Silicon Valley businessman David Welch. The backers of this lawsuit include a “who’s who” of the billionaire boys club and their front groups whose real agendas have nothing to do with protecting students, but are really about privatizing public schools and attacking teachers and their unions. The proponents are good at coming up with fairsounding names like “Students Matter” or “Students First” to mask their real agenda. Wrong solution! This lawsuit is trying to legislate from the bench and exclude meaningful input from parents, educators and lawmakers. If you have issues with education laws, rather than filing costly lawsuits go
Breaking up Fights
Use extreme caution when deciding whether to physically breaking up a fight. Ed. Code Sec. 44807 says you may exercise “physical control” over a student that is reasonably necessary to maintain order, protect property, protect students’ health and safety, or maintain “conditions conducive to learning.” However, breaking up a fight is still risky because you may get hurt or a student may claim that you used excessive force. If you decide it’s not wise to try to break up a fight, take immediate action, including: continuously shout at the students to stop; use your cell phone to call 911 or the Office; disperse spectators from the fight scene; and send student runners to get help. DO NOT LEAVE THE FIGHT SCENE IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ADULT PRESENT unless there is no other way to get help. Make sure your school site has an emergency response plan.
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Rights To Know Students’ History of Misconduct And To Suspend From Class
By law, the District must provide information to you about any of your students who have engaged in or are suspected of having engaged in misconduct, including criminal activities, disruptive or defiant behavior at school, hazing, or harassment over the past three years. You must keep this information confidential, except as needed. (Ed. Code sec. 49079, Health and Welfare Code sec. 827 (b) (2.)) You have a right to suspend a student from your classroom for the day of the suspension and the following day. (Ed. code sec. 48910.)
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through the legislative process where parents, educators and all community members can have input. The only way to have honest education change is to include all stakeholders, including educators and parents, in the discussion. ********************************************
African American history online challenge http://www.brightmoments.com/blackhistory/ Posters, Bookmarks, Buttons National African American History Month - Honoring History and Culture Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Martin Luther King, Jr. - I Have a Dream http://www.diversitystore.com/ds/index.cfm/category/4/b lack-history.cfm Recommended Reading Lists Ages 3-10 http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/youngrdr.htm Ages 10 and up http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/youngrdr.htm# tenandup Audio African Music – download past favorites or stream live from Radio Africa http://africa.si.edu/exhibits/learning.html Online Art Exhibit National Museum of African Art http://africa.si.edu/index2.html Memory Book Read stories and contribute your own. From the National Museum of African American History and Culture. http://nmaahc.si.edu/programs/memorybook From cta.org
Change, One Bag at a Time
This month the Junior High students of Pittsburg will become part of a wave of change to help reduce plastic pollution in the Community. Lead by the Science Departments at each of the Junior High schools, in a program developed by Tom Edwards of Martin Luther Jr. JHS in association with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, every student will learn the environmental effects of non-reusable plastics and why The City of Pittsburg enacted an Ordinance to reduce their use that went into effect on January 15th. The ordinance that bans the use of non-reusable plastic bags and has retailers charge customers 10 cents for a paper bag to use. The program lessons have 3 parts: Education – Learning of the widespread effects of plastic pollution and what can be done Commitment – The students sign a pledge that they will inform others of the impact of plastic pollution and that they will personally act to reduce the use of plastics Action – Every student will receive a reusable grocery bag so that they can go and begin to make a difference 3,000 reusable cotton grocery bags were provided by the City of Pittsburg and Mt. Diablo Recycling, enough for all the students and staff at the 3 Junior High sites. If all these reusable bags are used just twice a week in a year they will replace over a million non-reusable plastic grocery bags that are enough to cover a football field with a layer one foot thick!
Respectfully submitted, Tom Edwards (Martin Luther King, Jr JHS)
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Black History Month Resources
Classroom Resources
Black history timeline http://www.biography.com/tv/classroom/black-historytimeline 7
Take a virtual field trip!
Calendar
FEBRUARY 2014
2 5 12 12 14 14 17 22 26 Groundhog Day PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Lincoln’s Birthday PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM Valentine’s Day No School – Lincoln’s Birthday Observed Holiday – President’s Day Washington’s Birthday PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM
MARCH 2014
5 5 6 9 12 17 19 20 26 31 PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Ash Wednesday Read Across Pittsburg! Daylight Saving Time Begins PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM Saint Patrick’s Day PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Spring Begins PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM No School – Cesar Chavez Day
Next Deadline for Articles is Monday, March 10, 2014
STAY INFORMED @
peateachers.org
cta.org & nea.org
THE BACK PAGE
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on educators
focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
FEBRUARY 2014
Volume XXII, Number 6
In this Issue - Good Teaching Conf Info/Photos - PEA Scholarships - School Board Breakfast - CTA/NEA News
Imagine being a probationary teacher for your entire career. Would you ever feel comfortable challenging your principal? Would you be willing to advocate for additional services for special education students at IEP meetings? Would you feel safe declining a request to serve on a “voluntary” committee that met in the evening or on the weekend? Would you use your sick days if your principal frowned upon teachers who used “too many”? What if a parent or student made a false claim against you? What if your administrator simply didn’t like you? What would it be like if you could be dismissed for NO CAUSE?
Our union believes every child deserves a great teacher and a great public school. So does the California legislature. They passed laws granting due process rights for teachers so we could STAND UP for our schools and our students without fear of reprisal. Due process rights ensure we have a fair hearing before dismissal to ensure the charges are valid and not arbitrary or capricious. Furthermore, due process rights ensure the most experienced teachers are not dismissed simply because they are the most expensive. The corporate donors behind the lawsuit are launching a massive public media campaign. We don’t have the millions of dollars, but we have the people and we have the relationships. We must talk to everyone we know – family, friends, neighbors, parents, and community members. We must tell them what “permanent status” and due process rights mean to us. Explain what would happen to our schools if teachers who were willing to advocate for their students could be dismissed without cause. There is a lot at stake. Let’s hope the judicial system is fair and public school teachers and students prevail.
President’s Message
Dear Colleagues, There’s another attack on public school teachers. This time a corporate-backed lawsuit is challenging our employee rights. The wealthy “reformers” who have tried and repeatedly failed to sway voters at the ballot box and influence lawmakers in the legislative system are now taking to the courts. The lawsuit is Vergara v. State of California. It is funded by Silicon Valley billionaires who are trying to influence public schools by challenging teachers’ permanent status and due process rights.
That’s what would happen if California teachers lost their due process rights. An administrator who simply didn’t like you could end your career and you would have no right to a fair hearing. No recourse. You’d be an “at-will” employee - at the will of your employer and administrators. Perhaps you have wonderful principals now, but what if they leave? What if they retire? What if they get promoted? What if you move or change schools? Your teaching career should not be left in the hands of In solidarity, wonderful or antagonistic administrators, without any due process Dawn Cova protections.
PEA Leadership 2013-2014
President Dawn Cova Rancho Medanos/PEA Office Elementary Vice President Tammy Carr Highlands Elementary Secondary Vice President Shelly Bascomb Rancho Medanos Secretary Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary Treasurer Gale Higgins Stoneman Elementary Committee Chairs: Grievance Committee Chris Coan - Willow Cove John Kleinjans – Pittsburg High Negotiations Team Mark Maselli - Chair Political Action Committee Iris Contreras - Chair Elections Chair Ruth Foster Human Rights Committee Tasharie Ameral Women’s Issues Committee Allison Azevedo - Chair O-Team Chair Shelly Bascomb CTA State Council Representative Iris Contreras – PEA Alternate vacant CTA Director District C Terri Jackson NEA Director for California, District 3 Greg Bonaccorsi Technical Editor Susan Harrison – PEA Site Secretary
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar
February 19 March 19 April 16 May 21 June 4 ***********************************
School Board Meeting Calendar
February 12 February 26 March 12 March 26 April 16 May 7 May 21 June 4 June 25 ***********************************
Are you getting your PEA information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep meeting and then report back to you is vital in the communication chain of our Association. Roll call at January 22nd Rep Council Meeting: Foothill – present Heights – present Highlands – present Los Medanos – present Marina Vista – present Parkside – present Stoneman – present Willow Cove – absent MLK Jr. – present Hillview - present Rancho Medanos –present PHS - present Black Diamond – present Adult Ed. – absent
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Focus on Educators is a publication of the Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA 159 East 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-0199 fax: (925) 432-4854 email: [email protected] website: www.peateachers.org
Please give your personal email address to your Site Rep in order to stay connected!
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“Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of man…" -Horace Mann 2
UPCOMING 2013-2014 CTA CONFERENCES/EVENTS Equity and Human Rights Conference February 28-March 2, 2014 Marriott Hotel Irvine, CA ALCOSTA Lobby Day April 22, 2014 Ann Katsburg – Sacramento WHO Awards Luncheon April 26, 2014 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Scott’s Restaurant – Jack London Square, Oakland
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CTA/Alcosta School Board Breakfast
Saturday, February 8 was the Annual CTA/Alcosta School Board Breakfast at the Hilton in Pleasanton. Association leaders, teachers, and School Board Trustees from around Alameda and Contra Costa counties joined together to discuss current issues in education and opportunities to collaborate to make a difference for our public schools. The theme was Working Together for a Common Goal and the keynote speaker was Dublin Mayor and teacher Tim Sbranti, who had the room in laughter many times while discussing his experiences as an association leader and elected official. It was an enjoyable Saturday morning that proved worth braving the rain.
Read Across Pittsburg is March 6!
We are seeking volunteers to read at various preschool and Head Start locations around Pittsburg! Slots are available between 3:00-4:00. If you’re interested in reading to our future students, please email Tammy Carr at [email protected] by Friday, February 21. Pictured (L to R): Pittsburg School Board President George Miller, PEA President Dawn Cova (Rancho Medanos JHS), Tom Edwards (Martin Luther King, Jr JHS), Michell Redfoot (Willow Cove), and Pittsburg School Board Vice President Duane Smith.
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PEA Teachers Helping Pittsburg Families
PEA SCHOLARSHIPS
PEA Scholarship Achievement Applications are available for graduating high school seniors who will be attending an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2014. You must be the son or daughter of a parent who is a current member of the PEA/CTA/NEA. You may request a scholarship application form from your site rep. Scholarship forms must be returned to the PEA Office (159 East 4th Street) no later than Monday, April 7, 2014 On Sunday, January 26th and Monday, January 27th, students and parents were able to get help signing up for health care insurance at the Pittsburg High cafeteria. During the two days, 116 families in Pittsburg were provided with information about health care options by union members of SEIU and PEA. Of the 116 families attending the event, 48 of the families found out about the event from their teacher or by a phone call made to their home by the District’s teleparent system. These families were able to resolve a major issue for themselves as a result of the information and services provided at the event. Some families enrolled in a health insurance plan, some of those received government assistance in paying for the insurance, and some families found out they are eligible for California’s Medical program, a free health care service. Five teachers helped these families during the two days of the event, Dawn Cova, PEA President, Bertha Ramos,
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Rancho Medanos teacher, John Kleinjans, PHS teacher, Jessica Garay, and Jim Vaughan, Black Diamond teachers. There will be another event held on Saturday, March 1st, at the Pittsburg Library (80 Power Ave.) from 10am until 3pm. Teachers interested in helping out are asked to contact Jim Vaughan about volunteering. If you do participate, not only will you receive a PEA t-shirt, but you will have a most rewarding experience seeing our families get health care some of them for the first time!
I learned from Rick Morris’ session that students need to be talking more, and become more self-directed. He wrote several books on it you can check out (http://www.newmanagement.com/). I recommend attending CTA conferences to anyone who would like to go. There are several ones throughout the year, and it’s nice to get out of our classrooms/schools and meet new teachers.
Pictured (L to R): Jim Vaughan (Black Diamond HS), Bertha Ramos (Ranchos Medanos), PEA President Dawn Cova (Rancho Medanos JHS), and John Kleinjans, (PHS)
Respectfully submitted, Kristen Maio (Rancho Medanos JHS)
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CTA President Dean Vogel opened the session I attended with a short welcoming talk at the pre-conference workshop presented at the “CTA Good Teaching Conference North” on Friday, January 10 on the subject of “The Educator’s Guide to Saving and Investing for Retirement.” He told an amusing story of the time when he was a young teacher and he wanted to know about the salesmen that came on campus selling investments. The more seasoned teacher gave him this advice, “Look at their shoes and the car they drive,” as if that was the key information needed to evaluate the salesman’s expertise and knowledge in investing. Mr. Vogel is committed to the idea that all California teachers become informed investors and retirement planners. The workshop was information packed six hours. Some key points were: • Teacher’s need to save and invest all during their careers in order to meet the shortfall between our school retirement funds and our expenses upon retirement. Teachers need to be informed before investing. Time is an important consideration when investing. Analyze the fees you will be charged before you invest. Diversify your investments.
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CTA Good Teaching Conference ~ North
Most of the time we tend to stay in our classrooms, or attend a few meetings and never leave our own school. It’s only natural. We are all creatures of habit. We forget there is a world of teaching going on all around at other schools, in other cities, in other districts. I decided to go to the CTA Good Teaching Conference to meet new people and to get out of my comfort zone. Going to the CTA conference was not only educational but it was also enlightening as well. It was great to be in a room filled with hundreds of other teachers from all over Northern California. There were two key takeaways I had from the weekend. We’re not all as different as we think, and the students should be talking more and we should be talking less. During the session(s) I attended was that no matter where we come from, what grade or age we teach, or who our students are, the questions and concerns all tended to be the same. How can we better serve our students? What’s the best strategy? Also, there was a lot of ambivalence about Common Core, and uncertainty of what the future holds for us and for our students.
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Re-balance your investment portfolio according to where you are in your career.
can picture what they are hearing. This keeps students engaged and gives them a mental picture of what is happening in the story. If you too would like this type of inspiration and want more information about his program you can go to www.CreateLearning.com. It is worth checking out! My other favorite workshop was “Teacher Geek is Common Core Chic”. I loved this one for its tech savvy. The presenter, Tammy Dunbar, drew on the Common Core most used action verbs in the standards to build her presentation Those verbs were explain, analyze, compare, identify, write, summarize, present, and research. She showed us how to make strategic use of digital media for CCSS. Each action verb used had a series of how to work on that standard using technology. Of course, you’re probably thinking what I was thinking, how do I get this technology? Mrs. Dunbar made use of Donors Chose, writing grants for funds to buy the technology needed, entering contests, and students bringing their own devices. The idea is “Beg, borrow, or buy tech.” What I took away from this, besides envy, was that this is the same as the drawing presentation by Mr. Pearson. It allows the teacher and student to use creativity in the classroom and keeps kids engaged in their learning. Some of the best apps/sites I liked were Googlevoice or Remind 101 that can keep you in contact with parents, Dan Meyer that posts math challenges you could use from your own computer, BBC bite size that has many games for multiplication as well as science to bring that hands on experience, Read/Write/Think that walks through how to make compare and contrast maps, Pinterest to create a board about an idea or have students explore a topic, Bookcreator app that makes a book with voice so students can record what they wrote, Bighugelabs to make presentations writing out summaries in different ways, SimpleMind that works on main idea with details, and Triple Entendre that works on research skills to find good sources. The tools she used in her classroom frequently were iPads, digital cameras (on phones and other devices), and desktop computers. Watching her presentation was like your mind just spinning and spinning over all the possibilities but to grasp onto something it takes one step at a time. To learn more information about Tammy Dunbar you can go to her website teachergeekischic.com. This was a great conference and I urge you all to attend in the future. In fact, go to a CTA conference. There are so many opportunities to build on what you already know and to inspire you to push further past your comfort level. That’s what I feel this did for me.
Respectfully submitted, Tammy Carr, PEA Vice President Elementary (Highlands Elementary)
CTA recommends the following web sites to help us with investment information: CTAinvest.org; 403bCompare.com; CALSTRS.com; CALPERS.com; National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) NAPFA.org (888-3336659) ; Financial Planning Association (FPA) fpanet.org 800322-4237; [email protected]; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA); FINRA Brokercheck www.finra.org/brokercheck; FINRA Investors www.finra.org/investors
Respectfully submitted, Ruth Foster (Foothill Elementary)
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In the “Drawing Out the Best in Common Core” workshop I felt great enthusiasm for the presenter, Jon Pearson, as did many of the participants. He was very engaging and surprising in his presentation. Mr. Pearson seemed to be a bit comic relief and teacher all in one. He used different voices as he would go or give us things to do that made us giggle or laugh out loud. It brought that sense of joy you can feel bubbling up in your body while in the classroom. The most important things I learned from him were that successful teachers have clarity and understanding, mystery and surprise. Mr. Pearson showed all of us that drawing pictures draws attention. Yes, this may sound like a simple thing, but it was so much more valuable than one can realize. Even if you feel you draw poorly, he emphasized drawing happy and naming a picture after it is done. Mr. Pearson gave us what we needed to be reminded of, there is and should always be creativity in education. Here are some of my favorite sayings from that presentation, “Words go in, words go out – pictures stay in, turn yourself all about”, “The world comes to us in experiences not words”, “Everything can be a little bit fun if you bring your aliveness”, “Inspiration, play, and work, work, work”, and “To go from the verbal to the visceral you use drawings.” Mr. Pearson gave us very good strategies to use with lessons that help students to retain details and make connections to their learning. One of the strategies was using the old T-chart. After reading, students make a T-chart and write down all they recall, in any order. Then they draw icons with symbols for each of those things to recall that information strongly. He also spoke of Air Sculpture: as you read to the students they draw in the air in a square, so they
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NEWS ….
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and WRONGS!
Allegations of Potentially Criminal Misconduct
If you are accused of conduct that might be criminal in nature (physical contact with a student, computer hacking, computer porn, use of illegal substances, etc.), do NOT talk to law enforcement or anyone else, including administrators, colleagues, your union rep, friends, or family members about what happened. You have no right to confidentiality with any of them. Always speak first with an attorney because your communications will be confidential. Contact the Union immediately for a referral to CTA Group Legal Services attorney or consult an attorney of your own choosing. • •
Vergara v. State of California
What you need to know: The lawsuit alleges due process protections in the California Education Code governing teacher dismissals, attainment of permanent status, and layoffs are unconstitutional and should be eliminated. This lawsuit is baseless and meritless, and does nothing to address the real problems facing our schools. The problems we face with layoffs are not because of Education Code provisions or local collective bargaining agreements, but lack of funding. The real needs facing our students today are adequate resources, smaller class sizes, parental involvement and quality teacher training. Contrary to what the lawsuit claims, not one teacher in California has a job for life. In fact, teachers can be fired in the first two years for no reason at all. Current law ensures experienced teachers are not dismissed for arbitrary, unfair or unjustifiable reasons, and ensure that budget-based layoffs are implemented in an objective manner that is free of favoritism. The lawsuit ignores all research that shows teaching experience contributes to student learning. Studies show that teacher experience enhances teacher effectiveness and increases productivity at all grade levels in reading and in math. This lawsuit will make it harder to attract and retain quality teachers in our schools. In cities, we already lose 50 percent of teachers before their fifth year due to burnout and frustration in an underfunded school system. Eroding teacher rights is not the solution. The case was brought by a group called Students Matter, founded by wealthy Silicon Valley businessman David Welch. The backers of this lawsuit include a “who’s who” of the billionaire boys club and their front groups whose real agendas have nothing to do with protecting students, but are really about privatizing public schools and attacking teachers and their unions. The proponents are good at coming up with fairsounding names like “Students Matter” or “Students First” to mask their real agenda. Wrong solution! This lawsuit is trying to legislate from the bench and exclude meaningful input from parents, educators and lawmakers. If you have issues with education laws, rather than filing costly lawsuits go
Breaking up Fights
Use extreme caution when deciding whether to physically breaking up a fight. Ed. Code Sec. 44807 says you may exercise “physical control” over a student that is reasonably necessary to maintain order, protect property, protect students’ health and safety, or maintain “conditions conducive to learning.” However, breaking up a fight is still risky because you may get hurt or a student may claim that you used excessive force. If you decide it’s not wise to try to break up a fight, take immediate action, including: continuously shout at the students to stop; use your cell phone to call 911 or the Office; disperse spectators from the fight scene; and send student runners to get help. DO NOT LEAVE THE FIGHT SCENE IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ADULT PRESENT unless there is no other way to get help. Make sure your school site has an emergency response plan.
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Rights To Know Students’ History of Misconduct And To Suspend From Class
By law, the District must provide information to you about any of your students who have engaged in or are suspected of having engaged in misconduct, including criminal activities, disruptive or defiant behavior at school, hazing, or harassment over the past three years. You must keep this information confidential, except as needed. (Ed. Code sec. 49079, Health and Welfare Code sec. 827 (b) (2.)) You have a right to suspend a student from your classroom for the day of the suspension and the following day. (Ed. code sec. 48910.)
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through the legislative process where parents, educators and all community members can have input. The only way to have honest education change is to include all stakeholders, including educators and parents, in the discussion. ********************************************
African American history online challenge http://www.brightmoments.com/blackhistory/ Posters, Bookmarks, Buttons National African American History Month - Honoring History and Culture Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad Martin Luther King, Jr. - I Have a Dream http://www.diversitystore.com/ds/index.cfm/category/4/b lack-history.cfm Recommended Reading Lists Ages 3-10 http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/youngrdr.htm Ages 10 and up http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/youngrdr.htm# tenandup Audio African Music – download past favorites or stream live from Radio Africa http://africa.si.edu/exhibits/learning.html Online Art Exhibit National Museum of African Art http://africa.si.edu/index2.html Memory Book Read stories and contribute your own. From the National Museum of African American History and Culture. http://nmaahc.si.edu/programs/memorybook From cta.org
Change, One Bag at a Time
This month the Junior High students of Pittsburg will become part of a wave of change to help reduce plastic pollution in the Community. Lead by the Science Departments at each of the Junior High schools, in a program developed by Tom Edwards of Martin Luther Jr. JHS in association with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, every student will learn the environmental effects of non-reusable plastics and why The City of Pittsburg enacted an Ordinance to reduce their use that went into effect on January 15th. The ordinance that bans the use of non-reusable plastic bags and has retailers charge customers 10 cents for a paper bag to use. The program lessons have 3 parts: Education – Learning of the widespread effects of plastic pollution and what can be done Commitment – The students sign a pledge that they will inform others of the impact of plastic pollution and that they will personally act to reduce the use of plastics Action – Every student will receive a reusable grocery bag so that they can go and begin to make a difference 3,000 reusable cotton grocery bags were provided by the City of Pittsburg and Mt. Diablo Recycling, enough for all the students and staff at the 3 Junior High sites. If all these reusable bags are used just twice a week in a year they will replace over a million non-reusable plastic grocery bags that are enough to cover a football field with a layer one foot thick!
Respectfully submitted, Tom Edwards (Martin Luther King, Jr JHS)
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Black History Month Resources
Classroom Resources
Black history timeline http://www.biography.com/tv/classroom/black-historytimeline 7
Take a virtual field trip!
Calendar
FEBRUARY 2014
2 5 12 12 14 14 17 22 26 Groundhog Day PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Lincoln’s Birthday PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM Valentine’s Day No School – Lincoln’s Birthday Observed Holiday – President’s Day Washington’s Birthday PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM
MARCH 2014
5 5 6 9 12 17 19 20 26 31 PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Ash Wednesday Read Across Pittsburg! Daylight Saving Time Begins PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM Saint Patrick’s Day PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Spring Begins PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:30 PM No School – Cesar Chavez Day
Next Deadline for Articles is Monday, March 10, 2014
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