summer 2015 communique

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Summer 2015 COMMUNIQUÉ Publication for Members of Central OEA/NEA Adrienne M. Bowden, President Central OEA/NEA (Central) is one of the ten district organizations established by the Ohio Education Association’s Constitution and Bylaws. We serve 14 counties: Champaign, Clark, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Highland, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Pickaway, Ross, and Union, plus SCOPE, a statewide organization. Central represents over 21,000 members in over 100 Teacher, Educational Support Professional, Developmental Disabilities, Higher Education and Joint Vocational Support affiliates plus the State Council of Professional Educators. Central is divided into 5 areas. Each area elects one representative to the Central board except area 5, which elects three. Central members also elect seven members to the OEA Board of Directors who also serve on the Central board. The Board implements policies of the Representative Assembly. Who Is Central and What Do We Do? Meeting Local Needs • Recognize leadership development needs of all locals and provide strategies to support them. • Promote understanding of and commitment to diversity in our membership. • Offer grant programs to meet the needs of our locals. Central offers a number of grants to local associations for levy campaigns, growth and development activities, scholarships to conferences, and incentives for participation. Political Action • Provide training and support to increase local awareness and participation in the political process. • Have a media program to promote public education. Central has four Political Action Coordinators who help train, organize and communicate with members on a wide range of political activities such as lobby days, candidate screenings, and campaign activities. Central also provides a stipend for up to three members in each local to be Education Advocate Leaders. Central runs a nationally recognized Social Media campaign, www.jointhefuture.org, which promotes public education and those who work in it. Join the Future also has a Facebook page and is active on Twitter. You can sign up to receive a periodic email digest of everything JTF published at www.jointhefuture.org/ digest Training • Provide quality professional development. • Expand opportunities for leader involvement beyond the local level. • Train members in leadership roles. Central has four main goals. continued on page 6 Local D i s t r i c t S t a t e N a t i o n a l

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Page 1: Summer 2015 communique

Summer 2015COMMUNIQUÉ

Publication for Members of Central OEA/NEA • Adrienne M. Bowden, President

Central OEA/NEA (Central) is one of the ten district organizations established by the Ohio Education Association’s Constitution and Bylaws.

We serve 14 counties: Champaign, Clark, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Highland, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Pickaway, Ross, and Union, plus SCOPE, a statewide organization.

Central represents over

21,000 members in over 100 Teacher, Educational Support Professional, Developmental Disabilities, Higher Education and Joint Vocational Support affiliates plus the State Council of Professional Educators.

Central is divided into 5 areas. Each area elects one representative to the Central board except area 5, which elects three. Central members also elect seven members to the OEA Board of Directors who also serve on the Central board.

The Board implements policies of the Representative Assembly.

Who Is Central and What Do We Do?

Meeting Local Needs

• Recognize leadership development needs of all locals and provide strategies to support them.

• Promote understanding

of and commitment to diversity in our membership.

• Offer grant programs to meet the needs of our locals.

Central offers a number of grants to local associations for levy campaigns, growth and development activities, scholarships to conferences, and incentives for participation.

Political Action

• Provide training and support to increase local awareness and participation in the political process.

• Have a media program to promote public education.

Central has four Political Action Coordinators who help train, organize and communicate with members on a wide range

of political activities such as lobby days, candidate screenings, and campaign activities. Central also provides a stipend for up to three members in each local to be Education Advocate Leaders.

Central runs a nationally recognized Social Media campaign, www.jointhefuture.org, which promotes public education and those who work in it. Join the Future also has a Facebook page and is active on Twitter. You can sign up to receive a periodic email digest of everything JTF published at www.jointhefuture.org/digest

Training

• Provide quality professional development.

• Expand opportunities for leader involvement beyond the local level.

• Train members in leadership roles.

Central has four main goals.

continued on page 6

Local

District

StateNational

Page 2: Summer 2015 communique

Summer 2015

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Volume 42, Number 7 • Summer 2015

COMMUNIQUÉPublished four times a year as a service of

CENTRAL OEA/NEA, INC.947 Goodale Blvd.Columbus, OH 43212

Adrienne M. Bowden, President

Kevin Griffin, Vice President

Russell Hughlock, Communications & Organizing Coordinator

Editors Ann Eblin, Judy Furnas & Carla Noll

Fiscal Manager Tim Skamfer

Production Russell Hughlock

Design Pam McClung

Phone 614-222-8228

E-mail [email protected]

The 44th Representative Assembly Central OEA/NEA opened on April 25, 2015, at Gahanna Lincoln High School. The RA not only covered business items, committee reports and endorsements but also fea-tured a number of speakers with messages for strong support for Public Educa-tion. The keynote speaker was Joyce Powell, who is an NEA Executive Board Member from New Jersey.

She informed the audience about the work that NEA is doing in the legislative arena with both Houses of Congress regarding the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Her words about assessments being downsized were en-couraging. She spoke about the proper use of assess-ments and how they are being misused today. NEA believes that assessments should be used to mea-sure and promote growth in every student. She also mentioned that there is positive language that they

will call the Act “Every Stu-dent Achieves” instead of “No Child Left Behind.” She ended with an inspiration calling to the membership that we must continue to fight and stand up for public education.

President’s report was given by President Adrienne Bowden who reminded us of all the hardships that we have experienced in Central from failed levies, to cuts in staff and the strike in Reynoldsburg. She went on to speak about the positive items that contribute to the betterment of our schools and our profession.

OEA President Becky Hig-gins focused on the fact that OEA must continue to make our tree strong at the roots by building personal relationships with our members. It is working because we have added six locals to the Association. She warned the audience that we must continue to create new ways to engage our members because there

are things coming down the pipeline that can fracture the Association if we are not ready.“It doesn’t mean that we will roll over and take it from those people that mean to do us harm.

We have to change our way of thinking and it is going to take time.” She went on to say, “We have two choices; we can stay a strong and powerful organization or we can go the way of Wis-consin and Michigan.” We need to start by telling the public of the good that pub-lic schools bring. “We need to shout louder than those that are negative and op-

pose public education. We need to shout louder and raise our voices higher and take back our profession.”

Another highlight was that Candace Lee from WCMH Channel 4 News was awarded the Friend of Education Award for her fair coverage of the Reynolds-burg’s strike. In her accep-tance speech she stated her long time support of public schools is the reason why she values this award over such awards as the Emmy. “Education is my passion and if not for being a news reporter, I would be a teacher.”

The 44th Central Representative AssemblyDwayne Marshall, Unit 3 OEA director, Gahanna EA

(from L-R Kevin Griffin, Adrienne Bowden, Joyce Powell, Tim Meyers)

(from L-R Kevin Griffin, Candice Lee, Adrienne Bowden)

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Summer 2015

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The OEA Spring Represen-tative Assembly opened and ended with delegates sens-ing urgency for OEA to take an active stance on behalf of the teaching profession, as well as continued con-cern over the vitality of the union. The centerpiece de-bate occurred about a series of constitutional changes that would permit OEA to hold the Representative Assembly at least once per year instead of the currently required two meetings.The opposition to this proposal argued that cut-ting down to one meeting per year would silence voices and stunt the abil-ity for members to par-ticipate in union activities and decision-making. The proponents held that having two meetings per year is an unnecessary expense and use of dues dollars that could be employed more effectively. Additionally, proponents pointed out that attendance at the RA’s has dropped precipitously over the years, raising doubts about its means as a tool for recruiting more activist members.

Although the proposal gar-nered a 65% majority, it fell short of the 75% superma-jority requirement for consti-tutional changes.

Three other less contro-versial changes to the OEA constitution and bylaws passed easily. The delegates approved mea-sures that would allow the student representative of the OSEA to have a vote on the board of directors, allow dues to be prorated dur-

ing organizing campaigns, and allow officer terms to begin in July rather than on September 1.

President Becky Higgins continued the theme of member engagement in her address to the delega-tion, telling the delegates that educator voices are being heard on the issue of standardized testing and that member representation on the state commission on school testing has led to real, tangible proposals to improve Ohio’s standardized testing scheme.

President Higgins also touted the new focus of the association on organiz-ing members by pointing out that OEA has created 600 new members through organizing campaigns. Ad-ditionally, OEA is looking internally at doing things differently as a reaction to anti-unionism prevalent in today’s politics by saying that staff and leadership are working together, “…to find ways to get members engaged and ready for the battles that lie ahead so that our tree is strong and can withstand stormy condi-tions.”

Finally, several new busi-ness items were proposed by delegates, resulting in some spirited debate. On the front burner was a new business item, proposed by Central OEA/NEA Vice President Kevin Griffin and Brittany Alexander of Hilliard EA, for OEA to, “…educate members and parents about their right to refuse state-wide standardized tests.”

The proposal also required that “OEA will request that ODE notify parents of their right to refuse statewide standardized tests that are not required for any grade promotion or graduation.”

The proposal caused a great deal of consternation and debate about the perils of teachers and OEA promot-ing opt out. Ultimately the proposal was amended to direct OEA to lobby the legislature to require ODE to notify parents of their opt-out rights. The amended proposal passed.

The debate served to dem-onstrate that educator angst over testing is far from settled and that it will likely continue to fuel member

activism as well as debate at next year’s RA.

Lastly, another new busi-ness item moved by Jessie Hemmelgarn of Worthing-ton EA passed easily. The business item directs OEA staff to “investigate the feasibility and report back to RA about a statewide program to strengthen the relationships between schools and targeted community and legislative leaders through conduct-ing interactive school visits within every legislative district in the Ohio area.”

This grew out of Ms. Hemmelgarn’s invitation of Rep. Mike Duffey (R- 21st District) into her classroom for a day. Rep. Duffey took up Ms. Hemmelgarn on her offer and came to visit her classroom. The intent of the business item is to encour-age legislators to visit class-rooms in hopes they would be more receptive to the ideas of educators when attempting to enact laws governing education policy.

OEA Representative Assembly RecapMark Hill, President Worthington EA & Unit 5 OEA Director

Right: Kevin Griffin (L), Brittany Alexander (R)

Above: Jessie Hemmelgarn (L) and Andrea Skamfer (R)

Above Right, President Becky Higgins

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Once again, Central OEA/NEA participated in Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Reach Out and Read campaign. The Community Outreach Committee kicked off the campaign on January 15. Rekha Voruganti, the hospital’s Health Literacy Program Coordinator, attended our monthly meeting to share the history and benefits of the Reach Out and Read program. From there we invited locals to hold district or building book drives.

We are happy to announce that the 2015 book drive resulted in the collection of more than 46,000 books right here in central Ohio. Many of our locals were a huge part of that final tally. Congratulations to all who participated!

The Outreach Committee also embarked on a new endeavor this spring. We decided to host a book sale for local teachers. This sale would help get rid of the Reach Out and Read books that have been passed over through the years, or those that were at reading levels that were no longer in demand by the program.

The two-day event was held on May 15 and 16 at the Central OEA/NEA offices. We had approximately 3000 books to sell. They were piled on the tables, in the chairs, and along the walls. In fact, there were so many books that it was tough to navigate the room.

A RORing Success!Michelle Vayansky, Community Outreach Committee chair

That did not stop teachers from bringing their own boxes and bags to rummage through the books. At one point there was a line waiting to get into the room! In the end we raised $455.50 for ROR! The Community Outreach Committee also decided to make a matching donation, which resulted in one check for a grand total of $1000! This money will allow ROR to purchase the specific books they need for the program. Nicely done, Central! Here’s to another successful book sale next year!

Save this Summer with NEA Member BenefitsSummer is almost here and many families will hit the road or the airways for relaxation and fun. NEA Member Benefits will help you save money this summer. If you are driving or in need of a rental car, NEA has a great deal with several car rental companies. I compared the NEA price with a very popular discount travel website, and NEA was able to save me $57.00 for the week.

Need a hotel? As an NEA member, you can save 20% at any Red Roof Inn. Red Roof Inn has over 350 locations and is located in 36 states. You’re bound to find a location to fit your needs.

Head over to NEA Member Benefits to find great prices and earn reward points. This is a great site to save money in any category, including: eating, travel, health, electronics, phones, gifts, exclusives, and more.

www.neamb.com

Page 5: Summer 2015 communique

Summer 2015

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The Central OEA/NEA Leadership Development Committee would like to encourage local association leaders and their bargaining team members to take this opportunity to build their leadership and bargaining teams for 2015-16.

In a relaxed setting, participants will engage in team-building activities with lots of time to develop their local association goals for the new school year. Locals may request, in advance, a 5-year analysis of their local GFA.

When: July 28 - 29, 2015 Registration 11 a.m.

Where: Cherry Valley Lodge. 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE Newark

To make hotel reservations, call 740-788-1306.

Only 1 member per room needs to call. For reimbursement, submit a voucher and receipt. Reimbursement for double occupancy: $120. For single: $60. Room rate: $109 + tax.

Registration by July 10th is REQUIRED on Central’s website.

www.centraloeanea.org

Central OEA/NEA Summer Conference

Building Dynamic Leadership Teams

2015-2016 Growth and Development Grants

Growth and Development Grants are awarded to locals that wish to improve the effectiveness of their local. Grants are reviewed by Central OEA/NEA Finance Committee (Randy Turner, Delaware City TA, Chairperson) and recommendations for the awards are made to the Executive Board.

Nine local associations have been awarded over $18,000 in Growth and Development Grants for the 2015-2016 school year following the spring application period. Special congratulations goes to Clark Shawnee EA, which is a first time Growth and Development Grant recipient, for making this initial effort to improve their association. Other locals receiving a grant were Dublin EA, Dublin SSA, Graham EA, Groveport Madison EA, Jonathan Alder EA, Northwestern TA, Plain Local EA, Southeastern Local EA, and Westerville Education SSA.

For the first time, Central OEA/NEA also awarded Sustaining Grants for locals that wish to improve upon an already existing program. Gahanna Jefferson EA will enhance its already successful association newsletter; Westerville EA will expand its faculty representative incentive program.

The next application period is from September 1, 2015, through October 15, 2015. More information is available on the Central OEA/NEA Web site www.centraloeanea.org or by contacting Andre Prenoveau, Central OEA/NEA Project Manager [email protected]

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A former association president told me that the moment you assume a leadership role, you should be looking for the next person to replace you. So it goes without saying that in my short time as an association leader, I was always looking to recruit the people that would one day be leading our association in the future. As most locals understand, it is sometimes hard to get people to volunteer their time, but with the help of Central and the support that it provided, it was an easier process to groom that potential.

With that support system in place, we were able to target multiple members (two who currently serve as officers) into the Central Emerging Leaders program. This program not only was an introductory course on the role and value of our association, it also gave our members a stronger perspective on why we choose to serve.

Our members also utilize the Winter and Summer Academies as a great way to develop a deeper

Growing and Strengthening the Northwestern Teachers AssociationJeff Caivano, Past-President Northwestern Teachers Association

understanding of their roles as advocates and educators. Our association believes that the Academy is a great way to not only get informed, but also to strengthen the core of our executive team and provide a vision and purpose that carries on throughout the school year. Our local also takes advantage of the grants that Central offers, which have helped us prepare for negotiations and increase our local’s presence at school board meetings.

That we also have a high participation with our Area meetings keeps our members informed and gives them the opportunity to network with other members throughout the county.

Our local is not large, but it has motivated members that that will move mountains. That motivation and desire is a gift for our local that gives us great hope and assurance for the future. With the assistance of Central and OEA, that future seems secure for quite some time.

Central hosts a number of conferences and training opportunities throughout the year, which are always free for members. We train members on technology in the classroom, professional issues such as OTES, bargaining, testing, and much more. We also host diversity conferences, anti-bullying training, and competitions. We also provide training for local association leaders and treasurers.

Communications

• Provide communication between Central and its local leadership and members.• Collaborate with and improve relations with other OEA districts.

Central publishes four issues of Communiqué a year, plus a periodic electronic retiree newsletter. Recognizing that we all get a lot of email, much of our email is opt-in. You can sign up to receive important Central information at www.centraloeanea.org/ace.

To organize and implement these goals, members of Central volunteer to serve on a wide range of committees.

Who Is Central? Continued from page 1

Adrienne Bowden is the current President of Central. Adrienne is a middle school science teacher in Pickerington.

Kevin Griffin is the current Vice President of Central. Kevin is an ELA teacher in Dublin.

For more information on Central, including our committees, programs and grants, visit our website at www.centraloeanea.org

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Central members shared spring testing experiences and nightmares from a variety of perspectives: student, proctor, interventionist, media specialist, and teacher. Several Ohio legislators and a State Board of Education member listened to these stories and asked for more.

Tell Us What You Really ThinkSoozie Hetterscheidt, Area 2 PAC, Olentangy EA

Central’s political action team, from left to right: Soozie Hetterschedidt, Billie Sarich, Joy Bock, Jim Templeton, Amy Grittani, Ty Tatman, Adrienne Bowden

“We want to be your partner, not a road block,”

said Rep. David Leland (D)

“Help us, give us guidance,”

said SBOE member Michael Collins

Other legislative members in attendance at Central’s Legislative Dinner were Kevin Boyce (D), Hearcel Craig (D), Bob Hackett (R), Charleta Tavares (D), Jim Hughes (R) and Cheryl Grossman (R).

All legislative members in attendance acknowledged that work needed to be done to reduce the time spent testing students and asked to hear from educators with solutions to current problems in schools across the Central Ohio area.

Rep. Hackett shared that as a “very successful businessman,” accountability was necessary to stakeholders. He went on to explain that he continues to work with educators and his constituents to build a system that produces results.

The “Right to Work” issue was brought to question and all but one member acknowledged they opposed any legislation that included language to take away collective bargaining rights. Rep. Grossman remained silent when the question was raised about which members of the Ohio Legislature supported the elimination of member bargaining rights.

As the evening came to a close it was clear that educator’s voices have been heard and politicians need to continue to hear from more of us. If you haven’t shared your story with those that can help, consider doing so over the summer. Your story matters.

Page 8: Summer 2015 communique

In this issue2 The 44th Central Representative Assembly

3 OEA Representative Assembly Recap

4 Save this Summer with NEA Member Benefits

4 A RORing Success!

5 Central OEA/NEA Summer Conference - Building Dynamic Leadership Teams

5 2015-2016 Growth and Development Grants

6 Growing and Strengthening the Northwestern Teachers Association

7 Tell Us What You Think

Central OEA / NEA

A RORing Success!Summer NEA Member Benefits

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCOLUMBUS, OHPERMIT No. 204

CE NT RA L O EA/NEA, Inc.947 Goodale BoulevardColumbus, OH 43212

COMMUNIQUÉ

44th Representative Assembly

2 7

Tell Us What You Think

4

Registrations for all events are available on Central’s website at www.centraloeanea.org

July 1- 6 NEA Representative Assembly in Orlando FL.

July 28-29 Central Summer Leadership Conference at Cherry Valley Lodge, Newark

August 26 Treasurers’ Workshop Central Office, 947 Goodale Blvd., Columbus

August 29 New Presidents’ Training Central Office, 947 Goodale Blvd., Columbus

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