In this Issue
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Vol. 3, February 2004

The Professional
A Publication of the Minnetonka Teachers Association
Members of Education Minnesota, NEA, AFT, Minnesota Local #7173
www.minnetonkateachers.org
Editor, Mary Tingblad, mary.tingblad@minnetonka.k12.mn.us
MM-West, 6421 Hazeltine Blvd., Excelsior, MN 55331
 

~~ President’s Ponderings ~~
MTA President, Mark Chalupsky

For the last two years we have been collaborating with district administration regarding grading policies and computer grade books. The grading committee has worked very hard over the last year and a half, and should be making some recommendations soon regarding grading policies for Minnetonka teachers. Our current system of grading students varies from teacher to teacher. I believe some established guidelines would bring much more consistency in the grading process for teachers and their students .

Right now there are several versions of various grade books that teachers are using. Grades are first entered into a grade book and then re-entered into the Skyward system. Groups of teachers in Minnetonka are currently in the process of using and evaluating a new grade book, which is part of the Skyward student information system. In this system, grades are entered directly into Skyward and can be automatically averaged when needed. I believe meaningful grading policies and a better grade book will simplify all of lives. Hopefully, these things will be in place before the start of school in September.

Financial planning for all of us is a very important issue. If you have not started some type of tax-sheltered annuity and you would like to do so, please contact me and I will help get you started. You may be missing out on matching funds from the district.

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~~ Election Committee Report ~~
MTA Vice-President, Julie Anderson-Simonson

The MTA members who will represent us at the Education Minnesota Representative Convention in St. Paul, March 19-20, 2004, will be Julie Anderson-Simonson, Mary Benson, Mark Chalupsky, Robert Koppes, Jan Nelson, Joseph Ricke, and Mary Tingblad.

The MTA members who will represent us at the NEA Representative Assembly in Washington, DC, July 2-7, 2004, will be President Mark Chalupsky and Mary Tingblad. Representing us at the AFT Convention in Washington, DC, July 13-17, 2004, will be Mary Benson and Anita Otten.

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~~ Spring MTA Elections ~~
MTA Secretary,  Mary Tingblad

It’s time to start thinking about the Spring elections! All MTA members will be electing the MTA President and Vice-President team on April 20, 2004. THE MTA Bylaws state: ”The candidates for President and Vice-President shall run for office as a team.” If you and a colleague are interested in running as a team, please submit your names in an e-mail to: Mary Tingblad, by 4:00pm, February 28, 2004.

Members in six buildings will also be electing MTA Governance Board Building Representatives. MTA Governance Board members whose positions are up for election in April include: Deb Jensen, Clear Springs; Mark Broten, Excelsior; Pam Wertjes, Groveland; Mark Brzezinski, MM-East; Mary Tingblad, MM-West; Joe Ricke, MHS; and Jan Nelson, MHS. Watch your e-mail in March for information from the Election Committee on these building elections.

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~~ Negotiators' Notes ~~
MTA Negotiator, Joseph Ricke

On January 22, 2004, MTA President Mark Chalupsky and MTA Negotiator Joseph Ricke attended the monthly Metro Negotiator’s meeting. The Education Minnesota hierarchy was there in full force (you know it’s election time and one must look interested and responsive – they usually never attend). 

The opening topic was a presentation by Larry Wicks on the concept of a Statewide Health Plan. The belief is that a statewide group health plan could save $225,000,000 over six years. There are some unknown aspects, but the one interesting fact is that everyone will have to participate. This could mean more dollars for those who are currently experiencing low annual increases – such as us. 

Some Locals gave updates on settlements, which were basically the same as ours. Healthcare costs seem to be the biggest issue. More and more Locals are seeing the focus by School Boards on eliminating prep-time and having teachers teach more classes with no more increase in money. One Local decided to have teachers teach one more class in second semester FREE due to a lack of state funds. I suspect that “time and money” will be the focus during the next round of our negotiations.

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~~ Teachers’ Rights Review ~~
MTA Teachers' Rights Co-Chairs,  Mary Benson and Anita Otten

CODE OF ETHICS

What is the Teachers Code of Ethics? The Code of Ethics is a set of principles defining professional conduct. It applies to all licensed teachers. It is enforceable as any set of state regulations or statutes. Ten Standards are listed:

1. A teacher shall provide professional education services in a non-discriminatory manner.
2. A teacher shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to health and safety.
3. A teacher shall disclose confidential information about individuals only when a compelling professional purpose is served or when required by law.
4. A teacher shall take reasonable discipline action in exercising the authority to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.
5. A teacher shall not use professional relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to private advantage.
6. A teacher shall delegate authority for teaching responsibilities only to licensed personnel.
7. A teacher shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter.
8. A teacher shall not knowingly falsify or misrepresent records or facts relating to that teacher's own qualifications or to other teachers' qualifications.
9. A teacher shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about students or colleagues.
10. A teacher shall accept a contract for a teaching position that requires licensing only if properly or provisionally licensed for that purpose.

ETHICAL MISCONDUCT

Who may make a complaint against a teacher? Any person may bring a charge of ethical misconduct to the Board of Teaching.

What happens if a complaint is made? 

1. An investigation of the alleged violation is made.

2. An attempt may be made to correct improper activities through conference, conciliation, or persuasion.

3. The Board of Teaching may schedule a disciplinary hearing depending upon the outcome of the investigation and whether attempts at correction produce satisfactory results. 

What penalties may be used if a violation is proven?

1. A letter of censure may be sent to the teacher.

2. The teacher may be placed on probationary licensure status.

3. The teacher's license to teach may be suspended for a period of time.

4. The teacher's license to teach may be revoked.

What rights do I have if a complaint is brought against me? You will be notified in writing of the complaint. you are entitled to legal or other representation at each stage of the investigation and hearing.

What do I do if I receive notification of a complaint? Get help at once! Do only one thing--call your Teachers' Rights Representative immediately. Do not answer any questions or fill out any forms for the Board of Teaching or its investigator until you have obtained professional advice.

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News From Education Minnesota

~~ Financial/Retirement Planning Seminars ~~

ESI has announced the latest series of regional Financial/Retirement Planning Seminars. These educational seminars for Education Minnesota members will address a wide variety of financial planning concerns. "Financial Planning"  provides information on tax-deferred savings and match/severance payment options, managing investments and health care costs during retirement, protecting assets and/or dependents and more. "Understanding Your Pension" provides information on various pension funds: TRA, PERA, DTRFA, MTRFA, and SPTRFA, and features Chuck Elliot, Education Minnesota ESL Retirement Consultant. 

Several thousand education Minnesota members have attended ESI Financial/Retirement Planning Seminars and their feedback is positive...

"Very informative seminar!"
"Good information... wish I had attended 10 years ago!"
"Very thorough, thanks so much!"
"It was an eye opener!" 

Spouses and guests are welcome and encouraged to attend. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Call or e-mail today to register: 651-292-4856 or esi@educationminnesota.org. Check the schedule below to find a seminar date that works for you:

Wednesday, 3/10 Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka

Wednesday, 3/24 Inver Grove Heights Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights

Tuesday, 5/4 Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Ave., Maplewood

Seminar Schedule: 4:30-5:00pm Registration, 5:00-7:00pm Seminar/Dinner/Prizes

~~ It's Almost Time to Celebrate Dr. Seuss! ~~

 March 2, 2004, is  Read Across America Day, and this year marks a special “Seussentennial,” or the 100th birthday of Theodor Geisel, Dr. Seuss himself. Educators nationwide are already planning reading events with students and their communities. Many educators have handed out bookmarks and certificates or proclamations during their Read Across America events each year. This year, Education Minnesota has put those pieces on its online community at www.educationminnesota.org as a cost-saving measure. That way, members can download the original and print exactly the number they need. The Read Across America section is located under "In the Classroom."  Posters and other items are available on the NEA site at www.nea.org/readacross. You’ll also find other fun Seuss activities to extend your Read Across America activities throughout the year.

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AFT PLUS... The Benefits of Belonging

~~ EF Educational Tours: International Travel ~~

The American Federation of Teachers has teamed up with EF to offer members like you the opportunity of a lifetime--a chance to see the world for less. With more than 100 offices in 43 countries, EF is a global travel company offering tours for teachers, students and adults. More than 3 million people have traveled with EF and now, with these AFT member benefits, you can be one of them! Contact Mary Tingblad to find out how you can get your free planning kit and video.

~~ New Way To Mask Your ID ~~
adapted from Money

You don't necessarily have to buy insurance to protect against identity theft. Credit card issuers, credit agencies and regulators have taken steps to protect your credit for you. Starting now and lasting at least until 2006, Visa will require merchants to get rid of the expiration date and cut off part of the card's number on their receipts, leaving only a few digits. And there's no need to call all three credit-reporting agencies to alert them of fraud. Make one call to any agency, whether it's Equifax (800-525-6285), Experian (888-397-3742) or Trans Union (800-680-7289). Each one will alert the others. the bureaus will also flag your report so lenders know to call you before issuing new credit. There's also a single form, called the ID Theft Affidavit, created by the federal government last year. You can use it to notify creditors of phony accounts instead of writing to each creditor individually. 

~~ The No Child Left Behind Standardized Test ~~
From AFTCA Catalyst, January 2004

In compliance with the President's recent educational initiatives, teachers are encouraged to "teach to the test." The practice questions below are questions that will appear on the test and determine whether your school will receive federal, state, and local funding.

Section One-Math Skills

1. In the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress authorized a $5.6 billion increase in Title One spending for low-income children. However, President Bush budgeted only $1 billion for Title One. If Title One calls for $2,800 per poverty level students, how many children are left behind?
   a. 0          b. 8          c. 7          d. 1,643,857

2. In the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress authorized an expansion of transportation and other support services to an additional 130,000 homeless children. Instead of an increase, the President's budget froze funding for the homeless education program. Because of inflation, this meant 8,00 fewer homeless children could be served than in the previous year. Assuming there is no increase in homelessness this year, how many homeless children are left behind?
   a. 0          b. 8          c. 13          d. 138,000

3. In the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress authorized increasing funding to help school districts meet the mandate that all teachers in core academic subjects be "highly qualified" by the end of the 2005-06 school year. By freezing funding for the Teacher Quality State Grant Program, the Bush budget trains 92,000 fewer teachers than were promised by the act. Assuming each teacher teaches four classes a day of 25 students each, and does guidance counseling for eight additional students, how many children are left behind?
   a. 0          b. 25          c. 33          d. 9,936,000

4. There are 72 million children in the United States. If George leaves 1,643,857 children behind by cutting Title One programs, and leaves 138,000 children behind by freezing spending on homeless education programs, and leaves 9,936,000 by slashing teacher training, what percentage of America's children has George left behind?
   a. 0%          b. 1.63%          c. 16.3%          d. 163%

Section Two-Verbal Skills

1. Teddy agreed to throw his support behind the No Child Left Behind Act because George has promised to fully                               it. When George presented his budget, Teddy felt                              . Which pair of words best fills in the blanks?
   a. undermine; excited   b. comprehend; appreciative   c. transcribe; better   d. fund, betrayed

2. When George W. Bush said, "Education is my top priority," he was being                              .
   a. mendacious     b. rebarbative     c. risible     d. all of the above

3. Sometimes in life, it is okay to tell a little                              , but you should always avoid                              . Which pair of words best fills in the blanks?
   a. white lies to the American people; getting caught
   b. story that tugs at the heartstrings; being mawkish
   c. joke to lighten the mood; running with scissors
   d. kid that you're going to fund his education; following through

4. Correct the punctuation in the following sentence: "George W. Bush is the President, who in God's name, will protect our children."
   a. The sentence is correct.
   b. George W. Bush is the President who in God's name will protect our children.
   c. George W. Bush is the President. Who, in God's name, will protect our children?
   d. George W. Bush is the President. Who, in God's name, will protect our children?!

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~~ So, What’s New at YOUR School? ~~

There are “good news” things happening everyday in our schools. Send your school’s good news to mary.tingblad@minnetonka.k12.mn.us to be included in the next issue of The Professional. I’ve been told that this is one of the favorite features of the newsletter. It’s the way that we can share all the good things going on with our teachers!

National Board Certification

The Minnetonka School District recently recognized three teachers for completing National Board Certification--Tim Ketel (4^th grade, Excelsior), Cheri Dowd (Art, Clear Springs), and Kathy Larson (4^th grade, Minnewashta). That brings Minnetonka's total up to 13 teachers with National Board Certification.

Baby News From MM-West
Language Arts teacher Sarah Mattson and husband welcomed Baby Joseph James on January 17, 2004.

Music teacher Jena Menke and husband are expecting their second child in April.

Speech and Language teacher Jeannine Adair and husband are expecting their second child in June.

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Editorial/Commentary/Opinion Page

Editorials, commentary, opinions, and letters to the editor are not necessarily the position of the MTA. All members are invited to share their unedited views, thoughts, concerns, etc., by submitting them to: mary.tingblad@minnetonka.k12.mn.us, Mary Tingblad, MM-West, 6421 Hazeltine Blvd, Excelsior, MN  55331.

Leap Year

Happy Leap Year! Leap Day is coming up, but do most people ever do anything to celebrate it? I know I have an uncle who is very happy about Leap Day this year. Finally, after 80 years, he won't be a teenager anymore! He always insisted on counting his age according to how many times his birthday came around. 

Just think about how special that day is. It only comes around every four years. To some, it's just another day, but I think this year, I'm going to consider it a bonus day. I don't know yet what I will be doing on that day, but I do know that I am going to make the best of my bonus day. It's like finding money in your winter coat pocket that you forgot about last spring. It's a pleasant surprise that really shouldn't have been a surprise. It really was there all along, but it somehow was forgotten. 

Make this Leap Day special. If you do, can you drop me a line to let me know what you did with your bonus day? I'll write about it in the next issue, and then I promise not to mention it for another four years.

Mary Tingblad, Editor

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