Nancy Kamperman is META/LM Teacher of November

Nancy Kamperman, 2nd grade teacher at Homer Brink does wonderful things for her students and school.

Crystal Reed nominated Nancy because of her cheerfulness, compassion, humor and patience. "She creates a community of learners where everyone’s voice is heard."

Known to her students as Mrs. Wonderful, Kamperman is also a talented artist and shares that talent with her students. To show their appreciation, her students created art showing why she is their favorite teacher. They presented their work at the recognition ceremony during Morning Program.

Congratulations! Nancy!

Why I am Pro-Union and Pro-Teacher

"Individually, no one has to listen to working people, not bosses, and not politicians. But when we are organized together, they have no choice but to hear our voices. In solidarity, there is possibility." -Alan Singer (Hofstra University)

"Without effective unions, teachers, who are in contact with students every day, who have the most experience motivating them and helping them learn, will be ignored by the pencil pushers and budget cutters who control the schools." -Alan Singer (Hofstra University)

Seattle Educators Score Major Victory for Students

Seattle Educators Score Major Victory for Students

Proficient test scores vary by state

NY Times article 10/07/15:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/07/us/test-scores-under-common-core-show-that-proficient-varies-by-state.html?smid=nytcore-iphone-share&smprod=nytcore-iphone

Congratulations, Rene Schmidt -- Golden Apple Award winner!

Rene’ Schmidt, music teacher for 33 years, is the 2015 recipient of the META Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is given annually to a person who exemplifies excellence in teaching at Maine-Endwell, significantly influences the lives of students, and contributes to the success of his or her school.

Colleagues describe Mrs. Schmidt as dedicated, caring, patient and an invaluable member of the district. In order to save the beginners' orchestra program, Mrs. Schmidt and her fellow music teachers for the past two years took on additional classroom assignments. For Mrs. Schmidt, that meant teaching at three school buildings. As a result of her selfless dedication, the district continues to have a thriving instrumental program.  
To support all students’ love of music, Mrs. Schmidt has developed a music program for the district’s 8:1:1 program. “She believes that all students have his/her unique and beautiful abilities, and the job of a teacher is to keep trying until we unlock these hidden potentials,” said Lynne Musa, who presented Mrs. Schmidt with her award. “She does this with style and grace.”

As a life-long musician and learner, Mrs. Schmidt gives her time and talents to the Maine-Endwell community through service and performance. Under her direction, the orchestra and orchestra string quartet perform at concerts at Good Shepherd Village, Marian Apartments, Rotary dinners and at many other community events. Mrs. Schmidt also shares her professional expertise by serving as a member of various music organizations including the NYS School Music Association, the National Association for Music Education. Locally she is a member of the Basically Bach Orchestra, Musical Director/Pit Musician at the Cider Mill Playhouse, a member of the St. James Players, and a member of the Broome County String Teachers Orchestra.
            

Going to the NYS Fair on August 27th?

NYSUT has asked us to attend the "Be Fair to Public Ed Rally" 
where Cuomo will lead opening day ceremonies. 

FREE admission for you AND your family for the day 
and a free Call Out Cuomo shirt. 

Click here to register

 

What is VOTE-COPE exactly?

Voice

ofTeachers forEducation

Committee ONpoliticalEducation 

NySUT combined the two non-partisan political education campaigns in 1973.Funds come from voluntary contributions, NOT member dues

VOTE-COPE endorses and promotes NYSUT-backed candidates during elections. 

Candidates are not determined by political party, but by support for members' issues. Pro-NYSUT candidates understand the importance of public education, health care, support the values of organized labor and help pass school budgets.

The committee of 100 (derived from original 100 nysut members who went to albany to fight for greater state aid and pension reforms) has grown to over 750 volunteers who go to albany for political action.

The goal of VOTE-COPE is "to protect our professions, the institutions in which our members work, and the people our members serve, through grassroots lobbying," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta.

NYSUT sends rebates to local unions based on a percentage (up to 40 percent) of the contributions VOTE-COPE receives from that local union's members. Those rebates can be used in local activities such as school board races and for passage of school budgets.

Please consider skipping a "treat" (e.g. coffee, app, etc.) this month and donate to VOTE-COPE. 

Unions mark May Day with rally of solidarity

May 01, 2015       Source: NYSUT Communications

Caption: Photo by El-Wise Noisette.

NYSUT members turned out hundreds strong Friday for a noontime rally in Buffalo's Niagara Square to commemorate labor's many successes and to outline the fights yet to be won — fair wages and full and fair funding for public education.

The International Worker's Day rally drew more than 1,000 people. A coalition of labor groups and community organizations organized the rally, and members of an estimated 100 unions were in the cheering crowd. NYSUT President Karen E. Magee, United University Professions President Fred Kowal and Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore were among the many speakers, who included labor leaders and lawmakers.

Kowal, Magee and Rumore. Photo by Dennis Stierer.

"Is labor in the house?" Magee called as she stepped up to the microphone. A resounding "Yes!" roared back from the crowd.

"Our message is clear and it's unwavering," Magee said. "Our message is that every working person should earn a living wage that supports them and their family with dignity. We're proud to be here in Buffalo with its deep roots in labor. A hurt to one, sisters and brothers, is a hurt to all, and don't forget it. Our strength is in our solidarity."

• RELATED STORY: Rally draws diverse group of vocal unionists
• PHOTO GALLERY: International Workers Day Rally - Niagara Square, Buffalo

Rumore reminded the crowd that "we are at war."

"There's a movement right now to start taking over our public schools," he added. "To help our schools? No! To make some people rich? Yes."

Kowal received a strong round of applause when he modeled his black T-shirt emblazoned with the simple slogan: "Wrong" underneath the image of Governor Andrew Cuomo. The T-shirt is designed from a recent cover of UUP's membership magazine, The Voice. As Kowal turned so the crowd could see the T-shirt, a number of unionists shouted jibes about the governor.

"That's why we are here today, to tell the world, to tell the governor and his wealthy friends that he is wrong," Kowal said. "He must love being so wrong because he's so damned good at it. And not only will Andrew Cuomo be wrong, he will be gone."

The crowd picked up the chant: "Wrong and gone! Wrong and gone!"

People throughout the crowd carried red signs declaring, "International Workers Day: Demand Labor Respect!" Many others carried homemade signs, including one that read, "Cuomo — I rate you Ineffective" — a reference to the governor's unfair and vindictive stance on teacher evaluations.

Linda Steckmann-Dugan, a NYSUT delegate from the Buffalo Teachers Federation, said the rally's message of union solidarity and activism truly matters at a time when so many workers are struggling for fair pay.

"People who already have 98 percent of the wealth still want more," she said.

Photo by Andrew Watson.

Congratulations, Hilary Squier, META/LM Teacher of the Month

Homer Brink teacher, Hilary Squier is the March META/Liberty Mutual Teacher of the Month. 

Fellow META teacher Lynn Ross nominated Hilary for this honor because she is an inspiration, "I have witnessed over and over again how one person with energy, enthusiasm, and a beautifully kind soul can make the world a better place for many,” said Ross. “Hilary sees the potential in all of us. I find her moral compass inspiring.”

Hilary is an important co-director of the HB Morning Program. She uses her cheer, intuition, and determination to make many Morning Program initiatives successful, such as the Pajamas and Blankets program, the Veterans Day event, and Grandparents’ Tea.

Hilary also runs the HB talent show. She established the “Squier Choir,” a vocal performance group of over 50 children from HB and MM. Students have weekly lessons and perform for the community.

“The songs chosen and environment created by Mrs. Squier in her children’s choir are a shining example of how to effectively teach character education outside of the classroom,” said Ross. “For its members, the choir is a venue for building self-confidence and acceptance.”

Liberty Mutual representative David Harding presented Mrs. Squier with a gift certificate, and a certificate of recognition. Liberty Mutual will engrave her name on the plaque presented to the district. 

Clean out for a good cause!

Spring cleaning? Looking for a good time?
Donate gently used items 
(please no electronics, stuffed animals) to the
META Garage Sale

    Saturday, April 25th 

        8-9 set up      9-1 SALE      1-2 clean up

              High School Cafeteria

MS, HS teachers respond to grading policy

Middle School teachers and High School teachers respond to how the grading policy affects students, teaching and school climate.

Click here for the Middle School responses

Click here for the High School responses

Dr. Cashin (NYS Regent) comments on tests' tie to evaluations

STCaucus

“As a Regent of the State of New York, I cannot endorse the use of the current state tests for teacher/principal evaluation since that was not the purpose for which they were developed. It is axiomatic in the field of testing that tests should be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. They were designed to measure student performance, not teacher effectiveness. The American Statistical Association, the National Academy of Education, and the American Educational Research Association have cautioned that student tests should not be used to evaluate individual teachers. Nor should these tests be used for student growth measures until there is clear evidence that they are valid and reliable. The Board of Regents should commission an independent evaluation of these tests to verify their reliability and validity before they are used for high-stakes purposes for students, teachers, principals, and schools. How can we criticize people for opting out when the tests have not been verified? We need to cease and desist in the use of these tests until such time as we can be confident of their reliability and validity. If tests do meet those criteria, the tests must be released to teachers and to the public after they are given, in the spirit of transparency and accountability.” Dr. Kathleen Cashin

Principal made to overturn teacher rating

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php

Opting out

Get the facts about parents opting out of state testing:
www.nysut.org/factsheets

and read more about opting out for teachers here

Sunday benefit for Chenango Valley Schools

How far does Pearson's grasp reach?

What publishing, software, educational companies does Pearson own?

See their TIMELINE for info...caveat: facts become more vague as years regress

www.pearson.com

then, compare/contrast with Diane Ravitch's article about Pearson's influence

Roberson events for Spring

Photo: www.Roberson.org

Learn more about what Roberson 
Museum & Science Center has to offer -

Special Programs   
Calling all ARTISTS!   
Current and NEW exhibitions    
Easter Egg Hunt
Planetarium shows -- *school visits can be catered to meet CCSS and curricular needs

Mr. Graves, META-Liberty Mutual Teacher of the Month

High School Guidance Counselor, Laurie Wicks, nominated High School Special Education teacher Bob Graves for the award based on his enthusiasm and ability to motivate students. Wicks commented on Graves' care for the well-being of his students, academically and personally.

Graves serves as the High School drama and musical director.  He also helped establish the Seth McKitrick scholarship in honor of the former M-E student. 

Congratulations Mr. Graves!

Protect our Schools gathering successful

photo: Homer-Brink PTA Facebook page

Thank you to all of the students, parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators and supporters who gathered around the M-E Middle School this evening to show support for public education funding. With hands helds, we had enough support to circle the Middle School building! Thank you to members of the Vestal Teachers' Association, Binghamton Teachers' Association, and Chenango Valley Teachers' Association.

photo: Homer-Brink PTA Facebook page

Do NYS and Governor Cuomo owe M-E money?

Foundation Aid and GEA Aid total to more than $5 million!...click here to learn more

Upcoming Dates

META Rep Council meeting
       Monday, 3/9--HB Library 4 pm

 Protect Our Schools gathering
                                  Wed., 3/11 -- M-E Middle 5:30 pm

   Advocates for Public Education Community Forum                                          Binghamton West Middle School 6:30 pm

   Board of Education meeting 
                    Thur., 3/12  DO Staff Dev. Rm. 7 pm


Attend, listen, support, question, rally, advocate

Make ADVOCACY easy!

         Use NYSUT's Member Action Center (MAC) app to take action with a few clicks!
Enter your zip to contact local legislators and receive notifications of the most current actions.

Congratulations to Glenda Ward, December's META/Liberty Mutual Teacher of the Month

Glenda Ward, High School Special Education teacher, was recognized at a faculty meeting on Feb. 4 as the next META/LM Teacher of the Month.  Speech-language teacher, Kara Nunn, nominated Ms. Ward based on her ability to adapt her curriculum to student goals, her commitment to her students' well-being and her commitment to their overall development.

“She has developed a holistic learning environment rich in language, vocabulary, life skills and physical activity, “ said Nunn. “Her high ethical standards make each student reach for their highest potential.”

Ward also fosters a sense of community with her students as they develop their communication and life skills as helpers to the M-EALS program, their school’s recycling tasks and more, said Nunn.

Congratulations, Glenda! Thank you for all you do every day for your students and the community.

META and Liberty Mutual honor excellence in teaching within our district with the Teacher of the Month award. The award is given to a teacher who demonstrates the following leadership qualities: professionalism and excellence in and out of the classroom; commitment to the well-being of students; high ethical standards; and civic and charitable stewardship. Award winners are nominated by their peers. The awards are presented by Nick Greco from Liberty Mutual and the nominating META teacher.

Governor Cuomo's educational proposals...what's in store for you?

From Governor Cuomo's January 21, 2015 Opportunity Agenda:

Proposals #37-41: Strengthen teacher evaluations

Last year, less than one percent of teachers in New York State were rated ineffective, yet our students still lag behind in performance. We need a strong teacher evaluation system that can help school leaders recognize and reward outstanding teachers and identify those who need help to improve.

The Governor proposes changes to the teacher evaluation system to ensure that teachers are recognized and treated as professional people whose skills, strengths and weaknesses are not all interchangeable. To ensure that our teacher evaluation system is real, accurate and fair, Governor Cuomo proposes a series of reforms to simplify and standardize the system:

1. Instead of two student growth measures, we will eliminate the local measure. In the new system, fifty percent of the score will be based on state tests, or, in the case of teachers in non-tested grades or subjects, a student growth measure that measures one year of academic growth.
2. The remaining fifty percent of the score will be determined by rigorous observations of the educator in action; of this, thirty-five points will be determined by independent observations and fifteen points will be determined by supervisor observations.
3. The scoring bands currently used in the tallying of summative ratings vary across the State. Districts set their own cut offs and the 100 point scale encourages backing into a result. We will set the scoring bands for both the student growth measure and the observation portion of the score at the state level.
4. The law will also state that if a teacher is rated Ineffective in either portion of the score, he or she cannot receive a rating of Effective or Highly Effective.
5. We propose tenure to be only granted when a teacher achieves five consecutive years of effective ratings.

Proposal #42: Create a $20 million Teacher Excellence Fund to support top teachers

Governor Cuomo will launch a $20 million Teacher Excellence Fund that will encourage excellent teachers to continue to teach in the classrooms where they are needed the most. Highly effective teachers will be eligible for up to $20,000 in annual supplemental compensation through the Teacher Excellence Fund. Eligibility for the Fund will require agreement of both the school district and teachers’ union. Districts will be chosen to participate based on factors that include whether the incentives are designed to encourage highly effective teachers to work in struggling schools.

Improve and Reform our Education System

Proposal #43: Make it easier, fairer and faster to remove ineffective teachers from the classroom

The current teacher discipline and termination system, commonly known as 3020-a hearings, is broken. The hearings are costly and time-consuming for districts, and allow arbitrators to overrule administrators’ determinations of competency and of appropriate remedies. Administrators take on protracted battles that they may or may not win, at great cost to themselves and their school communities, in attempting to eliminate ineffective and incompetent educators in their buildings. The Governor proposes a series of reforms to 3020-a hearings to streamline the hearing process, shift the presumptions, and strengthen evidentiary standards, including:

1.  In the case of a teacher accused of physical or sexual abuse of a child, there will be an expedited hearing with a decision rendered within 60 days. We already have an expedited process for teachers deemed incompetent, but we must also have one for teachers accused of harming children. The teacher alleged to have engaged in abuse will be suspended without pay, pending the outcome of the hearing, and will receive retroactive pay if the hearing officer finds in his or her favor. In addition, a teacher convicted of a violent felony against a child will automatically have his or her teaching certificate revoked.
2.  The Governor proposes easing the legal burden on school districts seeking to remove a teacher that has been rated ineffective two years in a row. Under the new standard, such a teacher would only be able to rebut this strong evidence of incompetence by clear and convincing evidence that the calculation of one the ineffective ratings was fraudulent.
3.  Elimination of the current legal requirement that administrators must attempt to “rehabilitate” teachers who are incompetent or engage in misconduct.
4.  Removal of the requirement that children must testify in person and will allow them to testify via sworn written or video statements.
5.  A clarification to existing law that a non-tenured teacher may be dismissed at any time for any reason.
6.  New legislation that prevents a student from being assigned two ineffective teachers in consecutive school years.

Proposal #44: Implement the Massachusetts Model in New York to transform failing schools

Across New York State, more than 100,000 students are sitting in 178 “priority schools,” defined as schools that (i) are in the bottom 5 percent of schools statewide, based on combined ELA and math scores, and are not showing progress in test performance or (ii) have graduation rates that are below 60 percent for the last three years. 77 of these schools have been failing for nearly a decade and 27 have been in the lowest level of accountability status for nearly a decade. Estimates are that at least 250,000 students were enrolled in these 77 schools since they’ve been failing; the bottom 27 schools enrolled at least 64,000.

To ensure that the most chronically underperforming schools in the state improve at a faster rate, the Governor proposes legislation modeled after the Massachusetts education receivership model. When a school fails for three years, a nonprofit, another school district, or a turnaround expert must take over the school. That entity will have the authority to:

• Overhaul the curriculum.
• Override agreements to terminate underperforming staff.
• Provide salary incentives to recruit high-performing educators.
• Obtain priority over Pre-K, extended learning time, community schools, Early College High Schools, and other State grant programs.

Proposal #45: Give students in failing schools a preference

To provide students in failing schools with additional options in the short-term the Governor will create a preference in the charter school lottery for such students.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/2015-opportunity-agenda

Teacher voices

Reading through the Winter edition of American Educator magazine (okay and watching a LOT of football) and wanted to share some great points...

From the article about charter schools, "...students have a better chance of building deep knowledge and honing critical thinking skills in schools where teachers have voice and student bodies are integrated" (4-5) [emphasis mine]. Interesting article about the lack of unionization and teacher contracts in charter schools today versus Albert Shanker's original intent.

Why Teacher Voice Matters: "Schools in which teachers have more control over key schoolwide and classroom decisions have fewer problems with student misbehavior, show more collegiality and cooperation among teachers and administrators, have a more committed and engaged teaching staff, and do a better job of retaining their teachers" (6) [emphasis mine].

And if you have 8 minutes to spare, there is also a great article about the evolution of teacher librarians!

Image from page 32

Nominate a Founder's Day award winner

PTA Council is accepting nominations for the Founder’s Day Awards. The awards are given annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to the M-E children. Recipients can be teachers, staff members, students, administrators, parents and/or community members.

Submit nominations by Jan. 16, 2015, using this nomination form. Winners will be honored at the Founder's Day dinner in February.

For more information, contact Marie Hopko, mariehopko@stny.rr.com, 748-5131
or Cathy Porcari, cporcari@me.stier.org, 748-3170.