Issue 68725

Vol. 32, No.
THE VOICE OF THE DELAWARE STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
May/June 2012
INSIDE
Bates and Hoffmann scale heights for good cause

94 people rappelled 17 stories to raise $125,000 for Special Olympics Delaware
We celebrate our social justice heroes

Pages 6-7
School Board elections reveal need to investigate Big Money

Page 9
We salute Sandy Meredith, WJBRs Teacher of the Month

Page 18
im Bates and Mike Hoffmann, members of the Colonial Paras Assoc., joined 94 other crazy people who rappelled down the T.D. Bank Building in Wilmington in May, and paid to do it. Colonial Teacher Erin Chretien of the Leach School also faced this dizzying challenge. By each raising at least $1,000 for Special Olympics, they got a oncein-a-lifetime chance to do this. With them that day were family, friends and many of their special-needs students from the Colonial School District. Bates works at the Leach School in New Castle, and Hoffmann who is also the DSEA vice president is a special needs paraprofessional for the Adult Integration Program at the New Castle School.
Kim Bates has done lots of crazy things for Special Olympics Delaware but none as crazy as this: I felt that I needed to challenge myself to honor my students and my son, Justin, who are challenged every day. She adds that her students at Leach face many challenges every day I felt that I needed to challenge . myself to honor our students and my son, Justin. I truly believe in what Special Olympics does for kids, affirms Mike Hoffmann. Especially their program for athletics. Its first class. You cant imagine the benefit to kids until you see it for yourself, Hoffmann adds. Its all about working for our kids, our students. Last year our whole class attended this fund-raising event, and I said Id do it. Kim and I are pledged to do it next year, too. The event, called Over the Edge, is co-sponsored by TD Bank and Brandywine Realty Trust, and is also supported by Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Delaware and Sheraton Suites - Wilmington.
Rappelling 17 stories nothing like challenges students face every day

This fundraising event is tied to their work, of course, since Special Olympics Delaware helps their students and families directly Special . Olympics has been an important part all of our lives, especially for our son, Justin, says Bates. Not only has he developed sports skills, but he has developed independence, confidence and friendships.
Thats Mike Hoffmann on the right, rappelling down 17 stories in a successful fund-raising event for Special Olympics Delaware. He works with severely handicapped students at the New Castle School, some of whom were on hand to see him.
To see video and more photos, go to www.sode.org.
How the president sees it
One school year later

or the first year in forty years, I did not teach school. I still identify myself as a teacher. I could be ready at any minute to step into a classroom and take up the reins of teaching again. However, I sensed that my teaching career was behind me when I did not struggle with my colleagues to prepare final grades and progress reports last fall. It was always a challenge for me to pull together all of the scores and pertinent information in order to reach a single data point that fairly and clearly represented the academic progress of other peoples children. Its not as simple as it may seem from the outside. So, in one years time, what stands out for me?
Millennials deserve our attention

I was born in 1950. My views of public education are definitely old school. My four decades of experience leave me in a decidedly different place than my much younger colleagues. I am very interested in what our under-35 educators think and have to say I am dedicated to . reaching out, listening closely, and creating pathways for them to leadership. Was there a profound difference in perspectives back in the 70s? Did my senior colleagues do the same for me?
Some of the current vernacular makes me cringe

This includes: recruiting the best and brightest educators; failing schools; bad teachers. Dont get me wrong. Improvement is needed. In some cases, a total overhaul may be called for. However, we have allowed national rhetoric and ed reform to dominate the education conversation of Delaware for the past six to eight years. It has reached the point where too many people are convinced that the only good things happening in local community public schools are the snazzy, unique, innovative programs that attract Super Star attention. These deserve commendation and replication. Some of my best friends are Super Stars! However, you and I know that there are plenty of everyday good things to be recognized and appreciated. There is not one school in this entire state that does not have good thingseven great thingshappening for kids.
President Jenner reflects on what has stood out for her the most this year. Stay connected with her at www.does experiencecount.wordpress.com. Individual members pledge to support the group; all members of a group support each of the individual membersa simple and ancient creed. Its easy to become a group member. However, it requires something more essential to act, to take part, to contribute more to the group than a membership fee. The more engaged and active our membership becomes, in each of our locals, as well as in DSEA, the stronger and more effective each group will be. Every single contribution is worthwhile: every phone call, every gathering, every committee, every vote. It all adds up. It all counts.
Labor-management collaboration can be advantageous and worthwhile

However, it must be carefully managed: partners who are more or less equal; relationships that are not hierarchical; decisions which are built from the ground up, not handed down; shared interests as the primary focus; narrow agendas that are exposed; and everyone has the option to slow down or step back when need be. As colleagues have reminded me, the term collaboration has a negative connotation. While we may choose to collaborate, I never want DSEA to be seen as a collaborateurthink Vichy government, WWII France.
Union matters
Unus pro omnibus; omnes pro uno. One for all; all for one.
Great schools make great communities

Youd better believe it. This is the basis of a worthwhile DSEA campaign. I visit an unbridged island in Maine during the summer. Without its island school, this place would be doomed. The school is the life force of the community No school? . No families with children. No young families? No growth. I have recently heard several education leaders in this state reference school improvement in terms of STRONGER SCHOOLS. I like thisa lot. Language matters. This sounds more supportive, less disparaging, and still conveys the need to push ahead; to go from strong to stronger; to go from good to great. I love this DSEA job. I also love having the opportunity to share my observations with DSEA members. You might want to check out my blog. Ill continue to comment over the summer at www.doesexperi encecount.wordpress.com.
DSEA ACTION! (USPS 010111 ISSN 01995413) is the official publication of the Delaware State Education Association. ACTION! is mailed 7 times a year, (September, October, combined Nov/Dec issue, February, March/April, June and July) at DSEA headquarters located at 136 E. Water St., Dover, DE 19901. Telephone: 302-734-5834, or toll-free: 1-866-734-5834. Our Wilmington office may be reached by calling 302-366-8440. Subscriptions are included in membership: $2.32 a year for teachers and $1.19 a year for ESPs. Subscriptions are $5 per year to those ineligible for membership. Periodical postage paid at Dover, DE 19901. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DSEA ACTION!, 136 E. Water St., Dover, DE 19901.
President FREDERIKA JENNER Vice President MIKE HOFFMANN Treasurer KAREN CROUSE NEA Director MARY JO FAUST Exec. Director HOWARD WEINBERG Editor PAMELA T. NICHOLS Program Assistant SUSAN W. KELLER
Leading the way. . .
his month we salute Shirin Skovronski, a school counselor at Newark High School. She began in 1989 as a mathematics teacher. She is a building representative and Liaison Committee Chair in her building. Her union activities are too numerous to list here: If the union needs my support, she says, my executive board knows that all they have to do is ask me.
I believe that professionals should be involved in their professional organizations, so I am also an active member of DSCA (Delaware School Counselor Association).
What accomplishments as a leader are you the most proud of?

There are times that I have had to stand up to the administration in our district to protect the rights of my teachers, and I feel proud of that. We all believe that we do the best job that we can do, and we want this to be a better world. By showing such pride in our profession, we can help our communities understand that we did not choose this career because we hoped to make a lot of money, but because we saw the richness in the potential of our students.
Why are you so involved in the Association?

Our union is there to protect us only if we support one another in the union, so I make it a point to make union work a priority .
There is power in a union.
Frederika Jenner President [email protected]
2 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION!
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Whats hot
Kook is an AgriScience teacher at Newark High School in the Christina School District, a position she has held for 11 years. She is a building representative for CEA there; has attended several DSEA Rep. Assemblies as a CEA delegate; attended two NEA leadership conferences; and plans to attend the NEA Representative Assembly this summer in Washington, D.C. She is also currently the communications chair for her local, a position she has held since 2008. To see a list of DSEA Exec. Board members, local officers and DSEA staff, check out www.dsea.org/ AboutDSEA/WhosWho.html. To see Whos Who at DSEA leaders and staff - use your Smart Phone to take a photo of this QR Code.
Gary Zoll, president of the Seaford Education Association and a social studies teacher at the high school, made the grant application as assistant coach of the team. To the left is Artie Uhlrich, athletic director. To the far right is Amy Grosso, regional supervisor for California Casualty.
Jackie Kook, an agriscience teacher at Newark High, is Communications Chair for Christina E.A.
Laurel and Seaford High Schools win $1,000 grants for budget-strapped athletic programs
Christina teacher joins DSEA Exec. Board
hese high schools have received grants to boost their athletics programs, thanks to the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant initiative. They join 57 other high schools from across the country sharing a $75,000 grants pool for struggling athletics programs. Laurel High School, which has no budget for sports this year, will use its grants to help purchase jerseys for its girls softball team. Jodi Green, a teacher at No. Laurel Elementary School and the teams coach, was awarded the grant by a representative of California Casualty at the schools athletics banquet June 5. Similarly, Seaford Senior High School has witnessed severe budget cuts to its sports programs. With a 75 percent poverty rate, most Seaford student athletes arent able
to purchase uniforms or equipment on their own. The school will use its grant to purchase new girdles and practice pants for the football program. DSEA has endorsed NEAs A Plus Auto and Home Insurance program. It is issued by California Casualty Insurance Company which serves over 100 educator and public safety associations in over 30 states. Casualty is a 98-year-old company providing auto and home insurance products, and others, to educators, law enforcement officers, fire fighters and nurses in 44 states. To speak with an insurance counselor, call toll-free 1-877-776-1043 or 1-800-964-3903 ext. 5989, or visit their website. Learn more at www. calcas.com.
e welcome Jackie Hilderbrand Kook (pronounced cook) to the DSEA Exec. Board, serving out a term which expires August 31, 2013. (DSEA Exec. Board terms are normally two years in length.)
DSEA honored with communications awards

This publication, DSEA ACTION!, was recognized by the Delaware Press Association, as was one of our radio ads
Summer hours begin week of June 11
n its annual communications contest, the Delaware Press Association awarded DSEA Dir. of Communications Pam Nichols with two first place awards for writing for Editorial and Continuous Coverage; a second place in Photography/PhotographerWriter; a third place for writing for news reporting; and in Radio/TV Advertising, she received an Honorable Mention for a radio spot called
Partnerships, which airs on WJBR 99.5 FM about DSEAs sponsorship of their Teacher of the Month recognition program. The first place award entries go on to compete in the national contest sponsored by the National Federation of Press Women this fall.
oth DSEA offices will be closed on Fridays beginning Friday, June 15 through Friday, August 10. So, if you want to purchase discount movie theatre tickets, you can do so at either office, Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4:30pm.
H
Congratulations to Susan Hoffmann, Delaware School Nurse of the Year 2013
Fan us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/dseafan

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offmanns selection was just announced. In addition to her many accomplishments, she has been an Association Rep. at Simpson E.S. in Caesar Rodney . She and Peggy McKibbon of Postlethwait M.S. received a $5,000 grant from the NEA Foundation in 2009 to allow all Delaware school nurses to receive the most current training in diabetes management for school-age children.
May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION! 3
Meet Mark Murphy, new Secretary of Education

Crouse (Lake Forest), David Davis (Christina), David Wright (Appoquinimink), Vicky Seifred (Red Clay), and Dawn Dehel (Milford). From a different generation (Generation X) than the majority of Delawares teachers who are Baby Boomers, Murphy like many in his generation has not stayed in any one position very long. Always in education, his tenure as a teacher, principal, and professional development leader makes his resume look short. Everyone agrees hes smart. But does he have the experience to tackle the challenges ahead? He has no upper management experience, and only two years of classroom experience. Will he find the right people who can support his vision, while filling in the blanks where needed with experience and expertise?
Mark Murphy understands the power of the educator: The most powerful growth of children happens with the professional growth of the adults. We need to tap into your experience and knowledge. Thats the only way to improve schools.
Mark Murphy squares off with local leaders

So far, so good. But is what you see, what you get? How hard will it be to overcome his limited experience?
ollowing a recent conversation, local Association leaders were pleased with what the incoming Sec. of Education Mark Murphy was saying, his answers and responses to their questions and concerns. Though his comments were somewhat general, they did reveal insights into his values and what he believes about teaching, learning, the profession, testing, accountability, and the public school system as a whole. DSEA arranged with Jennifer Ranji, the Governors education advisor, for Mark Murphy, age 36, to meet with a few local Association officers and some DSEA staff the day before his Senate confirmation. President Jenner invited officers and three E.A. presidents from each county Attending were: Karen .
Its critical to value the people

During the conversation, it become evident right away that his passion is in developing and supporting strong school leaders, understanding that the positive operation of a school depends on the leaders. He also values the expertise of educators: He has a history of
Vicky Seifred, a social studies teacher at H.B. duPont Middle School in Red Clay and member of the DSEA Exec. Board, expresses the frustration many feel today that every decision comes from above, with no respect for the professionals in the classroom. Nothing positive will happen, Murphy says, without shared understanding and ownership of what we are trying to achieve together. We need to build a process that taps into the wisdom of all of you. When people have a chance to reclaim their school, and really own it, you can shift cultures and have great success, he adds. Its what I call a constructionist approach building it together. DSEA President Frederika Jenner expressed her desire that the profession develop teacher leaders who dont have to leave the classroom. Murphy talked about creating some kind of career ladder
We must help our country uphold teaching as a profession that is respected, lifted up and inspiring to young people.
using their knowledge and experience so that, as a group, they find solutions for their schools. Referring to his work with the Vision Network Schools in Delaware, he says, Its never about my ideas, its about theirs, which, he adds, is the only way to be successful in helping improve a school. Along the way he has worked in a residential treatment center, and experienced various school cultures, so he appreciates the complexities and challenges and the power of teachers. Thats when he also learned the importance of the principals role. that would honor and reward master teachers. When Jenner mentioned that leaders dont emerge because of extra incentive dollars but rather from intrinsic rewards, Murphy agreed: Adults are motivated by autonomy, mastery and sense of purpose, he said.
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Young, bold, ready to act Mark Murphys Vitae
Milford E.A. Co-President Dawn Dehel talks to Murphy about the fall-out of highstakes testing: that students are valued as just test numbers; the pressure to narrow the curriculum so that other subjects, and therefore student growth suffer; and building staff more divided instead of united to work together.
Teaching time vs. testing time

Murphy acknowledged that in his work with the 26 Network schools, he hears that everyone, including principals, is struggling with overtesting, burdensome paperwork and capacity issues in general. We need a structure to evaluate the quality and usefulness of what we do to lead to a better system to improve student achievement. Initiatives, he adds, dont have to go on forever. As for testing, he said, I value growth, not labels. Society is forgetting, added Dawn Dehel of Milford, that students are more than numbers. We have a hyperfocus on the test.
Teaching must once again be inspiring to young people

He acknowledged that he hasnt been involved with DPASII, but did say that at the core of the role of the teacher is the development of the talents of students, both hard and soft skills, to help them be ready for college and/or the workplace. Im committed to figuring out the how- how to embed student achievement into DPASII.
Red Clays Vicky Seifred brought up the subject of the diminishment of the teaching profession, to which the other DSEA leaders agreed. Murphy was quick to say that he and other leaders must help our country uphold teaching as a profession that is honorable, respected, lifted up and inspiring to young people. This is critical to the future of teaching. What does teaching look like to high school students today? We have to work hard to change that image. We need to build the respect for the skills necessary to be a great teacher: curriculum, pedagogy and leadership. He added that his interest in career ladders comes from the notion that teachers should be rewarded with additional challenges and honored for their results. High school students thinking about careers dont see that when they think of teaching. Milfords Dawn Dehel added what many believe: that high-stakes testing narrows the curriculum and divides school staffs. NonDCAS teachers think they are no longer important; and DCAS teachers think the weight of the world is on their shoulders. It affects the morale and cohesiveness of the
uring the last two years he has been executive director of the Vision Network, which are the 26 Vision 2015 schools. In that capacity, he worked regularly with them to build teacher capacity and improve student performance. Under his guidance the staff in this network of schools also talked to each other, and designed and implemented workshops together. He also worked this year with the Department of Education and staff and leaders throughout the State to implement the States Common Core standards initiative, facilitating a group of people from the districts and DSEA to make recommendations about that work to the Sec. of Education. Murphy began his career in the classroom, as a teacher for three years at a high-poverty Title I school in Maryland, where he served on the leadership teams that guided the school to Blue Ribbon Status and National Title I Distinguished School status. He taught physical education, third grade and special education. He then served as an assistant principal for two years at an elementary school before becoming
principal of George Washington, a position he held for four years. Murphy then was asked to be executive director of Leadership Development at New Leaders for New Schools, a national non-profit. He worked there for two years, redesigning their training for principals. He also trained over 500 school leaders and staff, working with approximately 100 schools, and three large urban districts. He has a bachelor of science degree in physical education from the State University of New York and a master of education degree in School Leadership from the College of Notre Dame in Maryland. He lives in Wilmington with his wife, son and daughter. Both son and daughter attend Red Clay schools: Highlands E.S. and the Conrad Schools of Science, which is a magnet high school.
staff. Which is the reverse of what we want in schools. Murphy agreed, Narrowing the curriculum is not a long-term plan for success. David Davis, a teacher at Newark High School and president of the Christina E.A., told Murphy, Were the whipping boys for the ills of society He asked Murphy about . his thoughts on charter schools, given the problems some districts have had because of skimming, lack of diversity, and re-segregation in some charter schools. Murphy was clear that we need to look at charters and their role, including how they are authorized, supported, launched, and renewed. And, we need to build a system of schools where every child goes to a great school, Murphy said. Thats a deep value of mine.
Our rhetoric matters

The conversation ended with an interesting twist: when agreeing that he wants to continue collaborating with DSEA leaders and members, Murphy harkened back to the discussion about recreating the profession. The way we communicate, he said, is very important, what and how as well as the rhetoric. From the words we use to the way we behave, we need to pay attention to all of it, to how we formulate messages, making sure they are backed up by clear goals and values which are reflected in how we go about our work.
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We are one. We are many.
We celebrate our heroes, past, present and future
This years Human and Civil Rights Awardees are the Rev. John G. Moore, Sr. , who spends countless hours in schools giving students hope and inspiration with his story; and Jessie Chen, a reading specialist at Lombardy E.S. in Brandywine and hero in the Chinese-American community. They all had dreams and so do We was conceived by students at the Kent Community School and tied for third place in the Grades 9-12 Art Contest.
e remembered giants like Louis Redding and Littleton Mitchell. We remembered all those people that DSEA has honored over the past 27 years, some who are legends, like Sen. Herman Holloway, Sr., and others - just as important - whose names may be unfamiliar, like our own Amy Reed, Norman Poole and Joel Glazier, who are heroes nonetheless. This year, under the direction of its Human and Civil Rights Task Force, DSEA honored two people as recipients of DSEAs Human and Civil Rights Award for a lifetime of work helping people achieve their potential: The Rev. John G. Moore, Sr. of Dover, sr. vice president of the United Way and youth pastor at Cavalry Baptist Church, and Jessie Chen, a reading specialist at Lombardy Elementary School in Brandywine. John Moore is vice president of Resource Development and Strategic Partnerships for the United Way of Delaware. He is also senior youth pastor at the Cavalry Baptist Church in Dover. By telling the story of his own path from poverty, he has helped hundreds of young people find hope in their often desperate lives. Moore often does several assemblies in a day in schools, detention centers and pris-
ons. He is also sought-after to deliver Martin Luther King, Jr. speeches, also to remember this American icon. He has devoted his lifes work to telling his story where there is even one person who believes there is no path forward. Like Martin Luther King, Jr., he tries to inspire hope in people who feel hopeless. Jessie Chen was nominated by the Delaware Chinese American Association for her selfless volunteer work helping Chinese and Chinese-American families with school-related questions and issues. She gives seminars to newly-immigrated families to explain school policies, rules, how to become involved, and the importance of voting in school board elections and referenda. She also translates for families during school conferences, and described as a hero in the Chinese-American community . In addition to family and friends, on hand to honor these giants and our talented students were several dignitaries: Gov. Jack Markell, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, State Auditor Tom Wagner, Carleton E. Carey, Sr., mayor of Dover and Denise Mayles from the Insurance Commissioners Office. Also present were several school principals, Merv Dougherty, superintendent of Red Clay, and Matt Burrows, superintendent of the Appoquinimink School District.
Emma Polite, a 9th grader at Lake Forest H.S., placed second in the High School division of the Art Contest with this pen and ink drawing of Martin Luther King, Jr. embracing the Washington Monument.
Gov. Jack Markell stops by for a few minutes to congratulate Jessie Chen and John Moore, and to admire the student artwork on display.
Carleton Carey, major of Dover, who came to honor his friend John Moore, meets DSEA President Frederika Jenner.
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Human and Civil Rights Awards
Computer Graphics Winners

Students submitted original Powerpoint presentations on the topic, We are one. We are many.
Computer Graphic Art 1st Place, 9-12 Melody Lugo Grade 12, Lake Forest H.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Amy Reed
Computer Graphic Art 2nd Place, K-4 Jasmine Whitley Grade 2, Lake Forest North E.S. Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Pablo Reyes, Jr.
Computer Graphic Art 3rd Place, K-4 Elexis Moore and Paige Dutton Grade 3, Lake Forest North E.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Pablo Reyes, Jr. Awarding the plaques is HCR Banquet and Contest Chair Denise Waples, a teacher at Banneker E.S. in Milford.
Computer Graphic Art 3rd Place, 9-12 Antwone Johnson Grade 12, Lake Forest H.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Amy Reed Computer Graphic Art 1st Place, K-4 Thurgood Marshall Classroom 25 Grade 2, Thurgood Marshall E.S., Christina Teacher/advisor: Claudia Martin
Computer Graphic Art 2nd Place, 9-12 Courtney Pierce Grade 12, Lake Forest H.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Amy Reed
Computer Graphic Art 1st Place, 5-8 Jessica Savage Grade 6, Seaford M.S., Seaford Teacher/advisor: Beth Kopicki
Human & Civil Rights Celebration Task Force

Denise Waples, chair, Milford Education Assoc. Beth Kopicki, Seaford Education Assoc. Joyce Morton-Elzie, Capital Educators Assoc. Maria Ruffin, Capital Paraprofessionals Assoc. Geraldine Thomas, Capital Paraprofessional Assoc. Jocelynne Jones, DSEA Staff Liaison Carol Zeisler, DSEA Program Assistant
The Milford High School Jazz Band plays great swing music during the reception.
Computer Graphic Art 2nd Place, 5-8 Janeise Drayton Grade 8, Seaford M.S., Seaford Teacher/advisor: Beth Kopicki
Unable to attend was Matthew Cook, a 6th grader at Seaford Middle School (teacher Beth Kopicki), whose entry placed third in the Computer Graphics Contest, grades 5-8.
To see and print out more photos, go to www.flickr.com/photos/dsea.

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Art and Writing Contest Winners
Art 1st Place, 5-8 Kyle Spillane Grade 6, Chipman M.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Amy Reed
Writing 3rd place, 5-8 Advaitha Anne Grade 7, Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Red Clay Teacher/advisor: Margaret Donohoe
Writing 2nd place, 5-8 Chris-Tina Collins Grade 8, A.I. duPont M.S., Red Clay Teacher/advisor: Phyllis Horisk
Art 3rd Place, K-4 Ashlyn Calvello Grade 3, Lake Forest North E.S. Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Todd Weller
Claudia Martins second grade class at Thurgood Marshall E.S. in Christina won 1st prize in both the K-4 art and computer graphics contests.
Art 3rd Place (Tie), 9-12 Kent County Community School/DHS Grades 9-11 Teacher/advisor: Kevin Lain/April Bracy Representing the class are (left) Triston Webb and Ashley Berry.
Writing 3rd Place, 9-12 Aaron Schilling Grade 11, John Dickinson H.S., Red Clay Teacher/advisor: Kristin Zerbe Art 1st Place, 9-12 Eralease Davila Grade 9, Lake Forest H.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Amy Reed
Writing 1st place, 5-8 Rachel Looney Grade 8, A.I. duPont M.S., Red Clay Teacher/advisor: Phyllis Horisk
Writing 1st Place, 9-12 Britney Fontes Grade 11, John Dickinson H.S., Red Clay Teacher/advisor: Kristin Zerbe Art 3rd Place (Tie), 9-12 Megan Kelly Grade 9, Middletown H.S., Appoquinimink Teacher/advisor: Brian Miller Art 2nd place, K-4 Weston Williams Grade 1, Lake Forest East E.S. Teacher/advisor: Deborah Pope
Art 2nd Place, 9-12 Emma Polite Grade 9, Lake Forest H.S., Lake Forest Teacher/advisor: Amy Reed
Writing 2nd Place, 9-12 Kennesia Lloyd Grade 11, John Dickinson H.S., Red Clay Teacher/advisor: Kristin Zerbe Zerbe has had winners every year since the contest began 14 years ago.
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Our community interest
Building relationships with legislators
t DSEAs Annual Legislative Reception, local association leaders take advantage of an opportunity to talk one-on-one with many legislators. This years event, held at Dover Downs, attracted 27 legislators, plus State Treasurer Chip Flowers and State Auditor Tom Wagner; 34 DSEA members; and 11 other lobbyists, including members of the Coalition of State Workers United for a Better Delaware.
Discussing teacher and student accountability, specifically the problems with the student testing system, are (from left) Jim Testerman (DSEA-Retired), Rep. Joe Miro, Mike Matthews (Red Clay E.A.), and Shirin Skovronski (Christina E.A.).
Rep. Stephanie Bolden and Christina Para Albert Deschamps know each other from when they both worked in the same schools in Christina.
Connecting the dots between corporate business and education reform groups
When you start looking under all the proverbial stones, connections emerge.
Newark Charter School applying for a waiver to be able to double its size, build a new 1200-student high school, and threaten the viability of Newark H.S. since its students come solely from that same feeder pattern/geographic area. Following the uproar from both sides of this issue - by the Newark community, House Education Comm. Chair Terry Schooley calls for a hearing on charter schools no specific bills so that the public could come and let the legislators know their opinions about charter schools. School board elections, where candidate mailings that came from a business-related entity a 501(c)(4) social purpose organization Voices 4 Delaware Education Action Fund, Inc. founded by people with ties to the Wilmington corporate business community, which took advantage of a legal loophole and did not disclose to voters its funding sources and list of expenditures to voters. We protested the mailings, as did Rep. John Kowalko (D-Newark), protested these mailings and phone calls to the Dept. of Elections.
erhaps it was the perfect storm:
At about the same time, Speaker of the House Bob Gilligan (DSherwood Park) and Senate President Anthony DeLuca (DNewark) introduced a bill, House Bill 300, closing that loophole and requiring in all future elections that expenditures by groups such as Voices be filed in a timely manner.
More dots to connect

There also was a request for generous donations from the 1,000 audience members at the State Chamber of Commerce dinner in early January during a keynote speech by Skip Schoenhals, former CEO of WSFS and former head of Vision 2015 (funded in large part by the Rodel Foundation). He urged them to get involved in school board races and elect strong new members. This speech was given major space that same week on the editorial page of the News Journal. Following in April was a fundraising appeal from Schoenhals via an e-mail to hundreds of his colleagues and State Chamber members. Their contributions were urged for specific candidates whose names and addresses were provided, people who deserved their support in each of four races (in Red Clay, Christina, Appoquinimink, and Indian River School Districts). There was no indication of where candidates
stood on issues or if all candidates had been interviewed. Just give, and give generously . In fact, the candidates he was endorsing were not the ones our interview committees had chosen except in Indian River. We do know that the candidates credentials include: important positions in the Republican Party; involvement with Vision 2015; graduates of private schools; or children in charter schools. In early April Red Clay residents were called with a push poll. This is polling where questions are phrased in such a way as to change your mind. If you said you worked in a public school, by the way, the pollster hung up. And then a few days before the school board elections, there were live Get-Out-The-Vote calls, not from the candidates volunteers, but from a professional call center outside of Delaware. Meanwhile, Voices 4 Delaware Education Action Fund, Inc., had amassed sufficient anonymously contributed money to support three of the four same candidates (not the candidate in Indian River) mentioned in the Schoenhals fundraising letter with: Push Polling whereby voters are called and read negative messages about the candidates against whom the Voices candidates were
running while trying to make the respondent think that it is a legitimate public opinion call. Numerous direct mail pieces that portrayed the preferred candidates of Voices as supportive of school choice and other reform ideas. Live phone calls urging voters to get out and support the Voices candidate in the five days prior to the election. In contrast, when DSEAs PAC mails to voters, it always indicates the name of our PAC and its treasurer, and files the spending report with the Dept. of Elections, within 24 hours after making the expenditure. There is nothing in current Delaware Code requiring this timely filing, but DSEA decided over five years ago to comport itself in such a transparent manner.
Voices still silent

Meanwhile, in the month since the school board elections and despite calls for transparency, the Voices organizations have remained silent: No one knows who contributed to either of the two Voices organizations, nor the amounts of their contributions. No one knows the vendors to which Voices paid for its campaign activities nor the amount that was spent with each of them.
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Teacher Accountability - DPAS II-Revised
Component 5: more details decided for this year

Recently incoming Sec. of Education Mark Murphy and outgoing Sec. of Education Lillian Lowery e-mailed news about how Component 5 of the evaluation system will be implemented this current 2011-2012 school year.
which will then be the student target. Growth designations for Students with Disabilities (SWD) and English Language Learners will be calculated separately, in the same way, so that these students growth rates will be based on comparable students. This gets clearer when you look at the chart on page 11. Using the growth targets, you will be able to see if your students met those targets by comparing their final spring score with the target score.
For non-DCAS educators, no Component 5 this year

or this school year, 20112012, summative ratings for non-DCAS educators will be determined without the use of Component 5. Using Components 1-4 only, then, summative ratings will be determined as follows: 0 to 1 satisfactory components = Ineffective summative rating 2 satisfactory components = Needs Improvement summative rating 3 or 4 satisfactory components = Effective summative rating
How many students need to make their growth targets for me to be Highly Effective?
If 65% of a teachers students meet their growth targets for this year, that teacher will receive a Component 5 rating of Exceeds and a summative rating of Highly Effective if at least three of Components 1-4 are all Effective. And, as mentioned above, a subset of those educators may be eligible for a $10,000 retention incentive next year. If less than 65% of a teachers students meet their growth targets for this year, their Summative Rating for this year will only be based on Components 1-4.
he biggest new information was about how the rating will be calculated for the states approximately 3,000 DCAS teachers (grades 3-10, English Language Arts and/or Mathematics):
What about students with poor attendance?

As currently exists in statute, students with more than a 15% absentee rate will not be included in teacher performance calculations.
Only DCAS teachers will receive Component 5 data for this year
Only if this data, combined with the results of their Components 1-4, show sufficient growth will these teachers then be eligible for a Highly Effective summative rating for this year. A subset of these teachers will be eligible for a $10,000 retention payment next year. See related story on next page.
What if my data doesnt look right?

This is a legitimate concern. There must be a way in future years for teachers to appeal the results. In addition, as we know too well, adverse testing conditions and noncommittal students for whom the test has no value are a problem when youre tying their results to a high-stakes accountability system for educators.
Component V Overview Teacher Name: Mrs. Smith Grade: 6 Subject: ELA
70%
Summative Rating Based on Components I-IV: Effective Component V Rating: Exceeds Summative Rating Including Component V: Highly Effective The Component V rating is based on student performance on DCAS only, during this pilot year. Note that only DCAS subject teachers are eligible for the Highly Effective summative rating during the 2011-12 school year.
For DCAS educators, whats enough student growth?

Only teachers of DCAS-tested subjects will receive Component 5 data for this year (similar to the chart here), based on all of their students performance on DCAS (not just a cohort, as was proposed earlier). DoE expects this data to be available to teachers by July 31 via the Identity Management System (IMS). To determine what the student growth targets will be, DoE will average the growth from last years scores (2010-2011) and this years scores (2011-2012) for each grade and subject. They will do this for every student who took the tests. They will use those growth scores to calculate the average growth,
Detail:
What if I teach both English Language Arts and Mathematics? Which scores do I use?
Both. You cant choose one or the other, as had been proposed earlier this year. If you have 25 students for each test for example, then you will use all 50 spring scores to calculate whether or not at least 65% of those students met their growth targets. See chart on page 11.
Student ID
SWD Status
ELL Status
Subject
Fall Score (Actual) 390 432 518 553 579 604 670 707 754 833
Spring Score (Target)* 470 507 581 612 634 656 713 745 786 854
1 No No ELA 2 No No ELA 3 No No ELA 4 Yes No ELA 5 No Yes ELA 6 No No ELA 7 Yes No ELA 8 Yes No ELA 9 No No ELA 10 No Yes ELA Total Number of Targets Met Total Number of Targets Percent of Student Growth Targets Met
Spring Score (Actual) 480 535 524 660 500 680 740 760 730 890
Target Met
MET MET NOT MET MET NOT MET MET MET MET NOT MET MET 7 10 70%
*Based on the average growth made by students over two years of DCAS (2010-11 and 2011-12), who had the same fall DCAS score, the same SWD or ELL designation (SWD, ELL, or non-SWD/ELL), and were in the same grade and subject.
The Dept. of Education plans to send out a further update on Component 5 for 2011-12 by June 30.
Sample data for class where 70% of ELA students meet their growth targets
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Teacher Accountability - DPAS II-Revised
What about next year?

The DoE plan still calls for all educator summative ratings to be based on Components 1-5 beginning next year.
or teachers in DCAS-tested subjects, DCAS will account for 50% of Component 5 (20% of overall rating, though Component 5 is still the determining factor for a rating of Highly Effective). For all others, Component 5 will be based on multiple measures of student growth and/or performance indicators. Details about how Component 5 ratings will be calculated next year, given the addition of multiple measures and performance indicators, will be developed over the summer. This information will be made available to all educators by July 31.
Sample data for class where 20% of ELA and Math students meet their growth targets
Component V Overview Teacher Name: Mr. Thomas Grade: 4 Subject: ELA & Math
year above grade level and one year below grade level. Students that excel two years above their grade level, and students who make much progress, but are still two grades below, will not show progress. This problem can only be solved with more test items, which means more money Given this limitation, whom . a teacher gets in his/her classroom does really matter. This also begs the question: If we cant afford a student testing system that will reliably assess student progress, then why do it? Several schools experienced serious technical issues in administering the test. In addition, many schools had to delay their administration. Educators report students who blow off the test, filling in any answer, since its results mean nothing to them and are not tied to grades or graduation. How can you hold a teacher accountable for those results? The new student tests currently being developed by the Work Groups for other academic subjects beyond Reading and Mathematics (multiple measures) are just that, tests. We need project-based assessments as well to reflect how teachers teach and students learn in todays classrooms. In addition, these multiple measure tests are not computer-adap-
20%
Summative Rating Based on Components I-IV: Effective
Detail:
Student ID SWD Status ELL Status Subject Fall Score (Actual) 572 578 607 616 639 662 670 678 710 718 671 674 677 685 693 720 722 727 750 779 Spring Score (Target)* 640 644 667 674 692 708 716 722 747 754 730 733 736 744 751 778 780 785 808 836 Spring Score (Actual) 562 594 625 700 653 581 672 688 698 769 673 804 552 693 678 764 703 793 746 801 Target Met
But is DCAS valid, reliable?

Using the student DCAS tests for educator accountability assumes that the test results are reliable, tied to curricula, and reflect student progress, and are, therefore, valid. Thats a difficult assumption to accept, given that: The floor and ceiling issue is not resolved. What was promised was a DCAS system that would show progress for all students. DCAS, however, only allows for one
1 No No ELA 2 No No ELA 3 No No ELA 4 No No ELA 5 No No ELA 6 No Yes ELA 7 No No ELA 8 No No ELA 9 No No ELA 10 No No ELA 1 No No Math 2 No No Math 3 Yes No Math 4 No No Math 5 No No Math 6 Yes No Math 7 No No Math 8 No No Math 9 No Yes Math 10 No No Math Total Number of Targets Met Total Number of Targets Percent of Student Growth Targets Met
NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET MET NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET MET NOT MET MET NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET NOT MET MET NOT MET NOT MET 4 20 20%
*Based on the average growth made by students over the first two years of DCAS (2010-11 and 2011-12), who had the same fall DCAS score, the same SWD or ELL designation (SWD, ELL, or non-SWD/ELL), and were in the same grade and subject.
tive, so that a growth score will not be able to be determined! DSEA leadership and staff continue to meet often to discuss these issues, ask these questions, and are hopeful they can be resolved. Another wrinkle, of course, is
that the Common Core curricula for English Language Arts and Mathematics are to be integrated into Delawares K-12 curricula beginning in 2014 when a new student testing system is to be implemented at the same time!
Schools eligible for retention incentives announced but given option not to participate
On May 11 the Delaware Delaware Department of Education announced 30 schools whose educators may be eligible to participate in the states $10,000 retention initiative.
istrict and charter school leadership have been asked to decide if their eligible buildings will participate. If they opt to do so, highly-effective principals, assistant principals and teachers would be eligible for a financial incentive of $10,000, funded by part of the states federal Race to the Top grant. Selected educators must commit to remain in their respective schools for at least two additional years as part of the program. The financial reward will be linked to that commitment. The eligible schools are: Brandywine School Districts Harlan Elementary Christinas Bancroft, ElbertPalmer, Oberle, Pulaski and Stubbs elementary schools; Bayard Middle; and Glasgow High. Capitals Dover High Indian Rivers John Clayton Elementary Red Clays Highlands, Lewis Dual Language, Marbrook, Mote, Shortlidge and Warner elementary schools; and Stanton and A.I. duPont middle schools. New Castle County Vo-Techs Howard High School of Technology Laurels Laurel Middle School. Seafords West Seaford Elementary Charter schools: Academy of Dover, Delaware College Prepatory, EastSide, Edison, Family Foundations, Kuumba, Moyer, Positive Outcomes and Prestige Academy . Schools appearance in the Top 15 on at least two of the following three statewide categories, excluding Partnership Zone schools: highest percentages of minority students, highest percentages of students on free- and reducedprice lunches, and highest percentages of English language learners. A school with 85 percent of students in any one of those three categories that has not already been selected. The names of the school districts choosing to participate had not been released at press time.
How were schools chosen?

The Delaware Department of Education chose schools, with more than 100 students and DCAS-tested grade levels, based upon: A schools inclusion in the states Partnership Zone
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Celebrating leadership
We honor our champions, partners, leaders

For photos, go to www.flickr.com/ photos/dsea.
ach year, we hold a Celebration of Leadership Dinner the evening before the Representative Assembly It . gives Rep. Assembly delegates a chance to reflect on the core values of the Association and all of the people whose lives are a testament to those important values. Approximately 200 people attended this years Celebration Dinner at Dover Downs Conference Center including U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper, who came for the reception; Lt. Gov. Matt Denn; State Auditor Tom Wagner; State Rep. Michael Barbieri, Earl Jaques, John Kowalko, State Sen. Dave Sokola and Brian Bushweller; State Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin-Stewart; Deputy Sec. of Education Dan Cruce; and DSEA Past-President Diane Donohue. We give special thanks to: Kades Margolis Corporation for sponsoring the welcome reception; Diana Ware, retired member for providing piano music during the reception; and The Stecher Financial Group for sponsoring the after-dinner social and dance.
Kim Bates (right), vice president of the Colonial Paras Assoc., has the honor of presenting the DSEA ESP of the Year Award to her friend and colleague, Joan Robinson.
Joan Robinson Education Support Person of the Year
oan Robinson is a Highly Qualified unique alternative paraprofessional at the John G. Leach School in the Colonial School District. This school serves students residing in New Castle County, ages 3-21, who have physical disabilities, moderate to severe mental retardation, or serious health impairments. Joan currently works in the upper-school classroom, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of her students, as well as helping
them achieve the goals in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). She is currently secretary of the Colonial Paraprofessional Association, and is an active leader. She has been involved with several fundraising events for her school (clothing, food and shoe drives, American Cancer Society), helping to demonstrate to the community how capable Leach students can be with adaptive devices and assistance from the Leach staff.
The Honorable Christopher A. Coons U.S. Senator

ince his election in 2010, U.S. Senator Coons has been devoted to the progress of public education and social justice. Sen. Coons told the group that the reauthorization of the federal education act, ESEA (nicknamed No Child Left Behind) has come to a screeching halt, for many reasons. I keep reminding myself that I work for you, in a state that is functioning, that believes in collective bargaining. He said he tries to focus on how best to sustain an appropriate federal role in education. On hand were many generous vendors and organizations providing information and give-aways to delegates and their guests.
American Cancer Society AXA Advisors BJ's Wholesale Club Christy Shaffer Delaware Staff Organization DECET/Thinkfinity Delmarva Shorebirds Drexel University DSEA-Retired Educators Source HCR & EMAC TF
Rosemary Aument, Colonial Para (right), presents DSEAs Community Partner Award to Bev and Dave Gregino who help Colonial students learn to become self-reliant, productive workers.
Bev and Dave Gregino Owners of the Texas Roadhouse New Castle Community Partner Award
or the past six years, Bev and Dave Gregino have been welcoming the students of William Penn High Schools Adult Integration Program into their Texas Roadhouse restaurant. The students of the Adult Integration program range from 1821 years of age and are living with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. The Greginos help the students become independent individuals by allowing them to learn job skills that they can use after they leave public education.
The Greginos teach basic employment and social skills while simultaneously inspiring confidence in the students. They take their commitment to the community very seriously and live up to their reputation as a family restaurant. Four years ago they hired a student who had begun working there as part of the Adult Integration Program. He is now a full-time employee.
The challenges you face I carry with me every day, Chris Coons tells attendees. As I work with members on the Senate Budget Comm., I think, how will this affect your ability to move the next generation forward?
Hear In America Horace Mann Companies Kades-Margolis Corporation M&T Bank MetLife NEA A+ Auto & Homeowners Insurance NEA Member Benefits Phoenix Learning Resources PNC Bank Security Benefit Sprint Stecher Financial Group Sussman Sales Co. T-Mobile Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry Verizon Wireless Wells Fargo Wilmington University
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Honoring our champions

The Hon. Mike Barbieri Legislative Friend of Education Award
Presidential Citations 2012

he president of DSEA is permitted to consider Presidential Citations to individuals and locals for outstanding achievements. Colonial Paras Association: 100% Association Membership; High PAC donations (84% DSEA; 82% NEA); Collaborative Bargaining Colonial Transportation Association: High PAC donations (72% DSEA; 69% NEA); and Collaborative Bargaining Colonial Food Service Workers Association: Collaborative Bargaining Colonial Education Association: Collaborative Bargaining Appoquinimink Education Association: Successful Legislative Town Hall, instrumental in resolving issues related to teacher evaluation system David Wright, co-president of Appoquinimink E.A.: transformational leadership, creating higher member participation and performance for the good of the group Woodbridge Education Association: Collaborative Bargaining Susan Darnell, president of the Laurel Education Association: capacity to serve as a strong, inclusive leader in the face of adversity, guiding educators through challenges of financial distress and school improvement, while providing leadership that brings members together for the good of all Rich Phillips, president of DSEARetired: commitment to the membership of DSEA-Retired, working to ensure that member needs are met; programming is relevant; and that retired members are recognized and valued by DSEA Mike Hoffmann, vice president of DSEA: commitment to membership goals and PAC fundraising, statewide Wendy Cannon and Val Hoffmann, DSEA UniServ directors: dedication to the ideals of unionism and their vision of how to best support local leaders in their efforts to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of union leadership.
Mike Hoffmann, DSEA vice president and friend of Rep. Barbieri, presents him with DSEAs 2012 Legislative Friend of Education Award.
ep. Barbieri is completing his second term as the 18th District representative, and he has proven himself a vocal advocate for public education. He serves on the House Education Committee and leads the School Discipline Task Force. The Task Forces first successful act, House Bill 347, provides teachers with more discretionary power over behavioral incidents. By co-sponsoring House Bill 139, he expanded the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Nine thousand more impoverished children in Delaware have healthcare because of this act. In 1991 he founded Crossroads of Delaware, a Wilmington-based adolescent substance-abuse treatment center, where he still works. Rep. Barbieri holds a masters degree in Social Work from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware.
Amber Augustus Teacher of the Year 2012
mber Augustus, Delawares Teacher of the Year for 2012, found her way to classroom teaching after a stint in the corporate world as a senior performance specialist for the Corporation Trust Company . From the corporate world, Amber Augustus now feels perfectly at home in her 5th grade classroom at Smyrnas John Bassett Moore Intermediate School attracted to education in order to have a career where she can make a difference. I talk with my colleagues every day, she says. Collaboration is
essential since teachers always band together to do whats best for every student. So many teachers are doing such amazing, excellent teaching in this state. I have my ears, eyes and note pad always open to use the best of what I hear and learn. Augustus earned her bachelors degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Delaware in 2001, and completed her Masters in Elementary Studies from Wilmington College in 2005.
Augustus praises DSEA for being the voice of teachers. When the layers are peeled away, you are advancing education for our students. She urges all to remember that, What holds us together are the triumphs. Continue to greet each day with purpose, passion and perseverance! Frederika Jenner, president, presents Pam Ingram with a DSEA Presidential Citation. Ingram is president of the Colonial Paras Assoc. which received Citations for 100% membership; high Political Action Committee (PAC) donations from its members and Collaborative Bargaining. And DSEA Vice President Mike Hoffmann (left), also a Colonial Para, received a Presidential Citation for his commitment to our membership goals and PAC fundraising.
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Fore!
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Join us for fun at the

June 22, 2012
Doo Fun
Future Teacher Benefit Golf Tournament

ay r a d es! s fo z in u nd pri o J a golf of
to support the
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!!!
izes
Christopher K. Smith Scholarship Fund

Place: Maple Dale Country Club 39 Maple Dale Road, Dover www.mapledaleclub.com Registration, Bag Drop and Practice Lunch available Shotgun Start - Scramble Format Dinner - Sponsored by MetLife Silent & Art Auctions Awards & Prizes Free beverages on course provided by Kades Margolis Corp. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place teams Closest-to-pin (male and female) Longest drive (male and female) 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Apprx. 11:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Apprx. 6:00 p.m. Beverages: Prizes:
Sponsorships Hole Sponsorship (includes sign at the hole) Dinner & Auction Only Golf, Cart, Lunch, Dinner, Auction, Golfer Goodie Bag and $5 gift certificate to Maple Dale Country Club Pro Shop
$150 $25 $90
To Register Mail completed form below with check to: Tammy Wagner, Delaware State Education Assoc., 136 E. Water St., Dover, DE 19901. Make checks payable to DSEA. Questions? Contact Tammy Wagner at 1-866-734-5834 or [email protected].
Only a few spots left!
Registration - Christopher K. Smith Memorial Golf Tournament (Limit of 120 golfers)

Contact name:____________________________________________Phone:______________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email address:_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Hole Sponsor ($150) - I would like my sign to read:_________________________________________________________________________ Players names and addresses for golf and dinner - $90 each Foursome - $320 (save $40) If foursome, list all names.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Golf ($90) Golf ($90) Golf ($90) Golf ($90)
Dinner only ($25 each) Names and e-mail addresses______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Deadline to register: June 18. Mail this form with check payable to DSEA to Tammy Wagner, DSEA, 136 E. Water St., Dover, DE 19901. Total enclosed:____________________________________
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the commitment continues. . .

So youve decided to retire this year? Congratulations!
- Rich Phillips, president, DSEARetired
NEA/DSEA-Retired (a Unified Association) We are a unified Association: you must belong to NEA-R, DSEA-R and DSEA.
Choose one of the following two options for your membership:

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PENSION DEDUCTION**
(Annual membership year: September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013)
his is a big decision for most folks and Im sure that youve taken a lot of time to think about it including your current and future financial situation, your plans for after retirement, how it will affect your family, and lots more. After you retire, youll have lots more time with your family, to travel, to relax and do things when you want to do them. However, your commitment to education never seems to stop. Its in our blood. We hope that you will continue that DSEA commitment through NEA/DSEA-Retired. Theres a lot that our organization offers, including the following: Continued NEA and DSEA discounts that you enjoyed as an active educational employee Continued home, car, boat and other insurance discounts Some companies/providers require that you maintain Association membership in order to meet the eligibility requirements for their products/discounts Continued involvement through workshops, member benefit fairs, socialization, and more.
OPTION #1
NEA-Retired
DSEA-Retired
DSEA
Total
$30.00
$37.00
$13.00
$80.00
ARE RECEIVING A PENSION CHECK FROM THE STATE OF DELAWARE PENSION OFFICE.
Based on my selection of pension deduction payment option, I authorize the State Pension Office to deduct from my pension and pay to the association my retired association membership dues as may be determined from time to time as indicated above for the current membership year and each membership year thereafter. I understand that I may revoke this authorization as of September I of any calendar year by giving written notice to that effect to DSEA on or before August 31 of that year. ** PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PENSION DEDUCTION OPTION IS NOT VALID UNLESS YOU NOTE: Pension deduction amount will be determined by dividing the number of months remaining in the membership year.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP CASH PAYMENT

Annual membership year: September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013
OPTION #2
NEA-Retired
DSEA-Retired
DSEA
Total
$30.00
$37.00
$13.00
$80.00
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING REGARDLESS OF YOUR SELECTION!

_________________________________ Member Name (Print) ___________________________________ Street Address (Print) _____________________________ E-Mail Address : : : : XXX-XX-__ __ __ __ Last 4 Digits of Social Security Number __________________ Date
__________________________________ ___________________ City, State, ZIP (Print) Phone Number ______________________ District Retired From ________________________________ Member Signature
Your membership in NEA/DSEA does NOT automatically transfer to NEA/DSEA-Retired

We have found that some members think that it does. In order to join NEA/DSEARetired, you must complete a registration form, and one is included on this page with this article for your use. As you can see on the form, you can pay your dues annually or you can have it deducted from your pension each month. The dues for a 1-year membership is $80 ($30 NEA-Retired, $13 DSEA and $37 DSEA-Retired). Many locals have seen the value of having their retirees continue with DSEA-Retired and have given them a years membership as their retirement gift. What a super idea! The purposes of DSEA-Retired are:
Please check the box next to one of the two options listed above. Complete information above. If choosing the annual membership option, please make check payable to DSEA, not DSEA-Retired. Return the form to DSEA-Retired as indicated below. We will return a photocopy to you if you choose the pension deduction option. QUESTIONS? Call Debbie Weaver at 1-866-734-5834 (toll free) RETURN FORM TO: DSEA-Retired, Attn. Debbie Weaver, 136 E. Water Street, Dover, DE 19901
To continue the commitment made when you were a DSEA member To lobby for pension increases (Did you know that they are NOT guaranteed each year?). DSEARetired currently has two members serving on the State Pension Advisory Board To lobby for benefits for pensioners (Did you know that health insurance benefits are NOT guaranteed each year, but must be deliberately included in the states budget?) DSEA-Retired has four members who attend the State Employee
Benefit Committee meetings to observe the committees actions on our benefits To examine legislation that might be proposed involving pensioners; DSEA-Retired leadership team and members lobby legislators concerning issues of pension interest To continue the socialization that existed prior to your retirement, and to increase your circle of friends And last, but not least, to make our organization stronger than ever
Please join NEA/DSEA-Retired today! DSEA Retired is the only Delaware retired state-employee organization affiliated with NEA, DSEA and NEA-Retired. We are an active group of 1,100+ retirees who are working to make retirement of Delaware state educational employees better! If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to contact DSEARetired President Rich Phillips at 302-834-9245 or email him at [email protected]. Please also check out our web page at www.dsea-r.org.
www.dsea.org
Our amazing members
Joan Robinson brings whole life and can-do attitude to students with disabilities
- by Joel F. Glazier
When Joan Robinson played the glockenspiel in the old Gunning Bedford High School Marching Band in the 1970s, she thought music would have a prominent place in her future.
usic is still a love but Ive been drawn to jobs that involve people, says Joan Joan Robinson is DSEAs ESP Person Robinson. Her of the Year. first job was as a counselor at Grove Point (MD) Girl Scout camp. She has also held an array of jobs at area restaurants. Actually the jobs found me and the variety of tasks I have had proves hard work never scared me, says Robinson.
School, a specialized school which serves students with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. After several jobs at area restaurants and also at the Au Clair School (serving Autistic Children) near St. Georges, Robinson had the opportunity to audition for a music therapy job at the Delaware State Hospital. Times were different thenI successfully auditioned by playing the piano at home into the phone as the officials listened at the other end, she laughs. However, it was working with students that struck Robinsons passion when she began substituting at Colonial schools. My first substitute job was for a music teacher at nearby Gunning Bedford Middle School.
Joan Robinson works with students with severe disabilities helping them discover and build on what they can do. tance of a union. I believe all members must step up and become more involved. Dont wait until there is a dire situation to realize the importance of the Association. Robinson has participated in several DSEA whom I work one-on-one may be on the same chapter in their learning but not on the same page. If a student needs repetition and 2,000 trials to learn a skill, well, were there to let them have the 2,000 trials or even 2,001 if that is whats needed. All students cannot be successful on a one-time test. The State Testing Program often sets up our students for failure.
Paras are not fluff in a school, especially in special needs classes. Some teachers could not make it through the day without us, and our Association can use our energy and leadership, says Robinson.
There I was with music again, at my alma mater. When a position opened at the Leach School for a paraprofessional in 1997, Robinson got the job and has been there ever since. A newlyhired teacher and I were both oriented by veteran paraprofessional Shirley Redmond. Shirley eventually became president of our para local. In addition to her position at Leach, Robinson currently serves as secretary of the 80-member Colonial Paraprofessional Association. I was excessed in my fourth year due to seniority list confusion concerning unique alternative paraprofessionals (i.e., one-on-one). I turned for help to the leadership of CPA. I got my job back and have learned to appreciate the imporSummer Leadership Trainings, Association committees and has spent time in Dover lobbying legislators.
Focus on what our students can do, not on what they cant do
Robinson has appreciated past involvement at Leach from Foster Grandparents volunteers. She stresses, Its too bad visiting legislators just come by to say hello and do not really get to see what we do with our students. If they rolled up their sleeves and spent an hour, they would see the need for more therapists and also committed volunteers in schools. Most importantly she wants, Legislators and others to not just focus on what our students cannot do. I want people to see the abilities of our students and what they can do.
Variety of work experiences helps prepare paras for multiple tasks

Joan Robinson has been selected as DSEAs 2012 Education Support Person of the Year and she likes to think her cheerfulness and total dedication to helping others is why . The Leach School staff is totally devoted to working as a team. The students, whose ages range from 3 to 21, are in need of such devoted services, but that is why we are there- for them- the students. Robinson has also been an organ player and choir director in the historical Christiana Presbyterian Church for 30 years. Maybe they need younger blood but I am happy to continue my music and service there, says Robinson, now in her twelfth year as a full time paraprofessional at Colonials Leach
Testing frustration: handson activities needed

Robinson has organized Alexs Lemonade Stand as an American Cancer Society fund raiser at Leach and has gotten students involved with the Shoes to Share program. She thrives on helping students with the array of adaptive devices at school, and she quickly points out what she observes as unfairness of the State Testing Program for the students at Leach. Hands-on activities are needed. A computer test is not for all students. Our students cannot be pigeonholed. The six students with
Joel Glazier, DSEA-Retired, is a frequent contributor to ACTION! He can be reached at jglazie@aol. com.
www.dsea.org
Diversity Exchange: learning from one another

Sixty-two DSEA members attended the second Ethnic Minority Leadership Conference in April, put together by the members of DSEAs Ethnic Minority Affairs Task Force.
Barry Beckett, co-chair Cape Henlopen Kevin Elzie, co-chair Sussex Tech DSEA Exec. Board Dr. Admon Alexander Caesar Rodney State Rep. Don Blakey honors former NEA President Reg Weaver with a Tribute from Delawares House of Representatives. and Whats really going on in Congress? NEA Lobbyist Merwyn Scott presented Whats really going on in Congress? a topic he touched on during his opening keynote address. He spent most of his time listing the growing number of foundations and organizations that are spending millions of dollars helping each other promote choice and charter schools with little or no accountability And Merwyn Scott is . one of our lobbythey do so while ists on Capitol often blaming Hill. teacher unions for societys ills and advocating for the stripping of negotiated contracts as the answer to low-performing schools. Stephen Byrd (right), an NEA member from Michigan, works with Felicia Owens of Texas. Below, Denise Foreman of Red Clay, attends their session on applying the principles of Social Justice. Al Booker New Castle County Vo-Tech DSEA Exec. Board Dr. James Bracy Christina Denise Foreman Red Clay Cagney France Cape Henlopen Michael Hoffmann Colonial DSEA Vice President Lynelle Hyland Seaford Amy Johnson Indian River Margaret Martinez Capital Joyce Morton-Elzie Capital Denise Waples Milford DSEA Exec. Board Marika White New Castle County Vo-Tech Jocelynne Jones DSEA staff liaison Yvonne Williams DSEA support staff
Geraldine Thomas signs the large Get-Well card for Reg Weaver, former president of NEA. Weaver, recuperating at home, had been scheduled to give the keynote address. Thomas is active in the Capital Paras Association.
Commitment to diversity and leadership strengthened at annual conference

DSEAs Ethnic Diversity Task Forces mission is to support DSEAs commitment to diversity, in both student and staff populations
Association members from several states share training expertise
The days workshops were a chance to network and learn about topics and issues to help build leadership skills among all of DSEAs members. The workshops, given by both NEA leaders from other states (Maryland, New Jersey, Texas and Michigan) and DSEA staff included: Know Your Rights, Social Justice, Running for Association Office, Assertiveness, Valuing Diversity,
ight now, opened Conference Co-Chair Barry Beckett, no issue is more important than saving public education in a form that supports and is fair to students and teachers. Too many of our children are failing and being pushed aside, and the same is happening to teachers and education support personnel We are committed to protecting public education, our children, and those that serve in this most valuable profession.
Conference Co-Chair Barry Beckett (right) chats with DSEA President Frederika Jenner.
www.dsea.org
Great Schools Great Communities

Hanbys Sandy Meredith WJBRs Teacher of the Month
ongratulations to Sandy Meredith, WJBR's Teacher of the Month for March, who was nominated by three parents of her first graders at Hanby Elementary School in the Brandywine School District. Sandy received a plaque and dinner for two at Cafe Gelato. She was surprised one afternoon recently when WJBRs Charlie Maxx (of John and Charlie in the Morning), two parents, her principal, a representative from DSEA, and her daughter walked into her room to make the presentation.
More radio spots hit airwaves
What parents say about Sandy Meredith

Her class adores her because she is caring, creative and dedicated. She makes learning fun every day and takes the time to truly get to know her students. As a parent, I appreciate her nurturing teaching style and insightful feedback. My son loves to read her detailed comments on his papers. Her words are so encouraging and thoughtful. She also has a great sense of humor (which is essential in first grade!) When you walk into her classroom, you will see her always bustling about from child to child as she helps them prepare for the day She never talks down to the kids, even when she has to get a little stern with them. She is always calm and respectful. She also treats every child equally and gives them so much of her time. Mrs. Meredith is a caring and seasoned teacher who gives 110% -every day Both my daughters have . had her, and their learning experiences were most excellent.... She goes out of her way to be not only an educator, but a role model for the children, showing them that learning is fun and to be cherished.... She emphasizes good choices and teaches the kids to build relationships and how to work as a team. To nominate a favorite teacher, family members are urged to go to http://wjbr.com/contest/teachermonth and complete an online form there. This contest is sponsored by DSEA.
T
WJBRs Charlie Maxx (right) surprises Sandy Meredith of Hanby E.S. with Teacher of the Month gifts.
Joshua Dean Baker wins the 2012 Christopher K. Smith Memorial Future Teacher Scholarship
Joshua hopes to become a history teacher or band director at a high school after graduating from the University of Delaware.
Joshua Baker graduates with High Honors this year from Sussex Central High School. place on the Sussex Country Honor Band for the last four years. Although he recognizes that teaching is a challenging profession, he is ready to take on the challenge. Teachers have one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. No other career has so many lives depending on it. The DSEA selection committee read 36 applications. Joshua was selected based on his academic record, teacher recommendations and essay focusing on the future of education and teacher accountability . Joshua will be awarded $1,000 for each of his four years in school.
hanks to our communications intern, Rachel McCubbin, weve been building our community thanks to regular Facebook postings tied to the school year. Rachel uses a combination of news from schools and districts with information for parents that is topical, such as bullying, prom safety, driving safety, etc. As of this writing, this Facebook page has 3,556 likes. Each time we are able to run ads, the likes jump dramatically You can check it out . and add your voice to the conversation at www.facebook.com/Great SchoolsGreatCommunities. Thanks to an NEA Advertising Assistance Grant, were continuing to promote the Great Schools Facebook page and website with a combination of website story creation, sponsored story ads and Facebook and Google search ads. Two members are also recording radio spots to begin in June with a week-long flight on radio stations statewide. They are Annie Neubauer, right, a fourth grade teacher at Silver Lake Elementary School in Appoquinimink; and Jill Lewandowski, an 8th grade ELA teacher at Phillis Wheatley Middle School in Woodbridge. You can hear the new ads at www.greatschoolsgreat communi ties.com.
senior at Sussex Central High School in the Indian River School District, Joshua has a strong academic record and an impressive resume of extracurricular activities. He is ranked second in his class of 310 students. Joshua is an AP Scholar, a 2012 Secretary of Education Scholar, a member of National Honor Society and much more. Joshua has an intense appreciation for music that was clear in his application for DSEAs Future Teacher Scholarship. He is a member of the Sussex Central High School marching band and vice president of the SCHS band. Joshua has earned a
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Your health
Natural does not always mean safe

Although these organic dietary supplements may seem safer than conventional medicine, consumers need to be aware of the potential hazards.
any people take complementary and alternative medicine to improve their overall health. According to a National Heath Interview Survey, 38 percent of adults take vitamins, minerals and herbal remedies that are touted as all natural. The Food and Drug Administration regulations are less strict for alterna-
tive medicine than for prescription or over-the-counter drugs; a manufacturer does not have to prove the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement before it is marketed. If you are thinking about or are using a dietary supplement, talk to your healthcare provider and consider these five points.
have side effects of their own. Research has shown that St. Johns wort interacts with many medications in ways that can interfere with their intended effects, including antidepressants, birth control pills, antiretrovials used to treat HIV infection, and others.
Natural does not necessarily mean safe

For example, the herbs comfrey and kava can cause serious harm to the liver. Also, when you see the term standardized (or verified or certified) on the bottle, it does not necessarily guarantee product quality or consistency .
Be aware of the potential for contamination

Some supplements have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs or other compounds, particularly in dietary supplements marked for weight loss, sexual health including erectile dysfunction, and athletic performance or body-building.
the standards for drugs. For example, marketers of a supplement do not have to prove to the FDA that it is safe or that it works before it arrives on grocery store shelves. Find out what the scientific evidence says about the safety of a dietary supplement and whether it works. Visit nccam.nih.gov for more information.
Talk to your health care providers

Tell your health care providers about any complementary health products or practices you use, including dietary supplements. This will help them give a full picture of what you are doing to manage your health and will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Interactions are possible

Some dietary supplements may interact with medications (prescription or over-the-counter) or other dietary supplements, and some may
Take charge of your health by being an informed consumer

The standards for marketing supplements are very different from
Excerpted from www.nccam.nih. gov.
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Your pocketbook
Avoid rude rental car surprises

- by Jason Alderman
Travel outside specified service areas Whether or not you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car Violating rental agreement terms (reckless driving, unauthorized drivers, etc.). Before you take possession, thoroughly inspect the car for any preexisting damage and note it on your contract; otherwise you could receive a hefty bill for someone else's minor scratches and dents. And, conduct a thorough walkthrough when you return the car. Bottom line: Don't gamble your precious vacation on simply finding the cheapest deal. Sometimes you get what you pay for.
New NEA bookstore to open soon
'm usually a pretty savvy traveler, but a recent car rental mishap reminded me that even when you take every precaution, things still can go awry . While planning a family vacation to Panama, I searched online for rental cars. One lower-cost rental car agency I'd never used before offered a significantly lower rate than the others. Ignoring the little voice in my head, I decided to try them. Long story short: Although our flight was only one hour late, when I arrived bleary-eyed at the counter I was told that my car had already been given away but I could upgrade to the next level for twice the price. After getting the runaround from the company's U.S.based customer service department and learning that everyone else's rates had climbed equally high, I was basically stuck. That experience taught me three lessons: A reservation isn't necessarily a guarantee; when traveling abroad, use trusted vendors especially if it sounds too good to be true; and, we need better research information from travel columnists and message boards for rental tips, possible pitfalls and customer complaints.
oull have access to More than 700,000 titles, including professional publications and resource materials NEA resources, research reports, and e-books that can be downloaded NEA logo merchandise that shows off your support for your organization and occupation available at low member prices Merchandise for NEAs Read Across America events available at low member prices
Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney. Book the best deal you can now and check back for lower rates. Incorporate additional fees and taxes into your comparison sometimes they don't all show up until the "Total" page. Look for discount codes from membership organizations like AAA, AARP and airline frequent flyer programs. Consider picking up your car at a non-airport location where rates are usually although not always much lower.
Go to www.neamb.com/travel/ car-rental.htm for information about getting member-discounts for car rentals from Enterprise and Hertz. Youll also find there a great article about Understanding car rental contracts.
NEA will soon be opening a new online NEA BOOKSTORE that will provide all of the above and more. Watch for additional information about this exciting change at www.nea.org/books and soon at www.neabookstore.org.
Consider these factors too

Airport shuttle convenience. Fees for exceeding mileage allowances, alternate location return, late returns, or additional drivers. Fuel refilling charges you may do better refilling the car yourself. Use a website/phone app like GasBuddy to find cheaper gas in the area. Surcharge for drivers under 25. Rental agencies offer their own collision, liability, theft and other insurance coverage. Conventional wisdom says to avoid this route if your own insurance plans or benefits available from your credit card provide similar coverage. However, before automatically rejecting agency coverage, ask your insurance company and credit card issuer whether you are fully covered. Consider factors that may exclude coverage such as: Renting longer than 30 days Certain models excluded
Several car rental methods are available

Book directly from a rental agency (usually cheaper online than by phone). Comparison shop at websites like Priceline, Orbitz or Hotwire (although, I'll now be wary of buying a "blind" rental where you don't learn the carrier's name until after you pay). As part of a package including airfare and lodging. I usually open several browser tabs to compare rentals side by side. Rates change constantly, so today's price may be much lower (or higher) than tomorrow's.
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Opportunities
NEA Click & Save Buy-lights for June 2012

EA Click & Save, the online discount buying service for NEA members, highlights select retailers and merchants each month. Check out these featured Buy-lights for Juneand get ready for summer! Reebok: Get 20% off SwimSpot: Get 25% off Gevalia: Get 20% off Zales: Get $50 off $300 Join the 244,000 NEA members already registered for NEA Click & Save. Go to www.neamb.com/click andsave and start shopping today!
Save on a new or used car with NEA Auto Purchase Advantage

Take advantage of this great time of year to get a fantastic price on the new or used vehicle youre look-
ing for! The NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program offers members low pricing and amazing customer service. In fact, members can save $2,503 on average. Purchasing your next car can be quick, easy, and hassle-free! NEA members enjoy: Information on what others paid for the car you want before talking to a dealer A low price and hassle-free experience Used cars always priced below Kelley Blue Book A nationwide certified dealer network committed to great service Dont miss this chance to put your membership to good use by getting the car you want for less! Check it out at www.neamb.com/autobuying today!
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Resources and Opportunities

Paralyzed Veterans of America 9th annual National Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contest
The poster and essay contest aims to involve school children in the activities of Veterans Day, by encouraging kids to creatively express their gratitude for the more than 26 million American veterans. This years contest theme is Show/Tell a Personal Story about a Veteran Who Has Made a Difference in Your Life or Hometown. Using their own words and creativity, children can express the impact of the many contributions veterans have made on our country, from our founding fathers to those who have recently served overseas. The competition is open to students in grades 18. The poster contest is open to students in grades 14, which will be separated into two categories for judging: 1st2nd grade and 3rd4th grade. The essay contest is open to students in grades 58 and will be separated into two categories for judging: 5th6th grade and 7th8th grade. Entries will be judged by a panel of individuals representing the Paralyzed Veterans of America, paralyzed veterans stakeholders who have a strong interest in our nations veterans, as well as educators and leaders in Washington, DC. The grand prize winners - one student from the poster contest and one student from the essay contest will receive an award plaque and an all-expense paid trip for the student accompanied by a parent or guardian to Washington, DC for Veterans Day 2012. Selected entries will be displayed at PVA National Headquarters, as well as PVAs web site and monthly magazine PN. Deadline is September 28. For contest rules, visit www.pva.org/ posteressay. If you have any questions and/or would like to receive all correspondence about the poster and essay contest please e-mail [email protected].
Reading ASSIST Institute presents CORE Conference

Reading ASSIST Institute presents the CORE (Creating Opportunities for Reading Excellence) Conference at the Dover Sheraton, November 17, from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. This one day conference will focus on reading in the Common Core State Standards. Keynote speakers will include Louisa Moats, author of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) and Straight Talk about Reading; and Anita Archer, coauthor of Effective and Efficient Teaching and noted lecturer on Explicit Instruction. Sessions will address reading instruction for children Pre-K through grade 8, including ELL. Early registration from May 1June 15, is $195. After June 15, it jumps to $245. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Special limited-attendance sessions will be held for school and district administrators. In-service credit is available. For more information and to register go to www.readingassist.org.
NEA Art Works - School-Based Projects May and June are Breast Cancer Awareness Months at Tanger Outlets
In partnership with the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will be offering a free $10 gift card to those who get their mammogram in May or June. To receive this gift card, women can stop by one of DBCCs three office locations or the resale shop, Great Stuff, located in North Wilmington. Women will be given a voucher for a $10 gift card that can be redeemed at the Tanger Outlets service centers. Check here for their locations: http://debreastcancer.org/about/ contact. If your organization is interested in this incredible funding opportunity, please contact Resource Associates today well write the grant for you and greatly improve your chances of winning it! Grant name: NEA Art Works School-Based Projects Deadline: August 9, 2012 Available: Up to $100,000 Number of Awards: 50% Link to RFP: http://www.nea.gov/ grants/apply/GAP13/ArtsEdAW. html Funding uses: The National Endowment for the Arts supports school-based programs based on a curriculum that aligns with national or state arts education standards and includes formal assessments of participant learning. Project types may include: arts education activities; professional development; projects that explore ways to integrate schoolbased arts learning in other content areas; summer arts projects; and, projects that explore new models. Incorporating digital learning; using arts learning to build creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaborative skills; and highlighting the role arts learning plays in supporting livable communities, are of particular interest to the Endowment. General eligibility requirements: Local education agencies (school districts) and state and regional education agencies are eligible. If a single school also is the local education agency, as is the case with some charter schools, the school may apply with documentation that supports its status as the local education agency .
Items described on this page are not always endorsed by the Association, but are provided for your information.
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Making a difference
Heather Akers receives Jessie Ball DuPont Educator Award from Delaware Symphony
Fourth graders on a Drum Team? Challenged students improving concentration and positive energy? You bet.
- by Mary Cleary
usic Teacher Heather Akers doesnt just march to a different drummershes trained scores of different little drummers to pound their own paths to positive academic performance. Recently, her Drumming for Success and other initiatives contributed to her own success as winner of drum rollthe Jessie Ball DuPont Educator Award from the Delaware Symphony . Jessie Ball DuPont was a teacher before she married Alfred I. DuPont, the Delaware Symphonys founder. The award is given annually to celebrate a music educator who is fantastic, life-changing and influential, according to the award website. Akers is certainly all of that at East Dover Elementary School in the Capital School District, where she has taught music for the last seven years. She spends equal time at Booker T. Washington Elementary a few miles away, and doesnt miss a beat. Thanks to grants she wrote, both schools house complete sets of the African drums she uses in general music classes. I have 11 drums and several African and South American instruments, she says, describing the colorful tubanos, djembes and the four-and-a-half-foot ngoma, a carved drum so tall her kindergarten children must stand on a stool to play it. Theres a shakere in the collection, a gourd laced with macram and shells that rattle. Theres a Talking Drum, too. You put it under your arm and after you hit it, you squeeze it,
Akers adds. The little drum seems to intone a conversational response. Using World Music Drumming materials, she builds a cross-cultural curriculum in her classes. These include echo responses, then the layering of different rhythms. Akers says she starts and ends each school year with drumming at both schools. But only East Dover, the school with the highest poverty rate in the Capital School District, has the
and their musical literacy has improved immensely . Many of the Drumming for Success students also perform on the schools Drum Team, comprised of mostly fourth graders. Wearing white t-shirts and blue jeans, this elite corps plays at the Education Faire at the Dover Mall and at fundraising events for the school. Akers brings music into the community from Booker T. Washington Elementary, too.
Related Arts will have responsibilities with performance indicators related to student growth.
Voice is her favorite instrument

The Maplewood, New Jersey native has a degree in vocal performance and music education from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She earned her masters degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Delaware in 1996. I took piano in college and didnt have to be proficient, but people assume music teachers are, Akers says. I do play the string family instruments, the flute and tuba. Tuba? Someone needed a tuba for their brass ensemble, she explains with a laugh. Akers began her career as an orchestra director and elementary strings teacher for the Christina School District for 14 years. I love teaching beginners, Akers says. In addition to being cute, you can see their progress. After her marriage, she commuted from Dover for the last five years, but says she couldnt continue when two of her three children were babies. Now ages seventeen, nine and six, her children could also be cute beginners, but Akers says she wont instruct them in music. I will not be their private teacher because Mom doesnt know what shes talking about, jokes Akers. The children will probably take her seriously now, having attended the March 24 Delaware Symphony performance. They saw their mom invited on stage to receive the Jesse Ball DuPont Award, a handsome plaque, and a $1,000 honorarium. I was nervous and excited. What a great night! Akers says. I bought 50 recorders and other supplies. Yes, fantastic, life-changing and influential, describe her work. Shes personally talented, generous and upbeat. Now Heather Akers is also a winner.
Thanks to grants Heather Akers wrote, two elementary schools in Dover have complete sets of African drums.
Drumming for Success Program, Akers says. It also houses the Districts Intensive Learning Center. The idea behind Drumming for Success was to give the ILC (Intensive Learning Center) students a kinesthetic outlet to channel their negative energy into positive, she says. Over the years, I have seen their behavior change in my classes for the positive. Their attention spans are a little longer
Her 45-member choir of third and fourth-graders sings at the Governors Mansion, the Modern Maturity Center, churches and other local sites. In addition to her musical influence in the community, Akers has been working for teachers in helping to develop DPAS II Component 5, which is scheduled to roll out next year. I was on the Cohort 5 group to develop music educators goals for the DPAS II, she says.
- Mary Cleary, DSEA-Retired, is a frequent contributor to DSEA ACTION! You can reach her at mmarymar [email protected].
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Vol. 32, No.

THE VOICE OF THE DELAWARE STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Bates and Hoffmann scale heights for good cause

We celebrate our social justice heroes

School Board elections reveal need to investigate Big Money

We salute Sandy Meredith, WJBRs Teacher of the Month

Rappelling 17 stories nothing like challenges students face every day

To see video and more photos, go to www.sode.org.

How the president sees it

One school year later

Millennials deserve our attention

Some of the current vernacular makes me cringe

Labor-management collaboration can be advantageous and worthwhile

Great schools make great communities

Leading the way. . .

What accomplishments as a leader are you the most proud of?

Why are you so involved in the Association?

There is power in a union.

Frederika Jenner President [email protected]

2 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION!

Christina teacher joins DSEA Exec. Board

DSEA honored with communications awards

Summer hours begin week of June 11

Fan us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/dseafan

May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION! 3

Meet Mark Murphy, new Secretary of Education

Mark Murphy squares off with local leaders

Its critical to value the people

4 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION!

Young, bold, ready to act Mark Murphys Vitae

Teaching time vs. testing time

Teaching must once again be inspiring to young people

Our rhetoric matters

May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION! 5

We are one. We are many.

We celebrate our heroes, past, present and future

6 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION!

Human and Civil Rights Awards

Computer Graphics Winners

Human & Civil Rights Celebration Task Force

To see and print out more photos, go to www.flickr.com/photos/dsea.

Art and Writing Contest Winners

8 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION!

Our community interest

Building relationships with legislators

erhaps it was the perfect storm:

More dots to connect

Voices still silent

May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION! 9

Teacher Accountability - DPAS II-Revised

Component 5: more details decided for this year

For non-DCAS educators, no Component 5 this year

What about students with poor attendance?

What if my data doesnt look right?

Component V Overview Teacher Name: Mrs. Smith Grade: 6 Subject: ELA

For DCAS educators, whats enough student growth?

10 May/June 2012 DSEA ACTION!

Teacher Accountability - DPAS II-Revised