TENURE What it is. How to get it. Why you need it.

State missing opportunities in dra� ESSA plan

Ru� y’s back with Read Across Tennessee

State missing opportunities

All your classroom needs and a giant poster inside to celebrate RAA March 2

January-February 2017 Vol. 48, Issue 3

Tenure is at its core about basic fairness. Teaching is o� en a challenging profession, and having a fair and orderly process for issues that may arise helps teachers be

the best professionals they can be. Yet there is great confusion statewide among educators, administrators and local school boards on the status of teacher tenure in Tennessee.“Tenure still very much exists in Tennessee,” said Virginia McCoy, TEA sta� attorney.

“While the law was amended in 2011 to change the way teachers become eligible for tenure, it was not abolished and remains an important part of the teaching profession.”What is tenure?Many teachers, and certainly the general public, are uncertain of what exactly having tenure means. Tenure is designed to ensure due process on discipline or dismissal, protecting a teacher for failing a star athelete or providing a hearing on

questionable claims made by an unreasonable parent. Tenured teachers enjoy continuing employment, and are not at-risk for non-renewal — they can only be dismissed for cause. “It is not a ‘guaranteed job for life,’ as some opponents say. It simply provides a process to make sure dedicated veteran teachers are treated fairly and won’t be dismissed for unjust or unfounded reasons, Both tenured and non-tenured teachers can be dismissed for cause,” McCoy said.

TEACH� e journal of teaching and learning of the Tennessee Education Association

State ESSA plancont. page 4

TENUREcont. page 12

� e Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law in late 2015. � e new federal education law replaces No Child Le� Behind and makes changes to accountability and other features of national education policy. One key element of ESSA is the � exibility given to states to develop their own methods of meeting accountability goals. � e Tennessee Department of Education has developed a dra� plan in response to ESSA and is in the � nal stages of receiving feedback. Here are some key takeaways.

A-F School GradingOne feature of the state’s plan is in direct response to the General Assembly requiring an A-F grade be assigned to each school in the state. � e state’s plan includes a number of components in

each school’s letter grade, such as growth scores and student pro� ciency levels. As the plan has been unveiled to educators, teachers and district leaders have expressed signi� cant concerns. Some legislators are pushing for a delay in the implementation of this plan or even a revision to the approach. TEA does not believe an A-F grading scale for individual schools is helpful and, in fact, could be harmful.

Testing� e state’s dra� plan includes a recommendation to reduce testing time in social studies and science, and to modify the math and ELA tests. Additionally, there is discussion of reducing the testing faced by 11th graders who take both EOCs and ACT by allowing the ACT to

THE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TENNESSEE

Teach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is published in August, October, Jan/Feb, and March/April by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN, and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Teach, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099. Periodical postage paid at Nashville, TN, and additional offices. The subscription price of $3.06 is allocated from annual membership dues of $258.00 for active members; $129.00 for associate, education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired members; and $10.00 for student members. Member of State Education Association of Communicators (SEAC).

Postmaster: Send address changes to TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Teach,801 Second Avenue North,Nashville, TN 37201-1099.

MANAGING EDITOR: Amanda Chaney achaney@tnea.org

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim WryeEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER:

Carolyn CrowderTennessee Education

Association801 Second Avenue NorthNashville, TN 37201-1099

Telephone: (615) 242-8392, Toll Free: (800) 342-8367, (800) 342-8262

Fax: (615) 259-4581Website: www.teateachers.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (800) 342-8367VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Brown* (931) 779-8016SECRETARY-TREASURER: Carolyn Crowder (615) 242-8392DISTRICT 1 Joe Crabtree* (423) 794-9357

DISTRICT 2 Michele Bowman (865) 679-6523DISTRICT 3 Michael Carvella (865) 212-9774DISTRICT 4 Connie Mitchell (865) 609-1702DISTRICT 5 Jeanette Omarkhail (423) 413-9114DISTRICT 6 Jennifer Eilender (931) 704-2487DISTRICT 7 Jim Gifford (615) 430-6233DISTRICT 8 Kevin King (615) 504-0425DISTRICT 9 Stephen Henry (615) 519-5691DISTRICT 10 Randall Woodard (615) 594-5632DISTRICT 11 Brandi Adams (731) 439-3476DISTRICT 12 Janis Carroll (731) 431-2387 DISTRICT 13 VACANTDISTRICT 14 Kenyon Cook (901) 605-7080DISTRICT 15 Neshellda Johnson (901) 857-6042ADMINISTRATOR EAST Jessica Holman (865) 689-1450ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson (615) 643-7837ADMINISTRATOR WEST Dennis Kimbrough (901) 494-0105HIGHER EDUCATION Josephine McQuail (931) 520-0449

BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Pam Thompson (615) 948-7378BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE VACANTBLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Tiffany Reed (901) 412-2759 STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Debi Ponder (615) 969-4362NEW TEACHER Carrie Allison (812) 205-7689ESP Sandra McDurmon (901)237-2866TN NEA DIRECTOR Tanya Coats (865) 308-2787TN NEA DIRECTOR Karen Anderson (423) 741-9682STEA MEMBER Celeste Randall (615) 335-0217TN RETIRED Linda McCrary (615) 888-7026 * Executive Committee AT LARGE RETIRED DIRECTOR ON NEA BOARD JoAnn Smith (423 )914-2818

TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Carolyn Crowder; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Terrance Gibson; Steve McCloud; Jim Wrye; TECHNOLOGY &

BUILDING OPERATIONS MANAGER: Galen Riggs; COMPTROLLER: David Shipley; UNISERV FIELD MANAGERS: Karla Carpenter; Leigh Phillips; STAFF ATTORNEYS: John Allen, Virginia A. McCoy; GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR: Drew Sutton; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Amanda Chaney; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Alexei Smirnov; INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Rhonda Thompson; William O’Donnell; ADVOCACY HOTLINE COORDINATORS: Forestine Cole, Gera Summerford & Cynthia Wood.

UniServ Staff contact informationcan be found on page 8.

By TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder By TEA President Barbara Gray

A student’s ability to succeed is closely tied to the strength of their support network. �eir networks include everyone from teachers like you, to parents, neighbors and other family members. As educators, we know how important a support network is - so why aren’t we more intentional about building our own personal support networks?It is comfortable and relatively easy to form relationships with your colleagues in your school and your community, but I want to encourage you to also look outside of that bubble. Some of the most important professional relationships I have were formed at association events with educators who taught in di�erent counties, and even di�erent states.I can remember attending conferences as an association member in Oklahoma and feeling like the best part of the event was lunch – not because of the food, but because of the time spent talking with other educators who were experiencing the same things as meAs an active association member, then leader, and now sta� member, my support network has grown and become very diverse. I have formed lifelong connections at association events. It has been invaluable to me to have a group of people who understand and relate to where I am at in my professional life. TEA hosts a number of conferences, workshops and other events all across the state that provide the perfect opportunity for you to connect with other educators who share your passion for teaching and for advocating for public education.Just last week we had a group of 40 early career educators in Nashville for a New Teacher Retreat. Many of those attendees are now connected through NEA’s EdCommunities and other social media platforms. �is weekend many TEA members will be heading to the TEA Organizing Summit. While most of the relationships formed at conferences happen on their own, TEA sta� has intentionally planned opportunities for attendees to connect with those who share the same passion. �e back page of this publication highlights all of the other events coming up in the next few months. Check out that list and pick one - or more! - to attend this year. You can even earn professional development points while you network and build relationships at the Minority A�airs Conference and Spring Symposium. Be intentional in 2017 about building a network of passionate educators statewide who can share classroom resources, encourage you and, when needed, commiserate with you on the many challenges of this profession we have chosen. I promise it will be worth the time you invest in forming these relationships.

Do you know how many thoughts run through our minds every day? Neuroscientists believe the average person has 60 to 80 THOUSAND thoughts per day. When I heard this number recently in a professional development session at TEA’s New Teacher Retreat, it stopped me in my tracks. It is no wonder we o�en feel overwhelmed and stressed.�e session was on practicing mindfulness as a classroom management technique and a tool to reduce stress in your life. �e instructor, an educator from New Jersey, emphasized the di�erence between being mindful and having

a full mind. We live in a time where we are bombarded with a constant stream of information and pulled in so many di�erent directions. I know I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed some days. So what exactly is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and

not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It is the ability to tune out the things we are worried about and the many things on our to-do list. It is ignoring your phone and emails and social media in exchange for being focused and present. And it is so much harder

than I thought it would be! For being such a simple concept, it takes practice and intentionality. I would encourage you to start practicing mindfulness in two ways: in your personal life and with your students in the classroom.We can all bene�t from greater focus and reduced stress in our lives, but mindfulness can also be tremendously helpful for our students.High-stakes tests, homework, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs and issues at home make for very busy and pressure-packed lives for our students. As educators, we teach them responsibility and how to keep up with their class assignments, but we rarely teach our students how to cope with stress and anxieties. �ere is a lot of recent research about the positive impact of mindfulness practices on our brains. According to nueroscientists, “research indicates that brain training involving mindfulness practices can strengthen areas of the brain responsible for attention, emotional control, and problem solving… �ere is even emerging evidence that mindfulness-based brain training produces permanent structural changes in the brain.” �ere are many books and resources available on mindfulness, both for personal practice and on how to incorporate it into your classroom. It can take as little as one to two minutes of mindful practice excercises to make a real di�erence for your students.NEA has already started a mindfulness group on EdCommunities, www.mynea360.org/login, where you can connect with other teachers who are trying this practice in their classrooms all across the country.If you are already practicing mindfulness with your students, or plan to start, I would love to hear about your experience. Please email your feedback to me at bgray@tnea.org.

Mindfulness eases stress, helps students and teachers focus in classroom

Support networks are key to success and sanity for educators

As educators, we know how important a support network is - so why aren’t we more intentional about building our own personal support networks?

High-stakes tests, homework, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs and issues at home make for very busy and pressure-packed lives for our students.

TEA Public School Advocate 3

Member Voices

� e second semester is well underway, which means your year is halfway through. Time � ies when you're making a di� erence!My favorite thing about the start of the new year and new semester is that it provides a sense of renewal and new opportunities. � is is a perfect time to re� ect on your � rst semester - what worked, what didn’t - and make plans to � nish the school year strong.

Introduce a new rule or classroom procedureO� en teachers feel that if a procedure or classroom rule isn't succeeding there isn't much that can be done. I haven’t found this to be the case in my classroom. Teachers have a lot of power in their classrooms, and one of the greatest powers is the power to CHANGE!If students just can't seem to remember to clean their desks, institute a "Desk Monitor" for the new year.If students always argue about how to line up, have them line up in number order or reverse number order to switch it up.

Re� ect on what has been accomplished so far� e new year usually brings our focus to new goals and resolutions, but there is value in

re� ecting on what has already been accomplished. � is is important with adults as well as children. � is means that re� ecting on your teaching career and goals can be bene� cial to you as well.Take a moment and write about what you and your students have accomplished so far. � is could be done individually or completed as a class.

Focus on goal setting� ere are many resources and activities on Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers and more that provide some structure to goal setting, especially tying in the New Year theme. I wanted to start the year in August with student goals but the back-to-school commotion got in the way of my plans. Now, instead of waiting for a new school year to start in August, my students spent some time in January setting goals to � nish the year strong.

Goal setting tipsDon’t just tell your students what the class goals are, involve them in the process of creating the goals. I have found this really motivates my

students to work toward our stated goals.Make sure to display the goals or have them easily accessible to keep them top of mind for you and your students.In my classroom, I like to track progress, not just completion to help encourage my students to keep working hard.Don’t forget to do some re� ecting and goal setting for yourself. As teachers we tend to get wrapped up in our students needs and lesson plans, make sure you are giving yourself the opportunity for thoughtful personal goal setting, too.

� oughtful planning, re� ection help you � nish the school year strongBy Erika Martin, Hamilton Co. EA member

Erika Martin, far right, recently attended TEA’s New Teacher Retreat with her colleagues from Orchard Knob Elementary.

� e Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) released their dra� of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan last month and is now seeking your opinion on the state's version of a federal law that will raise education standards. ESSA replaced the universally despised No Child Le� Behind law, giving states an opportunity to shape their own education law. “� e state says they will use your comments to shape a Tennessee-speci� c ESSA plan,” said Bill O’Donnell, TEA Instructional Advocacy coordinator. “� e deadline to submit your feedback is Tuesday, Jan. 31. Please make time to share your opinion as we seek to end excessive testing, unfair evaluations, test-based accountability and school takeovers. � is is our opportunity to shape the future education law in Tennessee.”Educators are the experts and policy makers need to hear your voices about what has not worked and what does work when it comes to improving public education. Let your voice be heard so that we can impact what new policies should look like under ESSA.

Key ESSA datesJanuary 31: ESSA dra� plan public comment period ends.April 3: TDOE ESSA � nal plan deadlineSchool year 2017-18: Federal funding will be distributed to school districts using ESSA funding formulas; Tennessee will use the revised accountability/intervention systems; Tennessee will identify schools for comprehensive support and intervention.Be sure to read the front page story on TEA’s overview of the state plan. � en go online now to give your feedback at http://tn.gov/education/section/essa.

Deadline this week to give feedback on state ESSA plan

Come to

Head to Nashville the Tuesday of your Spring Break!R.S.V.P. to mpoindexter@tnea.org

Join the � ght to:Reduce high-stakes testing

Improve teacher evaluationIncrease teacher salaries

Defeat privatization attacks

Mileage, hotel and breakfast

provided by TEA!

Lincoln County has joined the growing chorus of voices opposed to the A-F school grading system passed by the legislature in 2016 and opposed by TEA.According to the resolution adopted by the Lincoln County School Board, “the letter grading system may be grossly misleading to the public and will oversimplify the link between poverty and low test scores, thus stigmatizing low-performing schools that receive Fs, as well as the students who attend them.”� e Lincoln Co. school board went on to say that “there is more than enough data available about all aspects of schools that any attempt to combine this multitudede of data into one score

through an arbitrary formula will do nothing more than pick winners and losers based on the formula.”Earlier this month, Collierville’s School Board joined the opposition to the letter grading system, voting to lobby against the new state accountability system. O� cials in Germantown and Millington have also expressed concerns.

School districts speak out against A-F school grading

4 TEA Teach

TEA’s analysis of the state’s Every Student Succeeds Act implementation plan

� orough standards review process

Emphasis on post-secondary education and

career readiness

Increased focus on early literacy

� oughtful approach to accountability metrics, but still room for improvement

No signi� cant reduction in high-stakes assessments

Continues to heavily rely on struggling ASD

Lacks transparency in how stakeholder feedback was

incorporated

serve as the math and ELA EOC. We will monitor proposals that help reduce testing time and encourage alternative approaches (such as the ACT) that reduce the number of tests students take.� ere is limited information in the state plan about assessment audits, innovative assessments and actual testing time. � ese are three things that need to be addressed.

Improving Low-Performing SchoolsESSA grants both states and districts greater � exibility in approaches to improve the lowest-performing schools. � e state plan acknowledges the role district-led Innovation Zones have played in improving school performance. � e plan also references the state-run Achievement School District (ASD) as a signi� cant lever of change. While Innovation Zones have shown signi� cant

promise as school improvement models, there are real concerns about the ASD’s ability to achieve meaningful results. TEA supports proven, district-led initiatives to drive school improvement.

Di� erentiated Pay� e state envisions continuing the use of di� erentiated pay initiatives to both recruit new teachers and encourage existing teachers to take on new responsibilities. TEA believes the most transparent and e� ective system for compensating teachers is a single salary schedule. TEA also has concerns about using standardized test data to award performance pay. Rather, TEA supports a model of collaboration between local teachers and their school districts in developing appropriate alternative compensation models.

TVAAS� e state’s plan endorses the continued use of

TVAAS for teacher and school accountability and for performance pay initiatives. � is is problematic due to the inherent � aws of TVAAS. Using TVAAS in the current environment is simply unacceptable given the failure of TNReady last year. We simply don’t have su� cient data available. TEA will continue to express our concerns about the use of TVAAS as the ESSA plan moves forward. ESSA is a great opportunity for states to take an innovative approach. TEA is encouraged by some of what we’ve seen of the state plan. Where there are concerns, we’ll be communicating directly with the Department of Education to make improvements. � is is the � rst in a series of articles analyzing the state plan and sharing TEA’s assessment of it with members. Watch future issues of TEACH and � e Advocate for more on ESSA implementation.

State ESSA planfrom page 1

Resources available for Read Across Tennessee

Printable resources at www.TEAteachers.org/ReadTN.

Printable resources at www.TEAteachers.org/ReadTN.

Read Across Tennessee

Ruffy

Read Across TennesseeRead Across TennesseeMarch 2, 2017

© TEA, 2017

The theme for Read Across Tennessee 2017 is “Dig into books!,” featuring Ru� y the Reading Dog. The annual celebration falls on March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday. TEA drew a picture of a Tennessee dog as Seuss would have, complete with a state-shaped dog tag.

TEA has created coloring sheets, bookmarks and other classroom materials to make the celebration a special one. Read Across

Tennessee materials include a poster found in the this issue of TEACH (and available online to download), and other materials easily downloaded. Additional posters, bookmarks and classroom supplies can be ordered from TEA, just contact your local UniServ coordinator.

A TRUE CHANCE FOR CHANGE

TEA Teach 5

CATEGORY IDistrict 1Karen Anderson*

Joe Crabtree*

LaDawn Hudgins – WCEA President: 2012 - current, WCEA Vice-President: 2010-2012, AR: 10+ yrs.; TEA-RA Delegate: 12+ yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA-RA: 4 yrs., TEA State Delegate @ NEA MLT/WLT 2013-2014 & 2016-2017, IPD Committee

Member: 2014-2015, Membership Committee: 2016, School Calendar Committee: 7 yrs., MAC Committee Member: 3 yrs., School SLP: 29 yrs., MTH: 2009., Member Black Caucus, Pastoral Sta� @ Calvary Church, married 35 yrs.

Vicky Jones – Washington Co. EA President - 2 terms, Secretary - 10 + years, Association Rep - 38 years, WCEA Committees: Grievance, Constitution & By-laws, P R & R, Budget, WCEA W-PACE Treasurer - 10 years, WCEA Negotiations team - 20 + years, WCEA Collaborative Conferencing team - 3 years, TEA RA 20 + Conventions, TEA Summer Leadership 10 +years, TEA Bargaining Training 10 + years, NEA RA 15 + Conventions

Rhonda Lankford – Teacher with a Master of Secondary Education at Chuckey Doak High School, currently serving as treasurer and membership chair of Greene County Education Association, served as RA, negotiations team, Special School Committee,

Women’s Issues, IPD Committee (2016-2017), delegate for TEA/RA, delegate for NEA/RA (since 2011), state delegate for NEA MLT/WLT (October 2014 & January 2017), ESSA Cadre, and attended civications, organizing summit, and leadership AcadamyRebecca � ornburg*

District 2Michelle Bowman*

District 3Michael Carvella*

Bryan Massengale - Band director Rhea County 1984, BS/MS - UT Knoxville, EdS - TN Tech. Rhea-Dayton EA o� ces: president, newsletter editor, negotiating team, collaborative conferencing, AR. NEA: NEA Today advisory board, NEA RA

delegate many years. “I want to see the association strive to do the best it can to improve, support and defend public schools. ‘It takes a village,’ and I want our association’s input to be an important part of that village.”

District 4Derisika (Dee) Beatty – Fi� h grade teacher, Belle Morris Elementary; Belle Morris BLT; Knox Co. EA: Minority A� airs and Membership committees. Former Teaching Assistant (Austin East Magnet High School), Graduate of Tusculum College, MA

in Teaching, Clayton State University, BA Psychology and Human Services and Pellissippi State, Associate of Science. I worked as a child and family therapist prior to pursuing a Master’s in Teaching. I love teaching and being an advocate for our students and profession.

Tanya Coats – Knox Co. EA, NEA Senior Director, Farragut Intermediate-Curriculum Specialist (Instructional Coach); TEA Executive Board Member, KCEA Executive Board Member, Former TEA Board of Director; committee

member of KCEA’s Membership, Minority A� airs, Public Relations, Elections, Human Relations, Farragut Intermediate Leadership Team, Knox County Schools Coaches’ Network. “Serving as your NEA Director is an honor and a privilege, my hopes are to continue to build the capacity of our organization.”

Anthony Hancock – Special Education Teacher, Comprehensive Development Classroom, Bearden Middle, Knox Co. EA: Executive Board, Parliamentarian, Legislative Contact Team (LCT), Membership and Minority A� airs Leadership

committees, Association Representative; TEA: Board of Directors, District 4, Co-Chair 2014-15 Minority A� airs committees, Resolutions, NEA RA State Delegate, Southeast Regional Minority Leadership Training Committee, Minority A� airs Leadership Committee, New Teachers Training Committee, State Delegate – RA Assembly; NEA: Resolutions Committee, “Vote for Anthony Hancock to serve you with Dignity and Worth.”

Paula Hancock – Knox Co. EA, 6-8th Grade Math Intervention Teacher, Karns Middle; (2 terms)-TUEAC, Secretary; TEA: Board of Directors (East Tennessee Black Classroom Teacher), Legislative Editing, Communications

and Resolutions committees, Representative Assembly; NEA: PAC Captain of Fund for Children and Public Education, Minority Leadership Training, Representative Assembly; KCEA: Secretary, KCEA Executive Board, Middle School Representative, Minority-at-Large, Collaborative Conference Team, Membership and Minority A� airs committees, Association Representative; “Vote Paula Hancock to be your voice.”

Connie Mitchell – Knox County EA. I have been a Special Education teacher for almost 30 years. Currently, I teach a wonderful group of CDC-A students. With my experience on the TEA Board of Directors, Knox County Executive

Board, Collaboration Team and as a Building Representative, I am quite prepared to represent our members. I would appreciate your vote, as a delegate, to the NEA RA.

Angela Patrick – 2012 Graduate of Tusculum College, First Grade teacher with Knox County Schools since 2013, Association Representative, Knox County Education Association, Disparities in Educational Outcomes Steering Committee Member, Advocate for Public Education.

Karen Peterman*

Joan Washington*

District 5Jeanette Omarkhail *

Pam � ompson*

District 6Beth Brown – English teacher, 15 years, Grundy County High School; GCEA: Association Representative, President-Elect, President, Chief Negotiator, Grievance Chairperson, Membership Chairperson, Collaborative Conferencing Chairperson;

TEA: TEA Board (2009-2012, 2014-Present), TEA Vice President, Board Liaison to IPD Commission, Executive Committee, Budget Committee, Educator Advocacy/Organizing Committee, Dues Task Force, Credentials Committee, Legislative Editing Committee, Mission, Vision, and Core Values Committee, ESSA Implementation Team, NEA 360 Implementation Team, FCPE Council; NEA: RA Delegate, 2009-2015

Robin Dunn – 12 years in education, President of Tullahoma City Education Association since 2013 6th year teaching 9th grade Algebra I at Tullahoma High School, EdS in School Counseling from University of Tennessee, “I � rmly believe

that positive mindset changes the Universe. Allow me to be your instrument of change.”

Jennifer Eilender*

Josephine McQuail*

District 7 Jim Gi� ord*

District 8Kawanda Braxton*

Kevin King*

Fred Riley*

District 9Stephen Henry*

Erick Huth*

Amanda Kail*

Kenneth Martin*

Dedrick Messenger*

Debi Ponder*

Jeannine Renfro*

Carrol Trusty*

Rosemary Wade*

� eresa Wagner – A physical education teacher working at Apollo Middle Prep. MNEA: Vice-President (2015-present), Executive Board (October 2007-present); MNEA representative on TEA Board of Directors (2011-13); TEA RA delegate since 2007.

TEA: delegate to NEA Annual Meeting since 2008; President of Tennessee Urban Education Associations Council (2010-14); certi� ed trainer TEA IPD training cadre (2015-present). NEA: Female Co-director of NEA-GLBT caucus SE Region (2010-present); certi� ed trainer in NEA HCR Division’s Anti-Bullying and Harassment Cadre (2007-present).

Kimberly Williamson*

Earl Wiman*

District 10 Carrie Allison – Second grade teacher, Cumberland Heights Elementary, Clarksville. New teacher member on TEA Board of Directors, building representative, iTEAM advisory board member, co-chairs local iTEAM. Served as campus and state o� cer in NEA student program. Selected by NEA as a 2014 facilitator on the GPS Network. TEA and NEA RA delegate 2014-16. Has attended NEA events including NEA-SP Leadership Conference, NEA National Leadership Summit, and NEA Early Career Educators Conference.

Jane Ligon*

Benita Townsend*

Randall Woodard*

District 11Brandi Adams *

Melanie Buchanan

District 12Raeleen Burke — Kindergarten teacher for four years, Raeleen has served on the TEA Membership and New Teacher committees

Janis Carroll*

District 13Trish Stephenson*

Sandra McDurmon*

Tammi McCoy* District 14/15Loranzo Andrews*

Deborah Atkins*

Sonya Boyce*

Kenyon Cook*

Marlo Harper*

Sammy Jobe – Past President-elect MSCEA. Past President Shelby Co. EA. Heath/PE teacher, boys’ basketball coach (19 years) Collierville Middle. SCEA Board of Directors; Capitol Hill lobbying; Building AR; election committee co-

chairman; liaison SCEA newsletter; Educator Bene� ts; TEA Board of Directors; 19 TEA RAs; 8 TEA Leadership Academies; TEA membership committee; NEA Veterans Caucus state contact; caucus secretary; 14 NEA RAs; 6 South Regional Leadership conferences; West Tennessee Teachers Representative- TCRS Board of Trustees. District 13 TEA-FCPE representative.

Neshellda Johnson*

Lisa Jorgenson*

Lily Reed*

Ti� any Reed*

� e NEA Represenative Assembly is NEA’s highest decision-making body. With more than 9,000 delegates, it is also the world’s largest democratic, deliberative body.

� e RA convenes every July for delegates to debate issues that impact American public education, elect NEA o� cers, and set policy for the 3.2 million-member association. � is is where Tennessee educators can voice their opinions on where our national a� liate should focus its time and resources for the coming year.

Biographical information and photographs submitted

by candidates for state delegate positions to the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly in Boston, Mass., June 30 - July 5, 2017, are published in this two-page section. All candidates will be listed on ballots which local association presidents will receive by March 1.

Members are encouraged to vote in the locally conducted election to determine who will represent them at the NEA RA.

For Category 1, NEA members will vote for two district delegates based on the district in which they teach. Category 1 includes candidates who are

classroom teachers, education support professionals or persons who serve in other non-supervisory positions.

In Category 2, NEA members may vote for any three of the candidates. � is category includes members who are supervisors, administrators or retired NEA life members.

Any NEA-retired life, education support or active member not a� liated with a local association who wishes to vote in the election may receive a ballot by writing or calling TEA, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099, (615) 242-8392 or (800) 342-8367.

TEA members seek NEA RA state delegate seats, opportunity to set national priorities

NEA RA bios cont. page 8

6 TEA Teach

Read Across Tennessee TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

into ainto ainto ainto ainto a

TEA Public School Advocate 7TEA Teach 7

March 2, 2017TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

For classroom materials go to teateachers.org

Contact TEATennessee Education Association 801 Second Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37201-1099(615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367 FAX (615) 259-4581

UniServ CoordinatorsDistrict 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, fax: (866)379-0949; Assns: Bristol, Carter Co., Elizabethton, Johnson Co., Hancock Co., Hawkins Co., Kingsport, Northeast State Community College, Rogersville, Sullivan Co. District 2 — Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; (423)234-0700, fax: (855)299-0723; Assns: Cocke Co., Greene Co., East Tennessee State University, Greeneville, Hamblen Co., Johnson City, Newport, Unicoi Co., Washington Co. District 3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 70288, Knoxville, TN 37938-0288, (865)688-1175, fax: (866)518-3104; Assns: Campbell Co., Claiborne Co., Grainger Co., Je�erson Co., Sevier Co., Union

Co., Walters State Community College. District 4 — Duran Williams, KCEA, 2411 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Assns: Knox, Pellisippi State Comm. College, UT-Knoxville, TSD. District 5— Jason White, P.O. Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (615)521-1333, fax: (855)301-8366; Assns: Athens, Alcoa, Anderson Co., Blount Co., Clinton, Etowah, Loudon Co., Maryville, McMinn Co. (except Athens City - see District 7), Monroe Co., Oak Ridge, Polk Co., Sweetwater. District 6 — Shannon Bain, P.O. Box 3452, Lebanon, TN 37088, phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (844)274-0765; Assns: Cannon Co., Cumberland Co., Cumberland University, DeKalb Co., Lebanon, Putnam Co., Van Buren Co., Warren Co., Wilson Co., White Co., TTU. District 7 — Theresa Turner, HCEA 4655 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: Athens City, Bradley Co., Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland, Hamilton Co., UT-Chattanooga. District 8 — Josh Trent, P.O. Box 451, Livingston, TN 38570, (931)279-9530,

fax: (855)299-5674; Assns: Fentress Co., Lenior City, Loudon Co., Meigs Co., Morgan Co., Oneida, Overton Co., Rhea-Dayton Co., Roane Co., Scott Co., York Institute. District 9 — Jackie Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37128;phone: (615)898-1060, fax: (855) 301-8214, Assns: Bedford Co., Bledsoe Co., Co�ee Co., Franklin Co., Grundy Co., Manchester, Marion Co., Moore Co., Motlow State Community College, Sequatchie Co., Tullahoma. District 10 — Je� Garrett, P.O. Box 1326, Lebanon, TN 37088-1326; (615)630-2605, fax (855)320-8755; Assns: Clay Co., Jackson Co., Macon Co., Pickett Co., Robertson Co., Smith Co., Sumner Co., Trousdale Co. District 11 — Antoinette Lee, P.O. Box 1412, Antioch, TN 37013; (615)308-5293, fax: (888)519-7331; Assns: FSSD, Williamson, TN Dept. of Ed. District 12 — Sue Ogg; P.O. Box 210486, Nashville, TN 37211-0486; (615)856-0503, fax: (855)427-6660 — Assns: Fayetteville City, Giles Co., Lawrence Co., Lincoln Co., Marshall Co., Maury Co., Wayne Co. District 13 — Mary Campbell, Susan Dalton, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN

37211; (615)347-6578 (Campbell), (615)476-3161 (Dalton), fax: (855)299-4968 (Campbell), (855)299-5837 (Dalton); Assns: Dept. of Higher Ed., Metropolitan Nashville, TN School For The Blind, MTSU, Murfreesboro City, NSCC, Rutherford, TSU. District 14 — Maria U�elman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone: (931)827-3333, fax: (855)299-4925; Assns: Austin Peay State University, Clarksville-Montgomery Co., Henry Co., Houston Co., Paris, Stewart Co., Weakley Co., UT-Martin. District 15 — Cheryl Richardson, P.O. Box 354, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; phone: (615)630-2601, fax: (888)519-4879; Assns: Benton Co., Central, Cheatham Co., Clarksburg, Decatur Co., Dickson Co., Hickman Co., Humphreys Co., Huntingdon, Lewis Co., McKenzie, Perry Co., West Carroll. District 16 — Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (855)299-4591; Assns: Chester Co., Jackson-Madison Co., Jackson State Community College, Hardin Co., Henderson Co., Lexington, McNairy Co., West Tennessee School for the Deaf. District 17 — Terri Jones, P.O. Box 2140, Cordova, TN

38088; (901)258-3902, fax: (844)270-8083; Assns: Bradford, Crockett Co., Dyer Co., Dyersburg, Dyersburg State Community College, Gibson Co., Hardeman Co., Haywood Co., Humboldt, Lake Co., Lauderdale Co., Milan, Obion Co., Tipton Co., Trenton, Union City. District 18 — Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38128; (901)377-9472, fax: (855)320-8737;—Assns: Bartlett, Collierville, Fayette Co., Germantown-Arlington-Lakeland, Millington, Southwest State Community College, University of Memphis. District 19 — Karla Carpenter, UniServ Field Manager; UniServ Director: Tom Marchand, 6520 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134; phone/fax (901)379-6939; United Education Association of Shelby County, www.unitedshelby.org.

www.teateachers.org

www.nea.org

Tikeila Rucker —Shelby County/Memphis, TN, Educator, serving as President of United Education Association of Shelby County. (UEA) TEA: iTEAM Advisory Board. A NEA 2015 A�rmative Action Intern Graduate. Former roles TEA Minority A�airs; Memphis-Shelby Education

Association Elementary Director, New Teacher Committee, and PACE Council. “Motivated, persistent, and determined to improve the profession for educators. Please allow me to serve and represent TEA District 19 at the 2017 NEA RA.”

Vicki Smith*

Danette Stokes*

Cheronda �ompson*

Andrea �ompson*

LaTia Watson*

Clemmie West*

CATEGORY 2Paula Brown*

Barbara Gray — TEA president, ESSA Implementation Team, NEA Minority Planning Committee, TEA budget committee, member of Germantown Arlington Lakeland EA, assistant principal on leave from Arlington Middle School; past president, vice-president, administrator – Shelby

County EA; served on state and local Board of Directors; chaired various state and local committees; involved in numerous state and local association activities. Proud to have served as your delegate in the past and would love to represent you at 2016 NEA RA.

Sherry Hensley*

Jessica Holman*

Dennis Kimbrough*

Tanna Nicely – I began my career in 1990 at Sunnyview Elementary in Knoxville. Served as assistant principal at Dogwood and Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy. In 2013, I was appointed principal of South Knoxville Elementary. I also teach at South College and will begin teaching at Johnson

University and Lincoln Memorial in the coming semesters. I have been a member of TEA since my STEA days at UTK.

Melinda Pruitt – Special Education Supervisor-Greene Co., 34 years: 17/teacher, 17/administrator; GCEA: President 2011, 2001, 1995; President-Elect 2000, 1994; Vice President 2013, 1999, 1993; Treasurer 2004-2006; Executive Committee 2016; TEA: Status of Women Committee

2006-2007; Administrator Task Force 2006 and 2009: ION Committee 2004, 2013, 2015, 2016; Membership Committee 2002, Members Bene�ts Committee 2009-2012; Insurance Committee 2000, Negotiations Committee 1998; TEA/RA (24); NEA/RA (17); Honors: TEA Distinguished Administrator 2001-2002; Who’s Who in American Education 1989-2015.

Margaret �ompson*

Syndey Upton*

* — no photo or bio at press time.

NEA RA bios from page 5

Make lesson plans now for Black History MonthAs we prepare to observe and honor Black History Month in February, there is a wealth of resources to help teachers integrate Black History Month curriculum into lesson plans, covering a variety of subjects and multiple grade levels.“�ere are numerous resources available in Tennessee and beyond to help your students learn about the rich cultural history and contributions of African Americans,” said TEA President Barbara Gray. “If you have a speci�c need, please contact us at TEA and we’ll help you �nd what you need for your class.”

Community Partners“Where possible, we encourage teachers to seek out community partners, like museums or historically black colleges and universities, to enhance your lesson plans and enrich the student experience,” Gray said. Fisk University, Tennessee State University and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Knoxville College, Lane College in Jackson, and LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis would be excellent partners in

planning your Black History Month curriculum and commemoration. Another resource is the National Civil Rights Museum (www.civilrightsmuseum.org) at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, the place where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was gunned down on April 4, 1968, a week a�er striking with Memphis sanitation workers. “Dr. King's Dream, his nonviolent resistance in the name of equality for all has brought so much positive change, but a lot of work remains to be done,” Gray said. “It’s up to us as teachers to tell Dr. King’s story and the countless stories of sel�ess citizens who su�ered and died for equality.”

Lesson PlansAmong lesson plans available at www.nea.org/tools/lessons/black-history-month.htm, you can �nd sections on African American scientists and inventors, the African American migration experience and many other topics grouped by grades K-12.

�e Johnella Martin/TEA Statewide Minority A�airs Conference is the higghlight of the year for many members. �e conference is designed to provide an opportunity for TEA ethnic minority members to receive pertinent information and training to assist them in their profession and community outreach, will take place in Franklin-Cool Springs March 24-25. “Sessions and panels are designed to provide the latest instruction and professional development techniques to enhance your teaching and administrative skills,” said Forestine Cole, TEA Hotline coordinator and MAC sta� liaison. “�e sessions will focus on bridging student achievement gaps, the need to increase diversity and cultural competence in the teaching workforce, and securing

adequate and equitable resources for public education.”Members will also learn about the bene�ts of engaging in the local, state and National Education Association. “Historically, educators have been on the frontline battling the challenges facing ethnic minority students in Tennessee, including the need for adequate funding for schools serving minority and disadvantaged students,” Cole said. “�ere is a lot we can do to push for proper funding, and we hope to move the needle on funding this year.”Members and non-members can register online now at www.TEAteachers.org/MAC.

Statewide Johnella Martin / TEA Minority Affairs Conference

MARCH 24 – 25, 2017 | EMBASSY SUITES — COOL SPRINGSRegister online: www.TEAteachers.org/MAC

“WE ARE DIVERGENT”

Minority Affairs Conference moves to Cool Springs

TEA Teach 9

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NEA, NEA Member Bene�ts and the NEA Member Bene�ts logo are registered service marks of NEA’s Member Bene�ts Corporation.

At NEA Member Benefits, we have member-only resources and product solutions to enrich every aspect of your personal and professional life. Whether it’s saving on everyday

items, ge�ing ready for a career change or buying a home—we’re here to help. Check out all the exclusive resources and special offers we’ve created just for you.

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TEA knows every dollar counts in your family budget. �at is why when tax time rolls around, it is important that you know the many tax deductions you qualify for as a professional educator. First, TEA members can deduct 93 percent of your association dues for the 2016 tax year. �e nondeductible portion of TEA dues is 7 percent related to certain lobbying and political activities, so you can deduct $250.53 for active full-time teachers and $125.26 for full-time education support professionals as miscellaneous itemized deductions.Teachers may also deduct up to $250 for classroom supplies purchased in 2016. �is is a particularly advantageous deduction because it is an above-the-line deduction on line 23 on Form

1040, which means you don’t have to itemize to take it and it reduces your overall adjusted gross income. Other situations faced by educators preparing their taxes include:

Income from outside work If there is no additional withholding on outside work, you want to be sure to avoid a penalty for under withholding— i.e., when your overall tax liability exceeds the amount of tax you had withheld by certain margins. �e outside income should be reported on your federal tax return.

Other unreimbursed employment expenses You can deduct expenses for classroom supplies beyond the $250 amount as unreimbursed employment expenses, which are de�ned as expenses that help you conduct your job even if

they are not required. However, these deductions are subject to a 2 percent limit on itemized deductions—this means you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 2 percent of your adjusted gross income on Schedule A line 21.

Lifetime Learning Credits If you take courses that you pay for yourself, whether or not they are required for certi�cation, you may qualify for the American Opportunities Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit, see Form 8863 for more details. Be sure to work with a tax advisor or reliable tax so�ware that clearly addresses your situation, especially if you are in the higher income brackets. And keeping receipts or a careful log is critical for the classroom supplies deduction and other tax bene�ts.

Don’t miss out on educator tax deductions

10 TEA Teach

While you may not be familiar with the term “UniServ,” you undoubtedly have seen some of the faces below in your school or have bene� ted from their knowledge and expertise. TEA UniServ coordinators are the association’s � eld sta� who live and work in your district. As former educators and association members, this group has a deep understanding of what it is like to be a public school educator. � ese are the people you want in your corner.

District 1 - Harry Farthinghfarthing@tnea.org | 423.262.8035

I taught and coached for nearly 12 years in Elizabethton. I now have almost 12 years of experience serving you as a TEA UniServ.

TEA UniServ uniquely qualifi ed to support TN educators

District 2 - Jennifer Gabyjgaby@tnea.org | 423.234.0700

I taught for 15 years in Greene County at Chuckey Doak High School. I was an active association leader before becoming a TEA UniServ in 2010.

District 3 - Tina Parliertparlier@tnea.org | 865.688.1175

I spent 15 years teaching in Elizabethton before joining the TEA sta� . I have been working as a UniServ coordinator for six years now.

District 4 - Duran Williamsdwilliams@tnea.org | 865.522.9793

I served as teacher, assistant principal, principal and coach for 20 years at Cosby School. � is is my 10th year with TEA.

District 5 - Jason Whitejwhite@tnea.org | 615.521.1333

As a former Georgia teacher and a current public school parent, students and educators are my passion. I have worked for TEA for six years.

District 8 - Josh Trentjtrent@tnea.org | 931.279.9530

Before joining sta� , I taught for 13 years and have been a local AR, Vice President, and President. I am here to answer any questions or concerns.

District 10 - Je� Garrettjgarrett@tnea.org | 615.630.2605

I have had the privilege to work as an educator, local association activist and leader, and now as a TEA UniServ coordinator.

District 9 - Jackie Popejpope@tnea.org | 615.898.1060

I have dedicated my entire professional career to public education, as an educator, local and state leader and a union activist.

District 6 - Shannon Bainsbain@tnea.org | 615.547.7769

Award-winning high school English teacher, organizer, and passionate advocate for public education. Educators: I’ve got your back!

District 7 - � eresa Turnertturner@tnea.org | 423.485.9535

A� er 12 years in the classroom, I worked with other state a� liates for 19 years before joining the TEA sta� in 2010. I grew up in Marshall County.

District 11 - Antoinette Leealee@tnea.org | 615.308.5293

I am a former educator and association leader. I have worked with TEA for more than 10 years - � rst as a lobbyist and now as your UniServ.

District 12 - Sue Oggsogg@tnea.org | 615.856.0503

I have worked with TEA for more than 10 years. I love my advocacy work with teachers in my district.

District 13 - Mary Campbellmcampbell@tnea.org | 615.347.6578

I taught criminal justice at Ravenwood HS, and worked as a prosecutor. I le� teaching to advocate full time for teachers and public education.

District 13 - Susan Daltonsdalton@tnea.org | 615.476.3161

I taught middle school in Sumner County before joining the TEA sta� 15 years ago.

District 14 - Maria U� elmanmu� elman@tnea.org | 931.827.3333

As a former English teacher I identify with the � ght for this important profession. � e best part of my job is helping members.”

District 17 - Terri Jonestjones@tnea.org | 901.258.3902

I am a Tipton Co. native and taught in Memphis. I have been working with the association as a UniServ coordinator since 2007.

District 19 - Tom Marchandtmarchand@tnea.org | 423.262.8035

I taught for 18 years and served as a local association leader for much of that time. I have worked with the association for almost 18 years.

District 18 - Zandra Fosterzfoster@tnea.org | 901.377.9472

I come from a family of teachers, and previously taught in the classroom. I love my work as an advocate for educators and public education.

District 15 - Cheryl Richardsoncrichardson@tnea.org | 615.630.2601

I was an educator in Cheatham County for 23 years, including serving as principal of Cheatham County Central High School.

District 16 - Lorrie Butlerlbutler@tnea.org | 731.989.4860

I believe public education is the bedrock of our democracy. I taught middle school for 10 years before beginning my work with TEA 16 years ago.

Nearly two CENTURIES of combined experience make TEA � eld sta� an unstoppable force

TEA Teach 11

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8 TEA Public School Advocate12 TEA Teach

State law provides that a district may dismiss any teacher for the following reasons: incompetence, ine� ciency, insubordination, neglect of duty or improper conduct.How do you get tenure?Under the amended law, teachers become eligible for tenure a� er completing a probationary period of � ve school years or not less than 45 months within the last seven-year period; received summative evaluations of 4s and 5s during the last two years of the probationary period; and has been reemployed by the director a� er the probationary period. Once eligible, state law requires that the director of schools either recommends the teacher for tenure to the local board or non-renew the teacher. If a teacher is recommended for tenure, the board must vote to either grant or deny tenure. It is important to understand that if tenure is not granted, the teacher cannot be continued in employment in that district.“TEA legal and � eld sta� are hearing more and more reports of this process not being followed. Some school districts have stopped recommending teachers for tenure all together, even though they meet all of the criteria,” McCoy said.� is is the � rst year many teachers are becoming eligible for tenure a� er the law changed in 2011. � is transition, coupled with the delay of summative scores from the 2015-16 school year, has created the perfect storm for confusion at all levels.“Our number one priority is that TEA members are treated fairly. In partnership with TEA UniServ sta� and our local a� liates, our legal team is working hard to ensure school districts are following state law and moving forward with recommending eligible teachers for tenure status,” McCoy said.Why do you need tenure?Teachers in Shelby County Schools experienced � rst-hand the signi� cance of tenure when the district began the process of displacing teachers regardless of tenure status.While tenure doesn’t protect an ine� ective teacher from losing her job, it is there to protect the good teachers from being unfairly dismissed – or “excessed,” as Shelby County called it.TEA Legal won a recent federal court case against excessing and is continuing to advocate for members statewide. “My advice to our members is to work with your local association leaders and TEA UniServ coordinator to have your district to follow the state tenure law and recommend eligible teachers for tenure,” McCoy said.

Any teacher who meets all of the following requirements, is eligible for tenure:

Has a degree from an approved four-year college or any career and technical teacher who has the equivalent amount of training established and licensed by the state board of education

Holds a valid teacher license, issued by the state board of education, based on training covering the subjects or grades taught;

Has completed a probationary period of � ve (5) school years or not less than forty-� ve (45) months within the last seven-year period, the last two (2) years being employed in a regular teaching position rather than an interim teaching position;

Has received evaluations demonstrating an overall performance e� ectiveness level of "above expectations" or "signi� cantly above expectations" as provided in the evaluation guidelines adopted by the state board of education pursuant to § 49-1-302, during the last two (2) years of probationary period; provided, however, that a teacher who has met all other requirements for tenure eligibility but has not acquired an o� cial evaluation score during the last one (1) or two (2) years of the probationary period due to an approved extended leave; transfer to another school or position within the school district; or invalidated data due to a successful local level evaluation grievance pursuant to 49-1-302(d)(2)(A) may utilize the most recent two (2) years of available evaluation scores achieved during the probationary period to meet the provisions of this subdivision (4); and

Is reemployed by the director of schools for service after the probationary period.

TENUREfrom page 1

Local associations, TEA sta� advocate for members’ rights

CALENDAR of EVENTS

March

April

February2/3-4 - Organizing Summit (Franklin)2/7 - Webinar: Knowing, Grouping and Motivating Students (6-7 p.m. CST)

3/7-4/11 - Civication (Every Tuesday)3/14 - Webinar: Classroom Management (6-7 p.m. CST)3/24-25 - Minority A� airs Conference (Franklin)3/31-4/1 - Spring Symposium (Chattanooga)

4/7-8 - Student TEA Convention (Murfreesboro)4/22 - Education Support Professional Conference

Event information: www.TEAteachers.org “Events” tab

� e 21st Annual TEA Spring Teaching & Learning Symposium will focus on new learning opportunities, professional growth and good fellowship March 31 through April 1 in Chattanooga. “By the end of March, everyone needs a little break, which is why our Spring Symposium has been such a success over the years, brining members from all over the state to learn and relax away from their school district,” said Carolyn Crowder, TEA executive director. � is year’s keynote speakers Donna Porter and D.J. Batiste will share an inspiring message about the crucial role teachers can play in their students’ lives. Kicked out of Head Start as a child, Batiste was no stranger to juvenile

detention and at one point led a large violent gang in Mississippi. Alternating between suspensions and getting in trouble with the law throughout high school, Batiste was introduced to conscious discipline by Porter, his favorite teacher. Batiste now leads and teaches from a di� erent point of view and, in turn, inspires hundreds around the country with the message of connection instead of correction.Other sessions will include ELL strategies and awareness, writing in mathematics, beginning and elementary literacy, optimizing teacher leadership and performance, easy STEM labs, a session on TCRS, as well as an in-depth look into conscious discipline.

Earn PDPs at Spring Symposium

Once eligible, state law requires that the director

teacher. If a teacher is recommended for tenure,

Has a degree from an approved four-year college or any career and technical teacher who has the equivalent amount of training established and licensed by the state board of education

Holds a valid teacher license, issued by the state board of education, based on training covering the subjects or grades taught;

Has completed a probationary period of � ve (5) school years or not less than forty-� ve (45) months within the last seven-year period, the