IEA Reporter Spring 2014 Edition

Progress, Patience and Collaboration Those were the key buzzwords from the 2014 legislative session when it comes to evaluating the decisions of elected officials pertaining to education funding and policy. After several years of drastic cuts to the public

education budget, Idaho legislators took steps toward restoring both operational funds and teacher salaries. They also addressed several other education-related issues and continued to voice support for the recommendations made by the Governor’s Task Force on Improving Education last summer.

The Idaho Education Association was at the forefront of the education policy discussion during the session, frequently working in collaboration with the Idaho School Boards Association and the Idaho Association of School Administrators to achieve positive results.

While paying homage to its rich history of advocacy and accomplishment on behalf of professional educators, the Idaho Education Association emphasized its vision for a bright future at the 2014 Delegate Assembly. The Boise Centre played host to 375 delegates from 52 local associations as the Annual Meeting celebrated a theme of Reaching for the Stars.

The event got off to an auspicious start as IEA President Penni Cyr unveiled a unique piece of graphic art created by iconic Idaho artist Ward Hooper. The image symbolizes the IEA’s optimism for the future of the organization and its commitment to leading the education profession for years to come.

REACHING for the STARS at IEA’s 122nd Annual Meeting

REPORTERSpring 2014 / Issue 3 Idaho Education Association

Legislature Moves Forwardon PUBLIC EDUCATION

Ward Hooper’s Reaching for the Stars was unveiled at the 122nd Annual Meeting in Boise

IEA Director of Public Policy Matt Compton testifies on the IEA’s bill to protect school

bus drivers from liability (page 4).

IEA President Penni Cyr handed out awards at Delegate Assembly to Annette Haag, Bobbie Steffensen, Sonia Galaviz and Jason Vlcek

IEA Executive Director Robin Nettinga and IEA President Penni Cyr (right) visit with legislators inside the Capitol

1 Legislative Roundup

Delegate Assembly Re-Cap

2 Leadership Letter

3 Delegate Assembly (continued)

4 Legislative Roundup (continued)

5 Member Spotlight

5 IEA People

6 Levy Success Stories

8 IEA/Ward Hooper Artwork – Order Info

IN THIS ISSUE

See more photos of IEA events at idahoea.org/iea-reporter.

LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP continued on page 4

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY RECAP continued on page 3

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NONPROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT 227

BOISE, IDAHO

Lynette Q. Member1234 Main St. Viola, Idaho 87654

620 N. 6thPO Box 2638Boise, ID 83701

Penni CyrPresident

Robin Nettinga Managing Editor

Dave HarbisonWriter, Photographer and Editor

www.idahoea.org

facebook.com/idahoea

twitter.com/idahoedassoc

Order Ward HooperIEA ARTWORK NOWRenowned Idaho artist Ward Hooper created this amazing piece to commemorate the 122nd IEA Annual Meeting and celebrate the Association’s Focus on the Future. Now you can order a copy of this unique artwork and display your pride in the IEA and the education profession. Posters, prints and I-phone covers are currently available.

www.wardhooper.com/the-iea-print-poster-or-iphone-4-or-5/

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I see a future where…

This is just a sampling of the comments written and voiced by IEA members who attended the IEA’s 122nd Annual Delegate Assembly just a few short weeks ago. Hundreds of IEA members spent the weekend focusing on the future for their students, their profession and their organization. Delegates spent hours debating and deliberating issues, and they also took time to celebrate.

As Napoleon Hill once said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” In the pages of this month’s IEA Reporter, you’ll learn more about the work accomplished at this year’s Delegate Assembly.

Among the many important decisions made at DA, delegates approved a revised set of Core Values, Mission Statement and Vision Statement. These documents create a road map for the IEA to focus on a future that unites IEA members across Idaho to uphold a public education system that prepares every child to succeed.

Our mission is of the utmost importance. But, without a plan, it is difficult to know whether you are headed in the right direction. Fortunately, a group of smart leaders and staff have been working to examine the current state of the association and to develop a strategic plan that will enable us to reach for the stars.

As a result of their efforts, the IEA is moving forward focused on building a stronger, more vibrant organization with a culture of membership. This includes not only the need to increase the sheer number of educators who are a part of

the IEA, but to also ensure that more and more members become engaged in association activities. It also includes the creation of a leadership model that is systemic and sustainable.

The IEA must—and will--continue to evolve to meet the needs of our members, to improve what we are doing to achieve our shared mission, and to advocate for Idaho’s education professionals.

The IEA has been advocating for teachers and public schools for the past 122 years. Over those years, we have been a vital and relevant organization, but it is up to all of us to lead the way for the next generation. Engaged IEA members in every corner of Idaho make it possible for the organization to advocate for our members and the future of public education.

The strategic plan also begins to outline the important steps the IEA must take to lead in the development of great public schools and in the maximization of opportunities for the students we teach. No longer can we cede important decisions about our profession to those who know little about our public schools.

Those who work in our schools every day have a unique perspective on what our students and our schools need. A key part of the process can be found in our continued efforts to collaborate with other education stakeholders and to find common ground wherever and whenever we can. By developing relationships with other key stakeholders, we found great success in the most recently concluded legislative session.

It is imperative that we build on the progress made at the capitol by identifying and supporting candidates who legitimately value and prioritize public education—not just pay it lip service. Our efforts were a key factor in Tom Luna’s decision not to seek another term as Idaho’s Superintendent for Public Instruction. Now we must use our collective clout to impact the race for his successor, as well as in legislative campaigns all around the state.

We are committed to reaching for the stars and building the brightest possible future for teachers, education support professionals, students and communities in Idaho.

Many times over the course of our organization’s history, the IEA has accomplished amazing feats. That’s what happens when we use our collective strength and work together for a common cause. Make no doubt about it, the collective strength of the Idaho Education Association comes from your dedication, your determination, and your desire to have a better future for your students, profession, and for yourself.

You are the core of our leadership, the backbone of our past accomplishments, and the hope for our future. Our strength is in our unity and in our shared vision for the future. Together, we are focused on a very bright future. As Napoleon Hill’s quote reminds us, we can achieve whatever we put our minds to. We look forward to moving the IEA forward and building a brighter future!

Penni Cyr, IEA President Robin Nettinga, IEA Executive Director

IEA Executive Director Robin Nettingaand President Penni Cyr

…public education survives and thrives!

…collaborative efforts between the legislature and the IEA make Idaho a great place to be a teacher!

…teachers are respected and paid like other professionals.

…children know how to think for themselves because we taught them to!

…education reform is left to those who know how to educate.

…the IEA is vigilant, united and prepared to stand against those who oppose public education and the academic health of our students.

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Register Now for IEA’s Summer Institute, Aug 6-9, Boise Centre, Downtown BoiseSpace is limited, so reserve your spot online today at bit.ly/1hb1opqThe Sharing Our Strength theme will capture the importance of developing and sharing our professional wisdom and experience. Conference strands align with the IEA’s mission to lead the way in growing and improving the education profession. They include . . .

lBeyond the Three Hour Tour: Mentoring and LeadershiplFilling Your Pail: Tools and Techniques for the ClassroomlBuilding a Life Raft: Traditional Association TraininglS. O. S.: CCSS, SBAC, SOLs, NBPTS—Where are we Now?lA Treasure Map for your Desert Island: Survival for TeacherslAll Hands on Deck: ESPs-Education Support Personnel

Delegates participated by jotting down their hopes and aspirations on stars that were then displayed on a banner under the heading I See a Future . . . President Cyr and other speakers reinforced the message that the education profession is in great need of expertise and leadership—and that association members are distinctively qualified to provide both.

The keynote address was delivered by John Stocks, Executive Director of the National Education Association. Stocks has significant ties to Idaho, having served as a State Senator and political activist. He is married to former IEA President Connie Hutchison.

Stocks urged IEA members to embrace the concept of “instructional advocacy” and steward the education profession for the next generation. “We can no longer tolerate people who have no idea how to educate students telling us how to do our jobs,” said Stocks. “We have to be at the forefront of professional advocacy and claim it as our turf.”

That sentiment was echoed by Cyr in her address to the delegates. “As education professionals who work with students on a daily basis, we have a unique perspective on what best serves schools and students,” Cyr told delegates. “Our state is crying out for effective leadership and innovative ideas, and this is a golden opportunity for us to take full ownership of our role in setting the course for public education in Idaho.”

In keeping with the IEA’s forward-looking emphasis, the Board of Directors approved a strategic plan that will enable the association to thrive and prosper in the coming years. IEA staff will be meeting this spring to take the next steps toward implementing the strategic plan. Feedback and support from members will be key components in the effective implementation of these crucial strategies. President Cyr and Executive Director Robin Nettinga share more thoughts about the strategic plan and the future direction of the association on page two of this edition of the IEA Reporter.

Other highlights of the 2014 Annual Meeting/Delegate Assembly included remarks from Idaho Teacher of the Year Jamie Esler, campaign speeches from candidates for IEA offices, the IEA awards reception and fundraisers for the IEA Children’s Fund, including the musical stylings of members and staff in the Children’s Fund karaoke party to raise funds for needy children.

REACHING for the STARS

Raising money for the Children’s Fund was a key part of the event

Region 2 showing their colors and enjoying Delegate Assembly

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY RECAP continued from page 1

NEA Executive Director John Stocks was the keynote speaker at the Annual Meeting

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Local communities overwhelmingly supported school levies and bond issues when they went to the voting booths in early March. In all, 41 of 48 ballot measures passed as local districts sought local funding to replace resources lost as a result of drastic budget cuts at the state level. For many years, so-called supplemental levies were used on a limited basis; generally to raise funds for specific projects. However as state funding has dried up, many more districts have felt it necessary to ask their local property owners to approve additional levies in order to continue offering basic, essential education services.

IEA President Penni Cyr issued a statement praising the passage of levies around the state. That statement read, in part “we are gratified that so many local communities have stepped up to provide resources and support for their students and teachers. Everyone benefits when our children are given access to a quality education that prepares them for future endeavors.”

Two of the most noteworthy success stories relating to levies took place in Kamiah and Nampa.

KEA President Amy Woods and her team were instrumental in

the successful levy vote

Voters in Kamiah approved a crucial levy this spring

More Essential than Supplemental, LEVIES BRIDGE THE FUNDING GAP FOR MANY DISTRICTS

> KAMIAH This small yet bustling town located southeast of Lewiston passed a desperately needed $650,000 levy, saving the district from a discontinuation of essential services and possibly a complete shutdown. A solid voter turnout, spurred on by support from the Kamiah Education Association, led to a 56%-44% passage of the levy. The result was a huge shot in the arm for a district that has battled teacher retention issues and budget deficits. “Our community recognized the dire straits that we were facing and responded in an amazing way,” said KEA President Amy Woods. “We have great teachers and students here in Kamiah and we are thrilled that they received the support they deserve.”

> NAMPABeset by financial mismanagement and budget deficits at the district level as well as personnel turnover in recent years, Nampa gained some much needed stability with the passage of a two year, $6.68 million levy. The outcome means that Nampa can restore about half of its 46 vacant teaching positions, add five classroom days back to the school calendar and bring back teacher training days that had been lost. The levy passed with 62% approval and marks the third successful levy since August of 2012.

Education Support Professionals (ESP), or classified employees, are an important component of our public schools. ESPs include school bus drivers, para educators, lunch room workers, school secretaries, registrars, custodians, and maintenance workers to name a few. In short, they are the nuts and bolts of a public school, working behind the scenes to make sure that our schools run smoothly, effectively, and safely. Though dedicated and hardworking, ESPs are among the lowest paid employees in our school systems, many working primarily to provide health benefits for their families.

When every penny counts in a family’s budget, it is no wonder that our ESPs need to know that becoming a member of the Idaho Education Association is an investment worth making.

ESP membership in the IEA offers:lPROTECTION – As with certificated members, ESP members are offered legal representation, liability insurance, compensation and benefits.

lSAVINGS – ESP members can save by using their membership card to access discounts for purchases made locally or across the nation. You can recoup your membership dues by using your card on local purchases alone!

lREPRESENTATION – ESP members are represented in the region and at the state level by the Education Support Professional Committee, as well as on the IEA Board of Directors. Your voice can be heard.

lADVOCACY – The Idaho Education Association is the only entity actively working for the rights and responsibilities of Idaho’s ESPs. This year, the Idaho Education Association sponsored Senate Bill 1232 which amends current law to provide that school bus drivers, while they are acting within the scope of their duties, will not be civilly or criminally liable for reasonably acting to assist a bus passenger whom the driver believes to be in imminent danger of harm or injury. SB 1232 was signed by Governor Butch Otter and goes into effect on July 1, 2014.

Membership has many benefits. Take the time to sit down and visit with your ESP colleagues and share this information with them. It could make a world of difference. – Bobbie Steffensen, ESP Committee

ESP CORNER IN SUPPORT OF EDUCATION

THE IDAHO EDUCATION ASSOCIATION has a state ESP Committee working on issues of concern to ESPs. The Co-Chairs are Debbie Flory, ESP Board At-Large member and Kim Bermensolo of Region 6. The IEA Board will consider members to fill vacancies in August 2014. If you are interested in applying for the committee, please contact IEA President, Penni Cyr or watch for the application this spring.

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LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP continued from page 1

K-12 EDUCATION BUDGET FOR 2015Lawmakers approved a one percent increase in base salary allocation for teachers, as the IEA successfully lobbied legislators to disregard the Governor’s proposed budget, which did not include salary increases for professional educators. While this move represents a step in the right direction, base salary allocation is still more than $21 million less than it was in 2009. Legislators also approved $15.8 million in leadership awards, which are viewed as a bridge to the career ladders formula recommended by the Task Force. HB 638 also included $8.25 million for professional development.

Legislators approved $35 million in operational funding to begin restoring an essential piece of the budget that was slashed drastically during the recession. This is also a positive step, but operational funding remains roughly $3,295 less per unit than in 2009. HB 639 also provides $8 million in ongoing funding for classroom technology and $3 million in one-time funding for technology pilot programs.

Also on the technology front, legislators voted to provide $4.8 million to bail out the financially troubled Idaho Education Network. IEN is an invaluable resource for Idaho schools, particularly in rural areas, but the project has not received expected federal funds in nearly a year and faces ongoing litigation.

IEA BILL PROTECTING BUS DRIVERS PASSES; POTENTIALLY HARMFUL LEGISLATION STALLSThe IEA proposed SB 1232, which protects school bus drivers from civil and criminal liability if they come to the aid of a rider who might be in danger. This bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Otter. Other legislation supported by the IEA that became law included a bill assuring that the ESP Grievance Law remains in effect, a bill requiring the State

Department of Education to collect and report data on class sizes, and extensions of sunset provisions for labor laws that will allow more time to work on long term solutions with education stakeholders.

IEA leaders also lobbied against several bills and were successful in preventing them from moving forward. Among them were bills that would have placed less emphasis on professional practice in evaluating teachers and legislation that would have established $10 million in tax credits to fund private school tuition.

WHAT’S NEXT?Progress was made during the 2014 legislative session, but much work remains to be done. Patience will be required as the IEA and other stakeholders seek to further restore funding cuts and implement the Task Force recommendations. Collaboration was a critical part of moving public education reform forward, and the IEA will continue to pursue such opportunities whenever and wherever they are practical. For more on the IEA’s plan for both the short-term and long-range future, please read the leadership letter on page two of this IEA Reporter.

Idaho Teacher of the Year Jamie Esler addresses the

House Education Committee

IEA President ON IdahoPTV

IEA President Penni Cyr shared her insight with Idaho Public Television as the legislature discussed education

issues and policy. Hosts Emilie Ritter-Saunders and Melissa Davlin speak with Cyr during a studio interview.

www.idahoea.org

IEA 24/7Sign up for our email digest on education news, resources and politics. Join the conversation with other members on Facebook and Twitter.

facebook.com/idahoea

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Shortly after the conclusion of the 2014 legislative session, three key IEA leaders sat down for a roundtable discussion on the ramifications of the session for professional educators and public education in Idaho. Listen to the podcast as IEA President Penni Cyr, Executive Director Robin Nettinga and Director of Public Policy Matt Compton break down the positive outcomes and the challenges ahead.

PODCAST: IEA Leaders Recap the Legislative Session

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

PHIL HARDING

has taken over as

Region Director in

Region 1, where

he notes that

his priorities include “increasing

membership, providing quality

advice and assistance to leaders

and members, building the

association’s capacity to accomplish

its goals and most importantly,

helping educators in public schools

take back their profession.” Phil

comes to the IEA from Arizona,

where he spent the last seven years

working as a UniServe Director in

the East Valley area of Phoenix. His

IEA position marks a return to the

great northwest for Phil—he taught

for 30 years in Washington state and

served four years as the full-time

release president of the Vancouver

(Washington) Education Association.

BEAGE ATWATER

is the newest

addition to the

Eastern Organizing

Center, having

recently joined the IEA as a Director.

Beage is based in Teton County,

where she and her husband now

reside. She previously worked for

the Colorado Education Association,

the Missouri Education Association

and the National Education

Association. Beage has extensive

experience in the political arena,

having served as a senior advisor

to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

in addition to doing campaign work

in support of candidates such as

Bill Clinton, Dick Gephardt and Ken

Salazar.

AMI REID recently

resigned from her

position as the IEA’s

Director of Business

and Finance. “I am

grateful for the opportunity to have

worked with the IEA these past four

years…and I wish you the best in

the coming years as you advocate

for Idaho’s public educators,” she

said in her letter of resignation. Ami

has accepted a position as Chief

Financial Officer with the Western

Association of Fish and Wildlife

Agencies.

MILLIE FLANDRO, Longtime IEA

member and leader, passed away

on February 27,

2014 at the age of

59, due to natural

causes associated

with early onset

Alzheimer’s. She graduated from

Pocatello High School and Idaho

State University before embarking

on a career in education and

public service. Millie taught at

Irving Junior High School and

Highland High School, then earned

her administrative certificate and

worked as principal or vice-

principal at Kinport Academy,

Irving Middle School and Century

High School. She also served

as President of the Pocatello

Education Association and was

elected to the Idaho House of

Representatives in 1990.

“Why Would You Want to be a Teacher?” Katie Graupman has the Answer!In her testimony before the Idaho State legislature earlier this year, 2013 Milken Award winner Katie Graupman shared a seminal experience from her career as a professional educator. Graupman graduated from Priest River Lamanna High School as valedictorian and as a National Merit Finalist, so she was well prepared to take on virtually any challenge and had a multitude of career options. But when Katie talked with friends about her desire to be a teacher, she was taken aback by the response.

What she heard was consistent puzzlement. “You could do anything. Why would you want to be a teacher? Why would you want to waste your talents doing that? Are you really that lazy?”

The interesting twist was that Katie already knew how important teachers were and what she calls the “Herculean effort” that it takes to excel in the profession. Because Katie’s mother, Peg Suenkel, had been a teacher for many years in small Idaho towns like Plummer, Grangeville, Priest River, Idaho Hill and St. Maries. So Katie knew just what she was getting into and had no qualms about choosing a career where she could make a difference in the lives of children.

“Every day I have the opportunity to positively and permanently impact the lives of about 100 other human beings,” Graupman told Idaho legislators. She went on to encourage lawmakers to provide the resources that professional educators need to maximize student learning. “Idaho students deserve the best educators, and the best educators deserve your support,” Graupman noted in her remarks to both the House and Senate Education Committees.

Now in her 13th year as a professional educator, Katie teaches English at Timberlake High School in Spirit Lake. Students under her tutelage have increased their scores on the ISAT and on writing assessments each year. In nominating her for the Milken Award, Graupman’s colleagues described her with words like innovative, leader, mentor and courageous. They also praised her work ethic and focus on mastery for all of her students.

While Katie loves her job and has no regrets about her career choice, she does have concerns about the future of the profession. She notes that many teachers are disheartened by the lack of support and respect that they receive and is troubled by the fact that potential teachers are being steered in other directions.

“We need to send the message that Idaho students possess limitless potential and that Idaho supports its students, teachers and schools,” Graupman told lawmakers. “Nothing less than the future of Idaho depends on this.”

As we shine our member spotlight on Milken Award winner Katie Graupman, we can’t help but feel that Spirit Lake students are very fortunate that she ignored the naysayers and forged a rewarding career as a professional educator.

Milken Award winner Katie Graupman (center) spent a day at the Capitol during the legislative session

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • IEA PEOPLE

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