 'We
speak up for you.'
You’re
back in the swing of a new school year. If you were fortunate to
have slower paced days this summer, they are now far behind. I know
that teachers’ schedules are now packed with teaching students,
writing lesson plans, attending faculty meetings and committee meetings,
and grading papers after hours. Support professionals are on the
job early or late, ensure the safety of our students and make sure
the school runs smoothly so learning takes place. These are among
the most important reasons that you are a member of Missouri NEA.
The
Association is doing what individuals cannot do alone—thanks to
the countless hours your local and state association leaders volunteer
on top of their other duties. We know that your working conditions
are the learning conditions of your students. Smaller class sizes,
up-to-date materials, collaborative decision making and salaries
and benefits that attract and retain quality teachers are all vital
in making sure our students get the best education possible. You’re
an MNEA member, and we speak up for you.
I
know that you also depend on the Association if your rights are
violated. Local association leaders are ready to help if the need arises.
MNEA professional staff members are an e-mail or phone call away
and ready to assist you in navigating the bureaucracy of your local
school district. Even though you may never expect to be accused,
these leaders and staff are ready to assist. You’re an MNEA member,
and we speak up for you.
More
and more, the federal government directly impacts what happens in
your classroom or work setting. NEA is working tirelessly to fix
and fund the so-called No Child Left Behind Act. Through our collective
action we have made positive changes in the law, and we won’t stop
now. NEA will continue to push Congress to pay its full share to
fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You
know that most teachers in Missouri, and 13 other states, are subject
to unfair Social Security penalties. NEA is at the forefront in
pushing repeal of the penalties and advocating protection of retirement
systems like ours. We know you can’t do it alone. You’re a member,
and we speak up for you. 3
Unprecedented
attacks on public schools marked the last session of the Missouri
legislature. We saw bills with misleading names that divert public
money to private and religious schools. There were efforts to weaken
teacher certification and permit merit-pay schemes. With your help,
MNEA turned back the threats. As individuals, we have little impact
on the legislative system, but speaking together we can protect
the interests of our students and members. You’re an MNEA member,
and we speak up for you.
The
Missouri legislature also adopted a new school-funding formula.
The structure of the formula is good, but the promise of the law
is too little too late. This phased-in funding formula doesn’t even
start until next year. Then it takes an additional seven years to
provide the full promise of the law. Even though another teacher
association in Missouri is touting this formula as being adequate,
the formula doesn’t provide by 2013 what experts say is needed today
to fund our schools adequately. You know the difference. You’re
an MNEA member, and we speak up for you.
I
know you understand the power of membership, but there are teachers
and other school employees who haven’t yet seen the big picture.
Whether they are members of the other association, which is content
with less, or just haven’t seen the value in belonging, we need
to reach out and tell them that something better exists in Missouri.
Talk with them about why you are a member. Explain the power of
everyone working together in the Association. Tell them that you
are an MNEA member because MNEA speaks up for you.
by Greg
Jung
MNEA president
Other Reflections
‘Students deserve
more than a funny-money formula....’
‘Why are they stealing
from Missouri kids?'
‘We on the front lines
must take charge of making our schools safe for all children.’
‘MNEA is ready to fight
this attack on teacher certification, but we cannot do it alone.’
‘Our recommendation
process does exactly what it is designed to do.’
‘The best part of being
an MNEA member is the power we have when we stand up for public
education.’
‘Tell them their payment
is well overdue.’
‘It’s time for people
to recognize the value of the work we do.’
‘The people we elect to the
PSRS Board...
will have the ability to make decisions that affect your retirement
forever.’
Send a message Feb. 16 to legislators
that they need to take care of kids first!
Another hoop for you to jump through
in a single bound
‘Now is the time for all members
to reach out to invite others to join.’
'Missouri's economy will improve
only when legislators realize education is an investment.'
Almost 13,000 Missouri teachers aren’t
currently covered by Medicare
'Temper your frustration with determination'
The Classroom Trust Fund
'Having a pro-public education legislature
has never been more uncertain'
Missouri teachers missing benefits
of Social Security
Reflecting on our work
Every child deserves a great school
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