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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK…

Welcome back to the fast and furious 2007-2008 school year track!

As we begin the school year, I am mindful of several pressing issues or concerns that will be on the fast and furious track. Many items will be addressed in detail later in the year.

First of all, I wish all educators a successful school year. In fact, the better each individual’s year, the better the year for all parties -- as we become one! This year, we will speak with one voice in the quest for educational excellence in Prince George’s County and be united for overall educational improvement in the State of Maryland.

These objectives are attainable. As we reach for higher standards and higher expectations, let us also reach out to each other. This year, our focus is for educational unity. As MSTA nears the 100,000 member mark, “let’s each one, reach one.” There are 10,000 plus educators in Prince George’s County and, as we set our sights on achieving 100% membership, we should continue to encourage all educators to partake in and espouse our unity ideals.

As things continue to look optimistic on the county and State scenes, I can sense your enthusiasm for returning to your individual schools. With that enthusiasm, all schools are urged to begin with the formation of a Faculty Advisory Council (FAC) and the election of a FAC Representative(s), whose role is to be a liaison between the school and the Association as well as the first line of defense in solving problems in the school. The FAC Rep also attends our monthly Representative Council (“Council”) meetings held on the 4th Monday of each month. Each staff is entitled to one (1) representative for every twenty-five members (teachers). There should be at least five members on each FAC, with one or two members considered alternates. Some of the larger schools may have a FAC of twenty or more members. The FAC is an important entity, so be sure your school has a voice at our meetings. Also, your FAC should be comprised of the most motivated educators in your building. The FAC is your most powerful resource in problem solutions and situation improvements.

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More importantly, your principal is required, by contract, to respond in writing to all FAC queries within ten (10) days. Of course, we do not always have “positive” responses. But, a well functioning FAC can provide solutions to problems from a teacher perspective. And, with support from your FAC leaders, improvement plans are implemented more smoothly.

During the school year, your staff, officers and the PGCEA will be busily meeting with individual schools to ensure questions and concerns are accurately and adequately addressed in a timely manner. If your school desires a PGCEA visit, contact your Uniserv Director or President Donald Briscoe to set up an appointment that will be convenient for all parties.

Conventions

Over this July 4th weekend, nearly fifty-eight (58) PGCEA delegates attended the National Education Association (NEA) Annual Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to debate issues impacting teachers nationwide. Next summer, the NEA Convention will be held in Washington, D.C. All members are cordially invited to serve as participating delegates. You can nominate yourself on PGCEA election forms that are distributed in the month of November for the 2008 NEA Convention.

Many of you have already been elected to represent PGCEA at the MSTA Convention in Ocean City, Maryland in October. We thank you for your involvement and your serious commitment to PGCEA. During the State convention one of main topics to be addressed will be pension reform, which concerns us all. Non-delegates are also welcome to attend the State convention, but at your own expense. You are welcome to participate in the workshops while having “fun in the sun and enjoying the many exhibits and displays.

Committees

Another way each member can become actively involved in PGCEA is by joining a Standing Committee. The list of Standing Committees is Budget, Bylaws, Government Relations, Membership, Minority Affairs, Nominations, Elections & Credentials, Professional Development & Leadership, Public Relations, Sick Leave Bank, and Social. Also, there are other non-standing committees such as the Fund for Children and Public Education and Read Across America. If you are interested in any of these committees, you may telephone Linda Phillips at 301-736-2700 to join the committee of your choice.

Personal Reflections

As we proceed with anticipation and excitement to heed the challenge to greatness and champion the cause of excellence, I would like to remind you that PGCEA has negotiated an extra personal day for you in this school year. That extra day will bring the total number of personal days to four (4). We encourage you to use this time to renew your strength, replenish your spirit, recharge your commitment to yourself and your students, and be ever mindful of PGCEA’s mission to remain on the battle ground for Prince George’s County educators’ causes.

And finally, we ask each veteran educator to reach out to the new teachers in your building. Be kind to each new educator and encourage them to become involve in union activities. The Membership Committee is working diligently to make our new teachers feel welcomed, and we ask you to do the same. We have almost one thousand (1,000) new teachers. Let’s continue to actively recruit new members.

And to the new teachers, don’t be reluctant to seek out those veteran teachers who can help you. Do not hesitate to ask for help, or ask any question. Please connect with PGCEA members. We are all in this together.

Finally, I envision a new PGCEA facility. A facility that is more centrally located, easily accessible to all our members, more accommodating for parking space, and more “membership friendly” floor seating space. But, this idea is for a later time.

Newsworthy Notes

We are also planning a more collaborative effort with the NEA: a stronger clarified involvement in the National Board of Teacher Certification (NBTC) Program. PGCEA recommends its teachers seriously rethink the feasibility of the program offering and the Subsequent Examination. This is a good thing for all members. Also, we are concerned with the low minority representation on the NBCT examinations. PGCEA espouses to the tenets outlined in the NBCT statutes and fully supports and endorses its authenticity. We further direct our members to take advantage of our partnership with the NEA and the Teacher Leadership Program with George Washington University. There are others in the forefront of soliciting candidates with attractive class offerings for NBCT completion. The NEA has two (2) related websites: www.NEA.org/certification:NBCT030731 and www.NEA.org/NationalBoard that features frequently asked questions – FAQ. We strongly invite you to seek out these resources.

In keeping with NEA’s theme, “Great Public Schools for Every Child: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, MSTA President Clara Floyd asked me to select two interviewees from our Prince George’s County delegation that have fresh new visions to be part of NEA’s promotion of this theme. The two interviewees selected were Elzora Bellamy and Bryan Bucklin, Jr. We congratulate them on their selection.

And, in raising the profile of public education before the General Assembly convenes in October, MSTA is hosting a mock special session to vote on new tax and spending package that will run on Cable TV. More detailed information will be provided in the near future. MSTA has selected three (3) members to participate. They are Thaxton Etheridge (Samuel Ogle Middle), Everett Hayes (High Point High), and Mary “Diane” Antonielli (Adelphi Elementary). Kudos to these fellow unionists for their hearty representation.

Once again, it is great having you back. This school year’s pace will be fast and furious. So take a deep breath, hold on tight, envision your body being lifted up high and fly, as the spirit of the children surrounds you.