Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION October 2011 Vol. 43, No. 3 www.teateachers.org

Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION October 2011 October 2011 Vol. 43, No. 3 Vol. 43, No. 3 Vol. 43, No. 3 www.teateachers.orgwww.teateachers.org

Forging AheadSumner Co. TeachersChallenge Adversity

In Federal Court

Library Beautiful:Principal Takes Road Less Traveled

To Engage Students, Bolster Readingpage 3

page 12

Evaluating Evaluation:What It’s Doing to Us,

How We Can Change Itpage 8

2 October 2011

Gera Summerford, President

In recent weeks, TEA held twelve regional “Let’s Talk” forums across our state and engaged in conversations with nearly 600 educators. It was a wonderful opportunity to glean information and share our stories. As I listened to our members, I was struck by the sense of urgency and responsibility they expressed. Our members are hungry for details about the evaluation system

and eager to get to the truth behind the rumors. Administrators, teachers and support professionals take their work very seriously and want to do the best they can to help children learn. And they want to perform at the highest level possible in their job assignments.

During this time of change in public education, it’s important to remember what unites us and why we chose this profession.

We believe education is the key to a brighter future. We know that public schools are best equipped to provide equal opportunities for all children. And we know that it takes all of us working together to create a great place for kids to learn. The culture of teaching is collaborative, not competitive. Within our schools, we know we have to function more like a family than a business.

While we struggle to adapt to a new evaluation system, let’s not lose sight of the inherent value of our profession—it is a noble, heart-and-soul way of life. We must continue to take pride in what we do, combine our efforts for improvement, and unite our voices. We can’t allow the external forces of change to affect our internal core of compassion for children and joy in teaching. Regardless of how we are evaluated, we will always preserve our commitment to students, our passion to stand up for public schools and our reputation as professionals.

Thousands of our members have shared their concerns with us by email and phone calls, by attending a “Let’s Talk” forum and by responding to the online survey. As always, TEA staff and leadership are working to ensure that our members stay informed and have access to the support and guidance they need. In addition, we continue to represent educators across our state in communications with Commissioner Kevin Huffman, the State Board of Education and the General Assembly, especially with regard to evaluations. As TEA works to offset the negative effects of the recent legislative and regulatory changes, we need consistent feedback from our members to help guide the process of turning things around for our students and our schools.

Educators accept responsibility for helping children learn, and we know we can’t do it alone. The effort to create true school reform requires all of us working together for change. I’m proud of our TEA family and the work we all do to provide a quality education for every child.

Now, more than ever, you are more than a “3” to me!

rumors. Administrators, teachers and support professionals take their work very seriously and want to do the best they can to help children learn. And they want to perform at the highest level possible in their job assignments.

education, it’s important to remember what unites us and why we chose this profession.

Al Mance, Executive Director

The radical attacks of the 107th General Assembly on teachers and their Association defy reason. What’s worse, they defy any reasonable concept of care for the boys and girls of Tennessee and those who choose to spend their careers teaching them. At a time when America should be seeking unity, the majority of those elected to serve the citizens of Tennessee sought to divide the providers and beneficiaries

of public education.One thing was clear from the rhetoric of bill

sponsors and those who ultimately voted for the attack legislation: they did not want teachers to have the right to negotiate contracts with local boards of education. Teachers were not to have the legal right to sit across the table from local boards of education as equal partners to advocate for the resources essential to effective teaching. Teachers would no longer have the right

to bring their collective voices to questions of effective curriculum and policy.

This is not to say these legislators are evil. Some of them were simply voting their self-interest without regard for Tennessee’s teachers or students. They said TEA had not contributed enough money to Republican candidates. The inference was that there would have been fewer attacks on teachers if TEA had contributed more to Republicans. Of course, we don’t care to what political party a candidate belongs. Rather, we support candidates who support a high quality public education for all boys and girls and who respect teachers.

Looking beyond the rhetoric, we find a stark difference between those of us who believe universal public education is fundamental to democracy and those who seek to undermine the institution.

We believe a strong public education system provides equal opportunity and access to social status and reward without regard to family wealth or social status. Further, students should be limited only by their talents and work ethic.

Others seem to believe public education exists primarily to serve the needs of business and industry. They claim the activities of teachers should be directed by outside interests and testing is necessary to ensure outcomes for children. Public education is to serve the needs of industry, so business controls the money along with education policy and dictates the “product” schools are to deliver. Their brand of education reform ensures the school’s curriculum matches the needs of industry, while administrators find the most efficient ways to process boys and girls through the system. Teachers are to execute the plan. Some education policy makers now refer to teachers as “human capital.”

We reject this philosophy along with the laws and policies that reflect it. While America may honor some skills and gifts more than others at different times in history, this is shortsighted and not beneficial to the preservation of our nation.

We chose this profession because we believe that all students deserve to acquire the attitudes and skills essential to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We must work harder than those who believe access should be limited to those with social status and family wealth.

We need you to join the fight for the future of Tennessee’s youths.You count.

Uncaring Legislators Must Not Get Their Way

sponsors and those who ultimately voted for the attack legislation: they did not want teachers to have the right to negotiate contracts with local boards of education. Teachers were not to have the legal right to sit across the table from local boards of education as equal partners to advocate for the resources essential to effective teaching. Teachers would no longer have the right

Together, We Can Improve Evaluation

Speaking out with youteach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is published monthly (except for June, July and December) by the Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodical postagepaid at Nashville, TN. The subscription price of $3.65 isallocated from annual membership dues of $254.00 for active members; $127.00 for associate, education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired mem-bers; and $10.00 for student members. Member of State Education Editors Conference (SEE).

Postmaster: Send address changes to teach,

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

MANAGING EDITOR: Alexei Smirnov asmirnov@tea.nea.org

PUBLISHER: Alphonso C. ManceMANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS: A.L. Hayes

Tennessee Education Association801 Second Avenue NorthNashville, TN 37201-1099

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

Fax: (615)242-7397Web site: www.teateachers.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Gera Summerford* (800)342-8367VICE PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (901)353-8590SECRETARY-TREASURER: Alphonso C. Mance (615)242-8392DISTRICT 1 Leisa Lusk (423)928-6819DISTRICT 2 Melinda Reese (423)587-2120DISTRICT 3 Karen Starr (423)628-2701DISTRICT 4 VacantDISTRICT 5 Sandy Smith (423)991-8856DISTRICT 6 Beth Brown* (931)779-8016DISTRICT 7 Bonnie T. Dixon (931)967-9949DISTRICT 8 Kawanda Braxton (615)554-6286DISTRICT 9 Erick Huth (615)973-5851DISTRICT 10 Guy Stanley (615)384-2983DISTRICT 11 Melanie Buchanan* (615)305-2214DISTRICT 12 Debbie D’Angelo (731)247-3152 DISTRICT 13 Ernestine King (901)590-8188DISTRICT 14 Sarah Kennedy-Harper (901)416-4582 DISTRICT 15 Stephanie Fitzgerald (901)872-4878 ADMINISTRATOR EAST Johnny Henry (865)509-4829ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson (615)643-7823ADMINISTRATOR WEST Charles Green (901)624-6186HIGHER EDUCATION VacancyBLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Paula Hancock (865)694-1691BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Alzenia Walls (615)230-8144BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST LaVerne Dickerson* (901)416-7122STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS VacancyESP Christine Denton (931)647-8962TN NEA DIRECTOR Stephen Henry* (615)519-5691TN NEA DIRECTOR Diccie Smith (901)482-0627TN NEA DIRECTOR Diane Lillard (423)478-8827STEA MEMBER Caryce Gilmore (865)640-6590TN RETIRED Gerald Lillard (423)478-8827NEW TEACHER Candra Clariette (615)506-3493* Executive Committee

TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Alphonso C. Mance; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AFFILIATE SERVICES: Mitchell Johnson; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROGRAM SERVICES: Carol K. Schmoock; ASST. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & TEA GENERAL COUNSEL; Bryan McCarty; MANAGER OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS: Stephanie Faulkner; INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS MANAGER, Galen Riggs; MANAGER OF UNISERV: Ronny Clemmons; MANAGER OF UNISERV & BARGAINING COORDINATOR: Donna Cotner; STAFF ATTORNEYS: Tina Rose Camba, Katherine Curlee, Virginia A. McCoy; MANAGER OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Jerry Winters; GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSISTANT: Antoinette Lee; MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS & GRAPHICS: A.L. Hayes; WEB MASTER & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Vacancy; MANAGING EDITOR & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Alexei Smirnov; MANAGER OF RESEARCH & INFORMATION: Melissa Brown; RESEARCH & INFORMATION ASSISTANTS: Susan Ogg, Vacancy; MANAGER FOR INSTRUCTION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Terrance Gibson; INSTRUCTION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Susan Dalton, Nicki Fields; COORDINATOR OF MEMBERSHIP & AF-FILIATE RELATIONS: Duran Williams.

UniServ Staff Contact Informationcan be found on page 12.

“The culture of teaching is collaborative, not competitive. Within our schools, we have to function like a family...”

Speaking out with you

Speaking out with you

3

Speaking out with you

www.teateachers.org

Moving into a new school building always brings myriad possibilities for improved instruction and enhanced student experience. The key

here is to seize the moment, and Ridgeview Elementary School Principal Peggy Greene proved that the sky, or at least the ceiling, is the limit when one strives to dream big.

“When our school was built in 2008, we moved in without a library or a gym,” says Greene. Along with Lori Acord, Ridgeview Elementary librarian, Greene transformed the cinder block walls of their allotted library space into a theme park of wonder dedicated to the printed word.

“We just put our heads together to figure out what we wanted and presented it to the school board,” says Greene. “We wanted to tell a story and make it a learning experience.”

The duo sought help from a local artist to create what is now called “The Imagination Path,” an artfully executed space which takes students on a journey through storylines, designed to spark more interest in books and create a welcoming atmosphere for reading.

The path starts with a little pig named Wilbur of “Charlotte’s Web,” moves through a farm scene to the “Magic Tree House,” past Percy Jackson and “The Chronicles of Narnia” into the Pirate Cove, the kids’ favorite place to read. There’s a Tennessee wall, bedecked with the requisite and numerous state symbols, all clearly marked. There’s also ample room to say the Pledge of Allegiance and brush up on the Dewey Decimal Classification System.

While the room was under construction, Greene and Acord offered Ridgeview students a library on wheels.

“Lori didn’t have a book or library space, so I found some books in the dumpster that she could use,” says Greene. Equipped with a cart, Acord says she went from one classroom to another, inspiring children to read and learn first-hand the virtue of resourcefulness.

“Now if anyone wants to complain about anything, I tell them the story about our library,” adds Greene, giving credit to central office staff for helping design what is probably the most inspired—and inspiring—space in the school.

What will they think of next?

Principal, Librarian Build “Imagination Path”Inspired approach to library design elevates student engagement

Novice teachers will have two opportunities during this school year to enhance their success in the classroom at TEA’s New Teacher Conferences.

For the first time this year, the New Teacher Conference offers two tracks especially designed for less experienced teachers. The always-popular “I Can Do It!” classroom management training and—new this year—a series of three sessions titled “The Road to Success.” This track offers practical advice on differentiated instruction strategies, professionalism, and teacher evaluations.

Both tracks are offered on two Saturdays this school year: November 5, 2011, and February 25, 2012.

Teachers in their first three years of classroom teaching are invited to attend either or both conferences. Each track runs all day, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Teachers will earn six hours of professional development

credit for each conference they attend, a total of 12 hours for those who attend both conferences.

The registration fee for each event is $40, with a discounted rate available for those individuals who register for both sessions at the same time. Even better, the registration fee will be refunded for TEA members who attend the conferences if their registration fees have been paid by personal or Association check.

Conference details and registration forms are available at www.teateachers.org, and have been mailed to local association presidents and Association Representatives.

TEA’s New Teacher Conferences are sponsored and hosted by the TEA’s New Teacher Committee, chaired by Candra Clariette of Metropolitan Nashville Education Association.

The conferences will be held at the TEA building, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville.

New Teacher Conferences Offer Strategies for Success

Novice teachers participate in TEA’s new teacher training in 2010. Conference fees are refunded to TEA members.

From left to right: Peggy Greene, principal of Ridgeview Elementary School in Gray, Tenn.; students enjoy readnig time; Lori Acord, Ridgeview librarian, welcomes students. Greene and Acord are members of Washington Co. EA.

4 October 2011

By P.T. Miller

I am a second-career educator, in my 13th year of teaching following retirement from the Air Force. When I joined the school system, I joined the Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Association, TEA and NEA.

It’s my professional organization. I felt the need to join. I don’t necessarily agree with all that NEA is doing in the political arena, but I do believe they have the best interests of our nation’s children at heart.

My local association is important to me—it gives me peace of mind. Sometimes peace of mind costs a little bit of money. Our dues went up a little bit, but that’s ok with me. It’s important to know that someone was in my corner when the legislature began to “reform” education in Tennessee. I’m not sure what happened. When I thought about it, I felt like I was being attacked by my state legislature. Did I do something wrong?

When I reflected long and hard about what I might have done, I realized that all I ever did was show up at work on time, ready to be fired any minute and gave a damn about my kids. And I got attacked for doing that. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything against our legislators. I have noted that in Tennessee, it felt like the only group getting hammered was the teachers.

I can’t disagree with the concept of evaluating teachers. I was evaluated once a year. But the loss of negotiations—I might have a problem with that. It depends on what my local school system does. The way things are going, I feel a little paranoid. I haven’t seen a lot of changes yet, but I’m waiting for another shoe to drop. If there are going to be any changes, big ones, they will come next year.

Small changes are already here. We have professional learning communities at our schools. Now they take place during the after-school hours. Collaborative conferencing is taking the place of negotiations. The problem is collaborative conferencing is not binding on either side. I’m sure they can cut your pay. The economy is not good and the school system needs money.

But I have somebody in my corner. TEA was in my corner, debating those bills. Collectively, we did the best we could do. At least we were at the table. I don’t know what the evaluation system and all the other laws would look like if TEA wasn’t at the table. Some people complain that the Association can’t do anything for them. Maybe they haven’t asked or taken action themselves.

I know at least I can go to CMCEA and TEA and seek help if something happens to me. I value this support and I’m willing

to pay for it. There is some progress with efforts to improve

evaluation. At least in this school system, this year they are finally going to count the student’s TCAP score as 15% of

the second-semester grade. I know in my school system and nationally they say that education of a child is a team effort,

which includes the parents, the student and the teacher. Even so, I feel like I’m the only one being held responsible.

Honestly, I feel like I’m the only one they could reach out and touch. I don’t mind being accountable, but I’m not sure TVAAS is the best way to do it.

When I wanted to know what the TVAAS formula is, I couldn’t find out and neither could anyone else in my school system. I know it’s generally based on the kids’ TCAP scores, but I don’t know where the achievement part fits in. It’s been decided that TVAAS is the best measure of a teacher’s effectiveness.

If it’s a mathematical formula, tell me what it is. Why is it not on the school system’s website? How come all I get is a number and some assurance that there’s a formula and I should trust it? I’m not even sure the school system knows what it is.

So I asked TEA through my UniServ Coordinator Rhonda Thompson, and I

P.T. Miller: “My Association Is Not What’s Wrong With Public Education”

From B-52 bomber to geography classroom — Former B-52 bombardier P.T. Miller doesn’t shy away from teacher evaluation. He wants to make sure teachers are treated fairly. Miller is looking to enlist math teachers across the state to help decipher the TVAAS formula he received from the state with TEA’s help.

Share your story: asmirnov@tea.nea.org

5 www.teateachers.org

TEA members took part in the member benefits webinar held at Robertson Co. central office in Springfield. The September meeting involved 13 local associations, allowing members from Memphis, Johnson City, Hamilton Co., Knox Co., Sevier Co. and others to watch and learn remotely. As part of the event, a new TEA member from Hamilton Co. won a $100 fuel card and a $50 restaurant gift card. For more information about the benefits of being a member of your local association, TEA and NEA, visit www.neamb.com. Above, left to right: Tammy Artz, president of Robertson Co. EA, talks with TEA board member Margaret Thompson. Below, Carolyn McClain Johnson, NEA Member Benefits specialist for the Tennessee region, shares the stage with Duran Williams, TEA membership coordinator.

P.T. Miller: “My Association Is Not What’s Wrong With Public Education” got it. It’s 14 pages of mathematical equations and I’m not sure I’ll be able to grasp it all, but I can try.

I understand that being evaluated is important. When I moved here and began looking for a school for my children, good TCAP scores meant good schools, and bad TCAP scores meant bad schools. Nothing else matters, it’s a perception, and perception is reality. I’m just a little gun-shy about this evaluation because I feel like I was attacked for doing my work.

I’m not the typical teacher, so I may have a better outlook on the current state of affairs than some of my colleagues. I’ve only been teaching for 12 years and I’m near the end of my career. If it gets bad enough, I’ll quit and I’ll be eligible to collect Social Security and retire. It’s not bad yet, but I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Eighty percent of expenses in school systems are salary and benefits, and money’s tight. If they feel like cutting my compensation, they can do it. I might be able to accept it, but only if everyone takes a pay cut, from the top down. But if I had kids in college thinking about being a teacher, I would advise them against it in this environment. Teaching is certainly not as much fun as it used to be. I don’t know what it was

like in the 1970s, but I know it wasn’t this stressful. I came out of the military after 22 years and I always thought I could

be a teacher. I’ve been teaching geography to seventh-graders for the last seven years. I had forgotten how hard it was to be that age. It’s just flat hard being 12 or 13 years old, even if you have a perfect home life. But my kids show up every day. I know those parents send me the best kids they have, and I’ll work with them. Some days are better than others, but most of the time they’re pretty good.

Before I was a teacher, I was a B-52 bombardier. It’s a big airplane, but the office wasn’t very accommodating. They have a lot of room for bombs and fuel, but not much room for the six guys who flew in that thing. My station was in the lower deck with no lights. It was always dark. In an uncomfortable seat. But Uncle Sam treated me pretty well. For the first seven years, I made more money from military retirement than I did teaching school.

In my heart, middle school is where I want to be. All I know after my many years in the Air Force and education, if there is anything wrong with public education, it’s not my Association.

P.T. Miller teaches geography at Rossview Middle School in Clarksville and is a member of Clarksville-Montgomery Co. EA.

From B-52 bomber to geography classroom — Former B-52 bombardier P.T. Miller doesn’t shy away from teacher evaluation. He wants to make sure teachers are treated fairly. Miller is looking to enlist math teachers across the state to help decipher the TVAAS formula he received from the state with TEA’s help.

Statewide Member Benefits Webinar Held in Springfield

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Share your story: asmirnov@tea.nea.org

6 October 2011

7 www.teateachers.org

Please post

8 October 2011

When the state education commissioner starts to rethink the new teacher evaluation system he rushed into existence a few months earlier, expect others to take notice.

It wasn’t difficult to see that Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman stretched the truth when

he circulated a statement in September implying that the controversial evaluation system had the support of Tennessee’s teachers and their Association. Huffman did not mention in his communiqué that TEA repeatedly warned his department and other stakeholders that the evaluation system, as implemented by the Tennessee Department of Education, was too burdensome and too raw for a statewide rollout this school year.

As a result, calls to re-evaluate and modify the new teacher evaluation system have been heard from teachers, principals and even school board members across Tennessee. Parents are catching the wind of frustration and despair in schools as they are told that principals and teachers don’t have time for face-to-face meetings. Everyone is consumed with evaluation and lesson plans.

In an unlikely example of solidarity with teachers, the Rutherford County Board of Education voted unanimously at the beginning of September to formally submit a letter to Huffman, asking for an evaluation makeover.

“No one’s against the idea of the evaluation. It’s just not an effective use of time,” Rutherford board member Tim Tackett told The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro. “Principals are telling me that they’re so caught up in the process that they don’t have time to do the things they feel makes their school a good place.”Teachers speak out

When TEA held 12 regional “Let’s Talk” forums across the state at the beginning of the school year, members’ concerns ranged from bewilderment and frustration to calls for an all-out repeal of the new evaluation model.

“The stories we’ve heard confirm our worst fears about the implementation of the system and the unreasonable expectations our members are facing,” says TEA Executive Director Al Mance. “We will continue to speak out on behalf of our members and work for an evaluation system that is fair, effective, and workable.”

The outcry from teachers has reached some of the politicians responsible for pushing through anti-teacher legislation during the 107th General Assembly. State Rep. Rick Womick (R-Rockvale) said in an appeal to his constituents that he heard their concerns. “It has come to my attention through your numerous emails and phone calls that the new teacher evaluation system is an apparent ‘disaster’,” he wrote.

As state legislators and Huffman appear willing to consider an overhaul of the evaluation model, it offers little consolation to teachers across the state who feel inadequate, oppressed and depressed as new regulations were rolled out in their schools.

“I have not smiled since the beginning of school. I am depressed,” said one teacher who asked not to be identified.

“This evaluation makes teaching impossible,” she said. “I don’t mind being evaluated, but this goes too far.”

It’s no surprise that some teachers worry about speaking openly about their view of the evaluation system. Their career hangs in the balance. TEA has

received reports from several school districts which use the new laws and the new evaluation to discriminate against and instill fear amongst teachers, in violation of existing collective bargaining agreements and laws currently on the books.

“Conscientious teachers are anxious and apprehensive, because they want to be successful,” says TEA President Gera Summerford. “They want to improve their instruction and will accept needed assistance. They don’t object to being held accountable for their work. And they deserve a fair, valid and reliable evaluation system that truly measures what they do to help children every day.” TEA pushes for change

Advocating for Tennessee’s teachers, TEA leaders meet regularly with Huffman to review the most recent feedback they receive from schools and TEA members.

As part of the ongoing conversation, state leaders are reminded that when TEA worked with Governor Phil Bredesen and his staff on The Race to the Top application, no specifics of the evaluation system had been developed. A committee was formed to make recommendations for creating a new evaluation system. In the end, the State Board of Education exercised its right to design the final system, without the involvement of TEA.

Throughout the process, TEA has consistently opposed major components of the evaluation system, including the rush to use the results in employment decisions and the use of school-wide data for teachers in non-tested areas, among others. TEA leaders also cautioned that too many questions were unanswered at the time of the evaluation’s rollout.

In the meantime, the only way to change the current evaluation system is to share stories with its creators.

“Throughout this school year, we must all continue to call and write our elected officials on school boards and in the legislature to let them know this system of evaluating teachers and administrators is not working and must be changed,” says Mance, encouraging Tennessee’s teachers to stay alert for TEA communications. “Share your evaluation story with us. We’ll take it to Commissioner Huffman and Governor Haslam.”

Make a difference; email your evaluation story to amance@tea.nea.org.

Evaluating Teacher Evaluation: It’s Not What We Wanted; It Must Be ChangedTennessee’s teachers, TEA leaders push for change in evaluation model

Share your story — TEA Executive Director Al Mance listens to members’ evaluation concerns during the “Let’s Talk” forum in Kingsport. Opposite page: members share evaluation concerns at a forum in Nashville.

9 www.teateachers.org

By Laura KeyI don’t play tennis or golf. I don’t knit or run marathons or collect

memorabilia. I teach.I am both the noun form and verb form of the word.Teaching is not what I “do”, it is who I am.If I’m not at work between 7:30 a.m. until I am run out of the building

at 5:00 p.m., then I am at home — grading papers, creating online assessments and practice, emailing a parent, and deciding which four students left names off their papers as I prepare supper for my family.

At the table, I tell humorous, frustrating and poignant stories from my day at school.

While cleaning up after supper, my hands may be rinsing the dishes, but my mind is trying to decide whether or not Hannah’s mom received the note I sent home with her. How can I help Alex’s mom agree to the testing and help which I know her son needs with his speech? And what pair of shoes can I wear tomorrow because tomorrow is Friday, and every Friday my feet are burdened by blisters from standing on my feet all day long, all week long? At least I get to sit down when I use the restroom, but on most days I don’t even get do that until 3:30 p.m. or later. It may sound comical, but it’s true.

I am a teacher. It’s not what I “do”, it’s who I am.

When I finally collapse into bed after getting my clothes ready for school, I can’t fall asleep for two hours because my mind insists on processing more school thoughts—even when I desperately want to sleep. Finally, I fall asleep. Ah, yes, sweet sleep. But wait, here come the school dreams.

The scenarios vary. It may be one of those “a tornado is coming and I am trying to save my students” dreams. Or it may be a dream where I forgot to take my kids to music and I no longer have the 35 minutes of planning time. Hopefully, it’s just one of the “normal” dreams in which my students just appear because they have been on my mind for various reasons.

I am a teacher. It’s not what I “do”. It’s who I am.It’s the bags of bubble gum I grab on my way to the checkout lane

because “my kids” covet chewing gum more than anything else in their already full treat box. Or it’s the basketball I buy because “my kids” want something fun to play with at recess. It’s the little league football game I watch on an early Saturday morning because three of “my boys” play football this year.

I am a teacher. It’s not what I “do”. It’s who I am.So when you evaluate me and I am considered to be “average—at

expectations”… I am angry.No, I am hurt.No, most honestly, I am devastated.I am a teacher. It’s not what I “do”. It’s who I am.So when I have spent more than four and a half hours on creating,

writing and producing my lesson plan for an evaluation, and 93.3 percent is the average score on my students’ independent work assessing

the skill that was taught and explained thoroughly in my lesson plan (which was taught through modeling, questioning, included a hands-on activity in six small groups in my room, as well as a writing assignment expecting students to demonstrate their knowledge of the skill), and also included the scores of both of my non-reading students and the class still obtained a 93.3% — and when I score a “2” (on a five-point scale) on student work — I am crushed.

I am told that I should have asked “so-and-so” for help in making my lesson plan and that I should ask them next time in order to “do better.” I’m going to get some help, I’m told.

I have taught for 15 years and spent four years becoming a teacher in college. Before that, I simply longed to be a teacher.

It’s not what I “do”. It’s who I am.I went back to school recently to improve my teaching skills by

obtaining a master’s degree. I expect to be making payments on my student loan when I am eligible for retirement in five years.

I am a teacher. It’s not what I “do”. It’s who I am.And now, after experiencing the new evaluation model that is

designed to make me reflect on my teaching, I am doing more than that. I am questioning my aptitude and doubting my ability to teach

effectively.I am questioning who I am, wondering whether I had wasted

the majority of my life to end up being ‘average’ and just meeting expectations after years of hard work.

I was told to expect suggestions that will help me do better. Really?I am already giving every ounce of my being to be the best I can be

and I find it hard to even muster the extra energy I will need to work harder and put more into what I already do.

I am hurt.I am embarrassed.I’m not against being evaluated. I know my administrators are doing

what they are required to do. But teachers and administrators across the state are frustrated with this evaluation system.

I am a well-educated professional with a master’s degree, but I’m told that I’m “average” and I should be pleased with that rating.

I am not.Because I am a teacher. It’s not what I “do”. It’s who I am.Laura Key, August 26, 2011, 2:54 a.m.P.S. Guess I’m off to my school dreams now.Laura Key teaches at Sweetwater Elementary School and is a member of

Sweetwater EA.

Opinion/Commentary

“I am a Teacher. It’s Not What I ‘Do.’ It’s Who I Am”Dreams of school become school nightmares

“I am questioning who I am, wondering whether I had wasted the majority of my life to end up being ‘average’ and just meeting expectations after years of hard work.”

10 October 2011

Since the founding of the Tennessee Education Association, promoting legislation to advance public education—and to benefit students and educators—has been a major objective of the Association.

In keeping with that objective, TEA is seeking your recommendations of items to be included in the next TEA Legislative Program. All suggestions will be considered by the TEA Legislative Editing Committee appointed by President Gera Summerford.

The Editing Committee will develop a proposed program which will be presented to the TEA Representative Assembly next spring. The Legislative Program gives guidelines to leaders and staff as they work to promote our members’ legislative concerns in the General Assembly.

The Tennessee Education Association wants to be responsive to members’ concerns. If you have issues you would like TEA to submit to the Tennessee General Assembly, please send them to us. You can also email them directly to TEA’s Government Relations division. You can be assured that all suggestions will be given serious consideration by the TEA Legislative Editing Committee.

Completed forms should be returned no later than October 31, 2011, to:

Jerry Winters, Manager, TEA Government Relations, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099, or email to: sstinson@tea.nea.org.

Have a Legislative Idea? Send it to TEA

United we stand — TEA members discuss teacher evaluation and legislative ideas during the Tennessee Urban Education Association Council meeting at the TEA headquarters in Nashville in mid-September.

Please send your ideas to be included in the TEA Legislative Program by October 31, 2011.

Martin Luther King, Jr.Award

Ellison S. OnizukaAward

Carter G. WoodsonAward

César ChávezAward

Applegate-DorrosAward

NEA Human and Civil Rights

that Honor Human and Civil Rights Champions!

Help us keep the American Teachers Association legacy alive!Identify and nominate exemplary individuals, organizations, and affiliates to celebrate at the

2012 NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner.

Deadline for submission:Postmarked by December 10, 2011

The nomination forms and step-by-step instructions are available online interactively at

www.nea.org/hcrawards

For nomination forms or questions, contact Sabrina Williams, 202-822-7709

sawilliams@nea.org

Rosa ParksAward

Virginia UribeAward

Rosena J. WillisAward

H. Councill TrenholmAward

George I. SánchezAward

Leo ReanoAward

Mary Hatwood FutrellAward

Su Anne Big CrowAward

08.11.10428.KC

2012 Nominations for the

HCR Awards

Reg WeaverAward

2012 Nominations for the

HCR Awards

11 www.teateachers.org

12 October 2011

As a veteran social studies teacher with a Ph.D. in education, Alzenia Walls (pictured on the cover) knows a thing or two about the inalienable rights afforded to the teachers of her county and state. As President of Sumner County Education Association, Walls is at the forefront of the fight to bring back civility and humanity into the relationship between the local school board and its employees, and hopefully turn around the hostile attitude of authorities toward teachers across the state.

After months of frustrated efforts to assert its rights with the Sumner County Board of Education, the SCEA filed a federal complaint against the board on September 7. Filed in the U.S. District Court in Nashville, the complaint alleges violations of basic First Amendment rights of SCEA and SCEA members, as well as violation of their rights under the controversial Professional Employees Collaborative Conferencing Act of 2011 (PECCA), which was pushed through the legislature earlier this year by anti-public school interests to replace the Education Professional Negotiations Act (EPNA).

“As the new school year was set to begin with new state laws in place, the SCEA attempted to work with the Sumner County Board of Education and its new Director of Schools, Dr. Del R. Phillips,” says SCEA attorney Rick Colbert. “SCEA’s good faith efforts were met with responses designed to silence SCEA and its educator members, in violation not only of their rights under state law but also their constitutional rights.”

“SCEA regrets that the school board’s hostile actions necessitate the filing of this lawsuit,” says Colbert.

For a number of years, SCEA and the Sumner County Board of Education were parties to a series of collective bargaining agreements negotiated and ratified under the EPNA, which was repealed earlier this year with the passage of PECCA. Freedom of Association

The lawsuit asserts that the SCEA has been singled out for adverse treatment by the board. SCEA was told that it had no right to engage in various association activities, including use of school facilities, bulletin boards, use of the inter-school mail delivery system, transaction of association or member business, representation of teachers and participation in teacher orientations or in-service events. The plaintiffs allege that the board has intended to interfere with SCEA’s operations, communication and membership recruitment. The board imposed a complete ban on communication with the board and all administrative personnel and threatened litigation if SCEA did not comply with the ban.

Freedom of SpeechIn its complaint, SCEA asserts that the school board denied the

right of self-organization in violation of the law. The board also denied Sumner County teachers the right to join the SCEA, the right to be assisted by the SCEA, or to engage in concerted activities for mutual aid and benefit. Any exercise of these rights carried a warning and threat of board action to impose reprisals. It is alleged that the threat of litigation had a chilling effect on employee speech. All restrictions were unreasonable, including and not limited to matters of public concern. The complaint also alleges that the restrictions were calculated and taken in a deliberate effort to stifle communication based on disagreements with the SCEA’s viewpoints.Freedom of Petition

According to the lawsuit, the SCEA had a right to pursue redress of grievances under the EPNA. The board’s retaliation and interference based on the prior litigation constituted a direct violation of the SCEA’s right to petition for redress. The threat of additional retaliatory litigation infringes freedom of speech, freedom of expressive association and freedom of petition.Multiple Unlawful Acts Under PECCA

Sumner County teachers allege in the complaint that SCEA is protected by state law from imposed reprisals or threats of reprisal. SCEA is protected from interference, restraint and coercion. SCEA has access rights to members and potential members, and it is unlawful for the board to discourage or interfere with membership. Broadcasting inaccurate and unconstitutional prohibitions to all employees frustrated SCEA’s communications with members and non-members. The board’s actions reflect a continuing and intentional effort to undermine membership by acts that interfere with protected rights of the SCEA and individual employees.Irreparable Harm

The lawsuit asserts that the Board’s actions inhibited the SCEA’s ability to associate with and communicate with employees.

“The prohibitions and deprivations have adversely affected the SCEA’s ability to gain new members and retain existing members,” says Walls. “The truth is on our side. We’re standing up for teachers and their rights.”

If your local association is experiencing similar problems, please contact your UniServ Coordinator or call TEA Legal Services at 800.342.8367.

Need information, services?Mitchell JohnsonAssistant Executive Director for Affi liate ServicesRonny Clemmons & Donna CotnerManagers of UniServTennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099(615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367, FAX (615) 259-4581

UniServ CoordinatorsDistrict 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabeth-ton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, fax: (423)262-8053; Assns: Carter, Hancock, Hawkins, Rogersville, Johnson, Sullivan, Bristol, Kingsport, Northeast State C.C. District 2 — Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; (423)234-0700, fax: (423)234-0708; Assns: Cocke, Newport, Elizabethton, Greene, Greeneville, Unicoi, Washington, Johnson City, ETSU. District 3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 74, Corryton, TN 37721; (865)688-1175, fax: (865)688-5188; Assns: Claiborne, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, Union, Walter State C.C. District 4 — Jon White, Knox County Education Association, 2411 Magnolia Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917-8289; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Assns: Knox, UT-Knoxville, Pellisippi State C.C., TSD. District 5— Vacancy, Assns: Anderson, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Oneida, TSD, York Institute District 6 — Reba Luttrell, 503 Cardinal St., Maryville, TN 37803; phone/fax: (865)983-8640; Assns: Blount, Alcoa, Maryville, Monroe, Sweetwater, Loudon, Lenoir City, Roane, Roane State C.C. District 7 — Jim Jordan, P.O. Box 4878, Cleveland, TN 37320; phone/fax: (423)472-3315; Assns: Bledsoe, Bradley, Cleveland, McMinn, Athens, Etowah, Meigs, Polk, Rhea-Dayton, Cleveland State C.C. District 8 — Theresa Turner, 4655 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: Hamilton County, Chattanooga State C.C., UT-Chattanooga, Department of Higher Ed. District 9 — Jeff Garrett, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)242-8392, ext. 228, or (800)342-8367; Assns: Coffee, Manchester, Tullahoma, Franklin, Grundy, Marion, Sequatchie, Van Buren, White, Warren. District 10 — Shannon Bain, 1001 Rhett Place, Lebanon, TN 37087; phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (615)547-7879; Assns: Clay, DeKalb, Jackson, Ma-con, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Trousdale, TTU. District 11 — Arthur Patterson, 101 Copperas Court, Murfreesboro, TN 37128; phone: (615)907-9912, fax: (615) 907-5490; Assns: Cannon, Sumner, Wilson, Lebanon S.S.D., Volunteer State C.C. District 12 — Susan Young, P.O. Box 422, Madison, TN 37116-0422; phone/fax: (615)865-9700; Assns: Cheatham, Rutherford, Murfreesboro, MTSU, TSB, TN Department of Educa-tion District 13 — Forestine Cole, Ralph Smith, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, Nashville, TN 37211; (615)726-1499, fax: (615)726-2501; Assns: Metro Nashville, Nashville State C.C., TSU, Department of Higher Education District 14 — Rhonda Thomp-son, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)242-8392, ext. 321, or (800)342-8367; Assns: Clarksville-Montgomery, Robertson, APSU District 15 — Miley Durham, P.O. Box 10, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464; phone/fax: (931)766-7874; Assns: Bedford, Giles, Law-rence, Lincoln, Fayetteville, Marshall, Moore, Motlow State C.C. District 16 — Jackie Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37128; (615) 898-1060, fax: (615) 898-1099; Assns: Lewis, Maury, Williamson, Franklin S.S.D. District 17 — Cheryl Richardson Bradley, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)242-8392, ext. 233, or (800)342-8367; Assns: De-catur, Dickson, Hardin, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Perry, Wayne District 18 — Maria Uffelman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone/fax: (931)827-3333; Assns: Benton, Carroll (West Carroll) Central, Clarksburg, Huntingdon, McKenzie, Gibson, Bradford, Humboldt, Milan, Trenton, Henry, Paris, Stewart, Weakley, UT-Martin, FTA District 19— Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (731)989-9254; Assns: Chester, Hardeman, Henderson, Lexington, Jackson-Madison, McNairy, Jackson State C.C. District 20 — Karla Carpenter, P.O. Box 177, Brunswick, TN 38014; (901)590-2543, fax: (901)382-1433; Assns: Crockett, Dyer, Dyersburg, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Union City, Tipton, Dyersburg State C.C. District 21 — Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis, TN 38128; phone/fax: (901)377-9472; Assns: Fayette, Shelby, Southwest Tenn. C.C., University of Memphis. District 22/MEA — Ken Foster, Executive Director; MEA UniServ Directors: Marilyn Baker, Susanne Jackson, Terri Jones, Tom Marchand, Herman Sawyer, MEA, 126 South Flicker Street, Memphis, TN 38104; (901)454-0966, fax: (901)454-9979; Assn: Memphis.

www.teateachers.orgwww.nea.org

Sumner Co. Teachers Fight for RightsFederal complaint seeks relief under PECCA

TEA Calendar of EventsOctober 2011October 1 TEA Committee-Commission WeekendOctober 7 Yom Kippur begins at sundownOctober 10 Columbus DayOctober 14-15 TEA Board of Directors, TEA BuildingOctober 21-23 NEA Southeast Regional Minority Leadership Conference, Washington, DC.October 24 United Nations dayOctober 28-30 TEA Advocacy Conference, MurfreesboroOctober 31 Halloween

November 2011November 5 New Teacher Conference, TEA BuildingNovember 13-19 American Education WeekNovember 16 ESP DayNovember 24 Thanksgiving