Election Day GO VOTE

Educators all over the state will be voting for education friendly candidates today. We must change the faces at the legislature or we can't change the bad legislation that they produce. Our big win over the voucher proponents hopefully will continue today. Brave the bad weather and make your voice heard. Take others to the polls also. Thanks for all you do.

U-PAC Recommends Local Candidates

You should have received your UEA ACTION in the mail. Make sure you check the recommended candidates in your district. For complete Utah election information, go to www.elections.utah.gov . Hope you voted early, but if not get out tomorrow and make your voice heard.

Blog Contest to Begin in November

We will be giving rules for the Blog Contest in November. A flyer will be sent out to each member giving the website and blogsite url. See you in November. Have a great Halloween.

Update on the Utah Retirement System

Here are a few facts from the "Deseret News" story today.

• URS fund has lost 20% or $3.5 Billion with this downturn
• URS's ability to pay benefits isn't in question.
• The plan was worth more than $20 Billion in 2007.
• Last year the URS plan paid out $800 Million and took in $650 Million
• The plan earned $1.3 Billion on its investments.
• The plan deversifies with 40% in stocks, 25% in bonds and 13% in real estate and the rest in other investments.
• The plan is funded and stable.

We look forward to the economy working itself out of this downturn, but it is good to know our retirement system is in good shape.

Professionalism Presentation

I will be presenting my Professionalism and Ethics power point to district schools again this year. Weber's Supt. Jacobsen suggested that his principals arrange for me to come visit and present the ideas on professional behavior. Yesterday I showed it to two Intro to Ed Classes at WSU. I look forward to coming to the schools and discussing this important topic.

Visits to Weber State University

I have been invited to present to a couple of WSU College of Education Intro to Ed 1010 classes today. I will present a power point dealing with Professionalism and Ethical Behavior. It is very similar to the one I have presented in faculty meetings in Weber and Ogden Districts. I think it helps us to have the relationship with WSU College of Ed. Many of our new teachers have heard a little bit about the association at college. More important than just joining as student members is the positive first impressions they might receive. I am also speaking to a group of Elementary Student Teachers this afternoon. I show them the UEA membership dvd and offer them membership in the student association.

UEA Celebration Contest

Hi everyone. Please go to the UEA Website http://www.utea.org/ to get information about this years UEA/Utah Jazz Celebration. Last year Kellie Lopaz, T.H. Bell teacher, was a recipient and her school received a visit from the Jazz Bear. Click on the apple at the right to go there.