Special Session of Utah State Legislature Meets Today

A special session of the Utah State Legislature is meeting today and Friday, Sept. 26 to hammer out some budget cuts because of the revenue shortfall of $272 million reported this month. Legislative leaders have promised to "hold harmless" public education, but cuts in human services and higher ed could be tough.

OEA Spotlight on Sherrie Dame

Sherrie Dame is a great fifth grade teacher at Polk Elementary. She also serves on the OEA Executive Board, Negotiations Team and Membership Committee. Sherrie is an expert on New York City since her boy lives there and is involved in the theatre business. She can tell you where the best places to see and stay. We love Sherrie for her willingness to stand up for the association and support the teaching profession.

Association Rep Spotlight: JOAN HEAP

Our spotlight today shines brightly on our Building Rep at North Ogden Junior High, Joan Heap.
Joan teaches English and was chosen as our Utah Teacher of the Year a couple of years ago. She also starred in many of the anti-voucher tv commercials that help us win that battle. She is an excellent role model of a professional educator and we thank her for her service to the association and to students in North Ogden. Thanks Joan

Utahns for Public Schools Asks for Ethics Pledge

Utahns for Public Schools, the coalition that successfully defeated vouchers, has challenged Utah legislators and candidates to sign an ethics pledge. Utah has some of the weakest reporting laws (in the nation) for campaign donations. Go to www.utahnsforpublicschools.org for more information.

Praxis II Test Training

Marlene Irons, WEA President, led 28 prospective Praxis II test takers through a training Tuesday night. They learned some techniques to make the test a less stressful experience. We will hold another Praxis II training November 13. Sean Mabey, NEA Member Benefits specialist, will present. The training will start at 4:30 and we will meet at the UniServ office at 939 25th St. in Ogden. RSVP to Tina at 399-3746.

The Anatomy of a Pay Raise

Two years ago one of our extra curricular advisors in the Weber District came to the WEA with a concern over pay for extra duties. We took the concern to negotiations and agreed to form a committee to research coaching and advisor pay in the district. The committee found that Weber was below the other districts around us. The committee revamped the salary schedule for coaches and advisors and the WEA negotiated a 23% increase in pay for this year. The advisor who first came to WEA, the leadership of Mary Johnston at the district, the work of the committee and WEA leadership made this happen. Yes, you do get value for your association dues dollars. Thanks for all you do. We are now working in both Ogden and Weber on increasing the Elementary Preparation time in each school. With your help we will do it.

What does OEA/WEA do for me?

We asked the question at our Rep Meeting, "What do I get for my membership dues" and compiled this list in about 5 minutes: BARGAINING-YOUR LEAVE, SALARY, AND BENEFITS
CLARIFYING CONTRACTUAL QUESTIONS- PROTECT TEACHERS FROM ATTACKS-WORK FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS-ANSWER HEALTH INSURANCE QUESTIONS-FOLLOW THROUGH ON CONCERNS- COMMUNICATE TO OUR MEMBERS-SUPPORT TEACHERS IN THE CLASSROOM-SAVINGS WITH THE ACCESS CARD-POLITICAL ACTION-LOBBY THE LEGISLATURE-HELP NEW TEACHERS PASS PRAXIS-AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.