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.

Dinosaur Park Party Huge Success

Thank you again, for all those who attended our annual Membership Dinosaur Park Party. We fed over 460 hamburgers. It was a beautiful night and the smiles on the faces let us know it was a success. The face painting and balloon makers were very popular. The weather cooperated and the prizes were fun. Thanks to all OEA and WEA members, leaders and families. We appreciate you.

Future Educators Association and Teachers of Tomorrow

Utah has a teacher shortage...wow that is surprise. Weber State University, Ogden School District, Weber School District and Davis School District are doing something to help. It is called Teachers of Tomorrow and Future Educators Association. Davis, Weber and soon Ogden will offer Ed 1010, Intro to Education, as a concurrent enrollment class of students interested in being teachers. Joan Iverson, a master teacher, is leading the Weber class at West Haven Elementary. I visited her class and saw 16 fantastic students and future educators. Joan does a great job at Bonneville High where she teaches in the Special Education Dept. . Suzy Davis at Ogden High has been an amazing advisor to our Future Educators and works closely with Stephanie Heath, WSU College of Ed recruiter to organize activities and programs for the future teachers. Troy Wakely, a counselor at Ben Lomond, is helping with the BLHS FEA chapter.We look forward to these programs growing and recruiting more of our students into the career we love so much.

Praxis II Test Training

Marlene Irons, Weber Education Association, will be presenting tips on passing the Praxis II PLT test Sept. 16. This session is full, but we plan to hold another this year. We will get the word out to those interested.

See you at the Dinosaur Park Party Friday night at 6pm. Don't forget to fill out your Horace Mann card for entrance. Thanks Rick