Dallas Cowboy Stadium to Say Goodbye

I never liked the Cowboys, but my son Kurt loved them. Probably because I took him to a meeting where QB Danny White spoke in Pocatello, Idaho when Kurt was young. We have had a healthy rivalry since. "How bout those cowboys". Kind of sad to see the 37 year old "hole in a roof" stadium be demolished. (cheap at 12 million bucks). Learned about solving "Tough Problems" today. I learned that we all have different "working styles". I seem to be an "amiable" "driver". I like to get along with people, but don't have much patience for slow process. I like things done now. It will be good to get back home. I miss the snow...not.
Rick

I graduated from Beginning Power Point

Five years ago, when I was hired for this job, I told the interviewing committee that my "level of technology" was white board...barely. Must be a generational thing...baby boomer that I am. I was the only one in my sesssion that seemed excited with "Clip Art". I always get excited when one of my searches on clip art brings up a new picture...also disappointed when my search for "evaluation" brings up nothing. My trainer gave me some kick butt graphics and places to go to look for other cool things like audio, video, etc. Google "American Rhetoric" for some great speeches. I worked on my power point that I use with the WSU Intro to Ed class on "School Law". So I feel empowered with power point knowledge. Of course, I will forget everything again by the time I cross over into the Mountain Time Zone. Again, thanks for reading my 128th blog entry this year. I hope it has given you a bit more insight into your association. Rick in Dallas

Sleeping in Dallas

I survived a good ole Texas Thunder Bumper last night and live to post this a.m.. Go to http://www.utea.org/ and click on the UEA Action site to see two of our favorite OEA Building Reps from Dee Elementary. Stephanie McGaughey and Elizabeth Carlin are two of the teachers spotlighted in the article about "Educators on the Hill". They are shown chastising, I mean discussing professinally education funding with Legislative leader, Brad Dee from Washington Terrace. Other good articles in the upcoming Action include an explanation of the "Transformation Team" program (which I luckily attend) and the goals to "transform" UEA.

Thanks for reading. Rick

Provisional Educator Law Unfair

It is wrong that a principal can end the career of a teacher in their first three years of teaching without any reason. Many principals give new teachers support and are fair in evaluating and remediating teachers. Some, though, misuse the law to get rid of someone who is "not a good fit'. I ams sick of that excuse. Do your job, hire good teachers, check references, do your evaluations and then follow the contract and give them support. I keep hearing that the districts want their teachers to succeed, but in some cases principals and districts get rid of teachers because of personality conflicts. UEA needs to change the law that basically gives provisional teachers zero due process rights. Even criminals get that... Rick (upset in Dallas)

May I Have a Tardy Slip?

Sorry for the short message today...and so late...I will be traveling to Dallas, TX for UniServ training next week. I hope to post each day I am gone. If you have questions or problems please contact Mary Courney (OEA) or Marlene Irons (WEA) our fearless leaders.
Thanks Rick

Congratulations to Ms. Norton at Dee Elementary for winning the State Farm/Jazz/UEA 200.00 check for supplies in her classroom.

What is a UniServ Director?

Here are some of the activities that I do as your UniServ Director:

• I attend all meetings of the OEA, WEA, UniServ and UEA (when needed)
• I visited the Legislature at least once a week.
• I work with our partnership at WSU College of ED (teach, present, meet with leaders)
• I help teachers with corrective discipline concerns.
• I work with teachers on questions of transfers and non renewals.
• I present to faculties on professionalism.
• I help negotiate contracts and agreements with the districts.
• I attend school board meetings.
• I help mediate problems between teachers and staff, administrators etc.
• I manage the UniServ office, staff (two secretaries) and budget.
• I attend all UniServ committee meetings.
• I help coordinate the Political Action Committee.
• I promote membership and visit potential and new members in schools.
• I help plan meetings and trainings for the association.
• I work with the UEA Attorney and assist in representation during termination hearings and UPPAC Hearings.

It is a great job and never boring. Thanks Rick

To enter the BLOG contest again for March please email me with the words "UniServ Director" in the message. rick@ogdenweber.org

Good News from Arizona

Vouchers were ruled unconstitutional in Arizona by a unanimous State Supreme Court decision. Kim Campbell said " Good news from Arizona! Just remember the privatization agenda has not gone away. It is a battle we have to keep fighting until we can get policymakers focused on meaningful change for public schools, not creating a parallel system that only serves a few."

Georgia might also have problems funding their Special Needs Voucher program next year.

Pray for good (golf) weather...thanks Rick