US Today Article Forecasts "Retirement Tusnami"

"More than half the nation's teachers are Baby Boomers ages 50 and older and eligible for retirment over the next decade", Jeanette Der Bedrosian wrote in USA Today (April 7). Some numbers that show the upcoming crisis include: West Virginia has 68% of their teachers over 50 years of age. They are followed by Maine (56%), Vermont (55%), Montana (55%), and New Mexico (54%). Utah is in the mix also with a large number (possibly a third) to retire in the next 5-6 years. Will our teacher education programs be able to supply the number of teachers needed, or will more alternative routes to teaching be initiated. Just another thing to worry about.

Enjoy Spring Break. See you Tuesday. Rick

Hot of the Press

Congrats to Christine Heslop at Ogden High and Clay Kirkham at Gramercy for winning the $25 Subway gift cards this month. Look for April's contest coming your way. Rick

Good Luck on your Final Four Pairings

When Pitt lost, so did I. I have a friendly wager with a golfing buddy in St. George for a round of golf. I told him that if I win I want a round of golf at Pebble Beach (circa $500), but if he wins I will pay for 9 holes at Southgate ($30). Good luck with your picks.
Rick

Update on School Day Cuts

Amy Stewart writes in today's Deseret News (www.deseretnews.com) that the State School Board voted 10-5 to allow school districts the discretion of cutting up to 5 days from the 180 state required, only after cutting at least 3 Quality Teaching days. The vote came after heated debate. "This motion horrifies me," said board member Carol Murphy of Midvale, pointing out it gives districts a potential of total eight days of closed doors. Go to the website above and finish reading the article.

Thanks for reading the blog. We will drawing for March's gift card winners in Ogden at OEA AR meeting. Good luck. Rick

State Board of Education Allows for Calendar Flexibility

The Utah State Board of Education voted Friday to allow school districts more discretion on how budget cuts are made. They will allow school districts to cut regular school days from the required 180 only after cutting at least 3 Quality Teaching Days first. Vik Arnold, Government Relations Director for UEA, asked the board to make any cuts equitable to all employees. Cutting just Quality Teaching Days will hurt teachers more than other employees. Weber District's Supt. Jacobsen has told WEA that they will try and maintain 6 of the current days while working to preserve steps and lanes. Negotiations have just begun and our challenge is to maintain salary and find ways to pay for the insurance increases. OEA's negotiation team meets with the district Tuesday. Stay Tuned. Thanks for reading the blog. It is good to be back home. Rick

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