December Retirement Update

A main topic of discussion in most faculty rooms is the retirement system and potential changes. It is important to keep in mind that there are three elements of retirement that are currently generating discussion in the legislature and in the press. We are well aware of the concerns among employees and will continue to monitor the developments.

State Issues – Legislative Control

The Utah Retirement System

Money is deposited each month in this system as an investment for your retirement. The amount posted fluctuates but currently an amount equal to just over 14% of your salary is being deposited to that account on your behalf each payday. In addition, 1.5% of your salary is deposited each month into a 401k with the URS. These two amounts are paid by the district as a part of your salary and benefit package. Some legislators are concerned that the system will not able to sustain itself over time and needs some adjusting. UEA is encouraging caution with any changes and is working to find legislative support for additional study over the next year. The system is solvent, and there is no need for immediate action other than those already planned by the URS board.

We have not spoken to any legislators who are planning changes to this school year. Discussion usually focuses on new teachers although we oppose setting up two separate systems feeling that could cause strain between new employees and existing employees.

Retire and Rehire

This option is often referred to offensively as double-dipping and is being discussed by the press and the legislature. Although there is some cost involved with these teachers to the retirement system, in the past it has been discussed as a cost saving measure for school districts rather than as a drain on the system as it is currently being portrayed. We believe this too should be looked at carefully before any change is made. In most cases, those concerned about this at the legislature have indicated it would impact future reemployment rather than applying any change retroactively.

Davis District Issue

Early Retirement Incentives

This program is outlined in our agreement on pages 23-25. The incentives remain in place for this year. Changes to this program are subject to negotiations between the association and the district. A committee will be formed soon to determine if changes are necessary to assure the financial viability of the incentives in the future. No immediate changes are contemplated.

Revised Calendar Options Now Available

As you probably know, the calendar committee was asked to meet again after an error was discovered which impacted spring break. You can select this link to view and comment on the calendar options being considered. Remember this is not a vote but it is a chance to give input regarding this very important decision.

http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/storyfour.html

Remember, the current proposed drafts of the calendar do not include the contract day and professional days before school. That does not mean those are gone. The number and placement of those days will be determined during negotiations based on legislative funding. The professional days during the school year have been placed there as place holders hoping those days will be funded again for next year.

'Tis the Season - For Stress

You may have noticed a higher level of stress around your school. We are certainly noticing more stress here in our office. Teachers lost two days of pay and it seems they are still being asked to do the same amount of work - if not more. We are getting calls regularly from teachers who are being asked to work extra hours to do everything from supervise students before school in inclement weather to helping with IEP and 504 plans, sometimes long after regular school hours.

We know the summit in January is a sensitive topic for secondary teachers, and we know elementary teachers continue to have trouble adjusting to the new grade book. Please know that we are discussing with administrators the need to be mindful of the need for teachers to have time to prepare, grade papers, and to get away from their classrooms to gather strength and patience for another day. While the language in the contract is usually not specific on these kinds of things, we believe it is prudent for principals to use care and equity when asking teachers to go above and beyond the usual call of duty.

We continue to ask administrators to be supportive of the teachers and their need to focus on instruction in the classroom. The administration reminds us that IEP and 504 plans have to be done, student safety is important and in-service is necessary to meet the changing needs of students. They ask us to remember that they too have had a reduction in staffing and are spread more thinly than in recent years.

The next few days are likely to be even more stressful as excitement builds in anticipation of the holiday. Hold on for just a few more days and then everyone will have a well deserved holiday break.

Happy Holidays from the DEA office.

Speaking Up for Teachers

You may be interested in this op ed piece from Sunday's Salt Lake Tribune.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_13979904

Susan Attends Governor's Education Summit and Other News

Susan attended the Governor's Education Summit on Thursday along with Kory Holdaway and Sara Jones from UEA. Superintendent Bryan Bowles was also in attendance. Susan felt positive upon returning to the office and thought there were a lot of good discussions during the summit.

In addition, there is early speculation regarding the Governor's budget which will be released at 11 AM Friday morning and will reportedly call for an immediate reduction of 3% by state agencies. It is unclear at this time whether and how this will impact the district. We will be watching closely as the proposed budget is released today and analyzed over the next few days.

We also expect the newest proposals for the 2010-2011 calendar to be posted today or Monday. You should receive emails announcing the posting, but you may want to check later today to look them over and comment.

2010-2011 Calendar Options to be Revised

As you may have noticed, the calendar options originally posted on the district web site have been temporarily removed. An error was discovered regarding the date for Easter which will require that the calendar committee meet again to refine the options based on that correction. You may have also noticed that the professional days before the start of school are not included on the proposals. Professional Days will be determined later based on legislative funding and negotiations. We will let you know when the new options are available for comment. Remember your comments are suggestions to the school board which will make the final decision.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

As the impact of the recent legislation and state office implementation of teacher background checks has started to impact our members, we are hearing increased concerns about this new regulation. We understand your concerns and will continue to look for ways to minimize the impact on our members. A link to the explanation of the requirements is included below.

http://www.schools.utah.gov/cert/require/renewal/Level2_3/active.htm

It would be helpful to us if we can hear from members who are renewing licenses this year about how the procedure is being implemented.

H1N1 Vaccine Available Wednesday and Thursday

Davis School District employees and their family members are now able to receive the H1N1 vaccine at the Davis County Convention Center, 762 Heritage Park Blvd in Layton. The vaccine will be available Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

If you live out of Davis County, you will need your District I.D. with you to identify you as a Davis District employee to be able to receive the vaccine. As long as you live in Davis County, you won't have any problem.

This vaccine is provided at no charge. This has nothing to do with insurance, whatsoever. It does not matter if you are insured or not. The vaccine is provided to District employees and their family members at no charge. The Davis County Health Department is making it available to us.

Please plan to go early. Davis School District employees will be a preferred group Wednesday. They expect a larger group will be seeking the vaccine on Thursday and the lines could be longer.

This is a great benefit provided by Davis County Health.

Additional Flu Shot Clinic Added

For those that missed the district's flu shot clinics that were held in September, we have arranged to provide one more opportunity. An additional flu shot clinic will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the District Administration Building Auditorium. Altius and SelectHealth will be providing flu shots at no cost to all district-insured members and dependents 18 years of age and older. Please note, these flu shots are for protection against the regular season flu, not the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

Meet Executive Board Member Shelli Arthur

“I graduated from Weber State University in Early Childhood Education with an Elementary Endorsement and ESL Endorsement. I have taught Kindergarten and First grade at Oak Hill Elementary for 15 years.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve in my professional teaching association on the DEA Executive Board as the minority member. I have had the opportunity to attend the NEA Western Region Minority Conference and Minority Leadership Training. These trainings have taught me how important it is to respect our students’ heritage, culture, and family environment. I am currently serving on the DEA Membership Committee. I am also currently on JSSC and have been a building representative in the past.”

Shelli can be reached at sarthur@dsdmail.net.

DEA Member Appreciation Night at Costco

On Saturday, December 5, DEA members will be able to go to the West Bountiful Costco from 7-9 PM for a special Holiday Shop Night with prizes, food, and more. For this special evening, you can shop without being a Costco member. If you are a Costco member, you will be able to shop as usual during these extra evening hours. If you are not a Costco member, you may shop that night but recognize that you can only shop with cash, debit cards, or American Express cards. Those who are not members of Costco will be able to join that night if they would like.

Join us for this fun opportunity to save some money on your holiday shopping.

Costco Wholesale
573 W 100 N
West Bountiful, UT 84087

Retirement Summary and Educational Funding

The link below will take you to a posting on UEA's Under the Dome which summarizes the current issues facing retirement. This site will be one to check in the coming months as we prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

http://www.utea.org/politicsLegislation/legislativeInformation/index.htm#nov13

This link will take you to an editorial from today's Salt Lake Tribune supporting funding for education.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_13809282

Joel and Pat are attending the education interim committee this morning. Please keep checking the blog for important updates.

We can't use our mass emailing right now, but UEA is hoping to fixt the problem soon.

Meet Executive Board Member Holly Lee

"I have been a teacher for 14 years. I am a product of Davis School District schools. I attended Weber State University where I received a degree in science and in elementary education. I taught at Clinton Elementary for 10 years and am currently serving at Lakeside Elementary in West Point. I teach 6th grade but have experience in 4th through 6th. I completed my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2005. I also work for the State Office of Education on their Language Arts Textbook Adoption Committee and as a writer revising the Core Curriculum as well as writing end of level tests. Outside of work, I am a mom of five kids who are very busy. I watch sporting events frequently. I also enjoy reading, sewing, cooking, gardening, and hiking.

I have been a member of the DEA, UEA, and NEA since I started teaching. While I was student teaching, my cooperating teacher told me to join, and I did. I became the AR at my school during my second year of teaching. I have been either an AR or on the Executive Board since then. I think that as teachers we need to be unified and proactive in our association. I have worked on many committees with the DEA and the school district. We are very lucky to have such a great working relationship with our leaders in the District. I feel that when teachers are part of the same organization, our united voice becomes stronger. I enjoy working with teachers as part of my role on the Executive Board and look forward to doing it in the future."
You can reach Holly at hlee@dsdmail.net.

Richard Heath, Executive Board Member, Leads Layton Main Street Band

DEA's own Richard Heath was featured on the front page of the Davis section of the Ogden Standard Examiner on Saturday, November 14. You can select the link below to read more.

http://www.standard.net/topics/music/2009/11/13/layton-main-street-band-continues-share-its-music

Interim Committee Considers Changes to Retirement System

Joel and Pat spent Wednesday and Thursday morning in Salt Lake City working to preserve the retirement benifits. Wednesday morning they spent an hour with Davis County Senator Dan Liljenquist discussing the current deficit in the retirement fund. Thursday morning they attended an open hearing with other UEA leaders and other interested groups and individuals. The focus of all employee groups impacted is to encourage legislators to move slowly and to not overreact to the recent losses to the system because of the weak economy which seems to be turning around slowly.

Following the presentations by actuaries and auditors, the committee listened to comments for about an hour. Kory Holdaway, the new UEA Government Relations Director, addressed the committee. Along with representatives from other groups, he encouraged caution and discouraged overreaction. "There have been some bumps; there have been some challenges... [but] we need to give it some more time," said Holdaway. He cautioned the committee not to act until we know how much more the economic recovery will grow the fund.

It is important to note that before the economy declined in 2008, Utah's retirement system was among the most sound in the country and it continues to be secure and is regaining ground. DEA and UEA will continue to follow the developments on retirement and other funding issues over the coming months. Watch the space for updates.

You can visit the committee's web site and view the documents at this link:

http://le.utah.gov/asp/interim/Commit.asp?Year=2009&Com=INTRIE

Meet Executive Board Member Bruce Illum

"I have been a Science Teacher for 22 years. I graduated from Weber State University in 1988 with a BA in Physical Science and Mathematics and a minor in Geology. I have taught various subjects throughout my career including Physical Science, Earth-Space Science, Integrated Science, Earth Systems Science, Conceptual Physics, Pre-algebra and Algebra. I especially enjoy the Earth and Environmental Sciences. I went back to school in 2002 and in 2004 completed a Masters Degree in Chemistry Teaching from the University of Utah. I have been a Wrestling coach for 18 yrs (3 years as assistant coach and 15 years as head coach). We have had great success and have built a tradition of excellence in our program. We have won the Davis District championship twice, and have taken the Davis District North End championship 8 times.

I have been a member of the Association since I began teaching in 1988. My mother was a lifetime member (30 yrs teaching) and I spent many hours in my younger years growing up in her 3rd grade classroom for many hours each summer. (I became a bulletin board expert at 12) I learned to value the association she had with her colleagues. When I began teaching the first thing she asked was if I had joined the association. She felt it so important that she offered to pay my first year’s dues, saying that the association and protection it offers are well worth the cost. She made a point that my family, home and reputation are worth far more than the cost of the dues. I have since learned this to be true. But the greatest asset to membership and becoming involved in the association has brought me friendships, professional relationships and experiences with the wonderful educational community that could not be gotten anywhere else. Relationships to build the teaching profession can be a very powerful tool and it is though our “association that these are fostered and strengthened."
You can reach Bruce at billum@dsdmail.net.

Meet Executive Board Member Jennifer Tanner

Jennifer Tanner is currently a resource teacher at Woods Cross High School after beginning her career in 1998 at North Davis Junior High. Jennifer studied theater and music at Southern Utah University and has performed at Hale Center Theater, Desert Star Theater, Utah Musical Theater, and the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Jennifer has been an Association Rep since becoming a member. Jennifer is currently working on her Masters Degree and National Board Certification. Jennifer has a wide variety of interests and accomplishments including running marathons, reading, and movies. When you see Jennifer ask her to demonstrate her pig calling skills.

"I joined the association after seeing the lengths to which it goes to advocate for members. DEA does an excellent job of finding a balance between the need to be a partner with the district and their role as an advocate for teachers. As a newer member, even though I loved DEA, I sometimes felt less satisfied with my membership in NEA and wondered if they really represented me. With time I have come to see how DEA, UEA, and NEA have worked together to improve working conditions for teachers and education for students. Even as a conservative teacher in a conservative state, I really feel like "I am the NEA"; and I am a better teacher because of it."

You can contact Jennifer at jtanner@dsdmail.net

Editorial Support for Education Funding and Ethics Reform

The Salt Lake Tribune has published two recent editorials that you may want to read. The first is from Sunday, November 8 in support of funding for education.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_13732217

The second is regarding ethics reform from Monday, November 9.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_13745592

Both of these call for action by the legislature during the upcoming session.

Please share these links with others who might be interested.

Meet Executive Board Member Andrew Owens

"I am a Speech-Language Pathologist in my 6th year at Davis, and in my second year as a DEA executive board member. I am really enjoying the service I am able to give to my students in my work, and to my peers and fellow DEA members. Helping each other and sharing information and opportunities that can improve life is my great privilege. I believe that being a member of professional organizations and helping to further their agendas in a great way to improve myself as a person and as an educator. I enjoy the being involved in and supporting good causes, and I enjoy feeling that I have something important to care about.

I have a great personal interest in the quality of education for children. Clinton has been my home for the past 5 years, since moving from Las Vegas, where I taught middle-school choir, orchestra, Mariachi, general music, and where I went back to school. My wife is a music teacher, and my three kids are attending Davis County schools. I hope that their peers, colleagues, and teachers will be as committed to improving their educational and social environments by working for the best things in life."

You can email Andrew at waowens@dsdmail.net.

Retirement at Risk

We have an assignment for you. Will you make a phone call or send an email to a legislator before next Thursday? It couldn’t be more important. Your retirement is at stake. Here’s the background:

The Utah State Legislative Retirement Committee is meeting next Thursday, November 12, to consider possible changes to the state retirement system for teachers and other state employees.

Dramatic changes are on the table, including switching all current, or all future state employees from a guaranteed retirement (Defined Benefit) to a variable retirement (Defined Contribution), in which the state would place a lower percentage of the employees salary in a 401k, and the employee’s retirement would be solely dependent on their skill and luck in where they invested that money, when they moved the money, and swings in the stock market, and the U.S. and world economy.

Other possible changes to the Utah Retirement System that are being discussed:

- Suspend or lower the 1.5 percent contribution to 401(k) or 403(b);
- Suspend or lower post-retiree employees’ (“double dippers”) contribution to 401(k) or 403(b);
- Extend the final average salary period (from the current three years to perhaps five years or more), thereby slightly reducing the retirement benefit;
- Increase the vesting period (i.e.: from four years to six years);
- Put a minimum age condition on the 30-year benefit (there is currently no minimum retirement age if you have 30 years in URS);
- Partial benefit payments until certain age (phase retirement);
- Reduce the multiplier from 2 percent of the final salary to 1.9 percent for each year worked;
- Require all new employees to participate in a defined-contribution system 401(k) or 403 (b);
- Reduce post-retirement benefits.

DEA Members should have received an email with instructions for contacting legislators. If you did not receive an email, please contact the DEA Office and we will send another.

Bond Proposal Passes With Strong Support

The Davis School District Bond passed with over 60% of those voting casting ballots of support. DEA officers and staff have devoted a great deal of time to supporting the district informational meetings in schools and around the community. It was believed the bond would have widespread support among voters, but there has also been concern that the ballot language could be confusing. Thanks to all who spread the word to neighbors and friends about the need for the bond and helped voters to understand the ballot language.

Let the construction begin!

Meet Executive Board Member Candace Peters

"I have been part of the Davis School District since 1976! I taught First Grade for twelve wonderful years at Farmington and Oak Hills Elementary. Our family moved to Boston in 1988 and I was able to spend the next ten years at home with our boys and volunteering in their classrooms. Twelve years ago I returned full time to the classroom, earning my Master's Degree and becoming National Board Certified. I currently teach the Sixth Grade Spectrum class at Centerville Elementary.

Membership in our professional association is very important to me. I believe that it enriches and strengthens my position as a professional educator. As a member of the DEA Executive Board I have had the opportunity to work closely with many school representatives and have brought the concerns of their schools and faculties to the attention of the board and our local Uniserve. I hope to be able to continue to serve our members in this capacity in the future."

You can email Candace at CPETERS@dsdmail.net

Meet Vice President and Executive Board Member Don Paver

Don is a fifth grade teacher at Columbia Elementary. Don has been teaching in Davis for 13 years and first joined the association as a student at Weber State. Don has a wide variety of service to the association and the district.

“I am interested in the need to see DEA and UEA become more proactive. We need to be ahead of controversy and better plan for change. We also need to develop a better system of recognizing the good things the association and its members do.
I bring eight years of professional public relations and marketing experience to teaching. I ran for public office in Salt Lake twice. I chaired three of the largest political conventions in the State of Utah. I am a recognized as an in-service and professional development presenter within the District, State and on a national level (UCTM and NCTM). I served on the Utah Council of Teacher of Mathematics Board for six years as the Public Relations Chair. I have been and continue to serve on several state assessment committees.”

You can email Don at DPAVER@dsdmail.net

Hello from NEA Headquarters

I am spending eight days at NEA Headquarters in Washington DC learning the ins and outs of Uniserv work. I am in a training session for new Uniserv Directors from all over the country, from coast to coast - including Hawaii. NEA feels strongly that it is important to support my work for you with training during my first year as your Uniserv Director. It is interesting to hear stories from locals from around the country. There are many things we all share, but also many things that are very different from local to local. All are concerned about bargaining, advocacy, political action and the many other things that I now know are a part of daily life for Uniserv Directors.

Even while I am here, I am keeping in touch with the DEA Office. I have spoken with both Susan and Joel and will arrive home in time to hear the results of the bond election. Remember to get out and vote next Tuesday or get to an early polling location today or tomorrow. I know you all realize how important this bond is and will get out and vote yourselves and explain the importance of the bond to family and friends.

Thanks for this opportunity to work on your behalf. I am looking forward to getting back to the office next Wednesday.

Meet Excecutive Board Member Paulette Hopfenbeck

"I have been teaching in the Davis District for 10 years. I teach history at Clearfield High School and am involved in the IB, MYP, and Falcon Focus programs at our school. I am also a member of the JSSC, serving as the chair this year. This led me to my further involvement in DEA. This is my first year on the Executive Board, and I have been amazed at the time and effort involved in this position.
I'm not sure that people realize how much is done in their behalf behind the scenes to make sure that all DEA members are supported and represented. I have come to greatly respect my colleagues, and am glad that I have always been a member of DEA in my educating career. I appreciate the opportunity to serve. "

You can email Paulette at PHOPFENBECK@dsdmail.net

Meet Executive Board Member Jessica Dunn

"I am in my ninth year of teaching 3rd Grade at Adelaide Elementary. In the spring I also teach Drama, after school, for 5th and 6th Graders. I have been a proud member of DEA, UEA, and NEA, since my New Teacher Orientation. Two years ago I volunteered to be an Association Representative because I wanted to be more actively involved. Since then I have served in many capacities as an Association Rep and now as an Executive Board member.

For many years I was uninformed about my rights as a teacher, naïve to the hardships facing my colleagues, and overwhelmed by all of my responsibilities. Two of my current goals are to help other people overcome similar feelings and share with them information about the association that has empowered me as an educator.

You can reach Jessica at JDUNN@dsdmail.net

Mary Ann Mower, Former DEA Board Member Remembered

Mary Ann graduated from Bountiful High School in 1973 and completed a degree in English Education at the University of Utah in 1979. She taught English and Spanish at Bountiful Junior High and Bountiful High School. She completed a master's degree in school psychology at the University of Utah and worked as a school psychologist in the Granite and Davis School Districts until 2007.
Read the obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=mary-mower&pid=134772196

Meet Executive Board Member Trudy Henderson

Trudy Henderson is a fourth grade teacher at Buffalo Point Elementary. Trudy has been a Davis School District teacher of the year and has been honored by the school board for changing the state song. Trudy had been a member of the association since her first day in the classroom and has served in a variety of leadership positions including being vice president of two local associations and continuous service representing her building, district, and state.

Why am I a proud member of DEA/UEA/NEA?
“I am a professional and I belong to my professional organization. I am involved in association activities because together the members have the strength to stand up for what we know is right for kids' learning and the environments we teach them in every day. Public schools are the future of America to educate the workforce with skills and knowledge. What better legacy is there to leave to the future generations of educators and the students than the laws, policies, and funding we are working so hard to gain for them today?”

You can email Trudy at thenderson@dsdmail.net

Early Voting Schedule - Vote Yes on the Bond

Early voting begins Tuesday, October 20. The DEA Executive Board has voted to endorse this bond and encourages a YES vote which on the ballot actually says: “FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS.”

Select this link to find the early voting schedule or contact your local municipal government.
http://www.co.davis.ut.us/clerkauditor/elections/early_vote_schedule.cfm

Meet Executive Board Member Richard Heath

I have taught for 33 years in Davis County, all of them at Central Davis. I have also been a resident of Kaysville for 33 years. I am a graduate of Bountiful High School and later Southern Utah University (then, Southern Utah State College); I have been a member of the United Teaching Profession for 33 years and an Association Representative for about 16 years or so. Recently, I have been a delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly, UEA House of Delegates, DEA Political Action Committee, and serve as the DEA representative on the UEA Political Action Council.

I am a committed advocate for kids, teachers, and the important role the arts play in education. Our association is the platform to help move these things along. I never thought 33 years ago that I would be so involved in these causes. I can’t stand idly by and see all we have fought for be gradually eroded away. You as committed members of our association need to stand for the principles that have guided in the past and still guide our organization today: “A GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR EVERY CHILD!”

Richard represents the central part of the district. His contact schools are Central Davis Junior, Crestview Elementary, East Layton Elementary, King Elementary, Layton High, Morgan Elementary, and Whiletsides Elementary.

You can email Richard at rheath@dsdmail.net.

Former Davis Educator Mourned

Lynn Wayne Hansen (1922 – 2009) retired in 1990 after 38 years as a principal and classroom teacher, first in Idaho and then in Davis County Schools. Mr. Hansen touched the lives of thousands of students during his career.

See the full obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=lynn-hansen&pid=134505769

Petition Drives Explained to Building ARs

At the monthly AR meetings for building reps in Farmington on Monday and Tuesday, Vik Arnold explained the Utahns for Ethical Government initiative drive. Vik is a former DEA President and Uniserv Director as well as the former Director of Government Relations for the UEA. Fair Boundaries spokesman Randy Miller also explained their initiative to the reps. Both Vik and Randy expressed that they believe the initiatives are vital to the future and true representative government in Utah.

Your DEA Executive Board supports both the Government Ethics Reform and the Fair Boundaries initiatives. Both groups are currently seeking signatures. DEA building reps will be bringing petitions back to the schools this week for staff members to sign. Please remember to conduct these drives outside of contract times - at lunch and before and after school. You can also contact DEA to obtain packets to circulate in your communities and to volunteer to help gather signatures at community events, grocery stores, etc.

For more information you can visit these web sites.

http://www.utahnsforethicalgovernment.org/

http://www.fairboundaries.org/

Stuart Wins Grand Prize at UEA Convention

Linda (Tommy) Stuart was the winner of the Bose Wave music system during the UEA Convention. DEA President Susan Firmage presented her with the prize during the Representative Council Meeting on Monday, October 12.

Funding for Instructional Leaders and 6.4 Hours of Prep Time

We have worked out the details for two great programs DEA has negotiated for the benefit of teachers.

Principals will be receiving information today regarding the money for Instructional Leaders set aside during negotiations last spring. The JSSC will need to meet to determine how the money will be used in each school. Watch for information from your Principal, JSSC Chair or DEA Association Rep. Since the Quality Teaching Block Grant was not funded by the legislature, this benefit will need to be revisited during negotiations next spring.

Principals will also be contacting teachers regarding the payroll procedures for reporting the 6.4 hours of teacher prep time outside of contract hours. This is an ongoing provision in our negotiated agreement. Those hours must be worked before the end of October and will be reported in November for payroll. Probably most of you have already gone well beyond that number of hours beyond contract time.

Dee Burningham Receives UEA Honor Roll Award

During the "Superstars in Education" awards banquet last Thursday, former DEA Executive Director Dee Burningham was awarded the UEA Honor Roll award by Mark Mickelsen, UEA Executive Director. Dee has committed his professional and personal life to supporting public schools and teachers. Following his work as Executive Director of the DEA, he worked as Director of Government Relations at UEA. Since retiring he has continued to be involved in politics. His current interest is the Utahns for Ethical Government petition initiative which he is helping to promote throughout the state.

Meet Executive Board Member Yvonne Speckman

"I am in my 14th year teaching for Davis School District. I teach a 5/6 split class at Layton Elementary. I have been an association member since college and feel strongly that being a member of our professional organization is one of the best things that a teacher can do when they enter this profession. I wanted to be more involved in the association because I see how important it is to be involved. I have valued my time on the executive board and look forward to serving all members of the association in the future."


Yvonne represents the central area of the district. Her contact schools are Adams Elementary, Layton Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, North Layton Junior High, Northridge High, and South Weber Elementary.

You can email Yvonne at yspeckman@dsdmail.net

This Week at DEA

Last week was an exciting week at the UEA Convention. This week members head back to classrooms and schools with renewed energy and commitment to the education of the young people of Utah. We hope your fall break was refreshing and productive.

DEA Officers, Board Members and Uniserv Directors are attending as many district bond meetings as possible. If you have not attended a meeting at your school, listen for details or check the school district web site to find more information about the upcoming bond election. In addition, there are meetings this week for Smaller Learning Communities, Board of Education, District Insurance Committee and District Leadership that Susan, Don, Joel and Pat will be attending along with a variety of other political and planning meetings. Watch this blog for information as the week progresses.

Convention Countdown!

3 Days to the UEA Convention!

This year’s convention offers something for everyone.

Of personal and professional interest: There are sessions on identity theft, managing personal finances, Praxis preparation, trends and the future of education in Utah, how the UEA is transforming itself in order to better advocate for our members and for public education and a variety of exhibitors’ displays and booths. In addition, there are keynote sessions on the future of public education and on effectively managing your classroom.

Topics specifically for secondary educators: Sessions on writing in subject areas and how to evaluate writing, special education interventions, decoding strategies for building literacy, using digital stories, technology tools, classroom management, elements of effective instruction, interventions for English language learners, using social networking sites, a variety of teacher resources for secondary, and tips and shortcuts for secondary educators.

Topics specifically for elementary educators: Tips and shortcuts, classroom management, Digital resources and other technology, writing strategies, physical education activities for winter, science, math, social studies, music and the arts in the elementary grades, behavior and classroom management.

See you there!

Kim Campbell
UEA President

Davis Educators Present at UEA Convention October 1 & 2

Several Davis School District educators are presenting at the UEA Convention. Check out their presentation topics in the convention program.

Suzanne Cottrell - New Educator's Workshop, Friday at 10:30
Sandy Petersen - Thursday at 11:15
Norma Jean Reminigton - Friday at 12:30
Allison Riddle - Friday at 10:30 and 12:30

There are many other sessions to choose from. Check the listings in the center of the convention program you received or check at http://www.utea.org/

Seasonal Flu Shots Available This Week

Altius and SelectHealth Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics

Tuesday, September 22 at Woods Cross High School

Wednesday, September 23 at Davis High School

Thursday, September 24 at Clearfield High School

Time: 3:00-7:00 PM all three days. Be sure to wear loose fitting clothing or a short sleeve shirt and bring your insurance card.

Note: These shots are not for the H1N1 Swine Flu. Those shots will be available in October from the Davis County Health Department

Time Well Spent

Friends, family and coworkers gathered on the afternoon of September 17 to wish former Uniserv Director Becky Bouvang success in her new job as an administrator at Whitesides Elementary. While former coworkers at DEA Joel Briscoe and Sheri Sauve looked on, President Susan Firmage presented Becky with a clock to commemorate her "Time Well Spent" and thank her for all of her efforts on behalf of teachers.

Our New Blog

This new blog will be up and running soon for members of DEA to receive updates about current activities and concerns of the association. Please check back regularly to track our activities.

Susan Firmage - President

Joel Briscoe - Executive Uniserv Director

Pat Riley - Associate Uniserv Director