Special Education Today

1 September 2010

On the Principal’s Job

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 11:35 pm
After getting reconnected with my relatives and friends since I started Facebook last January, I found my first cousin (Kuya Lito) on FB last night, my oldest cousin on my father's side, who said that the last time he saw me was when I was a freshman in highschool, LOL. During our childhood, my cousins and I used to frequent our private beach resort back home (Sera Sol, Philippines), building sand castles, swimming, exploring the coral reefs during low tide and resting under the coconut trees on a hammock. Unfortunately, we went our separate ways and lost communication with each other after we graduated from HS, college is indeed life changing. Now after having found each other on FB we are planning on a grand reunion soon, yay!!! I guess it's true what they say, home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to. This one photo our beach resort that I tagged my brothers, sisters and paternal cousins triggered a never ending thread of comments, we so missed each other. Kuya Lito is now a school principal, and I will have my share of stories too as a school administrator (that was before I left home) when we see each other. I know that a principal who serves as an instructional leader is of immense value to any school.

I have been here in DC Public Schools, in the same school, for six years now and have had five principals. The turn over of administrators is just unbelievable!! If it is best for students and teachers, I cannot say that, we need stability. Over the years I have seen that the role of the principal and the nature of school leadership are being redefined as increasing numbers of schools turn to total quality schools, teaming, restructuring, peer coaching, and other paradigm shifts. But I believe that a non-threatening, high achieving school climate is key to a successful school. While some principals are more talented leaders than others, the quality of the teacher-principal relationship greatly influences the overall school climate, which in turn affects the students' success in the classroom.

We have just started the advent of school year, and yet anyone can sense that there is something different in my school...and it's good. I have seen that the less friction and stress between the principal and teachers, the more enjoyable we all find our jobs. We need each other to succeed, and when the principal and teachers can work in harmony students are ultimately the winners. No one gains and ultimately students lose when a poisonous, adversarial relationship exists between principal and teachers.

In my school things are looking good, we are looking forward to a great school year as we welcome our enthusiastic Instructional Coach, Ms. Alethea Felton (she has more positive energy than I do!) and a wonderful Instructional Leader who will help us bring back the pride at Jefferson, Principal Patricia Pride...could her name be a sign that she is the one who is going to give us what this school needs?.

I am a very hopeful person and I am keeping the faith.

15 August 2010

Teaching is a work of heart

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 11:25 am
I had a chance to meet and greet our excited new DCPS teachers last week during their 3-day New Teachers Orientation. Every year this event makes me remember the time when I was new in DCPS, I did not get this kind of orientation because I came in during the middle of the school year.

It is a challenge working in a very political environment in the midst of education reform. My advice to my colleagues:

- do not fall prey to victimization,
- read your WTU-DCPS contract to know your rights,
- be aware of the issues affecting your job,
- cooperate and have a good relationship with everyone in your school community, and most importantly,
- focus on what you are expected to do as highly effective teachers.

Please remember that we are not victims of our jobs, we picked our jobs. Pessimism is a dangerous road that leads to anger, frustration, self- righteousness and all that is harmful to the children whose lives we continue to influence daily.

Teachers make a difference. This job is reserved only for those willing to rise to meet all of its many challenges, to give ourselves completely and give some more.

I am currently reading this book, I feel my battery recharged and ready to get back to work tomorrow!...

Teachers ROCK!!

9 August 2010

An Open Letter to AFT from a WTU Member

Filed under: DC Public Schools, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 10:26 pm
I believe that it is imperative to get the truth to the public about the recent issue on the WTU internal elections of officers. As a person of integrity, I do not compromise what is right. I believe it is about time for all, most importantly the WTU members (including new teachers) whom we serve in this union, to know the truth and the facts about our WTU Executive Board, to know where we stand and what we stand for. In a few months from now we are going to elect our WTU officers, we need to be smart in choosing strong teacher leaders for office to represent our educators, we cannot afford to make the same mistakes as WTU did in the past,  and we want to do it right this time.
Members are very concerned...I am posting here on my blog a WTU member's open letter to AFT-

Sincerely,
Maria Angala, NBCT
WTU Vice President of Special Education

*************************
I am disappointed and infuriated by the recent decision by AFT to usurp the Executive Board and President Parker's right to establish a timeline for the elections and move them up. For them to move them up during the beginning of school is irresponsible. All union officials should be focused on the New Teacher's orientation, as well as supporting teachers and trouble shooting problems caused by the many new principals in the first few weeks of school. This of course is not a problem for self-serving campaigners who are more worried about their election to office rather than the members. Nathan [Saunders], who is willing to campaign outside of the meeting for fired teachers and unplaced excessed teachers, instead of helping out inside, will not be affected by this.

I was considering running on a slate, but have been put at a great disadvantage. I am not willing to sacrifice my duties to my teachers and students during the beginning of the year to campaign for a position in a local that can have its authority usurped whenever it benefits the national organization or when the national disagrees with what the local is legally doing. The E-Board had the right to set the timeline for the elections once AFT delayed them. It didn't make sense to have them over the summer or the beginning of the year. AFT's opinion on how long is too long is exactly that - an opinion. Once the timeline set forth in the constitution could not be followed, it was the E-Board's responsibility to set the new timeline. Campaigning for an election is time consuming and difficult at best. I take AFT's disrespect for the time that I commit to my school and teachers at the beginning of the year personally. The Election Committee's maneuvering to set the election timeline is unprecedented and pure politics. It should be called exactly what it is, political maneuvering.

Teachers who are no longer on the payroll should not have a vote, period. Once the timeline was delayed, the teachers that could have voted became irrelevant. In AFT's words "As this essentially 'restarts' the clock..." At a minimum, only current WTU members who were eligible on June 30 should be allowed to vote. However, this disenfranchises, rather than includes, all of our new members coming in this month. How does that sound to them? We want you to be a member, but because the union f-ed up and couldn't even hold an election, we are holding it now, but we don't want you to have a voice in the leadership of a union that you are now a member of.

Also by ruling that the e-board had the right to withhold Nathan's salary, but that the timing was unfortunate, so give him his money- is political beyond belief. If Nathan wanted his salary, he could have simply reported what he was doing to the president and the e-board. He chose not to do that. Has he started being accountable to the president or the board? I don't care what it looks like politically. There is a political solution for what it looks like politically - the membership could vote the current board and president out. AFT could have let the membership decide on that one. Our teachers are being accountable more than ever before. What kind of example does this set if the Vice-president refused to be accountable to the president or executive board.

I fear what would happen if Nathan and Candi [Peterson] would get elected. In my opinion, they are old fashioned confrontational bargainers with a need to associate with the truth only when it benefits them. They are aggressive and just plain not nice people. It has been my assessment that they would rather strike and demonstrate than find a solution. They represent everything that was wrong with DCPS and WTU when I came on board 10 years ago. AFT's decision only helps them and it makes the e-board and President Parker's decision which is thought out and methodical, look suspect in some way.

George [Parker] is not perfect, but he is not politically motivated. He is motivated by what is right for students and teachers - to a fault - he is too busy doing the work of the union that he doesn't toot his own horn often enough. The people that know George know that the timeline was based on inclusiveness - both in not having the elections during the summer when many teachers are gone as well as including our newest members, respect for our time during the beginning of the year, and accuracy of the membership roles. The logical teacher members understood this.

I hope that AFT will consider how their actions enable the vocal minority who are destroying our union and what it stands for.



Steve Aupperle
Instructional Coach
Truesdell Educational Center

31 July 2010

Pink Hearts, Not Pink Slips

Filed under: DC Public Schools, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 10:48 pm
Just changed my blog's skin. A good friend of mine once told me that politics is all about relationships. It's been broken in our school system, we do need to glue them together...

Let's support the AFT's campaign for "Pink Hearts, Not Pink Slips".


Schools throughout America are facing devastating cuts. Our children’s future hangs in the balance.


By the end of this school year, it is estimated that as many as 300,000 teachers, school support staff and higher education faculty will receive pink slips throughout the country.

This will result in drastic increases in class sizes and less individualized instruction; it will erode classroom discipline and school safety, and eliminate essential programs like art, music, AP classes and summer school.

"The magnitude of the cuts is staggering. The number of educators who might be pink-slipped in the fall is nearly equal to the population of Toledo, Ohio," said AFT President Randi Weingarten. "This isn’t just about saving jobs; it’s about saving the next generation." [Read the full

The “Pink Hearts, Not Pink Slips” campaign aims to draw attention to the devastating impact educational budget cuts—and the resulting layoffs—will have on our students, their schools and our communities.

Starting on May 4, National Teacher Day, we are encouraging everyone to wear pink hearts to acknowledge the important contributions of educators. Educators put their heart and soul into their work, and every day they make a real difference in the lives of children. Budgets may be tightening, but students need educators in the classroom, not in unemployment lines.

Our government didn’t walk away from Wall Street. We should demand no less from them when it comes to saving our children’s future. We must voice our support for federal legislation that will provide $23 billion to help school districts avoid layoffs and cuts in vital services for children. Help us preserve the education lifeline our students deserve.Read media coverage of the Pink Hearts campaign. press release.]

Tools You Can Use:
- Print and wear a pink heart
- Distribute the flier
- Create a Pink Heart T-shirt
- Facebook users: customize your profile photo with a Pink Heart button graphic

*******************

Victory Update!!
August 10, 2010

Congress has heard your calls and read your letters.

The House of Representatives just passed legislation that will keep 161,000 educators in schools across the country! This bill, which was passed last week by the Senate, will be signed into law by President Obama as early as today.

Thanks to your yearlong efforts, more than $26 billion in aid will flow to states and school districts. Our educators will now be in classrooms-rather than in unemployment lines-when the school bell rings, and our children and communities can continue to prosper.

Please take a moment to thank those who stood up for our kids and our communities.

The AFT is grateful to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Reps. David Obey and George Miller for their leadership and tireless efforts on this issue in the House of Representatives, as well to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sens. Patty Murray and Tom Harkin, who championed the fight for this funding in the Senate.



In unity,
The AFT

One Day

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, video clip — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 5:16 am
Currently listening to the acoustic version of "One Day". The Sundance-award-winning documentary about American Education, "Waiting for Superman", coming out this September borrows Hasidic reggae star Matisyahu's aspirational song (also used heavily during this year's Olympic)...


27 July 2010

On the most recent DCPS teacher firings

Filed under: DC Public Schools, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 10:49 am
D.C. fires 241 teachers and puts 737 educators on notice

Washington, D.C., schools chief Michelle Rhee ordered the dismissal Friday of 241 teachers -- including 165 who received poor ratings under the district's newly implemented IMPACT evaluation system. Seventy-six were let go for not being properly licensed. Rhee also gave warning notices to 737 teachers who received "minimally effective" ratings and must improve their showing or face dismissal next year. Some teachers said the evaluation system is unfair, and the teachers union said it will contest the firings. The Washington Post


Opinion: Why the IMPACT system and D.C. firings are unfair:

The teacher-evaluation system that Washington, D.C., Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee used to justify firing 165 teachers is flawed and unfair, according to Washington Post education writer and blogger Valerie Strauss. In this blog post, Strauss writes that the IMPACT evaluation system judges teachers on 22 points -- all of which must be observed in five 30-minute observation periods. However, excellent teachers who do not demonstrate all of the necessary teaching elements in one class period would be rated poorly, she adds. The Washington Post/The Answer Sheet blog

2 June 2010

DC Teachers Vote Overwhelmingly To Approve New Contract

Filed under: DC Public Schools, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 4:49 pm
With increased expectations for student achievement and higher accountability standards for our educators, it’s time for a progressive teacher’s contract.

News 9 (WUSA9.com)

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC teachers have just overwhelmingly approved their new contract with the DC Public School System. While final numbers are not in yet, our sources say it's roughly 1,400 for and 400 opposed.

The agreement gives teachers substantial pay raises and establishes a performance pay system that's linked to test scores.

Statement from George Parker, President of the Washington Teachers' Union:

After two and a half years of negotiations, I am extremely pleased that our members have voted "Yes" on an agreement that will provide teachers with the tools and resources so that all children in DC Public Schools will have a quality education.

This contract invests in teachers' professional growth, creates conditions for success for students, boosts teacher pay so that it is highly competitive with surrounding jurisdictions, provides resources necessary to improve teaching and learning, focuses on student discipline and includes new checks and balances related to excessing and reduction in force.

I would like to thank our teachers for letting their collective voice be heard by voting in support of a contract that is good for kids and fair to teachers. The Washington Teachers' Union is committed to continuing our efforts to ensure that teachers are provided with the tools, resources and respect they need to improve education in DC Public Schools.

It is now up to the DC City Council to approve the compensation so the real work can begin.



To WTU President George Parker, our colleagues who supported the new WTU-DCPS Teachers Contract, the contract negotiations team, teachers and union leaders who went around different schools to present the TA Highlights during the morning blocks…our hard work paid off!
Colleagues, we thank you for supporting a teachers’ contract that best positions us educators to meet the common goal of how best to serve our DCPS students.

Stay tuned.

27 April 2010

On my involvement with our teachers union (WTU)

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 7:01 pm
Almost a year ago during the times when I was very restless, I wrote a reflective entry On Becoming a Teacher Leader. I shared that I spent my college years at the University of the Philippines, the premiere state university in my country, where freedom of thought and expression was exercised which provided me with a complete armory for activism. But then I heeded the advice of my mom to focus on my academic responsibilities and never to get involved in any form of political action. My professors gave me the wisdom and the skills to learn the Socratic way, and the passion to stand up for what is right became an integral part of my words, thoughts and actions.

The prospects are both exciting and frightening where I am now. Keeping body and soul together can be as formidable as any journey especially when the train where we are all in seems to be moving towards the wrong direction...are we still going to the final destination? Thanks to the guidance and encouragement of some significant leaders of our teachers union, I am not giving up hope.

There are so much things happening right now on the local and national level which lead to frustration, anger, and all that is harmful not only to the teachers but also to the children whose lives we continue to influence daily. It is always a challenge to not fall prey to victimization and to steer clear of the blame game. After going through a long and meaningful introspection, I realized that working with the people who have the same mission has taught me to fully understand my role as a teacher leader. As I said earlier, "I realized that when I empower, support, encourage and inspire the teachers to do their best for the kids, I am impacting the lives of more than just the students in my classroom."
While we do our best in the Washington Teachers Union (WTU, Local 6 of the AFT) to make decisions that are best for the kids and fair to teachers, debates and heated arguments happen on the table just like in any active policymaking body. When this happens, I remind myself to choose my reactions. As it is a fact that circumstances don't "make" the teacher; circumstances "reveal" the teacher.

I have learned so much as a member of the WTU executive board, from policymaking, keeping relationships with the staff and partners, to establishing rapport with my colleagues. I have also learned and internalized some core values in life, that it is important for us executive board members to be team players, to respect each other's views, and to collectively adopt a "can-do" attitude and to be willing to pitch in to get the union's work done. It is also required for us to look for ways to build consensus, and respect and support the majority decisions of the board. It is also imperative that we refrain from criticizing fellow board members, discussing confidential proceedings outside of board meetings or interfering in the duties of the officers. There are still many of us who have made a firm decision to keep our integrity and professionalism.

I believe that it is unfair to lay all the blame of the current state of education at the feet of the teachers unions. Our union representatives exist to uphold the due process rights of full dues paying members like me, just as a defense attorney would protect the accused. While many people (mostly are not educators) attack the teachers unions, I strongly profess that I have become a better teacher and a stronger leader because of my teachers union, the WTU. Times have changed (a lot) and I believe that public education has evolved since then. It is very timely that we have a new (and very controversial) tentative agreement that is in the process of being ratified. I saw that some of the current practices and norms in 21st century teaching and learning are embodied in the tentative agreement. When giving our thumbs up (or down) for this tentative agreement, I hope we can think about how we should change our traditional practices to better reflect the tasks assigned to our schools, teachers and students today.
Keep the fire burning!
.
Maria Angala, NBCT (Exceptional Needs Specialist)

WTU Vice President of Special Education
.

26 April 2010

What qualities define a good teacher?

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Professional Development Trainings, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala, NBCT @ 5:03 pm
Ten Florida educators, including National Board Certified Teachers, who offered their thoughts in this article on what makes a good teacher -- a definition that has been in the spotlight since the state's merit-pay debate began. "Good teachers teach reading, writing, math and technology effectively. Good teachers integrate art, music, social studies and science gracefully. Good teachers possess creativity, flexibility and good time-management skills," one NBCT said.

According to the article, determining who is an outstanding teacher, however, is tricky. Teachers are not factory workers, Reasoner said, who are assessed based on how many gadgets they can assemble per hour, or car salespersons measured by how many deals they broker in a week.

Unlike gadgets, students come in all shapes and sizes, all ability and skill levels. Teachers are charged with guiding every child from Point A, wherever that is on the learning spectrum, to Point B in 180 school days.
I know from experience that becoming a great classroom teacher does not happen overnight, there is no silver bullet, there are no shortcuts. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance, and a rigorous process of research and reflection focused on the best teaching practices and the core propositions of the national teaching standards to become an effective teacher. It requires innovative collaboration (with educators, professionals and education advocates in school, in the school district, across the nation and even globally) and meaningful exchange and discussion of what is working and what is not with their classroom practice that is focused on supporting the child as a whole (not just the academic part).

WHAT THEY SAID

“A good teacher is a facilitator of learning, one who gives out the information and explains things. It’s someone who sees students as a whole person, and tries to address the whole child. They have high expectations, but also compassion.”
— Hana Ahmad, fifth-grade teacher at Orangewood Elementary in Fort Myers and a 2001 Golden Apple award winner.

“How can you measure a teacher that changes a child’s life? He or she may still not earn a high score on a test, but you could have changed the course of their life.”
— Tonya Reasoner, a gifted teacher at Pinewoods Elementary in Estero who has 41 years of teaching experience.

“Good teachers teach reading, writing, math and technology effectively. Good teachers integrate art, music, social studies and science gracefully. Good teachers possess creativity, flexibility and good time-management skills.”
— Helen Valdez-Garcia, an art teacher at Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary in Cape Coral and a National Board Certified teacher.

“You have to be flexible because you never know what will happen on any given day. You have to be fair to all students and be consistent. A good teacher really cares about their students. It’s almost like a motherly instinct.”
— Jeanne Dozier, Lee County School Board member and 1988 national teacher of the year.

“A good teacher makes learning fun. If a kid enjoys school, and connects with a teacher, they are going to perform better.”
— Derrick Donnell, principal at Caloosa Middle and a 1999 Golden Apple award winner.

“It’s about lighting the fire of education in those students that may not believe in themselves, and it’s about showing parents and families the strengths in their children that they may not yet see. It’s late nights of reflecting about how to reach that one child that seems barely beyond reach, yet you know is within your grasp.”
— Megan Allen, a fourth-grade teacher at Cleveland Elementary in Tampa and Florida’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.

Could teacher job losses reach 300,000 nationwide?

Filed under: DC Public Schools, NCLB/ IDEIA 2004, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 3:49 pm
Education Secretary Arne Duncan has estimated that as many as 300,000 teachers could be laid off in the coming months as school districts cope with budget shortfalls. A $23 billion education stimulus fund has been proposed that could help prevent layoffs and what Duncan describes as an "education catastrophe." In many districts, teacher layoffs will mean a reduction in programs and larger class sizes. The average class size in one Maryland district that plans to lay off 800 teachers will rise from 27 to 29 next year. The Washington Post



Both the Washington Post and New York Times ran front-page stories this week reporting that school districts across the country are facing the worst cuts in 50 years, and are seriously contemplating thousands of layoffs, larger class sizes, shortened school days and fewer programs to help the students who need it most. States are also making historic cuts in higher education that are hurting students and faculty.

Send a letter now to your senators and representatives urging them to support both the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206) and the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812).

Both bills would:

- Provide $23 billion to help school districts avert educator layoffs in the upcoming school year;

- Enable districts to continue to implement positive programs to help ensure all students receive the great education they deserve; and

- Help restore previously cut funding for postsecondary education in order to retain or create jobs for higher education faculty and professionals.

Act now! Send a letter to your senators and representatives urging them to support the Keep Our Educators Working Act and the Local Jobs for America Act.

Failure to quickly provide this assistance will shortchange our children's futures and deny them the great education they deserve.

In unity,
The AFT

22 April 2010

NBCTs among 5 selected for teaching hall of fame

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Filipino Teachers, Special Education, Teacher Sol's Lifestory, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 8:17 pm
This is my 6th year here in the US, my 6th year of teaching in DCPS. In my early years here, I was inspired and motivated by some of the most outstanding veteran teachers in my school at Jefferson MS to be the exceptional teacher that I can be. Teachers like my colleague, Dr. Alesia Slocoumb-Bradford whom I currently work with in a co-teaching environment, inspired me to become an accomplished teacher.

Dr. Alesia Slocumb-Bradford, is our seventh-grade pre-algebra teacher at Jefferson Middle School. She is a teacher for 23 years; she believes the most productive relationship between teachers and students is one where there is respect, communication, comfort and a shared sense of understanding of goals for students and teachers. For me, she is a master educator in the truest sense of the word: an excellent mentor, she plays the role of teacher, friend, guide, coach, and role model to us teachers in my school. Her teaching style shows precision - no random cuts, no random comments, she is very consistent with the routines and procedures from the beginning until the end of our class. With all of us Jefferson family, teachers and staff gathered at the "Classroom of the Future", Dr. Slocoumb was honored yesterday into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. I hugged her and whispered softly "You inspire me".

The honorees are Linda Evanchyk of Florida, Erlene Nelson of Pennsylvania, Warren Phillips of Massachusetts, Darrell Woods of Ohio and Alesia Slocumb-Bradford of Washington, D.C. "There are 12,000 teachers in the district of Philadelphia," said Nelson, a retired teacher and NBCT. "If every teacher dedicated themselves to save a child each year, we would save more than 12,000 students, and what an impact it would have on society." Philadelphia Daily News

Four out of the five teachers selected this year for induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame are National Board Certified Teachers.

Right after her reception, I drove to another event for the 2009 National Board Certified Teachers hosted by the WTU and Central Office; I was one of the seven NBCT honorees.

As I was listening to the remarks of my colleague, I remember my grandmother who is a daughter of a World War II Lt. Colonel and one of the strongest leaders in the medical field back home in the Philippines. She told me, "Maria, always fight for your dreams, and remember if your dreams are big enough the problems don't really matter". There is a noble reason why I did not become a doctor like her, or the first lady cadet at the Philippine Military Academy, or an enterpreneur...it is my destiny to become an educator.

Fight for America’s Future

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 4:01 pm

Both the Washington Post and New York Times ran front-page stories this week reporting that school districts across the country are facing the worst cuts in 50 years, and are seriously contemplating thousands of layoffs, larger class sizes, shortened school days and fewer programs to help the students who need it most. States are also making historic cuts in higher education that are hurting students and faculty.

Send a letter now to your senators and representatives urging them to support both the Keep Our Educators Working Act (S. 3206) and the Local Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4812).

Both bills would:

- Provide $23 billion to help school districts avert educator layoffs in the upcoming school year;

- Enable districts to continue to implement positive programs to help ensure all students receive the great education they deserve; and

- Help restore previously cut funding for postsecondary education in order to retain or create jobs for higher education faculty and professionals.

Act now! Send a letter to your senators and representatives urging them to support the Keep Our Educators Working Act and the Local Jobs for America Act.

Failure to quickly provide this assistance will shortchange our children's futures and deny them the great education they deserve.

In unity,
The AFT

20 April 2010

NBC4 Washington — Principal Story

Filed under: DC Public Schools — Maria Angala @ 2:00 pm
We now know police are looking at whether Brian Betts used a social networking site the night he was killed. Did he invite someone to his home? That might explain why there was no sign of forced entry at the popular DC principal's home. We're continuing to follow this story and will have the very latest tonight on News4 at 5 and 6.
- NBC4 Advertising and Promotion

12 April 2010

Tips for Teachers: Discussing Education Policy

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Professional Development Trainings, WTU — Maria Angala @ 1:57 pm
In preparation for the upcoming Informational Sessions and other meetings with our education policymakers, I would like to share these "Tips for Teachers on Discussing Education Policy" from a team of National Board Certified Teachers working as Teaching Ambassadors to the US Department of Education. We want our meetings with our education policymakers (Union leaders, Central Office administrators, City Council members etc...) to be productive, collaborative and professional.


PREPARE:
Know the issue
- Be ready to present your points succinctly (30 sec, 1 min, 3 min)
- Know the opposition's side and be able to counter them
- Maintain your enthusiasm and sincerity
- Use a sense of humor and the ability to roll with the punches
- Know the people you are talking to and their staff (They can make or break opportunities to speak with their boss)



DURING THE MEETING:
- Address the person properly
- Identify yourself immediately at each contact. If you have a businesscard have it handy.
- Refer to the topic you want to discuss early in the conversation.
- Use your own words.
- Establish your own credentials - why are you an expert on this topic?
- If possible give the person something in writing to which they can refer later.
- If something is said off-the-record always respect that and keep it confidential.
- Follow up in writing, making sure to include your contact information.

CAUTIONS:
- Don't begin your discussion with a threatening language: "As a citizen..."
- Don't apologize for taking up their time. Just be brief and to the point.
- Don't argue or back someone into a corner.
- Don't send copies of a form letter, unless you take the time to include a personal note.

Re: National Board in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement

Filed under: DC Public Schools, National Board Certification, Professional Development Trainings, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 11:29 am
I received some comments on my last entry, I emailed my response to my colleagues (several lines edited):

Hello everyone,

Buena lunes! (attempting to learn Spanish *smile*)

I've been getting good responses from the NBCTs about my previous entry on the "National Board in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement"; thank you, please keep it coming. It is good because it served my purpose of keeping you informed and getting your feedback about it. Most of the comments were full of concern about the future funding of the stipends for our aspiring National Board Candidates.

I was wondering the same thing: if the stipend is gone for our future NBCTs after November 1, 2010.

After the WTU General Assembly last week at Mc Kinley SHS on the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement, I was rushing to go to the WTU Office for another meeting. A reporter ambushed me and dropped the bomb: "Is it really true that the teachers are just going for the money?" I did not blink and never hesitated to answer, "No, it is not all about the money. The members want teacher focused high quality services so that we can better support and help our students become successful. It's all about our students." And he left.

Colleagues, this is not the end of the road. President George Parker and his contract negotiations team were able to push for three more years of financial incentives for accomplished teaching for NBCTs from 2007-2010. Now we need to assert ourselves and help WTU explain to DCPS why we need to encourage our most effective educators in DCPS to take the National Board Certification, how it has been life changing for us and for our students, present our data of student achievement...we are the experts who understand meaningfully what the teachers should know and be able to do to. We, the National Board Certified Teachers, are knowledgeable on this and can effectively demonstrate this according to the national teaching standards. That's why we need to speak up and let our voice be heard.

I believe that most of us, aside from being teacher leaders, are collaborators. I am setting up a meeting with President George Parker for the National Board Certified Teachers. We are going to work with him to make things happen for our teachers and our students. He has a vision for the NBCTs in DC, we need to hear from him and I am very sure that he will listen to us. And if you are attending any of the Informational Sessions on Tues/ Thurs, please proudly wear your pin, it makes us very distinguished.

We are fighting for the same cause, we need to have one voice. One team, one fight!

Let's keep the fire burning!


Sincerely,

Maria Angala, NBCT (Exceptional Needs Specialist)
WTU Vice President of Special Education

11 April 2010

National Board in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 8:53 am
This morning, I emailed the NBCTs in DC Public Schools and shared to them one of the most significant things that I like in the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement:

Dear colleagues,

Just like most of you, I was devastated when DCPS has cut the funding for the National Board certification a couple of years ago. The fiscal downturn meant the generous stipends that new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) used to enjoy were cut even in other states/ school districts.

During the contract negotiation, WTU President George Parker, who believes that accomplished teaching should be rewarded and that student achievement is in the heart of the National Board, vigilantly fought that the supports for National Board Certified Teachers still be continued. President George Parker and his team has successfully negotiated for it to be included and be reflected in the WTU-DCPS Contract. The language about the stipends for the National Board Certified Teachers was not reflected in the Tentative Agreement Highlights, but is stated in the TA (pdf copy) as:

"36.14 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification

36.14.1 A teacher who is a certified classroom Teacher, who achieves National Board certification, shall receive a non-pensionable, one time bonus of $4,000.00, provided:

36.14.1.1 The Teacher's most recent evaluation is Effective or higher;
36.14.1.2 The teacher begins the National Board certification process (including initial payment) no later than the date of approval of this agreement by the Council of the District of Columbia; and
36.14.1.3 The Teacher is awared National Board certification no later than November 1, 2010.

36.14.2 The $4,000.00 bonus shall be paid within sixty (60) School Days following the completion of the National Board certification.
36.14.3 The teacher shall be required to work with DCPS for a minimum of three years after receiving the bonus unless terminated by DCPs.
36.14.4 In the event that the Teacher fails to meet the three-year commitment , s/he shall be obligated to return the compensation to DCPS on a prorated basis.


I believe that this contract, when ratified, will result in a vigorous school system that can provide teacher focused high quality services that will help us educators maximize our students' potential. We still have a long way to go, but I will not give up hope, we will work together. Colleagues, as teacher leaders, it is time for us to step up and be in the forefront of this education reform and lead the rest of our colleagues in DCPS. We need to let our voice be heard and let everyone know what matters most to our students that we, teachers, truly understand.

If you have any questions about this or about anything on the WTU-DCPS Tentative Agreement please attend the Informational Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday (schedules emailed by WTU Director of Communication, if you did not receive it please let me know), please proudly wear your pin.

See you!


.
Sincerely,


Maria Angala, NBCT (Exceptional Needs Specialist)
WTU Vice President of Special Education

7 April 2010

The WTU and DCPS have reached a tentative agreement

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 5:09 am
Repost from the WTU Blog...

On behalf of our members, the Washington Teachers’ Union has negotiated a progressive contract that provides increased professional support for more effective teaching and learning, as well as rewards and incentives for educators. This Agreement establishes D.C. teachers as innovators in negotiating for real reforms designed to help improve classroom practice and raise student achievement. Additionally, the new Agreement includes significant increases in base salaries, maintains tenure, and preserves due process for teachers and school employees.

Here's the pdf copy of the Tentative Agreement.

Here are the highlights of the Tentative Agreement.

Some Q&A on the Tentative Agreement here.

Here's the Joint Media Statement.

Here's the Press Release.
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4 April 2010

Happy Easter

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, WTU — Maria Angala @ 7:40 am
My family spent a relaxing time at the Sandy Point Beach yesterday. And there's so many things to enjoy today on a glorious Easter. A nice and cool sunny weather, blooming flowers, it's a very special time of family togetherness...church of course, a big Easter lunch, and then egg hunting, romping around with kids and a walk at the park would be nice.
I gave up a lot of treats this Lent, and I had no problems with that this year. I had no appetite to eat, I wasn't bursting with energy, I just felt so uneasy and weird. I did some reflection.

I spent my preschool, gradeschool, and highschool years in a Catholic School with the Augustinian Sisters. I know that Easter is all about dying and rising, and the book that I read over the past few days is all about that...The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch (I will go into the details of the book later). The book has validated what my mind and my heart has been telling me for quite sometime now. Coming from a different educational system from another country, I have learned so much about education reform and public education in the US from this book. As a passionate teacher and a union member, I have found this Lenten Season very depressing. Just a few reasons...it has been disheartening to see the inaccurate attacks on the teachers unions; distortions are dominating the news and the blogs about how education should focus on test scores; and I am outraged that the students are caught in the middle of these pointless rhetoric.
The DC CAS is coming up in just a few days. The administrators and the teachers in my school have been working very hard, going above and beyond the call of duty, relentlessly giving the students all the skills and strategies to meet AYP this year. Will the students do well on the test? Why yes, why not? And if they don't, are we still going to have our jobs next school year?
For this obvious reason, I am just so glad that I am a member of our teachers union. And being a resting, silent member is never enough...it's time to rise.
Happy Easter, everyone!

3 April 2010

Working Class Hero

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators, WTU, video clip — Maria Angala @ 10:14 am
"When you can't really function you're so full of fear...A working class hero is something to be."

Green Day's version of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero"

2 April 2010

Exceptional educators create a student family

Filed under: DC Public Schools, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 9:28 am
Washington Post columnist and blogger Jay Mathews writes about veteran teacher Frazier O'Leary's annual reunion for his Advanced Placement students. Mathews writes that O'Leary's reunions show that great teachers are not only classroom dynamos but also create a sense of family with students. One of O'Leary's former students said, "On many occasions he has served as a counselor, a mentor, a confidant, a friend and, even today, a parental figure for me. He has left an indelible imprint on my journey." The Washington Post/Class Struggle blog

Are you part of a great teacher's student family?
Washington Post blogger: Jay Mathews

I usually skip Frazier O’Leary’s annual Advanced Placement reunion. It’s always a Friday evening in December at the old Sumner School in downtown Washington on M Street, where parking is tough. But O’Leary, a veteran English teacher at Cardozo High School in the District, is a persuasive man. I had no good excuse last year, so there I was, reminded again of something about great teachers I rarely mention when I write about schools.

We know they can be dynamos in the classroom. They turn lessons into conversations. They know each student’s strengths and weaknesses. They care about results. They step in when weak students are being harassed by the strong. They create an oasis of calm and safety in schools that often have little of either.

All those traits are important. But at the O’Leary reunion, I remembered that great teachers also create a sense of family with their students that lasts for years, sometimes well beyond their deaths. read more
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