PEA

focus
on educators
California Teachers Association

focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org

Statement of Mission

The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.

APRIL 2012

Volume XXI Number 8

In this Issue
Presidents Message & Informational Items ..pgs. 1-4 Executive Board .. p. 3 Announcements.p. 4 Grade-In Photos.p. 5 CTA News......pgs. 6-9 PEA Calendar.... .The Last Page

PEA Presidents Message

It has been wonderful to see so many PEA members attending many of the Organizing Team functions for the last few months. When I see the lines of members diligently working on their papers for the Grade-In at the last school board meeting I

feel the unity of our organization. When I see the enthusiastic group of over a hundred members marching and whistling and carrying signs in front of the district office I see unity of organization once again. When I viewed the hundreds of post cards with messages for our school board members I see the unity of our organization. We are truly a collective union all in pursuit of a common goal which is to maintain our contract and settle our current contract still being bargained. For those of you who have not done a darn thing you will also be able to reap the rewards from what you fellow union members have sown. When they have shown up, suited up and made their voice heard they have been doing it in your name as well. So now I ask the question why are YOU allowing THEM to carry the load? Does having a fair contract, a good salary, limited classroom sizes, adequate lunch breaks, fair evaluations, limited extended meetings, staff directed Staff Development days, prep

periods protected, benefits, etc. sound good to you? You can thank your Bargaining Teams past and present for these wonderful working conditions. Dont assume that all school districts have what we have. They dont. PEA has fought long and hard to keep our working conditions the way they currently are. Remember: Our Working are Our Students Learning Conditions. If you value having good working conditions while teaching in Pittsburg, then please be a part of YOUR organization. Stay informed by reading the FOCUS, attending reps 10-minute meeting, reading flyers and checking the web. Attend General Membership meetings, President Site Visits, Organizing team rallies. Volunteer to be a site rep or a member of the OTeam from your school site. Attend anything to support your union. Help put the YOU in our Union.

Wag More and Bark Less

Chris Coan, President

PEA Leadership 2011-2012 President Chris Coan
Willow Cove Elementary/ PEA Office

Rep. Council Meeting Calendar

September 21 October 19 November 16 December 14 January 18 February 15 March 21 April 18 May 16 June 7 ***********************************

Elementary Vice President Sharie Chmura

Parkside Elementary

Secondary Vice President Arthur Pruyn

Pittsburg High

Secretary Tammy Carr

Highlands Elementary

Treasurer Gale Higgins

Stoneman Elementary

Committee Chairs Grievance Committee Richard Higgins Pittsburg High Jim Vaughan - Riverside Negotiations Team Dawn Cova - Chair Political Action Committee Iris Contreras - Chair Elections Chair Cindy Joy Human Rights Committee Tasharie Ameral Chair Womens Issues Committee Allison Azevedo - Chair Community Outreach Chair Vacant CTA State Council Representatives Iris Contreras PEA Denise James, Sara Savacool, Robert Strickler - AEA Alternate Pandora Bethea - AEA CTA Director District C Vacant NEA Director for California, District 3 Greg Bonaccorsi Technical Editor Susan Harrison PEA Site Secretary Focus on Educators is a publication of the Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA 159 East 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-0199 fax: (925) 432-4854

School Board Meeting Calendar

August 10 & 24 September 14 &28 October 12 & 26 November 16 December 14 January 11 February 22 March 14 & 28 April 25 May 9 & 23 June 6 & 20 ***********************************

Are you Getting your PEA Information???

Having the site reps attend their monthly meeting and then reporting back to you is vital in the communication chain of our Association. Roll call at last March 21st Rep Council Meeting: Adult Ed. absent Stoneman absent Foothill present Willow Cove present Heights present MLK/CC present Highlands present Hillview - present Los Medanos absent Rancho Medanos present Marina Vista present PHS - absent Parkside present Riverside present TOSA present ************************************

E-MAIL:peatchrs@att.net WEBSITE: www.peateachers.org

information about the treasurers duties, Im happy to meet with you. If youd like to run for treasurer, Ill train you! Get involved! You really can make a difference! 3

Introducing. Gale Higgins PEAs Executive Board Treasurer

Certificated Roundtable

Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the Board Room

April 26, 2012

Teacher Discounts
The Railroad Book Depot offers teachers a 20% discount on most books and special orders for materials used in the classroom! Contact us at (925) 427-2334, www.RailroadBookDepot.com, or visit the store at 650 Railroad Avenue, in Old Town Pittsburg. ************************************

Hello, this is your Treasurer coming to you from Stoneman Elementary. Prior to my 4 years at Stoneman, I taught at Willow Cove for 5 years. Thats the sum total of my teaching experience, all in 3rd grade! Let me back up 30 years, so you understand why Im proud to be your treasurer. I began my career as a secretary at a well-known regional bank--the good old days of shorthand, IBM Selectric typewriters, and carbon copies! Ten years later, I entered the retail side of banking, where I got hands-on financial experience. Along the way, I achieved my B.A. in Business Management, taking classes part time at night. One of the most memorable days of my life is standing alongside my husband while holding my 6 week old daughter at my graduation ceremony in 1988. I put that undergraduate degree to good use in 2002 when I decided to retire from banking to enter the credential program. And my business background came in handy when I was recruited to fill the treasurer position in 2010. Fast forward to today: Ive learned a lot about PEA since becoming treasurer. For instance, we are ALL vital members of the union, each and every one of us. Without your support, PEA is weak and ineffective. With your support, PEA can accomplish a great deal! Please come to our monthly meetings and see for yourself. If youd like more

U.S. Dept. of Education Publications

PEA has copies of the following U.S. Department of Education publications. If you are interested in having a copy, e-mail your request to peatchrs@att.net. State your desired publication and school site and they will be ponied to you. ED004583P Exec. Summary, Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel What Content Area Teachers Should Know About Adolescent Literacy What is Scientifically Based Research: A Guide for Teachers Transforming American Education

ED002624P ED001980H ED005150P

PEA COMMUNITY OUTREACH purchased a chair in the remodeled Creative Arts Building Seat 107DLook for us! 4

ANNOUNCEMENTS
PEA OFFICER ELECTIONS CANDIDACY FORMS AVAILABLE NOW Elections for PEA Officers: Elementary Vice President, Secondary Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary will be held May 10-May21. (Offices are a one (1) year term). All members in good standing of NEA/CTA and PEA are eligible to run. Candidacy forms are available through your site representative or at the PEA Office. Candidacy Forms are due into the PEA Office (159 East 4th Street, or FAX: 432-4854) no later than 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

Attention Education Specialists who Teach Students with Autism!

PEA and PUSD have a Memorandum of Understanding for obtaining the Added Authorization in Special Education (AASE) for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The MOU was e-mailed to all Education Specialists in November by the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. We want to remind you to take advantage of this opportunity as it only applies for 2 years. Here is a summary of the agreement: -Unit Members who are employed by the District for the 2011-2012 school year and who are required to obtain the AASE for Autism are eligible for reimbursement -Unit Members have until January, 2014 to complete the necessary requirements and until December, 2014 to submit receipts for reimbursement -The Madera County Office of Education offers Teaching Excellence for Autism On-line Classes -The cost of the program depends on the amount of experience you have teaching students with Autism -Equivalencies - Credential and at least one year teaching experience (9 modules) $1035.00 -Additional equivalencies could bring costs down to as low as $600.00 -Unit Members must pay for the program, but shall submit receipts to PUSD upon completion of the coursework -Within 30 days of submitting receipts, Unit Members shall be reimbursed by the District for the fees charged by Madera County Office of Education for enrollment, registration, and coursework -Unit Members who choose to complete a different program though an accredited institution are also eligible for reimbursement up to $1035.00 -The Madera County Office of Education offers different cohorts throughout the year; for more information go to http://www.maderacoe.k12.ca.us or Contact Yvette Cisneros at 559-662-4665 ************************************

PEA SCHOLARSHIPS PEA Scholarship Achievement Applications are available at the PEA Office for graduating high school seniors who will be attending an institution of higher learning in the fall of 2012. You must be the son or daughter of a parent who is a current member of the PEA/CTA/NEA. Forms must be returned to the PEA office by Wednesday, May 2, 2012. PEA OFFICE INFORMATION All members are welcome to come in on any Monday or Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and browse through the PEA meeting minutes, bargaining literature, etc. located in the filing cabinet in the front lobby of the PEA office. PEA COMMUNITY OUTREACH has donated Caldecott Award Books to: CA Eye Clinic in Pittsburg La Clinica Dental Pittsburg La Clinica Medical Pittsburg Lynn Center Pittsburg Dr. Gretchen Graves Pediatrician Pittsburg

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School Board Grade-In March 28, 2012

Jury Duty Clarification

from

6 Exploitation A state of domination that occurs through a steady process in which the results of the labor of one social group are transferred to the benefit of another group. Marginalization The exclusion of a whole category of people from useful participation in social life and their disrespectful and demeaning treatment by societal institutions and services. Powerlessness A peoples lack of access to participation in making decisions that affect the conditions of their lives and actions. Cultural Imperialism The widespread dissemination of a dominant groups experience and culture, and its establishment of this experience and culture as the norm. Violence The random, unprovoked attacks against members of social groups and their property with the primary motivation to damage, humiliate, or destroy, in a context that is tolerated or even enabled by institutions and social practice. ************************************

Dorothy Epps, Human Resources

If an employee has to call to check to see if they have to report for jury duty, if it is during the work time they can notify the office that they need to step out of the class for a couple of minutes to make a call. It does not take long, you call and a recording lets you know if your group needs to report. There is normally a 2 hour window. If an employee gets called in for jury duty, we will provide a sub. An employee should always call and check in as instructed. There could be consequences for not calling in. However we do not pay if an employee is not called in for jury duty. If time is taken off by an employee then the time off is charged against the employee. ************************************

What Drains Your Energy?

Extra responsibilities that cut into family time Lack of say in work life Unrealistic expectations for range of students Inadequate facilities, unhealthy environment Inadequate resources equipment, materials, supplies New/changing and costly credential requirements Lessons plans no longer a tool for teaching Over/under involved parents Micro managing by administrators Cuts to essential programs, narrowing of curriculum

Unions 2.0 A Look at Unions and the Education Profession

Introduction The United States has the bloodiest history of labor of any industrialized nation on Earth. It is a story rich in human drama and tragedy. It is also one of progress and hope. The Roaring Twenties: 1921-1929 1921 The Presidential Commission on Unemployment placed the main responsibility for unemployment relief upon local communities. In Truax v. Corrigan, the Supreme Court ruled that an Arizona law forbidding injunctions in labor disputes and permitting picketing was unconstitutional under the 14 amendment.

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NEWS
NEA Creating Change Through Social Justice
The Five Faces of Oppression Criteria for determining whether individuals and groups are oppressed. Illustration of commonalities among/across the various isms. Presence of any one Face indicates social oppression.

1926

The Railway Labor Act required employers to bargain collectively and not discriminate against employees who wanted to join a union. The act also provided for mediation and voluntary arbitration in labor disputes.

Q. A. Q. A.

The Great Depression: 1929-1930 The Great Depression was devastating to the common working man but saw dramatic growth in the labor movement. The use of the sit-down strike strategy brings recognition of unions in several large industries including the auto industry. Many of the labor movements battles were fought and decided in the courts. 1935 The Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act) establishes the first national labor policy of protecting the right of workers to organize and to elect their representatives for collective bargaining. Social Security Act approved. General Motors agreed to recognize the United Auto Workers (CIO) as the bargaining agents for auto workers and not discriminate against union members following a year of sit-down strikes. US Steel recognizes the Steel Workers Organizing Committee as the official bargaining agent of the steel works. Workers also earn a 10% wage increase and an 8 hour day/40 hour week. The Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act) was declared Constitutional by the Supreme Court (NLRB v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp.) In south Chicago, 10 people were killed and 80 wounded in the Memorial Day Massacre during the Little Steel strikes. Police attacked an unarmed crowd of men and women who were supporting the strike between the Steel Workers Organizing Committee and Republic Steel. The 5 week strike Little Steel strike was broken when Inland Steel employees went back to work without union recognition or other gains. ************************************

Q. A. Q. A. Q. A.

1937

7 Do I have to put my name on my complaint? No. However, if you want the principal or district official to report to you how the problem was fixed, you must include your name and contact information. Do I have to use a particular form to file a complaint? No. Your school must have complaint forms available, but you may use any form you want. An easy to use complaint form is available at www.decentschools.org. Alternatively, you can call the toll-free phone number below and request one. What days do not count as working days? Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Should I make and keep a copy of my complaint? Yes. Who can I contact if I want more information or would like help filing a complaint or an appeal? Email williamsinfo@aclu-sc.org or call the toll free number 1-877-532-2533. ************************************

INJURY & ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM

MISSION
It is the policy of Pittsburg Unified School District (the District) to protect the health and safety of employees, students, guests, and the environment. This goal can be met through the development of a comprehensive and effective environmental health and safety plan known as the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that endeavors to eliminate unsafe conditions and minimize the impact of hazardous situations. Such a program can benefit the District and community by reducing illness and injury to students and personnel, preventing property damage, and preserving the environment. The District will make every reasonable effort to promote, create, and maintain a safe and healthful environment. This can only be realized by adherence to basic safety principles, sound management practices, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, and standards.

Know Your Rights

FAQs Q. A.

HAZARD CORRECTION
Unsafe or unhealthy work conditions, practices or procedures shall be reported and corrected in a timely manner based on the severity of the hazards. Hazards shall be corrected according to the following procedures: 1. When observed or discovered. 2. When an imminent hazard exists which cannot be immediately abated without endangering

Williams v. California
May anyone file a complaint? Yes. Any person or organization may file a complaint.

employee(s) and/or property, we will remove all exposed employees from the area except those necessary to correct the existing condition. Employees who are required to correct the hazardous condition shall be provided with the necessary protection.

food and beverages in areas where they can become contaminated. 8

TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION

All employees, including managers and supervisors, shall have training and instruction on general safety and health practices. Training and instruction is provided: 1. When the IIPP is first established. 2. To all new employees. 3. Whenever the District is made aware of a new or previously unrecognized hazard. 4. Whenever new substances, processes, procedures or equipment are introduced to the workplace and represent a new hazard. 5. To supervisors to familiarize them with the safety and health hazards to which employees under their immediate direction and control may be exposed. 6. To all employees with respect to hazard specific job tasks. General workplace safety and health practices include the following: 1. Implementation and maintenance of the IIPP. 2. Emergency action and fire prevention plan. 3. Provisions for medical services and first aid including emergency procedures. 4. Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, including proper lifting techniques. 5. Proper housekeeping, such as keeping stairways and aisles clear, work areas neat and orderly, and promptly cleaning up spills. 6. Prohibiting horseplay, scuffing, or other acts that tend to adversely influence safety. 7. Proper storage to prevent stacking goods in an unstable manner and storing goods against doors, exits, fire extinguishing equipment and electrical panels. 8. Proper reporting of hazards and accidents to supervisors. 9. Hazard communication, including employee awareness of potential chemical hazards, and proper labeling of containers. 10. Proper storage and handling of toxic and hazardous substances including prohibiting eating or storing

Tax Fairness, Economic Justice & School Funding

Progressive Taxation
Taxing the Wealthy at higher rates than the poor Premises: 1. Common wealth(taxes) should serve the common good (protection & empowerment) 2. All businesses and working people are financially responsible to maintain the common wealth 3. No business or working person can prosper without the benefits derived from the common wealth. 4. Common wealth empowers the wealthy to create more wealth Therefore, it is fair and responsible for those with more resources to contribute more toward the common wealth for more of the common good

44014. Report of Assault or Threats by Pupil Against School Employee; Offense; Fines
(a) Whenever any employee of a school district or of the office of a county superintendent of schools is attacked, assaulted, or physically threatened by any pupil, it shall be the duty of the employee, and the duty of any person under whose direction or supervision the employee is employed in the public school system who has knowledge of the incident, to promptly report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement authorities of the county or city in which the incident occurred. Failure to make the report shall be an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (b) Compliance with school district governing board procedures relating to the reporting of, or facilitation of reporting of, the incidents specified in subdivision (a) shall not exempt a person under a duty to make the report prescribed by subdivision (a) from making the report. (c) A member of the governing board of a school district, a county superintendent of schools, or an employee of any school district or the office of any county superintendent of schools, shall not directly or indirectly inhibit or impede the making of the report prescribed by subdivision (a) by a person under a

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duty to make the report. An act to inhibit or impede the making of a report shall be an infraction, and shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (d) Neither the governing board of a school district, a member of the governing board, a county superintendent of schools, nor an employee of a school district or of the office of any county superintendent of schools shall impose any sanctions against a person under a duty to make the report prescribed by subdivision (a) for making the report. *******************************

behooves women not only to save more, but also to have a withdrawal strategy in retirement that factors in longevity 9 Career gaps and contributions speed bumps One reason women should focus hard on contributing to retirement savings? Womens working lives are much more likely than mens to be interrupted, often years at a time, for childrearing or caring for ill or aging family members. Providing such care is generally the right thing to do, but it may take a toll on retirement saving. Years out of the workforce equals years not contributing to an employersponsored retirement plan. Women affected by such situations should factor them into their retirement planning and make sure they are taking care of themselves, too. Ask your VALIC financial advisor to help you estimate what youll need for retirement and work out a plan to get there. How you withdraw is as important as how you contribute Retirement means different things to different people, but few view it as the threshold of a new set of financial challenges which it is. Think about it this way: Today youre doing more than just saving for retirement, youre also planning for a retirement income that lasts. Many people think they will be able to sustain a 10% annual withdrawal rate in retirement, but the reality has proved to be more like 4% to 5% annually. Everyone women and men should have a sustainable withdrawal strategy. Be sure this important topic is a part of your financial planning. Want to learn more? Call your local VALIC financial advisor, Drew Tamaki at (925) 303-9406.
Source: The Society of Actuaries, The Impact of Retirement Risk on Women, December 2010. 2 Source: LIMRA, Gender Matters: Retirement Savings of Working Men and Women, 2011. Used with permission. Securities and investment advisory services are offered by VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc., member FINRA and an SEC-registered investment advisor. VALIC represents The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc. and VALIC Retirement Services Company.
1

PENSION MYTHS:
TEACHERS RETIRE TOO EARLY AND WITH EXTRAVAGANT PENSION BENEFITS 2009 data from CalSTRS currently reports 224,000 benefit recipients. Only 1.3%, or 3,100 CalSTRS benefit recipients, receive a pension of $100,000 or more, known as the $100,000 Club. These are usually administrators and superintendents. 80% of these recipients have worked 35-45 years in the profession. ******************************

VALIC Notes & News Financial planning for women: it matters

The recent economic crisis threw a wrench into the retirement plans of many especially those nearing retirement and also increased many individuals fears of outliving their money in retirement. Now consider that, statistically, women outlive men. In fact, women outnumber men four to one over the age of 85.1 That fact alone should convince women they need to think long-term when it comes to financial planning and gain a thorough understanding of the financial ramifications of living a long life. Longer life spans = the need for more retirement savings While simple mathematics tells us that a longer life span means the need for more retirement income, reality tells a different story. Womens average defined-contribution plan balances are only 60% of mens average balances.2 Yet, statistically, women are much more likely to be on their own in their later years. Of women over age 65 living alone, four out of 10 depend solely on Social Security for their income.1 So, it

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If we did all the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves

THOMAS EDISON

PEA
16 18 25 26

Calendar
APRIL 2012

PHS Bullying Workshop PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM Certificated Roundtable 2000 Railroad Ave. 3:30 PM

MAY 2012
Day of the Teacher Date, Time, Place - TBD 2 PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 2 PEA Scholarship Applications Due 2 Declaration of Candidacy Forms for Executive Board Positions Due 9 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 10-21 PEA Executive Board Election 13 Mothers Day 16 PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 23 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 28 Memorial Day

Next Deadline for Articles is May 7, 2012

STAY INFORMED @

Peateachers.org
WWW.CTA.ORG & WWW.NEA.ORG

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