NEA Today articles from November 2008

NEA Today archives from November 2008

Top clicks.
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Textbooks. Love them. Hate them. Can't do without them? Find links to a survey on teachers and textbooks, examples of how textbooks are selected, and more. www.nea.org/ref?textbooks On the Rez For...

Poll.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Do you share your classroom duties with another teacher? Here's what nea.org visitors had to say: Yes 43% No 57% The concept of co-teaching, which often pairs a grade-level or subject-area specialist with another...

How many hours do you spend at your job?(NOW YOU'RE TALKING)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... I usually arrive at school around 7:30 (1 hour before contracted work time) and try to leave at 4:30 (1/2 hour after contracted work time). Obviously, it varies depending on what is going on and what you need to get done. [ILLUSTRATION...

How do you handle student swearing?(NOW YOU'RE TALKING)
November 1, 2008... I typically say, "If it's not something you would be happy to repeat in church to your grandmother, don't use it here!"

Get the latest from NEA blogs.(National Education Association)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... EDUCATION VOTES For the latest news and multimedia on this critical election, visit www.nea.org/educationvotes ED NOTES What's the buzz in the world of education and educators? Check it out at www.nea.org/ref?ednotes ...

Corrections.(talk back)(Correction notice)
November 1, 2008... In the article "Finding Our Way with Words," we incorrectly cited 1952 as the year that Sputnik launched. The correct year is 1957. In the article "The Border/La Frontera" (September), Brownsville was incorrectly identified as the...

Actions speak louder.(editor's note)(United States presidential elections)(Editorial)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... As this issue goes to press, we're counting down the days until the nation selects a new President, members of Congress, and numerous local and state office-holders, not to mention various policies via ballot initiative and referendum. On...

Time for America's education system to wake up.(president's viewpoint)(Column)
November 1, 2008... Students today live in a wired world, and most of them are adept at using computers to find information, play or upload video clips, and even create personal Web pages. The digital age has dawned, but too many of our schools still rely...

What was your most memorable gift?(in your words)
November 1, 2008... On the last day before break, I began opening the gifts my: second-graders had piled onto my desk. As I made my way to the bottom, I found a gift that had obviously been wrapped by a student. As I unwrapped it, a note written in pencil fell...

Who's on your side?(up front)(U.S. presidential candidates)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The next President of the United States has an awful lot to worry about--the economy, the war in Iraq, 45 million Americans without health insurance...and you. That's right--you and your students and the big mess...

With a white picket fence, please ... It may seem like the house of your dreams is just that. In your dreams.(upfront)(United Federation of Teachers' housing project )(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NOT SO! Even as rampant foreclosures lead the nightly news, your. Association leaders are working on innovative measures to create affordable housing opportunities for educators, especially in the kinds of places...

Hamburglars, watch out!(upfront)(school food theft)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... REMEMBER WHEN Napoleon Dynamite stashed a bag of tatertots in his pocket for afternoon snacking? Weird... but at least our cinematic friend paid for them. Last year, in Fairfax County, Virginia, school cafeterias lost a whopping $1.2 million...

From the school house to the state house.(upfront)(Josh Stowers)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We know you look at some of those folks in government and think, "Please, I could do better than that!" Well, go ahead! Public educators in public office can make a great difference for colleagues, communities, and...

Human rights for all?(upfront)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... On December 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a stirring manifesto of the common rights of all people in all nations to freedom, justice, and peace. Arising...

Fixing student aid.(notepad)(Rethinking Student Aid Study Group)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Too many students can't afford to go to college, despite the $86 billion spent on federal grants, loans, work aid, and other tax benefits for college students, says the Rethinking Student Aid Study Group, a special task force from The College...

Informed shopper.(upfront)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHEN YOU PERUSE the aisles of your local grocery store, you're looking to make the best buys for your family. Why not take the same critical approach to businesses in general? With the right information in hand,...

Because you're worth it!(upfront)(Maryland State Teachers Association's teacher salary)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... IN THE OLD LINE STATE, they've successfully raised the bar. This year, every teacher in Maryland will earn at least $40,000--even after just eight of the 24 districts met the mark in 2006. The difference? Intensive training of local...

Staring down the bullies.(upfront)(Bullying Hurts)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... RODEO CLOWN Starvin' Marvin Nash is getting serious these days--with a new mentoring program that rounds up bullies. Called "Bullying Hurts," (just as much as a two-ton steer...) the six-week educational program trains youth mentors as...

Health care for all.(capitol report)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... With more than 45 million Americans without health insurance and American consumers paying some of the highest health care costs in the world, NEA is asking legislators, NEA members, and others what kind of solution they support--a guarantee...

Your move.(upfront)(games )(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... AS YOU SHEAF your pile of pink and yellow money, cursing that darn luxury tax and hoping that you've got enough green to pay the rent on St. James Place, consider that this ride along the Reading Railway isn't just for fun. It seems that...

Squeakers!(VITAL STATS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 2004, Alama Uluave squeaked by Michael Clara for Salt Lake City school board by just 1 VOTE. In 1984, Frank McCloskey edged Rick McIntyre for U.S. Representative from Indiana's 8th district by 4 VOTES. ...

All the people.(Book Focus)(NEA's Legacy of Inclusion and Its Minority Presidents)(Brief article)(Book review)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] People often say NEA is the "most progressive institution of its kind in the world." The proof is in All the People, NEA's Legacy of Inclusion and Its Minority Presidents (NEA Professional Library), a new book from...

Bow wow: platinum-selling hip-hop artist.(Q&A)(Interview)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 21-year-old rapper used to think politics was for "old folks," but he recently kicked off a nationwide nonpartisan campaign, "Walk Across America," to register young voters. "Do you want your grandparents...

Follow her lead! Directions for a better future for public education.(leading the way)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Lily Eskelsen flew to the emocratic National Convention in Denver in August, the first person she met, while sliding into an airport taxi, was a cab driver from Ethiopia. She talked to him, of course, because...

Report card: we check out who's making the grade--or needs improvement--in education around the country.(Randy Pausch, Gov. Rick Perry, and American Teen)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... A Randy Pausch A computer science professor and author of the inspiring The Last Lecture, Pausch lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on July 25. The book is now in 30 languages and popular on high school and college campuses. ...

Pension battles.(RETIREMENT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... In New Jersey, a bill aimed at reforming the pension system for future public and education workers was passed by the Assembly in June and (at press time} is awaiting the governor's signature. The measure requires part-time workers to earn...

The leverage of a wage campaign.(SALARY)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... After staging a three-month-long living wage campaign, a tentative agreement has been reached in Pennsylvania between members of the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Education Association and the state agency of the same name that employs them....

Progress on campus.(COLLECTIVE BARGAINING)(New Mexico Highlands University )(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... New Mexico Highlands University faculty won the first collective bargaining agreement in the state's history. "We are thrilled to be the first four-year plus institution of higher education in the state to reach such an agreement," says New...

Where have all the nurses gone? Lack of health care professionals in schools affects students', teachers' performance.(SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS: esp)
November 1, 2008... Nurses are so much in demand in today s job market that school nurse Marianne Capoziello cannot open her mailbox without finding recruitment letters from hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and health care employment agencies. "I get...

Textbooks: love them! Hate them! Can't do without them?(Cover story)
November 1, 2008... WHEN JANA DEAN set out to teach her Tumwater, Washington, eighth graders about statistics and life expectancy, she didn't open the textbook. She told the class about the untimely death of her father. "There was a moment of silence." she...

Reclaiming lives: a teacher union in Morocco curbs the dropout rate--and fights child labor.(CHILD LABOR)(Syndicat Nationale de l'Enseignement)
November 1, 2008... Afaf wipes her brow, claps the sand from her hands, and pulls down the mask that covers her nose and mouth. It's about three in the afternoon, the hour many children are returning home from school, but Afaf, 14, sits in a metal foundry in the...

Yo! From Tupac to the bard: educators are stepping to a new beat, making use of hip-hop music in their classrooms.
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "YEAH, THIS ALBUM IS DEDICATED TO ALL THE TEACHERS THAT TOLD ME I'D NEVER AMOUNT TO NOTHIN', TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT LIVED ABOVE THE BUILDINGS THAT I WAS HUSTLIN' IN FRONT OF THAT CALLED THE POLICE ON ME WHEN I WAS...

Save the Indian, save the child: for American Indian students, learning their ancient traditions may be key to their future success.(WHERE WE TEACH)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When eighth-grader Gabby Thunder speaks Arapaho at home, it brings hope to her grandmother that the old ways will live on. To Gabby, it brings cultural pride and a sense of rootedness to her people, even as she...

Building blocks: making the most of your many, many minutes.(try this)
November 1, 2008... Ten, fifteen years ago, block scheduling was more popular than iPods on middle and high school campuses. Across the country, everybody was tuning in and hearing a new song: More time to teach! More time to learn! But these days, you're...

Blast off!(bulletin board: BEST BOARDS)(Mission to Mars)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During our "Mission to Mars" unit, students work in flight crews, designing their own flight patches just as the NASA astronauts do. In preparation for their trip, each group must choose their menus, calculate the...

Parent newsletters.(TOP TIPS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I send home a weekly newsletter that tells what I am teaching and how often I am teaching it. I describe special days and always include parent tips for at-home follow-up. After reading my newsletter, parents can...

Jungle music.(bulletin board: BEST BOARDS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The third grade just completed a unit where we studied Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals." First we listen to each piece and then use creative movement to learn about each animal and its musical theme. Then we...

Send us your snaps.(SEND IT IN)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your work day is rewarding, hectic, frustrating, and fantastic all at the same time, right? Well a picture is worth a thousand words. Send us your favorite snapshot or two from a day in your life as a teacher or...

In time for World AIDS Day.(STEAL THIS IDEA!)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When teaching the unit on HIV and AIDS, my student teacher and I tell students about the AIDS quilt. We cover the background information and explain what the quilt stands for. The students get their own: quilt...

Your holiday survival guide: how to stress less this season.(the guide ... to a happy holiday)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * rethink the season *literary nibbles * do-gooder gifts With the holidays fast approaching, there's no better time than now to consider ways to make them less taxing and more enjoyable. Experts offer...

How I ... save the planet.(the guide)(Earthwatch Institute)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The holidays may be a perfect time for a service learning project--a little reminder that we don't live alone on this island. This time, your turn. Check out Earthwatch Institute at www.earthwatch.org, an organization that aims to engage...

7,100.(the guide)
November 1, 2008... THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CALORIES CONSUMED IN THE THANKSGIVING MEAL. SOURCE: HEALTH MANAGEMENT RESOURCES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Waste not, want a lot!(the guide)
November 1, 2008... No, you do not need another #1 Teacher mug! You--and your friends and family--already have quite enough stuff. This year, consider a few more charitable gifts that could really make a difference in somebody's life. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Robert Childs.(in person)(Interview)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Robert Childs EUREKA, CALIFORNIA High school science teacher, spelunker When did you start caving? As a kid in Missouri. If you spend any time in the Ozarks as a child, they draw you in. Is spelunking the same thing as...

Tracey Wygal.(in person)(Interview)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tracey Wygal MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA Middle school teacher, motivational speaker on fitness You lost 120 pounds and work hard to keep it off. How do you stay motivated? My motivation comes from...

Johnny Davis.(SHORT TAKES)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Johnny Davis MOBILE, ALABAMA Retired [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Former high school English teacher Davis has been volunteering for over 16 years, spending most of his free time tutoring. Davis teaches mentally challenged...

Nominate a civil rights hero for NEA's Human and Civil Rights Awards.(resources)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... THE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 10 TO SUBMIT POSTMARKED NOMINATION FORMS TO NEA HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS. Know a civil rights hero? Every year, NEA's Human and Civil Rights Awards program honors individuals and affiliates who stand up and defend...

National Financial Literacy Challenge: the sequel.(resources)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... In April 2008, high school teachers were invited to save a class period for the first National Financial Literacy Challenge. A new initiative of the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, this recognition program uses a voluntary...

Got electoral game?(resources)
November 1, 2008... The National Student/Parent Mock Election (NSPME) invites students of all ages to develop their own game to simulate registering and casting a first vote. In "Casting Your First Vote," a player will roleplay a first-time voter navigating the...

Cable in the classroom leaders in learning awards.(resources)
November 1, 2008... This program recognizes outstanding educators, administrators, policymakers, and other community leaders working in schools who are (1) using new ideas and technology to educate and better prepare students; and (2) whose innovative practices...

Young Entrepreneur Awards.(resources)
November 1, 2008... A program of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Foundation, this annual scholarship helps set teen small-business owners on the path to success. High school seniors entering their college freshman...

Kermit urges you to apply.(resources)
November 1, 2008... The 2009 Froguts Inc. Biology Teaching Enhancement Grant recognizes outstanding efforts of teachers working to enhance biology content presentation; integrate technology into their curriculum; and engage learners to explore biology. This...

Toyota Tapestry Science grants.(resources)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Administered by the National SCience Teachers Association (NSTA), Toyota Tapestry grants recognize outstanding K-12 teachers who demonstrate excellence and creativity in science education by engaging students in innovative science classroom...

Team America rocketry challenge.(resources)
November 1, 2008... Registration is now open for the world's largest rocket contest, challenging participants to compete for $60,000 in prizes and scholarships and a trip to next year's international air show in Paris. Participants must design and build a...

Comprehensive Web site addresses internet safety.(Take Note)(www.bnetsavvy.org)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The NEA Health Information Network (NEA HIN) has developed a Web site that provides educators and parents with tools to help kids use social technologies in a safe and savvy manner. Educators and parents can learn more about the risks and...

Interested in association work? Apply to the 2009 NEA affirmative action Uniserv Intern Program.(Take Note)(National Education Association)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... As part of an ongoing commitment to state and local affiliates, NEA is seeking potential eligible candidates for the 2009 UniServ Intern Program. Individuals who successfully complete the 4-1/2 week training program and the three-month field...

December 10--Human Rights Day.(Take Note)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... This year's observance marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly's adoption in 1948 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights--a document establishing a common standard for human achievement for all peoples and...

Help 'Tweens' make smart money decisions.(Take Note)(Feed the Pig for Tweens)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Want to bring math skills to life? And help children develop sound saving and spending habits--skills that will help them now, but especially in the future? Check out Feed the Pig for Tweens, a fun, hands-on...

Technology in the classroom.(In Print)(Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works)(Brief article)(Book review)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How best to incorporate technology with learning so that it enhances rather than distracts? In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, Howard Pitler, et al, share research-based recommendations that...

There was nothing he couldn't do.(In Print)(Bright Path: Young Jim Thorpe)(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the most versatile athletes in modern sports, Jim Thorpe won gold medals in the 1912 Olympics, played American football collegiately and professionally, and played professional baseball and basketball as...

The Teacher's Essential Guide: classroom management.(BOOKS BY NEA MEMBERS)(Brief article)(Book review)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Part of The Teacher's Essential Guide Series, this brief but rich handbook offers middle and high school teachers comprehensive advice from a veteran educator. Beginning with a self-assessment checklist to identify...

The magic seashells: healing depression and childhood abuse.(BOOKS BY NEA MEMBERS)(Brief article)(Book review)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This memoir recounts the author's journey in overcoming depression caused by horrific childhood abuse. Frank discussion of her experiences reveals a deeply wounded woman whose honesty and compassion, both for...

Right about what you.(On the Web)(Lesson Plans)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Lots of people blog about education; many of them, frankly, are talking through their hats. When it comes to authenticity, few voices are as reliable as those who actually work in the classroom. Lesson Plans is a New York Times blog authored...

For a little inspiration.(On the Web)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... What made you want to teach? Hop over to www.ed.gov/ programs/teacherfellowship/videoquotes.html to hear Teaching Ambassador Fellows talk about how they started teaching, what they've learned, and why they stay. From there, head to NEA's I Am...

I'm the boss of me!(On-the Web)(Johnny Money Online Game)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Young Entrepreneur Foundation has created an online computer game to show high school students what it's like to run their own small business. The Johnny Money Online Game is a free,...

Enter the global classroom.(On the Web)(EPals)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... EPals is the world's largest social networking site dedicated to improving learning for students and teachers. Educators and students worldwide connect online to exchange questions and ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a learning...

Diversity calendar.(resources)(Calendar)
November 1, 2008... NOVEMBER NOVEMBER--AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH This month we honor the unique heritage of our nation's first inhabitants. Visit Buffy Sainte-Marie's Cradleboard Project, with free curriculum resources, at...

NEA's read Across America: help public school libraries in need-donate to NEA'S Books Across America.(resources)(National Education Association)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... It's not easy to spread the joy of reading when you're struggling to buy books for your public school library. That's why we created NEA's Books Across America, so school libraries across the country serving economically disadvantaged...

A master shares his secrets for optimal performance.(Free Book Giveaway)(Josh Waitzkin's 'Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance')(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Josh Waitzkin, eight-time national chess champion, world champion martial artist, and subject of the film Searching for Bobby Fischer, has written a book distilling his experience of the road to mastery. Part autobiography, part self-help...

Heads up from NEA member benefits.(resources)(National Education Association)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... SPREAD A LITTLE SAVINGS CHEER! THIS HOLIDAY SEASON you'll benefit from special offers available only to NEA members. Conserve your hard-earned dollars, but still delight the important people in your life! NEA CLICK & SAVE--50,000 NEA...

Confessions of a cheater: I wasn't very good at it, but I tried.(last bell)(Essay)
November 1, 2008... WHEN I WAS IN SECOND GRADE, I cheated. I didn't cheat on my work that, I flunked honestly. What l didn't do honestly was talk to my parents. Instead, I forged my mother's signature. Twice. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The first time, I...