December 5, 2021
NEWSETTE
Information is Power
Inside this Newsette:

  • Concurrent Instruction
  • Inclement Weather Announcement
  • Bargaining Platform
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Special Education and Student Support Announcement
  • Need PRAXIS Prep Support?
  • Parent Involvement
  • Mental Health Assistance
  • Upcoming Events
Concurrent Instruction Important Pay Dates From PGCPS

Please reach out if you have not received concurrent teaching stipend. Complete the linked form https://forms.gle/2MHZ7156nxJ24kf69

First Semester Lump Sum Payment - Friday, December 10, 2021
Second Semester Lump Sum Payment - Friday, June 10, 2022
Important Announcement: Inclement Weather Days

Inclement weather days will remain as they have previously. They will not be used as virtual learning days. We will keep you updated should there be any suggested changes to this policy.
PGCEA Representative Assembly approves our bargaining platform as we begin negotiations with the board of education for our next contract.
1st Submission for FY 2022: PGCEA Tuition Reimbursement
December 6 - 10, 2021

Pursuant to the negotiated agreement between PGCEA and the Prince George’s County Board of Education, PGCEA employees who have completed qualified coursework can apply for tuition reimbursement. Applications and payments will be processed online in the order in which they are received until all funds are depleted.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
In preparation for electronic submission, secure the following required documentation in PDF format. Please pay careful attention to make sure the required documentation meets the specifications listed below.
·  Copy of the official transcript(s) to upload - MUST HAVE NAME (not handwritten) AND GRADE;
·  Proof of payment for each college credit/course - MUST HAVE NAME AND METHOD OF PAYMENT; and
·  Proof of the exact date the course ended.
Please review the Frequently Asked Questions and ensure all documents comply before submitting them. If your submission is not in compliance, your tuition reimbursement request may be denied.

ONLINE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PLATFORM -
Quick Guide to the online submission process.
You may submit your request through the online tuition reimbursement platform beginning at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, December 6, through Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. The electronic submission reimbursement forms can also be found on the staff portal under the “Applications” tab by clicking on “Tuition Reimbursement Requests (PGCEA, ASASP, Local 2250)”.
Only courses with end dates between July 1, 2021, and October 31, 2021, are eligible for reimbursement. Eligible employees must submit a complete application via electronic submission to the online tuition reimbursement platform no later than Friday, December 10, at 11:59 p.m. (hand-delivered, faxed, or emailed documents will not be accepted).

After reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions, direct all additional questions regarding tuition reimbursement to the Certification Office at certification@pgcps.org.
Calling All Unit 1 Members In Special Education & Student Services!!

Below is a link to a survey created by PGCEA’s Special Education & Student/Related Services Committee. We are seeking feedback about several contract issues that may be particularly important for Unit 1 Members whose primary roles are within the Department of Special Education or the Department of Student Services.  

We want to hear from you!! The survey will be open starting Sunday, December 5th!
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION UPDATE
CERTIFICATION REGULATIONS
The State Board of Education and the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board (PSTEB) both have moved the revised Licensure and Programs for Professionally Licensed Personnel regulations to be published. This stage of publication allows for 30 days of public comment. The expected date for publication is now set for January 3, 2022. In preparation of their publication and revisions that MSEA believes still need to take place, President Bost provided oral and written testimony before the PSTEB at its November 4 meeting. Information will be coming out prior to the January publication date so local presidents can help us articulate needed changes to the regulations.
MSEA COLLECTIVE BARGAINING COUNCILS
Historically MSEA has had four regional collective bargaining councils (CBCs). CBCs meet throughout the year and are chaired by local presidents in the region. What has been previously referred to as the Urban Bargaining Council will now be renamed and referred to as the Central Bargaining Council. Please make note of this change.
West Bargaining and Organizing Council- Chair Missy Dirks
Central Collective Bargaining Council- Chairs Jennifer Martin and Colleen Morris
South Bargaining Council- Chair Sarah Penrod
East Bargaining Council- Chairs Katie Holbrook and Lori Hrinko


LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
Are you interested in testifying before the county council or the board of education on issues that matter most to you? We want you to join us and ensure that our school system and county leadership understand how the decisions that they make impact us in the school building every day. We will have a series of trainings and workshops to prepare those interested to testify before the council and the Board of Education.
Get Valuable Educator Perks Just for Union Members
Whether you’ve joined your education association at the local, state or national level, you belong to the NEA and have access to educator perks through NEA Member Benefits. Watch this video to see how it works.
 
Why NEA Member Benefits Is Dedicated to Serving Educators
NEA members are at the core of everything we do – from negotiating on your behalf to offer valuable benefits with trusted partners, to supporting your personal needs in each stage of your life and career. Find out more about why you inspire us and how we can help you.
 
Do You Know Any Parent Leaders at Your School? 
We have some great initiatives and sessions lined up for parents this year, but to be successful we need your support! 
 
Help PGCEA increase our parent engagement efforts this year by identifying people who are involved in Parent Teacher Associations and Organizations at your schools or individual parent leaders who are not affiliated with a formal organization. We greatly appreciate your support!
➡️Complete this brief form
For immediate mental health assistance:
PGCPS Employee Assistance Program:
By phone: 1-800-346-0110 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    Username: PGCPS
    Password: PRINCE
Do you know your UniServ Director?

Our UniServ directors (UD's) are here to assist you with any of your school-based issues or contract compliance needs. To find out what UD is assigned to your school click the button to see their school assignments.
BLUEPRINT POLICY BRIEFINGS
Topic: Blueprint Funding Formula and ARP/ESSER Funds
Description: This presentation will provide an overview of education funding in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future law. Specifically, this presentation will cover the following funding areas: Funding Formula and ARP/ESSER Funds. We will review considerations for the implementation of this topic area within the Blueprint and the implications for statewide and local work, especially as it relates to budgets. There will be an opportunity for a Q & A Segment. The two offerings below are repeats. Please select the session that best meets your schedule.

Date(s):
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 - 6:00pm-7:30pm
Thursday, December 16, 2021 - 2:00pm-3:30pm
Register: Register HERE

BLUEPRINT POLICY CHATS AND CHEWS
Topic:  Blueprint Funding Formula and ARP/ESSER Funds
Description: CEPP will provide monthly check-ins for members, MSEA staff, and officers to meet with members of the CEPP policy team and discuss all things Blueprint. This will be an opportunity for staff and members to come with questions and concerns about Blueprint implementation and necessary policy updates. Feel free to bring your lunch, dinner, or a snack! In December, the Chat and Chew will focus on funding in and around the Blueprint. 

Audience: Member Leaders, Local Association Leaders, & MSEA Staff
Date: Monday, December 20, 2021 - 1:00pm-1:30pm
Register: Register HERE
A CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:
A Celebration of Black Lives Matter at Schools Week
The Restorative Practices and Racial and Social Justice committee is hosting an arts showcase to celebrate black lives matter in school week. The showcase will be held on February 4th from 6:30-8:00 at the PGCEA building.  The theme this year is “A Year of Purpose” and our goal is for our K-12 students to showcase their skills and talents and celebrate black and brown lives in our community. The creative works may include spoken word, poetry, original art, dance, pottery or original composition. The original work can be aligned to one of the four national demands, which include 1. End zero tolerance 2. Mandate Black History and Ethnic Studies 3. Hire more black teachers 4. Fund counselors, not cops. In order to preserve the essence, prizes will not be awarded to participants. We want our students to showcase an original work of art.
 
We hope you will encourage students to submit original pieces of artistic expression for display on Friday, February 4th. Special guests will include artist-activists from across the country.
Deadline to complete the application is December 15th, 2021 then students will submit and upload original work into the google classroom between January 7-13th. January 13th is the final day to submit original work.
Nominations Elections and Credentials Committee (NECC) upcoming election calendar for members to review in case you want to run for office.