NEWSETTE
Information is Power
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Inside this Newsette:
- Rally Recap: Victory
- Special Education and Student Support Announcement
- Global Teacher Prize
- Need PRAXIS Prep Support?
- Parent Involvment
- Mental Health Assistance
- Upcoming Events
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Concurrent Instruction Important Pay Dates From PGCPS
First Bi-weekly Concurrent Payment - Friday, October 29, 2021
Retro payment for bi-weekly Unit I - Friday, November 5, 2021
First Semester Lump Sum Payment - Friday, December 10, 2021
Second Semester Lump Sum Payment - Friday, June 10, 2022
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Nearly 300 Educators Rally at Board of Education Meeting and Win Additional Release Time
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Educators took to the streets Thursday evening to demand the Prince George’s County Board of Education and school administration address a dire understaffing situation that has led to crushing workloads for educators.
Nearly 300 educators and support staff rallied at the board of education building. Partners included Ace-Afscme 2250 and ASASP. The Board of Education then voted unanimously to approve more than 15 hours of additional leave time for educators.
This is a great victory and a small part of our petition demands. We will continue to ensure that our voices are heard. Together we will win for every educator in the district.
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Special Education & Student/Related Services Committee Announcement
The Special Education & Student/Related Services Committee meets monthly with Special Education and Student Services leadership to collaborate and support the needs of Unit 1 members and students. The following are responses to issues that have been raised:
1) The ClearMask was purchased for staff who work with students that rely on visual mouth cues, such as D/HoH, SLPs, Early Childhood, etc. The mask was approved for use by PGCPS Health Services. It is disposable, so you should be receiving a daily supply if you are required to wear one for work. If you are required but are not receiving your daily supply, Early Childhood staff should contact Diane Bonanni ([email protected]) and D/HoH staff should contact Keith Blackson ([email protected]). Staff are able to purchase their own mask if they dislike the ClearMask, and they may also choose to pair the ClearMask with a Face Shield.
2) Contact your school administrator if you need access to PPE. Area Offices have provided school administrators with information about how to access PPE and other health-related items (sanitizer, wipes) for their schools. Itinerant teaching staff can access PPE through the schools they serve, as they are considered when allocations are made. Central Office Unit 1 Members (PPWs, School Psychologists, etc.) should contact their supervisors if they need access to PPE. If you need PPE related to the provision of special education services and are experiencing difficulty, contact Trinell Bowman ([email protected]).
4) The Department of Special Education recognizes that some staff may have questions after watching the special education modules in SafeSchools. Weekly office hours have been established and are communicated through the department’s monthly newsletter. For October, the Professional Learning Office Hours are Wednesday from 9-10 am. Technical assistance can be provided during the Monthly Chairpersons Meetings. The Department of Special Education is also working on other means of support, such as a Q&A document that can be accessed within the SafeSchools module and a synchronous training option.
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PGCEA Educatoar Wins Global Teacher Prize! |
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Amidst all of that I wanted to also share some AMAZING news!!! One of our very own (PGCPS and AROS-PG) all stars, Ms. Keishia Thorpe (12th grade English Teacher at International HS at Langley Park) recently won the 2021 Global Teacher Prize!! She won this global recognition and was chosen from 8,000 applicants from 120+ countries in the world!
She is an example of what is possible within our district and the impact that teachers have not only with students, but also with staff and in our overall community. I've had the pleasure and honor of working with her this past year through AROS-PG and she has one of the most beautiful hearts and spirits that I've seen. She's an example of what is possible when teachers have the resources and support to step outside of the box and share their unique talents and abilities with our greater community!
Please find today's Washington Post article about her below:
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ESP PRAXIS SUPPORT SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Are there education support professionals in your local preparing for the ParaPro assessment or working toward ParaPro certification? They are invited to join these new ESP sessions and learn more about these assessments, what is covered on the test, test strategies, and what resources are available to MSEA members. The next session will be held virtually on December 2.
Learn more at marylandeducators.org/parapro.
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.
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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
PD SNAPS- RAISE THE BAR: DEADLINE NOVEMBER 29
Surviving the Evaluation Process- Domain 1
Do you need help maneuvering through your observation and evaluation process? Are you at the end of your conditional certificate and need support with the Praxis? Would you like to strengthen your knowledge about the teacher certification process? Do you know what edTPA is? Are you concerned about how the new Blueprint for Maryland Educators will affect your evaluation and your job? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’re in the right place. If you’re unsure, you’re still in the right place.
This snapshot explores the observation and evaluation process in Maryland and how it affects you. We’ll provide practical insight and support for this critical part of your professional life. The session will fill up fast so please make sure you register as soon as possible and before the November 29 deadline at 5:00 p.m.
Snapshot Date: December 1
Event Time: 6:00pm – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration Deadline: November 29, 2021, at 5:00pm- Link provided after registration.
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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.
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2021-2022 NECC GENERAL SELF NOMINATION FORM
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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!
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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
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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.
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Professional Development and Leadership Committee/Sparks Committee
Join the Professional Development and Leadership Committee and the Sparks Committee to learn about PGCEA and Leadership opportunities. You will also get more information about NEA and MSEA.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Nov 29th, 2021, 5:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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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.
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Contract Enforcement Committee Training: Know Your Contract!
Join the PGCEA Contract Enforcement Committee for an informative training on your Negotiated Agreement. Topics covered will include the basics of a working under a union contract. Specifics topics to be discussed will include language on your work day, planning time, paid and unpaid leave, evaluations, voluntary and involuntary transfers and more.
When: Nov 30, 2021 05:30 PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Nominations Elections and Credentials Committee (NECC) upcoming election calendar for members to review in case you want to run for office. |
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PGCEA Member Appreciation Days and Online Retirement Planning and Investment Sessions
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY EDUCATORS' ASSOCIATION| WWW.PGCEA.ORG
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