September 7, 2018
Vol. 3, #1





Hi All,
WEAC and NEA conduct polls on a regular basis that say teachers and public education employees enjoy a great deal of respect in the communities where the schools are located. We hear, "well, things aren't so good [over there], but WE love OUR public schools!"

However, public school employees think there's a direct relationship between how much they are paid and how much they are respected. It's a natural connection, right? And so, we don't really believe the polls that say the public thinks we're great because we don't think it's reflected in our paycheck.

Let's consider the news of last spring, when thousands of teachers in places like Kentucky, West Virginia, Arizona, and Oklahoma -- where striking is illegal -- went on strike. Today, right now, thousands more are striking in the Washington state. Teachers are winning better pay and working conditions. And a lot of that may have to do with the results of yet another survey: the PDK poll (get the full report here). Nationwide, and across many kinds of demographics, "t he public indicates there is broad support for teacher job actions aimed at higher pay."


--Peace
Kathy Rohde
Regional Director 
Tip of the Month

The Ten-Minute Meeting
All too often we hear, "there's no reason to hold a meeting if there's nothing to report/decide/vote on." Or, we hear, "I'm not sure we have a union because there are never any meetings." But mostly, we hear, "I don't have TIME to go to ANOTHER meeting."
 
You have an opportunity to keep members in the loop AND respect their time by holding 10-minute meetings! It's also a great time to get feedback from people in the building. 

If you feel like you're in a rut, why not try the 10-minute meeting?

For more details about how the 10-minute meeting works, click  here.


The September 10-Minute Meeting topic:

Teacher Licensure Update 


Application for Lifetime License Now Available for Provisional license holders (FINALLY!)

If you already hold a Lifetime license please DO NOT use this application. If you are unsure whether you hold a Lifetime License, you can check by using  License Lookup. If you currently hold a Lifetime license, a separate process for background checks will be available later this year. DPI will send notification via email when educators are due to submit an application for a background check. We will also post information on this background check process to the  Latest Licensing Newsblog when available.

DPI has finalized the process by which educators who hold a Provisional/Initial Educator license may apply for a new Lifetime license. The requirements for a Lifetime license include successfully completing at least six semesters of experience in Wisconsin in the area of their license (teaching, administration or pupil services) and completing all  statutory requirements. The six semesters of successful experience must meet the following criteria:
  • Experience completed in the license area (Teaching, Administration or Pupil Services) while holding either a Provisional, Initial Educator, Professional Educator or Master Educator license.
  • Experience completed in the five years immediately preceding the July 1 start date of the Lifetime license.
  • Experience must be providing direct services to students or providing administrative oversight in a prekindergarten through grade 12 setting in the license area of the Provisional license verified as successful experience by an educational entity in Wisconsin.
Application directions for a Lifetime license can be found at  https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/app-directions-lifetime-license.

Educators who do not meet all of the requirements above may continue to apply for a Provisional license until they are eligible for a Lifetime license. To apply for Provisional licensure, follow the directions at  https://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl/elo/extend/reissueprv.


Celebrate Success!



WEAC Region 3 welcomes 

 61
 
new members.

A big thank you to those that were part of the
Summer Organizing Campaigns in Appleton
and Sheboygan!

              
Want to know the Top 10  REASONS to JOIN the WISCONSIN EDUCATION  ASSOCIATION COUNCIL?


WEAC and UW Athletics are teaming up to celebrate the dedication of Wisconsin Public School educators. Nominate yourself or a deserving Wisconsin Public School educator to be recognized for an Outstanding Educator Award. In appreciation for their dedication to students, winners will be treated to a VIP Experience at a Badger home game.

 
Political Action

This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members
An All-Presidents meeting has been scheduled for
Saturday, September 29 at the WEAC Region 3 office
from 10 am - 1:00 pm.

All Locals can send Presidents, or their delegates, AND as many other interested members to this important meeting.

Agenda:
1.  Meet candidates. 
2.  Campaign plan and update.
3. Organizing around the campaign.
4. Develop a local campaign plan.
5. Zone meeting if needed.


Register by emailing region3@weac.org

Those who register BY THURSDAY, September 27 will receive
a box lunch at the meeting.



Be sure to follow the Region 3 PAC Facebook Page by clicking on the image below.
This is where you will find all election information including recommended candidates and volunteer opportunities:


You and your family are invited to a special election kickoff to support pro-public education candidates! Join us at the WEAC offices in Madison to meet Dr. Tony Evers, WEAC's recommended candidate for governor, Sarah Godlewski, recommended state treasurer, and more pro-public education candidates. Help us rally for our students and public schools during this exciting event.

WHEN : 1-2:30 p.m., September 15


WEAC Region 3
800-472-5582
rohdek@weac.org
www.region3.weac.org