” Children need all school workers. A person is not ‘just’ a janitor, not ‘just’ a custodian. Janitors can see children when (teachers) don’t see them, and bus drivers recognize that children who are disruptive on the bus are likely to be disorderly in the classroom. They’re partners in education. We need each other to make this work.” (Rev. Jesse Jackson)

In 1987, the NEA adopted a resolution to honor our Educational Support staff. Later, a resolution was adopted to address our support staff as Educational Support Professionals. On Wednesday of this week we would like to thank our ESPs for their hard work and dedication to the children of Blount County. You make a difference to the children and to the teachers and we appreciate all you do.

I know that if I start listing all our categories of Educational Support Professionals I’m bound to leave someone out but I’ll try anyway! Thank you to our custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, office staff, instructional assistants, nurses, social workers, and substitutes. Without your constant support the teachers in Blount County couldn’t deliver the quality education that our students deserve. You are wonderful to work with!

THANK YOU!

Lynn Eubanks
President, BCEA

Dear fellow educators,

Looking back through the history of our nation, you will find that our educators have been challenged to push our students as far as they could go. I believe that we have met those challenges and will continue to meet the challenges presented to us. The administration and the educators in Blount County have dedicated themselves to providing our students with a world-class education. by educating our children, engaging our parents, and empowering our schools.

Tuesday of American Education Week is traditionally devoted to the parents…many of whom work along side you. To all that you do, to all the hours you spend away from your own families, THANK YOU!!!

Lynn Eubanks
President, BCEA

“Education is the vaccine for violence.” Edward James Olmos (actor)

BCEA is hosting a drop-in reception in celebration of American Education Week.  Come by to enjoy music provided by the HHS Band program, appetizers, and socializing with other educators.

WHO:           Educators with less than 6 years experience in Blount County Schools, Central Office Staff, Principals & School Board Members.
WHEN:       Thursday, November 19, 2009
                       Drop-in:  4:00 – 6:00 pm
WHERE:     Main Board Room at Central Office

Educators: Remember to register for prizes!!  You could win a free manicure, oil change, a Starbucks giftcard, or an Ipod Nano!
   
  

Association Representatives and Officers met with UniServ coordinator Reba Luttrell today at the Blount County Public Library for training.  We all learned more about our association, including plans for membership activities like the upcoming New Teacher Social, advocacy ideas, and current local concerns. 

Here’s a few pictures from the event:

Here’s a few pictures from the Evaluation Workshop sponsored by TEA.  Attendees learned about the Evaluation process from a TEA trainer that has attended the same trainings evaluators (like principals and CO staff) must attend. 

Watch your school email or this website for more information about BCEA sponsored workshops in the future! 

Check out this advice from Experienced Educators: – http://www.nea.org/home/ns/35096.htm

Look for materials to help plan an effective parent conference from TEA in your school mailboxes around conference time on September 14th.

Think about attending this inservice!

Framework for Evaluation and Professional Growth: Comprehensive Assessment

This workshop examines the State Framework for Evaluation and helps teachers become aware of the evaluation process focusing on the Comprehensive Assessment.  Participants will examine the indicators and performance standards, develop- instructional strategies that match the indicators and increase awareness of their rights and responsibilities.

September 17, 2009

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Blount County Board of Education

831 Grandview Drive

Maryville, Tennessee 37803

For more information or to register, contact:

Rebecca Dickenson, Eagleton Elementary

865.256.1310

rebecca.dickenson@blountk12.org

Deadline for registration is September 15, 2009

(Check with your administration for possible Inservice Credit)

Educating Our Children,

Engaging Our Parents, Empowering Our Schools

BCEA needs members who are willing to help with the following events and committees:
Events

• Read Across America, March 2
• National Teacher’s Day in May
• New Teacher Social (Tentatively scheduled for Oct 20)
• Membership committee event planning
• American Education Week, Nov. 16-7
• BCEA banquet (held in the spring)
• Member Benefits activities

Committees:

• Negotiations Team
• Grievance Committee
• Instruction and Professional Development
• Newsletter (Look for this month’s newsletter in your mailboxes!)
• Legislative Committee
• Membership Committee
• Research Committee

Contact your building’s association representative, or one of the local officers for more information.

Hitting members’ mailboxes is the new special membership edition of teach, TEA’s monthly publication.  This month’s issue features an article on classroom bullying prevention strategies, members describing their reasons for belonging to our association, and much more!  If you’re not a member, or if you just joined, see this month’s issue by clicking here.