BJs Promotion for HCEA Members-Last Chance!

This offer is only available for the month of June. Even if it is not time to renew yet, renew early and the 15 months will be added to the end of your current membership. This program it IS NOT available at the store level. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity call the HCEA office at (410) 997-3440.

Maryland’s Proposed Suspension Changes: Information, Implications and Advocacy

The MCEA Minority Affairs Committee is sponsoring an information session about the upcoming program on the new state suspension regulations. The event will be held on Thursday, May 24th from 5-7:30pm at the MCEA Conference Center in Rockville. To view the event flyer click here

NEA Member Benefits

As an NEA Member, you can take advantage of exclusive programs, services, and discounts that save time and money. NEA’s large membership combined with innovative thinking allow us to secure quality products at super discounts to help you and your family financially and professionally. Click here to discover what’s actually yours...your NEA “Member Benefits.”

HCEA Board of Education Recommended Candidates Win Primary!

Congratulations to the Board of Education candidates recommended by HCEA, Ann DeLacy, David Gertler and Jackie Scott. All three won the primary election for the Howard County Board of Education.

HCEA WINS CLASS ACTION GREIVANCE

HCEA recently won a class action grievance regarding violation of contractually guaranteed planning time. The grievance was filed on behalf of 66 members at four different elementary schools. As part of the settlement HCPSS agreed to send a memo to all school based elementary administrators reinforcing the planning time contract language and stating, in part “Preparation time…is to be defined as ‘individual planning time’ during the regular student day”. In addition, grievants were eligible for to receive compensation based on five hours at their individual per diem hourly rate to help compensate them for planning time they did not receive. To read the complete memo from Chief Academic Officer Linda Wise click here.

Congratulations to those members who were willing to stand up for themselves and their colleagues on the important issue of planning time. In this case a victory for one was truly a victory for all. If anyone believes their planning time is being violated please contact the HCEA office.

The Baltimore Sun Endorses HCEA Recommended Candidates

The Baltimore Sun endorsed HCEA recommended candidates for the Board of Ed Jackie Scott, David Gertler and Ann De Lacy. For more information click here.

HCEA Receives Membership Awards

HCEA received awards at MSEA’s annual Membership Workshop. HCEA received honorable mentions for the Greatest Increase in Market Share and Greatest Increase in Membership. HCEA Secretary Danielle King and Director Donna Schulze (pictured) accepted the awards on behalf of HCEA.

2012 NEA Convention Paid Volunteer Positions Available Now!

You can earn $40 a day, meet educators from across the country, visit the nation’s capital, and get inspired as you witness the world's largest democratic deliberative body at work as a volunteer at the 2012 NEA Representative Assembly and Convention, June 30-July 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

This year’s convention is in nearby Washington, D.C., and host committees from neighboring Maryland and Virginia associations will help staff the Representative Assembly floor and NEA convention booths. MSEA volunteers will help operate the delegate-to-main stage communications and work for the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education Give-Away Booth outside the RA hall.

Learn more and sign up today! Visit Maryland Educators site and look for the NEA RA Volunteer link among the bulleted items.

HCEA Government Relations Committee Lobby in Annapolis

Members of the HCEA Government Relations Committee and HCEA President Paul Lemle spent Monday, January 30th in Annapolis working with MSEA’s lobbying team to learn more about the issues. After an all day training, GR Chair Laura Mynaugh and committee members Matthew Vaughn-Smith and Steve Crivelli met with Senator Robey and Delegates Guzzone, DeBoy and Pendergrass. To view pictures click here.

Howard County Teachers Discuss the Impact of Budget Cuts

Click here to watch a video from MSEA featuring Howard County teachers discussing the impact of budget cuts.

Middle School Reading Classes Issue in the News

Click here to read an article about the controversial possible elimination of reading classes in Howard County middle schools.

MSEA Leaders Ask Members to Activate!

Click here to view a video featuring MSEA leaders asking members to educate, activate and organize. The video features HCEA President Paul Lemle and HCEA Director Anna Gannon.

Government Relations Committee Meets with County Executive Ken Ulman

The HCEA Government Relations Committee met with Howard County Executive Ken Ulman on September 22nd to discuss a variety of topics including school board elections, shifting pension costs and maintenance of effort. Pictured from left HCEA President Paul Lemle, Laura Mynaugh, County Executive Ken Ulman, Nina Martin and Stephan Hise.

Teaching Channel Website

Teaching Channel website offers a growing library of short videos to inspire K-12 teaching. These video lessons - in English language arts, math, science, and history/social sciences - include lesson objectives, questions to consider, homework ideas, and more.

New Teacher Orientation

HCEA hosted an information table at the 2011 New Teacher Orientation. At the event, HCEA members signed up new members and answered questions about the Association. To view additional photos from the Orientation click here.

HCEA PRESIDENT APPOINTED TO COMMISSION

HCEA President Paul Lemle was recently appointed by County Executive Ken Ulman to a commission charged with studying options for the way members of the Board of Education are selected. Recent complaints regarding a lack of diversity by community members prompted Ulman to appoint the commission. A recommendation is due to the County Executive by September 26th. Any proposal for changes would have to be passed by the General Assembly.

Check out HCEA on Facebook

 Check out the HCEA page on Facebook. Find us on Facebook by searching for HCEA or Howard County Education Association. Show your support by becoming our "fan"!

Social Networking

Social networking spaces like MySpace and Facebook may be a good way to keep in touch with friends but teachers and other education personnel should be careful in terms of creating personal profiles, communicating with students, and sharing sensitive information. For tips on your profile and to read a recent Washington Post article click here.