HCEA FAQ
Opportunities for Involvement - Political and Community Involvement
How can I register to vote?
You can obtain a registration by mail by calling your local board of elections (in Howard County 410-313-2727). You can also print a voter registration application from the State Board of Elections website.
If you are a new Maryland resident, you can register even though you do not yet have your Maryland driver's license.
A voter registration application may be submitted to your local board of elections or the State Board of Elections at any time. However, an application must be postmarked by January 22, 2008, to vote in the Primary Election and October 14, 2008, to vote in the General Election. If you submit a voter registration application during the period that registration is closed, your application will be held at the local board of elections and processed when registration reopens. For the 2008 elections, registration will be closed from January 23, 2008, to February 25, 2008, and October 15, 2008, to November 17, 2008.
How can I help friends of education get elected in November 2008?
Three current members of the Howard County Board of Education terms will expire in November of 2008. The current incumbents, whose seats expire in November, 2008 are: Diane Mikulis, Ellen Giles, and Janet Siddiqui. The primary election for the school board race as well as for other state and national races in Maryland will be held on February 12, 2008 - a month earlier than previous primary elections. So HCEA will be gearing up soon to become involved in the election process - making recommendations to you as well as soliciting members to work the polls on election day.
HCEA cannot use even one single dollar of your dues to support our recommended candidates. You can make a difference by contributing a small amount each paycheck which will be earmarked to the Fund For Children and Public Education. Read more about the Fund.
HCEA members will be active in this race and possibly other campaigns this spring and next fall. If you would like to work for the election of a friend-of-education, call HCEA and we can make the connection for you.
Member volunteers will also be phone-banking to get the word out about the up-coming election among our members. HCEA would love to have you join us.
On election day, HCEA members will be volunteering to hand out our "Apple Ballots" (with educator recommendations) at the polling places across the county. Sign up to be on the team for your home precinct or for the polling place at your school.
Call HCEA at 410-997-3440 for more information.
How can I help promote National Board Certification for Howard County teachers?
The HCEA Professional Development Committee has been active in helping to promote National Board Certification in Howard County. This year HCPSS has 30 candidates, up from 3 -- thanks to HCEA advocacy and the support of the HCPSS administration. (Special thanks to Jackie Connorton!)
If you are pursuing certification now, take advantage of the support that is being provided by HCPSS at Faulkner Ridge Center on the third saturday of every month (the fourth Saturday in February!).
HCPSS and HCEA will be holding information sessions for prospective candidates throughout the year:
- Thursday, September 28
- Tuesday, October 24
- Thursday, November 30
- Tuesday, January 23
- Thursday, February 22
- Tuesday, March 20
4:30-6:00 p.m., also at the Faulkner Ridge Center
10598 Marble Faun Court Columbia, MD 21044
Pizza courtesy of HCEA!
If you are already certified, you can provide support to prospective candidates by sharing your experience. If you are considering pursuing certification, HCEA can link you with a colleague who has knowledge about certification in your field.
How can I be more active in my building?
Talk to your HCEA rep about becoming part of your building’s “HCEA Rep Team”. If your building does not have a rep, contact HCEA at 410-997-3440 to volunteer! We will provide you with the necessary information to do your job; we won’t leave you out there all alone!
Many buildings have an “HCEA Rep Team” to share responsibility for signing up new members, distributing information, soliciting member ideas and comments, conducting Association elections and providing assistance. Teams of active members were instrumental in obtaining pension improvements in 2006 and negotiating new contracts in 2007. If several people can help a little there won’t be much for any one person to do.
If you have questions or want more information contact HCEA at 410-997-3440.
Who chooses HCEA representatives on HCPSS committees?
HCEA is often asked to name an HCEA member to serve on a committee developing policy or practice for the Howard County Schools. HCEA's participation gives educators another voice and adds the Associaton's perspective to efforts to improve our schools.
HCEA President Ann De Lacy names representatives to such committees. If you have a special interest or area of expertise and would like to be considered, call Ann De Lacy at the HCEA office at 410-997-3440.
Can HCEA help me share my expertise with new teachers?
HCEA is working on many levels to help provide support to our new colleagues and members. Experienced educators can play a part by becoming part of HCEA's Professional Development Committee.
HCEA has trained a number of its members in the "I Can Do It" program. HCEA member teachers and instructional assistants are invited to take part in an "I Can Do It" training in classroom management on October 27th at Homewood from 8:30AM – 3PM. To register contact Janet Bloom at jbloom@mstanea.org or 410-997-3440.
The IPD Committee will be also be offering a program for educators with less than 5 years of experience called SPARKS. This will be offered on January 12th at the Faulkner Ridge Center. More information on this exciting opportunity will be available soon.
If you'd like additional information on becoming a participant or a member of the Professional Development Committee contact HCEA President Ann De Lacy at adelacy@mstanea.org or at 410-997-3440.
How can I get involved in HCEA lobbying activities in Annapolis?
Your elected representatives need you to help them understand the issues surrounding education and education funding. If you'd like to get regular updates on legislative issues and respond by contacting the legislators in your district (by phone, fax or e-mail!), let HCEA know.
Also, every Monday during the legislative session (from early January to early April), HCEA members travel to Annapolis to be briefed about the status of current legislation affecting schools and school employees and to talk to their state delegates and senators. (A light meal is provided at MSTA headquarters.)
Come to the HCEA office after school. We leave at 4:30 PM. We return at 9:00 PM. You don't need any special expertise. Just your passion for your career and the students you teach.
For more information, call HCEA at 410-997-3440.
Why should I contribute to the Fund for Children and Public Education?
The HCEA/MSEA/NEA Fund for Children and Public Education is the Association’s political action committee. Your Association dues dollars cannot be spent to support candidates who support public education and your future. So HCEA raises voluntary contributions to help elect friends of education to local, state and national office.
Learn more about the Fund for Children and Public Education.
Why should I care about politics?
Elected politicians, or those appointed by them, decide every one of the important education issues we deal with every day. If you ever wondered why HCEA and MSTA are involved in politics locally and statewide, just check out the list below. Need we say more?
Your salary Local Board of Education
School budget As determined by General Assembly (state aid to education), county officials and Local Board of Education
Amount of federal school aid President and Congress
Certification standards State Board of Education (appointed by Governor) and State Department of Education
Class size Budget as determined by governor and General Assembly, county and local Board of Education
Length of school year State Board of Education
Duty free lunch Local Board of Education
Length of workday Local Board of Education
Health/Dental insurance benefit Local Board of Education
Mandatory classes State Board of Education and State Department of Education
Social Security participation General Assembly
Course content State Board of Education and State Department of Education
Fringe benefits General Assembly, Local Board of Education, elected county officials
Employee collective bargaining rights and due process General Assembly, Local Board of Education, elected county officials
Health and safety standards General Assembly, Congress
Chapter I (Title I) funding Congress
Retirement benefits General Assembly, Maryland Teachers Retirement and Pension System Board
Tuition tax credits General Assembly, Congress
Corporal punishment policies General Assembly
Worker’s compensation General Assembly
Unemployment Compensation General Assembly
Licensing fees General Assembly
Tax credits for school supplies General Assembly
To get involved contact HCEA at 410-997-3440.
What's a "Ten Minute Meeting"?
A "Ten-Minute Meeting" is a short meeting -- we promise no more than ten minutes -- where your HCEA Building Rep can bring you up to date on some HCEA issue or activity, get your input and questions and give you an opportunity to support HCEA's advocacy.
There's always opportunity to hang around and talk -- but, if you're busy, you can get in and get out.
The attached file contains several sample agendas.
Look for an announcement at your work site.
Download sample ten minutes adgendas.
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