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About e-source VEA is proud to send you this e-source newsletter, a tip-filled resource to help you on the job and in your profession. These monthly dispatches will keep you informed about the latest news affecting your job and will help you take advantage of all the resources offered by your Association. If you'd rather not receive the e-source again, click the "Unsubscribe" button at bottom right.
For the latest information and resources for Virginia educators, go to www.veanea.org. Share this e-source! Click at bottom left to forward this message to your colleagues. | |
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VEA Convention Delegates Flex Political Muscles in Hampton |
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In a year in which Virginians will elect a new governor and 100 members of the House of Delegates, VEA got the ball rolling at the annual Delegate Assembly, hosting a first-of-its-kind gubernatorial forum and raising more than $84,000 for the Association's political action committee. Members attending the Delegate Assembly April 23-25 also passed a slew of new business items (NBIs), sent more than 500 postcards to members of Congress, and adopted the Association's budget for 2009-2010. Even if you weren't there in Hampton, you can catch up at www.veanea.org; check out "VEA Delegate Assembly" on the left. Some of our top links:
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Video coverage of VEA's Gubernatorial Forum. Find out what candidates for Virginia governor said about their plans for public education.
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Take Note! The VEA Ad-hoc Committee on Statewide Testing is studying the effect of statewide testing programs on teaching and learning in Virginia. Please share your stories, thoughts, and concerns about the SOL tests, VGLA, VSEP and VAAP with us for inclusion in our upcoming report. Email committee liaison Bekah Saxon (bsaxon@veanea.org).
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Online Voting Has Begun. Cast Your Ballot Now! |
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More than 500 convention delegates helped kick off VEA's first-ever online voting initiative April 25. All VEA members are encouraged to vote from now through May 13 for one of three candidates for NEA Director: Charlotte Hayer, Tommie McCune, or Ramon Moore. Research the candidates at VEA Election Central by reading their position statements and watching video of their speeches at the Delegate Assembly. If you've already done your homework, you can go directly here to vote via our partner, the secure online voting service, Votenet. Note: To vote, you will need to know your 10-digit NEA membership number, available on your membership card and any issue of your VEA News or Virginia Journal of Education. The direct link for all voting information is: http://www.veanea.org/about/vea-elections.html. |
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Take Advantage of VEA Member Savings Programs |
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VEA recently added three new member savings programs you'll want to check out:
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Tickets at Work. Get discounted tickets on everything from Disney World to your local cinema. Savings vary by event.
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BJ's Wholesale Club. Your VEA membership will reduce your cost to be a BJ's member and extend your BJ's membership from 12 to 15 months.
These new programs join existing VEA and NEA Member Benefits savings on auto and homeowner insurance, credit card and loan programs, and much more. Get all the details in the Member Savings area of our web site.
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How the Danville Education Association Won RIF Battle |
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Teachers in Danville were anxious enough this year as the recession took its toll on family finances and the prospects for next year's school division budget. Their already-frayed nerves took another hit when Danville Education Association (DEA) President Kim Roberson learned the school board was considering changes to the school division's Reduction-in-Force (RIF) policy that would have undermined teachers' job security. No one welcomes layoffs. But effective RIF policies combat favoritism and ensure that teachers who've committed years of their careers to the school system are rewarded for their loyalty. Find out how DEA worked for—and won—a compromise.
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Keep Cool This Spring in VEA Polo Shirts |
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Polo shirts featuring the VEA logo have been one of our top sellers at the VEA’s online store. We expect a brand new batch of polo shirts—in classic designs as well as one or two fun colors—up on the site later this month. While you're there, check out key chains, highlighters, pens, and other great supplies in time for new teacher orientations. Bulk orders can often be personalized and reduce your shipping costs. Find out more at http://www.elkpromotions.com/VEA/. |
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Swine Flu: What You Need to Know |
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With the latest information from the federal government and health agencies—and a solid understanding of your questions and responsibilities—the NEA Health and Information Network is your go-to source for the latest on the H1N1 Flu (previously called Swine Flu). The NEA-HIN's main page on the flu explains what it is, how you can keep yourself and others safer, and when it might be prudent to close a school facility. Don't worry alone: if you have concerns about this flu, please check the page regularly as developments warrant. NEA-HIN staff members gather the latest information and participate in regular conference calls with multiple agencies and organizations. Other sources: your local health department, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Centers for Disease Control. | |