VEA E-source

Virginia Education Association

October 2009

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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.

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	VEA Members Pack Board Meetings to Protest Permanent Funding Cuts
	In regional hearings around the state on Sept. 30, VEA members gave dramatic testimony on the probable costs of a proposed change to the state's school funding formula. The hearings were held by the Virginia Board of Education, which is weighing its position on a cut in state funding of school support staff positions. The change to a state funding formula would result in a two-year loss of $893 million in state funding of local public schools. At the hearings, VEA members emphasized the key contributions made by support staff—and told the Board that school programs already are hard hit by the recession. "Do not give up on our students, because the teachers have not," said Rebecca Jasman, a second grade teacher in Louisa and member of the Louisa County Education Association. Read our wrap-up on the hearings and browse photos. Make your voice heard! Use our cyberlobbying tool to write Governor Kaine asking him to drop his support staff cap and fully fund the state's Standards of Quality.
	ESPs Fight for Rights in Spotsylvania, Isle of Wight
	Local Associations in Spotsylvania and Isle of Wight have been speaking out this fall to combat attacks on member rights. The Association filed suit against the Isle of Wight school board after it outsourced its custodial services during a summer meeting. Employees were allowed to reapply for their jobs, but at greatly reduced wages. Read more about the story here. And in Spotsylvania, the local Association organized to support bus drivers who were being forced to get their required physicals from a school division employee, rather than their choice of physician. "It's all about the right to make the choice of your own doctor" to conduct the required physical, said Cindy Robinson, a bus driver and member of the Spotsylvania Education Association. Learn more here. For Your Calendar. Oct. 4-10 is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week. Learn more about the problem and what to do about it at the Pacer Center.
	Educators: Beware of Phishing Scam
	Educators are being targeted by a "phishing" scam designed to pry their personal information away. Since illegitimate "phishers" often compile and trade or sell this information, anyone falling for the scam might wind up the victim of identity theft, fraud, or harassment. The originator of the scam calls itself the National Teachers Education Association. The message tells recipients that they have been nominated for induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame and directs them through a series of Internet prompts to find out more, asking the recipient for more information. The real story: There is a National Teachers Hall of Fame. It's in Kansas, and the NEA has been a long-time supporter. But this is NOT a Hall of Fame initiative. Read on for what to do if you're a target of this phishing expedition.
	Ready to Take Your Involvement to the Next Level?
	If you want to make a difference on the political decisions that guide schools, VEA has just the outlet. VEA’s new Political Action Leader (PAL) program will provide you with information and training to play a leadership role where you live and work. And the first 750 PALs who put in five hours in the program will earn an attractive VEA-logo sweatshirt. PAL builds on the belief that when members engage in the political process—at the local, state, or federal level—the Association wins. If you sign up for the program, you'll learn about how to get recommended candidates elected to office, recruit and organize other members to support campaigns, and keep other members informed about VEA's positions on key issues. A variety of activities will count toward your five hours—ask your UniServ office for details. One activity that will definitely count for PAL credit is the October 17 "Walk for Friends of Public Education." On that Saturday, member-volunteers will participate in a dozen or more neighborhood walks with VEA-recommended candidates for November elections. Walkers will be provided a free t-shirt. Check with your local UniServ office for details and to sign up for a shift. For the latest VEA information on the November elections, continue checking www.veaelection09.com.
	Nominate for a C.L.E.A.N. Award
	School custodians make significant contributions to public health. The national C.L.E.A.N. (Custodial Leaders for Environmental Advocacy Nationwide) awards program recognizes that fact and rewards a school custodian who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the field of school cleanliness. The program is a joint initiative of the National Education Association, the NEA Health Information Network, and the Soap and Detergent Association. We encourage you to nominate a deserving custodian or group of custodians. Nominees must be current Association members. The application package and examples of past winners is available at www.neahin.org/cleanaward/. The deadline for returning the application is December 7, 2009.
	Membership Pays You Back: 20-Percent Discount at Talbot's
	If you're an early holiday shopper, NEA Member Benefits has deals lined up for you. Now through October 12, Association members get a 20-percent discount at Talbot's. Go to www.neamb.com, register and print out your coupon, and take to your nearest Talbot's to receive 20 percent off. NEA MB's Click & Save program also nets you big discounts. During October, save up to 80 percent on SmartBargains.com and 60 percent on Nike products. For more information, go to www.neamb.com/clickandsave. Also, congratulations to Melissa West of Ruther Glen! She won a $500 Staples gift card and a $100 SmileMakers online gift certificate as one of 10 national winners of a recent NEA MB Web Site Sweepstakes.