News & Information

Attention KEA members in Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson and Rowan counties:

Remember to vote in your special election for the Kentucky Senate tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3.

And remember to be an Education Voter!

Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen came away with a firm conclusion after his staff spent about a year poring over financial statements at the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System: problems facing the pension system are rooted in money, not mismanagement. View remarks  here.

The TELL Kentucky survey of all school-based certified staff will be administered in March. To help educators prepare for the survey, The New Teacher Center is conducting a webinar on February 17 at 4:15 p.m. (Eastern Time). Click here to register or for more information.

Education leaders from across the country are invited to register for the second annual NEA National Leadership Summit. Join more than 1,500 educators who will convene on February 27 through March 1, 2015 in Anaheim, California. This is an opportunity to discuss common themes of professional empowerment, teacher engagement, and impactful student-centered techniques for academic improvement.  Register today at http://www.cvent.com/events/2015-national-leadership-summit/event-summary-f45c01dd87e74f0e8ee5735424078746.aspx

Entries for the KEA Lesson Plan Contest must be received February 6, 2015. Nominations for the Smith Wilson Award are also due February 6, 2015.

The KEA Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes, rewards, and promotes excellence in
teaching and advocacy for the profession. It also honors public education and the dedicated members of the KEA. Deadline for application is February 20, 2015.

The 2015 NEA ESP National Conference will take place March 6-8, 2015, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The ESP National Conference is NEA’s premier professional development event for ESP members nationwide. Information about the conference and registration can be found at www.nea.org/espconference. The general registration link is http://www.cvent.com/d/b4q5d5.  Online registration will close January 23, 2015.

On Thursday, December 4, the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) passed a resolution encouraging the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (KTRS) to work with the Governor and General Assembly to develop solutions to fully finance the teacher pension fund. (Text of the resolution can be found here.) 

Franklin Co. KEA member Lauren Hill’s recent blog post was picked up by the Washington Post. Read Lauren’s thoughts about teacher leadership and avoiding “administrator-itis.”

KEA President Stephanie Winkler and Ohio Education Association President Becky Higgins today called a report on teacher discipline on Fox19 in Cincinnati “reckless and irresponsible.” Commissioner Holliday joined the presidents in saying he was “disappointed and disturbed” by the story.

New social studies standards are mandated by Kentucky Senate Bill 1 (2009). The proposed social studies standards conform to the requirements outlined in the legislation. Public input is being sought on the proposed standards from November 3 through December 5 an online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KYSSpublic

View additional information here.

Public input is being sought on the proposed academic standards in Arts and Humanities until December 5. New arts and humanities standards are mandated by Kentucky Senate Bill 1 (2009). The proposed arts and humanities standards conform to the requirements outlined in the legislation. View additional information here.

The Kentucky Education Association will be hosting 2 webinars for interns and their resources teachers to learn more about the requirements of the KTIP/PGES pilot.

October 20, 2014 5:30 ET /4:30 CT

October 22, 2014 4:30 ET/ 3:30 CT

You must have the latest version of Java to be able to see the webinar.

This is a 2 hour training approved by the EPSB.

EKEA is hosting a PGES Q and A session at the Grayson office, Tuesday, October 21, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.

Email LuAnn.Asbury@KEA.ORG to reserve your spot!

The KEA Education Support Professional of the Year Award recognizes the
contributions of Education Support Professionals to their schools, communities, and their profession. The award is presented to a member of the KEA who demonstrates outstanding accomplishments and reflects the contributions of ESP to public education. Nomination application is located here. Deadline for application is February 20, 2015.

Governor Beshear used his weekly About Kentucky address to talk about school funding. View video at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a5tr9PDCFc

KTRS will hold 28 UHC Educational meetings across the state for KTRS Medicare Eligible Retirees (MEHP) moving to United.  Three of the meetings will be teleconference for the homebound. Click here for a list of the meetings, times and dates.

The Kentucky Department of Education is seeking feedback on its Unbridled Learning College/Career-Readiness for All Accountability Model. The model, which includes multiple measures for determining school success, has been in place since the 2011-12 school year.  

Between now and August 20, an online survey will be available for stakeholder input on the various components of the system and how determinations of school and district success are made. The survey may be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UnbridledLearning.  The feedback provided will inform the commissioner and the Kentucky Board of Education on any future action that may be taken regarding the accountability system.

Your Kentucky Employees' Health Plan (KEHP) aims to provide you with the best possible level of coverage, administration, and customer service.  KEHP recently announced new medical and pharmacy plan administrators, effective January 2015:  Visit https://personnel.ky.gov/Pages/KEHPvendorupdates.aspx for more information.

The National Education Association’s department of Education Support Professional Quality is currently working on a new resource called ESPs: Meeting the Needs of the Whole Student.  If you have a compelling story about yourself or other ESP members who meet the needs of the whole student, please contact NEA ESPQ at ghwang@nea.org.  You, your school, and your students could be profiled in this new resource.

The NEA Great Public Schools Network support teacher collaboration to enhance teaching and learning. KEA members Pennye Rogers and Natalie McCutchen are facilitators of the online community. Content in the GPS Network is divided into age categories and deals with common core, literacy, fine arts, leadership, and national board certification. Visit NEA Great Public Schools Network  for more information.

The headlines in the last few days have been dominated by political attacks against public school educators, while scant attention was paid to a cherished child who lost his life to yet another gun attack in a school. Please share this video message from NEA President Dennis Van Roekel - we will not concede defeat to the opponents of public education. 

The NEA-Foundation has selected KEA as one of five NEA state affiliates to help build capacity to meet educators’ professional needs in deeper ways. As a first step, KEA is gathering data from constituents about the association’s effectiveness and priorities for the future and invites all Kentucky school employees (certified and classified; teachers and administrators) to participate in a survey here.

House Bill 235, supported by KEA, passed the 2014 General Assembly. It changes the enrollment age for preschool and kindergarten, phased in beginning this July. The Kentucky Department of Education has given school districts guidance as well as written a sample letter to parents to provide them with information.

KEA President Stephanie Winkler, along with KEA members from Woodford and Marshall County, appeared on KET’s Education Matters discussing the new Professional Growth and Effectiveness System (PGES). PGES will be implemented next year statewide. Watch this informative video to learn more.

We invite you to join the webinar below on How to Improve School Discipline and Climate. The webinar will be held April 29 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.  Click here to register.  For additional resources, visit the Kentucky Center for School Safety at http://www.kycss.org/index2.php.

KEHP members, remember to complete your LivingWell Promise by May 1!

Last week, Governor Steve Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky educators letting informing them about the education-friendly provisions in the state budget. Thanks to the Governor’s leadership, all school employees will get pay raises the next two years. He also cites additional funding for textbooks, professional development, extended school services, and technology, KEA’s top legislative priorities. Beshear was named the country’s best education governor by the National Education Association in 2011.

Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 4-10.  National Teacher Day will be recognized on Tuesday, May 6.  To help you spread the word about amazing teachers and the outstanding work they do each day, NEA put together Teacher Appreciation activities, resources, and tools. Visit www.nea.org/teacherday for more information.

Deadline for applicaiton is July 15, 2014

The KEA Fellows Program was developed to foster and mentor emerging leaders in our association.   Apply online or download the PDF form and mail to KEA Fellows Leadership Program, 401 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601.

View NEA RA delegate and alternate election results for the East region and West region.

Nominations are now open for the 2015 Kentucky Teacher Awards, sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Education and Ashland Inc. 

Nominations may be submitted electronically by visiting the 2015 Kentucky Teacher of the Year website at kentuckytoy.com. The deadline for nominations is May 15. 

Alarming trends in youth substance abuse, specifically an increase in prescription drug misuse, point to a need for education and prevention materials. Drug overdose mortality rates for Kentucky quadrupled from 1999 to 2010, ranking third highest in the nation. Visit the NEA Health Information Network for more information at http://www.neahin.org/.

Teachers across the country have created an “In My Classroom” YouTube channel to provide a window into how they are teaching to the CCSS (KCAS in Kentucky), the student successes they’ve seen, and how it’s benefited them as a teacher. Please complete and submit this week and next, so that videos are live before March 14. 

Since the KTRS defined benefit pension system was founded in 1938, KEA has been its most steadfast supporter.  The reasons are obvious:  KEA members all across the commonwealth have enjoyed the benefits generated by that system for more than 70 years.  ...more...

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is seeking nominations for the 2013-14 Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award. The deadline for applications/nominations is February 28. Please visit http://www.sos.ky.gov/civics/Documents/2014civicEducator.pdf for more information.

Every year KEA receives many questions about whether school districts must make up missed instructional days due to weather and if so, how those made up days must be scheduled. View the Fact Sheet here.

NKY Champions for Education Forum - “Our Children Can’t Wait!” - Restore Funding for Education from Early Childhood to Postsecondary will feature Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson & Education Commissioner Dr. Terry Holliday

Wednesday, January 29, 2014
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Northern Kentucky University Otto M. Building Theatre

Take the NKY Champions for Education Survey now:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NKyEducation

Since KTRS was created in 1938, its biggest advocate and protector has been the Kentucky Education Association and KEA members. More than 75 years later, in 2014 KEA is continuing that fight. There is no stronger advocate for adequate funding for KTRS than KEA. KEA has met with key legislators and with the Governor about many funding concerns, including KTRS’ funding needs, as well as restoring K-12 school funding to 2008 levels and providing teachers with raises. KEA has organized its members through our Raise Your Hand campaign to contact all state representatives and senators in support of education funding, including KTRS funding. Through the Kentucky Education Action Team (KEAT), KEA works with other education advocates to support restored school funding and tax reform to yield more revenue for education, including KTRS.

Members should continue to contact their legislators about the need to fully fund the obligation to KTRS. The more they hear from their constituents the louder the message will be.

Free Webinar:  Assessment to the Core:  Assessments that Enhance Learning.  Jay McTighe, international education consultant offers a framework for designing classroom assessments that align to Kentucky Academic Core Standards.  The webinar will air Thursday, Dec. 5, 3 ET/2 CT and an archived version will be available Monday, Dec. 9.  For more information about the topics presented and access to both the live webinar and the archived version, click here.  

On November 20, celebrate Education Support Professionals day during American Education Week. Education Support Professionals keep schools running and students safe, healthy and ready to learn. Click the video to learn more about ESP careers.

Introducing the 2013 KEA Guide to Effective Teaching, a handbook for student teachers and other pre-service educators, written and edited by KEA members who have been there.

View it here: http://issuu.com/kea_communication/docs/kea_guide_to_effective_teaching/1

November 18-22 is American Education Week. KEA and NEA urge local associations to sponsor “Educator for a Day” events.

A 3rd-grade teacher and KEA member at Murray Elementary School in the Murray Independent school district, Holly Bloodworth, is the 2014 Kentucky Teacher of the Year.

Melanie Trowel, a science teacher at Carter G. Woodson Academy in Fayette County, is the 2014 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Joanna Howerton Stevens, a mathematics teacher at Lincoln County High School in the Lincoln County school district, is the High School Teacher of the Year. Both are members of KEA.

The three joined 21 other teachers from across the state honored with 2014 Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards.

Memo to KEA members from KEA President Stephanie Winkler says in part, "We wanted to take this opportunity to fill you in on what the shutdown of the federal government will mean for the US Department of Education, Congressional operations, federal agencies, and staff at the NEA/KEA.  

What the shutdown means for NEA/KEA Headquarters:   NEA/KEA and its staff will continue to operate on its normal schedule during the government shutdown."

Want to help your undocumented student go to college? See if they are eligible for DACA. Own the Dream, an ally of NEA, is here to help! Download the brochure or visit www.weownthedream.org for more information.

Today’s Ed Week post is from post from Guest Blogger Ellen Behrstock-Sherratt. Go to: 
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/engagement_and_reform/2013/09/in_teachers_we_trust_but_how_much.html

Come spend an evening at the Explorium of Lexington with family members and colleagues, Tuesday, September 10 from 5-7 pm. Learn more about what we offer to aide educators through Field Trips TO GO in your classroom, Enrichment Programs at the museum, and Education Week themes. Enjoy free admission for you and your family, children’s activities, and dinner.

R.S.V.P.
859-258-3253
explore@explorium.com

Enjoy some cooler temperatures with a special camping offer for September from Kentucky State Parks. The parks are offering two nights for the price of one for campers from Sept. 2-29. For more information about camping, lodging, dining and recreational activities at Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

SmileMakers, in partnership with NEA Member Benefits, has a great back-to-school special for KEA members through September 7th, 2013.  Use promo code NEAMB at checkout and receive up to 50% off on selected items, plus free shipping with your order of $25 or more. Visit www.smilemakers.com to order. 

The Kentucky Educational Television (KET) Health Three60 series begins its third season Wednesday night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time/8:00 p.m. Central time. A grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky makes the KET series possible.

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is accepting applications for the committee responsible for reviewing and revising Career and Technical Education Standards. To access the online application go to http://www.nbpts.org/standardsrevision. The application will be available through August 9, 2013.

KEA member Crystal Culp, has been named 2012-2013 Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Kentucky Collaborative for State Agency Children. She is the president of the McCracken County Education Association and teaches at the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Big news! Starting July 1st Staples will launch its new Reward A+ Classroom program where parents can direct Staples Rewards value to a designated educator both during back-to-school and throughout the upcoming School Year. Visit staples.com/rewardaclassroom for details.

The California Casualty Academic Award of $2500 will be awarded to a NEA/KEA member to be used for their classroom.  The deadline for application is July 31, 2013. Visit http://www.calcasacademicaward.com/ for an application form.

Stephanie Winkler, a fourth- and fifth-grade science teacher at Madison County’s Mayfield Elementary School, became president of KEA on June 15.Lisa Petrey-Kirk, who has taught history and social studies for 26 years at Anderson County Middle School, was elected vice president also took office on June 15. For more information visit http://www.kea.org/uploads/files/KEANews/2012-2013/KEANewsMay2013.pdf.  

Many Oklahoma EA members were adversely affected by the devastating tornado that swept through Oklahoma on May 19 and 20. Provide assistance at http://oeatornadorelief.eventbrite.com/#

A bipartisan bill was introduced in the House this week to repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which reduces public employees’ Social Security spousal or survivor benefits by two-thirds of their public pension, and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. For more information and to contact Congress, visit http://www.nea.org/home/16491.htm

Airplanes are taking off and landing on time again; America’s 7.4 million public school students deserve the same support and swift action. Tell Congress to make students and public education a priority, too. Visit http://www.nea.org/home/55375.htm and send a paper airplane message to Congress!

Teacher Appreciation Week will be celebrated May 6-10. National Teacher Day will be recognized on Tuesday, May 7. 

Make a real difference in the lives of amazing teachers nationwide by taking these five easy actions:

1. Urge your elected leaders to stand up for teachers and students by restoring funding for early childhood education, special ed, college work-study and more. 
2. Ask Congress to support educators where it really counts, in their pocketbooks. 
3. Support public education by making a donation to the NEA Foundation.  
4. Nominate an amazing teacher for People Magazine’s 2013 Teacher of the Year Award. 
5. Visit your local school and find out how you can help. Volunteer in the concession stand at a football game, donate supplies, or chaperone an event.

For more celebration suggestions, visit http://www.nea.org/grants/1359.htm

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 class of inductees into the Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.  The deadline is July 15, 2013. For details visit http://www.wku.edu/kythf/.

Clay County Education Association Local Members volunteered and donated money, along with the Clay County Local, in a relief effort for the families in the Goose Rock Community that were affected by the flooding of April 17, 2013.

KEA’s New Professionals Caucus is an initiative to attract and retain new professionals and encourage them to become leaders in KEA. It takes seconds to join so please follow the link to activate your membership today. Join at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XW3FHVP.

Tuesday, April 23rd there will be a television special entitled Real Change – Artists for Education - exclusively dedicated to raising money for teachers registered on AdoptAClassroom.org. Office Depot is the title sponsor. Teachers should go to www.officedepot.com/realchange to register and be eligible to receive funds that will be raised from the television special.

Election results for the NEA RA delegates have been verified by the KEA Constitution/Compliance Committee.  To view results, choose the East Region or the West Region.

To view alternate results, choose East Region or West Region.

Congratulations, Union County!  Having reached 100% participation on the TELL survey, Union County was selected this week as the district to receive $1,000 for one teacher.

The English Language Learners Program Summit is a continuation of the NEA’s commitment to ensuring a great public school for every student. The NEA ELL Program Summit will take place on April 19-21, 2013 in Austin, Texas. Nominations are due March 19, 2013.

On June 19-21, KEA will co-sponsor a conference “by, for and about” teachers. Registration will open in early-April. KEA invites members to consider making a presentation at the conference. The conference is co-sponsored by KEA, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and the Kentucky Department of Education. Deadline for presenter application is April 15, 2013.

On June 19-21, KEA will co-sponsor a conference “by, for and about” teachers. Registration will open in early-April. KEA invites members to consider making a presentation at the conference. The conference is co-sponsored by KEA, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and the Kentucky Department of Education. Watch www.kea.org for more information. Presenters who are interested should review the guidelines and download the application.

Have you completed the TELL survey? Do you have questions or need surveys? Contact the New Teacher Center at helpdesk@tellkentucky.org if you need assistance with the survey.

Kentucky has 268 new NBCTs!  The NBCT's, their guests, KY House and Senate legislators, and other education dignitaries gathered for a ceremony honoring their new Board Certified status today at the Governor’s Mansion.

The National Education Association’s 2013 Read Across America Cat-A-Van Tour stopped in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, on February 26 for visits to Martin Luther King, Jr., Elementary School and Belmont Elementary School.

Congratulations, Cayeann! Cayanne Cowan, who teaches 8th Grade Math at Sharp Middle School in Pendleton County received the very first NKEA Teacher of the Year Award on Thursday, February 28.