100+ Days – I had the pleasure of visiting Cochise on the 100th day of school where teachers were visibly announcing that yes, 100 days had passed. SEA’s very own site rep, Jennifer Blalock donned an apron bedecked with 100 colorful plastic clothespins, transforming herself into what I saw as a modern day kachina smilingly celebrating teachers and students.

Celebration makes me think of all SEA has achieved this year in little more than 100 days. Our achievements would not have occurred without the collective effort of your SEA leadership team. Jerry Smith, SEA’s VP, has regularly provided important perspectives on SUSD ‘s past that have influenced and strengthened and developed successful membership, advocacy, and negotiation strategies .

SEA’s secretary Rony Assali leads our dynamic membership committee (which includes VP Jerry Smith and at-large members Danielle Nowak, Katie Assali, Paul Glonek and Tom Roxborough). Their hours of dedication that have produced amazingly successful get-togethers could not have occurred without Rony. That Rony extends his commitment and effort as Secretary to Rep Council as well is a testimony to his dedication to SEA.

Advocacy successes have been many. Most notably and recently: the reversal of a letter of reprimand to a letter of direction; the revision of a letter of reprimand to one that includes important situational context; the removal of scheduled parent teacher conference evenings from the calendars of four high schools; the 2012-2013 calendar change that provides all teachers and students optimal learning time and downtime; helping to schedule a revisit to the plate day initiative (set for February 29th and identified as “Taking the Next Leap" by Dr. Peterson).

SEA member successes!
Without your financial support of our professional organization, AEA could not have won their great ASRS victory that will put more money back into the pockets of all those working in public education.

More successes: Besides the great work of advocate committee members Amy Parker and Ellen Meltzer, SEA has seen more and more building reps taking a leap into the advocacy leadership roles and they have been fantastic: Ron Rossman, Diane Knudsen, Regina Morgan to name a few.

Successes to come: Whiting out the black-out policy!
The Meet & Confer team led by the invaluable Josh Pantier, the irreplaceable past-president, Eric Kurland, elementary-school ace David Bernstein, and I have studied the survey results, listened to your feedback in the field and are determined to bring results based on your clear, collective message.

Please check the SEA website for minutes from our next M&C meeting, January 31st to learn about our progress and thank you for your commitment and dedication to public school students in this he stressful age of high-stakes testing.

Educators united for the purpose of improving the professional lives of each member