THE APPLECORE, June, 2003A Message from the LMEA President It is the practice of the LMSD to let the LMEA hold a General Membership meeting following the LMEA/LMSD breakfast and opening remarks by the superintendent. The LMEA meeting will not be more than an hour. It is an opportunity for you to learn about the many services the LMEA provides, the operating procedures of the LMEA, and the current issues facing the LMEA. The LMEA leadership recognizes that we are an interest group. Staff involvement is minimal but welcomed. We know that when your support is needed, you are there. This was evident during the last months of contract negotiations when the Settlement Task Force was created. You were there during the health/prescription debacle the first year of the contract. A significant number of members attended the Special General Membership meeting and the Alfie Kohn presentation to learn about No Child Left Behind and what to do about it. Because of your support, the LMEA was able to generate results that benefit you, your family, and the children we serve. Next September, please make it a point to stay for the meeting. Encourage members who try to leave to stay. Remind them of the importance to show support for the LMEA leadership and demonstrate to the Board and the community that we are united. It is only an hour but an important one nevertheless. Besides, you can not return to school since the buses are scheduled to leave after the meeting. Your attendance will make a difference with future LMEA actions. It will directly affect you. Today, many believe that the best approach to managing schools is to train teachers in a specific program and monitor the implementation. Administrators then determine the effectiveness based on their professional opinion or student performance. The underlying assumptions are that children learn the same way, at the same rate, and to the same level. I refer to this as the “cookie cutter” model. This leads to the inexorable conclusion that schools are failing, the problem is easy to fix, and that all children will be proficient by 2014. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Teaching is a profession. Complex decision making occurs everyday in the classroom for children to learn. Empowering administrators to control classrooms instead of facilitating for classroom teachers will not change public education. A systemic change to empower teachers is needed. Teachers should be included in all aspects of an educational system. Current research and practice tells us that teaching is diagnostic and prescriptive. Children have different learning styles, learn at different rates, and understand at different levels. The irony is, that at the same time legislators, Boards, and administrations support the current research, they reinforce the current bureaucracy and institutional structures that will prevent the very change they articulate. For public schools to survive and gain the respect they deserve, public schools must undergo a cultural change. The profession at all levels must reform its roles and responsibilities. The practices of the professional at all levels must change. I believe this started in the early nineties but has regressed. Unions and associations play a key role. They provide the checks and balances that protect and enhance the interests of professionals and educational support professionals. There wasn’t a time in history when these checks and balances were needed more. Be sure to attend the General Membership meeting in September. Your participation is important! LMEA Email Hotline This year, the LMEA created an email hotline. The purpose of the hotline is to inform you of stealth legislation and other local, state, and national situations that may require immediate action. If you have not done so, please email your private email address to Glenn Rosazzo at ro22347@yahoo.com. LMEA Retirement Banquet Once again, the annual LMEA Retirement Banquet held at Drexelbrook on June 4 was a tremendous success. Libations and delicious food was enjoyed by all who attended to honor this year’s retirees. A special thanks to Darlene Mandarino and Lisa McDevitt for coordinating this wonderful event. LMEA Scholarship Run The first LMEA Scholarship Run held Sunday May 18 got off to a fast start. More than 60 participated as runners and volunteers in this enjoyable activity to raise money for the Lower Merion Township Scholarship Fund. Next year, we hope to increase the filed to 150 runners. Pete Dawson did a fantastic job promoting and organizing the event. Thanks Pete. LMEA Unit Meeting This year, unit meetings were held at each building throughout the District. The meetings were interesting and provided useful information for the LMEA leadership. The LMEA intends to continue this practice next year. Upcoming Events June 29-July 5 NEA Representative Assembly-New Orleans If you have any issues or concerns that you need addressed, please contact your building representative. |