FrontLine: June 15, 2011

MSEA's 2011 General Assembly Scorecard

ISSUES AND ADVOCACY

2011 General Assembly Scorecard

This year, the big education issues in Maryland were school funding and educators' pensions—issues that touch on everything from class size, curriculum, and program funding, to maintaining a competitive salary and benefit package that will attract and keep great educators.

Learn more about MSEA's Report Card, and find out how your senators and delegates voted on the critical issues affecting Maryland educators, students, and schools.

Last chance to vote! The State Retirement and Pension System election ends Friday

Learn why MSEA supports Theresa Lochte for pension board trustee: she's a veteran public school employee and experienced advocate for educators.

Then, cast your ballot online before the deadline on Friday, June 17.

 

NEWS AND EVENTS

Are you headed to the Save Our Schools (SOS) March on Saturday,
July 30 in Washington, D.C.?

Educators, parents, and concerned community members are rallying to demand a humane, empowering education for every child in America.

"We are organizing to revitalize an education system that, for too many children, focuses more on test preparation than actual education," say SOS organizers on their website. Learn more about the July 30 march, and RSVP online.

 

AFI Silverdocs Documentary Film Festival
Featuring a number of education documentaries, including Cafeteria Man and The Bully Project, the Silverdocs movie festival will be held June 20-26 in Silver Spring. Download the flier for details.

 

YOUR PROFESSION

Contests and trainings

• MSEA's Closing the Achievement Gaps Contest
  Have you developed creative ways to reach students in Maryland public schools?
  
  Share your story for the chance to win an iPad or other great prizes. Deadline: July 1.
  
  
• 2011 Summer Training Series: Navigating Your Way to Great Public Schools!
  At MSEA's 2011 Summer Training Series, held August 2-4 in Silver Spring, you’ll learn how to educate, activate, and mobilize your fellow educators. Registration deadline: July 15.
  
  

Advising new educators

This summer, thousands of new educators will be preparing for their first year of teaching. What's your best advice for them? What do you know now that you wish you knew in your first year?

Share your ideas in NEA's discussion forums.

 

MEMBER BENEFITS

NEA members save up to 50 percent off all SmileMakers products

SmileMakers is an online teacher store for student rewards, classroom decor, and more.

• NEA members receive up to 50 percent off and free shipping on all orders, with no minimum!
• Use promo code NEAMB when placing your order at smilemakers.com.
  
  

Free admission to Historic St. Mary’s City for teachers and school staff

Historic St. Mary’s City would like to thank Maryland educators and support staff for their hard work throughout the year by offering free admission during the month of July.

You are invited to show your Maryland school ID on entry and enjoy a day exploring the site of Maryland’s first capital at no charge. Learn more and plan your trip!