We handed out hundreds of copies of the issue at the district rally on August 11. If you didn't get a copy, you can grab one here.

The following letter from the President of the AEA to all district employees is published in the first issue of the Academy Journal of Education, which will be released to the public on August 11th. The Journal is a quarterly publication which contains news, opinion, interviews, reviews, and other content focused on educational issues and District 20.

Are you being non-renewed? Don't get pressured into resigning, and know your rights. Check out the story on non-renewal versus resignation. Also, be sure to understand District 20 Personnel Policies, especially the policy on evaluation of licensed staff.

SB191 passed a vote yesterday, in spite of the CEA rally in front of the capitol building; Academy Association members, along with educators from around the state, expressed their displeasure with the senate. The bill would establish a teacher evaluation system that is tied to student performance. Implementing such a system leads to a host of problems. Aside from the obvious problems of measuring performance in Sped and ESL, student performance is not simply a question of teacher performance. Students are motivated to learn in large part due to the culture of learning that they experience at home. Unfortunately, many students come from homes and communities in which learning is not valued. Teachers struggle to counter such values. Teachers should not be held accountable for factors that are beyond their control. For more information, check out the CEA's position on SB191.

After the rally, a palpably angry mood prevailed at the CEA Delegate Assembly. Packed with over 500 educators, the Assembly gave an animated response to Representative Jack Pommer, who spoke about the legislature's betrayal of education. Later, when Colorado Senate President Brandon Shaffer spoke to the crowd, he was not well-received, and booing and hissing punctuated parts of his speech.

 If you're considering joining the Association for the first time, check out the benefits of our Early Enrollment window from April 1 to May 31. 

Please join Association members and non-members for the Holiday Social on December 11th, 2009. We will meet at Pizza Time (8794 North Union Blvd.) from 4:00 - 6:00pm. There will be a raffle for several prizes, including a Dell Netbook!

Are you a building representative (also called an AR)? There's a training coming up just for YOU! You are the first contact for members! Find out how to do the job more effectively AND efficiently!

I've heard several people ask this question over the last few days, so I thought I'd post my response. In D20, you have a choice. You can join the AEA, or you can join PACE.

The AEA is the only true professional organization in the district. It is a community and organization that fosters best practices at the local, state, and national level. The Association stands for reducing class sizes, making schools safer, securing technology resources, and increasing school funding. The Association offers liability protection to educators and has attorneys on-staff who understand the litigation involved with education.

PACE, on the other hand, is an anti-union, anti-public school, anti-educator organization. It offers fewer services and protections, does not have local associations, and does not actively foster best practices in education at the local, state, and national level. If you want the Wal-mart of professional organizations, PACE is it. Do your research on PACE.

The social at Pizza Time was a success. During two hours, quite a few people filtered in and out and enjoyed pizza and beverages while socializing. The conversations covered a wide range of topics: RTI, the district budget (where should the $186 million go?), the place of data and standard assessments in education, literature (especially the works of Pat Conroy), the need for smaller class sizes and more physical education, movies, music, and much more. The opinions expressed were variously candid, irreverent, and thought-provoking.

The AEA Membership Committee is planning, and will shortly announce, a regular monthly series of socials, the purpose of which (aside from having a good time) is to foster dialogue and community among our members.

I know we are close to having those smiling kids in our rooms, but even the busiest teacher needs a break! Please pass this through your buildings today. There is an AEA Social today (Aug. 14) at Pizza Time in the Albertson's Shopping Center at Union and Research from 3:00-5:00 pm. AEA is buying the pizza and soda. Come on over for a quick break and grab a slice. Invite a non-member to come too. See you there.