PEA

focus
on educators
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
following: Provide to local educational agencies a process that involves teachers, and is consistent with the implementation of standards-based curricula

focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org

The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.

OCTOBER 2013

significant departure from the current practice, especially since assessments will be computerassisted and constructed at higher depth of knowledge levels. Teachers are the experts closest to the students in the classroom and must be included in discussions around curriculum, textbooks, training, materials, planning and collaboration time, assessments, and other relevant items. Other districts such as West Contra Costa have agreed to pay teachers to be part of Common Core workgroups, including academic and technology committees. Additionally, 3 days (per diem) will be added to their salary schedule for additional professional development in 2014-15. We hope to reach an agreement with our district that acknowledges teachers important role in the process of implementation.
Interested in getting involved in Common Core implementation? Talk to your Site Rep or email: dawn@peateachers.org

Volume XXII, Number 2

In this Issue - Teacher of the Year - Meet Your Executive Board - Know Your Contract - Do California Teachers Have Tenure? - CTA News

Presidents Message
Dear Colleagues, During the first 8 weeks of school I have been able to visit many school sites and speak with many members. Thank you for the important work you do each day educating the students of Pittsburg. I am very proud to represent you.

One of the current PEA Executive Board priorities is to get an agreement with the district on including teachers in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) implementation process. The district has received $2.1 million for implementation; some of this money, along with reserves, has already been spent on technology upgrades including infrastructure and equipment. Besides joint PD planning, teachers from our Association have not been included in discussions with district leaders on the subject of how the Common Core will be implemented or how money will be allocated. The PEA Executive Board believes teachers deserve a seat at the table regarding CCSS implementation. We have the right to negotiate issues that impact teaching and learning conditions and consult on other matters. The Common Core State Standards, along with more rigorous assessments, are a

Common Core
Ed. Code 60208 It is the intent of the Legislature to do both of the

In Unity, Dawn Cova PEA President

PEA Leadership 2013-2014

President Dawn Cova Rancho Medanos/PEA Office Elementary Vice President Tammy Carr Highlands Elementary Secondary Vice President Shelly Bascomb Rancho Medanos Secretary Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary Treasurer Gale Higgins Stoneman Elementary Committee Chairs: Grievance Committee John Kleinjans Pittsburg High Negotiations Team Mark Maselli - Chair Political Action Committee Iris Contreras - Chair Elections Chair Ruth Foster Human Rights Committee Tasharie Ameral Womens Issues Committee Allison Azevedo - Chair O-Team Vacant CTA State Council Representatives Iris Contreras PEA Sara Savacool, Robert Strickler - AEA Alternate Pandora Bethea - AEA CTA Director District C Terri Jackson NEA Director for California, District 3 Greg Bonaccorsi Technical Editor Susan Harrison PEA Site Secretary Focus on Educators is a publication of the Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA 159 East 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-0199 fax: (925) 432-4854 email: info@peateachers.org website: www.peateachers.org

Rep. Council Meeting Calendar

October 16 November 20 December 18 January 22 February 19 March 19 April 16 May 21 June 4 ***********************************

School Board Meeting Calendar

October 9 & 23 November 13 December 11 January TBD February TBD March TBD April TBD May TBD June TBD ***********************************

Are you getting your PEA information?

Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep meeting and then report back to you is vital in the communication chain of our Association. Roll call at last September 18th Rep Council Meeting: Foothill present Heights present Highlands present Los Medanos present Marina Vista present Parkside present Stoneman present Willow Cove present MLK Jr. present Hillview - present Rancho Medanos present PHS - present Black Diamond present Adult Ed. absent

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Please give your personal email address to your Site Rep in order to stay connected! 2

Congratulations, 2013 PUSD Teacher of the Year Miranda Viechec-Lingbaoan

More than two dozen supporters of Pittsburg Teacher of the Year Miranda Viechec-Lingboan attended the County Teacher of the Year Dinner on Thursday, September 26 at the Concord Hilton. Mirandas teaching colleagues, current and former principals, vice principals, PUSD Superintendent, district administrators, School Board member, family, and friends were in attendance. PEA was proud to sponsor 7 teachers and PEA members (Sara Bryan, Linda Sturgis, Cathy Heard, Kirsten Gunnerson, Jennifer Bowen, Allison Azevedo, and Dawn Cova), to attend the dinner and celebrate such an outstanding and dedicated teacher. Miranda was recognized for her wonderful teaching in 4th grade and she is now an Instructional Coach (Teacher on Special Assignment) at Hillview JHS.

Miranda with PUSD School Board Member Duane Smith

Miranda with her former principal, Karen Clark (now Coordinator of Elementary Instruction) Miranda Viechec-Lingbaoan with her husband Foothill teacher El Lingbaoan

Miranda with Heights teachers Linda Sturgis (left) and Sara Bryan (right)

Miranda with a group of her supporters

Labor 2 Labor Dinner

I had the fortunate opportunity to join our fantastic president, Dawn, at the Labor 2 Labor Dinner on Friday September 20th held in the Crowne Plaza Concord Hotel. It was the 15th annual recognition and awards dinner organized by the Central Labor Council of Contra Costa County, AFL-CIO, and Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council. CTA was one of many unions from around Contra Costa County to be a part of the dinner, so I felt lucky to be there. Before heading into the dining area, there was time to network in the lobby that featured a Japanese Koi pond. It was lively and HOT, but definitely worth the time to learn about other people who are active in their unions. Fixated on the anticipation of food and a cool breeze, I headed towards the dining hall along with others. The 6:30 starting time had long past and we were assured dinner would be starting soon. I couldnt help but look at the closed doors with that open, open, open chant in my head for about 10 more minutes. Finally we were able to be seated and I searched for my numbered table. My table had members of the Mt. Diablo teachers union and the table adjacent included members of the Antioch teachers union. Our wonderful CTA representative, Rosemary Louissaint, sat next to me while Dawn sat on the other side. I was in good company. Dinner was served and there were many wonderful conversations around our table. Soon, speakers came to the stage to start the program. The master of ceremonies was John May, president of the Contra Costa Central Labor Council. He did an excellent job with transitions and introductions of the many participants in the evenings program. There were surprising remarks given by a variety of speakers. A few people that come to mind are Tony Lam of Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 104 awarded Activist of the Year; Steve Older of IAMAW Lodge 1546 awarded Labor Leader of the Year, and Rebecca Band the president of Young Workers Council California Labor Federation who was also the keynote speaker. Each of these people made an impression on me. Tony Lam and Steve Older were greatly supported when they came to the stage to accept their awards. Both men were very humble and spoke of their commitment to their union and middle class workers. Rebecca spoke about what unions need in order to sustain and grow in the future through bridging the gap with younger workers. Even with those wonderful speakers there were still two people who I will never forget hearing. First, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson was a surprising addition to the presenters of the night. He spoke of the commitment to our students, the incredible job

teachers do, as well as all the people who are in labor industries influencing and supporting education. He was not only an inspiring orator but also very relatable. Dawn and I ended up speaking with him after the dinner and he left me with an impression of awe and inspiration. Tom Torlakson has such a heart for education and those who work in the field daily. I still cant believe I had the chance to meet him. What an honor! The other person that had the crowd on their feet was Congressman George Miller. He gave an amazing talk about what was happening in our government and addressed concerns related to middle-class families everywhere. I literally couldnt stop looking at him as he bounded around the stage during his passionate speech. When he was finished, no one in the room was left seated. We were all up on our feet giving great applause. That ended the evening program and made me hope to someday be there again. Respectfully, Tammy Carr

Tammy Carr, Tom Torlakson, Californias Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Dawn Cova

Congressman George Miller

Meet your PEA Treasurer Gale Higgins

I retired from a 30 year banking career in order to work with kids, so teaching is my second career. 2013-14 marks the 11th year Ive been a teacher, working in 3rd grade the entire time. Im happy to work in the same town I live in, and totally enjoy my work with the students. However, being involved in the union is another story! I was suddenly thrust into service in 2010 when PEA was in desperate need of my financial expertise. As I dug into the Treasurers job, I learned about the role PEA plays in our work lives. I discovered the crucial work that goes on behind the scenes which ensures we have a safe and fair work environment. I also learned how critical it is for each and every one of us to take part in voicing or demonstrating our wishes and concerns to Administration when work conditions are not safe or fair. I now truly understand the importance of solidarity! ************************************

Meet your PEA Vice President ElementaryTammy Carr

I am in my eleventh year of teaching fourth grade at Highlands Elementary. All of my teaching career has been in PUSD. Ive been a rep at my site and I was PEA Secretary for three years. I now hold the position of PEA Vice President of Elementary, and this is my second year on the bargaining team. Im very excited about what we as a union will accomplish this new school year. My new position allows me to build a relationship with the community of Pittsburg with member support. Reaching out to parents, community leaders, organizations our students and parents are involved in, as well as PEA members ties to the area will help us accomplish our aspiration of community outreach. As an organization we gain our strength through our membership. All of us are part of the union. I look forward to working with everyone in achieving goals that will benefit us as teachers as well as the students we advocate for on a daily basis. ************************************

Meet your PEA Vice President SecondaryShelly Bascomb

I have been a teacher for 18 years, 16 of them in Pittsburg. I taught English at the high school for 14 of those years and have been a full-release BTSA Mentor for the last 2 years. While I miss my students, I have found being a BTSA Mentor very rewarding. I've been involved with the Union for 3 years now: my first year as a Rep, my second year as the O-Team Chair, and last year as the Secondary Vice-President. I'm honored to serve as the Secondary Vice-Principal again this year. For me, the Union is all about giving the teachers a Voice. I feel strongly that we need to take instructional decisions out of the hands of politicians and put them back into the hands of the teachers who are the trained experts. I urge all who read this to join your Union Leadership in strengthening the role of the teacher in the education profession. Thank you!

Meet your PEA Secretary Chris Coan

I am the PEA Secretary for the 2013-2014 school year. I teach Science prep at Willow Cove and have been teaching for a total of 18 years in Pittsburg. I have served PEA as a school site representative, Grievance Chair, Elementary Vice President and as President. I am a strong union supporter as I have had the opportunity to see how our union protects our students and us.

REALITY CHECK

Do California Teachers Have Tenure?

Educate yourself, and then share with others who may believe these misconceptions.

function of due process is to insist that decisions about the quality of instruction in the schools be based on educational reasons, rather than on prejudicial or inappropriate selfish reasons. MYTH #5: Tenure protects the incompetent teacher. The truth is that California Teachers Association policy for many years has insisted that Evaluation Is the Key to Excellence. Where sound evaluation practices exists, it is the teacher whose inadequacies are identified and who is most affected by the need to improve, or in the absence of improvement, will be dismissed under due process provisions. Therefore, due process is a mechanism for evaluation of instruction which exposes rather than protects incompetence. MYTH #6: A good teacher doesnt need tenure. The truth is that teachers who perform satisfactorily need the protection of due process and it is the competent teacher who is most needed to maintain and improve the quality of education for pupils. Every educational employee is entitled to due process. The broad spectrum of instructional practices and differing methodologies require equal protection guaranteed under California laws. The competent teacher needs the due process laws! From CTAs Evaluation: Key to Excellence (2005) ************************************

MYTHS ABOUT DUE PROCESS

Current misconceptions regarding the law have created several myths about tenure, popularly held, but all false. Paramount among these is: MYTH #1: There is a tenure law in California for K-14. The truth is, California dismissal law doesnt refer to tenure. The concept of tenure as it developed in the medieval university has no connection with current practice, which provides only dismissal procedures guaranteeing due process rights and pertinent reasons for dismissal actions. Tenure has become a popular term used as a scapegoat for the real problems, which are ineffective evaluation of instruction, poor administrative practices, and inadequate investment by the public schools in experimentation, research and development, and in-service education. MYTH #2: Tenure is a lifetime guarantee of employment. The truth is that teachers have permanent status, not tenure. Within permanent status there is a procedure for dismissing teachers which guarantees due process and impartial consideration of the facts when disagreement about the facts exists. MYTH #3: You cant fire a tenured teacher in California. The truth is that teachers are fired every year under the dismissal laws in California. In addition, when difficulties in dismissing teachers arise under the law, it is inadequate application of the law by administrators, and not the law itself, that is at fault. MYTH #4: Tenure is designed to protect teachers. The truth is that due process was developed and exists primarily to protect pupils and schools from political, social and economic interference with pupils right to a continuing program of quality education. The major

Know your Contract

Compensation for Class Coverage
Article 6.4 A bargaining unit member who volunteers or is assigned to teach all or any part of a period during his/her preparation time shall be compensated. Compensation for class coverage shall be one-half (1/2) the Class Coverage hourly rate for the first fifteen (15) minutes of coverage. Compensation for class coverage above (15) minutes shall be at the full Class Coverage hourly rate. 6.4.2 A period is defined at the secondary level, as the length of a student period for the day during which the substitution takes place. At the elementary level, a period is the length of teachers preparation period contained in this Agreement. For Kindergarten, a period is defined by clock hours. If an absent classroom teachers class is divided among multiple

teachers, then each unit member who takes or receives additional students for all or part of the day shall be given credit for one period of coverage and shall be compensated at the Class Coverage hourly rate of pay. In addition, bargaining unit members who substitute during their regular work day (e.g. kindergarten teachers, teachers on special assignment, etc.) shall be given credit for one-half (1/2) period for the first fifteen (15) minutes of substituting and one full period for substituting that exceeds fifteen (15) minutes. 6.4.3 Each site administrator shall compile a list of bargaining unit members who wish to volunteer for class coverage. The volunteer list shall be posted at a central location chosen by the site administrator. A second roster shall be compiled listing the remaining bargaining unit members at that site. If no volunteers are available for substituting, substitutes are to be selected from the second list. The second list shall be made available to any bargaining unit member to review upon request. Bargaining unit members shall be requested to substitute on a fair and equitable basis. A 120% contract is authorized only for unit members teaching a class during their preparation period. ************************************

website coveredca.com. If you have any other questions, please contact me at mmaselli2001@yahoo.com. Respectfully submitted Mark Maselli, Bargaining Chair ************************************

An Extra Check Will Increase Your Taxable Income THIS YEAR

Several months ago the district notified our members that we would no longer receive a check on January 1st. We will now receive a check at the end of December. For families who receive grants or other subsidies based on income, this may affect you adversely. Consider making a one-time contribution to your 403b during the month of December to prevent your income from rising excessively for 2013. This would be a pre-tax contribution in your investment plan. In order to change the deduction in December, you must notify payroll by Friday, November 29th. Contact Rae Cuyugan in payroll if you have questions. Next year your income will level-out again as the extra check in December affects 2013 only. ************************************

The Affordable Health Care Act

There has been a lot of talk about the Affordable Care Act in the media but the big question around here is How does it affect me? As a PEA member it does not affect you as much as it does many other people. If you go to coveredca.com you will find the website for the California implementation of the health insurance law. The website allows people to shop for insurance by imputing their family information and shopping for the plan they like the best. There are four levels of plans. There are bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans. The bronze plan has the lowest premium cost but the highest out-of-pocket cost when you see the doctor, pay for prescriptions, etc. The Platinum plan is the opposite; it has the highest monthly premium cost but lowest out-of-pocket costs. Silver and gold fit in on the continuum as you would expect. The plan we currently have through the district would fall somewhere between the gold and platinum plans on Covered California. With the amount that the district contributes currently you probably would not find a more affordable insurance plan on the exchange. If you do buy on the exchange, you must understand that you would have to pay the full premium on your own; since our district offers what is considered affordable health insurance, we are not eligible for subsidies. I would suggest everyone go to the

Union Representation
If you are asked to attend a meeting with an administrator, you have a right to know the purpose of the meeting. If you believe the meeting may be part of an investigation, is disciplinary in nature, or that discipline might flow from it, you have a right to take a Union Representative with you. If the District does not allow your Union Rep to attend, you may refuse to answer any questions. And, if your Union Rep is with you, she or he may not bar from speaking. These are known as "Weingarten rights," named after a 1975 U.S. Supreme Court decision that secured representation rights for Union members. However, the District is not required to inform you of your right to bring a Union Rep. So, be sure to make it clear, preferably in writing, that you want a Union Rep to be present. Otherwise, you may be deemed to have waived your right to Union Representation. ************************************

Can my principal give me a write-up?

Our Collective Bargaining Agreement has a process for Progressive Discipline. Administrators may not arbitrarily or capriciously discipline you. Be familiar with the following steps and note there is no such thing as a write-up.

working days during a school year. In all instances, however, the length of a suspension will relate to the severity of the action. ************************************

Do employees have a dress code?

PUSD Board Policy 4119.22: The Board of Education believes that appropriate dress and grooming by district employees contribute to a productive learning environment and model positive behavior. During school hours and at school activities, employees shall maintain professional standards of dress and grooming that demonstrate their high regard for education, present an image consistent with their job responsibilities and assignment, and not endanger the health or safety of employees or students. All employees shall be held to the same standards unless their assignment provides for modified dress as approved by their supervisor. PEA encourages you to please use your professional judgment. Also know that PEA has the right to negotiate a specific dress code and your principals may not tell you what you can and cannot wear. ************************************

Article 25.3 Progressive Discipline

The following progressive discipline procedures will be applied except where the serious nature of the offense may require the District to directly impose a written warning, written reprimand, or suspension without pay.

25.3.1Verbal Counseling/Warning
The district shall first issue a verbal counseling/warning before imposing further discipline. Verbal counseling/warning may result in a post-conference summary memorandum. Post-conference summary memorandum will not be placed in the unit members Personnel File, but may be attached to a subsequent Letter or Warning and/or Letter of Reprimand and included in the Personnel File.

25.3.2 Written Warning

Subject to 25.2.1 above, written warnings will not be used unless the unit member has been verbally warned about similar actions within the last four (4) years. A Written Warning will not be placed in the unit members Personnel File at the time of delivery, but may be attached to a subsequent Letter of Reprimand and included in the Personnel File.

CA Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Law

Who Are Mandated Reporters?
Penal Code 11165.7 defines "mandated reporters as any of the following: A teacher An instructional aide A classified employee of any public school An administrative officer or supervisor of child welfare and attendance A certificated pupil personnel employee of any public or private school

25.3.3 Written Reprimand

Subject to 25.2.1 above, written reprimands will not be used unless the unit member has received a written warning about similar actions within the last four (4) years. The unit member will be provided with a copy of the reprimand and a copy will be placed in the unit members Personnel File. The unit member may attach a written response in a timely manner. Written Reprimands (the procedure) shall be grievable when not brought to the attention of the unit member in a timely manner and/or violates Article 24: Non-Discrimination. Content of Written Reprimands are not grievable.

Why Must You Report?

25.3.4 Suspension without Pay

Subject to 25.2.1 above, suspensions will not be used unless the unit member has received a written reprimand about similar actions within the last four (4) years twelve (12) months. No unit member will be suspended more than (15)

The primary intent of the reporting law is to protect an abused child from further abuse. Protecting the identified child may also provide the opportunity to protect other children. It is equally important to provide help for the parents. Parents may be unable to ask for help directly, and child abuse may be their way of calling attention to family problems. The report of abuse may be a catalyst for bringing about change in the home environment, which in turn may help to lower the risk of abuse in the home. (Next month: what constitutes Child Abuse & Neglect under the law)

NEWS
From CTA President, Dean Vogel
A new round of research is confirming what weve always known: Local educators know what is best for their students. The Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA), one of Californias most ambitious intervention programs for lowperforming schools, is now in its sixth year of full implementation in nearly 400 schools across the state. Since its beginning in 2007-08, the California Teachers Association (CTA) has funded an independent, multi-year study of QEIA schools and has released the first installment of a five-part publication series detailing the implementation and impacts of the program. The first report, titled Cultivating Change in Schools: A Deeper Look at QEIA Implementation, takes a closer look at how 34 schools implemented QEIA, explains why QEIA works in some schools while other schools continue to struggle, investigates the various impacts of QEIA, and uncovers promising practices that can be shared with all schools. Here are a few of the lessons we are learning from QEIA: Professional development that was chosen by teachers and tightly aligned to school goals was viewed as both meaningful and relevant, and led to immediate results in the classroom. Class size reduction resulted in a better learning environment for students, more instructional time, and decreased workload for teachers, and helped lead to better teacher morale and increased student engagement. It also allowed teachers the time to explore innovative approaches to the challenges their students were facing. When time and commitment for stakeholders to collaborate was partnered with a clear vision for the collaboration and sufficient resources, stronger professional communities were cultivated, leading to greater collective accountability. ************************************

Teaching Resources

Detail from the 125-foot-long mural in Atlanta by artist Louis Deserted

Interested in teaching Civil Rights at 50?

Check out these sites: Civilrights50.net/lesson plans/ thekingcenter.org equaljusticesociety.org nea.org/tools/LessonPlans.html

Bullying Prevention
Find out how to identify bullying, advocate for bullied students, and intervene in bullying incidents at nea.org/bully free.

One caring adult can make all the difference. NEAs Bully Free: It Starts With Me campaign asks you to fill out a pledge form so that you can be that one caring adult. Take the pledge online and get a poster for your classroom! 9

PEA
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Calendar
OCTOBER 2013

PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM Columbus Day No School Professional Development Day PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM

NOVEMBER 2013
3 Daylight Savings Time Ends 5 Election Day 6 PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 11 Veterans Day No School 13 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 20 PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 25-29 Thanksgiving Break 27 Hanukkah Begins at Sundown 28 Thanksgiving
Next Deadline for Articles is Monday, November 11, 2013
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