May, 2008

There are a few opportunities that have just come up. Please look them over and see if this is something that would interest you in moving forward in a leadership position.

OSPI has been working with teachers, principals, district office staff and community members to create a series of recommendations for the Basic Education Finance Task Force. This legislative committee is considering critical topics such as salary and other compensation, professional development, staffing ratios, and supports for struggling students. For each topic area, a Professional Judgment Panel will review the recommendations and provide professional input.

You are invited to participate in one or several of the Professional Judgment Panels. Dates and times are listed below; all meetings will be at the Puget Sound ESD in Renton. OSPI will pay for your sub.

David Morrill at OSPI (David.Morrill@k12.wa.us) is coordinating RSVPs so please respond directly to him with your preferred dates.

Staffing Ratios: Classified, Certificated Instructional, Administrative
Purpose: Identify the staffing ratios that should be funded; identify the appropriate phase-in/priorities; identify the categories of funding.

Professional Judgment Panel: 5/20, 1 - 5 p.m., Puget Sound ESD, Cayuse Room

Salaries: Certificated Instructional
Purpose: Recommend a method to fund base and knowledge/skills-based salaries for certificated
instructional staff; evaluate and possibly recommend a regional adjustment method for base salaries.

Professional Judgment Panel: 5/21, 8 a.m. - Noon, Puget Sound ESD, Cayuse Room

Struggling Students
Purpose: Identify the resources that schools need to implement research-proven models of assistance
for struggling students.

Professional Judgment Panel: 5/22, 8 a.m. - Noon, Puget Sound ESD, Chinook Room

Induction and Professional Development

Professional Judgment Panel: 5/22, 1-5pm, Puget Sound ESD

April, 2008

What an incredibly encouraging legislative session! Thank you to all of you who took that step forward, contacted your legislator via email or mail, invited that policy maker to coffee, and made yourself a stronger leader in education.

There are a few items I wanted to cover as we quickly approach the end of this school year. First, I want to encourage each of you to consider attending the CSTP advocacy training this summer. If you would like to learn more about speaking to legislators and other policy makers as well as the media, this is the perfect opportunity for you! The application for this on the CSTP (Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession) website: http://www.cstp-wa.org/ and while you are there…check out the various opportunities in taking on a leadership position here in the state of Washington and beyond! There is a link to WNN there if you haven't checked that out lately.

Secondly, if you inspired but not sure about what to do next, you might want to take a look at a great resource on the NSDC website called "The Power of One". It is free for members and costs a little for non-members but it has GREAT ideas. Here is the link: http://www.nsdc.org/publications/articleDetails.cfm?articleID=1614

Finally, I would truly appreciate ANY and ALL feedback that you are willing to give regarding the following questions:

• What have you found to be helpful tools in connecting with policymakers?
• What barriers have arisen?
• What other forms of support do you need?

I want to try to make this an even stronger and more worthwhile site for you to get the info you need to work with your policy makers. Help become a real "go-to" person to bring about positive change in education here in Washington State. Send comments to: network@cstp-wa.org

And…even though summer is closing in… remember to keep an eye on the Education Finance Task Force through the summer and to plan on inviting local legislators to your school events at the end of year. Summer is an excellent time to connect as well by meeting them for coffee!

Thank you for another worthwhile year of making change happen! I am proud of all of you!

Debra Howell, NBCT
WNN Liaison Coordinator

March 14, 2008

Important Legislative Updates…

I know you JUST received an email from me earlier this week…but there are some FABULOUS items related to National Board that just passed through the legislature recently.

First of all…The bill to include National Board bonuses in retirement compensation passed! The final step is for Governor Gregoire to sign the bill into law. This is extremely important to all of us, but most especially those approaching retirement.

The other two National Board-related bills did not pass. These included changing the definition of a high-needs school and providing bonuses to principals with National Board Certification. The good news is that both of them were funded in the budget anyway, as follows:

1) Definition for schools qualifying for additional high-needs bonus changed to 70% for elementary, 60% for junior/middle and 50% for high school from the existing 70% definition for all levels

and

2) Public school principals who have National Board Certification will be eligible for the base $5,000 bonus and the additional $5,000 bonus if they work in a high-needs school

This is terrific information for all of us! Thank you for your continued efforts to contact legislators and become the "go-to educator" that can give valuable insights about what is going on in education now.

In addition to the above mentioned items:

• The math and science money is renewed -- so you can count on the same allocations as this year, with ability to spend the new money July 1st.
• The local ESDs will be hiring science coordinators and reading coordinators this summer. So be sure to watch the ESD websites for postings if these interest you.
• OSPI will soon be advertising for a number of mathematics PD providers to teach colleagues about implications of the math standards revisions this summer.

Again, thank you for your hard work and…be sure and keep me updated with your contacts.

March, 2008

Did you know that the U.S. House Appropriations Committees are beginning to develop their respective appropriations bills? Did you know that this year funding for NBPTS is NOT included in the President's budget? In past years funding for NBPTS was added. However, we really shouldn't ASSUME that that will be the case again.

Did you know that our own state senator Patti Murry sits on two committees related to NBPTS funding? Those include Education and Appropriations.

This might be the perfect time to contact your own Representatives AS WELL AS Senator Murray. If you have any interest in the fate of these bills….contact them ASAP. This is your time to act Washington State NBCTs!

Did you know that the majority of federal funds are provided to states to help fund the assessment fee for candidates pursuing National Board Certification? NBCT supporters are asking for additional funding to expand three new initiatives:

• Targeted High Need Initiative (THNI): Federal funds are currently used to support the THNI program designed to expand the number of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in high-need schools. The program is experiencing 10-fold growth for 2008, and increased federal funding will be the greatest factor affecting the future growth of this program.
  
  
• Health Education Certificate: In January 2008, NBPTS launched its newest certificate for health educators. It focuses on wellness, nutrition, childhood obesity, eating disorders and mental and physical health.
  
  
• Principal Certificate: NBPTS is working on vitally important educational leadership issues as they develop a National Board Certificate focused heavily on principal performance.

Want more information about the NBPTS view, see....http://capwiz.com/nbpts/utr/1/INNLIENQUA/JLMGIENXWB/1797780781

Yes, now is the time to ACT and become involved. This is an important way to put you in a leadership role.

On another note…with the legislative session winding down….let me know if you have developed some new contacts with the legislature. We need you to become the "go-to" educational person for our legislators.

Here again are some links to use in contacting your state representatives: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

What more info on WNN? Follow the link:
http://cstp-wa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT_Network/NBCT_Network.htm

Thank you for your continued support and leadership in WNN.

February, 2008

Exhilarating ….that is a great word to describe all the activities currently going on in Olympia for National Board Certified teachers. During this 60 day legislative session there are all kinds of National Board-specific activities that you should be aware of that is unfolding this session.

As a NBCT THIS IS THE TIME to become involved with contacting your local legislator and share your expertise as a NBCT. You have been receiving updates from various National Board related folks. Here are some of the most important bills you need to know about and act upon:

• HB 2775: changing the definition of high needs schools for purpose of the
  calculating eligibility for the additional NB stipend --50% at high
  school, 60% at junior/middle school , 70% at elementary
• HB 3021 and Senate Bill 6657: Includes National Board bonuses in NBCTs' retirement
• HB 2869: Would allow principals who are NBCTs to earn to the stipend

Do any of these sound important to you? If so, NOW is the time to contact your legislator. Hopefully you have already been in contact with them and have developed a working relationship with him/her.

Keep in mind, there is also strong interest this session in legislation lowering class size ratios, which is one of the top recommendations coming out of the October, 2006 NBCT Policy Summit focused on supporting accomplished teaching in high-needs schools.

Special thanks to: NBCTs Kim McClung (Kent) and Kelly Cannard (Evergreen) who both testified to the House Education Committee on Thursday, January 31st in support of changes to definition of high needs schools for calculating NB stipends. HB 2775 - and they did a fantastic job! Thank you!

And NBCTs testified on the retirement issue: John Traxler (Edmonds) testified to the Senate Ways & Means Committee on Thursday, January 31st and Megan Conklin (North Thurston) and Michaela Miller (OSPI) testified to the Finance Committee. Again, many thanks! You are making a difference.

What have you done? Please keep us informed. If you have photos or information we can put on our WNN web site we would greatly appreciate it.

If you need help with coverage for a substitute or mileage reimbursement to Olympia, again, please let us know. We may be able to assist you in this.

Keep working hard. Be a leader in education!

Debra Howell, NBCT
WNN Liaison Coordinator

Send all correspondence to: network@cstp-wa.org

December, 2007

Are you engaging your government officials in a
meaningful dialogue about education??? The time has come!!

Have you taken that first step yet? Still thinking about contacting your local legislator and inviting them to school, or contemplating inviting them to coffee? Do you have a new NBCT in your school or district that you could include in these plans? We will be contacting all our recently certified NBCTs the first week of January when we have all the up to date contact info.
In the mean time….

How about both of you inviting a legislator to visit with faculty over coffee? See the links for ideas http://www.cstp-wa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT_Network/NBCT_Network.htm

• Be the "go to" person to give up to date accurate information about what truly is happening in public education. Make a difference!
• Invite Policymakers to your school/classroom. Then send us photos, updates, and tell us about what sort of connections were made.
• Invite a Policymaker to have coffee. Discuss what is happening in your school/district. Forage a relationship so that you can become a "go-to" person for this legislator when it comes to educational issues. Tell us about your visits.
• Send a letter to your legislator. Let us know who you write to…and what response you hear from them.

Please remember to let us know what contacts you are attempting, send copies of emails, letters, or one-pagers that we can post as examples for others to use. Photos, commentary, anything you feel is of value…please send it our way. We want to SHOWCASE the efforts you are making and give others the fortitude to also bridge these relationships.

Happy Holidays.
Keep in touch!
Debra Howell, NBCT

September, 2007

Are you ready to take that BIG step and make contact with your legislator in 2007-2008?

My name is Debra Howell, NBCT from Granite Falls. My WNN partner Andrea Peterson, NBCT is a bit busy with her National Teacher of the Year responsibilities. However, she will be sending out all our email correspondence. I am back to remind you about the Washington NBCT Network, dedicated to connecting NBCTs to their state legislators. This second year continues to be sponsored by the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Our past and future newsletters and communication can be found on the CSTP web site. Our goals continue to be very simple:

· To empower NBCTs to foster a relationship with their local policymakers.
· To help policymakers understand the realities of today's classrooms by building relationships between policymakers and teachers
· To become the "go-to" person for our legislators in the area of education.

Please remember…we are NOT a lobbyist organization with our own political agenda. We simply believe that NBCTs, who have demonstrated that they are accomplished, are logical advocates able to provide a unique perspective to policymakers in the state of Washington. We want your voice to be heard!

I saw many of you over the summer at various National Board related events around the state. And MANY of you said that THIS was going to be the year that you would step out of your comfort zone and begin making those conversations happen with your legislators. Good for you!!

Remember in October legislators are in their home districts. This is a good time to send an introductory letter to your legislators. Home contact info can be found on the legislature's web site. How about an invite to visit with faculty over coffee? See the links for ideas:
http://www.cstpwa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT_Network/NBCT Network.htm

WE NEED YOUR INPUT.

Please submit to us YOUR:

• One Pager (see samples on the CSTP web site)
• Invite Policymakers to your school/classroom. Then send us photos, updates, and tell us about what sort of connections were made.
• Invite a Policymaker to have coffee. Discuss what is happening in your school/district. Forage a relationship so that you can become a "go-to" person for this legislator when it comes to educational issues. Tell us about your visits.
• Send a letter to your legislator. Let us know who you write to…and what response you hear from them.
• Volunteer to assist on a campaign if you have an interest in a certain candidate. That gives you a good "in" for opening the lines of communication.

Please remember to let us know what contacts you are attempting, send copies of emails, letters, or one-pagers that we can post as examples for others to use. Photos, commentary, anything you feel is of value…please send it our way. We want to SHOWCASE the efforts you are making and give others the fortitude to also bridge these relationships.

In November and December are in home districts: Now is the time to invite them out for coffee and/or a visit to your school. Remember, if you live in a different district than the one you teach, be sure and invite the legislator that represents your school district. Check out the links to "Invitation to Coffee" and "Invitation to School."

This is the time to truly start pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and make a difference!
Keep in touch!
Debra Howell NBCT
WNN Liaison Coordinator
Send all correspondence to: network@cstp-wa.org

January, 2007


Have you talked with your state legislator lately?

Happy New Year! I hope all of you have made your new year's resolutions and that one of them is to get more involved in the Washington NBCT Network. Although we have heard from a few people we had hoped to hear from more of you. It is so important that we engage our legislators in meaningful dialogue about education. If you haven't done anything thus far, NOW is the perfect time to act.

As the legislative session gets underway Washington's NBCTs need to step forward as leaders in education. Now is the time to consider visiting your legislator in Olympia. We are looking for motivated leaders to organize small regional groups to visit their policymakers during January and February. If you would be interested in being a regional leader please email us at: network@cstp-wa.org. This would involve contacting NBCTs in your area to set up a date that works for everyone, as well as contacting the legislator to set up a meeting time. We have all the contact information necessary to share with you. By the way, for those of you considering recertification, this is the perfect opportunity to show your "teacher leadership". We would be more than happy to provide you with "documentation" for this.

On another note, if you are attending the January OSPI conference please consider enlarging your network of NBCT colleagues by attending, "You earned National Board Certification, Now What?" Betsy Cornell and Kellie Fremont, State Farm Liaisons to the National Board will be presenting a session for NBCTs, on Thursday January 11th, 2007, 2:45-4:15pm. Come check out their ideas on how to get involved influencing Washington's educational policy.

We look forward to hearing from each of you.

Have you talked with your state legislator lately?

We know that many of you attended the recent NBCT Policy Summit. This is a terrific first step in cultivating relationships with your policymakers. But don't let it end there! Now that the elections are over the legislators are back home for the holidays. Take advantage of their proximity and invite them to meet with you. Go back to the CSTP website
(www.cstp-wa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT Network/NBCT Network.htm) for ideas on how to effectively engage your legislators. And don't forget to check the legislative homepage for any changes as a result of the recent elections (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx)

We've just begun a new section on the website that will showcase the powerful connections NBCTs are making with their government officials. Go to www.cstp-wa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT Network/photos.htm to see how NBCTS around the state are becoming involved.

Please send us your photos, newspaper articles, letters, or personal reflections of how you are making contact (network@cstp-wa.org). We would love to share your success with other NBCTs on the website. We look forward to hearing from you.

We are back to check in with you and encourage you to make your influential voice heard. Remember in October legislators are in their home districts. This is a good time to send an introductory letter to your legislators. Home contact info can be found on the legislature's web site. Many are busily campaigning and a little more eager to make contact with the general public .How about an invite to visit with faculty over coffee? See the links for ideas
http://www.cstp-wa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT_Network/NBCT_Network.htm

We hope to have our newsletter up and on the web site in early to mid-November. However, WE NEED YOUR INPUT.

Please submit to us YOUR:

• One Pager (see samples on the CSTP web site)
• Invite Policymakers to your school/classroom. Then send us photos, updates, and tell us about what sort of connections were made.
• Invite a Policymaker to have coffee. Discuss what is happening in your school/district. Forage a relationship so that you can become a "go-to" person for this legislator when it comes to educational issues. Tell us about your visits.
• Send a letter to your legislator. Let us know who you write to…and what response you hear from them.
• Volunteer to assist on a campaign if you have an interest in a certain candidate. That gives you a good "in" for opening the lines of communication.

Please remember to let us know what contacts you are attempting, send copies of emails, letters, or one-pagers that we can post as examples for others to use. Photos, commentary, anything you feel is of value…please send it our way. We want to SHOWCASE the efforts you are making and give others the fortitude to also bridge these relationships.

In November and December AFTER the elections Legislators are in home districts: Now is the time to invite them out for coffee and/or a visit to your school. Remember, if you live in a different district than the one you teach, be sure and invite the legislator that represents your school district. Check out the links to "Invitation to Coffee" and "Invitation to School."

September, 2006


Our names are Debra Howell and Andrea Peterson. We are both National Board Certified Teachers with extensive leadership in National Board work at both the state and national level. Jeanne Harmon of CSTP has asked us to contact all Washington NBCTs regarding an exciting new opportunity. Hopefully by now you received a letter in the mail from us. We are launching the Washington NBCT Network, dedicated to connecting NBCTs to their state legislators. This is being sponsored by the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Our goals are very simple:

• To empower NBCTs to foster a relationship with their local policymakers.
• To help policymakers understand the realities of today's classrooms by building relationships between policymakers and teachers
• To become the "go-to" person for our legislators in the area of education.

We are NOT a lobbyist organization with our own political agenda. We simply believe that NBCTs, who have demonstrated that they are accomplished, are logical advocates able to provide a unique perspective to policymakers in the state of Washington. We want your voice to be heard!

Please check the CSTP web site link at:
http://cstp-wa.org/Navigational/Teacherleadership/NBCT_Network/NBCT_Network.htm where you will find additional information on how to contact your policy makers, writing letters, inviting them for coffee, inviting them to your classrooms and much more. Follow the links for more valuable information.

Introductory Letter

Welcome back to the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year. Our names are Debra Howell and Andrea Peterson. We are both National Board Certified Teachers with extensive leadership in National Board work, at both the state and national level. Jeanne Harmon of CSTP has asked us to contact all Washington NBCTs regarding an exciting new opportunity. We are launching the Washington NBCT Network, dedicated to connecting NBCTs to their state legislators. This is being sponsored by the Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession (CSTP). Our goals are very simple:

• To empower NBCTs to foster a relationship with their local policymakers.
• To help policymakers understand the realities of today's classrooms by building relationships between policymakers and teachers
• To become the "go-to" person for our legislators in the area of education.
  

We are NOT a lobbyist organization with our own political agenda. We simply believe that NBCTs, who have demonstrated that they are accomplished, are logical advocates able to provide a unique perspective to policymakers in the state of Washington. We want your voice to be heard!

In the coming weeks, you will receive an email from us containing further information on how to begin building a relationship with your local legislators. Be sure and check with your school district tech coordinator so that you can get emails from us at this address: network@cstp-wa.org. Often school districts block unknown emails or lists that serve large groups. You will be given an option in our first email of opting out of receiving further communication from us. If you have not been receiving mass mailings from Jeanne@cstp-wa.org, please email us at the previously mentioned address and let us know your current email address. In the meantime, if you do not know who your legislator is, take the first step in getting to know them by following this link. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx. Read your legislator's bio and get to know their educational experience.

We are excited about the upcoming opportunities for NBCTs in Washington. We hope to see legislators meeting with NBCTs, visiting our classrooms and generally getting to know us as professionals in the field of education. Our role will be to help you accomplish those tasks. Have a terrific beginning to the school year and look for our upcoming email the third week of September.