Think Progress has a powerful article about what 529 plans being deductible and what that means for public education. Take a moment this week to thank Senators Franken and Klobuchar for their vote and make sure that your rep knows that they should not vote for the reconciliation bill. You can find your congressperson and senator here.
gpmartinson
CNN has a really excellent article about what happened to Wisconsin after Union protections were removed from teachers in the state of Wisconsin. Its worth a read. Remember Minnesota elected Governor Dayton by only about 10,000 votes.
Central Park teacher Maria Le was one of 38 teachers nationwide to receive the California Casualty / NEA Foundation’s Award for Teaching Excellence. As part of the award Maria was recently presented with a check for $650 by Calfornia Casualty (NEA Partner) to be used by Central Park Elementary. Maria will also be honored at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala next February in Washington, D. C.
The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence are unique: in addition to being recognized for excellence in instructional and professional practice, awardees are nominated by their peers or their NEA state affiliate for their dedication to the profession, community engagement, professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for fellow educators.
Education Minnesota is sponsoring an upcoming suicide prevention training on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 5:30-7:00 pm at the Education Minnesota Woodbury office, 2042 Wooddale Drive, Suite 100
Woodbury, MN 55125. There will be a snack served to attendees, followed by the presentation which meets the requirement for those seeking license renewal. If you are interested, RSVP to Debbie Kinney at [email protected] or register directly at https://tinyurl.com/ybjo49ln
Members, we need your help! We are looking for teacher volunteers to help get out the vote on behalf of our building bond referendum. Come join the fun and help us spread the word. We will provide the phones, the training, and the script. We need your help on this important task.
Location: Education Minnesota office located at 41 Sherburne Ave, St Paul (1 block north of the Capital)
Ira Sanders, a High School Social Studies teacher from RAHS published this wonderful editorial by Ira Sanders. Ira is another example of the awesome professional educators in our district and his story is one that has been inspirational for so many of our students over the years. We are lucky to have him on our staff and he speaks of a truth that is really important for all of us to grapple with.
Education Minnesota Foundation grants available throughout 2017-18 school year
The Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will offer the following grants to eligible members during the 2017-18 school year. Various grants are described below. Additional information on the grants and application materials can be found HERE.
Professional Development Grants: Formerly called Classroom Professional Development, Higher Education Faculty Professional Development and Education Support Professionals Professional Development
ESPs and teachers may request up to $1,500, and higher education faculty may request up to $3,000.
Applications are due Nov. 1 and April 6, 2018.
Bruce Vento Science Educator Professional Development Grant
Science educators may request up to $1,500.
Applications are due Dec. 8.
Classroom-Focused Grants: Formerly called Classroom Project, Classroom Technology and Second-Year Classroom
Applicants may request up to $3,000 for a project designed now and implemented in the upcoming school year.
Applications are due Dec. 8.
IMPACT Grant
IMPACT Grant projects must be coordinated by an active member of Education Minnesota who has teamed up with a nonprofit organization or their local union/school district. Approximately $15,000 is available for one year.
Applications are due Jan. 12, 2018.
National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) Scholarship
The Foundation Board is looking to award scholarships to members who are applying to be a NBCT.
Applications are due Nov. 1.
Educators will yet again find the tools and inspiration they need to grow professionally at MEA, the union-sponsored professional development event Oct. 19-20 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.
East Oakland teacher and school leader Jeff Duncan-Andrade will headline this year’s conference. Duncan-Andrade, an associate professor of Raza Studies and Education at San Francisco State University, will speak about equity in education and how community responsive practices can transform engagement and outcomes for all students.
A change to this year’s conference is that Friday will now be open to members only. Education Minnesota wants to make sure our members can get the most up-to-date training. Friday’s workshops will focus on relicensure areas. Register online to save your spot. In the past, many workshops have been so popular, we have had to turn away attendees.
For more details, look for the conference preview in the October issue of the Minnesota Educator or on the website at www.educationminnesota.org/events.aspx#mea.
On behalf of our over 600 members who bargain collectively and work together to improve the lives of the children in our district Happy Labor Day! 
Hurricane Harvey is having a devastating impact on thousands along the Gulf Coast, including many educators just starting their school year. Our national affiliates (both the NEA and AFT) have put together resources to offer help to fellow union members, friends, family and loved ones. Please consider donating to the established relief funds listed below. Your donations will help educators and their families replace belongings and meet the many expenses they will certainly face. The NEA and AFT will work with both Texas and Louisiana affiliates to disburse funds. Please donate if you can!
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