Summer 2009

“If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.” (Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC), The Histories of Herodotus)

Well, I certainly don’t want anyone to go mad or become unstable, so I do hope you will take time to recuperate from an incredibly busy year, maybe sleep-in, garden, plan a vacation, take some well deserved and much needed time off. The families of teachers give up a lot during the school year as you spend weekends and evenings planning creative lessons, grading papers and projects, reading to stay current on our ever-changing profession. So reconnecting and taking the time to enjoy yourself is really an important part of the summer.

For Association activists, this past year involved even more than our regular work. We worked campaigns, and that meant phone banking, walking, sending letters, postcards and emails to not only help elect candidates who support public education, but then holding them accountable for their votes. At the national level, our hard work paid off as we elected a new president, Senator and three House members who are very accessible and supportive of our students and public education. At the state level, we have new House members who were also willing to stand up for public education and vote for sufficient funding for our schools and a means to fund it. The Senate was a disappointment again this year as sufficient funding didn’t even get a hearing. Keeping our issues at the forefront of the conversations is an on-going task, and many of you are continuing this work through the summer.

Summer also means bargaining, and many bargaining teams are now finalizing contracts and settling salary schedules. And salary and bargaining agreements were much more difficult to conclude this year. These tough economic times have certainly had an impact on educators and our families. In some districts, school boards and the district personnel have recognized that one of the ways we show respect for the work educators do every day, for the difference we make in our students’ lives, is through professional salaries. They have worked hard with the local union to keep employees whole, and we appreciate this commitment.

Summer also means it’s time to begin to prepare for the next year. The NEA-NM Summer Leadership Academy is coming up in mid-June. Leaders from around the state will gather to learn new skills in bargaining, communications, employee rights and membership. Treasurers and presidents will participate in specialized training and networking opportunities to help them fulfill their responsibilities. Your elected representatives on the NEA-NM Board of Directors will be meeting throughout the summer to plan for the new year, develop committee charges, recognize outgoing members and welcome the new. All are volunteers who work hard on your behalf to improve the well-being of school employees.

So, take time for a bit of fun and relaxation. But then, commit to learn more about your local association. Call your local president and find out what you can do to help. Talk to community members, neighbors, and colleagues about your work and the need for sufficient funding so that our students can have the opportunities they deserve. Contact your legislators and remind them that we need their help and support in a special session. And check the website, www.nea-nm.org, for the latest information.

Happy summer!

Sharon

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