April - Tennessee Education Association

Published by the TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
April 2012 Vol. 43, No. 8 www.teateachers.org
Memphis Educator
Honored at White House
Are You Ready?
TEA Representative Assembly: May 11-12, 2012
page 11
Safe and Secure:
Convert your dues online
page 3

Speaking out with you
Gera Summerford, President
“Fixing” Teachers is the Wrong Approach
Too many times in listening to teachers and other educators
across our state, I’ve heard “morale is at an all-time low.” Now a
national annual poll of teachers and parents confirms what we
already know. The MetLife Survey of the American Teacher finds
that job satisfaction among teachers is at its lowest in 22 years. The
number of teachers saying they are likely to leave the profession has
increased by 12 percentage points in only the
past two years.
Educators in Tennessee and across the nation
have been caught in a “perfect storm” in which
state governments rolled out numerous reform
efforts even while the struggling economy
contributed to fewer available resources.
We’re being told to raise standards, be more
accountable and increase student achievement
while school budgets are being cut and families
need more support. No wonder teacher morale is low! Indeed, the
survey reveals that 76 percent of teachers have witnessed decreases
in school budgets and 63 percent are seeing increased class sizes,
both within the past 12 months. More than one-third of teachers
say more children are coming to school hungry, which impedes their
learning, while at the same time technology and learning materials
are not kept up-to-date to meet student needs.
It’s amazing to me that anyone who cares about public education
could believe such
“Educators, like most
humans, respond best to
support, partnerships and
positive reinforcement.”
conditions will contribute
to improved student
achievement.
Teachers know what
will make schools better,
and the MetLife survey
confirms it. Educators,
like most humans, respond best to support, partnerships and positive
reinforcement. We do our best work when we are respected and
treated as professionals in the community, provided with appropriate
training and time to collaborate, and given opportunities to
influence education policy. Just like our students, we’re not likely to
perform well when our environment is insecure and punitive. Even
Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America, recognizes that teachers
must feel safe and respected if we are to provide the positive energy
and environment in which children thrive.
Policymakers who seem to think “fixing” teachers will raise
student performance have taken the wrong approach. Making
people feel powerless and inferior doesn’t motivate them to be more
productive and creative. Teachers and students alike will learn and
grow when offered opportunities to build trusting relationships and
strong collaborative teams, and when parents are engaged in the
school community.
It’s clear we’re not being given what we need. Rushing to reform
in a starved budget season has certainly created a poor climate for
school improvement. Individually and collectively, we must act on
what we know will truly make a difference. TEA teachers will stand
together for what is right and best for Tennessee’s children and public
schools.
Stay connected. Stay committed.
Al Mance, Executive Director
Teaching Well is What Matters Most
We have been so hemmed in by poor measurement of complex
performance, lock step “innovative programs” and Common Core
Standards that we are in danger of losing sight of the purposes of
public education. If we do, we also lose our freedom and limit the
future of our descendants. I am a firm believer in Henry Steele
Commager’s abiding purposes of public schools: 1) to provide an
enlightened citizenry, 2) to create national unity,
3) to Americanize immigrants and 4) to overcome
the divisive forces in society and advance
understanding and equality.
His first purpose requires that every
public school be dedicated to high academic
achievement and high expectations for all
students. We must persuade every family that
sends its sons and daughters to public schools
that they will come into a caring environment in
which teachers do everything within their power
to help them develop their gifts to the highest possible level. Further,
this will be accomplished in an environment where they also learn to
respect the varied gifts of their peers and their parents.
It is in this environment—with professional teachers who treat all
students equally yet differently according to their perceptions and
needs—in which our national unity grows and is sustained. In this
environment, American boys and girls learn so much about their peers
that forces which divide people in other countries are destroyed by
understanding.
This high quality public education is possible only if teachers
believe in its purposes so strongly that they will fight for their right to
teach as their training and experience dictates. It only works if those
who teach also fight for appropriate policies (including evaluation),
ongoing professional development, organizational structures,
materials, supplies and decision-making authority.
Without such commitment to principles and willingness to fight
for them, teaching is just another job and students are considered
successful if they fill in the appropriate blanks on a standardized test
answer sheet.
Students will and should be required to take tests. Sometimes they
may be required to take standardized “objective” tests. The quality,
intent and use of the resulting data is the key to their usefulness. If
the quality, intent and use are appropriate, few will fear taking them.
Ultimately, our deepest concern must be for the student who
emerges from our schools. We seek to provide the country with
Archibald MacLeish’s “inquiring, individual human mind.” He believed
America’s strength—our ability to face and master an ever-changing
future—is found there.
I participated in a workshop presented by Jill Pope, a teacher
at Maryville High School, recently. She shared her approaches to
teaching the Common Core Standards while inciting students to higher
order thinking and thinking for themselves. By the time the session
ended, my deep appreciation for the quality of public schools and
public school teachers was renewed.
In two months, we will be one year from the date when the 107th
General Assembly passed legislation to diminish teachers’ voices and
influence on the education of Tennessee’s youths. In November, you
will have an opportunity to help us to correct their errors. Join us.
You count.
teach (USPS 742-450, ISSN 15382907) is published
monthly (except for June, July and December) by the
Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue
North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. Periodical postage
paid at Nashville, TN. The subscription price of $3.65 is
allocated from annual membership dues of $254.00 for
active members; $127.00 for associate, education
support and staff members; $16.00 for retired members;
and $10.00 for student members. Member of
State Education Editors Conference (SEE).
Postmaster: Send address changes to teach,
801 Second Avenue North,
Nashville, TN 37201-1099.
MANAGING EDITOR: Alexei Smirnov
asmirnov@tea.nea.org
PUBLISHER: Alphonso C. Mance
MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS: A.L. Hayes
Tennessee Education Association
801 Second Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201-1099
Telephone: (615)242-8392,
Toll Free: (800)342-8367, (800)342-8262
Fax: (615)259-4581
Website: www.teateachers.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT: Gera Summerford* (800)342-8367
VICE PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (901)353-8590
SECRETARY-TREASURER: Alphonso C. Mance (615)242-8392
DISTRICT 1 Leisa Lusk (423)928-6819
DISTRICT 2 Melinda Reese (423)587-2120
DISTRICT 3 Karen Starr (423)628-2701
DISTRICT 4 Tanya Coats (865)637-7494
DISTRICT 5 Sandy Smith (423)991-8856
DISTRICT 6 Beth Brown* (931)779-8016
DISTRICT 7 Bonnie T. Dixon (931)967-9949
DISTRICT 8 Kawanda Braxton (615)554-6286
DISTRICT 9 Erick Huth (615)973-5851
DISTRICT 10 Guy Stanley (615)384-2983
DISTRICT 11 Melanie Buchanan* (615)305-2214
DISTRICT 12 Debbie D’Angelo (731)247-3152
DISTRICT 13 Ernestine King (901)590-8188
DISTRICT 14 Sarah Kennedy-Harper (901)416-4582
DISTRICT 15 Stephanie Fitzgerald (901)872-4878
ADMINISTRATOR EAST Johnny Henry (865)509-4829
ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson
(615)643-7823
ADMINISTRATOR WEST Charles Green (901)624-6186
HIGHER EDUCATION Derek Frisby (615)898-5881
BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Paula Hancock
(865)694-1691
BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE Alzenia Walls
(615)230-8144
BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST LaVerne Dickerson*
(901)416-7122
STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Vacancy
ESP Christine Denton (931)647-8962
TN NEA DIRECTOR Stephen Henry* (615)519-5691
TN NEA DIRECTOR Diccie Smith (901)482-0627
TN NEA DIRECTOR Diane Lillard (423)478-8827
STEA MEMBER Caryce Gilmore (865)640-6590
TN RETIRED Gerald Lillard (423)478-8827
NEW TEACHER Candra Clariette (615)506-3493
* Executive Committee
TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Alphonso C. Mance; ASST. EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR, AFFILIATE SERVICES: Mitchell Johnson; ASST.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROGRAM SERVICES: Carol K.
Schmoock; TEA GENERAL COUNSEL; Vacancy; MAN-
AGER OF BUSINESS AFFAIRS: Stephanie Faulkner; IN-
FORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SYSTEMS MANAGER, Galen
Riggs; MANAGER OF UNISERV & BARGAINING CO-
ORDINATOR: Donna Cotner; STAFF ATTORNEYS:
Tina Rose Camba, Katherine Curlee, Virginia A.
McCoy; MANAGER OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Jerry Winters;
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSISTANT: Antoinette Lee; MANAGER
OF COMMUNICATIONS & GRAPHICS: A.L. Hayes; WEB MASTER &
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Amanda Chaney; MANAGING EDI-
TOR & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Alexei Smirnov; MANAGER
OF RESEARCH & INFORMATION: Melissa Brown; RESEARCH & IN-
FORMATION ASSISTANT: Susan Ogg; MANAGER FOR INSTRUCTION
& PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Terrance Gibson; INSTRUCTION
& PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: Susan Dalton,
Nicki Fields; COORDINATOR OF MEMBERSHIP & AFFILIATE RELA-
TIONS: Duran Williams.
UniServ Staff contact information
can be found on page 12.
Protect Your Membership, Convert to Automatic Dues Pay
Legislators took away your right to bargain in 2011. What will they
try to take next? Your retirement? Your salary schedule? You can
help stop these injustices by protecting your TEA membership.
The legislature is attempting to limit and control Tennessee
educators’ free speech rights if they use payroll deductions for TEA
dues. There is a way to protect the rights and benefits of your membership in TEA
- sign up for TEA Automatic Dues Pay.
Automatic Dues Pay will automatically deduct your dues from your checking
account two times per month over the membership year. The conversion to
Automatic Dues Pay takes just minutes to complete and is safe and secure. This
simple and easy process allows you to be a continuing member of TEA without
interference, pressure or bullying from the legislature, local school board or the
Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA).
Do not let the anti-public school bullies silence your voice or take away your
rights. Go to www.teateachers.org to convert your TEA membership today to
Automatic Dues Pay.
After you complete the conversion process, please contact your local
education association and let them know that you converted your dues to
Automatic Dues Pay.
If you have any questions about this conversion process, please contact
Duran Williams at TEA at (800) 342-8367, ext. 213.
Don’t let them silence you!
The Legislature is attempting to limit and control
Tennessee educators’ exercise to free speech rights
if they use payroll deductions for TEA dues.
There is a way to protect your rights and benefits
through your membership in the Tennessee
Education Association!
Sign up for
Safe. Secure. Easy to do!
All it takes is a voided check.
TEA Automatic
Dues Pay!
For more information call TEA at 800.342.8367 ext. 213 or visit www.teateachers.org
Safe and secure — Avoid paperwork and protect your voice as an educator by converting to
TEA Automatic Dues Pay. All you need is your member ID number. If you don’t have it, call TEA
Membership Coordinator Duran Williams at (800) 342-8367, ext. 213.
2 April 2012 3
www.teateachers.org

TEA Vice President Barbara Gray (far left), TEA Executive Director Al Mance (middle) and TEA President Gera Summerford
(far right) lead the meeeting at the Nashville Convention Center during the 2011 TEA Representative Assembly.
PROPOSED AGENDA
Friday, May 11, 4:15-4:45 p.m. - Delegates from the following districts will
convene to nominate candidates for the TEA Board of Directors: Second (threeyear
term), Fourth (one-year unexpired term), Fifth (three-year term), Sixth
(three-year term), Seventh (one-year unexpired term), Ninth (three-year term),
Eleventh (three-year term), Twelfth (three-year term) and Fifteenth (three-year
term). For the TEA-Fund for Children and Public Education (FCPE) Executive Council,
the following districts will convene: Second (three-year term), Fifth (threeyear
term), Ninth (three-year term) and Twelfth (three-year term.)
Friday, May 11, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. – First General Session
1. Invocation
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. National Anthem
4. Seating of Delegates
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Approval of Agenda
a. Adoption of Standing Rules
7. Appointment of Committees
Credentials Committee
Resolutions Committee
Elections Committee
8. President’s Address
9. Distinguished Educator Awards
10. Human Relations Awards
11. Susan B. Anthony Award
12. Cavit C. Cheshier Awards
13. School Bell Awards
14. Friend of Education Awards
15. Presidential Merit Award
16. Membership Awards
17. Nominations
a. Board of Directors
(1) TEA President for a two-year term
(2) TEA Vice-President for a two-year term
(3) NEA Director for a three-year term
(4) Middle Tennessee Administrator for a three-year
term
(5) Middle Tennessee Black Classroom Teacher for a
TEA Representative Assembly
Nashville Convention Center, May 11-12, 2012
three-year term
(6) Higher Education Classroom Teacher for a three-year
term
(7) State Special Schools Classroom Teacher for a two-year
unexpired term
(8) Classroom Teacher Board members from Districts 2, 5, 6,
9, 11, 12 and 15 for three-year terms
(9) Classroom Teacher Board members from Districts 4 and 7
for one-year unexpired terms.
b. Middle Tennessee member on the Board of Trustees of
the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System for a
three-year term
c. Middle Tennessee member on the Local Education
Insurance Committee for a three-year term
d. Districts 2, 5, 9 and 12 TEA-FCPE Council members for
three-year terms
18. Proposed Amendments to the TEA Constitution and Bylaws and TEA-FCPE
Bylaws
19. Memorial Recognition
20. Update on the 2011-2012 Legislative Program
21. Adoption of 2013-2014 Legislative Program
22. Report of the Committee on Campaign Policies and Candidate Expenses
23. Financial Report
24. Adoption of the 2012-2013 Budget
25. Reading of New Business Items*
Saturday, May 12, 7:30 – 9:15 a.m. – Election Polls Open
Saturday, May 12, 9:00 a.m. – Second General Session
1. Continuation of any unfinished business from the Friday night agenda
2. STEA Project Report – Caryce Gilmore
3. Report of the Executive Director
4. Action on Proposed Resolutions
5. Action on New Business Items
6. Report of the Credentials Committee
7. Report of the Elections Committee (to be given when vote count is completed)
8. Introduction of Elected Officials
9. Adjournment
*Standing Rules require that this agenda item be completed prior to the adjournment of the first
general session.
Fourteen Candidates Announce
Nominations for TEA Positions
Biographical information and campaign statements
that follow were submitted by the candidates
and/or their campaign coordinators. Elections will
be held at the TEA Representative Assembly in Nashville
on May 12.
TEA President
Gera Summerford, Sevier County EA
Gera Summerford was first elected to
the TEA Board of Directors in 2003.
She has spent most of her teaching
career in Sevier County while serving
for many years as a local association
leader and chief negotiator.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from
Baylor University and a master’s in mathematics
from the University of Tennessee. After a full career
in the classroom as a high school math teacher,
Gera was elected TEA Vice President in 2006 and
President in 2010. She is married to Dale Gilmore,
a teacher and active association leader, and they
are the proud parents of two young adults. “In spite
of continued attacks on our profession, educators
strive every day to give our best for students
and public schools. We know that those who would
thwart our efforts have little understanding or
appreciation of the important work we do. We
recognize that forces far beyond our classrooms are
working to control the future of public education in
our state and nation. In these challenging times we
must stand strong and stand united as the true advocates
for great public schools for every student.”
TEA Vice President
Barbara Gray, Shelby County EA
An assistant principal in Shelby
County, Gray is seeking re-election
as TEA Vice-President. She received
her Bachelor of Science degree in
Chemistry from LeMoyne-Owen College,
MED in Curriculum & Instruction
and 45 hours of post-graduate
studies in Supervision & Administration from the
University of Memphis. She has developed leadership
skills and understanding of the needs of
our members by serving in a variety of leadership
positions at both the state and local level. Local
Association experiences include: Shelby County EA
president, vice president, board of director, associ-
ation representative, chair of Constitution & Bylaws
Committee, liaison to Transition Planning Committee
& Shelby Board of Education, Educators Benefit,
SC-PACE, Minority Affairs RAA, Membership, Budget
and various committees. State experiences include:
vice president, West TN Administrator, chair of Budget,
NEA Concerns, State Board Contact Committees
and serving on Executive Committee, Administrator
Task Force, Minority Affairs, Credential, ION and
other state committees. She has attended numerous
other leadership conferences and workshops at
the state level. She has been a delegate numerous
times to both TEA & NEA RAs. Barbara has lobbied
legislators at both the state and national levels
and feels that we should be united in these difficult
times. Gray is willing to stand and make a difference
for all our members and students.
NEA Board of Directors
Stephen Henry, Metro-Nashville EA
Stephen Henry, a candidate for
re-election to the NEA Board of
Directors, is a third generation
teacher and a proud graduate of
public schools. Throughout his 26year
career as a classroom teacher
and association activist, Stephen
Delegates deliberate on action items during 2011 TEA RA.
has earned the reputation as a trusted leader, an
articulate advocate and a tireless worker. He is a
recognized leader in public education and human
and civil rights and service. As a marathon runner
and cancer survivor, he is also known for his boundless
energy and determination. Stephen was born
in Memphis, raised in rural West Tennessee, and has
called Nashville home since graduating with honors
from David Lipscomb University . This experience
has provided a keen understanding of the varying
and vast educational needs of schools across the
state. He brings extensive experience as a local,
state and national leader and has built strong
working relationships with the elected leaders and
professional staffs of TEA/NEA, as well as members
of the Tennessee General Assembly. As a member
of the NEA Board of Directors, the NEA-FCPE and a
national trainer for NEA-HCR Division; as a member
of the TEA Board of Directors, the TEA-FCPE Council,
and Chair of the ION and Human Relations Committee;
as MNEA President, Vice-President, Chief
Negotiator, and member of the PACE Council; he is
uniquely positioned to continue to champion NEA’s
mission of ensuring great public schools for every
child. Stephen’s leadership, vision, and experience
will well represent the membership of TEA and the
learners we serve.
4 April 2012 5
www.teateachers.org

TEA RA
Information for Delegates: Electing Governance Leaders
Administrator — Middle
Julie Hopkins, Metro-Nashville EA
For all that I am, my deepest inspiration
comes from the people that
surround me with their encouragement
and support. As the principal
of Buena Vista Elementary Enhanced
Option in Nashville, I inspire the
youth of today with my personal
testimony. I constantly encourage students to
never give up when they are faced with difficult
situations. I share my stories about being an honor
student, a school leader and a teenage parent to
let students know they can do anything they want
to do with determination, commitment and hard
work.The parents are my inspiration. They bring
us their very best with a belief that we, as educators,
are competent in our ability to give each child
the foundation for becoming productive citizens.
I inspire parents with my sincere belief that they
can make a difference in the lives of each child.
Every parent has a purpose and responsibility to
help ensure success for all students. I would like to
think that my fellow educators are inspired by my
positive attitude; knowing that we have a tremendous
task ahead of us. Further, I am inspired by
the dedication of the educators at Buena Vista and
those across the state. I know that with the right
attitude, we can positively impact learning for all of
our students.
It would be a tremendous honor to represent you
on the TEA Board of Directors as the Administrator
from Middle Tennessee and join in the Association’s
work of positively impacting student success across
Tennessee.
Administrator — Middle
Keith Cornelius, Coffee County EA
I started my teaching career in 1989
in Duval County Public Schools of
Jacksonville, Fla. I then came in
1999 to Rutherford County Schools
and have always been an avid and
staunch supporter of the TEA. I
became very involved in my local
association from the onset. I served as a building
association representative for approximately
four years before being nominated to be on the
negotiating team. I served five years on the
negotiating team with four of those in the role of
Chief Negotiator for REA and negotiated one of the
strongest contracts in the state at that time. I was
then elected to the Executive Board of the REA as
president-elect and subsequently served two years
as President of the Rutherford Education Association.
One of my proudest achievements as president
was the continued growth in membership. REA
never had a membership loss during all my years of
involvement and that was due to the hard work of
the dynamic team in place. I finished my presidency
with 1576 members, the fifth largest in the state at
that time.
I have always been a strong supporter of teacher
rights. I have weathered the storm of anti-teacher
sentiments with all of you. I believe in the rights
of educators and will always defend public education.
I was there with thousands of friends in March
2011 standing for five hours or more in the cold
rain fighting for what I still believe in. I am most
fortunate now to be an assistant principal and instructional
coordinator In my home county, Coffee
County. I feel that I have brought some progressive
ideas to the table there and any of the teachers at
my school would gladly tell you right now that I
support them and the right to the best public education
we can provide. I appreciate your support as
Middle Tennessee Administrator for the TEA Board
of Directors.
Black Classroom Teacher — Middle
Kenneth Martin, Metro-Nashville EA
Kenneth Fludd Martin currently
serves the Metropolitan Nashville
Education Association (MNEA) as
parliamentarian and chair of the
MNEA Committee on Constitution,
Bylaws, and Standing Rules. Kenny
is the son of two Nashville educators
and the nephew of MNEA past President Ted Martin,
the first African-American president of his local. He
believes wholeheartedly in the inclusive vision of
his uncle to provide a collaborative workplace for
educators in Nashville. Martin, an exceptional education
teacher and middle school basketball coach
at Martin Luther King Magnet School, formerly
served as MNEA Treasurer and has served his local
as association representative, Negotiations Team
member, Minority Affairs chair, Budget Committee
chair, Special Education Committee chair, delegate
to numerous Tennessee Education Association
(TEA) Representative Assemblies, and state and
local delegate to several National Education Association
(NEA) Annual Meetings. After working as
a substitute teacher, Kenny taught at Bass Middle
TEA Election Polls Open Saturday, May 12, 7:30 - 9:15 a.m.
School, Head Magnet, and McGavock High School.
Martin has attended the TEA Spring Symposium,
NEA’s Minority Leadership Training, National Council
of Urban Education Associations Meetings, the
Johnella H. Martin Minority Affairs Conference, the
TEA Bargaining Conference, TEA Summer Leadership
Academy, TEA Political Academy, and the Tennessee
Urban Education Associations Council Meetings.
Kenny distinguished himself as a member organizer
during the National Education Association’s
Target-of-Opportunities Campaign in Nashville in
the spring of 2007. He loves the work he does for his
local and his school and plans on making a real difference
at the state level as well. A vote for Kenneth
Fludd Martin for TEA Black Classroom Teacher from
Middle Tennessee is a vote for leadership!
Higher Education
Clinton Smith, UT-Martin
Dr. Clinton Smith currently serves as
Assistant Professor of Special Education
at the University of Tennessee
at Martin. He will be serving as
co-advisor for the Student Teacher
Education Association at Martin this
fall. He spent six years as an adjunct
instructor at the University of Memphis. He has 13
years of experience as a special education teacher
in Shelby County Schools and in Arkansas. If elected
as the Tennessee Education Association’s Higher
Education Classroom Teacher, Clinton will focus on
issues that affect those in higher education that
include academic freedom, salaries, retirement
benefits, budget cuts, and increasing tuition rates.
In his 13 years of membership, he has served as
newsletter editor, member of the Newsletter, New
Teacher and Membership Committees, Association
Representative and Alternate, and a delegate for
the NEA and TEA Representative Assemblies. He has
attended TEA Summer Leadership and NEA Southeast
Leadership Conferences. Clinton currently
serves as secretary of the Shelby County Education
Association and as the Technology Chair of the NEA
Caucus for Educators of Exceptional Children.
Clinton earned his Doctorate in Special Education
and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University
of Memphis. The University of Memphis recently
honored him as an Outstanding Alumni in the
Special Education department. Kappa Delta Pi, the
International Honor Society in Education, honored
him as a National Teacher of Honor. He was recently
honored as Shelby County Education Association’s
Special Educator of the Year. Clinton also serves in
several local, state and national leadership roles for
Special Olympics Greater Memphis, Kappa Delta Pi
and Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children.
Higher Education
Derek Frisby, MTSU
Dr. Frisby is a Middle Tennessee
native whose parents were career
educators and TEA members, and
his wife, Debbie, teaches in Rutherford
County. He has a BA in
International Relations and History
from MTSU, and MAs in History and
Higher Education Administration, as well as a PhD
in History from the University of Alabama. Derek is
currently an Associate Professor in History at MTSU
teaching Tennessee and military history courses.
Over the last four years, Dr. Frisby has led students
abroad to explore issues concerning warfare and
public memory by visiting infamous WWI and WWII
battlefields from Iwo Jima, Guam, and Peleliu in
the Pacific to Normandy, Waterloo, and Verdun in
Western Europe. Derek is a USMC veteran of Operation
Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and frequently
works with the military to provide “staff rides” of
battlefields as part of their professional military
education program.
As the TEA Board of Directors representative on
higher education, Dr. Frisby hopes to ensure the
quality of teacher education, to integrate more
effectively the liberal arts and STEM curriculums,
to maintain access to and diversity in higher
education, to expand experiential learning opportunities,
and to improve the effectiveness of
the core curriculum. He strongly believes it is time
to address our state’s increasing dependency on
contingent faculty in higher education without
providing this group codified evaluation/promotion
procedures, involvement in faculty governance, or
due process protections. For more information and
a complete c.v., you may visit his website at: www.
mtsu.edu/~dfrisby.
TEA Board of Directors — District 4
Tanya T. Coats, Knox County EA
Instructional Coach; Green Magnet
Math & Science Academy; KCEA
Executive Board Member, TEA Board
of Director District 4; committee
member of KCEA’s Minority Affairs,
Public Relations, Elections, Human
Nashville Convention Center, May 11-12, 2012
Relations, Green Magnet’s SWS Leadership Team,
Knox County Coaches’ Network; I serve currently
as treasurer of several organizations that include
my church, Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church. “Upon
verifying my credentials in numerous leadership
roles which have included a parliamentarian, financial
officer, logistics coordinator and an on-going
list of other offices, the evidence will prove that I
am well-prepared to be a steward of KCEA’s financial
liabilities. Therefore, I would appreciate your vote
of confidence to ELECT me as District 4 Representative
on the TEA Board of Directors.”
TEA Board of Directors — District 5
Michael Plumley, Bradley Co. EA
Media Specialist at Waterville Community
Elementary School in Bradley
County. I have been a member of
the Association for all of my professional
career of 35 years. I have
served my local in several areas of
leadership including AR, secretary,
treasurer, president-elect, member of the executive
board, negotiations team, membership chair. I have
served TEA on many state committees including
Professional Negotiations, Communications, Member
Benefits, ESP, IPD Commission, TEA Resolutions,
and currently on ION Committee. “I currently represent
NEA on the National Council for Accreditation
of Teacher Education (NCATE) Unit Accrediting
Board in Washington, D. C. My extensive experience
in the Association makes me qualified to represent
District 5 on the TEA Board. You will find me to be
a strong, conscientious voice who will work hard
for the education professionals in my district and
across the state. I would appreciate your support
and vote for Michael Plumley, TEA District 5 board
seat! Thank you very much!”
TEA Board of Directors — District 6
Scott Price, Coffee County EA
Math teacher Coffee County Central
High School since 1996. Current
President of the Coffee County
Education Association. Served as
local delegate to TEA/NEA RAseveral
years. Served as CCEA President
several times. Recently appointed
Chairman PECCA Special Question Committee for
Coffee County Schools. Bachelor of Science Secondary
Education Mathematics 1993. Master of
Education Middle Tennessee State University 2007.
Previously taught two years in Hamilton County
Schools 1993-1995.
TEA Board of Directors — District 9
Theresa Wagner, Metro-Nashville EA
Elected under an optional election procedure authorized
by Bylaw 10, Section 8.
District 9 TEA-FCPE
Nancy Holland, Metro-Nashville EA
Elected under an optional election procedure authorized
by Bylaw 10, Section 8.
Tennessee Consolidated Retirement
System Board — Middle
Erick Huth, Metro-Nashville EA
Erick Huth is the current vice president
of the Metropolitan Nashville
Education Association (MNEA), a
position which he also held in the
1990s. He has distinguished himself
as the outspoken chief bargaining
spokesperson and president of his
local. Erick has served as an active member of several
boards of trust, protecting the interests of plan participants.
He is an expert on the benefit provisions
of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
(TCRS) and is extremely familiar with the inner workings
of the institution itself. He is the most senior
teacher member on the Tennessee Consolidated
Retirement System Board of Trustees and serves as
an executive committee member of the Board. Additionally,
Erick is the vice chair of the Metropolitan
Nashville Administrative Retirement Committee and
the Metropolitan Nashville Professional Employees
Insurance Trust. He has gained specialized training
as a trustee through numerous workshops and seminars
provided by the National Education Association
(NEA). Erick is dedicated to the work and finds it very
rewarding. Erick, who is in his second term on the
Tennessee Education Association Board of Directors,
has served as president of the Tennessee Urban Education
Associations Council, central regional director
for the National Council of Urban Education Associations,
and a member of the NEA Project Graduation
Working Group and numerous TEA committees. Erick
participated in Leadership Nashville (1999) and the
Donelson-Hermitage Leadership (2001). Dr. Huth
was also listed among the most influential Nashville
leaders in Nashville Post’s 2010 and 2011 “In Charge”
rankings. His dissertation is entitled Teacher Attitudes
toward Alternative Forms of Compensation
beyond the Traditional Single Salary Schedule.
6 April 2012 7
www.teateachers.org

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TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
Proposed Budget for 2012-2013
ANTICIPATED INCOME FOR 2012-2013
ACTUAL BUDGET PROPOSED
2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
I. Membership Income $11,403,864 $11,054,168 $9,047,298 (a)
II. Rent $10,908 $10,910 $10,908
III. Interest $76,039 $10,000 $5,000
Gain/(Loss) on Investments $432,668
IV. UniServ Grants from NEA to TEA $1,034,124 $1,032,024 $766,700 (b)
V. UniServ from MNEA to TEA $14,000 $24,000 $-
VI. Miscellaneous $84,960 $65,000 $65,000
Grand Totals $13,056,563 $12,196,102 $9,894,906 (c)
(a) Membership Income based on dues of $258.00
($253.52 for TEA budget + $4.48 as pass-through
TEA-FCPE)
Active Members - 34,600 x $253.52 $8,771,792
Education Support - 1,850 x $126.76 $234,506
Student Members - 4,100 x $10.00 $41,000
Subtotal $9,047,298
(b) This is based on 22 units x $34,850 = $766,700
(c) In addition, $159,152 pass-through funds will go to
TEA-FCPE based on the above membership projections
PROPOSED EXPENDITURES FOR 2012-2013
Item Budgeted Proposed
No. Category/Explanation 2011-2012 2012-2013
1. Salaries and Benefits for President and Staff $8,800,554 $6,794,264
Includes retirement, social security, insurance, workers
compensation, federal and state unemployment taxes
for professional staff, associate staff and president.
2. Travel, President and Board $133,500 $133,500
Travel for the president and the Board including board
meetings and NEA Convention under the same policies
as apply to state delegates, except TEA Committee
expenses which are charged to the respective committee.
This includes a $10,000 expense allowance for the TEA
president and vice president paid monthly. The item provides
$20,000 for travel, lodging, meals, substitute or leave pay,
and any other expenses of the vice president and/or Board
members incurred while carrying out extraordinary assignments
requested or approved in advance by the president. Not included
in this $20,000 are ordinary expenses for the vice president
and/or appropriate Board members related to the TEA Board
meeting, Committee Weekend, Executive and Budget Committee
meetings, NEA Convention, TEA-FCPE Council and statewide
endorsement sessions, and expenses reimbursed by sources other than TEA.
Item Budgeted Proposed
No. Category/Explanation 2011-2012 2012-2013
3. Housing Allowance for President
If the home of the 2012-2013 president is more than 50 $10,000 $10,000
miles from Nashville, it is necessary for the president to live in
Nashville. This item is to cover rent and utilities. If the president
lives within 50 miles, this item will not be expended, but the
president may commute daily at TEA expense.
4. Departments and Sections
Funds for activities of affiliated departments and sections $4,000 $4,000
according to a funding formula based upon attendance at
their annual meeting. Sections are organized by education
specialty (English, science) and job assignments (elementary
principal, attendance teacher). Departments encompass broad
areas (higher education, retired teachers).
5. Committees and Commissions $33,590 $33,590
A. Adm. Task Force (1)* $1,000 $1,000
B. Communications (1) $1,000 $1,000
C. ESP (1) $1,000 $1,000
D. Human Relations (2) $1,810 $1,810
E. Internal Organizational Needs (1) $1,000 $1,000
F. IPD Commission $2,350 $2,350
G. Membership (1) $1,000 $1,000
H. Member Benefits (1) $1,000 $1,000
I. Minority Affairs (2) $1,810 $1,810
J. NEA Concerns (2) $1,810 $1,810
K. Negotiations (1) $1,000 $1,000
L. Resolutions (1) $1,000 $1,000
M. State Special Schools (1) $1,000 $1,000
N. Status of Women (2) $1,810 $1,810
O. Vocational (1) $1,000 $1,000
P. New Teacher (1) $1,000 $1,000
Q. Miscellaneous $5,000 $5,000
R. Presidents' Council $8,000 $8,000
$33,590 $33,590
*Number of Meetings
(a)This budget is predicated on all Nashville meetings
being held in the TEA building and lodging in the
Spring Hill Suites or comparably priced hotel.
The NEA Valuebuilder Program provides investment products (the “NEA Valuebuilder products”) in connection with retirement plans sponsored by school districts and other employers of NEA members and in-
13. TEA Representative Assembly $72,000 $67,000
dividual retirement accounts established by NEA members. Security Distributors, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively “Security Benefit”) make the NEA Valuebuilder products available under this program
Auditorium rental, credentials, services of
parliamentarian, required liability insurance,
pursuant to an agreement with NEA’s wholly owned subsidiary, NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation (“MBC”). Security Benefit has the exclusive right to offer the NEA Valuebuilder products under the program,
audio visual equipment, awards luncheon and awards dinner.
and MBC generally may not enter into arrangements with other providers of similar investment programs or otherwise promote to NEA members or their employers any investment products that compete with the
NEA Valuebuilder products. MBC promotes the program to NEA members and their employers and provides certain services in connection with the program. Security Benefit pays an annual fee to MBC based
in part on the average assets invested in the NEA Valuebuilder products under the agreement. You may wish to take into account this agreement and arrangement, including any fees paid, when considering
and evaluating any communications relating to the NEA Valuebuilder products. NEA and MBC are not affiliated with Security Benefit. Neither NEA nor MBC is a registered broker-dealer. All securities brokerage
services are performed exclusively by your sales representative’s broker-dealer and not by NEA or MBC.
6. Workshops and Conferences
Membership
A. Association Rep. Membership Training
within UniServ District
B. Membership Materials
C. New Teacher Conference
D. ESP Conference
$130,000
$55,000
$35,000
$12,000
$6,000
$2,000
$130,000
$55,000
$35,000
$12,000
$6,000
$2,000
14. NEA Convention
Meals, lodging, travel for non-board state delegates according
to established policies, $1,500 to purchase gifts for state contact
persons and $1,500 for Tennessee delegation activities. NEA
Convention expenses for Board members are included in Item 2
and student delegate expenses in Item 16.
15. Subscriptions for Retired Teachers
Postage for mailing teach to retired members.
$65,000
$6,000
$63,000
$6,000
The NEA Valuebuilder DirectInvest 403(b)(7) is a Custodial Account under §403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Securities are distributed by Security Distributors, Inc. (SDI). SDI is a subsidiary of Security Benefit Corporation (“Security Benefit”).
8 April 2012
VB470412
Leadership
A. Staff Training
B. UniServ Advisory Council
(Meals and Meeting Rooms for Oct. & May Meetings)
$20,000
$3,000
$12,500
$20,000
$3,000
$12,500
16. Student Programs
1. Student TEA
Funding for leadership training, allowable expenses to TEA
$28,000 $28,000
9
C. Women's Leadership Development Workshops (in state) $2,000 $2,000
D. Administrators' Conference $2,500 $2,500
Page 1
Page 2
Item Budgeted Proposed
No. Category/Explanation 2011-2012 2012-2013
Workshops and Conferences (Continued)
Instruction and Professional Development $17,000 $17,000
A. IPD Workshops/Symposium $17,000 $17,000
Minority Leadership Training $13,000 $13,000
A. In-State Workshops $10,000 $10,000
B. NEA Southeast Meeting $3,000 $3,000
Professional Negotiations $25,000 $25,000
A. Negotiations Conference $19,000 $19,000
B. Local Level Training $6,000 $6,000
Subtotals $130,000 $130,000
7. TEA Summer Leadership Academy $38,000 $38,000
Five hundred participants including group meals, Cool
Springs Embassy Suites lodging (or comparable payment
toward hotel lodging) and speakers.
8. UniServ Grant from TEA to MEA $186,290 $141,000
Memphis employs local UniServ staff in lieu of participating
in the state program. They receive NEA and TEA UniServ
funding. TEA funding is projected on Memphis qualifying
for four units at $35,250 per unit.
9. Legal Services $515,000 $515,000
This amount is to pay the legal firm retainer, lawyer fees,
court costs, and other legal services in accordance with the
reimbursement agreement of the NEA DuShane Fund to
cover approved legal expenses of UEP members. Costs
of subscriptions to legal publications and reporting services
are also included in this amount.
10. Public Relations $77,885 $47,885
A. Image Campaign: (radio and TV spots, billboards,
bumper stickers, newspaper ads, branding program) $38,085
B. Local Newsletter Contest $600
C. News Clipping Service $1,500
D. Photography (processing, equipment, repair) $1,200
E. School Bell Awards Program $1,000
F. Special PR Programs $ —
G. Cavit C. Cheshier Local Association Award $1,000
H. Video Supplies and Production $1,500
I. Miscellaneous $3,000
Totals $47,885
Item Budgeted Proposed
No. Category/Explanation 2011-2012 2012-2013
11. teach $130,000 $110,000
teach is sent to active, retired, students, and educational
support members. This item includes cost of paper,
printing, art work, non-profit second-class mailing, for
seven issues. The cost of mailing to retired teachers is
included in Item 15.
12. Government Relations
A. Public Information Program – Funds for the $129,913 $110,535
Communications Division to conduct a media campaign
promoting education.
B. Polling (Issues, Candidate) – Polling to determine $35,000 $35,000
positions of the members and the public on candidates
and political issues.
C. Member Lobby Activities – Travel expenses for $11,360 $13,000
members to lobby in the state legislature, participation in
the annual Black legislative caucus retreat, plus training
and lobby activities at the local level.
D. Legislative Functions – Legislative leadership meetings, $8,000 $2,000
committee functions, regional and national legislative
meetings, and legislative receptions. Meals and/or
refreshments may be included with these activities.
E. Campaign Promotional Activities – Outside consultants $5,000 $1,000
to assist with campaign strategy, public relations programs,
media, and design of materials.
F. Communications/Program Support – Workshops, special $25,000 $20,000
subscriptions, lobbyist registration, phone banks, building
data banks, purchasing voter tapes, printing and mailing
a weekly legislative report, plus other printing, postage,
supplies, and materials.
G. Miscellaneous and Committees $20,000 $10,000
Government Relations Totals $234,273 $191,535
(TEA-FCPE Funds are not included in the TEA budget as
pass-through funds.)
and NEA representative assemblies, STEA annual convention,
travel for state officers, and special projects.
Page 3
www.teateachers.org Page 4

Item Budgeted Proposed
No. Category/Explanation 2011-2012 2012-2013
Student Programs (Continued)
2. Future Teachers of America $8,500 $8,500
Funding for three regional college career days and annual
convention, a summer briefing for FTA sponsors, and special
projects.
17. Audit and Tax Reporting $23,000 $23,000
TEA retains the services of a local accounting firm
for this purpose.
18. Liability Insurance $20,000 $9,522
Association liability insurance for local and state officers.
(NEA provides the $1 million liability insurance on individual
UEP members.) and liability insurance for few ESP members
who are not NEA members.
19. Travel, Staff $340,000 $340,000
Work-related expenses for in and out-of-state travel including
NEA Convention and TEA funded workshops, conferences.
Expenses include food, lodging, air travel, car rental, and fleet
automobile expenses. This anticipates three staff meetings,
including MEA staff.
Grand Total $12,196,102 $9,894,906
Page 6
Item Budgeted Proposed
No. Category/Explanation 2011-2012 2012-2013
41. TEA-FCPE
Based on membership projections, $159,152 pass-through funds
will be deposited in an account separate from TEA funds. These
funds will be used as follows:
(a) Contributions and/or other assistance to endorsed candidates $155,206 $120,000
(b) Increased membership involvement in political activities $6,180 $6,180
(c) Statewide endorsement meetings $5,000 $5,000
(d) TEA-FCPE Executive Council Meetings $3,000 $3,000
(e) TEA-FCPE Legislative Endorsement Meetings $2,500 $2,500
(f) Political Academy (an intensive training program
for political action) $5,500 $5,500
(g) Administrative Costs (correspondence, phones,
financial audits, supplies) $13,000 $13,000
(h) Miscellaneous Expenses $4,215 $3,972
Total $194,601 $159,152
Save The Date!
Summer Leadership Academy
JUNE 6–9
Embassy Suites - Cool Springs
S L A 2 0 1 2
“Highlight of My Life”
Veteran Memphis Teacher Honored at White House
20. Computer Operations
Computer supplies, leased UniServ equipment and software
licensing fees (Maintenance and repairs of the
$76,000 $76,000
Any funds unspent at the end of the budget year will be carried forward
for future TEA-FCPE related activities.
Itemized lists are not intended to be all inclusive.
When Velma Lois Jones began promoting
voter registration and voter education
in in Memphis Memphis in in the 1950s, 1950s, she did did not not
envision that the the fruits of her work
would lead lead her to the White House.
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic
speech on the drum major instinct, the “Drum Major
for Service” award is a way to thank and honor
Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment
and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer
computer system are included in Item 32).
In mid-February, Jones was one of the six
service in their own communities.
21. Publications and Association Dues
IPD materials, library books, dues payments to the National
$17,000 $17,000
recipients of the “Drum Majors for Service Award”
The White House sought to honor “unsung
Council of State Education Associations and other organizations.
from the White House Office of Faith-based and
heroes,” or individuals who “strengthen their
22. Telephone
Telephone service for the TEA headquarters and UniServ
staff. Incoming WATS lines are provided on which a
charge is assessed for each incoming call. (One WATS line
is used for the UniServ based computer program.)
$90,000 $80,000
Page 7
Neighborhood Partnerships. Recipients of the award
were invited for a visit with President Barack Obama in
the Oval Office.
communities through extraordinary everyday acts
of service done with reliability and commitment, but
who seldom receive recognition.”
23. Office Supplies $60,400 $35,400
As Jones waited for the other honorees to arrive, “It was truly the highlight of my life,” said Jones.
a.
b.
Membership cards, forms
Other office supplies
$13,400
$22,000
she nearly missed the First Lady and the President’s “The President spent the time like he had nothing
Total $35,400
daughters who came in through a private entrance else to do and we were the only people in his life in
24. Postage
Postage for all mailings, including UPS, except teach
$90,000 $85,000
after a morning jog. “I thought it was staff, but then I that hour, in those moments.”
25. Printing $100,000 $95,000
realized we were in the private living quarters.”
After she retired following 43 years in the
Paper and printing supplies for TEA typesetting and printing.
(Costs for printing teach are included in Item 11)
26. Insurance: Travel and Automobiles
Travel accident insurance for Board members, professional staff,
commission and committee members while on official TEA
business, and fleet insurance on cars operated by the staff and
the president.
$45,000 $35,000
Page 5
It all happened so quickly, and before she knew it,
Jones was invited to the sitting room with a fireplace
for a chat with the President and US Rep. Steve Cohen,
D-Memphis.
“It was awesome,” said Jones. “President Obama
classroom, Jones said she decided to continue the
service in her community, staying true to her calling.
“Even as a little girl, I always wanted to
play teacher, so I never thought of leaving the
profession,” said Jones. “I just didn’t play at all if I
Honored — Velma Lois Jones, the first African American woman
elected as TEA president, was among the six recipients of the
“Drum Majors for Service Award” from the White House Office of
Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. You can watch the
White House video featuring Jones in the news section at
Item
No. Category/Explanation
Budgeted
2011-2012
Proposed
2012-2013
was so warm and personable, expressing his gratitude couldn’t be a teacher.”
www.teateachers.org.
27. Auto/Home Theft Program $ — $ —
to the seniors who preceded him. It was like talking to
Window/door decals. (Any unspent funds will go into the
reserve fund to offset future costs.)
a son or a grandson who was visiting his grandmama.
28. Membership Assistance Program
Membership assistance program provided to TEA members.
29. Special Membership Recruitment Program
Specialized membership recruitment assistance for locals.
30. Miscellaneous
$40,000
$50,000
$20,000
$40,000
$50,000
$20,000
He seemed just like he’s known us his entire life and
we’ve known him.”
The only teacher among the six honorees, Jones
was nominated by Cohen for dedicating more than
TEA E-Newsletters
Pointing You in the Right Direction
Moving expenses for the TEA President, TEA staff who are
required to move, and unanticipated expenses.
50 years of her life to teaching and service work with
31. Utilities $95,000 $95,000
the local chapter of the National Association for the
Electricity, water, and sewer
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she is TEA WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER YOUTUBE
32. Building and Equipment Maintenance Contracts
Maintenance and service contracts on equipment,
building and grounds.
$148,500 $107,100
Help Us Grow a Tennessee Teacher
currently a board member and past president.
Jones spoke with Obama about education and
33. Building Repairs, Maintenance, and Supplies
Repair and maintenance of building, grounds, furniture, and
equipment not covered by maintenance contracts and
janitorial supplies.
$45,000 $45,000
The Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall
Scholarship Fund awards up to eight
thanked him for his commitment to public schools.
“Being a member of TEA, being an educator today
Important Updates
34. Taxes (Property) $115,000 $115,000
scholarships annually. Seven scholarships
is one of the most challenging and rewarding tasks in
Taxes on the TEA building, land, and personal property.
35. Insurance
TEA building and contents and an umbrella excess provision
for covering personal injury, property, and advertising liability,
additional coverage for printing equipment, computers.
$37,000 $37,000
are awarded to high school, undergraduate
or graduate students preparing to
become teachers at a Tennessee college
life,” said Jones, the first African American classroom
teacher to be elected TEA president. “Our society
cannot make it without good teachers.”
A lot can happen in between issues of teach. As a result, it is important that TEA communicates with members
in a variety of ways to share updates on key happenings with the legislature, State Board of Education, important
news articles and events. One method we rely heavily on is our e-newsletters. TEA distributes at
least one email to members every week – either the “Tuesday Report” or “Compass.”
36. Office Furniture and Equipment
Replacement of furniture and small office machines and the
purchase of additional items as needed.
37. Automobiles
TEA provides automobiles for staff in accordance with TEA
policy. (Automobiles are usually traded after 75,000 or more miles)
38. Fixed Asset Replacement
A. Computers
B. Miscellaneous
C. Building Depr. Res.
Total
39. Crisis Reserve
An amount set aside for unanticipated crises. (At the end of the
year unspent funds will go into the Association reserves.)
40. Arbitration Fund
Assistance to local education associations with arbitration.
$10,000
$50,000
$71,010
$131,010
$5,000
$130,000
$131,010
$45,600
$ —
$3,000
$100,000
$131,010
$34,600
$ —
or university. One graduate scholarship is
awarded to a teacher pursuing an advanced
degree who plans to return to teaching in
Tennessee for at least one more year.
The Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Scholarship Fund is sustained by tax-deductible
contributions from individuals and organizations, TEA members and friends, and by
the interest earned on those contributions. Contributions to the scholarship fund
should be made by check payable to the Sahli-Woodall Scholarship Fund and mailed
to TEA.
We’ll accept contributions to the fund at the TEA Representative Assembly,
May 11-12, 2012. For more information and to download applications, visit
Jones and other award recipients were invited to
the White House during Black History Month as part of
an effort to “salute and reflect on the contributions
African Americans have made to the rich fabric
that makes up the United States,” according to the
statement from the White House. “There are many
untold stories that reveal the best of Americans who
stepped up when duty called, broke color barriers, or
quietly made their communities better one person at a
time.”
The “Tuesday Report” e-newsletter is your best resource for all of the latest information on evaluations.
“Compass” is a more general e-newsletter TEA uses to share information on important topics
that affect your classroom.
If you are not receiving these e-newsletters from TEA, please email achaney@tea.nea.org
to be added to the distribution list. Also, many school email accounts will no longer accept
email from TEA. If your school email address is the one we have on file for you, it is important
that you send us your home email address to ensure continued delivery of TEA emails.
10
(At the end of the year unspent funds will go into a
April designated 2012 reserve fund not to exceed $50,000.)
www.teateachers.org and click on Scholarships and Awards on the home page.
11
www.teateachers.org

T U E S D A Y, M A Y 8, 2 0 1 2
On National Teacher Day, thousands of
communities take time to honor their local
educators and acknowledge the crucial role
teachers play in making sure every student
receives a quality education.
“Few other professionals impact as many lives as
teachers do,” said TEA President Gera Summerford.
“National Teacher Day is a good time to educate your family,
friends and community about the work you do every day.”
The teaching profession has changed dramatically over
the past 50 years. As part of its annual National Teacher Day
celebration, taking place this year on Tuesday, May 8, the
TEA is highlighting key trends in the teaching profession.
• More teachers believe collaborating with colleagues is
essential to their work, but many districts still don’t provide
time for teachers to learn, share and collaborate.
• Nearly all classrooms (97 percent) have one or more
computers, but half of the nation’s teachers say they need
training to better integrate technology into classroom
instruction—and such support is unevenly distributed across
schools.
• Newer teachers put a high premium on exploring new
roles and taking on new responsibilities in order to expand
career options.
• Teachers’ salaries still lag behind those for other
occupations requiring a college degree, and the pay gap is
growing larger.
Visit www.nea.org/grants/1359.htm to help promote
better understanding of public schools in your community.
TEA Calendar of Events
May 4 Deadline for Local Association
Newsletter Contest entries
May 6-12 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 8 National Teacher Day
May 10 Deadline for mailing to TEA room
reservations for NEA-RA
May 10 TEA Board of Directors, TEA Building
May 11-12 TEA Representative Assembly, Nashville
Convention Center
May 21-23 TEA Staff Meeting
May 28 Memorial Day
June 1 Deadline for submitting nominations
for Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Graduate
Scholarship
June 6-9 TEA Summer Leadership Academy and
TEA Political Academy, Franklin
Need information, services?
Mitchell Johnson
Assistant Executive Director for Affi liate
Services
Donna Cotner
Manager of UniServ
Tennessee Education Association, 801 Second Avenue
N., Nashville, TN 37201-1099
(615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367, FAX (615) 259-4581
UniServ Coordinators
District 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Elizabethton,
TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, fax: (423)262-
8053; Assns: Carter, Hancock, Hawkins, Rogersville,
Johnson, Sullivan, Bristol, Kingsport, Northeast State
C.C. District 2 — Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton,
TN 37616; (423)234-0700, fax: (423)234-0708; Assns:
Cocke, Newport, Elizabethton, Greene, Greeneville,
Unicoi, Washington, Johnson City, ETSU. District
3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 74, Corryton, TN 37721;
(865)688-1175, fax: (865)688-5188; Assns: Claiborne,
Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Sevier, Union, Walter
State C.C. District 4 — Jon White, Knox County
Education Association, 2411 Magnolia Ave., Knoxville,
TN 37917-8289; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866;
Assns: Knox, UT-Knoxville, Pellisippi State C.C., TSD.
District 5— Jason White, P.O. Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN
37831; (615)521-1333; Assns: Anderson, Clinton, Oak
Ridge, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Morgan, Scott,
Oneida, York Institute District 6 — Reba Luttrell, 503
Cardinal St., Maryville, TN 37803; phone/fax: (865)983-
8640; Assns: Blount, Alcoa, Maryville, Monroe, Sweetwater,
Loudon, Lenoir City, Roane, Roane State C.C.
District 7 — Jim Jordan, P.O. Box 4878, Cleveland,
TN 37320; phone/fax: (423)472-3315; Assns: Bledsoe,
Bradley, Cleveland, McMinn, Athens, Etowah, Meigs,
Polk, Rhea-Dayton, Cleveland State C.C. District 8 —
Theresa Turner, 4655 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga,
TN 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns:
Hamilton County, Chattanooga State C.C., UT-Chattanooga,
Department of Higher Ed. District 9 — Jeff
Garrett, 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201;
(615)242-8392, ext. 228, or (800)342-8367; Assns: Coffee,
Manchester, Tullahoma, Franklin, Grundy, Marion,
Sequatchie, Van Buren, White, Warren. District
10 — Shannon Bain, 1001 Rhett Place, Lebanon, TN
37087; phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (615)547-7879;
Assns: Clay, DeKalb, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett,
Putnam, Smith, Trousdale, TTU. District 11 — Arthur
Patterson, 101 Copperas Court, Murfreesboro, TN
37128; phone: (615)907-9912, fax: (615) 907-5490; Assns:
Cannon, Sumner, Wilson, Lebanon S.S.D., Volunteer
State C.C. District 12 — Susan Young, P.O. Box 422,
Madison, TN 37116-0422; phone/fax: (615)865-9700;
Assns: Cheatham, Rutherford, Murfreesboro, MTSU,
TSB, TN Department of Education District 13 —
Forestine Cole, Ralph Smith, Metro Nashville, 531
Fairground Court, Nashville, TN 37211; (615)726-1499,
fax: (615)726-2501; Assns: Metro Nashville, Nashville
State C.C., TSU, Department of Higher Education
District 14 — Rhonda Thompson, 801 Second Avenue
North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)242-8392, ext. 321, or
(800)342-8367; Assns: Clarksville-Montgomery, Robertson,
APSU District 15 — Miley Durham, P.O. Box
10, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464; phone/fax: (931)766-7874;
Assns: Bedford, Giles, Lawrence, Lincoln, Fayetteville,
Marshall, Moore, Motlow State C.C. District 16 —
Jackie Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN
37128; (615) 898-1060, fax: (615) 898-1099; Assns:
Lewis, Maury, Williamson, Franklin S.S.D. District
17 — Cheryl Richardson-Bradley, 801 Second Avenue
North, Nashville, TN 37201; (615)242-8392, ext. 233,
or (800)342-8367; Assns: Decatur, Dickson, Hardin,
Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Perry, Wayne District
18 — Maria Uffelman, P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City,
TN 37050; phone/fax: (931)827-3333; Assns: Benton,
Carroll (West Carroll) Central, Clarksburg, Huntingdon,
McKenzie, Gibson, Bradford, Humboldt, Milan, Trenton,
Henry, Paris, Stewart, Weakley, UT-Martin, FTA
District 19— Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson,
TN 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (731)989-9254; Assns:
Chester, Hardeman, Henderson, Lexington, Jackson-
Madison, McNairy, Jackson State C.C. District 20
— Karla Carpenter, P.O. Box 177, Brunswick, TN 38014;
(901)590-2543, fax: (901)382-1433; Assns: Crockett,
Dyer, Dyersburg, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion,
Union City, Tipton, Dyersburg State C.C. District
21 — Zandra Foster, 3897 Homewood Cove, Memphis,
TN 38128; phone/fax: (901)377-9472; Assns: Fayette,
Shelby, Southwest Tenn. C.C., University of Memphis.
District 22/MEA — Ken Foster, Executive Director;
MEA UniServ Directors: Marilyn Baker, Susanne
Jackson, Terri Jones, Tom Marchand, Herman Sawyer,
MEA, 126 South Flicker Street, Memphis, TN 38104;
(901)454-0966, fax: (901)454-9979; Assn: Memphis.
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12 April 2012