Are you an OT, PT, audiologist or speech-language pathologist?

Speak out now to protect your job status!

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) wants to change the rules for up to 2,000 Maryland occupational and physical therapists (OT/PT), audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

The regulatory change would eliminate many of the rights and protections you and other high-demand specialists currently receive as professional employees under contracts across Maryland. Your professional license would no longer serve as the equivalent of state certification requirements, and you would lose your right to tenure and due process and current bargaining protections. And, in some counties, you would no longer be represented by MSTA affiliates.

Your action is needed immediately!

The State Board of Education and the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board (PSTEB) will be considering the proposed rule change in the fall. A 30-day public comment period begins this Friday. The State Board and PSTEB need to hear your concerns! Contact Cheryl McLeod at cmcleod@mstanea.org or Ann De Lacy at adelacy@mstanea.org for more information. You can also click here for talking points and a schedule.

Retirements Celebrated

Several HCEA members are retiring this year after spending dozens of years in school houses and office building across the county. We were fortunate that several were able to stop by HCEA on June 4th for us to wish them well and thank them for their years of dedication to the students of the Howard County Public Schools and to the Howard County Education Association. They will all be missed!! To view additional photos click here.

Social Networking

Social networking spaces like MySpace and Facebook may be a good way to keep in touch with friends but teachers and other education personnel should be careful in terms of creating personal profiles, communicating with students, and sharing sensitive information. For tips on your profile and to read a recent Washington Post article click here.

How You Can Earn National Board Certification?

Maryland’s ranks of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) rose by 231 this year, bringing the state’s total to 1,059—15th in the nation. MSTA recently honored the newest NBCTs at a special evening event in Annapolis. “We are so proud of each of you for embarking on this demanding professional journey,” said President Clara Floyd. “It is a testament to your profession and the high standards to which you hold it.” Pictured are National Board Certified teachers from Howard County.

Click here on information on how you can obtain National Board Certification

HCEA Well Represented at ESP Conference

A dozen HCEA members attended MSTA’s ESP Professional Development Day on February 16th. HCEA received an award from MSTA for having the highest member participation at the conference. This was the second year for the event which featured several workshops on topics such as job, safety and health issues.

SPARKS – “It was worth giving up a Saturday for!”

A dozen HCEA members – paraprofessional and teachers – gave up their Saturday to spend the day with HCEA learning more about classroom management, certification, personal financial issues and legal matters. More information about Saturday’s event.

2008 NEA RA to be held in Washington DC

HAVE FUN! MAKE NEW FRIENDS!

This year the NEA Rep Assembly will be held in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, along with Virginia. The convention will run from June 30 – July 6. Get more information. See you in Washington!

Annual Legislative Breakfast a Huge Success

This year’s HCEA legislative breakfast drew the biggest crowd we have ever had! Teachers and Para Professionals from across the county came to meet with not only our state legislators but the county executive, members of the county council and school board. To see photos of the event and hear from one of our members who attended, click here.

HCEA Wins 2007 – 2008 NEA Urban Grant!

Local Presidents received awards on behalf of their Associations at the recent meeting of the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). Pictured left to right are David Harswick, President of the Green Bay Education Association (Wisconson); NEA President Reg Weaver; Kim Ursetta, President of the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (Colorado) and our own Ann DeLacy, President of the Howard County Education Association. Find out more.

Para Pro Training

Two dozen HCEA members participate in the HCEA sponsored training for upcoming Para Pro Test. More information.

“I Can Do It” Workshop

IPD Committee Chair Maleeta Kitchen and committee member Kathy Hurl worked with members for a day long “I Can Do It” training on Saturday, October 29, 2007. Developed by NEA, this session helps educators discover classroom management techniques and strategies to help run an efficient and effective classroom. Participants learned how to establish routines, create smoothly flowing transitions, deal with difficult behaviors and nurture effective communication between home and school.

MSTA Convention 2007

Reach Up, Reach Out!
October 19 & 20, Ocean City
Roland E. Powell Convention Center

See more photos.

The Howard County Education Association Delegation to the MSTA convention was 43 strong including 17 members who were first time delegates. Many more attended and participated in the dozens of professional development workshops that were offered.

HCEA Crab Feast a Huge Success

A sold out crowd enjoyed another successful HCEA Crab Feast. Large, heavy crabs were the feature of the evening with everyone getting their fill.

HCEA President Ann De Lacy has help inspecting her crab		HCEA Membership Chair welcomed attendees to the HCEA crab feast

HCEA's Matt Martini experences zero-G

"On September 15, I went on an amazing flight over the Atlantic Ocean, where I experienced true weightlessness, not a simulation or ride, but true weightlessness. The Northrop Grumman Foundation sponsored the flight for 55 teachers in Maryland." Learn more about HCEA’s Matt Martini’s trip of a lifetime.

NCLB Update

During the first week in October, the No Child Left Behind bill will be before the House Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Let your voice be heard NOW. Find out how.

ParaEducators Orientation

Over 50 new ParaEducators attended the HCPSS’s orientation session on August 31. Led by HCEA member Susan Kirby, those in attendance heard from HCPSS staff and HCEA, including Superintendent Dr. Sydney Cousin and HCEA President Ann De Lacy.