Where has the summer gone? Yes-it’s time to head back to school. We know you are anxious to return and so are your students. So to get you started, this month’s e-Advocate features an article that explores a technique to switch on the learning lights for students. You’ll learn why ESPs in Osceola County are excited about returning to school following a major victory, examine how teachers, ESPs and parents are using their digital muscles to mobilize for change, but not without the help of an offline lobby. Before you click away, please take a moment to take our online surveys. There has been a lot of talk about Race to the Top, and we’re sure that you have questions. Click here to send your Race to the Top questions. We’ll do our best to answer them.
Also, take a moment to complete our pre-election survey, and you could become the owner of a brand new Apple i-Pod. Click here to access the survey.
Make the difference in public education and in your community by heading to the polls. Early voting for the August 24th primary has started. Remember to support pro-public education candidates. To find voting locations in your community contact your local Supervisor of Elections. Find your Supervisor of Elections.
Finally, don’t forget to click the tabs below to take advantage of your member benefits. We’re providing learning opportunities and discounts on products and services that will help you throughout the school year. You can even win a classroom enhancement grant from FEA/Retired.
Read the rest of this entry »
Keep the July 4th sparks going with the e-Advocate! This month, we’re sharing the stories of several members who have gone above the call of duty for the students they serve. Their dedication and commitment to their jobs and our union makes us proud. We love to hear about and receive these member stories and encourage you to forward your stories and photos to share. We also would love to receive feedback from you. Tell us what you like about the e-Advocate, and what you’d like to read about. Contact Us on FEAweb to email your stories.
Our Student FEA members have been busy this summer. Read about how they have been working to rebuild dreams and restore hope for another group of youngsters.
If you are looking ahead to back to school, mark your calendars for the annual STAPLES Teacher Appreciation day to be held on Saturday, August 14, 9 am – 12 noon, at the nearby STAPLES store in your community. Also, make sure to check out the grant and funding opportunities on www.FEAweb.org. It’s a great way to obtain a few extra resources for your academic programs. You can interact with colleagues across the nation to discover new ideas and classroom tips from Works4me, and don’t forget to cash in on your member benefits. You have three ways to save money on products and services: ACCESS, NEAMB Click and Save, and AFT Community Advantage.
Read the rest of this entry »
Many of us have been dreaming about spending more time in the garden, enjoying the chill after a cool dip in the pool, and plenty of backyard barbeques. Yes- Summer is almost here! So, it’s time to take a break from the kids and your busy school day schedule.
In this month’s e-Advocate, you’ll learn how to boost your skills this summer with FEA Professional Development trainings. You’ll find out why FEA and its affiliates have entered the race a second time.
And, nominate deserving individuals or groups for the Human and Civil Rights awards. Don’t forget your June Member Benefits Specials, where you’ll find hot summer savings with NEA Click and Save!
We’d also like to make a correction on an article in last month’s e-Advocate. In “Florida Teacher’s Essay Becomes Rallying Cry for Respect”, we noted that Jamie Miller is a member in Palm Beach county. Jamie is currently a member of Seminole Education Association.
Read the rest of this entry »
The countdown to the end of the school year is underway. Teachers and support professionals are starting to wrap up the final details, while looking back on this year’s accomplishments. In this month’s e-Advocate, you’ll read about two FEA members being recognized for their leadership skills and commitment to unionism.
You’ll also have an opportunity at determining nominations for your future union leadership. We’ll share the results of our common-sense, research-based approach to transforming Florida’s struggling schools. And, don’t forget to check out your May Member Benefits Specials, including exclusive summertime savings from ACCESS that will make your wallet very happy!
Read the rest of this entry »
Take a break and spring into a brand new season with the FEA e-Advocate. This month, we’ll check out why Student FEA members have been hanging out at the beach, take a look at a new tool to help teachers tackle the Autism puzzle, and follow up on your responses to Senate Bill 6.
Don’t forget to check out your member benefits for monthly deals and specials on products and services. This month features great deals from ACCESS, NEAMB, and AFTPlus. Imagine pampering yourself with a week’s stay at your pick of popular resorts throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. You deserve a break! Always remember to check your member benefits.
Read the rest of this entry »
On Tuesday, the 2010 Florida Legislative Session convenes, and FEA staff and leadership have been working to ensure our members’ voices are heard. We’ll be at the Capitol every day, advocating on your behalf. Earlier this month, we launched the Make Our Schools A Priority: Keep the Promise Campaign, which urges members to hold their elected leaders accountable for the promises they made to Make Our Schools a Priority. We’ll be updating you regularly on the campaign and the important issues that make a difference in your lives. FEA has also joined forces with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and ACCESS to make tax time less stressful. Visit our website to learn more about FEA member benefits and start saving today! Read the rest of this entry »
It’s 2010, and FEA is working to get our members off to a great start. You may have already received your new FEA Membership Card in the mail. Please remember to save the letter accompanying the card; the letter contains your password. Activate your card on the member section of the FEA website, and start saving today! FEA has also joined forces with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® to make tax time less stressful. Read about Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®’s exclusive discounts for FEA members and print out a coupon to save 20% on paid tax preparation! This month’s e-Advocate also features Florida’s chief financial officer and gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink. Read about Sink’s strong commitment to public education below, and in the winter 2010 issue of the FEA Advocate. You’ll also learn about our relief efforts in Haiti and the many ways you can help earthquake victims. Read the rest of this entry »
This month’s e-Advocate updates you on the status of Florida’s application for the federal Race to the Top competition. Awards in Race to the Top will go to states that are leading the way with ambitious and achievable plans for education reform, but FEA President Andy Ford says Florida’s proposal is “fatally flawed.” You’ll also read about Hunger in America’s Classrooms: Share Our Strengths Teachers Report. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to respond to the online question and share your story about this “invisible crisis” in our schools. And this month’s e-Advocate suggests ways to improve your financial health. Personal finance expert Mary Rowand shares the top money resolutions you should make for 2010, and if saving more money tops your list of New Year’s resolutions, start the year off right with savings from ACCESS and FEA Member Benefits! Read the rest of this entry »
This month’s e-Advocate celebrates American Education Week and highlights FEA’s Trends e-Newsletter, with updates on education trends that impact teaching and learning. We invite college students to join Student Florida Education Association (SFEA), the fastest growing professional organization for future teachers. You’ll also find ways to green your holidays, with easy, low-cost, fun ideas that make the holidays a little easier on the planet. And be sure to visit FEA Member Benefits for a season full of savings! Read the rest of this entry »
This month’s e-Advocate highlights the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), a landmark education bill that the U.S. House of Representatives passed in September. We publish Proposed Amendments to the FEA-Retired Constitution & Bylaws, and celebrate 2009 Teen Read Week. You’ll also find links to FEA and AFT+ Member Benefits so you can start saving right now. Enjoy! Read the rest of this entry »
