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The KNEA News Archives 2009

Who KNEA recommends and why

Vote for pro-school funding candidates. Here's how KNEA recommends candidates, why, who and what you can do to support them

Now is your opportunity to join KNEA!

We are your favorite teachers, your friends, your colleagues and your mentors. We are united in our belief in, and support for, public schools and the teaching profession.

Congratulations Kansas students and teachers!

Kansans did well on the ACT; more Kansas students are better prepared for college

You did it! The House passed legislation to save over 138,000 education jobs!

Federal funding package details to be announced tomorrow.

Kelli Winder receives first Sherri Yourdon Scholarship

Scholarship for single moms pursuing advanced degree named for former KNEA Vice President

Kansas NEA announces pro-public school funding candidates

Vote in the August 3 election for candidates who will fund and support Kansas public schools

KNEA grants provide opportunities to members

Focus grant deadline is September 9

Kansas teachers ready to turn hope into action

KNEA members are among 9,000 educators from across the country to attend national Representative Assembly

KNEA's Political Action Committee recommends Tom Holland for Governor

Supporting our schools isn't a partisan value, it's a Kansas value. That plus Holland's practical business experience makes him the right candidate

Christy Levings re-elected to NEA Executive Committee

Osawatomie elementary teacher, former KNEA President directs the course of the National Education Association

Diane Ravitch receives NEA's Friend of Education Award

Ravitch, an architect of the Bush administration's infamous No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, recently published a book, "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education"

NEA Members Get It Done! House Passes $10 Billion Jobs Bill

The House of Representatives votes to approve funding that will save an estimated 138,000 educator jobs

Get Ready for Summer Reading

Summer is almost upon us and so are thoughts of summer reading.

NEA disappointed in Supreme Court's decision to deny review of unfunded mandate case

Constitutional question of federal government's role in education remains unanswered

The Issue is Jobs - The Time is Now!

Join the NEA campaign to keep teachers employed! call members of Congress at 1-866-608-6355 and urge them to pass the education jobs fund.

Change Lives. Teach! video winners announced

Hays, Emporia and Lawrence student videos take top honors

Green Across America Grants now available

NEA MB and Target co-sponsor $50,000 in grants for innovative activities, lessons or events that get students excited about "going green"

KNEA launches HelpLine Toolkit

Members can find resources to help in dealing with their job loss, filing for unemployment compensation, making retirement and licensure decisions and in their search for a new job

Notice dates changed... for now

Notice to teachers and administrators to change from May 1 to a moving date

Kansans want a budget they can count on

News conference notes study demonstrates deeper cuts to state services will have a more negative effect on the Kansas economy than a sales tax increase; 16 local community chambers of commerce have urged the Legislature to raise taxes to preserve public education

KNEA Bargaining Academy application deadline May 3

For KNEA members only; attendance is limited

KNEA honors Ken Ogdon as Friend of Education

Ogdon helped families, teachers, school disticts and bargaining teams prepare financially for the future

National Teacher Day is May 4

Join NEA's effort to say "thank you" to Kansas' great teachers; ideas and artwork included

No more tax cuts. A tax increase is appropriate, rational. Lawmakers must act now!

An open letter to members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Appropriations Committee as they return to deliberate on the state budget

Emporia's Jeline Harclerode honored for teaching excellence

The eighth-grade computer technology teacher is representing Kansas for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence

Clara Martin named a shining example of a political activist

The NEA Kingman County members is presented the Bob Wootton Political Achievement Award at the KNEA Representative Assembly

Kansas drops out of Race to the Top

In other news: Sunflower state receives millions to offset state legislature's cuts to education

Photos of the 2010 KNEA Representative Assembly

Snapshots of the good work done by KNEA RA delegates in Topeka.

KNEA members address school funding, critical student issues

KNEA statewide meeting April 16-18 includes NEA President Dennis Van Roekel

Dr. John Heim to be executive director for Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB)

A good choice says KNEA President, noting Heim is a founding member of Partners in Collaboration - Kansas (PICK) with KNEA

NEA encourages participation in U.S. census

Ten minutes of your time today, could mean a lifetime of education for our students.

KNEA student members spruced up 4 Lawrence elementary schools

Some 85 college students and advisors from 12 Kansas colleges and universities made schools a better place to learn in their "Outreach to Teach" project

Kansans rally to fund public schools

An estimated 1,500 teachers, parents and children tell lawmakers to provide the revenue to fund schools

Editorial: Are lawmakers playing make believe?

We must insist that legislators' vision be held up to scrutiny - is it make believe or is it real?

You, too, can "pilot" the Kansas Teacher Leader License

Teacher leaders interested in assessing the new assessment for the KTL License must notify KSDE by April 1

Rally for adequate yearly funding is March 16

Over 1,000 expected; Gov. Parkinson to speak; rally schedule

Education leaders collaborate on helping priority schools

NEA is hosting talks to inform and influence the federal School Improvement Grant process

KNEA to lawmakers: We need a ladder, not a shovel, to get out of budget hole

KNEA responds to Governor Parkinson's budget proposal

Kansas did NOT receive federal Race to the Top funding

Kansas will resubmit another application in June

KNEA members can network safely with colleagues

KNEA has created a "Facebook-like" social network site for members to network, share and communicate safely with colleagues.

KNEA Letters@Literature Winners

Students from Bern, Atchison and Leawood take top honors in KNEA essay contest. Thanks to all who made Read Across America a success!

Grow Your Brain - Celebrate Read Across America 2010

Online and social media tools, what's happening and where!

Working to improve math skills

Kansas teachers from six school districts are completing a professional development training course which focuses on combining mathematics with career and technical education.

March 1 deadline for grants, awards

KNEA Friend of Education, grants, video contest, member awards are due March 1

State Submits Race to the Top Grant

KNEA's response and KNEA's summary of the grant application

Educators Mustering Aid for Haiti Earthquake Victims

National Education Association collection donations for Haiti educators

H1N1 - What you need to know about the flu

A valuable resource including advice from school nurses, symptoms, Web resources and answers to frequently asked questions

Nominate the best and brightest for the Kansas Teacher of the Year

Nomination forms now available from the Kansas State Department of Education

KNEA Letters @ Literature Reading & Writing competition deadline is Feb. 1, 2010

Letters @ Literature asks students to write a personal letter explaining how an author's work changed their way of thinking about the world or themselves

KNEA members among 2010 Horizon Award honorees

First-year teachers honored for exemplary work

KNEA's summary of the KSDE RTTT application.

KNEA's summary of the KSDE RTTT application.

Vote for your Favorite Video

Here are the finalists for KNEA's Change Lives. Teach! video contest. Cast your vote today.

"Now is the time to protect what we have; now is the time to stop cutting education."

Governor Mark Parkinson proposes solutions to budget crisis in State of the State address

Enough is Enough!

Teachers, nurses and others band together to protect quality of life in Kansas

Save our Schools & Communities

KNEA leaders are making stops across the state to encourage community members to be educated about what is happening in the Statehouse and for lawmakers to stop providing tax breaks.

Former KNEA President takes leadership role with national board

Christy Levings elected vice chair of Board of Directors for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Devastating budget cuts to Kansas public schools

KNEA demands state lawmakers agree to no tax cuts during the 2010 session

KNEA member organizes tutoring for homeless children

Blue Valley's Deb Wertin encourages teachers to do what they can. "It makes a difference, the kids will love it and it's what we KNEA members do."

Nearly 100 attend KNEA's Bargaining Conference

Bargaining in tough times - topics ranged from school finance and health insurance to instructional issues and member support

KNEA Leadership Academy enhances professional standing

The Academy targets mid-career educators who are ready to expand their influence and impact, develop leadership skills and become more involved in their profession through the Association. Nomination deadline is Dec. 15.

American Education Week is Nov. 15-21

KNEA President encourages you to visit your local school and see for yourself how teachers are making public schools great for every child

KNEA President Blake West was part of the group developing new guidelines for teachers

Milestones for Improving Learning and Education (MILE) Guide provides teachers with meaningful, practical guidance to plan learning experiences that help students solve real world problems

Governor's Achievement Award recognizes schools

The fourth annual Governor's Achievement Awards, honoring top performing schools in the state, were presented to 41 elementary schools, 12 middle/junior high schools and 17 high schools.

New professional development module on Universal Design for Learning

This is a free professional development (PD) resource that supports accessible, engaging instruction for all students.

Education Secretary applauds ESU's Teachers College

Emporia State University, home of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, called a crown jewel

Topeka's Karen Godfrey is KNEA's new Vice President

Mark Farr, Nickerson, appointed secretary-treasurer

Nominate your custodian for the National CLEAN Award!

NEA's C.L.E.A.N. ? Award recognizes the contributions that custodians make to public health in their schools, communities and their profession

Report Finds Achievement Gap Continuing to Narrow

Achievement gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students on state tests have narrowed

Kansas students keeping it real with the Real World Design Challenge

Kansas NEA is joining Governor Mark Parkinson in challenging high school students to form a team and become involved the 2010 Real World Design Challenge.

Increasing number of undocumented students prompts new guide for schools

NEA and NSBA jointly release a publication designed to help schools and educators address the issue and meet the needs of these students.

"Teaching East Asia" seminars start Oct. 3

The Kansas Consortium for Teaching About Asia (KCTA) seminars are free to teachers and school librarians, and those who successfully complete the course earn a cash stipend of $250. There also are opportunities for subsidized enrichment activities.

Sept. 23 PBS TV show "Reading, Writing and a Worthwhile Education..." highlights Kansas public schools

KNEA encourages everyone to watch the one-hour television program and participate in the Watch & Talk Parties. Locations and times can be found at www.klfa.org

Change in fee for fingerprint background clearance for Kansas licensure

Starting October 1 the fee for a fingerprint background clearance by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be $50.00

Safety tips this flu season

Advice and tips to deal with the Novel H1N1 (formerly referred to as "swine flu")

New Leadership Network provides resources for MTSS

September 2009 Webinar Event: Screening for Reading Problems in an RTI Framework

President to address America's students on Sept. 8

Obama message: Stay In School. He'll also promote the "I Am What I Learn" video contest.

Valuable benefit for members: NEA Academy

The online Academy currently has 22 courses and visiting scholar offerings - and more are being added daily.

KNEA members mourn the loss of Vice President Sherri Yourdon

Memorial scholarship established for single moms working for advanced teaching degree

KNEA announces Change Lives. Teach! Video Contest

This video contest is part of KNEA's work to recruit and retain quality teachers in Kansas.

A Back to School Teacher Supplies List

More Than Two Dozen Supplies for the Well-Equipped Teacher

"Internationalize" your classroom

Professional development opportunity which PAYS school teachers and school librarians for participating

Stop "Summer Loss" - Don't let students' smarts slip

Summer is the time to learn for the sake of learning. Learn a craft, create a photo journal, draw sketches of insects, read comic books! Allow your brain to stretch and enjoy! That applies to both teachers and students.

Education Department announces "Race to the Top" grant guidelines

NEA encourages less focus on narrow test scores and test prep; enhance rich curriculum

Amy Elizabeth and Tracy Anderson of Derby Middle School received a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant

Derby teachers receive NEA Grant for technology to prepare students for college and careers

Bicycle Safety Ideas

Tips to help you and the kids rolling and stay safe

Kansas Education Commissioner Posny nominated for federal post

White House nominated Posny to be Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education.

KNEA works to minimize impact of budget cuts on student

KNEA President Blake West responds to Governor Parkinson's budget plans

Nearly 175 Kansas teachers are heading to San Diego

Kansas educators join 10,000 colleagues from across the country to discuss pressing issues facing education

Number graduating from Kansas high schools increases

A new report says Kansas' high school graduation rate rose from 1996 to 2006 and stayed above the national average.

Kansas school reform initiatives honored

Kansas is being recognized as a national leader for creating "Profiles for 21st Century Learning."

Kansas 8th grader wins 2009 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Olathe junior high's Kavya Shivashanker wrote out every word on her palm before answering.

NEA Foundation Grants due June 1

Applying On-line for NEA Foundation Grants is Simple - A New On-line Video Shows You How

Looking for fall project money?

Check out the NEA Foundation's grants

Schools in Topeka, Wichita, Clyde and Oskaloosa are Quest winners

KNEA Executive Director Claudette Johns presented the trophy during the May 17 broadcast

KCK's success at closing achievement gaps garners NEA grant

$50,000 NEA Foundation Planning Grant may turn into $1.25 million project

Article by Shawnee Mission member Patricia Seligson, RN, in School Nurse News

Like teachers, at the heart, nurses are a core of caring people. "Little Known Facts About Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) Nurses" helps promote National School Nurse Day May 6

National Teacher Day is May 5

Great Teachers Make Great Public Schools! Find resources, history here

Nearly 1,300 school jobs eliminated as districts struggle to meet budget restrictions

The education community is calling on corporations to share in the sacrifice to bring economic recovery to Kansas

News Conference: The education community will address the 2010 budget and its impact on the education of Kansas children, as well as the Kansas economy.

Nearly 1,300 jobs eliminated as districts struggle with budget restrictions businesses. Corporate business community should be willing to share with state agencies to bring economic recovery to Kansas.

Free day of professional development for those interested in improving our schools

June 12 - "Strategies for Educational Improvement: Thriving Classrooms, Innovative Instruction and Visionary Leadership."

Sunday's Hallmark Hall of Fame movie is result of Kansas students and KNEA member

The story is about a Catholic woman, Irena Sendler, who saved 2,500 Jewish children from the Nazis

Nearly 500 KNEA members address school funding, needs of student issues at annual meeting

School funding in challenging times, discussions about elected leaders who kept, or didn't keep, their promises to public schools and student achievement were hot topics

KNEA President honored for leadership, vision and communications

KNEA President Blake West was awarded the Excellence in Communication Leadership (EXCEL) Award by the Topeka chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

KNEA members address school funding, student issues at annual meeting

Ensuring great public schools even in difficult economic times will be a hot topic for the 500 delegates attending the Kansas NEA Representative Assembly (RA) this weekend

Public School Students Top Private School Takers on Math Assessments

As new study found that public-school students outperform their private-school classmates on standardized math tests. The reason? Certified math teachers and a modern, reform-oriented math curriculum

To Kansas Legislators: Adopt Governor's Amended Budget

Kansas NEA applauds the actions of the House Education Budget Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education for adopting the Governor's budget amendment as it pertains to K-12 education.

Kansas 4th grader in "Dear Mr. President" book

Abbie Restivo's letter chosen from 4,000 entries nationwide for a book that will be delivered to President Obama

Winners of the first-ever KNEA Read Aloud Contest!

The winners are Logan Barker, Madison; Maddie Foster, Seneca; Ashley Haverkamp, Holton; and Hunter Wishart, El Dorado

US Senate votes down a "pro-voucher" amendment

Federal funding for private and religious school vouchers are currently set to expire at the end of the next school year.

KNEA congratulates the 2009 Kansas Master Teachers

The 2009 Kansas Master Teachers are Kenneth J. Bingman, Blue Valley NEA; Lynne "Christy" Boerner, Wamego TA; Barbara Duffer Cole, Shawnee Heights EA; Beverly Steele Furlong, Gardner-Edgerton NEA; Jeline Harclerode, Emporia NEA; Barbara McCalla, Augusta EA and Sarah Smith Meadows, NEA Topeka.

Education Community Applauds House Action on K-12 Budget

Will Senate Ways and Means Committee follow suit?

President Obama nominates Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as secretary of health and human services

KNEA applauds nomination, Sebelius' work for public schools

Kansas Green Schools grant program includes free recycling materials

The Kansas Green Schools Program will award $4,500 grants for waste management projects

KNEA/Cox Webcast featuring Gov. Sebelius and 31,000 Kansas kids

Elementary schools from Garden City to Iola and from Arkansas City to Topeka have pre-registered to participate in this event to support the Kansas NEA's Read Across Kansas program

Read Across America Web Cast: Register by Feb. 23

Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday March 2 via Web cast - register here today!

Change Lives. Teach! Campaign debuts at education conference

Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) conference is this weekend in Topeka

NEA members work pays off

Agreement on federal stimulus includes school funding

Stand up for Kansas public school children

Kansas NEA urges you to stand up for Kansas public school children - tell your story to state lawmakers!

Education investment = Job Creation

In a TV spot aired nationally, NEA urges all Americans to tell Congress to fix the Economic Recovery Plan to increase funding for education to create more jobs.

Centralia High School and Lyons High School Named the Top High Schools in Kansas

BUSINESSWEEK names top schools in America

Teachers to Legislators: Keep kids first in Kansas!

Kansas Teacher of the Year Team shares your story with state lawmakers

Blake West re-elected KNEA President

Vice President Sherri Yourdon and Secretary/Treasurer Karen Godfrey also re-elected

KNEA's Albert Carrington honored

Albert Carrington receives accolades from the NEA for civil rights work

A Chance for Kids to Speak to President Obama - Dear Mr. President

Inauguration Instructional Activities Available Now on NEA Website

Claudette Johns is KNEA's new Executive Director

Claudette Johns is Kansas NEA's first female executive director.

New Year's Resolution: Get involved in public schools

When making New Year's resolutions, keep involvement in public schools and families in mind.

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