NBTA NewsNew Brunswick Teachers’ Association

June 11, 2009Vol. LI, No. 5

Summer Hours For NBTA:From June 22 to Aug. 28

Mon. to Thurs.8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Fridays8:30 am - 12:30 pm

INSIDE:

72009 AGM Resolutions Results

Award Recipients

Retiring Teachers of 2009

14

28

Equity in Education

Turnaround AchievementAwards

5

11

Heather Smith ElectedNBTA Vice-President

See page 2 for details

Bob Fitzpatrick Retires as NBTA Executive Director

See page 9 for details

NBTA Board of Directors NamesLarry Jamieson to Replace

Bob FitzpatrickSee page 2 for details

2 NBTA NEWS

NBTA Board of Directors Names Larry Jamieson toReplace Bob Fitzpatrick

Larry Jamieson will become the4th NBTA Executive Director sincethe Association established itscurrent structure in 1970. He is thecurrent Deputy Executive Director ofthe Association, as well as theDirector of Teacher Welfare Servicesand former Principal of Harvey HighSchool. Jamieson knows he will bereplacing a person whose name hasbecome synonymous with theNBTA. “Bob Fitzpatrick has providedextraordinary service to the teachersof New Brunswick during nearly 30years of involvement in the work ofNBTA, locally, provincially andnationally. He has provided calm,dependable advice to hundreds ofindividual teachers, many of whomwere facing some challenge in theirpersonal and/or professional life.Many teachers will never know justhow much Bob Fitzpatrick hasinfluenced their professional lives asteachers.”

Jamieson’s own NBTAinvolvement has spanned decades aswell. For practically his entire

ISSN 0317-5227NBTA News is published five times ayear. Opinions expressed are those ofthe authors, not necessarily the NBTA.Editor: Blake RobichaudEditorial Assistant: Loretta ClarkeGraphic Artist: Eileen McNeilPrinted By: NBTF Printing ServicesMember: CEPAAddress all correspondence to:The EditorP.O. Box 752, Fredericton, N.B.E3B 5R6Telephone: (506) 452-8921FAX: (506) 453-9795E-mail: nbtanews@nbta.caWeb: www.nbta.ca

Heather Smith Elected NBTA Vice-President

Heather Smith of Bathurst hasbeen elected NBTA Vice-President.She will begin her one-year term inAugust. Smith has 26 years’experience teaching in variousschools around the province atmany grade levels. Her NBTA serviceincludes several years as a member ofthe Board of Directors and threeyears on the NBTA/NBTF ExecutiveCommittees. Interestingly, Heatherhas also served a year as Acting PastPresident of the NBTA, being electedto that role when former NBTAPresident Indu Varma retired andwas unable to serve. Smith's keyelection issues were teacherworkload, assessment and improvedservices for students. Following herelection, she thanked teachers for allthe support and input she received

as she visited schools across theprovince.

“I have to admit that I learnedmany great ideas and strategies and Ihave taken them to use in my ownschool! I used the analogy of ajourney as I presented my campaignplatform at Branch rep meetings, atstaff meetings and on my websiteand blog. I am honoured to beembarking on my next journey, thatof Vice-President of NBTA. “

NBTA Vice-President ElectionVote Count

Heather Smith 2330

Grant Hendry 1318

Heather Ingalls 1107

teaching career, he has alsovolunteered with his professionalAssociation. Larry has served as a

school rep, Branch President,Member of the Board of Directors,and on the Executive Committees ofboth the NBTA and NBTF. Heserved as NBTA Vice-President from1997-98. In 2001-02, he joined the

NBTA Staff for a one-year term asDirector of Communications. Hebegan his current assignment inAugust, 2002.

Jamieson says he likes achallenge. “This organization is theprofessional voice of teachers in NewBrunswick and being named theExecutive Director is humbling. Wemust continue to lobby and informgovernment of the importance ofpublic education to our society, andcontinue to press for sufficientresources and improved workingconditions for our members so thatthey can continue to meet thechallenges of the classroom. I amexcited about the challenge that liesahead, and I look forward to theopportunity to continue to workwith the leadership of thisorganization and the variousstakeholders involved in publiceducation.”

Larry Jamieson becomes NBTAExecutive Director on August 1.

Larry Jamieson

June 2009 3

President’s Message

Brent Shaw will be ending his term as NBTA President thissummer. This is a transcript of his final address to the 2009

Annual General Meeting.

It is with mixed feelingsthat I stand in front of youtoday. It has now beenalmost two years since Iassumed the role ofspokesperson for NewBrunswick teachers. OnJuly 31st, my term asNBTA President will end.It has not always been aneasy task, but it has alwaysbeen one of which I havebeen proud.

I came to this officewith a couple of goals,including promoting

improvements to our vocational education programs. Ibelieve I have been successful in increasing the profile ofthis issue. It is now accepted with the public andDepartment that we have shortages in skilled labour,and something has to be done. I am less satisfied withwhat form the “improvements” have actually taken.More work needs to be done to create solid, hands-onprograms for our students.

Shortly after assuming my duties, our Association wasfaced with a very emotional and potentially divisiveissue, a comprehensive review of our French SecondLanguage programs. It was clear that there were goingto be major changes and we had to be ready to get thevoices of teachers heard. There were extremely strongviews on many sides of this issue. We did our best togather as much information as possible from ourmembers and present them publicly. While our positionmay not have pleased everyone, I am comfortable that itrepresented the various views of all the teachers Irepresent. When approximately two-thirds of the peopleI represent feel one way and the remainder the directopposite, it is a challenge to strongly favour one sideover another.

Throughout my term, there have been significantchallenges in the media. Some, but by no means all, ofthis province’s major newspapers have publishededitorials critical of our profession, that I do not believerepresented a truly balanced or unbiased view. AsLyndon B. Johnson said, “If one morning I walked on topof the water across the Potomac River, the headline thatafternoon would read: ‘President Can't Swim’." Needless tosay, we had to contend with some right-wing think

tanks rating schools, promoting the ridiculous view thatschools are businesses and students a manufacturedproduct. And as James G. Watt said, “They kill good treesto put out bad newspapers.”

There is great emphasis on standardized test scores inthe public eye, but not enough about their relevance.Judging an education system solely on these assessmentsignores so much of what we are trying to do as teachersand society, for those kids who require more. We alsohave to ensure that if comparisons are being made, theyare based on all jurisdictions being on an even playingfield. Some of you may remember Albert Einstein. Hesaid, “Not everything that counts can be counted and noteverything that can be counted counts."

Our Collective Agreement expired during my term,so I assumed additional duties over this past year as Co-President of the NBTF, our union. I brought forwardand fought for the provisions put forth by yourFederation Committee on Terms and Conditions ofEmployment. This group of teachers gathered andreviewed input from their colleagues province-wide, bethey in the Anglophone or francophone sectors, andhammered out the basics of an Asking Package thatwould best serve teachers. Members have to be aware ofhow lucky we all were to have Kevin Sheehan as ourchief negotiator. He drove the bus, clearly having theadvantage in both ability and experience over theindividuals we faced across the bargaining table. I didlearn that there is one place I would not want to be —across the table from Kevin in a poker game. It isn’tthat I wouldn’t want to take his money, I think youknow what I mean. Also, let me compliment not onlythe other NBTA representatives on our negotiating team,but also our counterparts in the AEFNB. We were united,we were strong and we spoke with one voice. We werenot Dysfunctional !! I know that is hard to believe.

By December 2008, we had a signed CollectiveAgreement that showed a respectable salary increase, butalso importantly established a structure, the TeacherAllocation and Workload Committee, that could serveto address class composition issues and improve workingconditions for teachers.

That is what we believed at that time. This view wasfurther reinforced earlier this spring, when in a specialmeeting, I received the personal assurance from boththe Minister of Education and the Premier of newBrunswick, Shawn Graham, that the NEW Collective

Brent Shaw

Office (506) 452-8921 • FAX (506) 453-9795 • E-mail brent.shaw@nbta.ca

(continued on page 4)

4 NBTA NEWS

Agreement would be honored in its entirety.Then, just a few short weeks later, we were asked to re-

open our Contract. We worked diligently to provide ourBoard of Directors, your elected representatives anddecision-makers, with as much information as possible.THEY SAID “NO”, unanimously. The Minister thenoffered a $1,000 INCENTIVE to individual teachers toBREAK their own legal contract. THEY SAID NO, ifpossible, even a little louder. The question has to cometo mind, “who is dysfunctionalhere”?

Since that time, the public in thisprovince has been bombarded withone message. “The cuts to Educationare the teachers’ fault.”

Comments made by the Ministerof Education, specifically those in arecent article published in the TimesTranscript last Saturday, have leftthe teachers of this province shakingtheir heads in disbelief. Our Education system should bemore important than rhetoric, and winning points in apublic debate. The statement, “We will need fewerteaching assistants if we have good quality teaching” hasbeen attributed to Minister Lamrock. Thispronouncement manages to belittle the work of bothgroups who work diligently and directly with childrenfacing significant challenges. Are we expected to believethat a child’s autism or behaviour issues will disappearand they will no longer require individual interventions,if teachers just “get better.” Surely even MinisterLamrock doesn’t believe that, and if he doesn’t, then whymake these statements?

The Minister once again praised his InnovativeLearning Fund, while criticizing the theory that “youteach in an old-fashioned way and then if students don’tfollow along, you put a teacher assistant on them.” Thisstatement indicates a disturbing lack of understanding ofthe way teaching takes place in this province, and paintsa picture of a structure that truly has not been the normfor many years. Does he truly believe that the majority ofTeaching Assistants are assigned to kids just needing alittle “extra help”, rather than the heart-wrenching andoverwhelming needs that teachers and teacher assistantswitness and strive to meet everyday? Innovation has longbeen a necessity for ALL New Brunswick teachers, beforethe Innovative Learning Fund which was established bystealing the money directly from our classrooms. Puttinga bureaucratic structure in place has not truly enhancedinnovation in New Brunswick schools. If it did, then thenumber of applications for ILF grants would be increasingrather than dropping like a stone. The vast majority ofNew Brunswick teachers do not like the ILF because theirtime can be better used in delivering programming tokids, not jumping through hoops to get some of theirown funding back. Staff allocated to administer thispaperwork, which by the way, uses a very significantamount of the fund, would be far more beneficial ifassigned to direct student services.

Finally, it would be refreshing to hear that theMinister at least take some of the blame for all the cutsthat are taking place in Education because so far it hasapparently been all the fault of the teachers. Thisargument might win some points in a debate, (if your liferevolves around debating so you can avoid the realissues), but aren’t there more important matters at stake?All games aside, NB teachers signed a contract inDecember that included a provision to reduce class size in

the Fall. The Minister is quoted assaying this was to give teachers “moretime.” One less child per class doesnot create more time for teachers,how can it? What it does do is addressclass composition issues by reducingthe teacher-student ratio, something aprevious government granted, noteven as part of negotiations, but toimprove services to kids. And by theway, cuts to libraries, Behaviour

Intervention Workers, and the Beginning Teachers’Induction Program were all scheduled to take place nomatter what happened with class size reductions.

A host of factors have contributed to the cuts inEducation, but teachers, and I am sure others workingdirectly with kids, would like the Minister of Education toat least accept some of the accountability. We will be inthe classes and schools doing our best to limit the effectsof these reductions on services to students. When a shiphits an iceberg, it shouldn’t be the captain who is rowingaway in the only lifeboat.

Next year, Noreen Bonnell will be delivering thisaddress, having spent about ten months in this position.I am totally confident that her wisdom, dedication andunderstanding of the work that you do, will make her awonderful leader. I am equally sure that she will face hershare of challenges as I did. My advice would be, talk toteachers, keep your door open, and listen to the advice ofthe professional staff who are there to advise, supportand assist you, and keep your sense of humor. Believe itor not, it will enlighten many tense situations.

I would also like to take this opportunity to say“Thank You” to the Staff of Fredericton High School formaking the transition of my two sons from a school of600 to a school of 1800 a great experience.

I really want to pass on a special Bunch of HUGS tothe staff of the NBTA. They have been a second family tome for nearly two years and they will never be forgottenin my thoughts and in my heart.

Finally, I would like to thank my wife Sharon, andsons Tyson and Dylan, for all of their support when DADcouldn’t be home for whatever reason and the onlyquestions asked would be “when will we see you”.

I have been honoured to be your President. Thankyou.

President’s Message

“...A host of factors havecontributed to the cuts in

Education, but teachers, and Iam sure others working directly

with kids, would like theMinister of Education to at

least accept some of theaccountability...”

1. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA investigate thefeasibility of establishing a members-only server andreport its findings to the October, 2009 NBTA Board ofDirectors for their consideration.

Result: Accepted

2. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby thegovernment to review its funding/allotment policy forMethods and Resource teachers and adopt a policy offunding for them based not solely on a school’s totalpopulation, but also on its total population ofstudents who are on an SEP nominal roll.

Result: Referred to New Brunswick Teachers’ FederationCommittee on Terms and Conditions of Employment(FCTCE)

3. Resolution SplitBE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF (a) lobby ouremployer to require that all vacant positions be postedfor all teachers to view.

Result: Referred to FCTCE(b) allow B contract teachers to maintain their Bcontract status if they relocate to another district.

Result: Defeated

4. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby ouremployer to pay for all safety equipment that isrequired by our teachers for instructional purposes.

Result: Referred to NBTF

5. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby negotiatewith the provincial government for two discretionaryfamily days each year.

Result: Referred to FCTCE

6. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby theemployer to change the language in Article 29.05 toadd: If at the end of a five (5) year term, a SchoolDistrict does not renew an individual’s position ofprincipal or vice principal, it must demonstrate justcause for the termination. In all such instances, it shalldo so by written notice by registered mail or personalservice to that teacher on or before the 30th day ofApril preceding the end of the school year. Said noticeshall contain the precise reasons for terminating theappointment and from thereon no reasons other thanthose recorded in the teacher's personal record filemay be invoked against the teacher.

Result: Referred to FCTCE

7. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby theprovincial government for more paid leave days forteaching fathers at the birth/adoption of their child.

Result: Referred to FCTCE

8. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby theprovincial government for supplemental pay duringparental leaves.

Result: Referred to FCTCE

9. BE IT RESOLVED that the term of NBTA/NBTF staffpositions be limited to 5 years. Positions may be re-applied for.

Result: Defeated

10. BE IT RESOLVED that NBTA services be provided fairlyand equitably to all members, regardless of the natureof their position.

Result: Accepted

11. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA recommend to theDepartment of Education a mandatory disciplineprotocol for students who are chronic offenders thatmust be followed regardless of external andextenuating circumstances. This would include adefinition of a chronic discipline problem, and asequential step system with consequences.

Result: Defeated

12. BE IT RESOLVED that Learning Specialists lose theirmembership in the NBTA/NBTF after 5 consecutiveyears in these District Office positions.

Result: Defeated

13. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTF actively lobby the NBgovernment to increase staff allocation from 1.1 to 1.2for the K-5 level.

Result: Referred to FCTCE

14. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby the NBgovernment to establish clear protocols for Districts toprotect teacher confidentiality when conductinginvestigations of complaints under Policy 701 or theWorkplace Harassment Policy.

Result: Referred to NBTF

15. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTF lobby Districts toensure that they make every effort to mediate disputesand complaints among school personnel prior to aformal investigation being undertaken.

Result: Referred to NBTF

16. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA/NBTF lobby theprovincial government for one turnaround reportingday for each reporting period at the elementary andmiddle levels.

Result: Referred to FCTCE

17. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA lobby Districts tohold ELPA testing outside of the five-day examschedule by either extending the exam schedule orwriting them at a different time all together.

Result: Referred to NBTA Board of Directors

18. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA lobby the Departmentof Education to offer a variety of classes appropriate tomeet the needs of all students, regardless of their levelof ability. Specifically, students on SEP’s would be ableto access courses that might better prepare them for

June 2009 5

AGM 2009 Resolutions Results

6 NBTA NEWS

life after high school.Result: Accepted

19. BE IT RESOLVED that a guidance counselor be placedin each elementary school on a full-time basis.

Result: Referred to NBTA Executive Committee

20. BE IT RESOLVED that the NBTA lobby for changes tothe pension plan to allow teachers to purchase timespent teaching in non-governmental schools (e.g.,Devon Park Baptist School).

Result: Defeated

***A number of Resolutions have been referred to theNew Brunswick Teachers’ Federation Committee onTerms and Conditions of Employment (FCTCE). ThisCommittee gathers imput from teachers across theprovince approximately one year before the nextnegotiations will begin. They use this information toassemble a proposed Asking Package.

New Board Members

Outgoing Board Members

(l to r) Leo Sheehy (0217), Rheal Fournier(1608), Angela Young (1536), Linda

McCarten (0619), Sandy Levesque (0333),& Pat Thorne (1428)

Karen Miller, Branch 1428

Laura Côté, Branch 0619Mélanie Bérubé, Branch 0333Peter Fullerton, Branch 0217

Heather Palmer, Branch 1826Dawn Beckingham-Noël,Branch 1536

Sheridan Mawhinney, Branch 1725

The NBTA wishes to recognize thecontribution of members of the Boardof Directors who are completing theirterm. These individuals havevolunteered many hours of their timerepresenting teachers in their branchesat meetings in Fredericton and locally.We thank them for their commitmentto service in their professionalorganization.

June 2009 7

The NBTA Centennial Award isthe highest honour bestowed bythe New Brunswick Teachers’Association. Established inCanada’s Centennial Year 1967, theAward ispresented eachyear to anindividual inrecognition ofhaving made asignificantcontribution toeducation inNew Brunswick.

This year,we honourCaledoniaRegional HighSchool teacherIvan Keirstead.

Over a 32-year teachingcareer inHillsborough,Ivan has earnedthe utmostrespect ofgrandparents,parents,students, staff,and the overallcommunity byhis dedication tolearning, his active participation inextracurricular life, and by hisengagement in uniting CaledoniaRegional High School with thecommunity by various means. He isconsidered a master at instilling inhis students a passion for learning,but his contribution to the lives ofchildren has not ended at theclassroom door. For over twentyyears, he served as a coach oractivity advisor in diverse sportssuch as curling, softball, basketballand soccer. For two and a halfdecades, he assisted with Safe Gradactivities, either as an advisor orsupervisor. Students also expandedtheir frontiers on class trips withIvan to England, Halifax, and onnumerous occasions, to Boston,

Ottawa and Quebec City. His colleagues benefited from his

leadership and representation as heserved in various NBTA roles foralmost the entirety of his career,

including six years as a member ofthe Board of Directors.

It is therefore fitting that theNBTA’s highest honour be awardedto someone who is above all, in thewords of his colleagues andstudents, an inspiring teacher:

Ivan believes strongly that allchildren can learn and that they alldeserve the best teaching we canprovide.

Ivan’s personalized teachingtechniques elicit amazing results fromour students. It is very rare thatstudents do not achieve in his class, asthe respect they hold for himencourages them to do their best work.

Mr. Keirstead is the teacher at ourschool who everyone can’t wait tohave.

When he spoke, you just had tolisten. He hadhigh expectationsof his students.He was gentleand kind, butmost of all hewas caring. Hewas both funnyand serious. Itwas obvious heloved his job andcared about hisstudents.

He helped toshape my careerand my life. He issomeone whocares about thetype of people webecome.

Whether he isthe teacher incharge of gradexec, helping out

with a schoolfundraiser, orchaperoning a

trip, he does it all. He is always thefirst to volunteer for whatever it is thatneeds to be done, always there to lenda helping hand.

I can’t imagine what school will belike without him, as a teacher and asa role model for students.

(Ivan is also the recipient of a2009 Premier’s Award of Excellencein Education for District 2.)

2009 Centennial Award Recipient

Ivan Keirstead accepts the Centennial Award from NBTA President Brent Shaw.

- Ivan Keirstead -

Photo by Harry Mullin

8 NBTA NEWS

The Bell Aliant Award forExcellence in Teaching is presentedeach year to a member of the NBTArecognized by peers and thecommunity as ateacher who exhibitsexcellence through anongoing commitmentto students andpedagogicalapproaches. This year’saward goes to a teacherwho educates thewhole child and takesgreat pride in seeingher students develop totheir fullest potential;whether it is helpingthem to understand adifficult concept,advising them in thecorrect course tochoose, giving themadvice about theircareer path, or beingthe shoulder to cry onwhen facing a difficultlife situation.

JMA ArmstrongSchool teacher NancyEllsworth.

Schools play centralroles in many smallNew Brunswick communities, andthe impact of teachers becomesincreasingly apparent as “I taughtyour older brother,” becomes “Itaught your mother,” and evensometimes “I have taught pretty welleveryone in your family or everyonethat you know.” It is difficult,therefore, to exaggerate the impactthat Nancy Ellsworth has had inSalisbury over her extensive career.How many parents and studentshave anticipated and been rewardedwith a positive school experiencedue to her influence. She earned somuch credibility among hercolleagues and the community ofSalisbury that if someone wanted topromote a new idea or point of view,he or she could win instant supportby simply saying, “I have discussedthis with Mrs. Ellsworth and shethinks it’s good idea.”

As always, the most accurateportrait of a person is painted by thewords of those touched by his or herefforts:

From Colleagues:“Her strong work ethic and passion

for teaching places her among the eliteeducators; the ones you meet a few timesduring a career.”

“She possesses qualities which,regardless of her own modesty, are easilyrecognized by her colleagues, by studentsand their parents, earning an authenticrespect.”

“organized, great work ethic,knowledgeable, caring and always withthe students’ interests at heart.”

“a creative self-starter and awonderful listener.”

From Students:“She is not just my teacher, she is a

true friend. She has helped me through

every battle, bridge and mission I havehad to conquer these past four years.”

“She has a knack for explainingthings so we understood and

remembered.”

“My friend and I getinto a fight..Call Nancy/Get accepted touniversity…CallNancy/Did well on a testor horrible on atest…Call Nancy.”

“It was never justabout school work. Shemade me feel valued,like it mattered I wasthere.”

From Parents:“She is involved in

many extracurricularactivities and is alwaysavailable to lend anextra hand at manyschool events. You canbe guaranteed to see hervolunteering at schooldances, helping out with

the drama productions,chaperoning school trips,or organizing or

decorating for the numerous schoolevents like graduations and varietyshows.”

“The students also love her becauseshe has a great sense of humour andrelates well with teens. She connects withher students and they connect with her.”

“To be brutally honest, I wondered ifmy son actually didn’t care if he passedor not, but thanks to Mrs. Ellsworth, whowas at him everyday, pushing for success,he did. He still loves her.”

On behalf of her colleagues, hercommunity and all those studentsshe wouldn’t give up on,

Thank you, Nancy Ellsworth,2009 Recipient of the Bell AliantAward for Excellence in Teaching.

Nancy Ellsworth accepts the Bell Aliant Award for Excellence in Teachingfrom Bell Aliant representative, Ron Forsythe.

Photo by Harry Mullin

Bell Aliant Award for Excellence in Teaching

- Nancy Ellsworth -

June 2009 9

The Vince Sunderland MemorialAward for OutstandingEducationalLeadership wasestablished in 2006and is sponsored bythe Department ofEducation. The Awardis presented each yearto honour an NBTAmember who is aprincipal or vice-principal,demonstrates thequalities of successfuleducational leadership,and fosters a positiveschool climate. Thehonour may also bebestowed upon anadministrative team.The Award is namedfor its first recipient,Vince Sunderland, avice-principal atRiverview High Schoolwho embodied all thecharacteristicsrecognized by this award. This year’srecipient is a leader in creating andfostering projects that increasestudent and teacher morale in hisschool, a gifted administrator, andabove all, a giving and trustworthyman.”

Sugarloaf Senior High SchoolVice Principal Gilbert Cyr.

From the establishment of acommon area for enriched students,to a new cafetorium, Gilbert Cyr setout to create an environment thatallowed each student to be

successful. Seeing that SSHS did not

have a woodworking lab, he was akey figure in developing apartnership with an offsite facility,NBCC Campbellton, to allowstudents to participate in the tradesof Carpentry and Cabinet Making.He has been involved in creatingAlternate Learning Centers forstudents who were not succeeding inthe regular classroom. These centershave been a blueprint for variousother centers across New Brunswick.Gilbert has taken on thecommitment to change the focus of

learning at his school. As a member of

the District 15Professional LearningCommunities team,Gilbert hasenshrined the corevalues of thismethodology to theeducationalenvironment atSugarloaf. Hespearheaded theimplementation ofguided study periodsto improve studentlearning at Sugarloaf.These sessions allowstudents to receiveimmediate supportand assistance for 35minutes each day.

Dedicated andcommitted to hiswork, Gilbert has

developed veryeffective skills innegotiation and

persuasion. These are evident in thepartnerships he has developed withbusiness and government agencies.He is a team player, supportive,encouraging, positive and open tonew ideas.

The 2009 recipient of the VinceSunderland Memorial Award forOutstanding EducationalLeadership goes to a person “whoembodies the entrepreneurialspirit by developing ideas andseeing them through to fullimplementation,” Gilbert Cyr.

Gilbert Cyr accepts the Vince Sunderland Award for Outstanding EducationalLeadership from John Kershaw, Deputy Minister of Education.

Honorary Life Memberships

For the past three decades, NewBrunswick students and teachershave benefited from the leadershipand guidance of Bob Fitzpatrick.

Following graduation from St.Thomas University, Bob began histeaching career at Chatham JuniorHigh in the fall of 1974, where he

taught and coached many of theyouth of the Miramichi until 1988.He served one year as principal ofNapan Elementary School and in the

Bob Fitzpatrick

Vince Sunderland Memorial Award forOutstanding Educational Leadership

Photo by Harry Mullin

- Gilbert Cyr -

10 NBTA NEWS

Few may have guessed years agoas they watched two young boystrapping muskrats together inApohaqui, that both wouldattain notoriety on theprovincial stage. One of the boyswas Frank McKenna and theother was Joe Monahan.

Throughout his teachingcareer at Belleisle Regional High,Hampton Middle School andSussex Regional, Joe gave hisbest for students and staff. HisNBTA involvement started in hissecond year of teaching, thebeginning of over 20 years ofservice as a Branch Vice-President and President,member of the NBTA Board ofDirectors and the ExecutiveCommittee. He served two yearsas NBTA Vice-President, beforeassuming the role of President in1993. In a recent interview, Joespoke about his time as Presidentand the daunting yet satisfying taskof fairly and accurately representingover 5,000 professionals. During his

tenure, Joe strongly and successfullydefended teachers againstgovernment efforts at sweeping,

detrimental changes to certification,while at the same time successfullybargaining for pensionimprovements, such as a reduction

in the required age service index.Joe’s farewell message from the

NBTA News in June 1995 shows hisdedication to supporting thosefacing a tough road. Hesuggested that the NBTAconcentrate on two priorities:“stopping violence, especiallyagainst women and children;and maintaining our publicschool system as one that offersequal opportunities for studentsfrom low and average incomes.We must defend our publicschools because they are centralto the Canadian fabric wecherish.”

With plenty still to offer theprofession, Joe returned to theclassroom in 1995.

From schools to theprovincial stage and back toschools again, Joe has given his

all for the children and teachers ofNew Brunswick. On behalf of them,we are proud to confer upon JoeMonahan an NBTA Honorary LifeMembership.

Joe Monahan

Photo by Harry Mullin

fall of 1988 he became principal ofSt. Andrews Elementary.

Almost immediately, Bob beganto serve his professionalAssociation in various roleslocally and provincially. In1983, he was elected to representhis branch as a member of theNBTA/F Board of Directors; in1984, he was elected to theNBTA Executive Committee andin 1985, he was elected to theNBTF Executive. He thenbacame NBTA Vice-President in1985.

Elected President of the NBTAin 1989, he served for two yearsin that role, before returning tohis Principalship in hishometown of Chatham,Miramichi. This proved to beonly a brief hiatus fromprovincial responsibilities. Bobwas back in Fredericton in 1993assuming the role of NBTA ExecutiveDirector, a position he has held sincethat time. He has also served withdistinction in numerous capacitieswith the CTF, and been a greatchampion of CTF as a national

organization for teachers.Bob Fitzpatrick is someone whose

mantra has always been to “serve”

rather than to “impress.” Providingthe best advice possible to teachersin need has always been his priority.Many teachers have spent themajority of their careers, knowing

that if they were in a tight spot,needed advice, or simply had to beheard on an issue, they could “call

Bob.” Bob is at his best at timeswhen other leaders often waveror err. In times of crisis, he canturn mountains into molehillsand calm rough waters with hisreasoned and thoughtfulcontributions.

Most teachers will neverknow just how much they oweto Bob Fitzpatrick, because hehas never had any need for self-promotion. However, thosewho have worked with him thelongest will most keenly feel hisretirement.

On behalf of all teachers ofNew Brunswick - Bob hasearned a heartfelt “Thank you”for his service to the teachingprofession and a well-earnedretirement.

It is with a great deal of pride,that for one of the last official times,we “Call Bob” to come forward sowe can confer upon him an NBTAHonorary Life Membership.

Photo by Harry Mullin

(Honorary Life Memberships continued)

June 2009 11

1023 Debra A. Adams (Burkholder)1429 Linda D. Aiton (Brannen)1826 Dorene E. Alexander (McLean)0618 Mary E. Alexander1640 Barbara Anne Amos0619 Colleen M. P. Babineau

(Slattery)1826 D. Lynn Bailey (Murray)1542 Katherine M. Baldwin

(Flanagan)0619 Allan L. Barteaux1826 Linda A. Batt (Marr)0820 Joanne W. Batten (Souther)1826 Jean-Marie J. Beaudin1826 Gérard L. Beaulieu1608 Irene A. Blakely (Lyons)1826 R. David Boles1430 Bernard J. Bourque1809 Malcolm Bowes1542 Gary A. Branch1430 J. Kevin Branswell1725 Judith Ann Breen (MacAfee)0619 Mary C. Breen (Scully)1826 Tom M. Brewer1431 Joy A. Briggs (Pray)0820 Donald Jr. W. Britten1429 Terry P. Brown1608 Karen I. Brunet (Demers)1538 Bruce A. Cameron0215 Evelyn Carnat (Dubinsky)1431 Wendy L. Caron (Bowerman)0820 Lynn Carr (Drury)1021 Linda D. Chambers (Wilcox)0215 Dawn S. Chase1431 Nanette M. Chiasson1450 Stephanie C. Chowdhry (Roy)1826 Rosemary S. Church

(Crawford)1826 Elizabeth A. Clavet (Abran)0214 Eugenia G. Coates (Trueman)0214 Deborah K. Cooney (Desprey)0619 Pamela A. Corke1429 Colin M. Craig1429 Jill P. Craig (McLaughlin)1429 Gail D. Cummings-Chin

(Cummings)0820 Heather I. Cunningham

(Thompson)0215 Kenneth D. Curwin1826 Don R. Davis0215 Barbara S. de Niverville

(Safran)0215 Kathryn A. de Niverville0214 Janis E. Demers (LeBlanc)0820 Corina M. Devlin (Murdock)1021 Micheline M. Dick (Godbout)1021 Ron G. Dick

0215 Bernie M. Donelle (LeBlanc)0215 David B. Donelle1023 Geordie A. Doon0215 Dorothy M. Driscoll (Hackett)0820 Jillian P. Driscoll (Adams)1538 Pamela A. Duncan1826 Margaret J. Dykeman

(Mersereau)0214 Patricia M. Dykeman (Coyne)0216 Nancy C. Ellsworth (Hicks)0820 Eric B. Estabrooks0820 Sharen E. Farthing0215 Deborah E. FisherStaff Robert D. Fitzpatrick0820 Darlene J. Fraser0215 Kenneth W. C. Frost1724 Elaine E. Fulton (Caterini)1610 Clara A. Gallant1826 Betty L. Gardiner (Everett)0619 Susan J. Garrish-Scribner

(Garrish)0217 Barbara A. Gebuhr1826 R. Elaine Geeringh (Beebe)1826 Sharon L. Gosselin (Sibbins)0215 Raymond N. Goudreau0820 Brenda G. Greenlaw

(Calhoun)0619 Jane Gresh (Burtt)1428 Mary Ann T. Hanson1023 Thomas D. Hendershot0820 Donna D. Hennessey

(McWhirter)0215 Faye E. Hetherington (Murray)1725 Jacklyn G. Holder (Breau)1021 E. Nadine Holmes (Clark)1640 Debra A. Hopper0618 Helen M. Hopper (Martin)0619 Rona J. Howald (Kilmartin)1021 Rossann M. Howard - Fox

(Howard)0619 Joanne H. Hurst (Maskell)1826 Marilyn A. Ingram (Southard)1023 Sharel B. Jacobs (Way)0820 Vivian I. James (Young)0215 Wanda A. Jessulat (Mellish)1428 Patricia A. Jewett (Morehouse)1536 Mary Lou Johnson (Emery)1826 Marilyn Kaufman (Chippin)0217 Ivan B. Keirstead1725 Maureen M. Kennedy

(Collins)1826 Patricia A. Kennedy (Whipple)1610 Margaret (Peggy) A.

Kirkpatrick (O'Neill)0215 Sandra J. Lass ((Deceased))1021 Bev H. Lawrence1725 Christina C LeBlanc (Cobham)

0215 Dorice LeBlanc (Landry)0215 Suzanne J. Lee-Lunney

(Hachey)0215 Mary Beth Legault (Thornton)0215 Janice A. Legere (Sears)0215 Linda A. Leighton1826 Francis A. Levangie1640 Carol L. Lister (Keenan)0820 Bonnie B. Lockhart0215 Brenda F. Logan-Adams

((Deceased))0618 Joanne Lucas (Sargeson)0215 Barb L. Lusk (Sherwood)1809 Jacqueline D. Lyons (Norrad)0619 Elizabeth A. MacGougan

(Derrah)0215 Debbie M. MacIver (Christie)0215 D. Peter MacLaggan0215 Kim D. MacPherson1021 Guy R. Mailhiot0215 Sharon A. Major (White)0619 Debra L. Margeson (Parrott)1610 Kenneth F. Martin1023 R. Alan Matthews0820 D. J. Allison Maxwell1538 Shelley A. McBrearty (Volney)1023 Anne M. McConkey

(MacLeod)1610 Judith Ann McDowell

(Mollins)1021 Carol J. McMullin (Rogers)0215 Monique McTiernan-Black

(McTiernan)1826 A. Susan Merrill (Barrett)0618 Joseph Monahan0820 Yvonne L. Morgan (Stewart)0618 David W. Mulford0820 Michael J. Murphy0820 Peter J. Murray1826 Marguerite-May I. Noel

(Boudreau)1725 Gerald (Pat) P. O'Brien0619 Diane O'Connor (MacVicar)0619 Elizabeth A. O'Hara (Corbin)1826 Joyce E. Pedersen0820 Suzanne M. Pelletier1826 Marc J. Pepin1826 Deborah F. L. Perry0215 Lise Philibert-Marquis

(Philibert)0214 Norma Plourde0619 Shirley E. Richard (Burgess)0619 Lynn M. L. Ripley (Peters)1826 Lucille M. Robichaud0619 Frances D. Rogers (Jones)0619 David Sadler1428 Virginia D. Sargeson (Jones)

Retiring Teachers of 2009

12 NBTA NEWS

0217 Leo Sheehy0215 Colombe L. Smith

(Robichaud)0216 M. Judith Smith (Levangie)1826 Reginald E. Springer0215 Susan A. Srivastava

(McCollum)0215 Clifford W. Steeves0619 Rudy Stefani0619 Sheena M. Stephens-Perkins

(Stephens)1023 Linda M. Stephenson (Estey)

0820 Susan T. Stevens (Michaud)0215 Jane M. Sunderland (Whalen)0820 A. Elizabeth Sutherland0618 Krista J. Tabor (Anderson)1536 Mary E. Taylor (Lawlor)0215 William J. C. Turgeon1608 Nancy K. Vessie (Hawkes)0619 Carole E. Wallace (Mark)0820 Karen L. Walsh (Connick)1826 M. Catherine Walsh-James1826 Nancy R. Ward (Ritchie)1640 Desmond C. Warham

0215 James W. Weldon1429 Richard D. Wetmore0820 Frances K. Wheaton

(Morrissey)0215 Dorothy M. White (Donelle)0619 Susan R. White (Bradley)1725 Anna M. Wilby0619 Constance D. Wilcox (Hicks)1542 George A. Willett0215 Harris T. Willett0618 Marilyn A. Wynn (Anderson)

many governments strip awaycontract rights or arbitrarily changeworking conditions. Some, in theheady cutback days of the 1990smade no bones about the rationalebehind certain changes.Conservative groups continue tostate openly that teachers have toomuch power and must have theirinfluence restrained as they attemptto move the emphasis in educationaway from a focus on children’sneeds to a focus on their ownagendas. The Atlantic Institute forMarket Studies (AIMS) group spokeagainst teacher organizationinfluence advocating "Getting thefox out of the schoolhouse: How thepublic can take back publiceducation" (CBC News, September 6,2007).

Those who oppose strong publicservices are well resourced. Theyhave strong corporate support fortheir fiscal policies and aresupported (perhaps at times led) byconservative advocacy groups suchas the Fraser Institute, theConference Board of Canada and theAtlantic Institute for Market Studies.None of these groups is truly a non-

aligned free-thinking group. Allsupport one another and all shareresources and research to bringforward similar positions.

CTF is one major source ofprotection for teachers against theuniformity of thought that assaultsgovernment thinkers. CTF is theonly forum for teacher leaders acrossCanada to come together to discusspressures on education andcoordinate action. Through Board ofDirectors meetings, varioussymposiums, joint staff activitiesand frequent communicationfocused on priorities set by the CTFBoard of Directors, teacher interestsare brought forward. Everyprovincial and territorial teachergroup, large and small, benefits fromthis liaison. That benefit is a primaryreason one CTF Director said lastyear, “If we didn’t have CTF, wewould have to create it.”

Please address questions orcomments on this article to EmilyNoble, President, Canadian Teachers’Federation at enoble@cff-fce.ca

Last November, the CanadianTeachers’ Federation (CTF) was a co-sponsor with three other nationallabour groups in a Forum on LabourRights as Human Rights. Withpresentations by the sponsoringgroups, plus the InternationalLabour Organization, EducationInternational and others, it waseducational, inspirational andmotivating. There were manymentions of the pressure put onlabour rights by major corporateinterests supported by governmentsthrough both right-wing legislationand lack of enforcement oflegislation when judgments arefavourable to labour. Examplesincluded farm workers In Ontariowho earned the right to organizeonly to be summarily dismissedwithout recourse and the Quebecmechanics at the Gatineau Wal-Martwho won a first contract only tohave Wal-Mart close down theautomotive repair division of thestore. For those workers their onlylabour right was to do what theemployer wanted.

Teachers are not immune fromlabour rights bullying. We have seen

Nationally Speaking: Cooperate or Die

Congratulations!Congratulations!

June 2009 13

(NBPCC) – The New BrunswickProvincial Capital Commissionrecently announced the launch ofCapitalEncounters/À ladécouverte de lacapitale in therotunda of theLegislativeAssembly. Theprogram isdesigned toencourage NewBrunswick’sstudents to cometo the capitalregion andexplore thepolitical centre ofthe province.

EdouardAllain, Vice-President of the NBPCC, and Chairof the Education Awarenesscommittee said, “Our mandateincludes offering students theopportunity to visit the LegislativeAssembly and other aspects of ourcapital, to see the region as a secondhome,” said Mr. Allain. “TheCommission’s first step in thisproject was the 2008 walk with thePremier and MLAs. The second stepis to facilitate the visits of all NewBrunswick students.”

The NBPCC is offering a travel

subsidy to student groups to assistwith their travel costs.

Currently, 2.5% of New

Brunswick’s student population hasthe opportunity to make a capitalvisit. The NBPCC hopes to doublethat in the first year of CapitalEncounters.

“The capital region is a specialplace filled with memorableexperiences that teach us muchabout who we are as NewBrunswickers,” said Lee Ellen Pottie,Executive Director of the NBPCC.“We want to enhance that pride andunderstanding among NewBrunswick students through

initiatives which promote heritageand cultural awareness, especially inthis year which is the 225th

anniversary of theestablishment ofthe province.”

The CapitalEncounters’ subsidyis intended toencourage studentsto learn about theircapital and thecapital region aspart of theireducation. TheNBPCC’s onlyrequirements arethat students visitthe LegislativeAssembly andsubmit a report tothe NBPCC after

their travel.More information on the Capital

Encounters’ travel subsidy and tripplanning guide may be found atwww.capnb.ca. Click onDiscovering.

Established in 2007, the NewBrunswick Provincial CapitalCommission seeks to promote thecapital region as a welcoming place forall New Brunswickers, encouraging asense of pride, community and belonging.Contact person: Lee Ellen Pottie at 506-444-2026 or Lee.Ellen@capnb.ca

New Brunswick Provincial Capital Commision

NBPCC Inspires Students to Explore the Capital Region

Notice:June 2009 Retirees

Teachers who will be retiring at the end of June 2009 willreceive any residual (summer) money owed to them onthe July 3, 2009 pay date. First pension deposit will occuron July 23/24 as long as all necessary paperwork has beencompleted.

14 NBTA NEWS

Equity in Education:Delivering First Class Male?

“Fewer Male Instructors NowEntering the City Public SchoolService” read a headline in the NewYork Times in March 1912. Despitethe passage of time, this headlinecould appear in a 2009 publication,and still be considered accurate andrelevant. However, as publicitysurrounding the lack of malesentering the teaching profession failsto wane, a new-era question hasheightened the discussion: Does itmatter?

The NBTA Equity in EducationCommittee debated this issue(among many others) at its firstmeeting in February 2009.Subsequently, the Committeeidentified its focus as developing apublic relations campaign with thedual purpose of promoting thebenefits of teaching as a professionto both males and females, as well asspecific campaign strategies toencourage males to enter theteaching profession at theelementary level. The Committeefurther decided to target grade 11and 12 students with this campaign,as it is with this population that webelieve we can have the mostimpact.

To have a clear understanding ofthe focus of the NBTA Equity inEducation Committee, it is necessaryto have a synopsis of the research ontwo main questions:

1. What prevents men fromchoosing teaching as aprofession?

2. Do we need more men ineducation?: Arguments andCounter-argumentsThe remainder of this article will

explain the “top 3” reasons for eachquestion.

What prevents men from choosingteaching as a profession?

A myriad of reasons appear in theresearch to answer this question.Ironically, one could refer to thesame 1912 New York Times article foran explanation of reason number

one:

There is unmistakably a scarcity of menamong the teachers recently appointed, or tobe more accurate, among those who haveaccepted appointment. The explanation issimple — men are unwilling to accept initialsalary, $720 a year, now paid in elementaryschools. (New York Times, 1912)

Faced with the potential of familiesto support, bills to pay, scarcity ofpermanent positions, often coupledwith multiple years on D contractand lengthy commutes, it shouldcome as no surprise that both sexesgive careful consideration beforeentering our profession and that, inparticular, many males opt for thecareer path that can offer big money.In The Status of Male Teachers inPublic Education Today, Shaun P.Johnson summarizes the financialreasoning:

Low salary relative to other occupations maybe one important reason why the non-pecuniary rewards of teaching areemphasized such as interpersonalrelationships with children and connection toone’s community. Low salary may have adifferential effect on men because of theperception that they need to be a family’sprimary wage earner. (Johnson, 2008, p. 5).

The second reason preventingmales from entering teaching islinked to the first: males often citelack of prestige and status as a reasonfor not entering the teachingprofession. Many men are lookingfor a career that offers opportunities

for significant advancement andthey do not perceive this can occurin the teaching profession. A 1996Statistics Canada report indicatedthat 32% of male educationgraduates pursued occupations otherthan teaching as their first full-timejob after graduation. This report alsoindicated that men who leaveteaching are much more likely topursue professional or managerialoccupations than women. Morerecently, Johnson (2008) explainedthe perceived lack of prestige:

Teaching’s low status [due to its closeassociation with two marginalized groups:women and children] resulted in a number ofrestrictive policies that took control of theprofession away from educators and placed itin the hands of middle-level administrators.For instance…teachers have becomeoverloaded with non-teaching duties such asexcessive paperwork and child and healthcare duties, subsequently cutting them offfrom professional growth in their fields.(Johnson, 2008, p. 5).

The third reason cited in researchas preventing males from enteringthe teaching profession is centeredaround the stereotype that teachingis a “nurturing” and “caring”profession that is best suited tofemales. Since the advent of theIndustrial Age, the teachingprofession has been historicallydominated by women. Johnson(2008) further defines thisstereotype:

Within education, caring for childrenprofessionally is for men a taboo that manyare unwilling to challenge out of fear ofsocial repercussions within the larger society.The cycle perpetuates itself to some degreebecause children do not observe men incaring roles. (Johnson, 2008, p. 5).

This issue is compounded by thepossibility that many males outsidethe education field perceive teachingas essentially “all day recess”without any true understanding ofthe pedagogy and science of learningand teaching.

Do we need more males ineducation?: Arguments andCounter-Arguments

by Kimberley McKay, NBTA Professional Issues for NBTA Equity in Education Committee

Kimberley McKay

June 2009 15

The July 2008 edition of theCanadian Teachers’ FederationEconomic & Member Services Bulletinincluded statistics indicating that62% of New Brunswickers surveyedbelieve schools should “increaseefforts a great deal to bring moremen into teaching at the elementarylevel”. Increasingly, however,researchers are asking “Does itmatter?”

First, the strong public support torecruit more males into education(particularly at the elementary level)is partially linked to the belief thatmale teachers make good rolemodels for boys and that boys areoften better behaved for males. Notall research supports thisassumption. Janice Wallace, in herresearch Questioning Assumptionsabout Male Teachers, reviews theliterature that says “boys who havemale teachers are not better adjustedand do not have fewer problems”.However, despite the lack ofempirical evidence to support thenecessity of male role models,researchers such as Johnson (2008)and Porter (2008) put forth thecounter-argument that “the lack ofmale teachers undermines genderequity and social justice in schools”.Porter further describes the need forstudents to see their identity in theclassroom:

We are not born with the knowledge of whowe are, what we have accomplished, andwhat we can become. We only develop basedupon information we receive about ourselves.What better way to disseminate informationthan by someone who is most like you andcan best understand your way of thinking.(Porter, 2008, p. 6)

Second, for many years anassumption has been made that thedwindling number of male teacherswas linked to the dwindling literacyachievement results of boys. Yet,research on whether male teachershelp male students learn better hasbeen inconclusive at best. However,a study by Dee (2005) provides acounter-argument to this concern inthat research has also shown thatgender interactions exertenvironmental influence on studentperformance (if not academicinfluence).

Third, the need to recruit more

males in education is often discussedin tandem with the notion thatschools have become too feminizedbecause they are run largely bywomen. Once again, the researchdoes not unequivocally support this

assumption. Assuming that all maleteachers behave identically and thatby “parachuting” a few token malesinto each school will suddenly createa “boy-friendly” environment isnaïve and generally, ineffective.Bryan G. Nelson, in his article“Including Male Teachers in our FutureEducational Diversity”, says:

…our work to recruit and retain maleteachers is not based on placing any man inschools. Children need competent andqualified adults teaching them; therefore, ourefforts seek only competent, qualified men.(Nelson, 2008, p. 7)

It is the belief of the NBTA Equityin Education Committee that themost critical factor is that a studenthave a quality teacher – male orfemale. It is also our belief that partof the responsibility of ourCommittee is to highlight teachingas a profession both to our currentmembers as well as to those whohave the potential and thecommitment to become a futuremember. We have many finestudents passing through ourclassroom doors everyday, manywho simply need a nudge, an ideaplanted, an experience provided, anopportunity created to walk awaythinking, “I’d make a greatteacher!”

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Equity in Education continued

“...Many men arelooking for a career thatoffers opportunities for

significant advancementand they do not perceive

this can occur in theteaching profession...”

16 NBTA NEWS

Councils’ Column

I read the job description withinterest. “Wanted, Vice Principal,Nackawic Elementary for the schoolyear 2009-2010.” I continued to readthe description of the neededqualifications, the other supportingdocuments necessary for anapplication for the position.Decisions to be made for anyaspiring applicant, to be sure!

But, those decisions would not bemine to make. You see, the reasonfor the appearance of the notice forapplications is because I am retiringfrom this position as of June thisyear. After 33 years of teaching, it istime to put away the paper andchalk for the last time. Or, maybe, Ishould say, put away the laptop andSmartboard!

When the notice for hiring formy position first came out, Iwondered how I would feel.Someone else would be doing myjob in September. How would I reactto seeing this job posting? I began toreflect back to when I first applied tobe a teacher. How things havechanged, and yet are still the same.Lots to consider…

The latest edition of the Star Trekmovie franchise has recently beenreleased. I have been waiting for thisfor a while, you see. I am a Star Trekfan from the beginning, way back inthe 1960s. I have enjoyed all of thevarious versions of the show, all ofthe different crews, all of thedifferent stories coming from thispop culture phenomenon. As Ithought about this latest version ofthe saga, with the new actorsportraying the familiar characters ofKirk, Spock, McCoy, and the others,I considered what it is about thisparticular story that has kept meinterested all these years.

I appreciate the positive,optimistic view of the future andhow the crews work together tosolve problems. I have been“fascinated” by the technologicalgadgets that the show has featuredover the years. Many of these

fantastic machines are now availableto us. Perhaps that has been a majorhighlight of the program, sciencefiction that is believable!

There is a lot of fun and humourin many of the episodes. And, manyof those episodes have provided asocial commentary on contemporaryissues of racism, poverty, justice,equality, war and peace, to name buta few.

You may be wondering what thishas got to do with the NBTA News?Good question! As a soon-to-beretired teacher, I hope I may bepermitted a bit of nostalgia aboutmy teaching career and in turn,draw some comparisons with afavourite TV program.

Many of the things I enjoy aboutStar Trek I could use as reasons why Ihave enjoyed teaching these past 33years. I like the people that I workwith, always have. I have beenfortunate to have worked with verydedicated people and in some ways,we have worked like a crew, helpingthe students in our classrooms. Wehave had lots of fun and laughter.We have had to solve manyproblems together. We have had todo battles with the “Klingons andthe Romulans”, those outside forcesthat we have no control over (lack offunding, lack of human resources,demands from all sectors of society,dealing with the ever-changingdefinition of family and how thatimpacts on our students, cutbacks,

and the list goes on).The tools that have been part of

my career have evolved quite a bitover 33 years. I can remember usingan early copy machine known as aspirit duplicator (nothing to do withghosts). You felt quite with the timesif you used a film strip projector toteach part of your science lesson.The overhead projector was a bigdeal when it was first introduced.Then came the mother of alltechnological innovations — thephotocopier. Definitely a Star Trek-like invention! Then there were thevarious kinds of “players”: the Betatape player, record player, cassetteplayer, VCR player, and the DVDplayer. White boards began toreplace traditional chalkboards. Nowwe are using laptops andSmartboards on a daily basis.Certainly technological advances torival any Star Trek episode!

Over my career, I have also madeit a priority to be involved in myprofessional organization, the NBTA.Kind of like being a member of “StarFleet Command”. This associationover the years has been extremelyrewarding. I got to collaborate withmany dedicated people all workingfor the best interests of teachers. Itused to be that when I went to anNBTA gathering, I knew practicallyeveryone there. Not so now. I hardlyknow anyone at meetings any more.This is a sure sign of the changingdemographics of our profession andanother indication that the youngerteachers are ready to take on moreleadership roles in our organization.

Speaking of leadership roles, Ihave to say that I see another areawhere I can compare my beloved TVprogram and the evolution ofeducation in our province. When Iwas a student and when I startedteaching back in the 1970s, theadministrative positions in schoolswere almost exclusively held bymen. Over the years, more and morewomen have moved into leadershippositions in schools and in our

Star Date 2009•05•19by Mary Ann Hanson, Nackawic Elementary School

June 2009 17

district offices. This is a good thingat first glance and perhaps, a naturalevolution. It reminds me of how theearly version of Star Trek wasintroduced.

You may remember the line aboutthe mission of the StarshipEnterprise was “to boldly go whereno man has gone before.” Even thateventually was changed to reflect amore diverse universe to “to boldlygo where no one has gone before.”Certainly the inclusion and equalityof opportunity for both genders inthe education system is a goodthing. One area of concern for ourprofessional organization today dealswith the fact that a decliningnumber of men are choosingteaching as a career. That is onetopic that deserves a careful look byall the stakeholders in education.

Why would anyone want to leave

Councils’ Column

such a vibrant workingenvironment? Most teachers I knowspend a tremendous amount of timeand energy to make their classroomsand their teaching the best that theycan deliver for our students. Being a

teacher is a tough job, but a veryrewarding one. Things areconstantly changing and teachershave to keep up on all of thedemands of a changing curriculumand the expectations of society foreducation.

But, I feel that it is the right timefor me to leave. I am retiring fromteaching with a positive attitude.I’ve been very fortunate in mycareer. And, it is time for a newgeneration of teachers to take overthe reins. They are the ones with theideas and imaginations needed toface the challenges of the future. Ifelt like that when I started mycareer. “Bring on the world! I’mready to tackle it.” Well, I’ve had mykick at the can. I think that there aresome terrific future leaders out thereamongst the new crop of educatorsin our province.

Kind of like the new actors in thelatest Star Trek movie. It is time topass on the roles to new actors withnew appeal and new stories to tell.

Ahead, Warp Factor Ten!Live Long and Prosper!

Star Date 2009•05•19 continued

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Don’t miss this opportunity to recognizesomeone you know with a nomination for anEnvironmental Leadership Award!

18 NBTA NEWS

Here is your Elementary LevelCouncil Executive for 2009-2010:• President: Peter Gorham • 1st Vice-President: Donna Losier• 2nd Vice-President: Karla Roy• Secretary: Sharyn Pope• Treasurer: Kelly Gorham-Gaines • Members-at-Large: Erica LeBlanc,

Ashley Dobbin, RoberteMelanson, Karen Miller, NatalieLegere

• Thanks to Jean White and AlyssaMacIsaac who have served onElementary Council for manyyears.

Combined Council: What a greatsuccess!! The presence of the “Green

Hornets” was reassuring and set thetone for a wonderful day. Thespeakers were amazing and manyteachers have commented abouthow well things were organized. Ahuge thank you goes out to the On-Site planning committee for all oftheir hard work. We are lookingforward to Combined Council 2014.

What’s up and coming? Plans arebeing made to hold an art institutethis summer/fall. Please check ourweb site atwww.elementary.nbta.ca in thenext few weeks for moreinformation.

A Capital Idea! Plans are now inthe making for the 2010 ElementaryLevel Council Day. Fredericton is thesite in our horizons. You asked forsmaller sessions and ElementaryCouncil is listening. Can’t wait ‘tillMay 2010!

We are always looking for newexecutive members. If you areinterested in joining ElementaryCouncil next year, please emailerica.leblanc@nbed.nb.ca

Funds for the NBTA Elementary Council

Educational Improvement Grantshave been depleted.

Elementary Council News

Announcing the NEW MiddleLevel Council Executive for 2009-2010:• President: Stacy Garland • Vice-President: Jason Burns• Secretary: Amy Maloney• Treasurer: Lise Martin-Keilty • Past President: John Irvine• New Officers: Tanya Whitney and

Donna Lagacy.• Returning Officers: Cheryl

Aylward, Krista Nowlan-Hamilton, Lise Bourgeois, ShelleyHunter, and Lynne Morneault

• A very fond “Adieu” to SandyMacCurdy and Katherine Lewis

Money, money, money: Still lots offunds from Middle Level EducationalGrants. We have $8000 for eachterm (and more left over from thispast year for the Fall term) and anadditional $4000 which is earmarkedfor an upcoming Fall Institute(details to follow).

Food for thought … Plan on somegreat PD. Go solo, or even better, goas a team! Here are some greatopportunities to refresh andreenergize!! • New England League of Middle

Schools Conference next spring

(www.nelms.org)• National Middle School Annual

Conference (www.nms.org)• National Council of Teachers of

Mathematics RegionalConference, Oct. 2009 in Boston,MA (www.ntcm.org)

• National Science TeachersAssociation National Conference,March 2010, Philadelphia(www.nsta.org).

Miramichi, here we come! The2010 Middle Level Council Daywill be in Miramichi. Get ready,get set, let’s go!

Middle Level Council News

Announcing the NEW High School Council Executive for 2009-2010:

• President: Jocelyne Schwenger • Vice-President: Martin Daigle• Secretary: Jane Porter• Treasurer: Celinda Van Horne• Past President: Derek Taggart• New Officers: Adam Trider, Mary Anderson and Paul Lenarczyk• Returning Officers: Shelly Stairs, Angela Murphy, Stacey Stairs, Sheridan Mawhinney, Marla Anderson• A very fond “Adieu” to Michael Butler

The 2010 High School Council Day will be in Moncton. More details will follow in the September issue ofthe NBTA News.

High School Council News

Funds for the NBTA/DOE Provincial Educational

Improvement Grants have been depleted until January 2010.

June 2009 19

To Purge or not to Purge? That is the QuestionHow ironic is a blurb about decluttering tips from a person with clutter? I have two main types of clutter after a

school year ends: paper files and electronic files. So here are some ideas on how to handle both.Electronic Files: There are lots of places that your “stuff” can be stored electronically. • Email files are a huge concern and should be reviewed periodically. If you have already organized your emails by

folder then the end-of-year task of deleting no-longer-needed emails is much easier. Your can sort by the sender, thedate received, the subject line, etc. just by clicking the appropriate heading bar located at the top of the list, ,thenselect one (or more) and hit delete. Just remember, after you have deleted files … you also need to delete them fromyour DELETED ITEMS folder!

• Files on Laptop (C drive) should be deleted if you no longer need them. In my previous life as a computer person,naming conventions were a priority so this job is very easy if you have already used good file names and have filedthem into a set of folders and subfolders. For example, in the age of Smartboards, I make a copy of my Smartboardfiles for each class by adding the class suffix to the end of the original file name. For example, I will keep the filenamed “Grade 7 Unit 02 Data Management” but delete files with a class suffix such as “Grade 7 Unit 02 DataManagement 7Hunter”. If your files do not have meaning names and you still need to keep them, then this is thetime to make your own naming convention system and rename the file(s).

• Files on Network (H drive, etc) should be handled similarly as those on your laptop. Don’t forget about them! • Files on Portal? Did you know that you have space on the portal for your files? There are two folders: Private and

Shared. Uploading files to the portal is easy. If you want to share them with others, save them in the Shared folder.If you want them for your eyes only, then the Private folder is where they need to be. Remember, organization iskey: folder, subfolders and good file naming conventions.

Paper Files: I sure there are lots of great tips for this type of clutter. The one that works best for me is a system ofcoloured coded file folders. I use dark blue folders for grade 8 math, light blue for grade 7, green for science, red forschool stuff, etc. I also use sticky labels to identify the folders’ contents. This makes the job of filing easier and findingthem next year simple. And remember…recycle the paper garbage when possible. Confidential papers should be shredded.

Teaching Tips: Decluttering

The end of the school year is near. This is the time of year that teachers begin thinking about organizing and storingmaterials needed for next year. There are many tricks of the trade out there. Here are a few submitted by teachers.• If you haven’t used something in 2 years, get rid of it. Anchor charts should be made each year and thrown out at

the end of the year. Label containers and baskets as you can. Box up materials not needed next year and put them instorage for no longer than a couple of years. Keep only what you have room for.

• Put your subject material in colored folders or binders, e.g., all math materials in red binder, all science materials ingreen binder, etc…This will help keep all like materials organized and together when needed.

• Clean out filing cabinets at the end of each year. It may be nostalgic to look back at old tests or files, but there reallyis no room for them. Do not keep anything that is more than 2 years old and only if it can be useful in the near future.

• Teacher desk drawers can become cluttered very quickly. Once a month, you should go through your desk drawersand organize supplies and paperwork or discard anything that is not needed.

• Have the school sponsor a contest to see who throws away the most junk and give them a tree to plant. Get theschool to bring in a huge bin in order to accommodate all the items that will be thrown out. Target bookrooms,closets and older textbooks. You can organize and go green at the same time!

Have a “messiest desk” contest at your school. Have students vote on which teacher has the messiest desk in theschool, and then give the messiest five submissions two weeks to declutter. Appoint a judging panel to decidewhich teacher has shown the most improvement and give him/her a prize (a new recycle bin, for example). Thisalso helps promote tidiness and cleanliness throughout the school.

Elementary

Middle Level - Making it Real

High School

Looking Ahead:In the Council section of the September issue, we will be focusing on the theme of BeginningTeachers and providing teaching tips based on Classroom Management/Start-up.

20 NBTA NEWS

Banana Tip #1Peel a banana from the bottom and you

won’t have to pick the little ‘stringy things’ offit. That’s how the primates do it.

Banana Tip #2Take your bananas apart when

you get them home from thestore. If you leave themconnected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Cheesy LeftoversStore your opened chunks of cheese in

aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longerand not mold.

Bumpy PeppersPeppers with three bumps on the bottom are

sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with fourbumps on the bottom are firmer and better forcooking.

Reheat PizzaHeat leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on

top of the stove; set heat to med-low and heatuntil warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No

soggy micro pizza.

Newspaper Weeds AwayStart putting torn newspaper in your plants,

work the nutrients in your soil. Wetnewspapers, put layers around plants,overlapping as you go; cover with mulch andforget about weeds. Weeds will get throughsome gardening plastic; they will not getthrough wet newspapers.

Goodbye Fruit FliesTo get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small

glass, fill it 1/2 with Apple cider Vinegar and 2drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. Youwill find those flies drawn to the cup and goneforever!

Get Rid of AntsPut small piles of cornmeal

where you see ants. They eatit, take it ‘home,’ can’t digest it so it kills them.It may take a week or so, especially if it rains,but it works and you don’t have to worryabout pets or small children being harmed!

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING SERVICEFOR TEACHERS

Wellness HighlightsTEACHER COUNSELLING SERVICESMichael Ketchum, Districts 14, 17, 18

1-800-561-1727Carmen Meehan, Districts 6, 8, 10

1-800-563-3938Niel Cameron, Districts 2, 15, 16

1-888-763-5050

How is Norma?A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph’s Hospital. She timidly asked, “Is it possible to

speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?”The operator said, “I’ll be glad to help, dear. What’s the name and room number?”The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, “Norma Findlay, Room 302.”The operator replied, “Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse. After a few

minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, “Oh, I have good news. Her nurse just toldme that Norma is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back asnormal, and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.”

The grandmother said, “Thank you. That’s wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for thegood news.”

The operator replied, “You’re more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?”The grandmother said, “No, I’m Norma Findlay in 302. No one tells me how I am doing.”True story.

June Humour

Did You Know?

June 2009 21

Paid

Adv

erti

sem

ent

NBTA Golf TournamentSaturday, September 26, 2009

“Shotgun” Start - 1:00 pmSussex Golf and Curling Club, Susssex

Open to all NBTA members as well asall retired NBTA members.

Fee: $55.00 per golfer (includes greenfees, meal, gratuities, HST, prizes).

Make cheques payable to:NBTA Golf Tournament and mail to:

Tom Gillett526 Main StreetChipman, NBE4A 2P3

Telephone: (506) 339-6128Email: tomg@nbnet.nb.ca

NBTA Golf is a proud supporter of the Children’s Wish Foundation

Entry Form4 Person Scramble40 golf carts reserved throughBrent McKay (506) 433-4951($35.00 tax included)Four Names:1.2.3.4.

Contact Person:Telephone (Home):(Work):

If you have not received confirmation,please call by September 19, 2009

22 NBTA NEWS

If you are a teacher responsiblefor teaching numeracy and arelooking for more ideas on how toeffectively incorporate and evaluatewriting within a math lesson, UsingWriting to Improve Math Learningby Vicki Urquart, in Middle Ground(April 2009), pg. 17-18 is a mustread! The author is kind enough toshare some of the writing promptsthat she uses in her own classroomas well as a time-saving, three-pointrubric and procedure that her classuses to assess their own learning onparticular outcomes.

It was wonderful to open thepages of the latest issue of EducationCanada and find a submission co-authored by the Dean of UNB’sFaculty of Education, Dr. SharonRich and UNB President, Dr. JohnMcLaughlin. In Social Imperativesfor Better Education: PuttingWisdom on the Agenda, the pairexplore the “new Canadian reality”where they suggest our society isfaced with the need to move beyondmerely attending to the interests andexperiences of middle class,Canadian-born, main-stream

children and meet the challenges oftoday’s classrooms where children ofminority, poor and aboriginalpopulation clearly outnumber theaforementioned and privilegedgroup. The duo contend that a newvision for education is required inorder to meet this challenge head-on: “we need to reflect on our corecultural values so that we can createa new story – one that recognizesthat human beings need to nurturemind, body and spirit. (…) As wedevelop the wisdom and capitalizeon the wisdom of our community,

May I Recommend?

PD PagesGrowing, Learning & Living

My nephew, Dylan, reported tome last night that there are exactly11 school days left before summervacation. (The countdown isofficially on for his classmates andhim.) Upon his pronouncement, Ihad to smile. In his childhoodinnocence, his grade one year feelslike it has lasted an eternity. Itstruck me that at the same timeDylan’s grade one class begins thecountdown, many of us may beasking ourselves where this year hasgone? A blur of faces, events, work,successes, near-successes andcelebrations have filled the past tenmonths at a whirlwind pace.

Isn’t June a joyful month to be ineducation? Oh, sure, it is plaguedwith too many things on the to-dolist, students who think that summervacation has already started, andchallenges that occasionally reachthe boil-over point, but essentiallyJune offers teachers somethingwhich is quite unique…a finish. Theopportunity to tidy the files andcomplete the endless lists, say ourgood-byes and look back on anothersuccessful year is, in my opinion,one of the most satisfyingexperiences we have as teachers.This “closure” is really special...andthe period of rest and renewal thatfollows is vital to our profession.

Because I know that in June youare often too tired to read, I havelisted just a few thoughts that mightcatch your weary eye and give yousomething to ponder. However,once you are rested (and you will berested!), you may want me to sendyou one of the articles listed belowor more information on certificationupgrading options or another PDopportunity!

Certification Web Tool – we arepleased to have a section of our website devoted to assisting those of youwho are interested in upgrading your

certification. Simply go towww.nbta.ca, click on Services, thenTeacher Certification. Check it out!

DSS – (July 20-23) DevelopingSuccessful Schools is a wonderfulsummer learning opportunity forAdministrators.

CONTACT – (August 4-7)Conference on New Teaching andClassroom Techniques is beinghosted by PEITF this year at UPEI inCharlottetown. This is a wonderfulconference organized by K-12Atlantic Teachers for K-12 AtlanticTeachers. (See ad on page 26)

The Countdown is ON...I can smell SUMMER!

June 2009 23

(Growing, Learning & Living – PD Pages continued...)

“What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are nocertain answers.”

- Martina Horner

Ardith Shirley

Director of Professional Development

New Brunswick Teachers' Association

P.O. Box 752

Fredericton, NB E3B 5R6

Office (506) 452-1740 Fax (506) 453-9795

Email ardith.shirley@nbta.ca

Closing Quote:

Have a restful and relaxing summer!

P.S. By all accounts, our Combined Council Day on May 1stwas a success. (See insert that was published with this issuefor some of the wonderful pictures!) Thanks goes to theteachers who served on our ad hoc Committee for the manyhours spent planning the events! (Carter Assels, ConnieKeating, John Irvine, Donna Losier, Martin Daigle, BillBurroughs, Cathy Keirstead, Jessica Fenton, Nick Mattatall)

we may be able to rewrite who weare and help our children andgrandchildren understand that whatmatters most is not an accumulationof material wealth, but learning tolive a good life, that respectseveryone as a valued member of asustainable and global environment.Education is a social imperative; wecannot afford to fail.”

(Dr. Sharon Rich and Dr. JohnMcLaughlin, Education Canada(Spring 2009) Volume 49, No. 2, pg.40-43)

It was also interesting to read anational view on our province’sFrench Second Language changesthat have occurred in ourAnglophone system over the pastyear.

A Collision of Culture, Values,and Education Policy: ScrappingEarly French Immersion in NewBrunswick by Max Cooke, EducationCanada (Spring 2009) Volume 49,No. 2, pg. 46-50, provides such aview.

As teachers, we are well aware

that issues faced within ourcommunities and society in general,often turn up in microcosm in ourclassrooms. It should come as nosurprise to teachers then, when therealities of difficult economic times,start to have impact on our students,their families and our colleagues.These Tough Economic Times by J.Desrochers, K. Cowan, and R.Christner, Principal Leadership, April2009, pg. 10-14 offers severalproactive short-term and long-termstrategies that individual teachersand schools can implement tominimize the impacts of thesedifficult times and help teachresiliency to our children.

“Principals who are determined tohelp their teachers inspire allstudents to bold accomplishmentswhile identifying the right strategiesfor their most complex andstruggling learners need to have arelentless focus on making learningthe core business of school. Thisisn’t the same as emphasizingassessment data, standards, and

instruction. Rather, it meansfocusing on the foundation uponwhich all those initiatives rest: anunderstanding of how people learn.”

The Science of Learning byMary-Dean Barringer, PrincipalLeadership, April 2009, pg. 36-40

Schools of Conscience byCharles Haynes, EducationalLeadership, May 2009, pg. 6-13 is mypersonal favourite article thismonth. Although clearly writtenfrom an American context, (furtherhighlighted by the choice ofgraphics), Mr. Haynes had me whenhe wrote: “Developing students’hearts, I believe, is what educatorsare called to do. Each and everysmall act of honesty, service,responsibility, and compassion thatteachers and administratorsencourage daily in their students –and model consistently in their ownlives – helps create moral and civichabits of the heart that instill instudents the courage to care.”

24 NBTA NEWS

I have been a longtime admirer ofErin Gruwell for everything she hasdone in the field of Education inregards to struggling learners, socio-economic issues, racialdiscrimination, cross-curricularstudies, Human Rights Education,and literacy. I want to teach with asmuch passion and enthusiasm as sheexudes when teaching. I had alwayswanted to meet Erin Gruwell, andbeing involved in the 2009 CouncilDay led me to that goal.

After being asked to representnew teachers of the province on theAd Hoc Planning Committee for2009 Council Day, I realized thisopportunity would guide me tomany others. During one of our firstplanning meetings, well over a yearago, we started discussing potentialspeakers for the event. As acommittee, we were asked toresearch educational leaders who wecould consider as speakers for theevent, and I quickly recommendedErin Gruwell. The committeerecognized her as a valuable asset forour event with the theme of:‘Learning Today - TeachingTomorrow’. By the end of the schoolyear in 2008, we had Erin Gruwell

confirmed for the NBTA 2009Council Day.

On the day of the event, I wasvery excited to hear Erin share herexpertise with teachers. Almost like a

crazed stalker, I anxiously waited tomeet her. As a member of thePlanning Committee, I had theopportunity to meet Erin and havelunch with her. After discussingeducation and answering questions

about teaching practices, Erinoffered me an opportunity to workat a Freedom Writer Teacherinstitute in California in the summerof 2010. I was shocked and did notfully believe what she was saying tome. Erin told me that: “thisopportunity would change my life,”and I feel like it already has.

Teaching is something I havealways wanted to do. I feel it is mydestiny; my calling. I was born to bea teacher and am very passionateabout my students and myprofession. My students can attest tothis as they have seen me laugh andcry with them. Every day, I try tobecome a better teacher and to learnfrom my students.

I feel I am the luckiest person inthe world. As a member of the AdHoc Planning Committee, I met somany amazing educational leaderswho have helped me though myjourney. I am looking forward tolearning from Erin and the FreedomWriters. I still don’t feel like this hashappened to me. I have the best jobin the world, love my students andknow they will be the ones whobenefit from my once-in-a-lifetimeOpportunity.

A Dream Meeting and an Opportunity of a Lifetimeby Jessica Fenton, Riverview High School

Jessica Fenton, a member of the Ad HocPlanning Committee for 2009 CouncilDay, had the opportunity to meet her

educational idol, Erin Gruwell

Atlantic Summer Institute (ASI) for Teachers 2009

The ASI is an intensive two-week institute held in July that focuses specifically on LearningDisabilities and how they directly impact children and adolescents.

The ASI follows a unique three year cycle wherein an introductory level course is offered in the firstyear, followed by ASI - Part II in the second year, and a break with no course offered in the third year.This year (summer of 2009), ASI – Part II will be offered on the UNBSJ campus. This course will run theweeks of July 6-July 17 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.). This is a three credit hour course thatinvolves direct instruction on the most recent research findings and theories on Learning Disabilities,cooperative learning opportunities with fellow teachers, as well as student-led presentations.

How to Register: To inform us of your intention to attend the ASI, you must complete the INTENTform, found at http://www.unbsj.ca/arts/education/reg-formASI.html.Please print it out, attach the institute fee and mail to:

Education ProgramUNBSJPO Box 5050Saint John, NBE2L 4L5

June 2009 25

We were to have the good fortuneof being in-serviced by one of thegentlemen, Dr. Michael Jothen, whohad compiled the grade eightresource, Spotlight on Music.

As we gathered at the District 8School Board Offices, werepresented three districts:six, eight and ten. All of uswere music teachers ofdifferent degrees ofmusicality, at different stagesin our careers but bonded bythe fact that we deliveredmiddle level music. I thinkmost of us met withtrepidation because we knewthe day to day challenges weshared and wondered justhow this resource was goingto answer our needs.

We were not long findingout. First, out came thetennis balls and we participated inan increasingly complex exercisethat reviewed form and rhythm.Only then were we led to the actualtext and we saw where this was

fulfilling a number of curriculumoutcomes in a manner not at allpainful for us or the students. Arecording of Mary Chapin Carpentersinging “The Bug” was anentertaining example used to make

us, and potentially our students,think of the changing image thatmusic creates. The lyrics of some ofthe songs that are favourites of ourstudents (and that makes us

shudder) are something with whichwe must contend on a daily basis.The Addams Family? Star Wars? Yes,they were there right in the text topique interest and allow students tobegin their learning with what they

were already familiar. Thepersonal examples andanecdotes of our facilitatoradded so much to ourunderstanding! When weheard about Marvin as anactual person, Marvin’sMidnight Music Sale Jingletook on new meaning. Thefinale of everyone using theirchairs to play a piece of musiccan only be imagined. Youhave never lived until youhave heard Frere Jacquesplayed by three chairs!

It was a day of fun and itwas a day of learning. It was a

day of encouragement andcollaboration. It was a day thatprovided useful tools for ourclassroom toolboxes.

New Music ResourceOn March 23rd through 25th, all Grade 8 music teachers in New Brunswick took part in the “roll out” of the new Grade 8

music curriculum through excellent professional development presented by one of the lead authors of the “Spotlight On Music”textbook series. The workshops took place in Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton with each location hosting 3 school districts.

Liz Brewer, a Music Specialist at Forest Hills School, attended the Saint John session.

The NBTA News will move to a two-person operation when LorettaClarke (center) moves on. BlakeRobichaud (left, NBTA Director ofCommunications) will remain asEditor, while Graphic Artist, EileenMcNeil (right), will assume most ofLoretta’s duties.

Thanks and So Long to Loretta ClarkeAfter almost 30 years service, our NBTA News Assistant Editor will retire this summer.

26 NBTA NEWS

Only 30 spaces available toNBTA members. Apply early!

Consideration given toBranch representation

and first-time applicants.

CONTACT 2009Application Form

Name:__________________________________________ NBTA Member Number (if known) _________________________

School:______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Branch:___________ Contacts: Tel: __________________ Email: ___________________________________________________

Have you attended CONTACT before? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes, when/where?________________________________________

Complete the application form below andsend to Ardith Shirley,

NBTA Professional Development,P.O. Box 752, Fredericton, NBE3B 5R6 (Fax) 506-453-9795

DO NOT send any fees. Successful applicants will be contacted.

• Registration fee: $200.00• Details for accommodations (in residence) and meals will be forwarded to successful applicants.• $200.00 grant available from NBTA. Applicants should also apply to Councils or Local Branches for

other available funding.

ContemporaryClassrooms

August 4-7University of Prince Edward Island,

Charlottetown, PEI

A Unique Professional DevelopmentOpportunity for

Teachers of Atlantic Canada

June 2009 27

EDUC 6113 – Introduction toAction ResearchJuly 16th to July17th, 9:00 - 3:30;July 21st to July 23rd

Max. Enrol.: 20 participants

EDUC 6143 – The ProfessionalLearning CommunityJuly 8th to July 10th, 9:00 - 3:30;July 13th to July 14th, 9:00 - 3:30Max. Enrol.: 20 participants

Registration, Admissions &AccommodationsTuition for each course is $520.00and must be paid by the end of theday of the opening class. It shouldalso be noted that a $35 applicationfee should be submitted with yourapplication forms.

EDUC 3403 – ContemporaryMathematics ConceptsJuly 6th to July 10th, 8:30 - 4:00Max. Enrol.: 30 participants

EDUC 3503 - ContemporaryPhysical Science Concepts IJuly 13th to July 17th, 8:30 - 4:30Max. Enrol.: 18 participants

EDUC 5503 - Human RightsEducation: Classroom andCommunityJuly 20th to July 24th, 9:00 - 5:00Max. Enrol.: 30 participants

EDUC 5823 – Writing Across theCurriculumJuly 8th to July 10th, 9:00 - 3:30;July 13th to July 14th, 9:00 - 3:30Max. Enrol.: 20 participants

For information regarding . . .

• course application, contactadmissions@stu.ca or 452-0532

• course payment, contactregistrar@stu.ca or 452-0530

• accommodations, contact NancyCollett at collett@stu.ca or 460-0329

• all of the above information willbe available in April athttp://www.stu.ca (Campus News)

St. Thomas University Summer Institute for Teachers 2009

While each of these 3 credit hour courses are designed to meet teacher certification standards, teachers pursuing specificprograms are advised to check with the NB Teacher Certification Branch before enrolling. Permission to use a graduatecourse toward a Masters degree should obtained from the university at which you are taking that degree. Please note thatcourse enrolment takes place by contacting the Admissions Office between April 1st and June 30th, 2009.

New Online, Part-time MEd inSecond Language Education at OISE

The Second Language Education (SLE)Master of Education (MEd) programprovides a rich learning experience thatintegrates theory and practice in second,foreign and minority language educationin a wide range of topics and issues inclassrooms, schools, multimedia, adult education, work, and communities.

The SLE program’s new online MEdcohort accepts approximately 25candidates and is designed to becompleted in just over three years.During this period, three courses per yearwill be offered exclusively online to thecohort participants in the fall, winter,and summer terms. Graduation from theMEd requires completion of 10 half-courses.

For guidelines to submit anapplication, visit the website:http:www.oise.utoronto.ca/MLC/sleonline.htm

46th NBTA AnnualBowling Tournament

Where:Bathurst Bowlarama, Bathurst

When:October 16-18, 2009

Cost:$45.00 per player

Registration:Make cheque for $45.00 payable to “NBTA Bowling Tournament”

and forward, with a list of your team members to:

Ola Cormier77 Route 933, Grand Barachois, NB, E4P 8K6

(532-0031)

Questions:Marcellin Lurette (753-4114)

28 NBTA NEWS

“Changing our behaviour is probablythe most difficult task we can try. Someof us never get there even after alifetime of trying. On the other hand,we have 23 local role models to helpinspire us because they have made apositive change.” This quote appearedin the Daily Gleaner’s coverage ofthe Turnaround AchievementAwards ceremony held at KingswoodLodge in April.

The main purpose of the Awardsis to recognize students who haveturned their lives around, marked byimprovement in behaviour, attitudeand academics. Kingswood Parkmanages and administers theorganization of the Awards Programsince its introduction to ourcommunity in1994. The program ismade possible by Ernest and SusanMcFadzen, proprietors, and BrianJohnson, Vice President who see thisas an opportunity to make adifference in the community and thelives of the young people.

Each Grade 12 student was givena $750.00 Scholarship fromKingswood Park. The followingindividual scholarships were alsoawarded: The Nic Plimmer Award($2000.00): Tabatha Ryder -Chipman Forest Avenue who will beattending Atlantic Baptist College;Sarah Villeneuve - Minto High and

Mallory Campbell - Stanley High,sharing the $5000.00 University ofNew Brunswick Award; St. ThomasUniversity will divide $5000.00between Tasha Augustine - LeoHayes, Megan Wilson and AllisonChristian - Oromocto High School;The Pepsi Scholarship ($1000.00):Tonya Howe - Fredericton High whowill be attending New BrunswickCommunity College in Woodstock;Erica Harper - Fredericton High,$400.00 from New BrunswickSociety of Retired Teachers CentralBranch who will be attending NewBrunswick Community College;Atlantic Business College ofFredericton ($1000.00): Jessica White- Harvey High School.

The Turnaround Program hashonored over 600 students in thepast fifteen years and over $80,000in scholarship money has beenawarded.

The program also recognizes theteachers and counsellors who careenough to spend quality time andeffort with these students. The Ernieand Susan McFadzen EducationalAward was presented to JeanMcIntyre, Guidance Counsellor,Oromocto High School, District 17and Charles Leech, GuidanceCounsellor, McAdam High School,District 18.

16th Annual Turnaround Achievement Awardsby Gary DiPaolo, Chairman of 2009 Turnaround Achievement Awards

2009 Turnaround Award Recipients:

Devon Rice-McCaw, Grade 7,Ridgeview Middle School

Mary Johnson, Grade 8,Devon Middle School

Forrest Robichaud, Grade 8,George Street Middle School

Ben McWilliam, Grade 8,Albert Street Middle School

Brianne Reed, Grade 8,Keswick Ridge School

Ron Gerard, Grade 8,Ridgeview Middle School

Travis Augustine, Grade 8,Nashwaaksis Middle School

Tasha Augustine, Grade 12,Leo Hayes High School

Emlyn Parker, Grade 12,Fredericton High School

Tonya Howe. Grade 12,Fredericton High School

Erica Harper, Grade 12,Fredericton High School

Calvin Matchett, Grade 12,Doaktown Consolidated

Jessica White, Grade 12,Harvey High School

Barbara Dyer, Grade 12,McAdam High School

Johnathon Phillips, Grade 12,McAdam High School

Tabatha Ryder, Grade 12,Chipman Forest Avenue

Sarah Villeneuve, Grade 12,Minto Memorial High School

Megan Wilson, Grade 12,Oromocto High School

Allison Christian, Grade 12,Oromocto High School

Evan Green, Grade 12,Oromocto High School

Brian Gerard, Grade 12,Leo Hayes High School

Melissa McIntyre, Grade 12,Leo Hayes High School

Mallory Campbell, Grade 12,Stanley High School

June 2009 29

Details:We prefer good quality electronic images that show actions, events, etc. rather thantraditional “grip and grins.”

We probably won’t be able to publish all of the photos that are submitted, at least notright away.

Captions should be a maximum of two sentences. Contact information may be includedif you wish other teachers who might share your interests to contact you.

We want it to be about fun, not selling, so while we’re not saying “no” to photos ofcommercial endeavors, they must be truly interesting or different.

To submit your photos, please email them to nbtanews@nbta.caInclusion at the discretion of the editor.

When I’m not Teaching….Our 5600 members bring their energy and abilities to

countless other interesting endeavours beyond schools.We are looking to publish photos showing teachers

involved in these activities.

Example: The District 18 Staff Choir is a group of retired, current, and supply teachers, teacher assistants, administrators andadministrative assistants. They performed once again this year at the NBTA Retiring Teachers’ Luncheon.

We Need Your Photos!

Photo by Harry Mullin

30 NBTA NEWS

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada launches2009 National Youth Video Competition

Ottawa, May 29, 2009 – The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is proudly launching their secondannual My Privacy & Me national video competition, which encourages youth ages 12 to 18 to produce videopublic service announcements that explore the importance of privacy.

Canadian youth are among the most wired in the world, but many of them have no idea how the messages andpictures they post today can affect them years into the future. The goal of the My Privacy & Me videocompetition is to encourage young people to learn how to build a secure online identity so they don’t exposepersonal information about themselves that they will regret later.

“Social networking is a regular part of life for young people today and they often don’t think about theconsequences of disclosing personal information online,” says Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart. “Ourvideo contest gives them the opportunity to express their ideas and, we hope, also causes them to think aboutwhat they are posting so they are making informed decisions when they are having fun online.”

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner was very impressed with the incredible response from the first contest. Intotal, seven finalists were chosen from an impressive number of entries. You can watch the seven videos(including the 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-place winners) on youthprivacy.ca, the Office’s youth Web site. They can alsobe viewed on the Office’s YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/privacycomm).

The Office is looking forward to the same success this year. More detailed information about the My Privacy &Me national video competition can be found at youthprivacy.ca. Videos must be submitted before Friday,December 11, 2009.

Notice of Motion Received from St. John CountyTeachers’ Association for Presentation at AnnualGeneral Meeting in April 1961:Whereas the increase in revenue of the NBTA is risingsteadily as salaries of teachers continue to improve eachyear, andWhereas Branches of the NBTA have difficulty infinancing good programs, and expenses of delegates tothe Annual General Meeting are high;Be it therefore resolved that the following amendment tothe NBTA by-laws be made: (1) Branches - TheAssociation shall pay to each Branch annually for eachduly accredited member of said Branch the sum of twodollars, plus one and one-half cents per member for eachmile by the shortest main highway between the city ofFredericton and postal address of Branch.

Wanted: Assistant Secretary (Male) — For New Brunswick Teachers” Association: Duties to include research, field workand such other duties as may be assigned by the secretary-treasurer of the association. Beginning salary $6,000; duties tobegin August 1, 1959.

April 30 Deadline: Teachers are reminded that April 30 isthe deadline for tendering your resignation. It is mostnecessary that teachers be most ethical in their dealingswith School Boards regarding acceptance and resignationof positions. We expect School Boards to be fair to theteacher. School Boards have the right to expect the sametreatment from us. Do not stain the name of ourprofession by accepting or signing a contract, and thenlater (any time up to the opening of school nextSeptember) breaking the contract. Your association willnot support you if you break a contract other than bymutual consent with the School Board. Not only willyour Association not support you, it will support theTrustees’ Association in any action they might take tomake you honor your contract.

“Be ARTrageous! @ your library®”2009 Summer Reading Club

Young people in New Brunswick are invited to registerfor the 2009 public libraries’ Summer Reading Club anddiscover the joys of reading. This year’s theme is visual artand the slogan is “Be ARTrageous! @ your library ”. Thistheme promises, once again, an exciting program!

The Summer Reading Club is designed to encourageyoung people to read over the summer holidays. Whenthey register, participants receive a reading logbook inwhich they can write down the titles of the books theyread during the summer. They will also receive a certificateof achievement.

During the months of June, July and August, all publiclibraries and bookmobiles in theprovince will present various fun andentertaining activities to support andhighlight the 2009 Summer ReadingClub. Imagine all we can do with books!

The 2009 Summer Reading Club isintended for all young NewBrunswickers. Children who do not yetknow how to read can also participateby having a parent or guardian read tothem. Registration for the 2009Summer Reading Club begins uponcompletion of the school year. Postershave been provided to teachers to postin classrooms to assist in promoting theprogram to students. Teachers andstudents can contact their public libraryor bookmobile for more information.

Thank you for your continuedsupport of the Summer Reading Club inyour community!

June 2009 31

World of Music — July 13-18 Forstudents in Grades 10-11

International Relations: Anexciting one-week summer campfor high school students in Grades10 and 11 wishing to exploreglobal issues — July 19 – 24

Science Research: An intense one-week summer experience for highschool students wishing toparticipate in scientific research —August 8 – 16

Language Villages: A dynamicsummer experience where middleschool and high school studentsdiscover the language and cultureof another country — Chinese: July5-10, Spanish: July 12-16,Japanese: July 19-24

TechNow: Everything fromPowerPoint to web design, videoediting and more — July 5-10, 12-16

Live, Learn, Lead: High SchoolLeadership: A training programand skills-based workshop forstudents to advance theirleadership skills — August 14-16For students in Grade 10-12

Take action! Academy:Coordinated with LeadersToday/Free the Children, thisprogram will offer participants anopportunity to advance theirleadership, communication, andinterpersonal skills while, at thesame time, learn more about socialissues in our region and beyond —August 17-21

For information, contact: Isla Murphy, Student SummerAmbassador, Mount AllisonUniversity, camps@mta.ca(506) 364-2114 or check the website at www.mta.ca. Enrolment islimited.

Announcements

Do you work with a speech-languagepathologist or an audiologist?

Do words like excellence, commitment, contribution, andexpertise come to mind when you think of that person? Ifso, please consider nominating him/her for a NBASLPAaward!

Margaret Christie Lifetime Achievement AwardClinical Excellence Award

Student Supervision Award

Award descriptions and nomination forms are available onthe NBASLPA Web site. Go to www.communicationnb.caand click on Awards. The nomination deadline isSeptember 15.

We would like to remind all Members toKEEP their membership cards in a safeplace. They have their member numberon them and are used for discounts (seewww.nbta.ca for discounts)

Summer Camp Programs @ MTA!

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CREDITUNION

650 Montgomery St., P.O. Box 752, Fredericton, N.B. E3B 5R6506-452-1724 • 1-800-565-5626 • 506-452-1732 (fax)E-mail: nbtacu@nbnet.nb.ca • Web: http://www.nbtacu.nb.caHours: Monday to Friday, Telephone Service 8:30 am - 4:30 pm In-Branch Service: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

NBTA Credit Union Wishes You a Safe and Happy Summer!Summer Hours Begin June 22: 9AM – 4PM