l nkU N I O N

ON APRIL 9, A RELATIVE HANDFUL OF ILLINOIS VOTERS TOOK TO THE POLLS TO SELECT CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL OFFICES. Voters chose new mayors, township officials, community college trustees, and school board members to lead their communities during a period of extreme fiscal hardship. While we often focus on the impact of state-level political action, make no mistake that IFT members and their families have an enormous stake in the results of these local elections.

Throughout this often-overlooked election cycle, IFT staff and locals were heavily engaged in many local campaigns. That work was important and made an

enormous difference. In many cases, our union efforts helped to remove anti-worker incumbents from their seats and replace them with our own IFT members and retirees.

While we’re proud of our successes, we can’t overlook our defeats because they are often the result of a significant and growing challenge facing labor unions and progressive groups. The involvement of anti-union, anti-government interest groups in elections is increasing in Illinois as these groups strategically grow their influence at every level.

Tea Party-style candidates continue to run for local offices. By making claims that

2 4 7Our Path ForwardLearn how the IFT is redesigning the union to meet members’ needs

Common CoreRead how one IFT local took the initiative on Common Core standards

Getting ActiveMembers make their voices heard at IFT Lobby Day

Connecting you to your union, because together we are stronger.

APRIL/MAY 2013

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Be Internet Savvy on the Job

You CAN Make A Difference

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

JUNE IS INTERNET SAFETY MONTH. The Internet is an amazing and powerful tool for professionals. It is a gateway to vast educational resources, opportunities to collaborate with colleagues around the world, discussions of best practices, and sharing of successes. Through social media channels, the Internet also pro-vides a means to network with fellow unionists, stay informed on issues that

AS OUR PRE-K TO 12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION MEMBERS WORK TOWARD THE CONCLUSION OF ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR, it is worth-while to look back at the past months and take stock of where we are as a union and where we are going.

This past year has seen dramatic defenses of our rights and our causes — from the now nearly two-year battle to protect our pensions to the ultimate sacrifice, historic strikes in Chicago, Evergreen Park, and Grayslake — and our membership has

been more engaged than ever. We had positive election results from the White House to Springfield, to local elections where our own members were successful in bids for school and college boards. In every measurable way, the IFT has been more proactive and dynamic than ever. But there is still more to do: we have a massive economic crisis, education and public service budgets are decimated, school closures in Chicago loom, testing and the “reformers” are relentless, and we must unravel the unintended impacts of aspects of Senate Bill 7.

As we do these things, we are committed to continuing to providing excellent service to our members and locals. And we are focusing on increasing our political power and redesigning the IFT to meet all these challenges in such a way that we collaborate closely between our membership, elected leaders, and staff.

This exciting work has already begun. IFT working groups comprised of leaders, board members, professional and support staff are toiling away on new avenues for uniting with community groups, designing new systems for engaging younger members, and aligning our work with a broad coalition working for fair taxation in Illinois.

I am so proud of our members for their tireless commitment to unionism, our professions, and the communities and institutions in which we work. Moving ahead in this way, I know that we will continue to be the most forceful and effective state union in America. Thanks for all you do. In solidarity,

I am so proud of our members for their tireless commitment to unionism, our professions, and the communities and institutions in which we work.

Union Link is published six times a year by the Illinois Federation of Teachers. 500 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL 60559.

Phone: 630/468-4080www.ift-aft.org

Daniel J. MontgomeryPresidentChief Operating Officer

Karen GJ LewisExecutive Vice President

Marcia K. CampbellSecretary-Treasurer

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Union Link, 500 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL 60559.

MEMBERS: To change your address, notify your local union treasurer.

Aviva BowenDirector of Communications

Beth CamplainArt Director

Dave ComerfordMedia Director

Amy Excell-BaileyPublications Director

GOING GREEN:Union Link is printed on recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and printed with environmentally- friendly soy-based inks.

© 2013 ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, AFT, AFL-CIO

Looking to the future, we are planning the IFT Convention to be held this October in Rosemont. Consider yourself invited! Our locals need to have elec-tions for delegates, but in addition to the required business, we are busy designing what I think will be the most interactive, exciting and engaging IFT event ever. Under the theme “Power Forward!,” the convention will focus on engaging delegates around the amazing work un-derway in the IFT to refashion our union to meet the demands of today’s world and bolster us to be the strongest, most effec-tive advocate we can be for our members and our causes. We call this strategic plan, “Our Path Forward,” and it includes:

Respect for EducationWe want to promote public services and Pre-K-20, public education; improve member service on professional issues (there are so many affecting you!); and advocate for adequate and equitable resources for public services and public education.

Fairness in Our Economy We want to promote the connection between education and jobs; advocate for fairer taxes and defend pensions; and promote retirement security for all.

Engagement of Members and CommunitiesWe want to renew member engagement – especially among younger members – and forge robust alliances with other groups, including those who have not traditionally been allies.

Taking Stock and Moving ForwardDaniel J. MontgomeryPresident

OUR PATH FORWARD

UNION LINK | APRIL/MAY 2013 3

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND

E-mail comments and suggestions to us at UnionLink@ift-aft.org, or send letters to Union Link, P.O. Box 390, Westmont, IL 60559. Please include your full name, address, and daytime phone number.

?

DELEGATE REPRESENTATIONDelegate representation is based on the IFT Constitution; Article VIII, Section 4, and By-Laws; Article IV, Section 4. Delegate representation to the IFT Convention shall be determined as follows: one (1) delegate to the IFT Convention may be elected by each affiliated local having a membership of twenty-five (25) or less. For each seventy-five (75) members or major fraction thereof, one (1) additional delegate may be elected. Membership is based on the average per capita tax payments to the IFT for the September 1 through June 30 period immediately preceding the IFT Convention. The IFT President shall notify the Executive Board and the President of each IFT local of the average per capita payments of the September 1 to June 30 period immediately preceding the IFT Convention by July 15 of the convention year.

All resolutions, amendments, and credentials are to be sent to: Illinois Federation of Teachers 500 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL 60559

RESOLUTIONS DUE AUGUST 23All resolutions must be submitted to the IFT Westmont office in proper form.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS DUE SEPTEMBER 4All constitutional amendments must be submitted to the Executive Board forty-five (45) days prior to the beginning date of the IFT convention.

CREDENTIALS DUE OCTOBER 5All delegates’ credentials must be submitted to the Credentials Committee fourteen (14) days prior to the beginning date of the IFT Convention.

NOMINATION PROCESS FOR IFT OFFICER ELECTIONSThe election of IFT President, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Vice-President and Vice-Presidents will occur at the union’s convention October 18-20, 2013 at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare. The procedure for nominations is conducted in accordance with the IFT By-Laws, Article II, Section 4 and Article V, Section 1, which reads as follows:

(Article II, Section 4): The Nominating Committee shall (a) in May prior to an IFT Convention, notify members of nomination and election procedures; (b) accept nomination petitions at any time but not later than 10 a.m. on the day of elections at the IFT Convention; (c) validate petitions based on candidate eligibility and delegate signatures; and (d) report qualified nominees to the IFT Convention.

(Article V, Section 1): Nominations for the offices of President, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Vice-President and forty (40) Vice-Presidents shall be by petition signed by at least ten (10) delegates and presented to the Nominating Committee no later than 10 a.m. on the day of the election.

The nomination form will be posted at ift-aft.org.

The official 2013 IFT Convention Call was mailed to every local president in April.

? Questions about the nominations process should be directed to Dave Richmond at 217/352-4854 or convention@ift-aft.org.

Learn. ift-aft.org

Find out about a variety of education and union topics. Get workplace tips, professional development resources, member benefits information and more.

Participate.facebook.com/iftaft

“Like” us on Facebook to stay informed and engaged. Find interesting news, post comments, and share with your network.

Tweet.twitter.com/iftaft

Follow IFT on Twitter. We tweet updates and post thoughts frequently, so join the conversation!

Take Action.ift/aft.org/iftactioncenter

Get involved! Participate in IFT action campaigns and make your voice heard on current legislative issues.

!

POWER FORWARD

IFT

CONVENTION CALL

October 18-20, 2013 InterContinental Chicago O’Hare

UNION LINK | APRIL/MAY 20134

WHEN IT COMES TO UNDER-STANDING AND USING THE NEW COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS (CCSS), educators statewide are facing multiple challenges and have many questions. The Lewiston Federation of Teachers, Local 3936, is no different. So the local and their president went in search of answers and took the initiative to help their own members work with the CCSS in that small Central Illinois district. “When it comes to understanding and implementing the Common Core State Standards, we as teachers can do this, and our union can lead the way,” said Sandra Sargeant, president of Local 3936. “We don’t need to wait on the administration to do it for us. We are the professionals and our professional development should be by us and for us, based on our needs.”

The local began by getting informed and involved. On behalf of her local, Sargeant joined 12 other IFT members on the Common Core Cadre last summer. The group of experienced educators spent three days in Baltimore training on the standards with the American Federation

of Teachers (AFT). When training ended, group members were charged with speaking to five others in their home districts about the standards. But in Lewiston, Sargeant did much more. Local 3936 has 55 members who work at the district’s three schools. Local leaders met with district administrators to seek support for their professional development plan for training key teachers. Their plan included a request to use some of the current year’s school improvement days for CCSS training. The local also developed a plan to conduct union-sponsored CCSS training during the summer of 2012. Their executive council approved a budget which provided for refreshments and small stipends for local members who chose to participate.

Armed with firm knowledge about the standards, Sargeant selected two teachers to help her train Local 3936 members. They secured 15 teachers to participate in three summer sessions, one each month from June-August. The training was designed to meet the needs of teachers in grades K-3, 4-6, and 7-12.

The first training session familiarized educators with the organization of the new English Language Arts (ELA) standards.

In the second session, union trainers created lessons using current resources based on the CCSS. The final session addressed the new assessment system - Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) - and how it would be fully implemented by

the 2014-15 school year. In this session, Lewistown teachers wrote common assessments that could later be used in their classrooms as a collaboration tool. (20 percent of the questions in this year’s ISAT will be based on the CCSS.)

Sargeant and Local 3936 aren’t stopping with last summer’s training. In the next phase of their plan, an expanded team hopes to introduce strategies for teaching to the standards, aligning curriculum, and sharing resources.

At the local’s urging and due to their teachers’ outstanding progress in implementing the standards, the Lewiston Board of Education has moved forward with plans to purchase updated textbooks that align with the standards.

Sargeant’s cadre colleagues have also been helping the Illinois State Board of Education develop materials to assist other teachers with the standards. Their expertise will be critical to helping the IFT determine how best to serve our members in relation to CCSS, as well.

The Local 3936 Common Core Standards success story is ongoing. It serves as an outstanding example of how other IFT locals and members can work in their districts to meet the challenges of incorporating CCSS into their classrooms.

Local 3936 Members Plan CCSS Training (left to right): Keri Webb, Stephanie Hammond, Amy Anderson, Glee Osing, Lisa Davis

A Union

Recipefor Common Core Success

MoreCCSSWatch future issues of UnionLink in the months ahead for more success stories and helpful CCSS information.

Way to go!

UNION LINK | APRIL/MAY 2013 5

LearnMoreVisit idha.net to learn more about Collaborative Practice.

IDHA, IFT PromoteExpanded Dental Care

For Kidsimpact your work, and conveniently keep in touch with friends and family.

But to ensure that your Internet use doesn’t invite unwarranted scrutiny on the job, it’s smart to take a few simple precautions. Since June is National Internet Safety Month, now is the perfect time to review some time-tested tips and learn new ones to minimize any possible risks to your employment from ill-advised Internet use.

Whether you are an educator, PSRP, or state employee, a little common sense goes a long way when it comes to when and with whom you communicate online, particularly at the workplace. If you are ever unsure about whether certain types of online conduct are a risk to your job, always ask your union representative.

Most workplaces have established rules and policies for appropriate Internet use. Be sure to read and understand these policies and know your rights and responsibilities under your contract.

BE INTERNET SAVVY ON THE JOB continued

Keep Work and Private Lives Separate Restrict your online use at work to job-related communications.

Personal communications should be done on your own time – and

your own equipment.

If Trouble Arises, Contact Your UnionIf your employer approaches you about concerns related to Internet use, contact your building representative or

local/council union representative immediately.

Be Aware of the Laws For example, teachers should know that they are legally responsible for anything they post online and that

federal law requires schools to monitor and archive e-mails sent to and from

employee accounts.

tips1

Protect Your AccountsFacebook and other social media

sites have privacy settings to protect your profile, account information,

and other pertinent data. Learn about them and use them as needed.

3Everything IS Public

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as “anonymous.” If you

exchange messages, send photos or post on social media sites, always assume that content is discoverable.

2

54 MoreTipsIn general, these common-sense tips can help you avoid issues. Visit ift-aft.org for more safety tips and a variety of trusted online resources for professionals.

By following these simple suggestions, you can minimize possible work-related conflicts over Internet usage and

still take full advantage of the endless educational, professional and social resources provided online.

Online Safety

THE ILLINOIS DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION (IDHA) AND IFT HAVE INTRODUCED TWO BILLS IN SPRINGFIELD designed to expand preventative oral healthcare and dental treatment services for low-income children.

Senate Bill 1671 and House Bill 2259 would permit “Collaborative Practice” in Illinois, allowing needy adults and kids direct access to the professional services of registered dental hygienists (RDHs) without the on-site supervision of a dentist. Individual dentists and the RDHs they employ would enter into voluntary collaborative agreements to permit the hygienists to assess patients in the school setting and provide cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, and dental referrals, when needed.

Studies have shown that kids with dental pain miss 2-6 more days of school each year than other children and are four times more likely to have a low grade point average. IDHA and IFT believe SB1671 and HB2259 would help narrow the academic gap between kids in Illinois who are receiving needed dental care and those who are not.

UNION LINK | APRIL/MAY 20136

citizens are over-taxed and government is full of fraud, waste and abuse, many of these candidates are winning.

Conservative, corporate-owned news outlets reinforce the message that government is a failure and public service professionals like teachers, firefighters, nurses and even food inspectors are lazy, greedy, and ungrateful.

Since at least the late 1970s, anti- government interest groups have lodged a long-term campaign to embed these myths into American minds. To a large extent, it’s worked swimmingly at the national level. For proof, look no further than the national average corporate income tax rates, which have been slashed dramatically in recent years.

Anti-tax, anti-union, and anti-public service interest groups have, for years, used other states as testing grounds.

With wholesome apple pie names like Americans for Prosperity or Freedom-Works, these front groups have worked tirelessly to characterize organized labor as all that is wrong with our country. Now, in Illinois, “non-partisan” organi-zations like the Illinois Policy Institute have become a voice for streamlining government and exposing waste, fraud and abuse from the statehouse to your neighborhood schoolhouse.

Some of these groups earn legitimacy by offering “free media services” to small newspapers and hometown radio stations with state-level news at no charge. This pre-packaged news is rarely favorable to public servants, but small media outlets happily accept this cheap and convenient product.

Although we’re still analyzing just how influential these front groups are in local elections, we know that a number of critically important tax referendums for schools were defeated throughout the state due to their influence. The unfor-tunate result for students will be massive cuts to learning and growth resources. For school personnel, it will mean layoffs. And, for communities, it will mean a continuing but unnecessary deterioration of one of the cornerstones of our neighborhoods.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE continued

sharemylesson

Discover facts, �gures, and tips about

Common Core State Standardsby visiting the Share My Lesson

information center.• • • • •

sharemylesson.com

by Toby Trimmer IFT Director of Political Activities

Then, every one of us must stand up for what is right, just and fair. That means livable wages and modest benefits for anyone willing to put in an honest day’s work.

These are reasons why it is critical that we recognize the clear lines between us and our opposition. And why it’s equally important that each of us learn WHO wants to weaken our union and WHY.

Then, every one of us must stand up for what is right, just, and fair. That means livable wages and modest benefits for anyone who is willing to put in an honest day’s work. We shouldn’t fear fighting for needed resources for government services – not because we’re public professionals, but because ALL citizens deserve to have a great education, a guarantee of personal safety, and the promise of economic equality.

It’s time we take a lesson from the anti-worker forces that so rabidly oppose our rights to collective bargaining and decent public services. We must defend our rights and values just as strongly as they oppose them. Get active in your union, your community, and our political system. It will make all the difference.

UNION LINK | APRIL/MAY 2013 7

LearnMoreVisit aft.org to learn more about these and other AFT conferences.

IFT MEMBERS JOINED WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AT TWO AFT CONFERENCES IN MARCH to learn strategies for building the union and strengthening their professions. The 2013 AFT PSRP Conference, “Leaders in Our Union, Foundation of Our Schools,” was held in Minneapo-lis. Hundreds of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel gathered at the annual event to participate in standing room only workshops on Common Core State Standards, team building, campus safety, and taking advantage of union power. PSRPs also heard from keynote speakers, including AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFT PSRP Chair Ruby Newbold, president of the Detroit Association of Educational Office Employees. The PSRP leader encouraged attendees to speak up for themselves and those they serve. “Who is the best to advocate for your profession? You are,” she said. “If we don’t advocate, nobody else will.”

The 2013 AFT Higher Education Conference, “Confronting the ‘New Normal’ – Union-Driven Solutions for the Future of Higher Education,” was conducted in San Diego. A record conference crowd attended more than 30 workshops, forums and plenary sessions designed to seek solutions to the problems facing higher education nationwide, from state disinvestment in public higher education to MOOCs (massive open online courses). Practical skills sessions addressed topics like preparing for the unexpected on campus (from weather to threats of violence) and community engagement. President Weingarten focused on the need for the union to develop community partnerships, asking, “How do we ensure the community sees us as educators who are part of solutions? If community is not with us, we don’t have leverage to do what we do for our society,” the AFT leader said.

Members Unite To Build and Strengthen Union

this devastating proposal, ISBE has postponed further consideration of the plan until at least the end of May.

ISBE is holding four public hearings at the request of The Arc of Illinois, (a statewide advocacy organization for children with disabilities), a call supported by IFT and several members of the General Assembly. Hearings will be held May 6-9 throughout the state.

Thank you for your efforts, and please continue to make your voice heard!

MEMBERS TAKEA STAND ON

IFT members and leaders from around the state converged on the State Capitol on May 1 to speak out for fair pension legislation, school funding, and more on IFT Lobby Day. The annual event is a powerful way for members to display the union’s collective strength and voice concerns about important issues directly to lawmakers.

Those who couldn’t make the trip to Springfield were able to participate by using the We Are One union coalition’s toll free hotline to call their lawmakers throughout the week.

Stay up-to-date on action in Springfield during these final weeks of session by regularly checking ift-aft.org. For breaking news, be sure to “like” the IFT on Facebook at facebook.com/iftaft and “follow” us on Twitter at twitter.com/iftaft.

LobbyDayGalleryTo view photos of members in action, check out IFT’s Facebook gallery, facebook.com/iftaft

LOBBY DAY

LearnMoreCheck ift-aft.org for updates on these hearings and other important action items.

BIG CLASSESARE A BIG MISTAKE

You Told ISBE

ON APRIL 22, the public comment period closed on the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) proposed change to eliminate special education class size restrictions. Due to the enormous outpouring of comments from IFT members and others in opposition to

Illinois Federation of TeachersP.O. Box 390Westmont, IL 60559

Non-ProfitU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit no. 40

OAK BROOK, IL

CONNECTING YOU TO YOUR UNION, BECAUSE TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER.

l nkU N I O NGREAT LAKES ULI

July 8-12, 2013 Pheasant Run Resort

St. Charles, IL

For more information about ULI and to learn

about additional courses, visit ift-aft.org

IFT CONVENTION

October 18-20, 2013 InterContinental Chicago O’Hare

Rosemont, IL

For more convention information visit

ift-aft.org/convention

ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

UPCOMING EVENTS

IFT Launches ITED! The Illinois Teacher Evaluation and Development (ITED) Web site is now live. A valuable new resource designed to help members and school districts design and implement effective teacher evaluation systems statewide, ITED is a collaborative effort of the IFT, Illinois Education Association (IEA), and the Consortium of Educational Change (CEC). Register and learn more about this helpful tool at:

itedillinois.org