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One of the many advantages of being an association leader,
whether with your local or the state, is the opportunity to
receive training on the regional level. NEA-Alaska is part
of NEA’s Pacific Region, and in mid-February association
leaders from around Alaska gathered in Boise, Idaho, for the
Pacific Regional Leadership Conference. The conference
itself was preceded by a Minority Leadership Training, which
also attracted a number of our Alaska leaders.
Meeting and exchanging ideas with colleagues from the Lower
48 and participating in thought-provoking and inspirational
seminars are highlights of the conference, and this year it
was no exception. I’d like to share with you a few of the
comments we’ve received from participants at this year’s
conference:
“The NEA message is change – the world is changing, and we
have to change too,” said AEA member
Debra Meigs.
She took to heart the three additional “Rs” of our schools:
“A shared
Responsibility
and mutual
Respect
will together produce
Results
that will help students succeed in the future.”
Debra was also moved by the presentation of national poverty
expert, Dr. Donna Beegle, who shared many of her experiences
growing up in poverty. If poverty is defined as lack of
access to resources, the poor are isolated, in a war zone,
and in constant crisis. Dr. Beegle asked that educators
notice their students in poverty, suspend judgment, and
practice belonging behavior. Debra says, “I have read books
on this subject, and I can relate in the sense that I work
with children who come from impoverished backgrounds.”
FEA member
Charla Davis:
“The conference reiterated that with unity, we as educators
can have our voice be heard to instill change in our current
education system. The 20/20 vision was very empowering and
helped put perspective into why we do the work we do each
day as teachers. I look forward to continuing to share this
vision with my colleagues and throughout my career as a
public educator.”
Perhaps most inspirational among the presenters was Dr. Tong
Zhao, a professor at Michigan State University. His topic:
Dealing with globalization. What will 2020 students need –
what talents, what knowledge base to compete? New inventions
have redefined society, and now students must compete in a
global economy and make a living in a digital world.
“I keep bringing up Dr. Zhao’s message of teaching
innovators and creative problem solvers, not just test
takers,” says MSEA’s
Melody Mann.
It comes up a lot in my conversations with educators,
students, and my community. His is a message of pride for
our teaching of the whole child (intellectual, creative, and
moral), and a warning to fight the pressure to only value
narrow test results as proof of student achievement.” Melody
also appreciated Steve Teixeira of California State
University and his focus on moving forward instead of
backing up into the future.
“The energy and inspiration that such excellent trainings
foster will pay dividends back in the locals” says Nome EA’s
Todd Hindman. “Especially the new ideas to get mid-career
educators to be more involved in their association.”
As we move forward toward 2020, it will be leaders such as
these who bring us together
as a powerful force for positive change. |
