​What we’ll be discussing:

Student loan debt is now the second category of consumer debt in America today, with $33,000 as the average amount owed. Due to the educators being lifelong learners, and continuing their education past a Bachelor’s Degree, many educators owe (much!) more. During this session we will focus on the three student loan forgiveness programs available from the US Department of Education, the requirement and process of forgiveness, and how to prevent being denied forgiveness. In addition, NEA Member Benefits has made the “NEA Student Debt Navigator” powered by Savi FREE to all NEA and UEA members for the first year. This tool will analyze members’ specific student loan debt and assist with the paperwork process.

Date, Time, and How to register:

RSVP for Wednesday April 28th, 2021 at 4:30-6:00 p.m. (MOUNTAIN)

OR (only need to attend one session)​

RSVP for Thursday May 13th, 2021 at 4:30-6:00 p.m. (MOUNTAIN)

Process:
It is suggested that you visit www.neamb.com/start prior to the training and register on the NEA Member Benefits website, this will allow members immediate access to various student loan resources. If you have any problems, call our Member Advocacy Center at 800.637.4636.

​Sponsored by:

This is a shortened version of the UEA Under the Dome report. Look there for a more in-depth write-up of the session.
The biggest education bill of the session happened early.  Senate Bill 1  included growth and inflation in the base budget, as well as a 6% increase on the WPU, one-time money for bonuses, and $43 Million on-time for enrollment fluctuations. This happened because of your activism last February (remember the walk-ins?), and the deals that grew out of last year’s tax reform fight.

Although funding was largely decided early in the session with the passage of the base budget, UEA continued to advocate throughout the session for specific funding needs.  The UEA lobbying team testified in many committee meetings, both in-person and virtually.

Engagement this year looked different – there were no Educator Day on the Hill events.  But members did get involved through daily Under the Dome website updates, “Capitol Insights” emails, and weekly briefings with the UEA Legislative Team.

Like last year, there was a UEA Policy Ambassador program this year, and we had three GEA members participate as Policy Ambassadors. 

Brian Barnum is a counselor at Kearns High.  Read his essay on engaging with stakeholders here: https://myuea.org/Articles/united_we_stand_legislative_post_by_uea_policy_ambassador_brian_barnum.aspx

Hunter Clapsadl teaches 6th grade at Diamond Ridge.  Her essay on teachers getting involved in politics can be read here: https://www.myuea.org/Articles/as_a_teacher_your_job_is_political_legislative_post_by_uea_policy_ambassador_hunter_clapsadl.aspx

Elliott Tupea teaches business at Hunter High.  His essay on raising our united voice is here: https://myuea.org/Articles/every_voice_is_needed_legislative_post_by_uea_policy_ambassador_elliott_tupea.aspx
 
Below is just a sampling of the education-related bills the legislature took up this year.  For the full spreadsheet, see Under the Dome.
​
Good things that passed:
😊+ Senate Bill 184 no school grading requirement for 2020-2021
😊+ House Bill 381scholarships for paras to become teachers.
😊+ House Bill 421 intensive services fund $1 M
😊+ Senate Bill 154 includes deaf education in the TSSP.
 
Dumb things we helped kill:
😊+ Attempts to dictate curriculum: House Bill 258,  House Bill 177, and Senate Bill 229 all failed.
😊+ House Bill 428  would have moved control from elected school board members to an appointed panel
😊+  Senate Bill 242 temporary voucher-like reimbursement scheme
😊+ Senate Bill 175 would have loosened the rules for using state funding for charter schools.
 
Good things we couldn’t get passed:
☹ House Bill 105 would have put $2.6 M into SpEd through a better funding formula. Wasn’t funded.
☹  Senate Bill 91 would have permanently eliminated the single letter grade for schools. Never heard.
☹ HB340: MOST Program would have reinstated the Math and Science Opportunities for Students and Teachers program, formerly known as USTAR.  Passed House, but didn't get funded, so died in Senate.
 
Dumb things that passed:
☹- Senate Bill 107 by the 7th substitute, requires every school district to offer four day per week in-person instruction by March 22, set thresholds for the test-to-stay program and returning to remote learning.
 
Again, this is a very incomplete list.  Your myuea.org page has in-depth information.  Now with the legislative session done, we need to thank our friends on Capitol Hill, and start planning how to get more of them elected next time around.​

Once the surplus process is complete the transfer process will begin in the District.  Job postings will appear daily starting on March 22, 2021.  You must act quickly, as these opportunities will be online for five days.  Once here under Internal Applicants click on “view internal positions.”  Find a position that you are interested in and prepare to submit an internal application/transfer form. 

Prior to submitting your application online, polish your resume so you can upload it.  Highlight any of your accomplishments you have had in your position in Granite School District.  Now is the time to sing your own praises, as you are guaranteed an interview as an internal applicant.

After finding a position you are interested in, it is time to prep for your interview.  Have on hand any testing data that shows your students’ growth.  Prepare to convey how you have been a productive member of any PLC you have participated in.  Showcase what you bring to a team in the most upbeat positive manner.  Best of luck to you in finding a positive change for yourself.

​

THINGS TO KNOW THIS MONTH…
 
Utah Retirement Systems Amendments
1st Substitute Senate Bill 16 – Utah Retirement Systems Amendments passed » The bill containing administrative and technical amendments to Title 49 passed in the 2021 Legislative Session. These changes are not substantive benefit modifications. In recognition of the nature of these changes, the bill has an effective date of July 1, 2021.
     » URS Summary of Utah Retirement Systems Amendments
     » 1st Substitute 16 – Utah Retirement Systems Amendments
 
Free URS Member Seminars
Take the First Step Toward a Secure Retirement » Attend an informative URS seminar tailored to your retirement horizon. Whether you’re early in your career, plan to retire soon, or are already retired, we have the seminars just for you.
 
We have scheduled virtual seminars for the first half of the year, with additional updates to follow. For more information click on the link below that applies to you:
     » Early to Mid-Career
     » Pre-Retirement 
 
Updated Investment Options and Savings Plans Brochure
Blazing Your Own Retirement Path » The 2021 URS Investment Options and Savings Plans Overview provides updates to the investment options available to all URS members. These investment options include updates to the Target Date Fund portfolio, as well as lower fees for many of the funds.
 
     » 2021 URS Investment Options and Savings Plans Overview

Basic Information All URS Members Should Know
A Big-Picture Overview for Maximizing Your Benefits » Maybe your retirement is just over the horizon, or perhaps you have many miles to go. URS is there to help you stay on the right path and avoid wrong turns through the adventure to retirement.  
     » Member Basics Video

Upcoming URS Webinars
Learn About Your Retirement Benefits » Join URS for an informational webinar on your retirement benefits.

Michele Jones
I am running for GEA President because I love teaching and I love our Association. I am passionate about our profession and I hold a deep respect for my fellow educators. I have seen our educational system from multiple perspectives: as a parent, PTA volunteer, reading tutor, and math teacher. I understand that our Association represents members from many perspectives and that our strength is in our unified voice. These are difficult times, and we need strong leadership to guide us through. I am committed to listen to our members, amplify educator voice throughout our District and lead our Association through these difficult times in a way that that makes us stronger and more supportive of each other. I have served you on the GEA Board for the last 6 years. I have served as a Building Representative for the last 8 years. I would love to serve you as your next GEA President, I would be honored to have your vote. 

Katie Anderton
My name is Katie Anderton and I have been a teacher for 10 years. I first became a member of GEA when I was student teaching. I have had the privilege of being my building representative for most of my career, gone to three NEA Representative Assembly, and I am currently a board member. I want to become more involved in GEA to help support and represent our dedicated educators. I have a passion and commitment for my work that will make me an effective representative. I know and have seen that GEA is always there for our members and will always go to bat for us. I want to be an integral part of helping our members and to be more involved with GEA. I am proud to be a member of this wonderful organization. If I am elected, I would love to represent our amazing educators in a positive way and give back to them and the association that does so much for each of us. 

Heidi Jensen
I’ve been teaching for 14 years in the same Title 1 school. I’ve also been the AR for many years; UEA Elections Committee; UEA-RA Delegate for a few years; I also sat on GEA’s Board many years ago. I want to get back into local leadership because I’m ready to channel my energy into a role that can make a difference for teachers. I believe in the collective power that we have, and I know we can make changes. I hope to lead you in that direction. Being involved on many levels has made me a better advocate for members and I believe that the fight to get what our students deserve and need to be successful is priority one right now! I would be pleased to represent you as a colleague who is ready to make “good trouble”. Please honor me with your vote for GEA Board - Elementary Seat.

Haley Kelley
My name is Haley Kelley and I am running for the Elementary Seat on the GEA Board. I have been a teacher at David Gourley Elementary—a Title 1 school—in Granite School District for 6 years.  In these past six years as an educator, I have watched policies develop, and I have seen their impact on students and teachers. My interest in assisting to create solid policies has continually grown as I learned more about the process of political change.  After the unusual experiences of 2020, I want to be involved in making decisions which provide meaningful learning for my students, and a positive work environment for fellow teachers.  With a master’s degree in Curriculum Design, 2 years serving as my school’s GEA representative, and as a younger teacher in our district, I feel that I bring a progressive ideology to the table. I want to use my learning and my experiences to become a trusted voice for teachers. Our amazing educators deserve to be heard and appreciated for the pivotal role they play in our students’ lives.    

David Page
Years ago, I began working within our great organization beyond simply being a dues paying member.  I was elected as an AR at Matheson Junior High.  At the end of that year, I voluntarily moved to Cyprus High School in anticipation of the 9th grade reconfiguration.  I was dissatisfied with the GEA representation there and decided to run for AR the following year.  I served as AR for many years at Cyprus High School where I helped get teachers more involved with the association and helped to navigate the school through tumultuous waters.  I am also pleased to report that, through collective effort, Cyprus’ membership has grown dramatically.  I have met and worked with several amazing people and have represented you at the NEA representative assembly two years running.  I believe that I bring a valuable perspective as a science teacher and I am committed to the work of this union.

Kimberly Cretsinger
My name is Kimberly Cretsinger and I have been a Granite teacher and GEA member for 19 years. I have had the privilege of serving as my Building Representative for many years, attending three NEA RAs, and have been a GEA board member for the last 2 years. In the time I’ve spent working with GEA, one thing has been made crystal clear: GEA always has the back of Granite teachers and goes to bat for us with every bit of energy they have. I have learned how being fiscally responsible is a priority to GEA, the power its members’ voices have over concerns taken to the District Superintendents and Board, as well as how seriously our needs are taken by GEA during contract negotiations. I am so proud to be part of this amazing union, and it would be my privilege to serve another term.

Haley Kelley
My name is Haley Kelley and I am running for the Elementary Seat on the GEA Board. I have been a teacher at David Gourley Elementary—a Title 1 school—in Granite School District for 6 years.  In these past six years as an educator, I have watched policies develop, and I have seen their impact on students and teachers. My interest in assisting to create solid policies has continually grown as I learned more about the process of political change.  After the unusual experiences of 2020, I want to be involved in making decisions which provide meaningful learning for my students, and a positive work environment for fellow teachers.  With a master’s degree in Curriculum Design, 2 years serving as my school’s GEA representative, and as a younger teacher in our district, I feel that I bring a progressive ideology to the table. I want to use my learning and my experiences to become a trusted voice for teachers. Our amazing educators deserve to be heard and appreciated for the pivotal role they play in our students’ lives.    

Desarae Page
Two years ago, I had the privilege to attend the RA in Houston as a Future Educator. It was a life changing opportunity. I’ve never seen democracy in action that way, standing surrounded by so many others forging a way into the future. As educators we have a unique insight into working with others to make the world a better and more just place. That was what I experienced that summer. Now is a time when we need brave persons willing to fight for our students, our schools, and our country. I would like to be a representative in just such a fight. I don’t know what this next summer will hold after the year we have had. But I would like the chance to do my best to make a difference and to be an active part of the solution making rather than just idly watching from the sidelines. 

"Following its $2,500 contribution to the PFFU Coats for Kids program, California Casualty along with long time partners, the Professional Firefighters Association of Utah (PFFU) and the National Education Association (NEA), delivered 85 warm coats to students at Redwood Elementary School in Salt Lake Valley's Granite School District.

Students at Redwood Elementary School in Salt Lake Valley's Granite School District will be a lot warmer this winter thanks to California Casualty, PFFU Local 2970, Star Orullian of Granite Education Association, Redwood Elementary School Principal Jolynn Koehler and NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations Specialist, Sean Mabey."

Read the full article here >>

Photos of the event can be found on the California Casualty Facebook page. 

On Thursday, January 7th over 75 GEA members logged into a Zoom presentation on retirement. Doug Wagstaff, Granite School District, associate director of retirement and evaluations, presented and guided attendees to understand the negotiated Early Retirement Benefit available for teachers in Granite District. A similar presentation may be found on GEA’s website under the link for Member Resources/Presentations.

If you plan to retire at the end of this year, 2020-21, teachers must do so by February 1, 2021 by contacting Doug Wagstaff at: dwagstaff@graniteschools.org or (385) 646-4344.

Kory Cox, from the Utah Retirement Systems (URS) presented retirement information necessary for teachers who are choosing to retire, and those who are considering retiring soon (within three years of making this decision), Cox advised teachers to make an appointment to meet with a financial expert at URS (at no cost) to begin the planning process. Cox outlined where to find information on the URS website as well as scenarios for those under the Tier I and II retirement plans.

Participants had time to ask questions after each presentation and at the end of the Zoom seminar.

If interested, here is a link to the video of the recorded event >>   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptic12XLaqpm4u6yo9BDOGpRgzP6nDm-/view

By Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com | UPDATED - Dec. 17, 2020 at 12:32 p.m. | Posted - Dec. 17, 2020 at 10:26 a.m.

"Herbert also announced that quarantine guidelines for students at Utah schools will change after the first of the year. Students who had a close contact with another student who tested positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to stay in the classroom, so long as all students were wearing masks at the time of the contact, Herbert announced.
Data shows that classrooms are a low-risk environment for COVID-19 transmission, so state leaders made the decision to update those guidelines, Herbert said.

The governor added that he believes most teachers would welcome measures to keep students in classrooms because in-person learning is more effective than remote instruction.

State leaders hope to vaccinate Utah teachers by mid-January, and in the meantime, teachers are able to get tested for COVID-19 every week if they wish to do so, Herbert said.

"That will help give them some confidence, I think, going forward and hopefully boost morale," he said. "Our teachers have (shown) up every day to do their part, and so we thank them, we recognize their good work."
​
Read the full article >>

Watch the full news conference here >>