​Deadlines
 
Did you know that you can set reasonable deadlines for submissions and assessment retakes in your classroom?  Granite School District has a Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.  One of the responsibilities is, “honor your teachers’ deadlines for submissions and reassessments and to take advantage of reassessment opportunities."  For so long it has felt that teachers should give students umpteen chances and the deadline of the end of the term to get things done. 
It is reasonable to have set deadlines, and to follow them.  Deadlines happen in life and students need to learn how to navigate them.  Having deadlines helps students to manage their time as they work:   almost like a training mechanism for the brain as they set up time lines and work flows.  Self esteem can be improved with deadlines because when students manage their time well their grades will be better than if they had not.  With good grades often comes specific praise for doing what is expected.  Structure and praise help our students to produce more of what is necessary to be successful in class.

As educators know the mad dash at the end of a grading term can be frustrating as it seems students turn in work willy nilly to try to “bring up their grades.”  Many teachers feel compelled to spend up until the last possible minute grading these assignments.  Deadlines will ensure there is less scrambling at the end of the grading period in turn giving educators a more manageable workload.  The work will be more meaningful to both students and teachers ensuring more learning will take place in your classrooms as deadlines become common place.

Deadlines for reassessment must be reasonable, clearly communicated, and have some way in which a student can prepare for reassessment.  For example, you could let students know that after they have received feedback from you, they have x number of days to complete some relearning activities.  Relearning can include, but is not limited to completing missing assignments, test corrections, redoing low scoring assignments, small group reteach, etc.   Once evidence of relearning has taken place then a reassessment should be given within a certain timeframe.

Please keep in mind that your professional judgement as an educator is important in determining proficiency of a standard.  Our gradebook can calculate proficiency, but grading is both art and science, so please keep this formula  handy when determining proficiency under PBL:  MODE + RECENCY + PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT.  (See the District’s February 2021 PBL Points newsletter for more information).
​

John Steinbeck said, " I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists.  Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit." These words have never been as true as they were this school year.  Your hard work and dedication to teaching and the Association has helped to better the lives of so many students as well as your peers.  We thank you for your commitment, membership, and willingness to change on a dime.  Enjoy your retirement!

Kaye Adams
John Alexander
Darin Banks
Ronald Barnett
Cindy Bateman
Christine Brent
Sherrie Brown
Renate Brunsvik
Tanya Byland
Richard A. Clawson
Maryanne Coke
Joyce Crocker
Carmen Diaz
Susan Dyer
Dana Easton
Laurie Erney
Kristine Evans
Glen Fuller
Gina Graham
Kathy Green
Karen Grim
Mark Hadnot
Patrice Hafen
Thomas Hansen
Michelle Hanson
Janet Harrison
Karen Harward
M. Kevin Harward
Collette Hayes
Irma Hofer
Ruth Hollander
Barbara Homer
Terry Hughes
Colleen Jensen
Pamela Johnson
Wendee Johnston
Sandra Jorgensen
Kevin Kingdon
Luann Kluge
Laney Long
Julie Lopez
Julie Lorentzon
Barbara Lowe
Shelley McMurrin
Jerry Miller
Carolyn Mulvaney
Jane Nate
Lanay Page
Robin Pavlakos
Kathleen Peake
Colleen Pieper
Valeri Reynolds
Terry Reynolds
Deanna Rigdon
Jeffrey Rolan
Margo Roper
Ronald Rushton
Judy Skeen
Virginia Smith
Shauna Starr
Pamela Svikhart
Larae Thomas
Alan Thomas
Catharina Thompson
Barbara Thornley
Lisa Tonge
Valerie Turner
Lori Vreeken
​Dawn Wasden
Colleen Willardson
Loralee Workman

​Confused by the Evaluation Process in Granite? 

The following documents will help you best understand what’s to be expected.  Please note that if your administrator didn’t email you a copy of your observation prior to debrief, they should have submitted it in Frontline for you to review before you meet.  This submission does not take the place of your acknowledgement on Frontline or the administrator’s finalizing of the observation.  Please see the document entitled  “Observation and Evaluation Explanations” for more information.

​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.